Rynek Główny w Krakowie

Yelp Review 2023 #281:

Rynek Glowny is the main square in Krakow that goes all the way back to the 13th century. It was used as a market place for international trading and such. Eastern goods brought to Europe through here. There was one in Warsaw too but it got destroyed during World War II. At almost 14 acres, this is the largest townsquare in Europe that's been around the medieval times. Somehow, it was spared from getting destroyed during the war because this was the headquarters for German soldiers back then.

There's a church, underground museum, Cloth Hall/ Sukiennice (they sold textiles, salt, lead, leather, etc here in the 13th century). Now, there are stalls for basically everything in the Cloth Hall. Lots of restaurants, apartments, hotels and cafes surround the square now. If you're thinking about staying at a hotel within the square, do know that cars/ taxis cannot enter the narrow streets so, they'll drop you off close to the square and you'll have to walk to your hotel. Which is what I ended up doing.

I didn't see any street performers. On my way to the basilica, I did get stopped by a man who was "collecting money for Ukraine". I didn't carry cash with me so he told me to Zelle him money - okkkkk...not sus at all.

It's pretty lively especially around Christmas. Lots of lights and there's a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the square and a Christmas Market. After going to Schindler's Enamel Factory and Auschwitz, this is the place to be to reset your mood and your mind.

Europe has a lot of beautiful town squares, but this is one of the grandest that is still basically free of modern structures around it. Around the square, there are some other places worthy of visiting. The inside of the St. Mary's Basilica is very beautiful, and it's intriguing to see that the town hall next to it is even taller. You can see how ancient people lived and buried in the Rynek Underground Museum.

Krakow was the city that made me fall in love with Eastern Europe. It was not the various cities of Eastern Germany, Prague or Warsaw but the charming city of Krakow. It was back in 2015 that I trekked solo into Krakow from the capital cities- Warsaw and Prague. It was my visit to Krakow but not my last.

On my most recent to Eastern Europe, I decided to spend a couple days in this city that still has my heart. There were two reasons that I wanted to return to Krakow. I wanted to see how it progressed in almost five years and I wanted to eat from the Keilbasa Van!

I love everything about Old Town and the Market Square. The history and preservation is impressive considering it was under communist rule for decades. The narrow cobble stone streets, pastel color buildings and horses pulling carriages just scream charm.

If you find yourself in Krakow learn about it's history prior, take the Free Walking Tour and buy your souvenirs from the Market Hall. I know you will fall in love with this city.

After my visit in 2015, loving the city and giving me a taste of what Eastern Europe had to offer- I decided to explore all of this religion. In the coming years, I had visited all of Eastern Europe/ the Baltic and Balkan reigions. From Estonia to Albania... From Ukraine to Slovenia! I wish that you are as inspired as I was to travel more from this one city.

One of the best plazas I've visited overseas. It reminds me of a combination of St Marks Square in Venice, Paris, Belgium with a Prague square feel. Great for people watching.

There are several restaurants along the square perimeter facing the plaza: Italian, Polish cuisine, etc. The plaza is bustling Fri - Sat (morning - evening). Grab a snack, meal or just drinks, and sit back and enjoy! There are shops (boutique, open market trinkets and a few chain stores - Zara, Hard Rock). Do visit the clock tower, church, center fountain and support locally made goods (I saw no products made outside of Poland). Very reasonably priced merchandise + some upper end, expensive.

This must be one of the nicest town squares in all of Europe - I absolutely loved spending time here. First, it's huge - plenty of space for markets, tourists, cafes, and of course pigeons. People feed them so they're pretty aggressive and will jump right on you if you look like you might offer a snack - super gross IMO but some people were into it.

The buildings around the square are absolutely beautiful, and the whole area is really clean. In the center is the Sukiennice or Cloth Hall which has been selling stuff to visitors since the Middle Ages. FYI, there are clean toilets in this building though it will cost a zloty. In the square area, there are several churches which are worth visiting, especially St Mary's.

Of course, you have to hear the bugler play from the tower each hour. The city has put up signs telling you the best places to hear and see the ritual. We also visited during the Easter Market and I loved it SO much!!!

Krakow, I miss you already...

My partner and I went to the main square in Kraków a few times while we were staying there. Overall, it's a very large gathering space and very quaint, one of my favorites in Europe.

One of the more interesting things about the square is the functioning market in the middle. A lot of times with these completely renovated structures like this, it's a bit touristy and not authentic, but that is not the case here. It's almost like a mini Grand Bazaar here.

And the good aspects about this Central Square is that the restaurants that line it are actually pretty good - they're not just overpriced tourist kind of places that gouge you.

Overall, you can't really go to Kraków without coming here! Literally and figuratively.

I have been to several "squares" in Europe so far, but this is one of my favorites. I think it is my top favorite... for the time being anyway.

The first is the sheer size of this square. I mean it is absolutely massive relative to some other that I have seen. Rather than just being unused space, the square is teeming with people, street performers, horse-drawn carriages, and lots of little shops-on wheels.

These are shops where you can get freshly cooked food (tables are set up), souvenirs of all varieties, and there is even a black-smiths shop that makes little metal trinkets. Even if you don't buy one it is interesting to be able to say you have seen a blacksmith at work.

In the middle, there is a place that used to be an exchange for traders (but now is filled with mostly souvenir shops), and as I understand it, there is a fascinating lower-level museum there (where I have not been).

There is also the St. Mary's Basilica (not been inside, but looks beautiful from pictures), with the bells and the buglers at every hour.

Plenty of restaurants and shops around the perimeter of the square (but they are a bit expensive because of the touristy area). Also plenty of places to go eat and explore just outside the main square.

Overall: An awesome, large, inviting, brightly lit town square which is great to visit at any time of day, evening, or even night.

Hardly a day goes by without me passing through the main market square. Attractions include the historic Cloth Hall (which runs along the middle of the square), this is a mecca for souvenir buyers. Most of the restaurants and bars charge a bit of premium for the location, but there are some bargains to be found in the immediate vicinity; MacDonald's (on Szewska) and The Dorsz (fish and chip restaurant) on Sw. Anny.

During the summer there are plenty of free open-air concerts (I highly recommend the Crossroads Festival) and various open-air markets.

An absolute must visit if you live in Europe or are visiting from abroad! The energy, history, architecture, and human life here are amazing!

The main town square in krakow is the largest. There are several vendors that are very nice and help explain items.