A private tour gives you time, attention and flexibility — instead of rushing with a group, you can stop at what truly interests you. In three hours it’s possible to comfortably combine a visit to the Market Square Underground Museum with a short walk through the Old Town’s highlights, all at a pace tailored to your needs.
A private tour is also ideal when you want to ask questions, learn local anecdotes and avoid the busiest crowds. The guide will show not only the "must-see" sights but also hidden details that give Kraków its character.
In this article I describe a practical three-hour walking plan: what you’ll see underground, useful tips and common mistakes to avoid.
The Market Square Underground is an archaeological museum beneath the eastern part of the Main Market Square where archaeology meets modern multimedia. Underground you can trace Kraków’s history from the earliest settlements to medieval trade: paved streets, market stall locations, remains of old waterworks and everyday objects.
The exhibition spreads over a large museum area with reconstructions and interactive displays. Depending on the route, the exhibition visit can take roughly 1 to 2 hours — the whole museum can take 2–3 hours to explore, but on a private program it’s possible to show the most interesting parts and adjust the time.
There are educational zones and a small children’s theatre for families, and the museum has a lift and facilities for visitors with limited mobility, which makes it easier to visit with a stroller or wheelchair.
Meeting and brief introduction (10 min) - agree on pace, preferences and any points of special interest.
Market Square Underground (60–90 min) - visit the most compelling parts of the exhibition with stories about medieval trade, archaeological finds and urban mysteries.
Surface of the Main Market Square (15–20 min) - Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Town Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (overview outside with optional interior visit), plus tales of market legends and traditions.
Short walk through Old Town streets (25–35 min) - parts of Grodzka or Kanonicza Street, academic and papal stories, finishing near a favorite spot for coffee.
Optional: a quick visit to Wawel (if time allows) or a rest with coffee and a sandwich in one of the traditional cafés. The route is flexible and will end at a location convenient for you.
Duration and reservations – while a full visit to the Market Square Underground can take 2–3 hours, a private route focuses on the most interesting parts so the whole program fits into 3 hours. I recommend booking in advance, especially in high season and on weekends.
Tickets and free days – the museum charges admission and on some days has special rules (e.g., days with free entry). For a private tour you can arrange a guided entry and often use options to avoid queues.
What to bring – comfortable shoes, a light jacket (the underground can be cooler), a bottle of water, a small backpack and an ID. Avoid large suitcases when walking through the Old Town.
Accessibility – the museum has a lift and restrooms; people with limited mobility can visit most of the exhibits after prior arrangement.
Photography – generally allowed without flash and without tripods. Ask the guide about restrictions for temporary exhibits.
After the tour it’s nice to stop for a bite near the Market. Recommended places: the historic restaurant Wierzynek, the cozy Cafe Camelot, the Noworolski café by the Cloth Hall and the local-flavor spot Pod Aniołami. All these venues are nearby and great for a short rest after the walk.
If you want to try local snacks, ask your guide for trusted places to get obwarzanek (bagel-like ring), pierogi and small desserts — in season there are also market stalls with regional products.
If you plan to eat in a popular restaurant, booking a table in advance is a good idea, especially in the evening.
There isn’t one single “time layer” under the Market — the archaeological strata form a mosaic of historical periods; walking below is literally walking through centuries.
Fragments of old waterworks and sewage systems survived under the Square, showing how advanced some medieval urban solutions already were.
The museum uses modern multimedia and holograms, so the experience can be very different from a traditional glass-case museum. For many visitors it’s a surprise that archaeology can feel so cinematic.
Not reserving an entry time – in season this means waiting in line and a shortened visit. Book ahead.
Wearing the wrong shoes – high heels and uncomfortable footwear make walking on cobbles and museum stairs difficult. Choose comfortable shoes.
Trying to “see everything” in a short time – it’s better to focus on fewer spots and learn them well than to tick off places superficially. A private tour lets you control the intensity.
Forgetting to use the restroom before going underground – the museum has restrooms, but it’s still a good idea to visit one beforehand if you plan a busy walk.
Is the tour suitable for children? Yes — the Market Square Underground has educational zones and interactive elements, but pace should be adjusted to the child’s age.
Can I enter with a large backpack? The museum has a cloakroom; still, avoid big suitcases during walking tours in the center.
How much does admission cost? Ticket prices vary by type and discounts; private guiding usually includes a guide fee. Check current prices before booking.
Can I take photos? Usually yes, without flash or tripod. The guide will inform you about any restrictions.
If you’d like a calm, private visit with a guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the booking form are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata will tailor the program to your expectations: pace, language, thematic focus and extra requests (e.g., entry to specific monuments).
When booking, please provide an approximate number of participants, preferred guiding language, any mobility limitations and the desired date and time. That way the visit will be comfortable and well organized.
A private tour also makes a wonderful gift — ask about available dates in advance.
Three hours of a private walking tour is enough time to learn the Old Town’s key stories and explore some of Kraków’s most intriguing underground monuments. It’s a comfortable, flexible option tailored to individual interests.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit to Kraków. If you want to tour with a local guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com and arrange your private tour. Safe travels and see you in Kraków!
