The Rynek Underground is not just another “dark cellar” — it’s a multi-layered, well-presented archaeological exhibition that shows Kraków’s history from pre-foundation times to the Middle Ages. Beneath the surface of the Main Market Square you’ll find fragments of old townhouses, cobbled streets, craftsmen’s workshops and parts of a cemetery that give a unique insight into everyday life in the city centuries ago.
The exhibition combines authentic finds with modern multimedia: scale models, projections and interactive screens help you imagine what the Market looked like hundreds of years ago. There are also educational and theatrical zones designed especially for families with children, to make the visit more enjoyable for the youngest guests.
If you plan to visit the Main Market Square, going underground is the best way to understand the history of this place — from trade and crafts to tragic events that left traces in the archaeological record.
Assuming that Tuesday means quiet entry. Tuesdays are often free-entry days, so instead of emptiness you may find the longest queues. If you want peace and fewer people, choose early morning hours on weekdays other than Tuesday.
Not checking opening hours and exceptions. The Underground has seasonal hours and specific closed days (for example, the second Monday of the month can be closed). The last admission is usually about 75 minutes before closing, so arriving “at the last minute” may mean you are refused entry.
Not reserving in high season or over holidays. During busy tourist periods, online tickets or reservations make planning easier. On free-entry days booking is sometimes limited or unavailable, which means longer waits at the ticket office.
Having the wrong expectations about temperature and the route. It’s cooler and sometimes damp underground — bring a light jacket even in summer. The route runs on glass walkways above the excavations and can be uneven in places — choose comfortable footwear.
Bringing a large backpack or stroller without checking in advance. Not all sections are easy to navigate with big luggage; if you plan to visit with a stroller, check accessibility details beforehand. Large bags are better left at your hotel or a cloakroom.
Skipping the historical context. The Underground is more than “objects” — it tells the story of trade, crafts and everyday life in medieval Kraków. Spend a little time reading the information panels and listening to recordings — it makes the visit much more interesting.
Buy your ticket in advance if you’re coming during the tourist season or on a weekend. An online ticket lets you skip part of the queue and plan your visit without stress.
Check the rules for free admission. Tuesdays are often free, but booking may be limited and queues longer — plan your time accordingly.
Arrive earlier than you think. Morning visits are usually less crowded and give better conditions for exploring the exhibits in peace.
Dress appropriately: a light jacket or sweater and comfortable shoes; if you’re sensitive to dim light, bring something to help. The exhibition is kept in dimmer lighting to protect artifacts and enhance the multimedia atmosphere.
Photography is usually allowed without flash. If you care about photos, don’t use a flash and respect other visitors’ space.
Respect conservation rules. Don’t touch exhibits, stay on marked paths and follow staff instructions.
Reconstructed workshops (goldsmith, blacksmith) and fragments of townhouses — here you can see how crafts and trade looked in medieval Kraków.
Sections of cobbled thoroughfares and soil profiles that show how the market’s ground level rose over the centuries — a rare piece of urban history.
The cemetery and recovered skeletons — the exhibition also covers lesser-known, sometimes surprising aspects of life and death in the city’s past.
Unique finds such as a once very heavy lump of lead, coins and jewelry — many of these objects tell individual stories about trade and cultural contacts.
The children’s zone and multimedia narratives — if you’re visiting with family, spend time in the play area and watch the theatrical presentations that help the youngest visitors understand the place’s history.
After your visit it’s worth stopping at one of the well-reviewed cafés or restaurants on the Main Market Square. Traditional and popular options include Restauracja Wierzynek, cafés serving warm desserts and hot chocolate, and places specializing in Polish and international cuisine.
For coffee lovers and fans of atmospheric interiors, there are many trusted spots around the square where you can relax with a dessert or a light lunch. If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, historic hotels on and around the Market Square and in the Old Town offer convenient access to attractions — book ahead in high season.
When choosing where to eat, pick places with good reviews and a long-standing tradition — that’s often a safe guarantee of quality.
Some of the discoveries in the Underground come from excavations carried out before the exhibition opened — they revealed settlement layers from the 11th–13th centuries and objects that point to wide trading connections of medieval Kraków.
On display you can find everyday items and symbols that reflect cultural and commercial trends in medieval Europe — these are not just “old things”, but pieces of history that connect Kraków to the continent.
Not all excavated fragments are shown permanently — some finds are exhibited on rotation, so visiting in different years can bring new discoveries.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? If you arrive in the high season or on a weekend, buy an online ticket — it helps avoid long queues. Tuesdays are sometimes free, but booking is usually limited then.
Is the exhibition accessible to strollers and people with reduced mobility? Many accessibility details are provided by the organizers; some routes and sections are adapted for visitors’ comfort, but with a large stroller it’s worth checking specifics in advance.
How much time do I need to see the exhibition? A standard visit takes 60 to 90 minutes, especially if you want to watch the multimedia and read information next to exhibits.
Can I take photographs? In most cases yes — photography without flash is allowed. Remember not to use tripods where they might disturb other visitors.
The Rynek Underground is an experience that rewards time and attention. Come curious, not just with a checklist to “tick off” an attraction. A few simple preparations — an online ticket, comfortable shoes, a light layer — will make your visit pleasant and stress-free.
If you find this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. We also invite you to consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and her offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A good guide can add context and anecdotes that really bring the underground tour to life.
