The Main Market Square or Rynek Główny is the largest medieval square in Europe, and is the heart of the tourist town in Krakow, with both locals and visitors coming together.  During any given month, the Main Square is bustling with market stalls and events, with stages often set up for large concerts.  (The best way to know what’s going on when you’re there is to check the free magazine Karnet).

The square itself used to be filled with market stalls, organized by products, with butchers on one end, and fabrics being sold in the Cloth Hall or Sukiennice.  Now, depending on the time of year, you will find market stalls selling souvenirs, flowers, and handmade crafts, with larger and more festival-like markets occurring around holidays, especially Easter and Christmas.

Cafes set tables out along the perimeter of the square in the warmer months, and locals meet up at the statue in the middle of the square.  On the square you will find St. Mary’s Basilica, the town tower, the cloth hall, the Rynek Underground Museum, and Grodzka Street that will lead you to Wawel Castle.  Close-by is also the barbican and Florianska Street.

We suggest taking a stroll all around the square, in front of and behind the cloth hall.  Take in the people, relax by the fountain, or visit St. Mary’s for a breath-taking view of a hand-carved alter.

Don’t forget if you have any questions, comments, or want us to make you a custom made list or itinerary, you can always email us at emilysguidetokrakow@gmail.com