The Main Market Underground is a journey through several layers of Kraków’s history — from the medieval market to the later urban fabric uncovered by archaeological research. Exhibits and reconstructions show how trade and everyday life on the Market evolved over the centuries.
This is more than a museum — it’s a place where you can feel the city’s past in cross-section, see the remains of old streets and market stalls, and learn how the city’s historic weighing houses once worked.
The main entrance to the Underground is next to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the Main Market Square. The ticket office and Visitor Service Center operate in the Cloth Hall area, on the side opposite the shopping arcade.
Many visitors buy tickets at the on-site ticket office, but during the high season it’s a good idea to plan ahead — especially for groups. The museum also offers days with free admission from time to time, but rules about such days and opening hours can change, so it’s wise to check current information before you go.
Approximate ticket prices for groups and discounted fares are usually in the range of a few dozen złoty. Reduced tickets are available for pupils, students, retirees and people with official disability certificates; typically the companion of a person with disabilities is entitled to a reduced ticket or free admission.
Group visits are subject to reservation rules and group size limits. If you plan to visit the Underground with a larger group, you will generally need to notify the museum in advance — in practice it’s best to reserve a few days ahead, even outside the busiest season.
The Main Market Underground and its related branches declare facilities for visitors with limited mobility. Exhibition spaces are generally arranged to allow movement for wheelchair users along the route.
There is an elevator or wheelchair platform providing access to the underground level, and corridors and doors on the tour route are designed to be free of obstacles. The site has toilets adapted for people with disabilities, and in some places you may find an induction loop and elevator buttons labeled in Braille.
If you use a large electric wheelchair or have specific needs, it’s a good idea to contact the museum before your visit to make sure everything will be prepared and to request assistance if needed.
The museum offers several route options — shorter visits can take around 1 hour, while longer, more detailed tours last 2 hours or more. Choose the route that best fits your plans for the day.
When planning, allow extra time for getting there, possible queues at the ticket office and a break for coffee or a snack on the Market after you emerge.
Arrive early or pick late-afternoon hours if you want to avoid the biggest crowds on the Square. Holidays and summer weekends are especially busy.
Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket — it is often cooler underground than on the surface. If you plan to take photos, remember museum rules: photography is usually allowed without flash and without tripods.
If you need a sign-language interpreter, audio description or other special services, call ahead — the museum often asks visitors to report such needs in advance.
The Main Market Square is well connected by tram and bus. If you arrive by car, paid parking zones include spaces reserved for people with disabilities, for example near Jagiellońska or Szczepańska streets.
The Visitor Service entrance and ticket office are located in the Cloth Hall area, so the walk from the main tram stops is short and convenient.
After leaving the Underground, it’s worth walking through the Cloth Hall and visiting St. Mary’s Basilica. Turn off the main square for historic cafés and restaurants — for example the long-standing cafés in the Cloth Hall area and several restaurants around the Square that offer local flavors and a comfortable place to rest.
If you prefer a less crowded spot, consider a stroll through the Planty park or a short walk to Wawel Castle — both are within easy walking distance of the Main Market Square.
Not booking ahead in the high season is a frequent mistake. If you plan to visit with a group or at a popular time, reserve in advance.
Assuming the entire museum is inaccessible based on a single narrow passage — in most cases the route is adapted, but specific needs may still require prior contact with staff.
Forgetting to check current opening hours and any technical closures. It’s always best to verify details before leaving your hotel or accommodation.
Can wheelchair users visit the Main Market Underground? Yes — the museum provides elevators and platforms, and routes are designed to allow access. For unusual needs, contact the staff in advance.
Are there discounts for companions or carers? Usually the companion of a person with a disability is entitled to a reduced ticket or free entry, but it’s advisable to carry documentation confirming entitlement.
How long does a visit take? Depending on the chosen route, roughly 1–2 hours; longer, more detailed visits can take more time.
Beneath the Square are layers of old streets and market stalls often stacked one atop another — like an archaeological layer cake, with each level telling a different story of commerce and city life.
Displays include details about old market regulations and municipal weighing houses, which once had great economic importance for Kraków.
Plan your visit so you can see the Underground in peace: early morning or late afternoon, outside peak tourist hours, work best for visitors who need more space and time.
If you’d like a comfortable, personalized visit, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. More information and contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Feel free to share this article with friends or on social media if you find it helpful.
