The Market Square Underground and Collegium Maius tell two different but complementary stories about Kraków’s past: the Underground shows the city "from below" – layers of settlement, trade and everyday life of the medieval and early modern Market Square; Collegium Maius is a rare, well-preserved example of Central European university heritage, with a medieval atmosphere, historic rooms and a collection of scientific instruments.
If you only have three days in Kraków, these sites give a quick yet deep glimpse into the city’s history: the Underground provides urban context and tangible traces of daily life, while Collegium Maius lets you feel the atmosphere of scholarship and academic tradition that shaped Kraków for centuries.
Day 1 - Main Market Square and the Underground: start with a walk around the Market Square, see the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church, then descend into the Market Square Underground. They connect naturally – you can enter the underground museum from the Cloth Hall area.
Day 2 - Wawel and surroundings: devote a day to the Royal Castle, the Cathedral and a walk along the Vistula boulevards. If time allows, visit the National Museum or one of the smaller exhibitions nearby.
Day 3 - Collegium Maius and the Old Town: reserve the morning for Collegium Maius (a short visit rich in detail), then enjoy nearby cafés and university museums; leave the afternoon for craft shopping and favorite local eateries.
Day 1 (Market and Underground): Morning: come to the Main Market Square right after opening to avoid the biggest crowds. Walk through the Cloth Hall and do a quick visit to St. Mary’s Church (outside and inside, if planned). Before noon descend to the Market Square Underground. Allow at least 1–2 hours for the route and exhibits; this gives enough time to calmly see the main parts and use interactive displays.
Day 2 (Wawel and surroundings): Get up early and head to Wawel — touring the Royal Chambers and the Cathedral usually takes 1.5–3 hours, depending on chosen exhibitions. In the afternoon: stroll the boulevards, have coffee near Grunwald Bridge or return to Kazimierz for dinner.
Day 3 (Collegium Maius and the university area): Plan Collegium Maius for the morning — university museums often have shorter opening hours, so earlier is better. A visit usually takes 45–90 minutes. After the museum, explore nearby streets (Jagiellońska, Grodzka), grab lunch and pack any last attractions before departure.
Market Square Underground: during the high season and popular events it’s wise to buy tickets in advance, but remember there are regular free-entry days — many museums in the city, including the Underground, sometimes offer free admission on Tuesdays. On those free days tickets may be issued only at the ticket office and places are limited, so arrive early if you want free entry.
Collegium Maius: a small but very popular site with limited simultaneous visitors and often shorter opening hours (especially on weekdays). If you need a guaranteed time slot, check the museum’s official information and consider booking ahead.
Ticket prices: museum tickets in Kraków are usually affordable, with full-price, reduced and family options. If you plan intensive sightseeing, check whether a museum pass or city card makes sense—sometimes it saves both time and money.
Ticket office and information point: the Underground ticket office is near the Cloth Hall (Visitor Service Centre). Collegium Maius has a ticket desk at the entrance on Jagiellońska Street. On site, ask about last-entry times — there is often a cut-off for the final admission before closing.
Best time to visit: the Underground is best early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. Collegium Maius is usually nicer to visit earlier in the day because of shorter hours and reduced comfort when the rooms are crowded.
Visit duration: allow at least one hour for the Underground (often 1–2 hours) and 45–90 minutes for Collegium Maius. If you plan to read every label and use interactive stations, build in extra time.
Facilities: the Underground has an elevator and restrooms; the museum offers family-friendly solutions (e.g. changing table). Collegium Maius is a historic building – some areas have stairs, so plan routes for strollers or limited mobility accordingly.
Weather and clothing: the underground spaces are cooler than the surface — bring a light layer. Indoor museum rooms can be dry and climate-controlled.
After visiting the Underground, eat near the Main Market Square. Recommended places: Wierzynek (historic dining, more formal), Cafe Camelot (cozy spot great for coffee and dessert), Charlotte (fresh baked goods and breakfasts). These spots offer local flavors and comfortable places to rest between attractions.
After Collegium Maius you can choose cafés and bars around the University — small cafés on Jagiellońska and Grodzka serve good cakes and provide an energy boost for more walking.
For local lunch or dinner consider restaurants in Kazimierz — this lively neighborhood is ideal for ending a day with regional dishes or international cuisine.
Market Square Underground: the museum is prepared for visitors with different needs — there is an elevator and wide pathways, and family stops with interactive stations. If you’re with a stroller, ask at the ticket office for the most convenient entrance.
Collegium Maius: as a historic building it contains stairs and narrower passages in parts. Before visiting, check accessibility options and ask museum staff for assistance — they often suggest the most comfortable routes.
Reduced-price tickets: students, children and seniors are usually eligible for discounts. Bring appropriate ID when planning your visit.
Start days early: in the morning most attractions are less crowded and it’s easier to stick to your plan.
Check closed days: some museum branches have regular closure days (for example, a weekday each month) — verify before you head out so you don’t find an exhibit closed.
Group nearby attractions: the Market, Cloth Hall, Underground and Collegium Maius are all in the compact center — plan them across one day or two short blocks to make the most of your time.
Arriving from the airport? The fastest way to the center is by train or direct bus, then explore on foot — many attractions are within walkable distance.
Can I visit the Market Square Underground for free? - Yes, many Kraków museums have free-entry days; the Underground is sometimes free on Tuesdays, but on those days tickets are commonly given only at the ticket office and places are limited.
How much time should I reserve for Collegium Maius? - A standard visit lasts 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how closely you want to study the displays or join a guided part of the tour.
Can I take photos in the Underground? - Photography is usually allowed but often with restrictions (no flash and no tripods). Always check the rules on site.
Is it worth booking tickets online? - In high season and on weekends, booking online gives peace of mind and guarantees entry; on free-admission days online booking may not be available and you’ll have to get a ticket in person at the box office.
Do I need a combined ticket for multiple sites? - It depends on your plan: if you want to visit several museums, look into passes; sometimes a combined ticket saves money and time, but it isn’t always necessary.
Check opening hours for the Market Square Underground and Collegium Maius on the museums’ official pages (especially during peak season and holidays).
Decide whether you’ll use free-entry days (e.g. some Tuesdays) — if so, plan to arrive early because available spots can run out.
Bring comfortable shoes, water and a light layer for cooler underground corridors.
Reserve lunch near the Market or in Kazimierz — it’s a great way to rest between attractions and taste Kraków’s cuisine.
