Beneath the paved surface of the Main Market Square lies a layered network of archaeological deposits, and one of the city’s most fascinating tours lets you go four metres down to see the remains of medieval stalls, pavements and an old burial ground. This place blends science with multimedia — archaeology meets a modern exhibition that brings old Krakow to life.
Going down into the underground is a great way to spice up a weekend stroll through the Old Town: instead of only seeing the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, allow about an hour to walk beneath the square and experience the city from a different perspective. It’s an attraction for families, couples and anyone curious about history who likes a touch of mystery.
This is not a typical cabinet museum — it’s a layered story of Krakow: remains of settlements, fragments of former streets, everyday objects uncovered during excavations and reconstructions of craft workshops. The exhibition uses multimedia, animations and models so history is accessible even to the youngest visitors.
Archaeological work has revealed, among other things, elements of former water systems, fragments of medieval paving and a burial site. Some discoveries were handed over to churches, while others are presented in situ, giving visitors a unique chance to see authentic artifacts where they were found.
Practical tip: visit the underground in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds on the Market Square. A typical visit lasts about an hour and the route is organised with accessibility in mind — check current information about entrances and prices before you travel.
Krakow has more than just the Rynek Underground — beneath the surface and in the cellars of the Old Town there are stages, cafés and restaurants with a unique atmosphere. Stylish cellars often host concerts, exhibitions and evening artistic gatherings.
Piwnica Pod Baranami and Loch Camelot are examples of venues that have been attracting audiences for years with their history and one-of-a-kind atmosphere — if you enjoy intimate concerts, cabaret or poetry evenings, look for events taking place in cellars and underground halls in the centre.
Beyond the strict city centre, pay attention to Nowa Huta — not only for its PRL architecture, but also for underground shelters and unusual spaces that are sometimes opened during special themed tours. For art lovers, the Stained Glass Museum (Muzeum Witrażu) is worth a visit — its workshops and basement rooms create an almost magical atmosphere.
Day 1: morning on the Market Square and a visit to the Rynek Underground; afternoon stroll through the Planty and a look around the Cloth Hall; evening in one of the intimate cellars for a concert or dinner.
Day 2: morning coffee and souvenir market, visit the Stained Glass Museum or a guided trip to Nowa Huta; evening views from Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) or Kościuszko Mound (Kopiec Kościuszki) — both offer different, interesting panoramas of the city.
Reservations and opening hours: book the underground in advance during the high season; check current opening hours and possible free-admission days. Avoid the middle of the day on weekends if you’d like to quietly enjoy underground spaces.
The Market Square area and its surroundings offer a wide range of places with different atmospheres: from elegant restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine to small cafés and bars with good espresso. Places that match the “elegant” theme include historic restaurants with their own cellars, bookish cafés and intimate bars in historic interiors.
If you want to taste local specialties after sightseeing, look for spots serving traditional dishes such as żurek (sour rye soup), pierogi and seasonal plates. For sweets lovers — local patisseries and cafés around the Market Square are easy to reach, and a walk through the Old Town often ends with a cup of coffee and a dessert in a cosy interior.
For a less touristy vibe, head to cafés and bars in the Kazimierz district — you’ll often find more alternative menus and a calmer atmosphere off the main route. Popular historic venues mentioned above, like Piwnica Pod Baranami and Loch Camelot, also offer an atmospheric place to eat or enjoy a drink.
Arriving at the Market Square without planning a visit to the underground — this can lead to disappointment if tickets are sold out; it’s best to book tickets in advance, especially in season.
Assuming the underground is completely dark or scary — the exhibition is prepared to be accessible for families and visitors who are sensitive to darker settings; most displays use lighting and multimedia.
Not checking accessibility information — if you’re travelling with a stroller, small children or a person with limited mobility, check in advance which entrances and routes are suitable.
Among the bones found in the underground were skeletons showing evidence of unusual burial practices — one reason the place has a slightly mysterious character often highlighted in local stories.
Fragments of ancient pipelines and waterworks discovered during excavations show that medieval Krakow had a surprisingly complex infrastructure — an interesting contrast to the idea of a simple medieval town.
Many cellars and underground spaces host intimate cultural events — from recitals to contemporary art exhibitions. If you happen upon such an evening, the atmosphere can be unforgettable.
How long does the underground tour take? Usually about an hour, but allow extra time if you want to study the exhibits closely.
Are the underground routes accessible for strollers? Many entrances and routes offer the possibility of moving with a stroller, but check details for specific entrances and paths in advance.
Do I need to reserve tickets? In season and on weekends it’s recommended to reserve — this saves time in queues and helps you plan the day. Check the museum’s official page for current prices and promotions.
Wear comfortable shoes — although the underground route isn’t long, you may have to walk on uneven paving and stairs.
Bring a light jacket — it’s often cooler underground than on the surface, even in summer.
Check current opening hours and possible free-admission days — conditions and promotions can change.
If you enjoyed this guide to the underground and elegant, unusual places, share the article with friends or on your social media — you’ll help others better plan a weekend in Krakow.
If you want to get to know Krakow more deeply, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on the website you can find contact details and offers for personalised tours tailored to your interests. This is a great way to see the city from a local perspective and discover even more surprising places.
