Did you know that a walk beneath the surface of the Main Market Square reveals fragments of medieval streets and workshops whose traces are kept just a few meters under your feet? That’s the Market Underground — a place that can turn an ordinary stroll around the square into a real journey through time.
The Market Underground and the Bishop Erazm Ciołek Palace (MNK Ciołek) offer two complementary views of Krakow’s history: the first reveals everyday life and urban space of the medieval market, the second preserves church and artistic treasures of early Polish art. Visiting both helps you understand the city from its foundations to its greatest works of art.
Both sites are very close to each other, which makes logistics easy: the Underground lies directly under the Main Market Square (entrance in the Cloth Hall/Sukiennice, on the side facing St. Mary’s Basilica), and MNK Ciołek is nearby at Kanonicza Street, in the Wawel/Old Town area.
Addresses and contact: The Market Underground is located under the Main Market Square (entrance through the Cloth Hall/Sukiennice near St. Mary’s Basilica). MNK Ciołek is at ul. Kanonicza 17. Check current opening hours and reservation options before you go.
Opening hours and tickets: Museums in this part of Krakow often have changing opening hours and different ticket rules. Many MNK branches offer free admission to permanent exhibitions on Tuesdays, but details (days, prices, concessions, family offers) change — so it’s best to buy tickets online or check the museum’s information before leaving.
Phone for MNK Ciołek: The National Museum operates an information and reservation line — if you have questions about exhibition availability or accessibility, call ahead to confirm specifics.
The Underground displays archaeological traces of the old market: cellar foundations, remnants of craft workshops, medieval structures and rich museum material that tell the story of trade, crafts and everyday life. The exhibition is often multimedia and interactive, which makes it great for families with children.
A typical visit takes about 60–90 minutes; the route is well organised, but to fully soak in the atmosphere leave extra time and avoid late closing hours when the site can be busiest.
The Bishop Erazm Ciołek Palace is a Renaissance gem and a must for lovers of sculpture and early painting. Permanent displays include outstanding examples of sacred art and Gothic sculpture from different Polish regions.
You can see sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance — precious objects such as the Madonna from Krużlowa and other figures and epitaphs that illustrate religious life and aesthetics of past centuries. The palace brings church art and history to life in an intimate historic interior.
Morning: start with the Market Underground. An early entry reduces crowds and lets you enjoy the exhibition calmly.
Afternoon: take a short walk (10–15 minutes) to MNK Ciołek on Kanonicza Street. After the visits, treat yourself to lunch or coffee near the Market or along Kanonicza — the neighbourhood offers a range of high-quality restaurants and cosy cafés.
To avoid queues: buy tickets online, check peak hours and consider visiting on a Tuesday if you want free access to permanent exhibitions in some branches (confirm in advance what the promotion covers).
Both locations have limitations because of their historic character. MNK Ciołek has undergone work to improve access (lifts and platforms), but technical conditions and availability can change — call ahead if you need specific support.
The Market Underground route runs partly through narrow spaces and includes stairs — if you are with a stroller or someone with limited mobility, check the route and available facilities. Museums also offer family information and baby-changing areas.
In the Market Square area you'll find many well-known, highly rated places. For a historic atmosphere and local cuisine try Wierzynek — a Krakow classic in the heart of the square. For coffee in a cosy setting, Café Camelot is a popular choice near the Market.
If you prefer quieter spots off the main square, turn into one of the side streets off Kanonicza or Grodzka — smaller cafés and restaurants there often offer excellent quality and a calmer atmosphere.
Not booking tickets in advance — in high season queues can be long. Reserve online, especially for underground time slots.
Trying to rush both attractions in 30–40 minutes — each exhibition deserves time and calm. Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for the Market Underground and 1–1.5 hours for MNK Ciołek, depending on your interests.
Forgetting about weather and comfortable shoes — while the Underground is covered, walking around the Old Town involves uneven cobbles. Wear comfortable footwear.
How long does a visit to the Market Underground take? Usually 60–90 minutes, though time can vary with temporary exhibitions and crowd levels.
Are there discounts and family tickets? Yes, museums offer reduced and family tickets, but rules and prices change — check the current price list before your visit.
Can I take photos? Some exhibits have photography restrictions. Always follow signs and ask staff if unsure.
Is it worth combining the trip with Wawel? Yes — the area is compact, so you can plan visits to Wawel and the cathedral on the same day, keeping in mind the time needed for each site.
During excavations under the Market archaeologists uncovered layers of streets and buildings from different eras — in places medieval layers meet modern ones, making the exhibition a true chronicle of urban life.
The Ciołek Palace is one of Krakow’s earliest Renaissance buildings; its interiors house works that travelled across Poland, so you can see objects from different regions and periods gathered in one historic setting.
Pack comfortable shoes, buy tickets in advance and leave time for coffee and conversation after your visit. To avoid crowds choose early hours or weekdays outside the weekend.
If you want to discover Krakow more deeply, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from ZwiedzanieKrakowa — a guided visit adds context that printed guides often miss and is a great way to see the Underground and the palace with expert commentary. For bookings and details, check ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com.
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