The Rynek Underground is a place where Kraków’s history is not locked behind glass — it lies right under your feet. For children it’s not only a history lesson but an adventure: narrow lanes of a medieval market, coins from hundreds of years ago, fragments of old townhouses and stories that quickly capture young listeners’ attention. Kazimierz, on the other hand, will show you traces of Jewish Kraków — synagogues, quiet courtyards, memorial sites and tales of the city’s multicultural past. Combining the Underground with a walk through Kazimierz makes a great family plan: from subterranean mysteries to lively streets with food and places to rest.
As a licensed Kraków guide (licensed since 2012) I lead families so that touring is lively, interactive and adapted to the children’s ages. I also hold the licence to run activities and tours in the Rynek Underground, which allows me to plan visits so the youngest guests never get bored.
If you wonder whether it’s “for children” — yes, but with a few caveats that I list below.
In this article you’ll find: practical tips, a short description of the Underground route, ideas for combining it with a Jewish Kraków route in Kazimierz, and an FAQ answering parents’ most common questions.
The Rynek Underground (also called the Rynek Underground Museum) is a large archaeological reserve created thanks to research carried out in the 21st century. Under the Market Square you can see: coins and everyday objects, foundations of medieval buildings, reconstructed fragments of the marketplace, and displays showing Kraków’s trade and contacts with other European centres. The museum trail tells the story of the city “Following the European identity of Kraków” — a perfect thread for talking with children about where goods came from and who met at the market.
The exhibition is extensive — the reserve covers several thousand square metres of archaeological space — so expect a walk lasting at least an hour. Inside it’s dimmer and sometimes cooler than above ground, and the route connects rooms with stairs and passages between levels.
Children are most fascinated by the discovered “treasures” (coins, jewellery), models of the medieval market, and stories about how trade and daily life looked in medieval Kraków.
The main route in the Underground is often called “Following the European identity of Kraków” and focuses on the city’s role as a centre of trade and international contacts. It presents archaeological finds in the context of medieval trade routes and local crafts.
Keep in mind that thematic names and sometimes the course of museum tours can change (depending on temporary exhibitions or conservation work). If you want to tailor the visit to children, ask the guide for a “family version” (shorter stories, more interaction, tasks for the youngest).
On the surface I recommend combining the Underground visit with a short walk around the Main Market Square, a stop at the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) and St. Mary’s Basilica, and then heading toward Kazimierz — there the “traces of Jewish Kraków” route highlights synagogues, cemeteries and memorial places and tells about daily life of the Jewish community in former Galicia. This is a natural and family-friendly walking route.
Opening hours and admission rules for museum exhibitions — including the Rynek Underground — can vary depending on season, temporary exhibitions or special events. The best approach is to check current information on the day you plan to visit and to buy tickets online or at the Museum Service Centre.
If you plan to come with children on weekends or during high season, booking tickets and (if you want a guided tour) contacting the guide in advance is a good idea — it helps avoid queues and secures a spot for a specific time.
For families we often use group entrances or arrange a tour time to match the pace of younger participants. Also ask about audio guides or a family touring kit — I provide headphone sets that make guiding larger groups easier.
The Rynek Underground is an underground museum with many stairs and fragments of old structures — not all areas are stroller-friendly or ideal for people with limited mobility. If you travel with a stroller, be prepared to carry it up and down stairs or plan the visit without it (check lift availability before arrival).
Very young children (infants who cannot sit steadily) may find a longer, dimly lit tour tiring. For families with babies a short visit or a specially adapted route is a good option. Children aged around 6 and up usually follow the thread well and enjoy spotting finds and answering questions about “treasures.”
Safety: the museum takes care with barriers and protections, but as a parent keep an eye on running children — some parts have uneven flooring and steps.
Tell a short story before entering: “Today we’re going under the Market to see what people left there hundreds of years ago” — it sparks curiosity and prepares them for unusual conditions.
Bring a small snack and a water bottle — the museum doesn’t always have a café inside, so it’s good to have something on hand after the visit.
Take a phone torch (for older children) — the dim light under the Market becomes even more interesting when they can search for tiny details themselves (of course only under supervision).
Offer a game: who can spot the oldest coin in the exhibition? Or a short quiz after exiting: three things we remember. This helps consolidate the visit and engages the youngest.
Sample family half-day plan:
- morning: a short visit to the Rynek Underground (1–1.5 hours),
- lunch break near the Market or on Grodzka Street,
- afternoon: walk to Kazimierz (cross the Vistula by the pedestrian bridge or head toward Plac Nowy), visit the district’s key points on a short interactive route (synagogues viewed from the outside, small squares and stories of daily life),
- finish: coffee or a drink at Plac Nowy, ice cream for the kids.
For families with a full day: add a stop at the Galicia Jewish Museum or a short visit inside the Old Synagogue (check availability for family groups).
Are the Rynek Underground exhibits suitable for strollers? - In many places the underground nature of the exhibition and the presence of stairs make moving with a stroller difficult. Check lift availability before coming or plan an alternative.
How long does the visit last? - Typically 1–1.5 hours depending on pace and number of questions. With children, plan extra breaks.
Can we take a guided tour? - Yes. As a licensed guide I can lead a family-tailored route. It’s best to arrange the date in advance, especially in high season.
Do we need to reserve tickets? - In season and on weekends I recommend booking tickets in advance and checking for any visitor limits on the route.
Can we take photos inside? - Usually yes, but without flash where prohibited. Check the rules on the day of your visit.
Best times for family visits are early morning (less crowded) or late afternoon off-season — children tend to be more rested and receptive then.
Dress in layers — it can be cooler under the Market than above ground. Comfortable shoes are a must — the underground and the Market’s cobbles need stable footwear.
If you’d like me to lead your family tour, contact me directly through ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — I offer family programmes, the "Trail of Legends" and other routes tailored by age. I also provide headset sets that make touring with larger groups easier.
The Rynek Underground and a walk through Kazimierz give a full cross-section of Kraków’s history: from the everyday trade life of a medieval city to the vivid, often moving stories of the Jewish community. Touring with children doesn’t have to be boring — it only takes good planning of pace, breaks and themes.
If you’d like, I’ll help design a route perfect for your family — contact me directly and together we’ll create a visit that will fascinate and leave warm memories. See you in Kraków!
