12 Best Things to Do In Krakow'S Market Square

Although many tourists visit this historic site to learn about the experiences and activities that take place around Krakow, such as visiting the Auschwitz concentration camps from Krakow, the truth is that in the old town itself you will find hundreds of interesting places to visit.

In this article, we will focus specifically on everything you can see and do when you visit Krakow's Market Square, famous throughout the world for boasting the title of the largest medieval square in Europe.

Start your visit to the Market Square by exploring what is perhaps the most emblematic monument in the entire area and, perhaps, the most important religious center in all of Poland. St. Mary's Basilica is characterized by the uneven towers on its front façade and the intricate stories surrounding its construction.

However, the interior of the basilica is more impressive than its façade and the legends that surround it. In this fascinating work of Gothic architecture, you will find that both the walls and the central nave of the basilica are covered with blue and gold paint. They climb up the walls towards the apse and the Gothic niches. The perspective from the human eye is impressive, to say the least.

Get as close as you can to the altar area to see Veit Stoss' altarpiece up close; it is the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world and a national treasure in Poland. During the German invasion, the work of art was stolen by the Nazi army, but it was recovered in 1946 in a basement in Nuremberg Castle.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Except on public holidays, the basilica is open to the public every day from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission: Admission to the church is free, but if you want to admire the works of art inside, the entrance ticket costs approximately €3.75.
• Duration of the visit: 50 minutes is enough to tour the interior and appreciate the works of art.

No trip to Krakow's Market Square would be complete without a visit to Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall as it is known in Polish. This is a space dedicated to trade since the city's foundation. Here, the most important merchants of the 15th century gathered to bring spices, silk, leather, and wax from distant lands. Krakow, for its part, exported textiles, lead, and salt extracted, of course, from the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The iconic building has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in a privileged spot right in the middle of the central square. It has a beautiful and elegant structure, so you can't leave Krakow without taking a postcard photo from the arches of the Cloth Hall. You can take advantage of your visit to buy all kinds of souvenirs and travel mementos.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The Cloth Hall is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Admission: Admission is completely free.
• Duration of the visit: You can spend as much time as you like exploring the stalls that catch your eye.

Wieza Ratuszowa is the Polish name for the iconic Town Hall Tower located in the Market Square. The Tower is all that remains of the old Warsaw Town Hall, a historic building that dominated the southwestern side of the Square for many years. After numerous fires and repairs, it was decided to demolish the structure in 1820.

In honor of the old building, a magnificent Gothic tower was preserved, which now houses an extension of the Krakow Historical Museum. The permanent exhibition focuses exclusively on the history and evolution of the square, making it well worth a visit.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The museum is open to the public in two seasons. From April to October, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and in November and December from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission: Admission to the small museum is approximately €3.
• Duration of the visit: It is a small museum, so 30 minutes will be enough to see the exhibition and climb to the top of the tower.

The Rynek Museum is not visible from the Market Square because it is located underneath it! Visiting the city's immersive museum is definitely one of the best things to see and do in Krakow. The entrance to this unique museum is located just inside the Cloth Hall.

Upon entering, you descend several meters underground to discover extensive archaeological excavations that reveal the medieval commercial quarters of Krakow's Old Town. You will find large sections of roads dating back to Roman times, all preserved in impressive condition. Through screens and stories, the museum teaches us about the customs of medieval life in Krakow. The experience is both educational and interesting, ideal if you are planning to visit Krakow with children.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Open to the public from 10:00 to 20:00 every day, except Tuesdays when it is only open until 14:00.
• Admission price: The entrance ticket costs approximately €6 per person.
• Duration of the visit: Approximately 1.5 hours is enough to enjoy the entire museum.

Although less well known than St. Mary's Church, St. Wojciech's Church, or St. Albert's Church in English, is one of the most beautiful churches in Krakow and is located on the southeast side of the Main Square. It is also possibly the oldest building in the entire square, as its construction dates back to the mid-11th century, meaning it was built even before the current square.

It is a small church adorned with green roofs formed by Baroque domes that converge on its harmonious Romanesque façade. The church is used for certain celebrations, so if you decide to visit, be sure to respect the solemnity of the place.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The temple is generally open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Admission: Admission to the church is free.
• Duration of the visit: You can stay inside for as long as you like.

On the first floor of Sukiennice is the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery, a museum dedicated entirely to honoring talented Polish artists who presented the world with fabulous works of art in different pictorial styles.

Regardless of your knowledge of art in general or more specifically Polish art, this is a visit I highly recommend. Inside you will find huge, beautifully lit rooms. Many of the works on display are impressively large, and the level of detail in the artwork will leave you awestruck. The art at the Sztuki Polskiej Gallery is displayed on colorful walls painted in bright colors, which adds a lot of life and dynamism to the place.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesdays from 10:00 to 19:00; Wednesdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00
• Admission: Tickets cost approximately €6.60
• Duration of the visit: 1.5 hours will be more than enough to tour the facility and admire all the artwork.

Take a photo of the Adam Mickiewicz Monument

Adam Mickiewicz is one of Poland's greatest romantic poets, a historical figure much loved by locals. In addition to being a poet, he was a passionate columnist and political activist who, even from exile, declared himself a visionary and lover of his homeland. His life and struggle were focused on preserving the customs and language of his native Poland, which throughout history suffered various foreign invasions.

In almost every Polish city, you can find a statue of Adam Mickiewicz, as he is considered a national hero. The one in Krakow is located in a place of honor in the Market Square, right between two of its most important buildings: St. Mary's Basilica and Sukiennice.

Come to the monument and take some beautiful pictures!

One of Poland's most famous sculptors, Igor Mitoraj created the famous work Eros Benato in 1999 and decided to donate it to the city in 2010. The sculpture depicts the Greek god of love, Eros, with a cloth covering part of his eyes and mouth; the symbolism represents that both the desires and ideas of the mythical character have been restricted. According to records, the artist created four similar works, two of which are in the United States, one in Krakow Square, and the last in the Plaza de la Reforma in Lugano, Switzerland.

Being able to see an important work of art up close and take pictures of it is truly a great opportunity. Many tourists enjoy entering the large sculpture and sticking their heads through the eye holes for fun photos.

As Krakow's only main square, the Market Square is the venue for important events in the city. If you have already decided on the best time to travel to Krakow and it coincides with any of these events, don't hesitate to join in the celebrations. You're sure to have a great time!

If you visit Krakow in April: Easter Market

In April, in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, a market is held in the city's main square. You'll see the whole place filled with seasonal flowers and traditional Polish decorations as far as the eye can see. Hand-painted eggs and wood carvings are a must-see. During the festivities, this space is also the scene of folk parades and other religious processions.

If you visit Krakow in June: Lajkonik Parade

In summer, one of Krakow 's most unique traditions takes place in the city's main square. According to historians, the ritual dates back to the invasions of the 13th century, when it was believed that paying a fee would ensure good fortune for the coming year. As a result, Lajkonik, a Mongol warrior on horseback, rides through the old town, entering all the shops to demand payment of a ransom in cash.

If you visit Krakow in June: Grand Dragon Parade

Also in June, the Great Summer Dragon Parade is held, a myth linked to the very foundation of ancient Krakow. Large kites and dragon floats take to the streets, and fireworks explode over Wawel Castle and the Vistula River. The square is used as a parade ground and stages are set up for live music.

If you visit Krakow in December: Krakow Christmas Market

In December in Krakow, you can enjoy the charming Krakow Christmas Market. Pretty, picturesque stalls are set up temporarily around the statue of Adam Mickiewicz on the east side of the square. As you walk around, you'll smell the aroma of cinnamon bread and sizzling Polish blood sausage filling the air. The stalls sell all kinds of trinkets, and tourists and locals alike stroll from one place to another.

In the Market Square itself, specifically in Sukiennice and the surrounding area, you will find some of the best restaurants in Krakow's Old Town. Take advantage of your visit to book lunch and enjoy either traditional Polish food or other types of cuisine—in this area, variety is guaranteed! If you are looking for ideas for inspiration, here are some of my favorites.

• La Grande Mamma. Specializing in Italian cuisine
• Dobra Kasza Nasza. Specializing in Polish cuisine
• Restauracja Wentz. Specializing in international European cuisine
• Chopin Restaurant. Specializing in Polish cuisine
• Restauracja Sukiennice. Specializing in Polish cuisine

Krakow is famous for its bars rooted in Polish traditions like no other place in Poland. Make the most of your visit to discover some of the best bars and clubs around the Market Square. If you don't know where to start, here is a list of my personal favorites.

• Czeczotka, cocktail bar
• Buda
• Harris Piano Jazz Bar

Most of the activities I have presented can be easily combined with a guided tour, which I believe is the best option of all. Discover the city and the Market Square with a local who can show you the most interesting places and hidden corners.

Available excursions

• Price: These types of experiences are available from $36
• Duration of the excursion: This varies greatly depending on the itinerary, but you can estimate an approximate time of between 2 and 4 hours for a complete tour.