Did you know that the small church set at the edge of the Main Market Square, St. Wojciech’s Church, is one of the oldest masonry churches in Krakow, and that its original floor level lay almost 2 meters below today’s paving? It’s a perfect place to start a short but rich route through the heart of the city: the undergrounds tell the Market’s story, and the nearby lanes hide more attractions you can visit during an intensive morning or afternoon. In this article you’ll find a tested route plan, clear information about tickets (including reduced fares), practical tips and the best places for coffee and lunch nearby — everything to help you make the most of your time in Krakow without stress.
St. Wojciech’s Church is modest from the outside but offers a lot to discover — especially its underground area, where you can see archaeological cross-sections of the old Market and reconstructions of earlier town structures. It’s worth planning your visit so you don’t miss seasonal exhibitions and occasional special events held there.
If you’re planning an intensive route through Krakow, start at the Main Market Square and St. Wojciech’s Church; from there it’s easy to walk to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and continue along the Royal Route toward Wawel or head toward Kazimierz. Below you’ll find a detailed plan, practical tips about reduced tickets and a list of recommended places to take a break.
The church’s underground is an archaeological reserve and a small exhibition dedicated to the history of the Main Market Square and the church itself. The exhibition is seasonal — it is most widely available in summer, when the display is accessible in greater extent.
Standard ticket prices for the underground exhibition are modest: a full-price ticket is just a few zlotys and a reduced ticket is typically discounted by several zlotys. Reduced fares are usually available to pupils, students, seniors and people with a documented disability — always remember to show the appropriate ID or certificate at the entrance to claim a discount.
Occasionally special events are organized (for example, Museum Night) with separate fees or symbolic admission. If you want to avoid queues, some tourist operators offer timed tickets, but if you prefer to save money, the local museum price list is often the cheapest option.
This proposal is tailored for a short, intensive visit: ideal for people with limited time who want to see the main points around the Main Market Square.
1. Start: Main Market Square — a quick look at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the Town Hall Tower (15–30 min).
2. St. Wojciech’s Church — enter the interior and, if open, visit the underground exhibition (30–45 min). This place connects architectural history with the archaeological story of the Market.
3. St. Mary’s Basilica — a quick view (enter the interior if time allows, about 30 min).
4. The Royal Route toward Wawel — stop at St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican, then stroll down Grodzka Street (30–45 min).
5. Wawel — an outdoor walk around the hill, and optionally enter the cathedral or the Castle (time depends on tickets; plan at least 30 min).
If you prefer to stay in the center, you can skip Wawel and instead reserve more time for café breaks and visits to one of the nearby coffee shops or restaurants.
Underestimating the time needed. Many visitors assume a “quick tour” will take far less time — give yourself buffer for unexpected stops, photos and possible queues at entrances.
Not checking the exhibition seasonality. The undergrounds are sometimes open seasonally and during specific hours — it’s best to check current opening times before you leave.
Forgetting documents for discounts. If you plan to use reduced fares, take your student ID, senior card, disability certificate or other required proof. Without it you will lose the discount at the entrance.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes and not preparing for cool temperatures in the undergrounds. The underground can be cooler and the surfaces uneven — comfortable footwear and a light extra layer are always useful.
Choosing the wrong time of day. The largest crowds are in early afternoon; for more peace and shorter queues, pick early morning or late afternoon outside peak hours.
Getting there and location: the church stands at the Main Market Square, so you can reach it on foot from most points in the Old Town.
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: because of the age of the monument and the presence of underground areas, some spaces may be difficult to access for visitors using wheelchairs — it’s advisable to call ahead and ask about accessibility conditions.
Visiting time: the interior of the church itself takes about 15–30 minutes; the undergrounds and exhibition add about 30–45 minutes depending on interest. For an intensive route plan 2–4 hours to cover the main attractions around the Market.
If you want to eat well and quickly after sightseeing, consider well-rated places known for quality: Cafe Camelot (an atmospheric artistic café), Charlotte (bakery and breakfast spot), Pod Wawelem (traditional Polish cuisine in a convenient format) and the restaurants around the Cloth Hall that offer a wide choice of dishes. Choose places with good reviews — that’s the safest way to avoid average quality.
For a quick coffee break, small cafés on Kanonicza and Grodzka Streets are great choices — perfect for a short rest before continuing your walk. If you’re after something more special or elegant, consider dinner in a restaurant with a view of the Market or in the Wawel area.
Remember that the Market area can be pricier — if you want to save, look for daily specials outside the Market or visit milk bars and small bistros on side streets.
St. Wojciech’s Church often surprises visitors: although it looks intimate today, its foundations date back to the 11th–12th centuries, and some original elements lie almost 2 meters below the current Market surface.
In the undergrounds you’ll see reconstructions of earlier buildings and cross-sections of successive layers of the Market’s use — a rarely visited but highly instructive part of the city’s heritage.
Another surprise is that while the church sits in the center of the tourist bustle, its interior can be surprisingly calm — it’s worth taking a quiet moment inside and listening to how the city sounds from within the church.
Are the undergrounds open year-round? - Not always. Many underground exhibitions operate seasonally, especially in the summer months; it’s best to check current opening dates before your visit.
How much is a reduced ticket? - Prices change, but reduced tickets for small archaeological exhibitions in the center are usually significantly cheaper than full price. To get a discount you must present a document confirming your entitlement.
Can you take photos in the undergrounds? - Rules may vary by exhibition; photography without flash is often allowed, but check with staff.
Is it worth buying tickets online? - For popular events or during high season, online tickets help avoid queues; on a normal day the local ticket may be cheaper.
How much time should I plan for the intensive route? - For the proposed Market route, undergrounds and a short walk to Wawel, plan 2–4 hours; if you want to enter museums at Wawel, add at least 1–2 hours more.
Documents for discounts (student ID, disability certificate, senior card).
Comfortable shoes and a light extra layer — the undergrounds can be chilly.
Check opening hours and seasonality of the underground exhibitions.
Small change for small tickets — although most places accept cards, small museum admissions sometimes accept cash only.
A phone with a charged battery and a clear meeting point in case you get separated from your companions.
If you liked this short guide to an intensive route with a visit to St. Wojciech’s Church, share it with friends or on your social profiles — you’ll help others better plan their stay in Krakow.
If you would like to explore with someone who knows local curiosities and can tailor the route to your interests, consider booking a private guide service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Wishing you wonderful impressions while discovering Krakow — may this intensive route be the start of a longer adventure in a city full of history and flavors!
