The Rynek is the central market square and the focus of life above ground in Bochnia. It is a long rectangular plaza, flanked by 18th- and 19th-century townhouses now repurposed as cafes, a few restaurants and the offices of the local administration.
In summer, the terraces fill in the late afternoon and the square is the obvious place to eat pierogi or drink a beer after the salt mine. The town's Saturday market still draws a small crowd. The 14th-century Basilica of St Nicholas stands at the south-eastern corner.