Did you know that beneath the surface of Kraków’s Main Market Square there’s almost a complete cross-section of medieval trade and old town buildings? A short walk down from the square brings you into a world of cellars, wall fragments and interactive reconstructions — features children usually enjoy even more than traditional exhibits. After a lesson like that it’s great to relax and reward everyone with good food — so I prepared a plan that pairs a visit to the Rynek Underground with a short, family-friendly culinary route around the area. Details, practical tips and a few pleasant surprises follow.
Going underground usually makes a strong impression on the little ones — multimedia animations, models and interactive stations help them ‘feel’ historic Kraków. It’s a perfect way to start the day and naturally leads into tasty discoveries around the Old Town.
If you want the day to be calm: schedule the Rynek Underground visit in the morning, right after opening, and save the food break for lunch time — this helps avoid the biggest crowds and long waits for tables.
The Rynek Underground is a museum located a few meters below the square, with a rich archaeological display and multimedia presentations. For families this is an advantage: the route is visually engaging, relatively short, and often accessible by lift, so you don’t have to worry about lots of stairs with a stroller.
A typical visit takes about an hour — long enough to interest children but not so long as to tire the youngest. The route includes interactive stations and, in some places, child-dedicated zones that make it easier to share history in an accessible way.
It’s a good idea to check opening hours and ticket options in advance — central museums often offer family or reduced tickets. Booking online or buying tickets ahead saves time, especially during the tourist season.
1. Start: Rynek Underground (entrance via the Cloth Hall / Sukiennice). After coming back up to the square, give the kids a moment to switch from the underground atmosphere to the market’s bustle.
2. Coffee break: choose a small, characterful café — a moment for sandwiches and drinks. Around the Market Square you’ll find cozy cafés that are perfect for a quick snack before more walking.
3. Lunch: reserve a table at a restaurant on the Square or in a nearby side street — pick places well-rated by families offering kids’ menus and quick service. Booking a table, especially at weekends, is sensible.
4. Sweet treat: try traditional sweets or ice cream at one of the popular patisseries nearby. Kids usually look forward to dessert as a highlight of the day.
5. Short sightseeing after the meal: stroll around the Market Square — be sure to see St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall, and if the children are up for it, browse stalls with local snacks like obwarzanki (Polish bagels).
6. Alternative: if your family prefers a quieter pace, head to a nearby park or visit Kazimierz in the late afternoon for dinner in a family-friendly spot.
No7 Restaurant — located on the Market Square, offers a family room and a menu suitable for children; useful when travelling with little ones.
Camelot Cafe — a café very close to the Market with a charming interior and a calm garden, a good choice for a coffee break with children.
Szara and Wierzynek — well-known restaurants by the Market; they offer higher-end dining, so reserve a table and expect higher prices, but many families find the atmosphere and cuisine worth it.
Zielone Tarasy — a larger place with a garden and family amenities, good when you need space and a kids’ corner.
After the Rynek Underground and a culinary route you can plan a short walk to Wawel Castle (if the family has energy) or choose lighter options: a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Market, a visit to a nearby small craft gallery, or an afternoon at a playground.
For the youngest, interactive educational corners in some city museums are also worth checking — look for family workshop offers; many museums run short themed classes for children.
If the weather is good, turn the outing into a small city game: a list of things to find around the Square (for example a dragon, a particular sculpture, or a street name) will engage kids for another 20–30 minutes and enrich the walk.
Tickets and reservations: avoid long queues by buying Rynek Underground tickets ahead or arriving just after opening. During the tourist season it’s best to have lunch reservations too.
Strollers and stairs: the Rynek Underground has lift access, but if you have a bulky stroller, check the entrance route — bring a lightweight folding option if possible.
Don’t overpay for the view: restaurants with direct views of the Market Square are often pricier and don’t always offer the best value. If quality matters more than panorama, look for highly rated spots on side streets.
Bring snacks: kids get hungry unexpectedly; a small snack and a bottle of water in the backpack can save the day.
Watch the crowds: the busiest times are afternoon and weekends. If you prefer quieter sightseeing and eating, choose morning or early afternoon.
Are the Rynek Underground exhibits suitable for small children? Yes — many exhibits are visual and interactive; facilities often include a restroom with a changing table and family-friendly spaces.
How long does the Rynek Underground visit take? About 45–60 minutes for a relaxed viewing; with children allow extra time for breaks and interaction.
Do I need to reserve a table by the Market Square? On weekends and in high season — definitely, especially at popular Market Square restaurants.
Is the route accessible with a stroller? The Rynek Underground entrance and parts of the route are adapted for strollers (lift), but keep in mind narrow passages on the Market Square surface.
The Rynek Underground isn’t just a collection of artifacts — it’s also a multimedia show: holograms, animations and 3D reconstructions help recreate the look of the old market and craftsmen’s workshops.
Right around the Market you can quickly find vendors selling local snacks like obwarzanki — an easy way to taste something regional without sitting down for a full meal.
Many nearby places offer family-focused menus: high chairs, children’s portions and fast service. Choosing those with the best reviews usually pays off.
Pairing a visit to the Rynek Underground with a short culinary tour of the Old Town is an excellent plan for a family day in Kraków: history, taste and relaxation in one. Plan the museum visit for the morning, reserve lunch at a trusted spot and leave room for dessert — this kind of schedule is child-friendly and not overloaded.
If you’d like a personalized route or help with reservations and logistics, I invite you to contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can help design a day tailored to your family’s needs.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or send it on. Enjoy your trip to Kraków and bon appétit!
