Are you visiting Krakow and want to explore the city without getting lost in the crowds and to return home with great photos? Perfect — you’re in the right place. As a licensed guide (I work with, among others, the Rynek Underground) I’ll help you plan a private tour that combines a visit to the underground museum with an Instagram-friendly route through the city’s most photogenic corners. In this article you’ll find practical tips on how to book tickets, what to expect during a visit below the Market Square, and a ready 2-hour photo route that avoids paid interiors (plus options if you want to include the Rynek Underground).
This article focuses on a tried-and-true private tour with me and practical advice that will make your stay in Krakow easier. If after reading you want to book a walk with me — write or call, and I will gladly help adapt the route to your time and interests. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (licensed guide)
The Rynek Underground is a unique museum beneath the surface of the Main Market Square that presents a cross-section of medieval Krakow — an archaeological reserve combined with a modern multimedia exhibition. It’s more than display cases: it’s a space where you can really feel the scale of trade and urban life from centuries ago. You will find recovered artifacts, reconstructions and modern multimedia presentations that bring history to life.
If you are interested in the city's history, archaeology, or simply want to see something unexpected beneath the Market Square — the Rynek Underground is an excellent choice. The exhibition covers several thousand square meters (including the archaeological reserve) and is arranged to be visitor-friendly for all ages.
The Rynek Underground operates on a timed-ticket system: entries are often set for specific hours and the number of visitors is limited - especially in the high season and during special events. For that reason, when planning a visit it’s best to check availability and reserve tickets for your chosen day and time in advance.
In practice: larger groups and school visits follow different rules and capacity limits; guided visits within the exhibition are led under museum supervision. Sometimes, on specific days (for example special events) entries are organized for particular times or a capacity limit is enforced — take that into account when planning.
Practical recommendation: if you want to visit the Rynek Underground on a specific date (especially weekends, public holidays or Museum Night), book tickets early. If you plan a private guided visit with me, contact me in advance so we can arrange meeting time and logistics (meeting point, visit length, etc.).
The Rynek Underground is a museum with multimedia displays and an archaeological reserve — the temperature can be a bit lower than on the surface, and some parts of the route go over even, but cooler, surfaces. It’s worth bringing a light jacket or sweater even on warm days.
Wear comfortable shoes (there is a fair amount of walking and stairs). Photography is allowed, but the museum may restrict use of flash and tripods — respect exhibition rules and other visitors. If you plan a professional photo session, arrange it with the museum in advance.
A private tour means flexibility: we start where suits you best — on the Main Square, in front of the Cloth Hall, or at another agreed meeting spot. Depending on time and interests we can combine a visit to the Rynek Underground with a route through the Old Town and Kazimierz, or focus exclusively on the underground exhibition and the nearby area.
As a licensed guide I have the qualifications and experience needed to lead groups in the Rynek Underground (museum training). That means I can guide your group in accordance with the museum’s requirements and adapt the narrative to the age, theme and pace of the group — from anecdotes and curiosities to detailed archaeological information.
Typical private visit length: a standard visit to the Rynek Underground lasts about 45–60 minutes, but depending on interest we can spend more time or treat it as part of a longer walk. If you wish, after leaving the underground we’ll go on an Instagram route — I’ll show the best frames and tell you where it’s worth returning in the evening.
If you’re booking a private tour: remember to confirm the number of participants and any special needs (e.g. stroller, accessibility, audio-guide). In advance I can also reserve headset sets if that’s helpful for a larger group.
If you have about 2 hours and want to come away with lovely photos, I recommend this route — it avoids paid interiors and focuses on iconic free views and atmospheric streets:
- Start: Planty / area near St. Florian’s Gate - a shot with the city walls and the green belt of Planty. Great for wide frames and an introduction to Krakow.
- Main Market Square and Cloth Hall - symmetry, façade details, and cobbled perspective. Early morning or late evening provides the best light.
- Kanonicza Street - a narrow, picturesque lane with historic doors and townhouses; ideal for portraits and architectural details.
- Wawel (outside) and the Vistula Boulevards - castle panorama over the river, reflections in the water and bridges in the background.
- Vistula Boulevards - a riverside stroll with piers and industrial bridges as a backdrop, perfect at sunset.
- Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, Nowy Square, murals and hidden corners - street photography, café scenes and colorful courtyards.
We finish in Kazimierz over coffee - a good moment to review photos and briefly discuss composition.
Option A - Rynek Underground before the route: meet earlier, visit the Underground (approx. 45–60 min), then go on a 1.5–2 hour Instagram walk - a good choice if you want to explore history first and take photos later on the surface.
Option B - Rynek Underground after the route: if you prefer to take pictures first in the best light (for example the golden hour at the Boulevards), we can finish the day in the Underground, which is a special, calm place to close the tour.
In both options remember to reserve tickets for the Rynek Underground (especially on weekends). For private visits I arrange meeting times to avoid waiting for entry.
If you like, I can check ticket availability and help with booking - write the date and number of people and we’ll sort the details.
- Early morning or late evening are the best times for photos in the center - fewer people and softer light. If you want shots without crowds, come very early.
- In museums (including the Rynek Underground) do not use flash or tripods without permission - it may be prohibited to protect exhibits and other visitors’ comfort.
- In narrow streets and on sidewalks try not to block passage. Local shops and residents matter - keep a polite approach to photographing. If you plan a commercial shoot, get permission from the venue or owner in advance.
- Drones: there are restrictions in the historic center - do not plan flights without prior permits.
- A powerbank and an extra memory card often save the day - photos and stories quickly drain phones and cameras.
Do I need a guide to enter the Rynek Underground? - Not always, but touring with a guide provides more context and highlights details that can be missed on panels or screens. The museum requires some groups to be led by trained guides - it’s worth confirming beforehand.
How long does a visit to the Rynek Underground take? - Typically 45–60 minutes, but it depends on the group’s interest and the form of the visit (special events or projections can extend the time).
Is the Rynek Underground accessible for strollers and people with reduced mobility? - Some underground museums have architectural limitations; if you need accessibility arrangements, write ahead and I will check availability for your date and route.
Are photos allowed? - Yes, but without flash, tripods and any equipment that could disturb others. For professional sessions the museum requires prior arrangements.
How long does a private tour with you last? - It depends on the route chosen: 2–3 hours is great for combining the Rynek Underground with a short Instagram route; there are also shorter 1–2 hour themed walks. Tell me how much time you have and I’ll suggest a plan.
- Meeting point: I usually arrange to meet on the Main Market Square (by the Cloth Hall) or at another pre-agreed spot - it simplifies logistics and makes for a quick start to the tour.
- Payments and guide fee: private tours have a price depending on time and number of people - approximate rates are on my site; final arrangements are made when booking (payment by cash or bank transfer can be arranged).
- School groups and organized trips: I have experience guiding school groups, corporate outings and international guests - programs are adjusted to age and expectations.
- Less than two hours? No problem - I will prepare a short, intensive route: the main points on the Market Square and a quick visit to the Rynek Underground if time permits.
If you want to plan a tour: write the date, number of people and preferred language. I will gladly help with booking Rynek Underground tickets and propose the perfect 1–4 hour plan.
