Wondering if it’s worth going down beneath the Main Market Square? In short — absolutely. The Market Square Underground is a unique place where you can "walk into the city’s history" — you’ll see remains of streets and houses from medieval Kraków, rich archaeological finds and multimedia reconstructions that show how trade and daily life thrived here for centuries. The tourist route is titled “Tracing Kraków’s European identity” and is designed to combine archaeological discoveries with the story of a place that for centuries connected different cultures and trade routes.
If you plan to visit with a guide — guided tours add context and little-known facts you won’t get from a solo audio commentary. As a licensed Kraków guide I am authorized to lead tours in the Market Square Underground and I’m happy to show the most interesting parts of the route and tell the stories and anecdotes that bring the displays to life. I also share practical tips on planning your day in the city centre so your visit is comfortable and enjoyable.
My name is Małgorzata Kasprowicz — I am a licensed guide in Kraków (licensed since 2012). I run tours of the Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz and, of course, the Market Square Underground — I have the authorization for this attraction and many years of experience guiding tourist, school and family groups. My tours combine solid knowledge with humour and anecdote — I want every participant to leave with a smile and a new interesting fact about Kraków.
In practice this means tailoring the narrative to the group, watching the pace of the tour and helping with ticket organisation and reservations if you want a specific time. I also use headset sets which speed up the tour and make it easier to work in crowded conditions.
The main tourist route in the Market Square Underground runs through the archaeological reserve discovered under the eastern part of the Main Market Square. You will see a cross-section of the medieval city — foundations of townhouses, remains of former streets, numerous archaeological finds and multimedia reconstructions that help you imagine the commercial life of past centuries.
During the visit there are multimedia presentations, 3D models and reconstructions that help explain the layout of the space and urban transformations. For those interested in details — the exhibition shows everyday life, how trade was conducted and which objects ended up in the digs. The route blends the archaeological layer with a narrative about Kraków’s place in medieval Europe.
Opening hours can change seasonally or due to special events — so it’s always a good idea to check the current schedule and ticket availability before your visit. In practice, the Underground is open to visitors during the day; in the high season entries usually run every few dozen minutes and weekends or holidays are busier. For some dates and special sessions the number of places is limited, so booking in advance is the safest option.
If you plan to visit with a guide, we normally arrange a specific entry time and reserve tickets ahead of time to minimize waiting. For larger groups it’s useful to confirm rules and any preferential access. Prepare documents entitling you to discounts (student card, senior ID) — many places offer concessions.
- Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing - underground areas can be cooler than the surface.
- Bring water and a small snack especially if you plan to visit several sites in one day. The Underground itself is not a long route, but we usually combine it with other nearby attractions.
- If you need accessibility accommodations (for example wheelchair access) - check availability before your visit. Not all parts of the archaeological site are fully wheelchair-accessible.
- Plan your time - a typical guided visit usually lasts from about 45 minutes to roughly 1.5 hours, depending on whether there are additional shows or workshops. I adjust the pace to the group — families with children often spend a little more time at particular exhibits.
- Tickets - I recommend booking in advance during busy periods; last-minute availability for a preferred time can be limited.
The Market Square Underground is in the very heart of the Old Town — an excellent place to start or finish a walk along the Royal Route. I recommend planning the visit together with: Wawel Hill, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall so that your day in the centre is efficient and enjoyable. If you want to avoid crowds consider an early morning entry just after opening or a late-afternoon visit outside peak hours. I can help plan the best sequence depending on opening hours and ticket times.
If you only have a few hours in the city I suggest: 1) a short descent to the Underground, 2) a walk around the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall, 3) a visit to Wawel or a brief stroll through Kazimierz — all depending on preferences and group pace.
Do I have to reserve entry to the Underground? - It’s best to reserve. A reservation guarantees a place at a specific time, which is especially important in the high season and during special events. Online reservations or booking at city information points are the most convenient options.
How long does the tourist route take? - Typically from around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the format of the visit and extra presentations. With a guide the pace and timing are adapted to the group.
Is the Underground suitable for children? - Yes - the exhibition includes multimedia elements and reconstructions that often engage younger visitors. For families I recommend a route with shorter stops and interactive curiosities.
Is photography allowed in the Underground? - Photography rules may vary depending on exhibitions and special events. Generally, photos without flash are allowed, but it’s worth confirming when you buy the ticket.
Is the site accessible for visitors with limited mobility? - Some parts of the exhibition may be difficult for wheelchair users. If you need detailed accessibility information ask when booking and I will help organise the visit according to your needs.
Is it worth visiting with a guide? - If you enjoy context, stories and detail — yes. A guide shows connections between finds, explains daily life of former Market residents and adds memorable anecdotes.
If you would like to visit the Underground with my commentary - write or call and I will help with ticket reservations and plan the route so it’s comfortable for your group. When booking please provide number of people, preferred language, approximate time and any special needs - this makes organisation much easier.
In season there are promotions and different tariff options - I offer flexible group pricing and school options at specific seasonal dates. I always confirm exact conditions when we finalise the reservation and adjust the programme to participants’ ages and interests.
On site I also help with practical matters - suggestions on where to leave short-term luggage, how to plan coffee breaks and which route combinations are most efficient when time is limited.
- Build some buffer time into your day - leave room for unexpected discoveries and short breaks at the Market’s cafés.
- Bad weather won’t spoil your plans - the Underground is a great choice in rain or heat. It’s a perfect cultural alternative to outdoor sightseeing.
- After the visit - consider a walk through the Cloth Hall or a coffee at a café overlooking the square. Popular nearby options include Café Camelot and Mleczarnia, both well-liked by visitors for atmosphere and location.
- City information points (InfoKraków) offer free maps and up-to-date opening hours - it’s useful to stop there if you plan independently of a guide.
