The Market Square Underground is a unique exhibition located directly beneath the surface of the Main Market Square. Instead of another series of townhouse photos, you will see carefully uncovered remains of medieval buildings — house foundations, parts of workshops and a network of old waterworks. This underground “map” of the city gives a concrete insight into everyday life in past centuries and shows how layers of history built up one on top of another.
Visiting the underground feels a bit like a journey through time: the museum space combines archaeological finds with modern multimedia displays, so even visitors who don’t normally follow archaeology will leave with vivid images and stories. It’s a great choice if you want to show your cousin something different than the classic Market Square stroll. The route typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on whether you stop at every point and whether you take a guided tour.
Along the route you’ll encounter, among other things, fragments of former market stalls, remains of wooden wells, drainage systems and reconstructions of workshops. Those elements make the place more than a typical exhibition — they are real traces of everyday life from centuries ago.
Yes — the Market Square Underground is a suggestion for an interesting, short shared trip. The route is engaging and gives plenty of conversation starters: you can compare medieval life with today’s, then stop for a good coffee and continue your stories over cake or a local beer.
If your cousin enjoys history, archaeology or simply unusual places — the underground will impress them. If you prefer a more relaxed plan, schedule the visit for the morning or late morning and then take a break at one of the nearby cafés or bistros.
For visitors with reduced mobility it’s worth checking accessibility in advance — some sections include stairs, and the underground space can be cooler than the surface.
Prices and opening hours are sometimes updated, so a few days before your trip check the official ticket prices and opening hours. In practice single tickets are affordable; the museum usually offers concessions and family tickets, and on certain days there may be free admission — though places on free days can be limited.
Allow about 60–120 minutes for the visit. It’s cooler underground, so bring a light layer. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed — if you take photos, remember to be considerate of other visitors.
School groups and larger parties often visit with a guide and use headset systems; for two- or three-person groups a guide is an optional extra but highly recommended if you want to get more from the visit.
ID (sometimes required for concession tickets), comfortable shoes, a light jacket or sweater for the cooler underground, a charged phone for photos (without flash), and some cash or card for coffee afterward. If you come with a larger group, bring a list of participants or reservation confirmation.
If someone in your group has mobility issues, call or message the museum in advance to confirm the availability of step-free routes and other accommodations.
After leaving the underground, the Main Market Square offers many options for a break — from elegant restaurants to small, atmospheric cafés. Here are a few recommended, well-rated places nearby that are ideal for a chat with your cousin:
Cafe Camelot — atmospheric interior, good coffee and homemade cakes; perfect for relaxing after a Market Square walk.
Charlotte — bakery/bistro known for delicious pastries and good coffee; a great option for a late breakfast or light lunch.
Miód Malina — a friendly spot for a fuller meal or dessert, popular with both locals and visitors.
Wierzynek — a historic, more formal restaurant if you want a taste of “old Krakow”; recommended for a special occasion.
If you’re looking for something less touristy, walk a few streets toward Grodzka Street or All Saints’ Square — there are small cafés and bars often praised by locals.
Quick route for two or three people: start your visit in the morning, spend 60–90 minutes in the underground, then take a short walk across the Market Square — see the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, and take a break at Cafe Camelot or Charlotte. This balances history with relaxation.
For those who prefer quieter spots: after leaving the Market Square walk through the Planty toward Kanonicza Street — there you can sit on a bench and rest on a green avenue with views of parts of the old town.
Under the Market Square not only stone remains were found — archaeologists uncovered numerous wooden structures, wells and fragments of old workshops. Wooden elements that were buried for centuries survived well enough in special conditions to allow us to see their outlines today.
The underground route also reveals the city’s water system — remains of old aqueducts and wells help explain how complex urban life was centuries ago. For many visitors this is an “a-ha” moment when history stops being abstract and becomes a tangible, material story.
Assuming entry is always immediate — especially in high season or on free-admission days, remember that access is limited. Booking ahead — even just an online ticket — will help avoid disappointment.
Showing up without appropriate clothing — the underground can be chilly; short sleeves in winter are an unpleasant surprise. Bring a light sweater.
Thinking it’s just a ‘cellar with exhibits’ — to get the full understanding from your visit consider a short guided tour or read basic information about the Market Square before you go.
How long does a visit take? Usually 60 to 120 minutes, depending on pace and whether you take a guided tour. Can I take photos? Yes, but without flash and without tripods. Are there discounts for children and youth? The museum offers concession and family tickets — check the rules when buying tickets. Can everyone enter independently? Individual visitors can buy single tickets; larger groups often need to use a trained guide.
If you liked this suggested plan for a short but content-rich outing with your cousin — share the article with friends or send it to someone planning a visit to Krakow. If you’d like, I can help plan a route tailored to your interests and walking pace.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide) is happy to lead small groups and couples, sharing curiosities and anecdotes that make the city easier to understand. Contact details for guiding services are available on the local site — feel free to ask about bookings and questions.
