If you have only a few hours in Krakow, the best plan is: a morning walk around Wawel, a quick walk to the Main Market Square and a visit to the Market Square Underground (under the Cloth Hall), and then a short stop at the Podgórze Market to feel a different, more local side of the city.
This route lets you combine the key attractions — the castle, the Main Square with its underground exhibition, and atmospheric Podgórze — without running around and without wasting time in queues, provided you plan the order and tickets in advance.
In Krakow there are two distinct squares that tourists often confuse: the large and famous Main Market Square (with the Cloth Hall and the Adam Mickiewicz monument) and the smaller Podgórze Market in the Podgórze district. The museum underground most people refer to is located under the Main Market Square (entrance by the Cloth Hall).
Podgórze Market is a separate, intimate space with local cafés, restaurants and a less 'touristy' atmosphere. It's worth visiting in the afternoon if you prefer quieter walks and local eateries.
1. Start early at Wawel — ideally right after the hill opens, to avoid crowds. A short walk around the hill and a look at the cathedral and terraces is enough if time is limited.
2. Descend from Wawel and walk to the Main Market Square. Reserve your time slot for the Market Square Underground in advance — the exhibition is subterranean and entries are limited at set intervals.
3. After the Underground, take a quick walk around the Cloth Hall and the Main Square area: the Mickiewicz monument, St. Mary's Basilica (view from outside if you are short on time) and a short break in one of the well-regarded cafés.
4. Finish by heading to the Podgórze Market — it’s about a 15–25 minute walk across the Dębnicki Bridge or a short tram ride. There you can relax in a local café and discover another face of Krakow.
The whole route can fit into 1.5–3 hours depending on pace and time spent in museums.
The Market Square Underground is a popular attraction with limited entry slots; booking online definitely saves time and helps you avoid queues. Tickets are usually available in categories such as full price, reduced, family and group.
Prices are updated from time to time, so treat any quoted amounts as indicative and check the official booking system before you go. On busy days arrive 15–20 minutes before your scheduled entry time — security checks can occur.
It's also worth buying tickets for Wawel in advance if you plan to visit specific royal chambers or the castle's crypts. Some parts of the hill are free or accessible only at certain times, so check the programme just before your visit.
Most museums and exhibitions in central Krakow open around 10:00, though there are exceptions and seasonal evening extensions. The best moment to visit is morning or early afternoon on weekdays — you'll avoid the largest crowds and long queues.
Tuesdays can be specific for some venues (shorter opening hours or technical breaks), so check the day-of-week information before planning your visit.
The Underground contains subterranean spaces and multimedia displays; visitors with limited mobility should check availability of lifts and accessible routes in advance. Some parts of the exhibitions may include short stair sections.
During high season expect bigger crowds and fewer available time slots. Small backpacks or bags can usually be left at service points, but large luggage is not permitted.
Bring ID if you are using reduced tickets, and wear comfortable shoes — underground routes and cobbled streets are typical Krakow terrain.
Along the Wawel — Main Square route you'll find many well-rated places. If you want something historic and special, consider established restaurants around the Main Square such as Wierzynek. For coffee and dessert try cafés popular with visitors near the Square like Café Camelot or other nearby spots.
In Podgórze look for intimate cafés and local bars serving seasonal dishes. It's a pleasant area for a relaxed afternoon after intensive sightseeing.
If you plan to spend the night in the city, choose a central location (Old Town, Kazimierz or Podgórze) — you'll save time on transfers and will be able to spread attractions over the next days more comfortably.
Mistake 1: confusing the Main Market Square with Podgórze Market. Double-check which location your itinerary refers to.
Mistake 2: failing to reserve tickets for the Market Square Underground or Wawel during the season. Book ahead — especially on weekends and in summer months.
Mistake 3: trying to fit too many attractions into one day. It's better to see less but absorb it, than to rush through the city and remember little of the visit.
The cellars under the Cloth Hall hide layers of medieval streets and remains of former buildings — the exhibition shows how the city layout changed across centuries.
Podgórze had its own distinct history and once functioned independently from the Old Town; a walk there gives a different perspective on Krakow's past, less tied to the tourist centre.
Is it worth buying a ticket for the Underground in advance? Yes — booking online significantly shortens waiting time and guarantees entry at the chosen hour.
How much time should I allocate for the Market Square Underground? Usually 1–2 hours, depending on your interest in the multimedia displays.
Are Wawel and the Underground close to each other? Yes — the walk between Wawel and the Main Market Square takes a dozen or so minutes and is pleasant, especially outside peak hours.
To sum up: plan the order, reserve tickets where possible, arrive early and leave room for a coffee in a local café. That way your visit will be quick, purposeful and enjoyable.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on your social media. If you would like to explore Krakow comfortably with the knowledge of a local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, consider booking a private guiding service — contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
