The Market Underground is one of those Krakow attractions that blends archaeology with the story of medieval urban life. Located several metres beneath the Main Market Square, the museum displays excavations, old streets and layers of the cityscape — a great way to understand how Krakow looked centuries ago. A typical visit takes about an hour and pairs well with a walk around the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica.
In practice: check opening hours and consider buying tickets in advance — during high season and long weekends on-site tickets can sell out. Also ask about days with free admission — they do occur from time to time, but rules change, so check before you go.
The museum is family-friendly: there are interactive panels, children’s zones and practical facilities such as an elevator and toilets. If you travel with people who have limited mobility, ask the museum for information about accessible routes before your visit.
1. Wawel Royal Castle — Krakow’s symbol, royal chambers and city views from the hill. 2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the heart of the city, perfect for a first stroll and coffee. 3. St. Mary’s Basilica — famous Veit Stoss altarpiece and the trumpet call played every hour. 4. Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku) — archaeology beneath the square with interactive exhibits. 5. Kazimierz — atmospheric district with cafés, synagogues and lively evenings. 6. Oskar Schindler’s Factory — an exhibition showing Krakow’s wartime history. 7. Wieliczka Salt Mine — an underground world of salt sculptures and chapels, a short trip outside the city. 8. Planty Park and the Old Town circuit — a green ring of walking paths around the historic centre. 9. Zakrzówek and Vistula boulevards — places to relax by the water for a short break. 10. Collegium Maius and the university courtyards — a slice of academic history and great photo spots.
You can visit many of these in a long weekend, but it’s better to spread the plan over two days if you want to enter museums and enjoy coffee breaks. The Market Underground pairs nicely with a morning or afternoon walk around the square.
If you have more time: consider a walk to Kościuszko Mound or visits to less obvious museums — Krakow hides many gems off the main route.
For small groups, apartments and aparthotels are often best — they offer privacy, a kitchenette and usually more space than a standard hotel room. If you want to be close to the centre, look at places in the Old Town (quick access to the Market and the Underground) or Kazimierz (more atmosphere and nightlife).
Practical selection criteria: location (how much walking you’re willing to do), number of bathrooms (important for 4–6 people), kitchen or kitchenette (useful for longer stays), elevator access and nighttime quiet. Pay attention to guest reviews — highly rated properties with many recent reviews are usually safer picks.
Examples of property types to consider: aparthotels with 2–4 person units (comfortable and near the centre), larger apartments in historic tenement houses (authentic feel), and small boutique hotels offering family rooms. When booking, check cancellation policies and check-in times — flexibility is very helpful when travelling in a group.
- Old Town: maximum convenience for attractions, but it can be noisy and pricier. - Kazimierz: great for evening dining and bars, more atmosphere and often better value for money. - Areas near the Main Train Station: ideal if you arrive by train — quick connections and many options. - Podgórze and around Zakrzówek: quieter, good if you want a break from the hustle and bustle. Choose apartments with at least one bathroom per three people and a kitchenette if you plan shared breakfasts or dinners. If you carry a lot of luggage, make sure the building has an elevator.
In high season book several weeks in advance — the best apartments for 4–6 people disappear fast. If top reviews matter to you, filter listings for many recent reviews and plenty of interior photos.
Planning for 2–6 people is simple, but it helps to assign roles — who books tickets, who handles maps and where you meet at a given time. That avoids last-minute chaos at museum entrances or during check-in.
If you plan to visit the Market Underground: allow 1–1.5 hours and factor in time for the entry queue. After the visit the Market offers many lunch options — reserving a table for a larger group makes life easier.
Getting around: Krakow’s centre is very walkable, but trams and buses will quickly take you to more distant spots (e.g. Wieliczka, Nowa Huta). For larger groups consider a taxi or short car ride for convenience.
Around the Market and in Kazimierz you’ll find many well-rated places — from classic Polish restaurants to international bistros. When choosing, look at recent reviews, freshness of dishes and table availability for groups.
Practical picks: for traditional Polish cuisine consider historic or well-reviewed restaurants in the Old Town such as Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami; for a relaxed coffee break try cafés with good local ratings; in Kazimierz search for restaurants with table reservations for the evening. The best choice depends on your tastes — check current reviews before you go.
Avoid quick stand-up food stalls in the most touristy spots if you care about quality — better experiences come from places recommended by locals or with solid reviews.
1. Not booking tickets for popular museums — fix: reserve in advance. 2. Choosing an apartment that’s too small for 4–6 people — fix: check number of beds and bathrooms. 3. Staying somewhere poorly connected by transport — fix: pick places near trams or the Main Train Station if you want fast movement. 4. Not reserving a restaurant table for a larger group — for 4+ people it’s better to call ahead. 5. Being late for timed visits — set meeting points and buffer times.
Avoiding these simple mistakes will make the trip smoother and more enjoyable for the whole group.
Is it worth buying Market Underground tickets in advance? - Yes, especially in season and on weekends; online booking saves time.
How much time should we allow for the Market Underground? - Plan about 60–90 minutes, including queuing and time for photos.
Are the Underground routes accessible for people with limited mobility? - Many routes are adapted, but if you have special needs check with the museum in advance.
Where is the best place to book an apartment for 4–6 people? - Start with review platforms and aparthotel websites; look for properties with many current reviews and clear descriptions of amenities.
What if we arrive late at night by train? - Choose accommodation near the Main Train Station or with flexible check-in; some places offer self check-in.
- Beneath the Main Market lies a layered history — you can see remains of medieval houses, street fragments and traces of old markets. - On some weekdays certain museum branches may offer free entry, but rules and times change — always check current information before your trip. - Small groups have an advantage: it’s easier to find a table in popular restaurants and you move faster through museums than large tour groups. - To avoid the biggest crowds on the Market Square, come very early in the morning or in the late afternoon — photos and walks are much more pleasant then.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it’s a great way to coordinate a group trip. If you’d like to explore Krakow with a personal guide, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — full information and contact are available via Zwiedzanie Krakowa. Good luck with your planning, enjoy the food and have a wonderful visit!
