The Market Underground is one of the most fascinating places in Kraków: an archaeological park beneath the Main Market Square where modern multimedia meet monuments dating back to the Middle Ages. Many parents ask whether it's worth coming here in the morning with a stroller — the answer is: yes, but it's useful to know a few practical things so your morning outing goes smoothly.
In short: the museum usually opens at around 10:00, so "morning" in the sense of very early morning (for example before 9:00) isn't possible. However, arriving at opening time, around 10:00, is a great idea — it's quieter, there are fewer crowds, and it's easier to move around with a child.
The Market Underground uses standardized opening hours with seasonal variations. Most often the museum opens at about 10:00; closing times and how long the exhibition is available during the day change depending on the season (winter vs. summer). In practice, morning visits begin at opening time, so if you're planning a morning trip, aim to arrive just before 10:00 or for the first entrance after opening.
Keep in mind that the museum sometimes has reduced hours on Tuesdays or special days with free admission — check the exact day and times before your planned visit, especially when you're going out with a small child.
Infrastructure-wise the museum is prepared for families with strollers: the entrance to the Underground is located under the Cloth Hall arcades and there is usually a lift or a ramp next to the entrance that leads down to the exhibition. The route consists of glass walkways and sloped passages suspended over excavated fragments of the old market, which makes moving around easier.
Despite lifts and wide sections, some parts of the route are narrower, so I recommend using a stroller that folds easily or has slim wheels so you don't block the path for other visitors. The museum has toilets, including a baby-changing table — these are usually located at the end of the route.
Arrive at opening time — the first entry after opening is the best moment, when the museum is least busy and there's more calm for your little one. Book tickets online if you can — this saves waiting in line and speeds up entry.
Bring a light bag with essentials (nappies, wipes, snacks) and consider bringing a small carrier or sling as an alternative if you plan to get closer to exhibits or move through busier moments. Make sure the stroller is secured and not blocking walkways — during peak times staff may ask you to step to the side.
Check the information about the last admission: many visit descriptions list the last entry as about 75 minutes before closing. If you plan a short morning visit, come for the first entry so you have the full, relaxed experience.
The museum offers standard, reduced and family tickets — the regular ticket price is usually affordable and family tickets can be a good deal for parents with several children. On some weekdays (sometimes Tuesdays) there are free-admission days, but opening hours on those days are often shorter.
The most convenient option is to buy tickets online before you arrive: it saves time and helps you avoid queues, especially if you're visiting Kraków in the morning and want a predictable schedule for your child. When buying, check whether the ticket includes a guided tour or an audio guide — families with children often benefit from multimedia materials designed for younger visitors.
Assuming "morning" means before 9:00 — the Underground usually opens around 10:00, so planning for very early morning can end in waiting. It's better to plan to arrive at opening time.
Not booking tickets in season — on weekends and during peak tourist season it's wise to reserve in advance. Morning slots can fill up quickly, especially if a special event is happening.
Bringing a very large or off-road stroller that can't be folded quickly — it can make navigating narrower sections harder. Have a plan B (a baby carrier) or ask staff about a spot to temporarily park a larger stroller.
The Underground hides remains of settlements and marketplaces dating back to the 11th century — walking on the glass walkways feels like traveling back in time above fragments of the medieval Main Market Square.
The route is designed for interaction: multimedia, holograms and animations make the visit engaging for younger children, and there are play-and-learn zones in some places.
Although it's an underground museum, it has family-friendly facilities: a lift, a toilet with a changing table and areas where you can stop to tend to your child in peace.
After your visit it's nice to relax with a good coffee or a meal — the Main Market Square area offers many family-friendly options: from historic restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine to cozy cafés with desserts for children, and spots with quicker family-friendly meals. Look for places that list baby-changing facilities or a flat entrance for strollers.
Some well-known options close to the Old Town include small cafés and bakeries that welcome families and often have changing tables or space for a pram. If you plan to sit longer, choose places with step-free entrances or at least easier access — comfort with a stroller is more important than a beautiful but hard-to-reach interior.
Is a stroller allowed? Yes — the museum is adapted for families, there is a lift and wide passages, although some parts may be narrower.
When do morning entries start? Usually the first entry is at opening time, most commonly around 10:00 — check the opening time for the specific day before you visit.
Are there toilets with a changing table? Yes — the museum has toilets including a changing table (typically near the end of the route).
How long does the visit take? The planned route usually takes around 45–75 minutes depending on pace and children's interest.
Can I buy tickets on site? Yes, but I recommend buying online, especially for morning plans or during busy tourist periods.
If you're visiting Kraków with your family and plan a morning visit, aim for the first entry after opening, bring a light bag and consider a carrier as an alternative to a large stroller. Booking tickets online brings peace of mind and shorter waiting times.
If you'd like help planning an itinerary in Kraków with a small child, Małgorzata Kasprowicz — private guide (Margaret Kasprowicz) is happy to help. She specializes in family-friendly routes and practical tips to make sightseeing with little ones easier. If you found this article helpful, please share it with friends or on social media to help other families prepare for their Kraków visit.
