Krakow Market Square - Read authority Howard Hillman's candid tips

Krakow
Market Square

Travel tips you can trust

Why
Krakow Market Square
is special

It is one of the world's largest and most captivating squares.

Top 5
Krakow Market Square
attractions

Cloth House

Architecturally stunning (see photo's middle right). Dates back to the 16th century. Once was a trading center, today it's a museum and a complex of indoor stalls selling gifts and souvenirs.

Perimeter buildings

Merchant houses and other photogenic, centuries-old structures line Krakow Market Square.

St Mary's Church

A 14th century creation. Striking interior. Pope John II served as a cardinal and archbishop here. Note: The photo above was taken from one of its towers.

St Adalbert Church

This small structure goes back to the 11th century.

Town Hall Tower

It's all that remains of the 16th century town hall complex.

More
Krakow Market Square
tips and insights

Popularity

It's Poland's best-appreciated tourist destination.

Summertime

Cafes and restaurants spill out into Krakow Market Square, as do touts, flower sellers, and street entertainers. The space is large enough not to be overrun with tourists.

Underground

Some of the buildings have cellars that have been converted to lively pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, among other enterprises.

Nearby wonders

Just down Grodska Street is Wawel Castle. A half-hour out of town is Weilicska Salt Mine. Both are Hillman Wonders medal winners.

World War II

Krakow was more fortunate than many large Polish cities. It suffered only modest war damage.

Location in Poland