The Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku) is one of the most surprising attractions in central Kraków: a museum located a few metres below the Main Market Square that shows what the medieval square looked like and how trade and daily life functioned centuries ago. It’s not just excavations and stone walls — the exhibition combines authentic archaeological finds with multimedia, reconstructions and storytelling, so history comes alive and is easier to remember. This visit gives you context for walking around the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Church and the Market Square — you’ll see that what you observe at surface level often had a very practical and surprising underground side.
The Market Underground is the result of long-term archaeological research; on display you’ll find remains of old stalls, tools, coins, pottery fragments and presentations that cover urban life from the Middle Ages to modern times. Allow at least one hour for the visit — if you like reading labels and watching multimedia, plan for 1.5–2 hours. The museum sometimes has seasonal opening hours and occasional closed days, so check updates and consider booking tickets online if needed. The exhibition is family-friendly and uses multimedia and staged scenes that engage younger visitors.
-If you plan a full, busy day, visiting the Market Underground in the morning is a great idea: you avoid the biggest crowds and can use the rest of the day to travel by tram to other parts of the city. Address and landmark: Rynek G2wny 1 (entrance in the Cloth Hall from the side of St. Mary’s Church).
If you plan to spend the day getting around Kraków by tram and bus, a 24-hour ticket usually pays off instead of validating single short tickets for each transfer. For tourists the most convenient options are: a 24-hour ticket for the city area (Zone I) or — if you plan to travel outside the city — a ticket covering Zones I+II+III. A 24-hour pass gives peace of mind and saves money, especially if you’ll make several transfers and visit widely spaced attractions. Ticket prices are set by the public transport operator and can change, so buy your ticket in the morning before your first trip — via a mobile app (for example mPay), a ticket machine or at selected sales points. Many trams now have contactless ticket machines so you can pay by card or phone — handy if you don’t have cash.
-Rule of thumb: if you make more than 2–3 rides in a day, a 24-hour ticket usually makes sense. If you stay longer, consider 48- or 72-hour options.
-Remember: time-based tickets must be validated or assigned to a device according to the instructions — inspectors check validity.
This plan assumes a morning start in the centre, a visit to the Market Underground, then using the tram to see different faces of Kraków without excessive walking. It’s family- and couple-friendly and good for travellers who want to see a lot without rushing. Duration: full day (roughly 9:00–20:00).
9:00 - 10:30 - Market Underground: start early for a quieter visit. Reserve at least 1–1.5 hours. After exiting, take a short walk through the Cloth Hall and consider visiting St. Mary’s Church (if you plan to go inside).
11:00 - 12:30 - Wawel and surroundings: easy to reach by tram or on foot — the castle and cathedral are classic stops. If you don’t enter the state rooms, at least see the courtyards and stroll along the castle hill.
13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch in the Old Town or Kazimierz: options include the historic Wierzynek (for atmosphere and tradition), Pod Aniołami (Polish cuisine) or cozier places like Cafe Camelot for a light meal and coffee. For street food, try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.
14:30 - 16:30 - Kazimierz: a short tram ride takes you to the edges of the district; walk among synagogues, Plac Nowy, streets full of murals and atmospheric cafés. Good dessert spots include Massolit Books & Café (coffee and cake) or Mleczarnia for a nostalgic vibe.
17:00 - 18:30 - Podgórze and memorial sites: take the tram or bus to Podgórze to see the former ghetto area and some contemporary memorial installations. It’s a calmer part of the city, perfect for a late afternoon walk.
19:00 - 20:00 - Dinner and an evening stroll: return by tram to the Market Square area or choose dinner in Kazimierz — the district buzzes in the evening with many venues of different characters. Recommended evening spots: Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine), Zazie Bistro (cozy French-Polish offering), or one of the centre’s more elegant restaurants serving refined local dishes.
-If you have more time, consider a tram ride to Nowa Huta — it tells a different story of the city and is an interesting lesson in architecture.
Where to buy a ticket: mobile apps (e.g., mPay), ticket machines (at stops and on vehicles), kiosks and online. Recently newer contactless machines in trams accept card and phone payments — useful when you don’t have change.
Which zone to choose: most tourist attractions are inside the city zone (Zone I). If you plan excursions outside the city or suburban train hops, pick a ticket covering Zones I+II+III.
Validation and safety: remember to validate or activate the ticket according to the instructions. If you buy in an app, keep the confirmation on your phone — inspectors may ask to see it. Keep your backpack in front in crowded situations to avoid pickpocketing; trams in the centre can be busy during rush hour and on weekend evenings.
Trip planning: use trip planners (for example Jakdojade) or built-in phone maps to see current services and possible delays. Trams are a fast way to cover larger distances, but in the very centre walking is often quicker than getting on and off trams.
Clothing and footwear: the underground exhibition can be cooler than the surface — a light layer is useful regardless of the weather. Comfortable shoes are essential, especially if you plan to walk around Wawel and Kazimierz after the museum.
Reservations: in the high season (May–September) or during major events it’s wise to book Market Underground tickets and restaurant tables in advance. Some days each month may be free-entry days or closures — check museum information before visiting.
Language and accessibility: many multimedia presentations have English subtitles or versions; if you need a guided tour or accessibility accommodations (e.g., mobility limitations), check conditions in advance. The museum also offers guided-group options — if you come with a larger party, ask about group offers.
Weather and Plan B: if it rains, the tram makes it easy to move between covered attractions — museums, cafés and shopping centres. Always have a couple of indoor alternatives ready for a wet day.
Breakfast and coffee: Charlotte — fresh pastries and breakfasts; Cafe Camelot — atmospheric café near the Old Town; Massolit Books & Café — great coffee and a literary atmosphere.
Lunch and classics: Wierzynek — a historic spot with tradition; Pod Aniołami — hearty Polish plates; Szara Gęś in Sukiennice — classic dishes with a modern touch.
Street food and quick bites: Plac Nowy in Kazimierz — the legendary zapiekanki; street-food venues nearby offer fast, tasty snacks.
Dinner and evening: Hamsa — Middle Eastern cuisine in Kazimierz; Zazie Bistro — a cozy French-Polish bistro; for something more upscale, the city centre has several restaurants serving local specialties in a refined setting.
Note: many places in the Old Town and Kazimierz have seasonal menus and require reservations — if you have a specific, popular spot in mind, book a table for the evening.
How long does it take to visit the Market Underground? - Plan at least 60 minutes; if you want to watch multimedia carefully and read displays, schedule 90–120 minutes.
Is a 24-hour ticket worth it? - Yes, if you expect 3 or more public transport rides in a day. For a tourist hopping by tram between several points it’s convenient and economical.
Is the Market Underground suitable for children? - Yes. The exhibition uses multimedia and staged scenes that usually interest younger visitors. Keep in mind it is an underground space, so take extra care with small children.
Do I need to reserve entry to the Market Underground? - In peak season and for groups, reservations are recommended. On popular days the number of entries can be limited; if your schedule is tight, buy your ticket in advance online.
How do I get to the Market Underground entrance? - The entrance is in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the side facing St. Mary’s Church; from the Main Market Square it’s just a few minutes on foot.
If you want to tour with someone who knows the city and can tell memorable stories, consider a short private guided walk of key sites. As a guide I aim to mix facts with anecdotes so each route is lively and tailored to the group. From my experience: -start early to avoid the biggest crowds at the Market Underground and Wawel; -buy a 24-hour tram ticket if you plan several rides; -save the evening for Kazimierz or a Market Square stroll — the after-dark atmosphere is often the most memorable part of the visit. If you need help planning a specific day, I’m happy to assist with route suggestions and bookings.
-Enjoy your visit and bon appétit! Kraków has so much to offer that even one day can be full of discoveries.
