Loading...

Market Underground, Zakopane and Trips for Large Groups — A Practical Krakow Guide 2025

Market Underground, Zakopane and Trips for Large Groups — A Practical Krakow Guide 2025
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

What to expect? A few questions to start with

Wondering whether it’s worth going down under the Market? How long does a trip to Zakopane from Krakow take? Can we arrange a program for a group of 30–60 people? This text answers those and similar questions directly, in plain language and without excessive formality.

I write practical tips and concrete information that will help you plan a day (or several days) in Lesser Poland. If you’d like to book a tour, feel free to contact me — you’ll find contact details and an FAQ below.

Market Underground — why go under the Main Market Square?

The Market Underground is a unique underground museum located a few metres below the surface of the Main Market Square. It’s a multimedia journey through time that brings to life medieval Krakow — trade, crafts, everyday habits and the oldest traces of the city’s buildings.

The exhibition shows authentic archaeological finds as well as reconstructions and modern multimedia presentations. It’s a great place for anyone who wants to feel the city “from the inside” — literally.

A typical visit takes from about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the group’s pace and whether you choose a museum guide or self-guided visit with an audio guide.

Important logistical note: the exhibition is underground and requires going down stairs. For visitors with limited mobility it’s worth checking accessibility and possible alternatives in advance.

What you’ll see in the Market Underground — a few concrete highlights

Reconstructed fragments of the medieval market and tenement houses — you’ll get a feel for the street layout from centuries ago and see how trade worked.

Archaeological finds documenting continuous settlement and trade at the Main Market Square over hundreds of years.

Multimedia, interactive stations — films, animations and 3D reconstructions that make historical context easier to understand.

For groups — ready-made themed routes and the possibility of guided tours, which significantly enrich the experience and make it easier to cover the exhibition in a short time.

Zakopane in one day — what we usually see on a day trip

Zakopane is an ideal destination for a full-day trip from Krakow. Typical programs include Krupówki (the main pedestrian street), Gubałówka (option to ride the funicular), Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery, characteristic Zakopane villas and the Sanctuary on Krzeptówki.

We often include Wielka Krokiew — if you wish, we can arrange access to the viewing platform. Depending on the season and the group’s interests, we plan culinary stops, short walks or viewpoints for panoramas.

Remember that some attractions (for example cable cars or funiculars) charge separate fees — it’s good to tell participants in advance so everyone can have small change for tickets.

Sample costs and pricing for large groups (approximate)

For large groups (from about 36 people and up) standard guiding rates within Krakow and for one-day excursions are often quoted per person. As an example: 2 hours — around 14 PLN/person, 3 hours — around 17 PLN/person, 4 hours — around 20 PLN/person (rates vary by route and season).

A day trip to Zakopane is usually billed as a full day and may have a separate pricing structure — current rates and promotions are posted on the website. For groups larger than 35 people we often use headset sets (audio guides) — the cost of such a set is approximately 8 PLN/person.

Watch for seasonal promotions and special offers — sometimes promotional rates apply on specific dates. That’s why it’s worth confirming the latest price list with me before booking.

How I organize trips for large groups (30–60 people)

Experienced organisation and clear procedures are key. I work with school groups, corporate groups and tourists — from small parties to several dozen people. In practice: we agree the route, meeting time, schedule of breaks and transfer logistics.

For participant comfort we often use headset sets, which make communication easy even with many people and in crowded places.

I’ll plan a meeting point convenient for everyone (most often the Main Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz monument or another prearranged spot), advise on the optimal daily schedule and prepare a plan B for bad weather.

If the group numbers 30–60 people, it’s worth agreeing beforehand on subgroup division, break timings and any special needs (e.g. accessibility for people with limited mobility, dietary requirements, child supervision).

Practical tips before the trip and on site

Book in advance — popular dates (weekends, long weekends, summer and the holiday season) fill up quickly. For school and corporate groups it’s wise to book several weeks ahead.

Inform participants about extra costs: entrance fees, cable cars, parking, possible lunches. That gives comfort and avoids surprises during the trip.

Clothing and footwear — especially for trips to the Tatras: layer up and wear comfortable shoes. In winter bring warm outerwear; in spring and autumn be prepared for changing weather.

Mountain weather can be unpredictable. If we plan short walks, always have an alternative plan with indoor attractions protected from rain.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Does the guide speak English? — Yes, I lead tours in both Polish and English.

How do I book a tour? — The quickest way is by phone or email. After booking we’ll confirm route details, time and meeting place.

Are entrance tickets included in the price? — The guiding fee usually covers the guiding service; museum tickets and cable cars are often charged separately. I can help with ticket purchases and advise what’s worth booking in advance.

What happens if it rains? — I have a plan B: more museums, shorter covered walks and alternative program points. Tours usually go ahead regardless of the weather unless conditions threaten safety.

Do you organise school and corporate trips? — Yes. I prepare programs tailored to age, topic and the tour’s objective — from museum lessons to corporate team-building.

Contact and booking — how to arrange a tour with me

Phone: +48 501 962 037

E-mail: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com

After you contact me we’ll set the most convenient date, route and logistical details. I offer help with museum ticket reservations and organising one-day transport (for example to Zakopane) if needed.

Finally — a few personal tips from the guide

I like to tell Krakow’s stories so everyone finds something they enjoy — a curiosity, an anecdote, photo spots and tasty local treats. If you wish, I’ll tailor the pace and theme to the group (history, legends, family-friendly routes, culinary themes, etc.).

If you’re planning a large day trip to Zakopane, leave a little slack in the schedule for breaks and relaxed strolls along Krupówki — that often makes the difference in how the day is remembered.

I invite you to plan together — I’ll suggest what’s worth seeing, how to avoid crowds and how to organise the day so participants return happy and full of memories.