The Rynek Underground is more than a museum — it’s a journey one level down in time: the remains of former buildings, fragments of medieval streets and interactive reconstructions of the market life of old Kraków. The visit combines archaeology with modern technology, making history accessible to both adults and children. For many visitors, the moment when the glass elevator slowly descends below the Market square is one of the most memorable experiences.
The Underground covers a large area and includes an extensive multimedia section — allow at least 60–90 minutes to see the exhibition at a relaxed pace and to try the interactive stations.
The most reliable way is to buy or reserve tickets through the museum’s official website. In high season and on weekends tickets sell out faster, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Tuesdays are often free-entry days, but the number of places is limited and usually requires collecting tickets on the day — arriving on a free Tuesday without a reservation can mean there are no available tickets.
Ticket prices change from time to time; as a general guide a full-price ticket is in the range of 30–40 PLN. There are reduced, family and group options. Preschools and schools typically use special conditions — groups should register in advance.
Yes — access to the Rynek Underground is via an elevator that descends beneath the Market square, so the route is possible for wheelchair users and families with strollers.
The exhibition levels are arranged with circulation in mind, and there are adapted toilets and a baby-change facility on site. Despite the elevator access, some passages may be narrower or have uneven surfaces — keep this in mind and move carefully.
If you arrive with special needs (e.g. an oversized stroller or the need for assistance), contact the museum staff in advance to confirm details and ensure everything is ready for your visit.
The visit begins right at the entrance — multimedia introductions, staged scenes and reconstructions help you understand how the medieval Main Market functioned. Along the route you’ll see fragments of former buildings, street layouts, archaeological finds and displays about trade, crafts and everyday life of past residents.
The exhibition often includes dedicated children’s areas and interactive stations that make learning fun. Pay attention not only to the objects but also to the audio recordings and reconstructions — most of the narrative about the place is delivered through these media.
Check current opening hours before your visit — in summer the venue usually stays open longer, while off-season hours may be shorter. The last entry is normally some time before closing.
Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled entry time — that gives you time to pick up tickets, use the toilet and get children ready. The museum has a cloakroom or space to leave large backpacks.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light sweater — the underground spaces are often cooler than the surface. If you care about photography, check the rules; flash may be prohibited in some parts of the exhibition.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially on weekends and during the high season — often leads to long lines or no entry. Book online ahead of time.
Arriving for a free Tuesday without confirmed tickets — free entry does not mean unlimited access. Always check the reservation rules for the specific day.
Neglecting accessibility needs — if you need the lift or special assistance, it’s better to email or call the museum before your visit rather than improvise on site.
The Main Market and its surroundings offer many highly rated places — from cafés to restaurants serving regional dishes. For coffee or cake consider nearby cafés such as Cafe Camelot or the historic Wierzynek; for a full meal there are several solid Polish and European restaurants around the square.
Remember that places directly on the Market square can be pricier; if you want good quality at a more reasonable price, walk a few side streets away from the square — you’ll often find equally tasty options with better value.
Is the route step-free? Yes — access to the Underground is via an elevator, so you can visit without using stairs.
How long does a visit take? Typically 60–90 minutes; you can spend more time if you use all multimedia and interactive stations.
Are there discounts? Yes — the museum offers reduced, family and group tickets; proof for concessions is required.
Do I need a guide? Individual visitors can use multimedia materials and labels, but groups (especially school groups) often choose a guided tour — check group requirements before you come.
Beneath the square lies layers of history not visible from the surface — in places you’ll look at fragments of streets and buildings hundreds of years old.
The elevator is part of the show — the descent is designed to set the mood for the exhibition and is impressive in itself.
If you plan to sightsee intensively in one day, consider pairing the Underground visit with a short walk through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and a coffee break nearby — everything is conveniently close together.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with individual support, I encourage you to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit and see you in Kraków!
