The Rynek Underground is a unique place: it combines authentic archaeological excavations with modern multimedia displays. Descending beneath the Main Market Square brings you into old Kraków — medieval streets, building fragments, everyday objects and traces of life from centuries past. It’s a great starting point for a weekend with friends because when you come up you’re already in the heart of the Market and have the surrounding area ready to explore.
The visit offers dozens of surprising moments — from reconstructed alleyways, through interactive presentations, to fascinating archaeological finds. It’s an experience that’s easy to adapt to a group’s pace: some people will linger at models and multimedia stations, while others will move through more quickly to make time for coffee and a walk around the Old Town.
If your time in Kraków is limited, the Underground usually takes about 1–1.5 hours — when planning the rest of the day, leave time for a relaxed stroll and a meal afterward.
Location and entrance: the museum is located at Rynek Główny 1. The entrance and ticket offices are on the Cloth Hall side, opposite St. Mary’s Basilica.
Hours and reservations: the museum is open on weekends; hours can change seasonally, so check opening times before your visit. The last admission is usually about 75 minutes before closing. On some Tuesdays admission is free but free-entry days often do not allow advance online reservation — tickets for those days are available at the ticket office on the day of the visit. Note: the museum is closed on the second Monday of the month.
Contact: if you have questions it’s a good idea to call the Visitor Service Center — the museum provides a phone number and email for inquiries.
Visit length: about 60–90 minutes is a reasonable amount of time, though it depends on your group’s pace and interests.
Sample morning start: meet at the Adam Mickiewicz Monument, grab coffee and a croissant at a nearby café, then head into the Underground around 11:00 — this gives everyone time to arrive and for ticket reservations.
After the Underground (around 12:30–13:30): take a light walk around the Main Market Square, visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or stop briefly by the Town Hall Tower. For lunch choose well-reviewed spots nearby: Wierzynek (for a historic dining experience of local cuisine), Szara (comfortable lunch close to the Square) or Cafe Camelot (a cozy place for coffee and cake afterward).
Afternoon: stroll the Planty or head to Kazimierz — the Jewish Quarter has atmospheric cafés and bars, perfect for an evening out. If you want evening cultural options, check for concerts in nearby churches or small pop-up exhibitions.
Medieval streets and paved lanes — you’ll get a real sense of the city’s historical layout.
Authentic archaeological finds: coins, tools, jewelry and everyday objects that tell the story of local life.
Multimedia reconstructions and a model of medieval Kraków — great for understanding the city’s historic topography.
Fragments of burial grounds and finds related to funeral customs — parts of the exhibition that can be moving and give broad historical context.
Groups of friends who enjoy history presented in a modern way — the exhibition blends real excavations with technology.
Families with children: the museum has elements aimed at the youngest visitors (play areas and interactive panels), and the route is accessible with an elevator and toilets — one toilet on the route has a changing table.
Visitors with varied walking paces — the route is linear but it’s easy to stop and spend more time at chosen points.
Not booking tickets during the high season — this often leads to long queues. Booking online lets you enter at a chosen time and saves time.
Underestimating the time needed — a rushed 30–40 minute visit often leaves people wanting more. Plan 60–90 minutes.
Wearing too-light clothing — underground temperatures are usually cooler than on the surface; even in hot weather a light jacket or sweater comes in handy.
Assuming you can reserve online on a free-entry Tuesday — on free days tickets generally sell at the ticket office that same day and prior online reservation is usually not available.
For a quick coffee and atmospheric interior: Cafe Camelot — a pleasant stop after the Underground.
For a tasty lunch near the Square: Szara or Wierzynek — both have solid reputations and convenient locations.
If you’d like local flavors in a cozier setting, walk to Kazimierz — you’ll find intimate restaurants with regional dishes and great evening bars.
For dessert, pick a highly rated café near the Market — coffee and cake are a perfect way to round off an archaeological walk.
Beneath the Market researchers uncovered well-preserved layers of earlier buildings — walking here is like moving through layers of time.
The exhibition mixes archaeological exhibits with modern technologies — it’s not just “underground dungeons,” but a narrated history of the city.
The show also displays everyday objects and traces of ordinary life — these small finds are often the most memorable moments for visitors.
How long does the visit take? — Usually 60–90 minutes.
Do I need to book a ticket? — In the high season it’s strongly recommended to book online; on free-entry Tuesdays, tickets are generally sold at the ticket office on the day of the visit.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? — Yes, the museum aims to be accessible: there is an elevator and facilities on the route, but it’s a good idea to notify the museum in advance if someone in your group has special needs.
Is it cold underground? — Temperatures underground are usually lower than on the surface — bring a light sweater.
Check opening hours and reservation rules for the day you plan to visit.
Book tickets online if you’re planning a weekend or a busy afternoon during the season.
Dress in layers — it can be cooler underground.
Allow 1–1.5 hours for the visit and add time for coffee or lunch afterward.
Share this plan with friends or on social media — if you’d like to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), you can find her contact details on her guide page.
