The Market Underground is an impressive place — both literally and figuratively. Beneath the surface of the Main Market Square lies a unique archaeological reserve showcasing the remains of medieval Kraków and tangible traces of the city’s international trade contacts. For corporate groups, a visit here combines educational value, team bonding and spectacular surroundings that spark conversation, inspire and let you see the city from a fresh perspective.
For business teams the Market Underground makes an attractive program item — you can arrange a concise, substantive guided tour, or include it as part of a larger integration event (for example a walk through the Old Town followed by dinner). Choosing a licensed guide ensures a tailored narrative for your group: thematic historical highlights, interesting anecdotes, supporting materials and an organizational contact who makes booking and logistics easier.
If you’re planning a business trip, training or corporate event in Kraków, the Market Underground is a program element that blends meaningful content with a striking setting.
The tour follows the “traces of Kraków’s European identity” and lets you see parts of the archaeological reserve discovered beneath the eastern side of the Market. You’ll pass through city layers from different eras, view everyday objects that were found, fragments of buildings, and elements connected to trade and urban life — all framed by stories about how Kraków functioned in medieval Europe.
The exhibition is interactive and designed to engage visitors of different ages and interests — ranging from short, vivid anecdotes to broader historical context. For companies this means every participant can take away something valuable: a new curiosity, a conversation starter or simply an aesthetic experience from walking under the wide surface of the Market.
Keep in mind that part of the exhibition is an archaeological reserve — areas require careful movement and respect for display rules. This is a great opportunity during the guided tour to touch on urban archaeology, trade and Kraków’s role as an important center of medieval Europe.
The Market Underground operates organized visitor routes and entrances can be limited — especially in high season and during major city events. That’s why booking in advance is essential. For corporate groups it’s best to set the date and number of participants before arrival to ensure available slots and the possibility of a guided tour.
If you plan to include the visit in a corporate program, book tickets via the museum’s official booking system or through the visitor service center. For guided groups dedicated entry times can be arranged and audio-headset sets may be available, which greatly improve communication in larger groups.
Remember to confirm: number of attendees, expected length of visit, any needs regarding headsets, information about participants eligible for discounts (e.g. students, seniors) and whether anyone in the group has mobility limitations — all this helps staff tailor the service.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Kraków guide authorized to lead tours including the Market Underground. For companies she offers visits adapted to the group’s character: shorter contextual presentations, themed routes or full guided tours combined with walks through the Old Town and Wawel Hill.
With Małgorzata you can plan a program focused on the company’s needs: more “historical” for those who love the past, more “story-based” with anecdotes and metaphors for team integration, or practical — combining the tour with logistics for the rest of the corporate program. The guide also provides audio-headset sets that improve comfort for larger groups.
It’s practical to get in touch in advance to discuss the visit format, duration and additional needs (translation, participant materials, breaks). With extensive experience guiding school groups and corporate clients, Małgorzata adapts pace and language to the audience’s expectations.
Duration: plan at least 45–90 minutes for the Market Underground route — depending on the chosen tour mode and the number of questions from participants. Allow extra time for gathering the group and crossing the Market.
Meeting point: groups usually meet on the surface of the Main Market Square (near the Cloth Hall or at an agreed landmark) and then descend to the Underground entrance. When booking, agree on an exact meeting point and time so the whole team can enter together.
Accessibility: some underground areas may not be fully accessible to people using wheelchairs or with significant mobility limitations — always report this ahead of time to check options or consider an alternative program for such participants.
Headset sets: for larger groups it’s worth using audio-guide/headset sets so everyone can hear the guide clearly. These are usually available for an additional fee and can be ordered with your booking.
Safety and rules: silence and careful movement are expected in the Underground. Photography is generally allowed without flash, but confirm rules before entering.
Sample half-day integration program with a Market Underground visit: 09:30 — meet at the Main Market Square and a short 10–15 minute warm-up activity. 09:45 — enter the Market Underground for a guided tour (approx. 60 minutes). 11:00 — short walk through the Old Town (photo stop, historical context). 11:30 — coffee break or lunch at a nearby restaurant booked in advance.
For a full-day event, the Market Underground can be combined with a Wawel visit, a tour of Kazimierz or team-building activities in one of the atmospheric restaurants or conference rooms nearby. A good guide will recommend the optimal scenario, taking into account time, group size and meeting objectives.
Plan meals at a venue that can accommodate your group and offers a timely, group-friendly menu. Traditional restaurants by the Market and atmospheric places in Kazimierz are recommended — reserve tables well in advance, especially during the tourist season.
Wierzynek (Main Market Square) — a classic, representative option for larger groups and formal lunches.
Szara Gęś w Kuchni (Market) — elegant cuisine with traditional inspirations, convenient for groups.
Cafe Camelot (ul. Świętego Jana) — an intimate spot for coffee and cake after the walk.
Starka (Kazimierz) — popular regional cuisine and a friendly atmosphere, good for informal team gatherings.
Plac Nowy area (Kazimierz) — many street-food options and smaller places if you prefer a more casual vibe.
Practical recommendation: reserve a table in advance and choose a place with quick service for groups. If you plan a formal lunch, inform the restaurant about the number of guests and dietary preferences.
Do you need a guide to enter the Market Underground? It’s not required for individual visitors, but for corporate groups we recommend a licensed guide — this enriches the presentation, shortens the time spent on questions and allows tailoring content to the group.
How far in advance should we book tickets and a guide for a large group? Ideally several weeks ahead, especially outside the high summer season and during city events. For large conferences or special events, book even earlier.
How many people fit in a group with a guide? It depends on the desired format. Small groups (up to about 35 people) enjoy more flexibility; for larger groups the guide can use headset sets or split the group into smaller subgroups.
Is it possible to organize a special corporate event in the Underground? The museum occasionally makes conference zones and special tours available during events (e.g. Museum Night). If you’re considering an unconventional event, consult with the museum staff and the guide in advance.
What about participants with limited mobility? Not all underground sections are fully accessible to wheelchairs — report such needs when booking to determine the best solution or an alternative route.
Confirm the participant list the day before the visit — it helps staff and speeds up entry.
Be punctual — entries are often scheduled every few dozen minutes; delays make program synchronization harder.
Prepare a short notice for participants: meeting place and time, approximate duration, weather tips and information about available discounts.
If the group includes people with food allergies or special needs (e.g. vegetarians, gluten-free), notify the restaurant when booking and inform the guide so they can suggest suitable options during the program.
Provide an emergency contact — the organizer’s phone number and the guide’s contact make it easier to handle unforeseen situations.
