Krakow has two remarkable but very different attractions right in the city centre: the Museum of Photography MuFo (notably the Rakowicka branch) and the multimedia Market Underground beneath the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Both places tell the city’s story — one through camera lenses and photography collections, the other through archaeology, reconstructions and an atmospheric underground space.
If you plan one culturally packed day, you can combine a visit to MuFo with an afternoon on the Main Market Square and a descent into the Cloth Hall’s underground — but it’s worth arranging tickets and times in advance to avoid queues.
The Museum of Photography in Krakow operates at several locations; the most-visited branch is MuFo Rakowicka (Rakowicka 22A). The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions and a substantial collection of cameras and photographs.
One of the principal displays impresses by its scale — the holdings include over a thousand objects, including nearly 300 cameras. It’s a great choice for anyone interested in the history of photographic technology, portraiture, and the ways photography shapes how we see the world.
MuFo runs curator-led tours and themed events; some special activities require separate reservation. MuFo Rakowicka has regular opening hours (usually closed on Monday; weekday and weekend hours vary by season), and the last admission is generally allowed about 45 minutes before closing.
The Market Underground (a branch of the Museum of Krakow, location: Main Market Square 1) is a contemporary, multimedia exhibition based on archaeological research carried out in the early 21st century. You walk on glass walkways above preserved fragments of medieval streets and stalls, and view models, projections and interactive displays.
The exhibition shows how the medieval market thrived, which goods and crafts were traded here, and how the Market’s buildings evolved over time. Families will find child-friendly elements — mechanical toy theatres and play areas designed to engage younger visitors.
Buy tickets online — most time slots and admissions can be reserved through official ticketing systems. This saves you from standing in long lines, especially in high season and on weekends.
MuFo: tickets and event reservations are available via the museum’s official ticketing system or by phone; remember that some curator-led tours require separate booking. MuFo enforces a last-admission rule about 45 minutes before closing; also check for so-called quiet hours if you prefer a calmer visit.
Market Underground: tickets are sold according to the rates in force that year; prices can change seasonally. Tuesdays are often times with free admission days (usually with limited places and requiring reservation), which means higher visitor numbers — if you want peace and quiet, choose a different day.
School groups and organized visits typically have different prices and limits; if you plan a guided group visit, arrange it in advance.
MuFo Rakowicka has set opening hours, but check the museum’s website before visiting — hours may change due to events or conservation work. MuFo usually has priority access lines for families with children, pregnant visitors and people with disabilities.
The Market Underground follows hours set by the Museum of Krakow; last admission is strictly timed and entry after that point may not be possible. Parts of the underground route are on ramps and raised walkways — wheelchair accessibility should be confirmed with staff before your visit.
Both sites have photography rules: generally, photography is allowed without flash and without tripods, but specific exhibitions or events may impose stricter restrictions.
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours in the Market Underground, depending on interest in the multimedia displays and whether they join a tour. MuFo itself can be seen in 30 minutes for a quick visit, or take several hours if you join a guided tour and study the camera collection closely.
If you plan to visit both sites in one day, leave time for breaks (coffee, lunch) and walking between locations — Old Town is best explored on foot, but remember to schedule rests during a busy program.
Around the Market you’ll find many well-rated cafés and restaurants. For a charming coffee and cake choose a popular centre café such as Cafe Camelot or Charlotte; for dinner consider restaurants on or near the Market Square like Szara (Szara Gęś) or Pod Nosem, which offer local and modern dishes. In Kazimierz you’ll find excellent Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options such as Hamsa Hummus & Happiness or Starka if you want something less touristy after sightseeing.
If you want to stay close to the attractions, well-rated hotels are located throughout the Old Town and near Wawel — there are boutique luxury options, mid-range hotels and apartments for different budgets. When booking accommodation, check recent guest reviews and the location relative to the places you plan to visit.
A surprise: MuFo is not just cameras and photos — it also runs educational programs, curator-led reveals and events that show how photography affects history and society. Don’t limit your visit to “taking a few pictures” — attend a tour if one is available.
Common mistakes to avoid: arriving without checking opening hours and ticket availability (especially on Tuesdays, when the Market Underground may have free-admission times), wearing uncomfortable shoes — parts of the Underground are on ramps and glass walkways — and ignoring equipment restrictions for photography.
Also remember that queues can be long during peak season — buy tickets in advance and plan visits outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) when possible.
Do I have to reserve tickets in advance? Not always, but strongly recommended in high season and on weekends; online booking guarantees entry at your chosen time.
How long does a visit take? MuFo: 30 minutes to several hours depending on interest; Market Underground: usually 45–90 minutes.
Can I take photos? In most areas yes, but typically without flash and without tripods; rules may be stricter for special exhibitions.
Are both sites accessible for visitors with limited mobility? MuFo provides information on accessibility and priority service; the Market Underground includes ramped sections, but accessibility can be limited in places — ask staff before buying tickets.
Check the official museum pages and ticket systems on the day or a few days before your visit — hours, prices and visitor rules can change depending on exhibitions and events.
If you’re visiting with children, choose times and places that match their rhythm; the Market Underground has interactive elements for younger visitors, but long routes can be tiring.
Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket — it can be cooler underground than on the surface, and at MuFo you’ll want to be comfortable for longer exhibition visits.
If this article helped you plan your visit — share it with friends or on social media. It’s a great way to tell others how to avoid queues and make the most of their time in Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with an experienced private guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private tour lets you tailor the route to your interests, avoid logistical issues and discover additional, less obvious stories about the city.
