The Rynek Underground is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków — a large, well-prepared exhibition that shows what the Main Square and city life looked like from the Middle Ages through later centuries. Rather than just looking at cases, children (and adults) encounter modern multimedia displays, dioramas, holograms, fragments of old streets and foundations, and glass platforms overlooking the excavations. This creates a “time travel” effect that sticks in the memory more easily than a dry history lesson.
The exhibition is designed to interest different age groups: there are interactive elements, short films, brief staged scenes and a play area for younger visitors. For families it’s a great opportunity to show children that beneath the square there was a real city — with streets, workshops, coins and toys from centuries ago.
In practice this means the museum works well as a short, engaging attraction in your day — especially if you want to combine the visit with a break on the Market Square or a walk in the Planty park.
There’s no single correct answer — it depends a lot on the child’s temperament. The exhibition includes multimedia elements, some dimly lit rooms and spots where you need to be careful (glass floors, low railings), so it’s most suitable for children from about 5–6 years old and up who enjoy stories, respond to multimedia and aren’t afraid of short, darker spaces.
For smaller children (2–5 years) the Underground can be interesting, but it’s better to split the visit into shorter stages: use the play area, see one part of the exhibition and take a break. The museum also offers short staged performances and little theatre shows that can capture a preschooler’s attention, but longer historical narratives may tire them.
Children under a few years old sometimes have free or reduced admission depending on the current pricing and promotions. For that reason check the ticket rules before your visit — age limits for free or discounted entry are occasionally updated.
Visit length: plan about 60–90 minutes for the route (depending on pace and breaks). That’s usually enough to see most of the displays and visit the children’s area.
Opening hours and special days: the museum has set opening hours and some days with reduced hours — check the schedule a few days before your visit, especially in high season.
Tickets: there are regular, reduced and family tickets. There may also be discounts linked to city cards or family programs. In the busy season consider booking tickets in advance online to avoid queues.
Entrance and accessibility: the route includes stairs, but the museum offers facilities for prams and people with limited mobility — there is an elevator and part of the route is adapted for wheelchair or stroller access. This is important for parents with babies or small children.
Toilets and changing facilities: toilets are available along or at the end of the route and often include a baby changing table — useful when visiting with small children.
Before you go, tell your child in a few short sentences what you’ll see: “We’ll go underground, see old streets and treasures, there will be screens and short films.” Short, concrete explanations help them get used to darker rooms and multimedia effects.
Mention the dim lighting and glass platforms: children sometimes react unexpectedly to unusual surfaces — it’s better if they know there will be places to stand on glass and look down.
Bring a small snack and water, but plan a break on the Square after the visit: eating is usually not done on the route itself, but there are many cafés and restaurants near the Main Square.
If your child tires easily, plan a shorter visit or start in the play area first — then the educational route is easier to follow.
The museum has protections around exhibits, but keep an eye on children near glass platforms and lower railings. Hold hands in areas with stairs or narrow passages.
Dress in layers: underground spaces are usually cooler than the surface, so a light jacket or sweatshirt is a good idea for both children and adults.
Stroller or carrier? Although the route is accessible and has an elevator, moving with a stroller can be less convenient at peak times. A child carrier can be more practical for active little ones — but if you travel with an infant and a lot of gear, the elevator allows you to bring a stroller without major problems.
The exhibition includes special elements for children: a small playroom with wooden toys, interactive panels and short performances (for example a little theatre with a legend) that explain parts of Kraków’s history in an accessible way.
Multimedia installations, holograms and striking dioramas often fire children’s imaginations more than static objects. If your child likes screens and short films, these elements will help tell the story of the past.
Stop at everyday-life exhibits: toys, coins and fragments of clothing from former residents are easy to compare with items kids know today — a good starting point for a short conversation and questions.
When you exit the Rynek Underground you are right by the Main Square: many restaurants and cafés welcome families. Nearby you’ll find places serving Polish and international dishes — good options for a quick meal or a dessert after your visit.
If you prefer a quieter spot, choose a café with a small menu and comfortable seating — check recent reviews and book a table in high season. For families, look for places that offer high chairs and a children’s menu.
Alternatively, have a picnic in the Planty park: on warm days a short walk and a rest on the grass lets children stretch their legs after the underground route.
Not booking tickets in advance during the high season — this can mean standing in line or missing slots for a specific time. Buy tickets online or come outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon).
Bringing large strollers and not planning breaks — if a child tires quickly, a carrier or planning shorter stages is better. A stroller also restricts movement when viewing exhibits.
Not preparing the child for darker rooms and multimedia effects — warn them about the dim lighting by saying “it will be a little dark” and suggest holding hands or staying close together.
How long does the visit take? - Typically 60–90 minutes, depending on breaks and children’s interest.
Can I enter with a stroller? - The route has accessibility features and an elevator; a stroller is possible but a carrier can be more comfortable in busy times.
Is admission charged for children? - The museum offers reduced and family tickets; age rules for free or discounted entry may vary — check the price list before your visit.
Are audio guides or guided tours available? - The museum offers audio guides and guided tours. If you prefer a story tailored to children, consider booking a guide experienced in working with families.
The Underground pairs well with a short walk in the Planty, a visit to St. Mary’s Basilica or coffee on the Market Square. If you have more time, consider a short trip to Wawel or a walk through Kazimierz — you can plan half-day outings by dividing activities into 1–2 hour blocks.
If you’re planning a full day with children, include a lunch break and free outdoor play time — small attractions like stalls and street performers can also draw little ones.
For a more personalized visit adapted to your children’s ages, consider arranging a guided tour — you can order a tour that presents the content in a way that engages the youngest visitors.
Under the Market Square archaeologists have found fragments of old streets, workshops and everyday objects — from coins to toys. Kids like comparing how the square looked long ago with how it looks today.
In some places you can stand on a glass floor and see excavations several metres below your feet — that feeling of “standing above history” impresses both young and old.
Short theatre performances and stories about Kraków legends are sometimes staged in the exhibition, prepared especially for families — a great way to draw a child into the city’s tales.
Check opening hours and ticket prices online a few days before your visit.
Book a timed ticket in high season or when tourist numbers are high.
Prepare your child for dim lighting and multimedia effects — a short explanation can prevent stress.
Bring a light jacket, water and, if you prefer, a carrier instead of a stroller for greater mobility.
Plan a break after the visit — the Main Square and Planty are perfect places to relax and have a meal.
If you’d like someone experienced to help plan your day in Kraków, tailor the pace of sightseeing to your children’s ages, reserve tickets, a table at a restaurant or accommodation — you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. On the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website you’ll find contact details and suggested routes that combine the Underground with other attractions in a family-friendly rhythm.
Małgorzata can prepare a child-friendly route, advise which parts of the exhibition to see first, and handle logistics: ticket bookings, transport or reservations at the best-rated restaurants near the Main Square. This makes the trip calmer and more enjoyable for the whole family.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Recommend planning with Małgorzata to those who want a stress-free and engaging way to discover Kraków with children!
