The Market Underground lets you look deep into Kraków’s history — literally. Under the surface of the Main Market Square you can see layers of the old city, fragments of former buildings and a rich collection of archaeological finds presented with modern multimedia. It gives a different perspective than a walk across the square and is a must-see on any visit.
A melex is a quick and comfortable way to see the main parts of Kraków in a short time — the Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz and Podgórze. For families with children, people with limited mobility or visitors who have little time, a melex helps you feel the city and decide which spots you want to explore more on foot later. Combining both attractions gives you depth and comfort - first you immerse yourself in history underground, then you ride around the city and stop where you want to spend more time.
Below you will find a practical, friendly weekend plan, tips about tickets and opening hours, and advice on when a melex makes sense and when it’s nicer to walk.
One-day option (fast, intense) - Morning: begin at the Main Market Square and visit the Market Underground (book a timed ticket) - allow about 1–2 hours for the exhibition. After the Underground, take a short walk around the Cloth Hall and the square and have lunch nearby. In the afternoon take a melex tour (about 60–80 minutes) covering the Old Town and Kazimierz, with short stops for photos and brief walks. Evening: dinner in Kazimierz or back on the Market Square.
Two-day option (slower, relaxed) - Day 1: calm visit to the Market Underground and exploring the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica and a walking visit to Wawel; evening: dinner in the historic quarter. - Day 2: morning melex ride through Kazimierz and Podgórze, with drop-offs where you want to explore more (for example Plac Nowy or the Oskar Schindler Factory). This gives you time for a museum, coffee and local markets without rushing.
This plan combines deep museum exploration (the Underground) with comfortable wheeled sightseeing (melex). If your time is limited, the melex helps you see more quickly; if you have more time, get off and explore on foot.
Where the entrance is and how much time you need - the entrance to the Market Underground is right by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), on the Main Market Square side. Plan about 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit if you want to take in multimedia and displays; families with children should allow a little extra time.
Tickets and opening hours - the Market Underground is part of the Museum of Kraków. Timetables and prices sometimes change, so check the museum’s official information before your trip. In practice, standard admission is affordable; the museum usually offers reduced and family tickets.
Booking and practical tips - on weekends and in high season slots can fill up quickly, so book online or arrive for your reserved time. Last admissions are set before closing, so leave a margin when planning. The underground spaces are slightly cooler than the street, so bring a light layer. Photography is generally allowed without flash, but if in doubt ask at the ticket office.
When to take a melex - a melex is perfect when you want to save energy (for example after a long trip), see many points in a short time, travel with children or older relatives, or avoid long walks in poor weather. It’s especially handy for a short weekend stay.
Typical routes and duration - common melex routes include the Old Town (Market - Wawel), Kazimierz and Podgórze with the Schindler Factory. Rides usually last from 30 minutes up to around 2 hours depending on the route and number of stops. Confirm start and end points with the operator and ask about short photo stops or the possibility to disembark.
Booking and costs - it’s best to reserve popular weekend slots in advance. Pricing models vary between operators: some charge per person, others offer private vehicle hire for a fixed fee. Short rides (30–60 min) cost less; longer customised tours are more expensive. Check capacity limits and cancellation terms. Many vehicles have heating for winter rides.
Simplest layout - start at the Market Square: visit the Market Underground in the morning (book a morning timeslot), then have a light meal and a quick walk around the Cloth Hall before boarding a melex to tour the Old Town and Kazimierz. This way you get the context from the exhibition and immediately see how those stories fit the city’s streetscape.
Alternative for a hot day - on hot days plan the Underground as an afternoon cool-down (it’s more comfortable below ground) and take a short melex ride in the morning when street traffic is lighter.
Stops and disembarking - arrange short stops with the driver so you can get off and view places up close. A melex helps you map the city and decide where to spend more time, for example at Wawel or Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.
Market Underground - the route uses walkways and parts of the exhibition are adapted, though there can be small level changes. The museum provides information about accessibility; contact staff ahead of your visit if you need an elevator or special assistance.
Melex as an aid - a melex is an excellent option for those who cannot or do not want to walk long distances. Most vehicles offer a comfortable ride and operators often assist with boarding. If someone uses a wheelchair, check in advance whether a given vehicle can accommodate it.
Kids’ activities and entertainment - the Underground usually engages children with interactive displays and reconstructions, but bring snacks, drinks and plan short breaks. A melex ride itself is often a highlight for younger visitors.
Arrive early - on weekends it’s best to be at the Market Square before midday to avoid the biggest crowds and to have more ticket time options for the Underground.
Check current hours and prices - the Museum of Kraków updates hours and fees, and sometimes offers combined tickets and discounts that can be worth it if you plan several visits.
Book your melex in advance for weekends - popular time slots (midday and afternoon) fill up in the tourist season. If you want a short 30–40 minute route or a private hire, reserve early.
Clothing and shoes - bring a light layer for the Underground and wear comfortable shoes for city walking; Old Town surfaces are often cobbled and uneven.
Combine with other attractions - after the Underground, consider visiting St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel or heading to Kazimierz. The melex is a quick connector between these points, but plan time to get off and explore on foot.
Food and places to rest - for traditional Polish food near Wawel try Pod Wawelem or Chałupki, and in Kazimierz look for Massolit Books & Café for coffee and cakes or Café Camelot near the square for a cosy stop. For an evening in Kazimierz try one of the atmospheric restaurants around Plac Nowy.
If you only have one weekend in Kraków - make the Market Underground and a relaxed walk across the Main Market Square with a visit to the Cloth Hall your priorities. A 60–90 minute melex ride will give you an immediate city “map” and help you decide where to return for a longer visit.
For history lovers - start with the Underground to get context for later stories about Wawel and Kazimierz. It’s a solid foundation for deeper walks.
For a relaxed visit - take a short melex ride in the afternoon when the sun is less intense, hop off in Kazimierz for a while and stay for dinner at one of the charming squares.
Kraków has many faces, so a weekend needs to be both selective and flexible. The Market Underground gives a unique insight into the city’s beginnings and a melex lets you comfortably link many points of interest without tiring yourself out. When planning, think about comfort and pace — some people prefer quick ticking-off of sites, others long stops over coffee. Choose what fits your style. If you like, I can create a specific route for you for a one-hour visit or a one-and-a-half-day stay, tailored to the pace you prefer. I wish you a wonderful visit and many pleasant discoveries in Kraków!
Best regards - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Kraków tour guide.
