We usually look at the Main Market Square from above — the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church and the busy streets. Yet just under our feet lies a completely different world: an archaeological reserve where the layers of medieval Krakow have been revealed over the years. The Market Square Underground is a multimedia museum and a large archaeological space that lets you feel the atmosphere of the city centuries ago and see authentic remains of old stalls, cellars and paving. It enriches the familiar surface views and gives a lot more context to Krakow’s story.
Who is this attraction for? For everyone: families with children, people interested in history, archaeology students, and those who simply want to experience standing where trade and everyday city life took place for centuries. The exhibition pairs artifacts with multimedia, so even younger visitors get engaged.
It’s worth going down because you’ll find details not visible from the surface — layers of soil that show how the square’s level rose, fragments of old building walls, and hundreds of discovered objects like coins, jewelry and pottery that testify to Krakow’s contacts with the rest of Europe.
I recommend visiting at a relaxed pace, either with a guide or on your own, but do check ticket availability and reserve in advance — this site can be busy, especially during the tourist season.
In my tours I often combine the Underground with stories about trade, crafts and daily life in medieval Krakow — that way the history comes alive and the visit becomes more memorable.
The route runs among the walls and cellars of former commercial buildings — from the historic Bolesław merchant stalls to the Cloth Hall. You’ll encounter not only display cases with artifacts but also exposed parts of structures, paved passageways and soil profiles showing how the Market’s level changed over centuries.
In the exhibition halls you’ll find lifelike reconstructions, models, films and multimedia installations that help imagine the bustling medieval square. Among the exhibits are 14th-century coins, ceramic vessels, ornaments and everyday tools — small items that together tell a big story about trade and connections with other European cities.
As a guide, I find the most interesting parts to be those that connect material traces with historical anecdotes — for example, stories about what people bought at the Market, how transactions were made, or how building techniques evolved. Those details leave the strongest impression on groups.
Multimedia elements make the space easier to understand: sounds, animations and projections help you feel the rhythm of the old marketplace — especially effective for families with children.
The whole exhibition is arranged as a journey through time — from the pre-medieval period, through the development of trade, to the city’s modern transformations.
The Market Square Underground is a popular attraction, so it’s best to book in advance, particularly on weekends and in summer. Online booking usually lets you choose an entry time (a timed ticket), which helps plan your day.
If you plan to visit with a group or want a guided tour included in the ticket, let the organizers know ahead of time — many groups order group tickets and audio headsets to make the experience more comfortable in crowds.
Duration: I usually plan about 60–90 minutes for the route — enough time to walk the exhibition calmly, hear stories and ask questions. If you’re especially interested in archaeology and details, allow extra time.
Reduced-price tickets: municipal museums typically offer discounts for pupils, students, seniors and families; you’ll need to show a document proving eligibility. Discount rules can change, so check them when buying tickets.
If you’d like me to guide your group and arrange entry to the Underground as part of my tour, I can help with reservations and handle the formalities — a convenient option for families and organized groups.
My tours combine solid knowledge with a light, engaging storytelling style. In the Underground I like to blend archaeological facts with stories about the people who lived here: craftsmen, merchants, carriers and ordinary townspeople. That makes history more human and easier to remember.
I welcome various groups — from families with children, through school trips, to adult groups interested in history. I adjust the pace and language to the audience; for children I prepare more interactive puzzles and shorter anecdotes.
For larger groups we use headset sets so everyone can hear clearly even when it’s crowded. I also know a few “hidden” spots on the route that make the greatest impression — I show these to my guests so the visit is fuller and more interesting.
I can combine the Underground with a tour of nearby highlights: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, a short walk along the Royal Route, or a themed walk tailored to your interests. That way a day in Krakow gains a clear narrative and a pleasant rhythm.
You can arrange a tour with me via my booking page — I organize dates and assist with tickets so everything is comfortable for the group.
Fragments of paved streets and traces of old stalls are elements that immediately transport you back in time. Notice the different building levels — the result of repeated raising of the square’s surface, which itself is a fascinating record of urban change.
Small everyday objects — bones, buttons, pottery or coins — tell individual stories about trade and contacts with distant centers. Fourteenth-century coins are not just numismatic finds; they’re evidence that Krakow was an important stop on trade routes.
Pay attention to preserved cellar wall fragments — their construction and the differences in materials often reveal multiple rebuilds and changing building functions.
There are also amusing details: traces of old advertisements, craftsmen’s marks and other centuries-old “graffiti” — a human dimension of history that helps you connect with the past.
On my tours I always point out a few of these “pearls” — places visitors often miss but that tend to stay in memory for a long time.
Clothing: the underground is cooler than the surface, so bring a light layer even in summer. The most comfortable footwear is flat-soled shoes — some areas have uneven footing.
Strollers and accessibility: because of stairs and the nature of the space, navigating with a stroller can be difficult. People with reduced mobility should check accessibility options and possible alternatives directly with the museum in advance.
Photography: in many areas taking photos is allowed, but some multimedia presentations may have restrictions — ask at the entrance.
Timing and combining attractions: plan about 1–1.5 hours for the Underground to allow a calm visit. After the Underground, a walk along the Cloth Hall, a visit to St. Mary’s Church or a short stroll along the Royal Route make ideal follow-ups.
Safety and comfort: if you’re visiting with children, remind them to behave calmly around exhibits — multimedia elements invite movement, but it’s important to protect the displays and other visitors.
If you’re visiting with a large group or need a tour in a specific language, contact me in advance — I can help organize and tailor the route.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? - I strongly recommend booking, especially in season and on weekends. Some time slots are fixed, so buying online or via an information point makes planning easier.
How long does the visit take? - Typically about 60–90 minutes. Groups with a deep interest in archaeology can plan for more time.
Is this attraction suitable for children? - Yes. The exhibition is multimedia and engaging; I often prepare extra elements that help children understand the history.
Are there discounts? - Many city-run institutions offer concessions for pupils, students and seniors — bring a document confirming eligibility.
Can I join a tour led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz? - Yes — I organize private and group tours and can arrange Underground entry and help with bookings. Details are available on my tour page.
If you have half a day: start at the Market Square Underground, then take a short walk through the Cloth Hall, visit St. Mary’s Church and enjoy a coffee break on the square. This pace lets you soak up the atmosphere without rushing.
If you have a full day: after the Underground you can follow the Royal Route toward Wawel, visit Wawel Hill, and spend the afternoon exploring Kazimierz — a classic combination showing Krakow’s variety.
For families with children: after intensive sightseeing plan a break in a nearby park or playground; spend the afternoon on easier routes so the little ones don’t get tired.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized day plan — I’ll set the pace and choose places to match the participants’ ages and interests. That’s convenient for groups who want to make the most of their time.
Don’t forget time for coffee and sweets — Krakow has many cozy cafés where you can relax between attractions. I often recommend Café Camelot, Nowa Prowincja or Charlotte for a pleasant break.
The Market Square Underground is one of those places you must see if you want to understand Krakow more deeply than photos allow. It’s a journey through layers of time where every stone and exhibit has its story.
If you’d like, I will personally guide you there — I’ll tailor the story to your interests, take care of tickets and your comfort, and show the small delights that often escape notice.
A practical tip: check ticket availability in advance, dress comfortably and bring a bit of curiosity — I’ll take care of the rest on the tour. I warmly invite you to discover Krakow underground!
See you under the Market — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, licensed Krakow guide.
If you have questions or want to arrange a date, message me via my booking page — I’ll gladly help plan your visit.
