Yes — a well-planned private half-day tour lets you discover the heart of Krakow: the Main Market Square, the underground exhibition beneath the square, and a tram ride that shows the city from a different perspective.
This option works well when your time is limited, you want to avoid crowds, and you value flexibility in the schedule. A private tour also allows you to set the pace and choose the places that matter most to you.
A private tour gives you greater flexibility: you can start and finish in a convenient place, set the pace, and focus on topics that interest you — history, architecture or local cuisine.
In half a day you can combine key highlights: the Main Market Square, the Market Underground (about 45–60 minutes for the exhibition), a short tram ride across the centre and a stroll along nearby streets, which together give a good cross-section of the city.
9:30 — Meeting at the Main Market Square and a short introduction. We begin with stories about the Market and the Cloth Hall.
10:00 — Entrance to the Market Underground. Explore the exhibition that reveals the successive layers of the medieval city; duration: about 45–60 minutes (booking in advance is recommended).
11:15 — Return to the surface, a short walk around the Square and a stop by the Town Hall Tower or St. Mary’s Basilica (outside or a brief talk about the interior).
11:45 — Tram ride (a few stops) toward Kazimierz or another chosen district depending on your preference — during the ride we talk about transport development, local architecture and everyday life in Krakow.
12:15 — Short walk in the chosen neighbourhood, a recommendation for coffee or lunch and the end of the tour.
The Market Underground is an archaeological exhibition that shows the development layers of Krakow — from the earliest settlements to medieval market structures. The exhibition is run under museum supervision and visits are accompanied by a guide.
Many groups and visitors decide to book tickets in advance, especially in the high season. Group sizes are limited and the usual visit time for a single group is around an hour.
Photography rules apply in the exhibition (usually no flash and no tripods) and there are safety rules related to being in an underground space.
It’s best to buy or reserve Market Underground tickets in advance — a private guide will help match the visit time to your half-day plan.
Trams in Krakow run frequently and let you move quickly between districts. When planning a half-day tour, allow time to walk to stops and for possible brief delays in traffic.
If you have mobility difficulties, inform the guide in advance — some central locations may not be fully accessible and access to the underground exhibition has its own limitations.
Wear comfortable shoes — part of the route is over cobbled streets, and there may be stairs and uneven ground in the underground areas.
After the tour it’s nice to stop for coffee or a light meal in well-regarded spots. Recommended options around the Market and Kazimierz include Pod Aniołami, Szara Gęś, Café Camelot and Massolit Books & Café — all enjoy good reviews and offer solid value.
If you prefer something quicker, try local snacks at the market stalls or friendly cafés by the Planty. The guide can suggest places that match your preferences — vegetarian, regional or with a view of the monuments.
Beneath the Market are remains of old houses, workshops and urban structures — literally a 'city under the city' where you can see fragments of everyday life from centuries ago.
Trams have run in Krakow since the late 19th century, and although the centre feels like an open-air medieval museum, public transport is an integral part of modern city life.
Many townhouses around the Market hide stories about remarkable former residents — merchants, craftsmen, literary figures and artists.
Not booking Market Underground tickets in advance — in season that can mean long waits or no availability. Plan ahead and confirm the time with your guide.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes — cobbles and stairs quickly affect enjoyment. Choose footwear with a good sole.
Trying to see too many things in a short time — a half day gives an excellent overview but isn’t enough to 'tick off' every museum. It’s better to pick a few highlights and enjoy them properly.
Are the Market Underground visits suitable for children? — Yes, although the program is usually more engaging for school-age children; ask the guide about a family-friendly version.
How long does a visit to the Market Underground last? — Typically about 45–60 minutes, but allow extra time for getting there and a brief introduction at the entrance.
Do I need my own tram ticket during a half-day tour? — Yes; the guide can help you buy tickets or tell you where to get them in advance. It’s useful to have small change or a transit app ready.
A private half-day tour that combines the Market Underground with a tram ride is a great way to feel the spirit of Krakow, see its historical layers and experience everyday city life in a short time.
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I invite you to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — more information and contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I will gladly tailor the program to your expectations and interests.
