The Krakow Town Hall Tower is one of the most notable landmarks on the central square of Krakow. It’s home to fascinating historical exhibits and offers one of the best views in the whole city.
The Krakow Town Hall Tower, known in Polish as Wieża Ratuszowa, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Krakow’s Main Market Square.
Towering at roughly 70 meters (230 feet), the Gothic structure is all of what remains of the former Krakow Town Hall, which was demolished in 1820.
This freestanding tower has become a symbol of the city’s rich history and serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views of the Main Market Square and beyond – so long as you can make it up the 110 stairs to the viewing platform up top!
This guide runs through everything you need to know about the Krakow Town Hall Tower, from what there is to see inside to the cost of tickets to how to get there.
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This is just one part of our complete guide to things to do and see in Krakow
What’s in this guide to the Krakow Town Hall?
Where is the Krakow Town Hall Tower?
The Town Hall Tower is centrally located in Krakow’s Main Market Square (known locally as the Rynek Główny) in the Old Town district.
It stands prominently on the western side of the square, flanked by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Basilica.
This area is the very heart of Krakow.
That’s why getting to the Town Hall Tower is generally straightforward. Whether you’re staying in the Old Town or arriving from other districts, the Main Market Square is a key destination on Krakow’s public transport network.
Visitors can reach the tower by taking trams or buses to nearby stops such as Teatr Bagatela or Plac Wszystkich Świętych. From these locations, it’s a short walk of about 5 minutes to the square.
History of the Krakow Town Hall Tower
The history of the Town Hall Tower stretches back to the late 13th century.
The tower was part of the original Krakow Town Hall, which functioned as the administrative and judicial center of the city.
At its height, the Town Hall was one of the grandest municipal buildings in Poland, hosting the city council, courtrooms, and even a prison in its underground dungeons.
The building dominated the Main Market Square for many centuries, reinforcing Krakow’s position as a major hub of commerce and governance in medieval Europe.
The tower itself was constructed primarily of brick and limestone and is capped with a Baroque dome, which was added after the original Gothic spire was destroyed by fire in 1680.
Through the centuries, the tower saw various renovations, repairs, and expansions, especially after it was damaged by fires and earthquakes, including a notable one in 1703.
By the early 19th century, the Town Hall had lost much of its significance. As Krakow modernized, the decision was made to demolish the majority of the Town Hall complex in 1820 to make way for more open public space.
However, the tower was preserved, standing as a historical relic and reminder of Krakow’s medieval glory. It’s now a top spot to climb to get a view of the whole town plus an enthralling historical exhibition space.
What is there to see in the Krakow Town Hall Tower?
The Town Hall Tower offers visitors a combination of historical intrigue and stunning views. Here are the key attractions and exhibits you can expect to see inside:
- The historical exhibits – As you climb the tower, you’ll encounter several floors housing exhibits that detail the history of the Town Hall and medieval Krakow. Some of the exhibitions focus on the role of the Town Hall in city governance and law, while others explore Krakow’s broader historical context in Europe (notably it’s position on key trading routes). Artifacts on display include Gothic elements from the original Town Hall, as well as documents and artifacts related to Krakow’s administrative history.
- Gothic architecture – The tower itself is a prime example of Gothic architecture, with its arched windows, high ceilings, and pointed embellishments. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship that went into constructing this historical building, which has stood for centuries, weathering wars, fires, and political upheaval.
- The bells – The tower is home to an impressive set of bells, which ring out across the Main Market Square. One of the most famous bells is the 16th-century Great Bell (Dzwon Wielki), which can be seen during your visit. Its resonant chimes are an iconic part of the square’s soundscape.
- Art – The upper floors of the tower also host temporary art exhibitions. These exhibits change regularly and can include works by local Polish artists or historical collections that provide further insight into Krakow’s cultural heritage.
- The view – obviously! – For many visitors, the highlight of the Town Hall Tower is reaching the top, where a viewing platform offers sweeping, panoramic views of Krakow’s Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the distant Wawel Castle. On a clear day, you can see the entire city spread out before you, offering excellent opportunities for photography
Plan your trip to Krakow
Search for flights – For our money, Kiwi is one of the best flight search engines out there. Great interface, easy to plan return tickets on low-cost fliers.
Book your stay – Booking.com rules in Krakow. We think it has the biggest range of hotels and some of the best rates.
Get insurance – Travel insurance is a must, even for a quick weekend hop to Poland, and ESPECIALLY since Brexit (grr). We’ve got SafetyWing insurance (medical insurance for frequent travellers).
Sort travel money with Wise – We can’t recommend Wise enough. Zero fees for card transactions, free ATM withdrawals up to 200 quid abroad, and the best app we’ve ever used. We won’t travel without one.
Is it hard to climb the Krakow Town Hall Tower?
Climbing the Krakow Town Hall Tower can be a bit of a workout, but it’s generally manageable for most visitors.
The staircase leading to the top is steep and narrow, with about 110 steps to climb.
Given the medieval architecture, there are no elevators, so be prepared for a fairly vigorous ascent on what’s often narrow stairs made out of wood and stone. Good shoes are a must!
Thankfully, the climb is broken up by the exhibition floors, which offer a chance to rest and take in the displays before continuing upward.
For those with mobility issues or young children, the climb might be challenging. It’s also worth noting that the staircases can feel quite cramped during peak tourist times, as space inside the tower is limited.
That said, the reward at the top—a stunning view of Krakow—is well worth the effort.
If you’re unsure about making the climb, it’s a good idea to visit during less crowded times, either early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when you can take your time ascending the tower at your own pace.
Quick-click links to our top stays in Krakow
- PURO Krakow Kazimierz – If in doubt, go PURO. Retro rooms, a noir cocktail lounge, and an underground spa. It’s our fav all-round hotel in the city right now.
- Hotel Stary – A famous lux hotel in the Old Town. Beloved of celebs. Wellness facility in the basement. Book it if yo’ budget allows!
- Academia Apartments – The Deluxe Apartment in this complex has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Planty Park and the Old Town. It’s exquisite for those who want more space.
- Greg & Tom Party Hostel – Greg & Tom is nothing short of legendary. Great vibes. Low prices. Nightly parties.
Must-do activites in Krakow
- Wawel Castle – A guided runthrough of Krakow’s mighty castle complex.
- Taste Vodka – These guys run the single best voddie tasting tour in town. It’s fun, it’s food-filled, it’s wild.
- Oskar Schindler’s Factory – The factory from the iconic film is a journey through the millennia of history in Krakow.
- Zakopane – If you have time (two days is ideal), you should definitely visit the mountain town of Zakopane!
Prices and tickets for the Town Hall Tower
Visiting the Town Hall Tower is relatively affordable, especially given its central location and the quality of the exhibits inside. As of 2024, the standard adult ticket price is around 15 PLN (approximately €3.50), with discounted rates for students, seniors, and children typically available for about 10 PLN (€2.50).
Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance to the tower, or online through the Historical Museum of Krakow’s official website.
If you’re planning to visit other museums and attractions in the city, consider purchasing a Krakow City Pass, which includes free entry to the Town Hall Tower along with access to nearly 40 other museums and monuments around Krakow. We have a complete guide to the Krakow City Pass here for more info.
The tower is open year-round, but its hours of operation can vary depending on the season. Generally, it’s open from 10am to 6pm, but hours may be extended during peak tourist seasons, such as the summer months. It’s a good idea to check the official website for up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
Additionally, like many historic sites in Krakow, the Town Hall Tower is closed on certain public holidays and may have reduced hours on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.all fee of 12 PLN per adult and 8 PLN for children and students for the museum.
