11+ Best Places You Must See in Krakow Market Square
In this post, we explore the grand Market Square of Krakow. Read along as we highlight the best places you must see in Krakow Market Square.
Kraków is the 2nd largest city in Poland. Located on Poland’s longest river, the Wisła, this once capital of Poland has a history dating back to the 7th century.
It’s the center of a city with a rich history dating back to the 13th century when attacking Tatars invaded the city and pierced the town crier’s throat with an arrow. A century later, Kraków was the nation’s capital and remained so until the 16th century.
The Old Town of Kraków was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and was one of the first 12 sites granted this special recognition. The city attracts more than 13 million visitors annually.
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The architecture in Krakow
Sitting on the banks of the Wisla River, Kraków is a magnificent destination for architecture buffs. The entire old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over a thousand years, the city has intermixed the great European architectural styles, including Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque, and even Art Nouveau.
The culture of Krakow
Today, Warsaw is Poland’s capital, but Kraków makes a convincing case for being Poland’s cultural capital.
The city has a never-ending parade of events and festivals throughout the year. You’ll find celebrations of art, dance, film, literature, music, and food.
Cracovians are abuzz with culture – film buffs, jazz lovers, poetry appreciation, and theatergoers. There’s something to appreciate around nearly every corner of the city.
A brief history of Krakow
The city’s history has been like an ongoing Games of Thrones episode.
Kraków’s history is the stuff of legends. It is said that back in the 13th century, the city was founded on a dragon’s lair site. A Polish prince defeated the dragon and built a magnificent palace on the site of his victory.
While King Sigismund III moved the Polish capital from Kraków to Warsaw, it remained a place for coronations and royal funerals.
In recent history, the dark era of World War II resonates vividly. Five days after the great war began, Kraków was invaded and became the capital of the German Central Government. The Nazi regime took control of Wawel Castle. It forced Jewish residents into a ghetto before the world would witness their movement into concentration camps where monstrous crimes against humanity occurred.
The best places to see in Krakow Market Square
Let’s dive into the best places in Krakow Market Square to help you plan your future travel adventures.
1. Main market square (Rynek Główny)
A top highlight in Kraków is the Old Town’s main market square or Rynek Główny in Polish. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.
This square dates back to the 13th century, and at 9.4 acres, it is the largest medieval town square in all of Europe. Its origins relate to serving as a mercantile center. Historic townhouses and churches surround the perimeter.
The Market Square’s history goes beyond merchant functions. It has hosted royal ceremonies and victory parades on the Royal Road, with Wawel Castle to the south. The square also staged public executions of prisoners.
Today, the square’s perimeter is lined with restaurants, cafes, pubs, museums, souvenir shops, and historical landmarks. Many of the façades display their original baroque architectural style from their medieval origins.
Let’s paint a picture of what it is like to walk into the square. It’s like walking into a fairytale landscape. Horse-drawn carriages transport tourists throughout the larger square area. Large flocks of pigeons fly between the buildings, and florists and gift shops offer their goods for sale. Umbrella-shaded tables line the sides, where people enjoy drinks while admiring the activities on the square. It’s a place with irresistible charm where there is pleasure in just watching the world go by.
Over time, the level of the Market Square has been raised to 16 feet in some places. Underneath the street level is the well-known Piwnica pod Baranami. Many of the cellars are pubs and restaurants today.
2. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on Krakow Market Square
Perhaps the biggest attraction in the market square is the Sukiennice or Cloth Hall in English.
Sitting right in the middle of the square, the history of this Gothic building goes back to the 14th century. Some call it the oldest shopping mall in the world.
It was built by King Casimir III the Great for textile merchants to sell their goods. It was the only legal place in the city where merchants could sell their goods.
During its golden age in the 15th century, merchants traded here for eastern imports, including leather, silk, and spices, while Kraków offered its goods of lead and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Today, the hall is lined with souvenir vendors and jewelry stalls. It’s a great place to find a keepsake from your visit to Kraków. It runs down the north-south length of the square, neatly dividing the area into an east and west side.
The original hall consisted of two rows of stone stalls that formed a street in the square’s center. Grates on either end were locked at night to ward off thieves. In the 14th century, a roof was introduced. The top has a beautiful Polish parapet decorated with carved masks.
The central passage of the Sukiennice showcases the Iron Knife. It’s a tool near the side of the Adam Mickiewicz monument, which was used to punish thieves but cutting off one of their ears.
Throughout its history, the Sukiennice has hosted distinguished international guests. In recent years, dignitaries, including Charles Prince of Wales and Japan’s Emperor Akihito, were welcomed here. It has been the site of balls, such as a famous one in 1809 after Prince Jozef Poniatowski liberated the city from Austria.
3. Krakow National Museum
Upstairs in the Cloth Hall is the Krakow National Museum. Inside is the largest permanent exhibit of 19th-century Polish artwork arranged in four grand exhibition halls. Many notable Polish artists have their works displayed here. If you are an art lover, visit the art gallery upstairs.
4. Town Hall Tower
The main market square does not have a town hall. There was such a structure here once upon a time, but it was demolished in 1820 to make way for a more open main square.
The remnant you can see today is the Town Hall Tower. It is a central focal point in the Old Town. The Gothic Tower stands 70 meters tall, and after a severe wind storm nearly 300 years ago, it has a slight lean, making it the leaning tower of Krakow.
Years ago, its cellars housed the city prison and a medieval torture chamber. That space is used as a performance space today by Teatr Ludowy.
Today, you can venture inside the tower. A pair of stone lions guard the entrance. You’ll pass under the city coat of arms to enter. Head up 110 steps to the observation deck on top for incredible panoramic city views. You can also view a permanent photography exhibition detailing the market square’s modern-day history.
The clock mechanism can be viewed from inside the Town Hall Tower. It receives the correct time via radio waves and has the accuracy of atomic time standard. It even resets itself to be in alignment with daylight saving time.
Back outside, at the tower’s base, is the iconic sculpture locals call “The Head.” It created controversy when added in 2004, though it is a favorite photo spot for tourists.
5. Rynek Underground
The Rynek Underground Museum is one of the most visited museums in Poland. The market square was excavated in 2005-2010, and they unearthed terrific treasures. All types of artifacts from hundreds of years were unearthed.
Visitors travel four meters under the market square’s surface to see findings predating the Sukiennice.
The visit begins with a short film shown on a wall of smoke.
In an archeological site, the museum is interactive with touchscreens and holograms depicting life in Kraków from the time preceding the city’s charter and proceeding through its trading history. The permanent exhibit retraces the city’s history from the initial Medieval period.
There is the usual collection of coins and unearthed objects for those who enjoy traditional museum displays. This is supplemented with multimedia exhibits, interactive displays, and video.
Kids will also love the automated puppetry.
The museum sells DVDs of the documentary segments shown in the museum. Pick this up for viewing upon your return home.
There is a limit of 300 visitors at a time, so if you’d like to visit the underground museum, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. You can do this online or from the information office in the market square – know that the office is opposite the Cloth Hall from the museum entrance. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and more.
6. Saint Mary’s Basilica – Essential among the best places in Krakow Market Square
A must stop in Kraków is the Saint Mary’s Basilica (the Kościół Mariacki). This brick gothic church was founded in 1221 on the main market square. The church that stands here today was constructed on the original foundation in the late 1200s.
The church became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, along with the Historic Centre of Kraków.
Viewing the church from the market square, the towers stand 260 feet tall. While the outside itself is awe-inspiring, wait until you step inside.
St. Mary’s has one of the most magnificent church interiors you will see anywhere. To us, it was more incredible than the many churches we visited in our travels to Italy.
The entire interior is covered artistically in paint, carvings, frescoes, tiles, and more. The church is famous for being the world’s largest late Gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss. This altarpiece has a three-panel design and is 40 feet wide. It is detailed with wooden figurines of Biblical characters and events.
Additional notable sections include ornate side chapels and magnificent paintings, including The Annunciation, The Adoration of the Magi, Mary Magdalene, and more.
Look up to see a fantastic ceiling. It’s painted dark blue and gold and looks like the night sky.
We attended Sunday Mass here. It was noted on the schedule to be in Latin, but it was not a Tridentine Latin mass. It was a common mass with the Eucharistic Prayer in Latin.
7. Experience the tradition of the hejnal in Krakow Market Square
Outside, you can witness a famous re-enactment that occurs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A trumpet tune called the Hejnal Mariacki plays from the church’s tallest tower. The trumpet call captures the attention of the people in the square. The tune is played from the tower’s corners but stops at one point part-way through the tune. This commemorates the legendary 13th-century trumpeter of Krakow, pierced by an arrow in the throat while alarming the city with his tune, signaling a Mongol attack on the town.
At noon, the hejnał plays across the country as it is broadcast live by Polish National Radio.
Those interested in the legendary trumpet history will want to read the 1929 book, “The Trumpeter of Krakow“, by Eric Kelly.
8. Adam Mickiewicz Statue
You’ll find one of the most loved monuments in Krakow next to the Sukiennice. The bronze statue pays homage to Poland’s beloved poet. The statue is a common meeting place for city tours and pub crawls.
9. Church of St. Adalbert
Located on the square’s eastern side, it is one of the oldest stone structures in the country and the oldest church in Kraków. Sitting on the southeast corner of the market square, the building has elements dating back to the 11th century. That’s older than the Rynek itself! The church’s floor lies two meters lower than the surface of the main market square.
10. Enjoy food in the great market square of Krakow
Wierzynek – serving diners since 1364
When you explore the best places to visit in Krakow Market Square, you also need to experience the excellent food.
When you visit the Rynek Główny, have a meal at Wierzynek. Dating back to the 14th century, it is one of Poland’s oldest restaurants. The restaurant is famous for the great feast of 1364. According to legend, a 21-day feast helped unite several European monarchs over political matters.
With a capacity of 200 guests over four floors, the restaurant has eight themed dining rooms. It is a luxurious culinary experience with traditional Eastern European fish and game. Servings are imaginative. And you’ll find a healthy menu of Polish wines.
Dinner here is expensive, but this is a place to splurge in the city.
Eat underground at Galicyjska
On our first day, we ate at a restaurant called Galicyjska. We entered an underground area where we enjoyed salmon wrapped in cabbage, excellent wine, and Krakow coffee served with krupnik. Plus, we had apple vodka aperitifs—all of this for about $10 US. We called krupnik “happy juice” as we were very happy after drinking our Krakow coffee.”
11. Experience an event in the Rynek
The market square is a place where you’ll often find entertainment. During our visit, we watched traditional Polish folk dancers. This was during the annual Lajkonik festival.
People gathered in the square to await the arrival of the legendary Lajkonik. He rides through the city streets and ends his venture in the market square.
Something is happening every month in the market square. Other events include the Dragons Parade, New Orleans Sunday, Festival of Street Theaters, Christmas Market, New Year’s Eve open-air party, and more.
Listen to our podcast about the great market square of Krakow
Hear about our adventures in this city and listen to our podcast about the best places to visit in the great market square of Krakow, Poland.
Where to stay in Krakow
You will find many fantastic lodging options in Krakow to suit your preferences. From exquisite luxury hotels that offer unparalleled comfort and style to budget-friendly accommodations that won’t break the bank, there is something for every type of traveler.
Budget Accommodations in Krakow
✔️100 m from The Main Square Market and Main Railway Station
✔️ Great restaurant
Mid-Range Accommodations in Krakow
✔️Quaint boutique hotel with old world charm
✔️ Onsite restaurant features Polish cuisine
Luxury Accommodations in Krakow
✔️Iconic hotel with 200+ year history
✔️ 1-minute walk to the main square
Our accommodation was at the Platinum Aparthotel. This was a convenient location just off the market square and easily accessible to the Old Town within a 15-minute walk.
Book a stay at Platinum Aparthotel
Take a Walking Tour of Kraków Market Square
See the best places in Krakow Market Square with a guided tour. Leave the navigation to a pro and learn to navigate the Old Town. You’ll hear about the city’s history and pick up local tips from your guide on getting the most out of visiting the best places in Krakow Market Square.
Private 3-hours Walking Tour of Krakow with official tour guide
Rated 5-stars on Viator – Click about to book tour
Rent a Car in Krakow With Discover Cars – Click To Book
Krakow – Know Before You Go
⏰ Time Zone: Central European Standard (GMT+1) (March to October is GMT+2)
✈️ Closest Airport: Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)Airport
💰 Currency: Polish Złoty
🔌 Electricity Socket: In Poland, you’ll encounter two types of plugs: type C and type E. Type C consists of two round pins, while type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. The electricity supply in Poland operates at 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.
Read about other cities to visit in Poland
Best Places to Visit Nearby Gdansk
18 Best Places to Visit in Wroclaw Poland
Check out our Poland Resources page
Books to plan and inspire your trip to Krakow
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Thanks for reading this article. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
#Krakow #krakowrynek #krakowmarketsquare
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