If you are planning a visit in spring, it helps to know the typical hours: from the beginning of April the museum generally follows a spring schedule — most days open from 10:00, with shorter hours on Tuesday and extended hours on weekends.
Exact times make it easier to plan your day: Tuesday is usually the day with free admission but a shorter opening time, while Friday–Sunday typically have longer opening hours.
During the season starting in early April a typical schedule (always check the calendar before your visit) looks like this: Monday 10:00-19:00, Tuesday 10:00-15:00 (free admission), Wednesday and Thursday 10:00-19:00, Friday–Sunday 10:00-20:00.
Last entry is normally about 75 minutes before closing — keep this in mind if you arrive late in the day.
The museum may be closed on the second Monday of the month and on selected public holidays — verify before you travel.
The entrance to the Underground is reached from the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) / St. Mary’s Basilica side — before you go, check which side is currently used for visitor entry.
Typical visiting time is about 45-75 minutes — the exhibition is multimedia, with reconstructions and archaeological finds, so allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
Spring brings more tourists, especially during long weekends and holidays — plan your visit with some time buffer.
Tuesday is often a free-admission day — a great opportunity, but remember the museum closes earlier on that day and free tickets are usually only available at the box office on the day of the visit (online reservations for free days can be limited).
Outside free-admission days it’s a good idea to buy tickets online in advance — especially in the busy season (spring–autumn) or if you want to avoid queues. Online bookings are available via the Museum of Krakow ticketing system.
If you plan to visit with a school group or a guided group, check reservation rules and possible group discounts in advance.
The calmest times are right after opening — come for the first entry (from 10:00) to avoid the biggest crowds. Alternatively, evening entries on Friday–Sunday can be less crowded than sunny afternoon hours.
Avoid peak tourist hours (around 11:00-15:00) and long holiday weekends if you prefer a quieter visit and better photos.
If you only have a few hours in the city centre, make the Underground your first stop — afterwards you can easily visit the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and nearby restaurants.
The entrance is under the Market Square surface — signs usually point the way, but it’s easy to walk past if you’re focused on the Cloth Hall shop windows; look for the entrance on the basilica side.
On free-admission days there is no advance booking for individuals — be prepared for a queue at the ticket office, especially in high season.
The Underground is multimedia and includes interactive elements — families with children should allow a little extra time to explore kid-friendly features.
Assuming you can get in at any time without a ticket — in season it’s safer to purchase a ticket online in advance, especially if you’re aiming for a specific time slot.
Thinking that Tuesday is automatically a relaxed day to sightsee without planning — yes, admission may be free, but hours are shorter and places are limited.
Ignoring last-entry information — arriving just before closing can lead to refusal of entry because the museum stops admitting visitors a set time before closing.
Is admission free on Tuesday? Yes — Tuesday is typically a free-admission day, but the museum closes earlier and free tickets are usually sold only at the box office on the day.
Do I have to reserve a ticket online? Not always, but online booking is recommended in the season or when time is limited; individual online reservations for free days can be restricted.
How long does the visit take? About 45–75 minutes, depending on pace and interest in additional multimedia content.
Beneath the Market Square you can see historic layers going back several centuries — descending there feels like stepping back in time to discover fragments of old trade routes and everyday medieval life.
The exhibition blends archaeological finds with modern multimedia technology, so the city’s story is told in an engaging and immersive way — it’s great for history lovers and families alike.
The museum’s phone and the ticket office usually operate during opening hours — if you have doubts about the day you plan to visit, it’s best to call ahead.
If you want to see more in the centre: after the Underground it’s convenient to visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and the surrounding area — spring is a lovely time for a Market Square walk.
Check accessibility information in advance if mobility is a concern — the museum provides facilities for visitors with reduced mobility, but it’s good to confirm details before arrival.
If you found this guide useful — share it with friends or on social media so other visitors can better plan their trip to Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a local guide, I (Małgorzata Kasprowicz) offer private guiding services and can help plan the perfect route around the city — contact details and full offer are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
