Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
The Main Square (Polish: Rynek Główny [ˈrɨnɛk ˈɡwuvnɨ]) of the Old Town of Kraków, Lesser Poland, is the principal urban space located at the center of the city. It dates back to the 13th century, and at 3.79 ha (9.4 acres) is the largest medieval town square in Europe. The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) lists the square as the best public space in Europe due to its lively street life, and it was a major factor in the inclusion of Kraków as one of the top off-the-beaten-path destinations in the world in 2016.
The Main Square is a square space surrounded by historic townhouses (kamienice) and churches. The center of the square is dominated by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), rebuilt in 1555 in the Renaissance style, topped by a beautiful attic or Polish parapet decorated with carved masks. On one side of the cloth hall is the Town Hall Tower (Wieża ratuszowa), on the other the 11th century Church of St. Adalbert and 1898 Adam Mickiewicz Monument. Rising above the square are the Gothic towers of St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki). Kraków Main Square does not have a town hall, because it has not survived to the present day.
A beautiful and beautifully lit big mediaval square with many restaurants and shops around. In the middle there's a cloth hall with lots of souvenir shops offering typical Polish products made of wood, glass, gold, silver, amber as well as regional cloths for special occasions. There's also the town hall tower containing a museum, theater and restaurant. One of the corners is filled in with the two-tower church with a magnificent altar. On the square itself, flower women sell all kinds of flowers day and night. Party venues are to be found in every corner and side street. This place must be seen at day and night!
Dareck SobczakJan 28, 2018
Been the twice last year, feel in love with the city and everything about Krakow. Nice people, great food, loot of bars and club to go out. A lot of historical sights, every part of the town and surrounding areas has a story to tell. Cannot write enough about it, will come again for sure.
Josip MarijanovićFeb 18, 2018
This is an old 1500's palace, it's spectacular chandelier has to be seen, it drops 5 floors, truly amazing. The staff are friendly, the food is just so so good. Well worth a visit. Highly recommended. 😊
Christina SmithFeb 8, 2018
It is one of the largest squares in Europe. At the centre a huge building full of stalls, restaurants and an underground museum. Pure magic the days around Christmas. Food, street shows, chariots and lots of people from all over the world. A lively place. A must to visit when in Krakow
Osvaldo ScuteriJan 6, 2018
A group of us visited Krakow for a 4 night stay. We stayed right next to the main square. I wasn't sure what to expect. All I can say is that I was more than pleasantly surprised. The market square is brimming with historical architecture. Plenty of places to eat. On colder days you can still sit outside under an umbrella with a heater and they even provide blankets! There's masses of shops and a lovely indoor market packed with the more traditional polish wares. The area was immaculate. There are stunning white horse drawn carriages if you fancy a ride around the square. There's a tiny ornate church worth popping into and at night you can visit and listen to music. Definately worth a visit!
lisa wadeDec 21, 2017
One the most beautiful piazzas I have seen. It is surrounded by colourful and magnificent buildings and some amazing attractions: the breathtaking St Mary's Basilica, the Town Hall Tower, Rynek Underground and the Cloth Hall to mention a few. We were there a week before Easter so we managed to visit the Easter market - the piazza was filled with wooden stalls selling delicious, pretty souvenirs, wooden toys, clothes, etc making the atmosphere very cosy and enjoyable. Do not miss the trumpeter playing the traditional trumpet call every hour on the hour - he can be seen from piazza playing from the highest tower of St Mary's Basilica. Also, climbing up the the Town Hall Tower is a must - the views from up there are lovely.
Stephanie SaidMar 31, 2018
There are beautiful views and diverse architecture. Also a very nice inside market. Most stalls accept cards. Which is really helpful during the cold season. Offers respite from the chilling wind and snow. I can imagine this place is beautiful when it is warm. There's hints already with flowers and poles ready for easter celebrations.
Helen MaidreMar 18, 2018
Great place to be, especially now that summer is on the way. You can eat outdoors visit the cloth Hall and underground museum or do some shopping for souvenirs or just sit in sun on the main square and soak up the atmosphere of a Polish summer's day with lots of entertainment throughout the summer. Rynek is amazing 😊😊
George RyanMar 12, 2018
Beautiful place. Great atmosphere, locals friendly, plenty to see. Lots of nice bars and restaurants, not extortionate prices. Very clean and felt safe.
Karen RobertsonMar 31, 2018
Spent a lot of time in the main square of Krakow. It is the biggest medieval square in Europe. I was surprised to learn that the Germans kept it intact because during the war they believed Krakow to be a perfect German city and wanted it for themselves. It also has some landmarks and attractions to visit. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Costs just over £2. There is the cloth Hall in the centre which has several souvenir shops including a few stalls selling Amber at great prices. You can get a horse carriage ride round the sights from the square. Has many bars and restaurants.
Simon JonesApr 13, 2018
The centre of the old town and as such is edged by restaurants and the lovely horse and carts for hire. The central Cloth Hall is worth a walk through to buy your local souvenirs. The surrounding buildings are impressive and provide a great backdrop to the buzzing square. In the evening you will see street artists and tat sellers which all add to the atmosphere.
Graham AleyApr 27, 2018
The place is simply amazing. Hundreds & hundreds of years of history, every shop, & building has a story. Met one stall owner that generation after generation has been there for over 300 years selling their unique products! You will need a couple days here to really enjoy and see everything. There is so much more to the place than just the "main market" as the name translates to. But it's proper name is Sukiennice. As almost every town in Poland has a "Rynek glowny." Ideal for family sight seeing or even for a single tourist or even couples after a romantic get away. Dozens of horse drawn carriage rides available, loads of great places to eat or grab a refreshing drink. Souvenirs available everywhere. I really can't describe this wonderful historic place & do it any justice. Simply a must for all. Bring a camera, set aside a few days as whole area is beautiful & historic!
KD skiMay 3, 2018
The old town merchant square. There is so much to see here. This center is several hundred years old. It was a surprise to hear that it was not destroyed during world war two whereas much of Poland was. You have outside cafe, indoor restuarants, various shops, entertainment, horse drawn carriage rides, medieval dresses actors, etc. Something for everyone.
Michael IrenskiApr 29, 2018
Beautiful place with an amazing atmosphere both day and night. The square in itself is divided in two areas separated by a middle building where the souvenir market lies. We loved that place. In the right area of the square you have the beautiful Cathedral of St. Mary and be aware of the trumpet sound that comes from the towers. It's an old tradition and fun to watch/hear. Also the white chariots with the horses going around the square brings an extra charm to the atmosphere. Will come back in the future for sure. Great visit!
Michael CastelhanoMay 12, 2018
The main square in Krakow is at the heart of old town. It is beautiful, many churches surround the square itself. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes to sit and enjoy the atmosphere of the Square. There is a flower market in the main square next to the cloth hall building. The cloth hall is full of a variety of market stall selling souvenirs, jewelery, glassware and other items. The square has been in existence since medieval times and the underground museum below the cloth hall is a highly recommended place to get more information about the bustling and vibrant history of the town.
N SJun 10, 2018
Beautiful buildings surround the two main squares, amazing sculptures, with sweet smelling lilac gardens and parkland all around. It's fun to hear the bugler on the hour and see him wave from open window in tower. The white twin horse driven carriages (underlit at night!) help create 'another world' atmosphere. Best of all is the welcome from everyone in Krakow. It's admirable how English and other languages are spoken here!! Lots of fab restaurants easy transport system (free if over 70 with ID). Definitely worth a visit.
Rosamunde WilsonMay 8, 2018
The Cloth Hall straddles the middle of the square, and has an underground museum - can book tickets in advance at the ticket office on the west side (just north of the east-west archway) - or online... Tuesdays are free, but tickets still need to be booked in advance. St Mary's Church is on the north-east side of the square... keep an eye out for the trumpeter on the hour, from the top windows of the taller tower. Also can buy tickets to climb up the tower. Free walking tours meet up outside the front of the church. The Town Hall Tower sits on the south-east side of the square, have a look at the brass model to see some history of what the original adjoining structure looked like (there was a grain store as part of it). Beautifully adorned horse-drawn carriages queue up on the north side of the square, it is quite nice to sit down and see differently decorated horses coming into the square.
Steven BibbyJun 11, 2018
A great and fun town centre to be. A myriad of activities always going on here such as displays, artistic performances and the likes. The market serves as a great place to get souvenirs. Not far from it is the tower and other restaurants where you can get a good meal to buy. Krakow walking tours often begin from here.
K FrimpsJun 16, 2018
A beautiful and beautifully lit big mediaval square with many restaurants and shops around. In the middle there's a cloth hall with lots of souvenir shops offering typical Polish products made of wood, glass, gold, silver, amber as well as regional cloths for special occasions. There's also the town hall tower containing a museum, theater and restaurant. One of the corners is filled in with the two-tower church with a magnificent altar. On the square itself, flower women sell all kinds of flowers day and night. Party venues are to be found in every corner and side street. This place must be seen at day and night!
Dareck SobczakJan 28, 2018
Been the twice last year, feel in love with the city and everything about Krakow. Nice people, great food, loot of bars and club to go out. A lot of historical sights, every part of the town and surrounding areas has a story to tell. Cannot write enough about it, will come again for sure.
Josip MarijanovićFeb 18, 2018
This is an old 1500's palace, it's spectacular chandelier has to be seen, it drops 5 floors, truly amazing. The staff are friendly, the food is just so so good. Well worth a visit. Highly recommended. 😊
Christina SmithFeb 8, 2018
It is one of the largest squares in Europe. At the centre a huge building full of stalls, restaurants and an underground museum. Pure magic the days around Christmas. Food, street shows, chariots and lots of people from all over the world. A lively place. A must to visit when in Krakow
Osvaldo ScuteriJan 6, 2018
A group of us visited Krakow for a 4 night stay. We stayed right next to the main square. I wasn't sure what to expect. All I can say is that I was more than pleasantly surprised. The market square is brimming with historical architecture. Plenty of places to eat. On colder days you can still sit outside under an umbrella with a heater and they even provide blankets! There's masses of shops and a lovely indoor market packed with the more traditional polish wares. The area was immaculate. There are stunning white horse drawn carriages if you fancy a ride around the square. There's a tiny ornate church worth popping into and at night you can visit and listen to music. Definately worth a visit!
lisa wadeDec 21, 2017
One the most beautiful piazzas I have seen. It is surrounded by colourful and magnificent buildings and some amazing attractions: the breathtaking St Mary's Basilica, the Town Hall Tower, Rynek Underground and the Cloth Hall to mention a few. We were there a week before Easter so we managed to visit the Easter market - the piazza was filled with wooden stalls selling delicious, pretty souvenirs, wooden toys, clothes, etc making the atmosphere very cosy and enjoyable. Do not miss the trumpeter playing the traditional trumpet call every hour on the hour - he can be seen from piazza playing from the highest tower of St Mary's Basilica. Also, climbing up the the Town Hall Tower is a must - the views from up there are lovely.
Stephanie SaidMar 31, 2018
There are beautiful views and diverse architecture. Also a very nice inside market. Most stalls accept cards. Which is really helpful during the cold season. Offers respite from the chilling wind and snow. I can imagine this place is beautiful when it is warm. There's hints already with flowers and poles ready for easter celebrations.
Helen MaidreMar 18, 2018
Great place to be, especially now that summer is on the way. You can eat outdoors visit the cloth Hall and underground museum or do some shopping for souvenirs or just sit in sun on the main square and soak up the atmosphere of a Polish summer's day with lots of entertainment throughout the summer. Rynek is amazing 😊😊
George RyanMar 12, 2018
Beautiful place. Great atmosphere, locals friendly, plenty to see. Lots of nice bars and restaurants, not extortionate prices. Very clean and felt safe.
Karen RobertsonMar 31, 2018
Spent a lot of time in the main square of Krakow. It is the biggest medieval square in Europe. I was surprised to learn that the Germans kept it intact because during the war they believed Krakow to be a perfect German city and wanted it for themselves. It also has some landmarks and attractions to visit. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Costs just over £2. There is the cloth Hall in the centre which has several souvenir shops including a few stalls selling Amber at great prices. You can get a horse carriage ride round the sights from the square. Has many bars and restaurants.
Simon JonesApr 13, 2018
The centre of the old town and as such is edged by restaurants and the lovely horse and carts for hire. The central Cloth Hall is worth a walk through to buy your local souvenirs. The surrounding buildings are impressive and provide a great backdrop to the buzzing square. In the evening you will see street artists and tat sellers which all add to the atmosphere.
Graham AleyApr 27, 2018
The place is simply amazing. Hundreds & hundreds of years of history, every shop, & building has a story. Met one stall owner that generation after generation has been there for over 300 years selling their unique products! You will need a couple days here to really enjoy and see everything. There is so much more to the place than just the "main market" as the name translates to. But it's proper name is Sukiennice. As almost every town in Poland has a "Rynek glowny." Ideal for family sight seeing or even for a single tourist or even couples after a romantic get away. Dozens of horse drawn carriage rides available, loads of great places to eat or grab a refreshing drink. Souvenirs available everywhere. I really can't describe this wonderful historic place & do it any justice. Simply a must for all. Bring a camera, set aside a few days as whole area is beautiful & historic!
KD skiMay 3, 2018
The old town merchant square. There is so much to see here. This center is several hundred years old. It was a surprise to hear that it was not destroyed during world war two whereas much of Poland was. You have outside cafe, indoor restuarants, various shops, entertainment, horse drawn carriage rides, medieval dresses actors, etc. Something for everyone.
Michael IrenskiApr 29, 2018
Beautiful place with an amazing atmosphere both day and night. The square in itself is divided in two areas separated by a middle building where the souvenir market lies. We loved that place. In the right area of the square you have the beautiful Cathedral of St. Mary and be aware of the trumpet sound that comes from the towers. It's an old tradition and fun to watch/hear. Also the white chariots with the horses going around the square brings an extra charm to the atmosphere. Will come back in the future for sure. Great visit!
Michael CastelhanoMay 12, 2018
The main square in Krakow is at the heart of old town. It is beautiful, many churches surround the square itself. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes to sit and enjoy the atmosphere of the Square. There is a flower market in the main square next to the cloth hall building. The cloth hall is full of a variety of market stall selling souvenirs, jewelery, glassware and other items. The square has been in existence since medieval times and the underground museum below the cloth hall is a highly recommended place to get more information about the bustling and vibrant history of the town.
N SJun 10, 2018
Beautiful buildings surround the two main squares, amazing sculptures, with sweet smelling lilac gardens and parkland all around. It's fun to hear the bugler on the hour and see him wave from open window in tower. The white twin horse driven carriages (underlit at night!) help create 'another world' atmosphere. Best of all is the welcome from everyone in Krakow. It's admirable how English and other languages are spoken here!! Lots of fab restaurants easy transport system (free if over 70 with ID). Definitely worth a visit.
Rosamunde WilsonMay 8, 2018
The Cloth Hall straddles the middle of the square, and has an underground museum - can book tickets in advance at the ticket office on the west side (just north of the east-west archway) - or online... Tuesdays are free, but tickets still need to be booked in advance. St Mary's Church is on the north-east side of the square... keep an eye out for the trumpeter on the hour, from the top windows of the taller tower. Also can buy tickets to climb up the tower. Free walking tours meet up outside the front of the church. The Town Hall Tower sits on the south-east side of the square, have a look at the brass model to see some history of what the original adjoining structure looked like (there was a grain store as part of it). Beautifully adorned horse-drawn carriages queue up on the north side of the square, it is quite nice to sit down and see differently decorated horses coming into the square.
Steven BibbyJun 11, 2018
A great and fun town centre to be. A myriad of activities always going on here such as displays, artistic performances and the likes. The market serves as a great place to get souvenirs. Not far from it is the tower and other restaurants where you can get a good meal to buy. Krakow walking tours often begin from here.
K FrimpsJun 16, 2018
A beautiful and beautifully lit big mediaval square with many restaurants and shops around. In the middle there's a cloth hall with lots of souvenir shops offering typical Polish products made of wood, glass, gold, silver, amber as well as regional cloths for special occasions. There's also the town hall tower containing a museum, theater and restaurant. One of the corners is filled in with the two-tower church with a magnificent altar. On the square itself, flower women sell all kinds of flowers day and night. Party venues are to be found in every corner and side street. This place must be seen at day and night!
Dareck SobczakJan 28, 2018
Been the twice last year, feel in love with the city and everything about Krakow. Nice people, great food, loot of bars and club to go out. A lot of historical sights, every part of the town and surrounding areas has a story to tell. Cannot write enough about it, will come again for sure.
Josip MarijanovićFeb 18, 2018
This is an old 1500's palace, it's spectacular chandelier has to be seen, it drops 5 floors, truly amazing. The staff are friendly, the food is just so so good. Well worth a visit. Highly recommended. 😊
Christina SmithFeb 8, 2018
It is one of the largest squares in Europe. At the centre a huge building full of stalls, restaurants and an underground museum. Pure magic the days around Christmas. Food, street shows, chariots and lots of people from all over the world. A lively place. A must to visit when in Krakow
Osvaldo ScuteriJan 6, 2018
A group of us visited Krakow for a 4 night stay. We stayed right next to the main square. I wasn't sure what to expect. All I can say is that I was more than pleasantly surprised. The market square is brimming with historical architecture. Plenty of places to eat. On colder days you can still sit outside under an umbrella with a heater and they even provide blankets! There's masses of shops and a lovely indoor market packed with the more traditional polish wares. The area was immaculate. There are stunning white horse drawn carriages if you fancy a ride around the square. There's a tiny ornate church worth popping into and at night you can visit and listen to music. Definately worth a visit!
lisa wadeDec 21, 2017
One the most beautiful piazzas I have seen. It is surrounded by colourful and magnificent buildings and some amazing attractions: the breathtaking St Mary's Basilica, the Town Hall Tower, Rynek Underground and the Cloth Hall to mention a few. We were there a week before Easter so we managed to visit the Easter market - the piazza was filled with wooden stalls selling delicious, pretty souvenirs, wooden toys, clothes, etc making the atmosphere very cosy and enjoyable. Do not miss the trumpeter playing the traditional trumpet call every hour on the hour - he can be seen from piazza playing from the highest tower of St Mary's Basilica. Also, climbing up the the Town Hall Tower is a must - the views from up there are lovely.
Stephanie SaidMar 31, 2018
There are beautiful views and diverse architecture. Also a very nice inside market. Most stalls accept cards. Which is really helpful during the cold season. Offers respite from the chilling wind and snow. I can imagine this place is beautiful when it is warm. There's hints already with flowers and poles ready for easter celebrations.
Helen MaidreMar 18, 2018
Great place to be, especially now that summer is on the way. You can eat outdoors visit the cloth Hall and underground museum or do some shopping for souvenirs or just sit in sun on the main square and soak up the atmosphere of a Polish summer's day with lots of entertainment throughout the summer. Rynek is amazing 😊😊
George RyanMar 12, 2018
Beautiful place. Great atmosphere, locals friendly, plenty to see. Lots of nice bars and restaurants, not extortionate prices. Very clean and felt safe.
Karen RobertsonMar 31, 2018
Spent a lot of time in the main square of Krakow. It is the biggest medieval square in Europe. I was surprised to learn that the Germans kept it intact because during the war they believed Krakow to be a perfect German city and wanted it for themselves. It also has some landmarks and attractions to visit. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Costs just over £2. There is the cloth Hall in the centre which has several souvenir shops including a few stalls selling Amber at great prices. You can get a horse carriage ride round the sights from the square. Has many bars and restaurants.
Simon JonesApr 13, 2018
The centre of the old town and as such is edged by restaurants and the lovely horse and carts for hire. The central Cloth Hall is worth a walk through to buy your local souvenirs. The surrounding buildings are impressive and provide a great backdrop to the buzzing square. In the evening you will see street artists and tat sellers which all add to the atmosphere.
Graham AleyApr 27, 2018
The place is simply amazing. Hundreds & hundreds of years of history, every shop, & building has a story. Met one stall owner that generation after generation has been there for over 300 years selling their unique products! You will need a couple days here to really enjoy and see everything. There is so much more to the place than just the "main market" as the name translates to. But it's proper name is Sukiennice. As almost every town in Poland has a "Rynek glowny." Ideal for family sight seeing or even for a single tourist or even couples after a romantic get away. Dozens of horse drawn carriage rides available, loads of great places to eat or grab a refreshing drink. Souvenirs available everywhere. I really can't describe this wonderful historic place & do it any justice. Simply a must for all. Bring a camera, set aside a few days as whole area is beautiful & historic!
KD skiMay 3, 2018
The old town merchant square. There is so much to see here. This center is several hundred years old. It was a surprise to hear that it was not destroyed during world war two whereas much of Poland was. You have outside cafe, indoor restuarants, various shops, entertainment, horse drawn carriage rides, medieval dresses actors, etc. Something for everyone.
Michael IrenskiApr 29, 2018
Beautiful place with an amazing atmosphere both day and night. The square in itself is divided in two areas separated by a middle building where the souvenir market lies. We loved that place. In the right area of the square you have the beautiful Cathedral of St. Mary and be aware of the trumpet sound that comes from the towers. It's an old tradition and fun to watch/hear. Also the white chariots with the horses going around the square brings an extra charm to the atmosphere. Will come back in the future for sure. Great visit!
Michael CastelhanoMay 12, 2018
The main square in Krakow is at the heart of old town. It is beautiful, many churches surround the square itself. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes to sit and enjoy the atmosphere of the Square. There is a flower market in the main square next to the cloth hall building. The cloth hall is full of a variety of market stall selling souvenirs, jewelery, glassware and other items. The square has been in existence since medieval times and the underground museum below the cloth hall is a highly recommended place to get more information about the bustling and vibrant history of the town.
N SJun 10, 2018
Beautiful buildings surround the two main squares, amazing sculptures, with sweet smelling lilac gardens and parkland all around. It's fun to hear the bugler on the hour and see him wave from open window in tower. The white twin horse driven carriages (underlit at night!) help create 'another world' atmosphere. Best of all is the welcome from everyone in Krakow. It's admirable how English and other languages are spoken here!! Lots of fab restaurants easy transport system (free if over 70 with ID). Definitely worth a visit.
Rosamunde WilsonMay 8, 2018
The Cloth Hall straddles the middle of the square, and has an underground museum - can book tickets in advance at the ticket office on the west side (just north of the east-west archway) - or online... Tuesdays are free, but tickets still need to be booked in advance. St Mary's Church is on the north-east side of the square... keep an eye out for the trumpeter on the hour, from the top windows of the taller tower. Also can buy tickets to climb up the tower. Free walking tours meet up outside the front of the church. The Town Hall Tower sits on the south-east side of the square, have a look at the brass model to see some history of what the original adjoining structure looked like (there was a grain store as part of it). Beautifully adorned horse-drawn carriages queue up on the north side of the square, it is quite nice to sit down and see differently decorated horses coming into the square.
Steven BibbyJun 11, 2018
A great and fun town centre to be. A myriad of activities always going on here such as displays, artistic performances and the likes. The market serves as a great place to get souvenirs. Not far from it is the tower and other restaurants where you can get a good meal to buy. Krakow walking tours often begin from here.
K FrimpsJun 16, 2018
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.