The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki and the Market Square Underground Museum are two stops on Kraków’s map that combine history, spirituality and modern displays. A private tour lets you see the most important highlights of both sites at a pace suited to your group, avoid queues and learn the wider context - stories, anecdotes and meanings that for many are more than just points on a route. It’s an excellent option for families, older visitors, small groups and anyone who wants to make the most of their time in the city.
A private guide will also help with logistics: booking tickets, planning transfers, scheduling coffee or lunch breaks and adapting the route to your preferences (for example, more time for the sacred spaces in Łagiewniki or a longer stroll around the Cloth Hall and cafés after visiting the Underground).
If you prefer an individualized approach, consider combining both attractions on the same day with a short transfer between them or splitting the visits into two shorter blocks.
The sanctuary today is a large complex: the recognisable modern basilica, chapels, exhibitions and a pilgrimage area. Inside, pay attention to the places connected with the devotion to Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina, as well as artistic details and mosaics in the interior. Here history meets a living religious tradition - for many visitors it is also a place of prayer, so be respectful of the quiet atmosphere in designated zones.
On the sanctuary grounds there is also a tall viewing tower (about 77 m) that, in good weather, offers wide panoramas of the city and even the Tatra Mountains. The tower has stairs and a lift, making it accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Access to the observation platform is sometimes limited by opening hours; check availability before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Practical tips for visiting Łagiewniki: wear comfortable shoes, respect service times (special ceremonies can make sightseeing difficult), and if you plan to record longer video material ask the staff for permission. It’s also sensible to bring a light sweater - church interiors can be cooler than the street.
The Market Square Underground Museum is an exceptional archaeological and multimedia exhibition beneath a part of the Main Market Square. Walking on the catwalks above preserved layers of former trade streets gives a feeling of travelling through time - from the Middle Ages to modern times. The display combines artefacts, reconstructions and modern multimedia, making it appealing for adults and children alike.
This place often surprises visitors: fragments of everyday life from centuries ago emerge from the paved gaps, and screens and holograms help imagine former markets and urban fabric. The museum occupies a significant archaeological reserve area - not just a few showcases, but an extended route with many educational points.
In practice: a visit to the Underground usually takes between one and two hours, depending on how much time you spend with the multimedia and close inspection. Note that on Tuesdays admission is often free but prior reservation is usually required - a good way to save if your schedule is flexible. The museum is also adapted for visitors with reduced mobility - there is a lift and wider pathways.
Basic rule: check current information and buy tickets in advance, especially during the high season and at weekends. The Market Square Underground and the Łagiewniki tower have their own ticketing rules and opening hours - these can change around special events. A private tour usually includes the guide service; you’ll often need to purchase admission tickets for participants separately.
If you’re on a budget, watch for promotions and free-admission days (for example, some days in the Underground), but remember to reserve places in advance. Private guiding carries a fee - for small groups it’s the price of convenience and a tailored experience, so compare what’s included: does the guide help buy tickets, is reservation included, are coffee breaks planned?
If you plan to go up the Łagiewniki viewing tower, check its opening hours (the last admission may be shortly before closing). In peak season it’s worth arriving earlier to avoid queues.
Łagiewniki lies in the southern part of the city and the Main Market Square is in the very heart of the Old Town - you can travel between them comfortably by public transport or taxi. A simple, comfortable option for the day: visit Łagiewniki in the morning (quiet atmosphere, morning service, tower visit), have lunch at a local restaurant, and spend the afternoon in the Market Square Underground and strolling around the Main Market Square.
If you prefer shorter walks, arrange a transfer or take a tram/bus; your guide can help plan the most efficient route and timing to avoid peak crowds. Include breaks for coffee and time to visit the Cloth Hall or nearby museums.
For families with children: consider making the Underground the second stop of the day - the interactive elements make exploration engaging for the youngest visitors.
Around the Main Market Square you’ll find many well-regarded restaurants and cafés - for traditional Polish cuisine look for places known for quality and service; for coffee and cake there are atmospheric cafés close to the Cloth Hall. These spots are great for a relaxed break after sightseeing.
In the Łagiewniki area simple eateries and kiosks serving pilgrim-style meals are convenient, but if you have more time explore restaurants in the nearby Podgórze and southern districts of Kraków that offer fresh, high-quality dishes. For popular places it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends and during the tourist season.
If you plan a dessert after the Underground visit, pick a café around the Market Square - it’s an excellent chance to rest and reflect after a historical journey underground.
Not checking opening hours and admission rules - this is especially important for the Łagiewniki tower and the Market Square Underground; visitors sometimes arrive outside visiting hours and have to return another time.
Failing to reserve on free-admission days - for example, free Tuesdays at the Underground often still require booking, so if you plan to save, remember to reserve ahead.
Inappropriate attire for the sanctuary - while the basilica is open to tourists, wear tidy clothing and respect places of prayer; loud recordings or noise during services are inappropriate.
Trying to bypass fees and rules - you can’t always ‘pop in’ without a ticket to more developed museum zones; it’s better to buy tickets in advance or ask your guide for help.
Is entry to the Sanctuary free? Entry to the basilica is usually free, but some additional attractions (for example, the viewing tower) may have separate rules or charges. Check current information before your visit.
Can I take photos in the Underground? Photography is generally allowed but with restrictions: no flash and no tripods. Always ask staff about any limits related to temporary exhibitions.
How much time do I need for both places? It depends on your pace: allocate about 1 to 2 hours for each site. A day with lunch and a short walk around the Market Square is a sensible plan.
Are the venues accessible for people with disabilities? Both sites provide accessibility features - the Underground has a lift and the Łagiewniki tower offers lift access beside the stairs. If you have specific needs, inform the staff or your guide in advance.
The Market Square Underground hides layers of history - the oldest preserved trade routes date back to the 11th century, so walking there is literally crossing several centuries of urban development.
The Łagiewniki tower is a vantage point from which, on a clear day, you can see Kraków’s panorama and distant mountain ranges - many visitors are surprised that such an extensive view is available so close to the city centre.
Both sites use multimedia to enhance traditional exhibits - a good example of how modern technology helps to understand the past and the spiritual context.
If you’re planning a visit to Kraków and want comfort and deeper understanding, consider a private tour with a local guide. This service saves time and gives the visit a personal touch - memorable stories and practical tips that are useful right after leaving the museum or basilica.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with friends or on social media - it’s a great way to help others plan a successful day in Kraków. I also encourage you to consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details and offers are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Thank you for reading and I wish you many beautiful discoveries in Kraków!
