Schindler’s Enamel Factory and the Market Square Underground offer two different but complementary perspectives on Kraków’s history: the first presents the city during the 20th‑century occupation, the second reveals layers of medieval and earlier urban life literally beneath the Main Market Square.
If you only have 48 hours, these two attractions are a great choice — they give historical and spatial context and are relatively close to each other (the Market Square sits in the city centre; Schindler’s Factory is in nearby Zabłocie).
This guide will help you buy tickets without stress, plan a two‑day route and suggest places to eat between visits.
Day 1: Main Market Square — Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, the Market Square Underground (visit beneath the square), and an afternoon stroll in Kazimierz or a coffee break.
Day 2: Zabłocie and Schindler’s Factory (morning visit), MOCAK if you’re into contemporary art, and an evening by the Vistula or dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Leave time for pleasant surprises: short exhibitions, local cafés and named souvenirs. Don’t try to cram everything into a tight schedule — two days is intense but rewarding.
Start at the Main Market Square in the morning before it gets crowded. The Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica are worth seeing from the outside and, if you plan to enter St. Mary’s, factor that time into your visit to the Underground.
The entrance to the Market Square Underground is through the Cloth Hall; the route presents archaeological layers of the city and stories of everyday life in historic Kraków. Book tickets in advance, especially in high season.
Note about free‑admission days: the Underground sometimes offers designated free days — check the month’s rules in advance; free entry on those days can still require collecting a (free) ticket at the box office.
Visiting time for the Underground: plan at least an hour for the route; with breaks and souvenir shopping allow about 1.5–2 hours.
Schindler’s Factory (a branch of the Museum of Kraków) offers a powerful, documentary look at the city’s fate in 1939–1945. The exhibition is moving and deserves time for reflection — allow 1.5–2 hours.
The Zabłocie area around the factory is an interesting spot today: MOCAK in converted industrial halls, pleasant cafés and lunch options. To rest after the exhibition try MOCAK Café or Forum Przestrzenie by the Vistula.
Opening hours at Schindler’s Factory can be extended in high season; Mondays are sometimes shorter than other days — check opening hours before you go.
If you plan to visit Schindler’s Factory — from autumn 2025 there have been important changes in ticket sales: online tickets are often name‑specific and released with a lead time (around 90 days). You may be asked to show photo ID at the entrance to confirm identity.
In practice this means: buy your ticket through the official museum system well in advance. Online purchases usually limit the number of tickets per transaction (for example, a maximum of 5 tickets). On‑site box offices still sell tickets for the nearest dates, but availability can be limited.
Market Square Underground tickets should also be reserved ahead, especially on weekends and during the season. The museum sometimes organises free‑entry days, but without a reservation you may face long waits or find tickets exhausted at the box office.
Beware of third‑party sellers offering “guaranteed” entry at much higher prices. The safest place to buy is the official museum sales system (the branch page of the Museum of Kraków or its official ticket point).
Opening hours matter: Schindler’s Factory commonly has shorter Monday hours (check the museum’s schedule); the Market Square Underground has its own closed days and breaks — verify current opening hours before your visit.
Getting there: it takes about 25–35 minutes on foot from the Market Square to Zabłocie, or use tram/bus (stops serve both the square and Zabłocie). From the Main Railway Station (Dworzec Główny) you can reach the Market Square on foot in 10–20 minutes.
Accessibility: both attractions have spatial constraints (the Underground features areas with lower ceilings — check mobility access in advance). If you need a lift or other assistance, ask staff when buying tickets.
Near the Market Square: Cafe Camelot (atmospheric café), Wierzynek Restaurant (historic and elegant option), Szara (good Polish cuisine close to the square).
Around Zabłocie and Schindler’s Factory: MOCAK Café (at the contemporary art museum), Forum Przestrzenie (relaxed riverside spot), plus local bistros and cafés on ul. Lipowa and Starowiślna.
For a quick taste of local food try a milk bar or a small pierogi place in the side streets of the Market or Kazimierz. It’s a good idea to reserve a table in the evening at popular restaurants.
The production halls of Schindler’s Factory today function as part of MOCAK’s historical complex — the original production space and the exhibition hall are two different parts of the site.
The Market Square Underground hides layers of buildings and traces of everyday life dating back to the Middle Ages — while visiting you literally move through successive eras of the city.
Many visitors don’t realise that in high season some tickets are sold as name‑specific and there are transaction limits — quick decisions on the spot may not be enough.
Mistake: buying tickets only on the day and assuming you’ll get them at the venue. Solution: reserve online via the official site or arrive early if you want to buy at the box office.
Mistake: trusting third‑party “guaranteed” offers at inflated prices. Solution: stick to official sales points or verified partners; if the price looks suspiciously high it’s likely a reseller.
Mistake: allowing too little time for exhibitions. Solution: add a 30–60 minute buffer for reflection, photos (if allowed) and possible queues.
Can I buy a Schindler’s Factory ticket on the day of the visit? - Often yes, but in season online tickets sell out weeks ahead; name‑specific tickets and purchase limits also restrict availability. If you don’t have a reservation, be prepared to queue at the box office.
Is the Market Square Underground suitable for children? - Yes, the exhibition includes multimedia and interactive elements and family‑friendly zones, but the route involves stairs and some confined spaces.
Will I need ID at the entrance? - Depending on ticketing rules (e.g. for name‑specific tickets to Schindler’s Factory), you may be asked for photo ID — have it with you.
Is it worth combining a visit with MOCAK? - If you like contemporary art and industrial spaces, MOCAK offers an interesting contrast to the historical exhibition.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan their visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to explore without stress and learn the history in depth, consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers professional guiding services — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A guided tour saves time and helps you discover the most interesting corners.
