Kazimierz is one of the most atmospheric parts of Krakow — once an independent town and later the center of Jewish life, today it is a lively district full of synagogues, galleries, cafés and narrow streets that invite you to wander. A walk through Kazimierz lets you learn about the history of a multicultural city, see historic synagogues (for example the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue), visit the Remuh Cemetery and explore modern museums dedicated to Jewish culture and regional history. For many visitors Kazimierz is also an evening destination — great restaurants, cafés and live music create a unique vibe.
Kazimierz blends history with a rich culinary and artistic scene: galleries, craft shops and small museums mean every visit can look different depending on your interests. It’s also a good place to try local and international flavors — from Jewish-inspired dishes to contemporary bistros.
The Market Underground (Rynek Podziemny) is a modern archaeological exhibition located beneath the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and part of the Main Market Square. The route follows fragments of medieval trade routes, shows remains of former stalls, elements of urban infrastructure and everyday objects found during excavations. The exhibition combines authentic finds with modern multimedia — holograms, projections and interactive displays help imagine life in medieval Krakow.
Visiting is family-friendly — the exhibition includes interactive elements and educational zones so younger guests can discover history in an engaging way. The route runs along secured walkways and ramps; lifts in some areas make it largely accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
Keep in mind that the Underground is part of the Krakow Museum — entries are limited to specific time slots and the last admission is usually around 75 minutes before the museum closes.
Opening hours for the Market Underground have often been standardized: the museum is typically open from morning to evening, with shorter hours on some weekdays and longer hours on weekends. As a practical example: Monday often around 10:00–19:00, Tuesday shorter, Wednesday–Thursday 10:00–19:00, and Friday–Sunday sometimes longer (for example until 20:00). Exact hours and occasional closures change seasonally and for holidays — some weekdays each month may be closed.
Tickets: prices vary by type (regular, reduced, family, group) and can change over time; in recent years a regular ticket has typically cost a few dozen zloty. The museum sometimes offers free-admission days (for example certain Tuesdays); on free days advance online reservations are usually not possible and tickets are issued at the ticket office on the day of the visit.
How to reserve: for popular dates (weekends, summer months, holidays) it’s a good idea to buy tickets online in advance. For spontaneous visits try to come early in the morning or outside peak hours. If you plan to visit on a free-admission day, be prepared to queue — no reservations often means tickets run out quickly.
Tickets can be bought online (museum ticketing platform) or at the on-site ticket office. When planning your visit check the rules for free-admission days — on those dates online reservation is usually not available and entry is granted based on availability that day.
Entrance location: Main Market Square (entry from the Cloth Hall side).
Visitor Service contact: phone number for questions about reservations and educational programs, and an e-mail address for school groups and group bookings. It’s best to use the museum’s official channels to confirm current hours and ticket prices.
Suggested plan for someone who wants to combine the Market Underground with a visit to Kazimierz: start at the Main Market Square and the Underground (about 60–90 minutes), then take a short walk to Kazimierz — Szeroka Street, Wolnica Square and the surrounding streets. See the Old Remuh Cemetery and the Remuh Synagogue, and if you have time visit the Galicia Jewish Museum or a local exhibition.
If you only have half a day: choose either the Market Underground plus a stroll through the Old Town, or an intensive walk around Kazimierz with a stop for coffee and a snack. For dinner return to Kazimierz — the district comes alive in the evening with music and restaurants.
Logistics tips: wear comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and stairs in old buildings are unavoidable; in high season bring a light layer — the underground spaces can be cooler than the surface.
Kazimierz has an excellent culinary offer — from cozy cafés to highly rated restaurants. Popular spots that often receive good reviews include Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (Middle Eastern cuisine with a lively atmosphere), Mleczarnia (a café in an artistic setting), Singer (a café near the old sewing machine with unique décor), and many restaurants serving local and international dishes. For a quick, local bite visit the food area around Plac Nowy with its traditional snacks.
Reservations: for evening dining, especially at weekends, it’s wise to reserve a table in advance — the best places fill up quickly. If you’re looking for traditional Polish cuisine in a refined setting, consider highly rated restaurants in the city center; Kazimierz also offers many good vegetarian and vegan options.
Not booking tickets in advance — in season this risks long queues or sold-out slots. Solution: buy an online ticket if available, or arrive early outside peak hours.
Thinking Kazimierz is only one street — that’s a mistake. The neighborhood has several interesting squares, sacred monuments and small museums worth visiting. Plan to leave time for discovering side streets and local galleries.
Neglecting weather and clothing — the underground can be cool and damp, and outdoor weather can be changeable. Tip: bring layers and wear comfortable shoes.
The Market Underground displays everyday objects found in situ — many visitors are surprised that exhibits are shown in the context of their original locations, which creates a strong sense of connection with the past.
For centuries Kazimierz was an independent town with its own town hall and urban layout — many buildings and street patterns still show traces of that older identity, even though today galleries, cafés and restaurants give the district a new, lively character.
Is it worth taking children to the Market Underground? Yes — the exhibition includes interactive elements and educational zones, but it’s a good idea to check the route and pace your visit according to the children’s ages.
How much time should I allow for the Underground? Minimum 60–90 minutes if you want to view the exhibition calmly and use the multimedia features.
Is advance reservation necessary? For popular times — yes. On free-admission days reservations are usually not possible and tickets are issued at the ticket office on the day of the visit.
Is the Underground accessible for people with reduced mobility? Many museum branches strive to provide accessibility — there are facilities such as lifts, but it’s recommended to confirm details with visitor services when planning your visit.
Kazimierz and the Market Underground make an essential pairing for visitors to Krakow — engaging history presented in an attractive way and a vibrant neighborhood create a perfect complement. Plan your visit in advance, consider buying tickets online, leave time to stroll around Kazimierz and pause for a good coffee or dinner.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore with a private guide, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your trip to Krakow!
