The Market Underground is one of Kraków’s attractions that combines authentic archaeological finds with a modern multimedia presentation. The museum, opened in 2010, shows an exhibition titled "In the Footsteps of Kraków’s European Identity" and takes visitors back several hundred years — to a time when the Main Market buzzed with trade and craft.
The experience underground is more than peering at display cases: it’s a path above genuine foundations and paving, enriched with films, holograms, touchscreens and special effects that help imagine city life centuries ago. In this article I describe the multimedia elements not to miss, the most interesting exhibits and practical tips so you leave feeling your time was well spent. If you plan to visit with children — you’ll find specific suggestions here, too.
The route runs beneath the Cloth Hall and among the cellars of old merchant houses. Visitors walk on footbridges and sloping walkways suspended above the excavations, creating a strong sensation of “walking over history.” In many places you’ll see fragments of paving, wheel ruts cut into stone and bare foundations of stalls — all things archaeologists uncovered during research.
Pay attention immediately to the signs and instructions for multimedia exhibits — some stations are interactive and need a short explanation to fully appreciate their message. The temperature underground is often lower than at street level, so it’s good to have a light layer of clothing. The path is usually one-way — as you move forward you’ll return via the designated exit, so plan your visit to avoid missing your favorite displays.
The steam curtain screen. This is one of the spots tourists often photograph — an impressive projection onto a curtain of steam that you can walk through to see scenes from medieval Market life. It’s not just an aesthetic trick but a way to enter the exhibition’s narrative.
3D holograms. Several rooms contain devices showing three-dimensional reconstructions of buildings and fragments of the urban fabric. Holographic visualizations help you picture how houses, workshops and stalls looked before they disappeared under the layers of history.
Touchscreens and 3D models of objects. At many exhibits you can launch digital reproductions of found items on a screen — rotate them, zoom into details and check contexts of use. This is ideal when you want a closer look at jewelry, pottery or small tools.
Panoramic projection room. Dozens of degrees of image and carefully arranged sound create a narrative film that condenses the key stories about medieval Kraków’s development — it’s worth sitting down for the show because it unlocks the meaning of many exhibits you’ll see later.
Remains of stalls and the Great Scales. Authentic foundations and fragments of commercial buildings reveal the Market’s historic layout. You’ll also see remains of the place where goods were weighed — evidence of Kraków’s importance as a trade center.
A pre-city cemetery and burials. One of the most moving parts of the exhibition are reconstructions of burials from the 11th century. These are rare, direct testimonies of the pre-location history of this area.
Everyday objects: coins, glass beads, pottery, tools and decorative elements. Many of these small finds tell the stories of individual people — merchants, craftsmen and travelers. Their simple forms and discovery contexts make it easier to imagine everyday life.
Artefacts from distant origins. Among the finds are items that came along long trade routes — beads and medallions from eastern areas or coins that confirm trade contacts. These objects emphasize how far Kraków’s connections reached across Europe and beyond.
Unique and surprising discoveries. In the Underground you’ll also encounter objects you wouldn’t expect in the Market’s center: fragments of old waterworks, arrowheads of Tatar origin and structural remains that reveal building techniques from centuries ago.
The exhibition offers special stations for children: a mechanical puppet theatre telling the legend of the Wawel Dragon, simple animations and educational games that engage young visitors and let them feel like little explorers. Interactive screens and models are designed to avoid overwhelming children with too much text.
If you plan to visit with a stroller, check route accessibility and ramps in advance — many parts of the museum include conveniences, but some fragments have steps and narrow passages. It’s also a good idea to plan a shorter circuit, take breaks at multimedia stations and explain to children what they’re seeing — that way the visit will be both entertaining and informative.
Visiting time. On average you need 60–90 minutes to comfortably view the exhibition and use the multimedia. If you want to watch every screen and projection carefully — allow around two hours.
Tickets and reservations. In the tourist season it can be crowded — it’s wise to buy tickets in advance or check whether there are free-admission days (sometimes municipal museums offer free Tuesdays, but policies can change). Larger groups should consider booking ahead.
Accessibility and the route. The museum provides descriptions in several languages and multimedia stations with explanations. The route is on footbridges and sloping passages; ramps and aids are installed in some places, but visitors with limited mobility should check accessibility details beforehand.
Photography. Many areas allow photography without flash. Check the current rules for photography and filming at the entrance — in some projection rooms the use of tripods or flash may be prohibited.
Time of day. If you prefer fewer crowds, come early in the morning right after opening or late afternoon. You’ll be able to use multimedia stations more calmly and watch projections without queues.
Assuming it’s "just underground." The Market Underground is one of the city’s best-designed multimedia exhibitions — it deserves time, not a quick stop between coffee and the next attraction.
Not allocating enough time. Many visitors don’t allow an extra 30–60 minutes for the panoramic projection or interactive stations and leave without seeing the best presentations. Plan your visit with a time buffer.
Assuming you can’t come with children or a stroller. If you have a stroller, check the route in advance; some sections are adapted, others are more challenging. Ask the staff for the most convenient path to take.
The Main Market and its surroundings offer many places at different price levels. If you seek a historical atmosphere and traditional cuisine, consider Restaurant Wierzynek — a place with long tradition and an exceptional ambiance, though expect higher prices. For a more casual meal try Restaurant Szara, well known for good reviews and its central location. Fans of atmospheric cafés often visit Café Camelot — a popular spot with a cozy interior.
If you plan to continue sightseeing, it’s easy to combine the Underground with the Cloth Hall, the Museum of Kraków History and a walk to Wawel Castle. For families we recommend shorter walks and a break at a café overlooking the Market so children can recharge before the next activity.
Walk the footbridges above authentic stall foundations and examine paving fragments — this gives the best sense of the medieval Market’s layout.
Watch the panoramic multimedia show — it’s a concise picture of the city’s most important transformations.
Don’t miss the holograms and 3D reconstructions of buildings — the visualizations help imagine how the city center once looked.
Pay attention to exhibits related to long-distance trade — coins, beads and artifacts show how extensive the city’s trading contacts were.
How long does the visit take? Usually 1–1.5 hours; plan up to 2 hours if you want to take everything in at a relaxed pace.
Are there guides? The museum provides materials in several languages and official museum guides are available — if you prefer a guided tour with commentary, check the guide services offered by the Museum of Kraków History.
Can you bring a stroller or someone with limited mobility? Many sections are adapted, but the route also has steps and narrow passages — contact the staff ahead of your visit to plan the most comfortable route.
Are there discounts and free days? City museums sometimes offer free entry days or discounts; check current pricing and rules before you go.
Under the Market lie settlement layers from before the city’s official founding — you can see traces of life predating the 13th century, including burial elements and foundations of early structures.
Some exhibits show Kraków’s role as a hub on north–south and east–west routes — coins and beads testify to distant trade connections.
Multimedia elements were designed to combine the site’s atmosphere with modern technology; for example, the steam curtain screen acts both as stage set and informational gateway to the rest of the exhibition.
If you want your visit to the Underground to be as comfortable and rewarding as possible, consider assistance from someone who can help plan logistics and reservations. Official museum guides can expand on topics only sketched on the exhibition, and an experienced guide will adapt the route to the group’s time and interests.
If you need help planning a whole trip in Kraków — from booking tickets and accommodation, through restaurant reservations, to guided tours of museums — contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and services are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata can advise, design an itinerary and guide you through the Market Underground and other key Kraków sites; she also handles logistics, transport and reservations.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. It might be a useful quick guide for someone planning a visit to Kraków.
When you plan your visit and would like a guided tour with a personal touch, remember the option to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I hope your journey beneath the Market will be full of surprises and fascinating discoveries!
