The Market Square Underground is a great way to begin a full day of sightseeing — the museum lies a few metres below the surface of the Main Market Square, beneath the Cloth Hall, and offers a unique perspective on the city’s origins. It is both a multimedia and archaeological space: it brings to life the work of craftsmen, merchants and residents of medieval Kraków and shows traces of settlement from the 11th–13th centuries. For a group of 7–20 people a visit typically lasts around 60–90 minutes and sets the story of the city before you return to the surface and walk the Royal Route.
Starting below ground helps you avoid the hottest sun and the biggest crowds on the square; it also lets you introduce themes of trade and urban life that tie neatly into visits to the Cloth Hall, the Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica. Bear in mind the exhibition is extensive and in places runs through narrow passages — it’s worth asking the museum about reservations and any accessibility arrangements for people with limited mobility.
- Entrance: through the Cloth Hall (internal stairs), visit time: approx. 1–1.5 h, multimedia and archaeological exhibition.
A sample, flexible full-day plan — adjust the pace to the age and interests of your group:
09:30 - 11:00: Market Square Underground — begin with a journey through time. Tip: book tickets and report your group size in advance.
11:00 - 12:00: Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall — a short walk across the square, a talk about the Cloth Hall, the old municipal weigh-house and everyday life at the medieval market. It’s worth admiring the façade of St. Mary’s Basilica and telling the story of the bugle call (hejnał).
12:00 - 12:30: Entry to St. Mary’s Basilica or a short exterior introduction — if the group wants to see the interior, reserve tickets or allow time for the queue; an interior visit including the altarpiece by Veit Stoss takes about 30–45 minutes.
12:30 - 14:00: Walk the Royal Route to Wawel and visit parts of the hill — if you plan to enter the Castle or the Cathedral, remember there are separate routes and tickets; online booking makes things much easier.
14:00 - 15:00: Lunch — we recommend reserving tables for the whole group. Suggestions: restaurants around the Market Square, near Wawel or in Kazimierz — see the 'Where to eat' section.
15:00 - 17:00: Kazimierz — stroll through the former Jewish quarter: historic synagogues, Plac Nowy, charming streets and cafés; optionally, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory for those interested (book tickets in advance).
17:00 - 18:00: Free time or an additional museum visit / return to the Market Square — Kraków’s evening atmosphere is lovely; if the group wants to stay longer, consider dinner or a short concert in an intimate venue.
Note: the plan is flexible — groups that prefer a slower pace can reduce the number of paid entries and replace them with stories and walks through historic streets.
Market Square Underground — an archaeological and multimedia exhibition with the feel of a “city within the city”.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall — the heart of the Old Town, great for photos and a short overview of the history of urban trade.
St. Mary’s Basilica — the altarpiece by Veit Stoss and the legendary bugle call; try to visit outside service hours if you want to see the interior.
Wawel — the royal hill: the Castle, representative rooms and the Cathedral with the national necropolis; remember separate tickets are required for different routes.
Kazimierz — synagogues, Plac Nowy and the neighbourhood’s unique atmosphere; ideal for an afternoon walk and local food.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory — a powerful, educational exhibition about Kraków during World War II; book tickets in advance if you plan to enter.
Book tickets in advance for the Market Square Underground, Wawel and Oskar Schindler’s Factory if you want to see interiors — popular time slots sell out quickly. For medium-sized groups check group ticket options and discounts.
Market Square Underground: a typical visit lasts about 1–1.5 h; the museum runs workshops and guided tours tailored to groups. Ask about special entry times and guide availability in your chosen language.
Wawel: the hill has several independent routes — Castle exhibitions, the Cathedral, the Dragon’s Cave etc. Tickets for specific routes are sold separately; check entry limits and the times of last admissions.
If you will be touring with a guide, consider portable amplification (headset systems) — they make it easier to communicate in busy streets. Many museums offer or recommend rented audio systems for a fee.
Getting around: walking is the best way to see the Old Town and Kazimierz — distances are short, but remember to schedule regular breaks and adapt the pace for less mobile participants.
Market Square and surroundings — good for groups wanting a quick sit-down after morning sightseeing; venues around the square are experienced in serving larger groups. Examples: Szara (Main Market Square) — Polish cuisine with a modern touch; restaurants on Floriańska and Grodzka streets often accept group reservations.
Wawel area — near the hill you’ll find homely inns and taverns serving traditional Polish dishes — if the group wants an authentic atmosphere, reserve ahead.
Kazimierz — a favourite area for tourists looking for a relaxed longer lunch or dinner. Recommended addresses: Starka (atmospheric Polish–Jewish cuisine), Hamsa (Middle Eastern / Mediterranean, vegetarian-friendly), Mleczarnia (a café and light-meal spot).
If you plan to eat at peak lunch hours (13:00–15:00), book in advance — for groups of 7–20 people this is essential. For dinner consider restaurants with private rooms or space for group events.
Meeting and identifying the group — pick a clear meeting point and time at the Underground entrance; name signs, coloured scarves or other markers help with headcounts.
Time and pace — remember museum entries have fixed hours and capacity limits; stick to the schedule to avoid losing time in queues.
Baggage and safety — many venues do not allow large backpacks; arrange storage or ask participants to bring small bags. Comfortable shoes are recommended — lots of cobbles and stairs.
Photography — museums often have restrictions (no flash, some rooms closed to photos). Remind the group of rules before entering each venue.
Visitors with limited mobility — some places, particularly underground and older monuments, have limited access. Call ahead to ask about lifts, alternative routes or other facilitation.
Q: How much time should we allow for the Market Square Underground? - A: For groups of 7–20 people the suggested time is 60–90 minutes, depending on whether you have a guided tour or use audio guides.
Q: Do we need to reserve tickets for Wawel? - A: Some routes at Wawel require tickets and have daily entry limits; for larger groups advance booking is recommended.
Q: Do museums provide amplification systems for groups? - A: Many institutions offer headset rental; if not, bring your own system or ask the venue for recommendations.
Q: Will restaurants accept a group of 15 without a reservation? - A: In high season it’s better to reserve; some places offer group menus which speeds service and simplifies organisation.
Q: What about toilets and breaks? - A: Plan short breaks every 1.5–2 hours, check locations of public restrooms along the route and inform the group before entering museums.
1) Check opening hours and entry limits for the Market Square Underground, Wawel and Oskar Schindler’s Factory and book tickets online where possible.
2) Reserve a restaurant for lunch and (optionally) dinner for the whole group.
3) Prepare a backup plan in case of bad weather — indoor alternatives, museums or longer café breaks.
4) Set a meeting point and time windows for gatherings — share them with participants before the trip.
5) Check special needs of participants (dietary requirements, mobility limits) and inform the places you will visit.
Sightseeing in Kraków is above all about pace and storytelling — for groups of 7–20 people the best approach mixes short interior visits with interesting street stories. Leave time for spontaneous discoveries — ice cream on the Market Square, a café pause in Kazimierz or a quick visit to a craftsman’s workshop.
If you’d like, I can help prepare a detailed plan for your group with specific reservations and group menu options — tell me the date, group size and dietary preferences and I will prepare a tailored proposal. Have a wonderful visit and an unforgettable day in Kraków! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, tour guide.
- Good luck and see you in Kraków!
