Main Market Square Tours and Activities

Main Market Square which includes street scenes and outdoor art
Main Market Square which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Main Market Square showing outdoor eating
Main Market Square featuring outdoor art
Main Market Square showing a statue or sculpture, a square or plaza and street scenes


Spend some time in a large medieval square that is filled with restaurants, cafés and magnificent buildings that are hundreds of years old.

Search for clothes and jewelry in a 700-year-old shopping center, tour ancient churches and climb to the top of a Gothic tower at Kraków’s Main Market Square. This 13th-century plaza is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It is surrounded by traditional Flemish houses and is home to some of the city's most important historical buildings.

Right in the center of the square is the Cloth Hall, an old marketplace that has played host to traders from across the world since the 14th century. Browse a range of stalls then check out the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery upstairs.

Once you have explored the market and gallery, head to the two smaller buildings, situated on either side of the hall. To the east is the 11th-century Church of St. Adalbert, the oldest church in the city. This small stone cuboid building predates the market square. Venture inside to appreciate the beauty of its altarpiece and the paintings lining the dome.

To the west of the hall is the 230-feet (70-meter) Town Hall Tower. Look carefully and you will see that the baroque structure has a slight lean. This was caused by strong winds at the beginning of the 18th century. Walk up the 100 steps to the top and gaze out across the city.

When you are back down at ground level, head over to St. Mary’s Basilica in the square’s eastern corner. One of the characteristic features of this 14th-century church is the different heights of its two 15th-century towers. Go inside for the beautiful stained glass windows and the stunning carved wooden altarpiece, featuring more than 200 figures.

With so much to see, break up your trip with a stop at one of the cafés that sprawl out into the square.

Main Market Square is right in the heart of Kraków, a 10-minute walk from the city’s main train station. Being in a pedestrianized area, the square is only accessible by foot or on bike.

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Top Main Market Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only

Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only

4 out of 5
Ul. Rynek Glowny 44, Kraków
Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only
Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

5 out of 5
17, Straszewskiego Street, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow
Hotel Rezydent

Hotel Rezydent

3 out of 5
ul. Grodzka 9, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Hotel Rezydent
Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
Ul. Slawkowska 3, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel

Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Rynek Glowny 11, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre by IHG

5 out of 5
Wielopole 4, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre by IHG
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

4 out of 5
Aleja 3 Maja 51, Kraków
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
Aparthotel Stare Miasto

Aparthotel Stare Miasto

4 out of 5
Ul. Golebia 2, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Amber Design Residence

Amber Design Residence

4 out of 5
ul. Sw. Marka 35, Kraków
Amber Design Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Main Market Square

Discover the vibrant Main Market Square in Kraków, where you can immerse yourself in local art, entertainment, and theatre. Enjoy Cracow city tours, engage in various activities, and embark on delightful day sightseeing adventures. For a splash of fun, don't miss out on visiting the nearby aqua park, making your stay truly unforgettable.

Shopping

Main Market Square is a shopper's delight! Explore Florianska Street for unique gifts, a mere 322m away, and discover the vibrant Little Market Square, only 161m away. For a broader selection, Galeria Krakówska, located 805m away, offers a mix of entertainment and shopping vibes.

Recreation

Malopolska Garden of Arts offers a luxurious escape with its serene environment, perfect for relaxation. For a cultural experience, the Kraków Philharmonic presents captivating performances that entertain the soul. Meanwhile, the Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Stadium provides an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts seeking excitement and activity.

Adventure

At Main Market Square, dive into exhilarating fun at Park Wodny, a vibrant waterpark 4.8km away, perfect for family adventures. For indoor thrills, check out Laser Arena, only 1.6km away, offering an exciting laser tag experience. Explore the stunning Panienskie Skaly, an outdoor gem 4.8km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Main Market Square is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the Juliusz Slowacki Theater, just 483m away, or have a fun night at Pink Bowling & Club, located 3.2km from the square. For a unique experience, visit the Tadeusz Banachiewicz Astronomical Observatory, 33.8km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Main Market Square

Main Market Square in Kraków is a vibrant hub that offers a rich blend of culture and history. Visitors can explore stunning churches, intriguing galleries, and historic sites, all within the picturesque old town. Whether you're wandering through the lively Kraków city centre or immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the main market square, there's no shortage of entertainment and cultural experiences to enjoy during your visit.

  • Royal Road: Walk along this historic route, where you can soak up the vibrant cultural atmosphere. This pathway is lined with stunning architecture and leads you through Kraków's rich past, making it a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
  • St. Mary's Basilica: This magnificent church is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and impressive altarpiece. Don't miss the hourly trumpet signal played from the highest tower, a unique tradition that adds to the cultural charm of the square.
  • Czartoryski Museum: Home to a remarkable collection of art and artefacts, including Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine', this museum offers an insightful glimpse into Polish history and culture, making it a must-visit for art lovers.

Best time to go to Main Market Square

The best time to visit Main Market Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Main Market Square falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Main Market Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.5°F (-1.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.6°F (-0.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March39.0°F (3.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Main Market Square

To save money on your trip to Main Market Square in Kraków, visit between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Booking about a month in advance usually yields the best deals, particularly on Mondays, while Fridays are pricier. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and sort by price to uncover budget-friendly options. Consider bundling your hotel stay with flights and activities for extra savings. Lastly, explore the area on foot as many attractions are within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy free activities while soaking in the local culture.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Main Market Square are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Main Market Square about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Main Market Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Main Market Square is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For the best value, sort the price filter from lowest to highest to uncover the most affordable options and deals available.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Main Market Square hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.