Guide to Nowa Huta and the Market Underground — Małgorzata Kasprowicz: contact, practical information and tips

Guide to Nowa Huta and the Market Underground — Małgorzata Kasprowicz: contact, practical information and tips
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

Who Małgorzata Kasprowicz is and how to contact her

Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Krakow tour guide with extensive experience — she has led thousands of visitors and runs tours along the city’s main routes, including Nowa Huta. Her style combines solid historical knowledge with anecdotes and a warm, approachable manner, so walks are enjoyable for adults and families with children alike.

To book a tour with Małgorzata the fastest way is by phone at +48 501 962 037. You can also send an inquiry by e-mail to kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — after booking, the guide will agree with you on the meeting place and start time and tailor the route to your expectations.

Małgorzata leads tours in Polish and English. For international groups it’s a good idea to request an English-language tour in advance to confirm availability.

What you’ll see on the Nowa Huta tour

The Nowa Huta route offers a look at one of Krakow’s most unique districts — planned from scratch in the PRL era as an industrial town. During the walk (often combined with a short transfer) you will see Central Square (Plac Centralny), the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury, NCK) and characteristic housing estates such as Osiedle Wandy and the Villa Estate — two of the oldest residential designs in this part of the city.

A tour with Małgorzata is not just dry history: you’ll learn what daily life looked like in the Polish People’s Republic, the hopes and tensions of residents, and how Nowa Huta transformed over the decades. Parts of the route may include memorial sites, local murals and examples of socialist realist architecture as well as places connected to social movements and changes after 1989.

The route is flexible — some parts are walked and other parts can be shortened or extended with a coach or public transport depending on the group’s time and fitness level. The guide adapts the pace and stops to the needs of the group.

Market Underground (Rynek Underground) — why it’s worth going beneath the Main Market Square

The Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku) is an archaeological museum located under the surface of the Main Market Square that reveals layers of the medieval city. The route “In the Footsteps of Krakow’s European Identity” lets you feel the atmosphere of past centuries — market sounds, scale models, multimedia and well-preserved relics of trade and everyday life in medieval Krakow.

The exhibits and the archaeological reserve (thousands of square metres of exhibition space) show how important Krakow was for trade and culture in medieval Europe. The display includes coins, ceramics, ornaments and reconstructions of market buildings and streets.

The Market Underground is located at Rynek Główny 1. If you plan to visit independently of a guided tour, check opening hours and ticket availability in advance — the museum’s contact phone is +48 12 426 50 60. During the high season and special events (for example Night of Museums) it’s recommended to reserve tickets ahead of time.

Booking, prices and practical rules (what to know before you go)

How to book: contact Małgorzata by phone at +48 501 962 037 or e-mail kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After agreeing a date you will arrange the meeting place and the tour details.

Meeting point: usually agreed individually; a popular and convenient central meeting point is the Main Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz monument, from where it’s easy to start a walk through the Old Town or transfer to Nowa Huta.

Pricing (example, indicative rates): the guide offers time-based packages tailored to the group — common options are 2, 3 and 4 hour tours. From October to March there are often seasonal promotions — ask about current pricing when booking. Museum entrance fees (for example to the Market Underground or Wawel Cathedral) are usually not included in the guiding fee and should be bought separately (the guide can help with ticket purchase).

Weather and clothing: much of the tour takes place outdoors — wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Tours run in light rain too; the guide has alternative indoor routes and sites to show if the weather is bad.

School and family groups: routes are adapted by age — Małgorzata has experience working with children and knows how to make stories engaging and accessible. Special rates often apply to school and organized groups.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Is a tour with Małgorzata suitable for seniors? - Yes. The route can be adjusted to avoid long walks or steep stairs. Please request a gentler route when booking.

Is access to the Market Underground limited by age or accessibility? - The museum features an engaging multimedia exhibition, but parts of the route include stairs and narrow passages. If you have mobility limitations, check accessibility options before booking — many museums provide information and alternatives.

Are museum tickets included in the guide fee? - Usually not. Tickets to museum branches and sacral sites are bought separately. The guide will help with ticket purchases and advise which entries to prioritise.

How long does the Nowa Huta tour last? - Standard options last 2–4 hours depending on how many places you want to see and whether you prefer to walk or include transfers. Full-day programmes are also possible.

A few practical tips and small tricks

Book in advance — especially in summer and on weekends, when the guide’s schedule and museum tickets can fill up quickly.

Combine visits: if you plan to see the Market Underground and then Old Town attractions, agree a plan with the guide that allows a smooth, unhurried transition between areas.

Insurance and health: if you travel with small children or people requiring special care, mention this when booking — the guide will suggest the best route and safety measures.

Payment: agree the preferred payment method when booking. Many small cafes and market stalls still prefer cash, but most guiding services accept card payments or bank transfers.

Where to eat after the tour — quick suggestions in central Krakow

After visiting the Old Town it’s worth stopping for a bite in one of the classic cafés or restaurants by the Market Square. A few places to consider: Wierzynek (a long‑standing traditional restaurant at the Main Market Square), Café Camelot (a cozy café close to the square) and Szara (modern cuisine in the heart of the Market Square).

If you finish your tour in Nowa Huta, look for local cafés and milk bars where you can feel the neighbourhood’s atmosphere — a great opportunity to try local dishes and talk to residents.

For something more casual, the centre has many bakeries and small bistros serving quick lunches — a practical choice if you plan to continue exploring the city.

Summary — why choose this tour

A Nowa Huta tour with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz combines local knowledge, passion and a practical approach for travellers. You’ll learn not only the facts and timelines but also how residents lived and why Nowa Huta looks the way it does today.

Adding a visit to the Market Underground gives you full historical context for Krakow — from medieval roots to the industrial heritage of the 20th century. It’s an excellent way to understand the city in a compact and human-centred way.

Want to book a date? Call +48 501 962 037 or write to kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — Małgorzata will gladly tailor the programme to your needs and provide practical tips before your trip.