The Main Square Underground is one of those places in Kraków that surprises even visitors who have already seen a lot. A few metres beneath the surface of the Main Market Square lies an archaeological park with authentic remains of the medieval city, multimedia displays and reconstructions. Before you plan your visit, it’s helpful to know practical information about opening hours and tickets — this will save time and disappointment.
In this article I’ve gathered the most important facts and tips: when it’s best to come, how to buy a ticket and what to expect during the visit. If you don’t find something you need, there’s an FAQ and extra practical advice at the end.
Hours can vary by season, so it’s always a good idea to check current information before you go. In practice, common schedules look like this: in the tourist season (April–October) the Underground tends to be open longer — usually from around 10:00, with closing most often between 20:00 and 22:00 depending on the day of the week. In the off-season (November–March) hours are often shorter — typically around 10:00–20:00, with some days having reduced opening times.
Tuesdays are special — they are often days with free admission, but expect a limited number of entries and shorter opening hours (often until about 16:00). Some sources and visitor experiences also note that the exhibition can be closed for short maintenance or cleaning breaks, sometimes on the second Monday of the month.
Remember: the last admission is usually about 30 minutes before the official closing time of the exhibition.
Ticket prices change over time, but as a rough guide a full-price ticket costs a few dozen złoty, reduced tickets are a bit cheaper, and family or group options are usually available. On some Tuesdays (free-entry days) admission may be free, but places are limited — the best approach is to arrive early or reserve a ticket if that option is offered.
During high season it’s smart to buy tickets in advance online or to come outside peak hours (early morning or closer to closing). There is often a visitor service point in the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) where you can buy or exchange tickets and get up-to-date information. If you’re visiting with a school group or a larger party, booking ahead is practically essential.
The entrance to the Underground is located in the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), on the side facing St. Mary’s Basilica — a very convenient spot in the heart of the Main Market Square. Look for the passage inside the Sukiennice; staff or the visitor service point will point you to the right stairs down.
Allow between 60 and 90 minutes for a relaxed visit. Visitors interested in history and multimedia displays may spend up to two hours — plan your time so you don’t need to rush through the exhibition. On the route you’ll see authentic archaeological finds, reconstructions, multimedia presentations and models of medieval Kraków.
The Underground is great for families, people interested in the city’s history and tourists looking for an unusual attraction. The exhibition includes multimedia and interactive elements, so it’s engaging even for younger visitors.
Temperature underground can be lower than on the surface, even in summer — bringing a light sweater or thin jacket is a good idea. If you use a wheelchair, check accessibility and elevator availability in advance — the Underground is largely adapted, but it’s worth confirming details before your visit.
Since you’re already on the Main Market Square, you have many well-reviewed choices nearby. A few tried-and-true options in the area: Cafe Camelot — a cosy café for coffee and dessert; Szara — a restaurant serving Polish and seasonal dishes; Wierzynek — a historic, more formal restaurant if you want a special atmosphere. These places suit a range of budgets and are popular with visitors.
If you plan to stay near the attraction, the Old Town and the Main Railway Station area offer everything from intimate guesthouses to boutique hotels. Keep in mind that prices tend to rise on weekends and during the high season — booking in advance usually saves money.
Assuming that Tuesday always means free entry without queues — in reality free places are limited and fill up quickly. If free admission is important to you, arrive early or choose another day and reserve a ticket.
Underestimating how long the visit takes — many people plan to “have a quick look” and then find they need to speed up to make the last admission. Book at least 60–90 minutes if you want to see the exhibition without rushing.
Forgetting about the cooler underground temperature — not having an extra layer can make the visit less comfortable, especially for a longer stay.
The Underground contains authentic archaeological discoveries — among the exhibits are everyday objects, coins and fragments of old buildings that show how lively the Market Square was centuries ago.
You’ll also find multimedia materials and reconstructions that combine scientific archaeology with modern storytelling, making history accessible even to visitors who don’t usually go to museums.
Do I need to reserve a ticket? - In high season and for larger groups: yes. On a regular day: it’s worth buying online or checking availability at the visitor service point.
Is Tuesday always free? - Tuesdays are often free-entry days, but the number of admissions may be limited and hours can be shorter.
Is the Underground accessible for people with reduced mobility? - Yes, the exhibition is largely adapted with lifts and facilities, but if you have specific needs it’s best to confirm details before your visit.
If you found this information useful — please share the article with friends or on social media. I also recommend considering a visit with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — it’s a great way to experience the Main Square Underground from the perspective of a local expert and to learn additional stories and curiosities you might not find in the general descriptions. Contact details for guide services are available on the guide’s website. Have a great trip and enjoy discovering Kraków’s hidden stories!
