The Market Square Underground is one of Kraków’s most distinctive places — a unique archaeological exhibition beneath the Main Market Square that reveals layers of the medieval city. The good news for wheelchair users is that the museum declares a route free of obstacles and an individual elevator, but it’s worth checking details before you go. The elevator cabin measures about 1.1 x 1.4 m and has buttons marked in Braille, and there is a toilet adapted for people with disabilities along the route. Despite these accommodations, in practice there are situations that can make a visit difficult — below I list the most common mistakes and practical tips to avoid them. A well-prepared visit means more comfort and more time to enjoy Kraków’s history rather than dealing with logistics.
If you’re driving, remember there are designated disabled parking spaces in the paid parking zone near Jagiellońska Street — that makes getting to the Market easier. It’s also a good idea to check opening hours and any free-entry days in advance, since those times can be busier and more constrained.
If you need extra support (an assistant, sign language interpreter, special equipment), notify the museum ahead of time — staff and the guide can prepare appropriate help if they know in advance.
1) Assuming the entire route is a flat, wide pavement. Although the exhibition is arranged with accessibility in mind, some sections near displays can be narrower, and parts of the museum infrastructure were adapted to the historic character of the site. How to avoid this: call or write to the museum ahead of your visit and ask about route details; if possible, arrange to enter outside peak hours.
2) Not informing staff about additional assistance needs. Many difficulties can be solved with a simple message or phone call — booking assistance, reporting an unusually wide wheelchair, or noting the need for a stair-climbing device will make arrangements much easier. How to avoid this: describe your needs when booking and confirm them the day before.
3) Visiting on a free-entry day without a reservation. Free entry days (for example certain Mondays in some periods) can be very crowded, resulting in queues and limits on the number of people on the route. How to avoid this: if you value space and comfort, choose a regular day or arrange a guided time; if you visit on a free day, arrive early and have booking confirmation.
4) Assuming restaurants and cafés “by the Market” are automatically fully accessible. Not every venue right on the Market has an easy ramp or wide entrance. How to avoid this: pick well-reviewed places and check accessibility information in advance or call to confirm that the entrance and toilet will be suitable.
5) Underestimating the time needed for the visit. The Underground is not just a quick descent and glance — allow 60–120 minutes for the route, especially with a guide. How to avoid this: plan your day with some buffer time and ask the guide to set a pace that matches your group’s needs.
Call or write to the museum — confirm elevator availability, cabin dimensions and the presence of an accessible toilet. Checking these details will save you stress on site.
Book your entry or guided tour ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or during high season. When booking, indicate you’ll arrive by wheelchair and provide important measurements (for example, wheelchair width).
Check disabled parking near the Market and the rules of the paid parking zone — in practice the nearest spaces are along Jagiellońska Street. If you plan to use bus or tram, check which stops are closest and whether they have accessibility features.
If you’re using a guide — ask them to adapt the pace and route and to inform museum staff about your visit. A guide can also point out narrower sections of the exhibition and choose the best time to enter.
Arrive early and park in a designated disabled spot or use public transport — tram and bus stops are directly adjacent to the Market. This gives you time to prepare calmly for entry and to handle ticketing formalities.
The elevator is available and marked — its cabin has Braille-marked buttons, which helps visitors with limited vision. If you need help getting into the elevator or through a narrower stretch of the route, ask museum staff or the guide for assistance.
During the visit remember the museum rules for photography (no flash or tripods) and that some displays are close to the route — take care to avoid bumping display cases with your wheelchair. If you plan a longer visit, check the location of the accessible toilet (it’s located near the end of the route).
After visiting the Market Square Underground it’s nice to relax in one of the well-regarded cafés or restaurants nearby. A few trusted spots are: Wierzynek (historic restaurant on the Market), Café Camelot (atmospheric café), Miód Malina and Charlotte — these venues are popular with guests. Before you go, it’s worth calling to ask about ramps, entrance width and access to an accessible toilet.
If you prefer a less touristy atmosphere, ask your guide for recommendations slightly further from the Market — these places often have easier access and equally good food. The guide can also choose a stop with spacious tables and convenient wheelchair access.
If you plan to stay in the city center overnight, book in advance and confirm by phone that the room and bathroom are adapted for a wheelchair user. A comfortable night’s rest after an active day makes the trip much more enjoyable.
Elevators and toilets aren’t the only considerations — sometimes small obstacles like door thresholds, raised paving stones on the surface, and seasonal construction works around the Market can be challenging. If you’re arriving with a larger wheelchair, check the route from your parking spot to the museum entrance.
Keep in mind that on very busy days the pedestrian flow around the Market can be chaotic — mornings or late afternoons are usually calmer. To avoid crowds, plan your visit outside the highest season or choose an earlier time slot.
A note about sensory effects: the exhibition often uses multimedia and lighting effects that are impressive but can be overwhelming for some visitors. If you are sensitive to strong visual stimulation, tell the guide — you can then move at a slower pace and skip the most intense parts of the display.
Do I need a reservation if I arrive in a wheelchair? Not always, but booking ahead ensures staff can prepare assistance and confirm elevator availability for your preferred time.
Is the entire exhibition accessible for a wheelchair? The museum declares a route free of obstacles, but in practice there may be narrower spots near displays — it’s best to consult details before your visit.
Where is the nearest disabled parking? The nearest parking spaces are located in the paid parking zone by Jagiellońska Street; holders of appropriate permits have preferential conditions in the zone.
Can I bring an assistant or service dog? Yes — if you need an assistant or travel with a service animal, notify the museum when booking so staff can make any necessary arrangements.
If you’re planning a visit to the Market Square Underground, spend a few minutes planning the logistics — it pays back with a calm and inspiring experience. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or on social media — that helps other visitors prepare better for their trip.
If you’d like a personalized route and extra help during your visit, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and booking information are available via ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — the guide will happily tailor the visit to your needs. Enjoy your visit and see you in Kraków!
