A three-hour tour of Krakow led by a guide and partly done on scooters combines quick getting-around with several must-stop highlights — typically: the Main Market Square, a view of Wawel Castle, a short stop in Kazimierz and an entrance to the Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku). This format suits those who want to see more in a short time while also exploring one museum interior and hearing stories from a local guide.
In practice this means alternating short scooter rides with walking sections — especially when visiting interiors such as the Market Underground, where scooters must be left outside and the visit is on foot.
This tour works well for active visitors who are comfortable with low-speed street traffic, want to cover distances between sights faster and enjoy a slightly unusual way of sightseeing.
If you prefer slow, in-depth exploration of a single place, a standard walking tour or a separate visit to the Market Underground will be a better choice.
Practical note: entry to the Market Underground requires a ticket and often advance reservation; when planning a 3-hour route, allow at least 45–60 minutes for the visit (sometimes the exhibition and group entry take longer).
The Market Underground is an archaeological exhibition beneath the Main Market Square opened to the public in 2010 after archaeological research carried out in the preceding years. It is an archaeological reserve showing fragments of medieval streets, market stalls and everyday finds.
The display is multi-layered and multimedia: alongside authentic excavations you will find presentations, models and projections that help imagine life in historic Krakow. The underground exhibition presents hundreds of finds documenting the continuity of trade and settlement in this location.
There are routes and visiting options of different lengths; in practice plan for at least 45–60 minutes for a basic visit, and longer if your group has a guided tour with multimedia presentations.
During the high season and for larger groups advance reservation and ticket purchase are recommended — in practice it is wise to book several days, and sometimes up to a week, in advance. Group size at the Market Underground may be limited; large groups often require additional guides or staff.
The Underground lies a few metres beneath the square; it is cooler and dimmer there. People sensitive to low light or confined spaces should take this into account when planning their visit.
In Krakow, as in other Polish cities, riding an electric scooter is subject to road traffic rules. Your first choice should be a bicycle lane or cycle path — this is the most natural and safe place to ride.
If there is no bike path, you may ride on the road, but only on streets with a speed limit of up to 30 km/h; this rule aims to increase safety in mixed traffic.
Riding on the pavement is permitted only in specific situations and always with particular caution toward pedestrians — slow down and give way. In crowded Old Town areas it is usually better to dismount and walk short sections among crowds.
Adjust your speed to the surface — in the centre you will encounter cobblestones and uneven sections that require slower riding. Wear stable footwear and clothing that protects your knees; a helmet is strongly recommended and in some rental companies mandatory.
Rental companies often have their own rules: minimum age, ID requirements, deposit or instruction. Check the rental terms before you start and ask your guide about the planned route and group rules.
The timetable below is a suggestion and can be used as a starting point — actual times depend on group pace, time to enter the Market Underground and traffic conditions.
10 minutes - meeting, briefing, quick scooter training and equipment check. The guide explains safety rules and sets an agreed group pace.
35–45 minutes - ride and short walk around the Main Market Square and the Royal Route: St. Florian's Gate, St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Stories and commentary are delivered during stops at the main points.
45–60 minutes - entry to the Market Underground and touring the exhibition. Allow time for the ticket queue and security checks — booking ahead helps avoid delays.
20–30 minutes - exterior panorama of Wawel Castle and a short ride along the Vistula with photo stops. Depending on the route you can avoid riding on grass and use safer paved paths.
25–35 minutes - ride to Kazimierz, short walk through the district's highlights (for example, Plac Nowy and the synagogues seen from the outside).
10 minutes - route summary, scooter return (if rented) and final recommendations for further sightseeing.
Booking options: directly with a local scooter rental, through a tour operator that offers guided tours, or via activities platforms. When choosing a provider, check reviews and whether the price includes the guide, scooter and the Market Underground ticket.
As a rough guide, scooter rental can cost several dozen zloty per hour; commercial guided 3-hour tours usually cost more and vary by standard and group size — prices can start modestly per person and rise to a few hundred zloty per person for more personalized offers. Prices change over time, so check current rates with the chosen operator before booking.
Tickets to the Market Underground are sold separately; there are usually group and concession tickets and sometimes free-admission days. During the tourist season it is advisable to reserve in advance to avoid sold-out time slots.
If you book through an intermediary, check whether the museum entrance fee is included — sometimes you need to pay on site.
Remember additional possible costs: a deposit for the scooter, helmet rental, or extra fees for a guide in another language.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable sport shoes and a light rain layer. It can be cooler in the Market Underground than on the surface — bring a thin jacket.
Luggage: light backpacks work better than suitcases. In museum spaces it is best to have your hands free or a small backpack worn on the front.
Documents and payments: bring an ID required by the rental company and a payment card for potential deposits. Some places still accept only cash, but card payments are widely available in the city.
For families and groups with children: family scooter rides are possible, but consider the age and skills of the children — many rental companies have age requirements.
If you are a large group: split into smaller teams or reserve an additional guide — the Market Underground has group size limits and larger groups may need extra staff.
If you want a longer visit to the Market Underground, book the museum separately (1–2 hours) and combine it with a shorter scooter ride between the other attractions.
For a gentler pace: choose a walking tour with a guide or rent a bicycle/e-bike — these options are less dependent on street conditions and allow more stops.
For maximum comfort: look for combined tours with electric transport (for example small electric vehicles) that reduce physical effort while keeping the guide commentary.
If you plan your visit off-season or on low-traffic days you will have more flexibility and shorter queues for the museum entrance.
Always ask the guide about alternative route options: local guides can adapt the route to the weather, the group's fitness and interests.
A three-hour guided tour combining scooter rides with an entrance to the Market Underground is a good compromise between pace and depth: it lets you see the Main Old Town highlights and at the same time dive into a unique underground archaeological exhibition.
This option suits active tourists, couples and small groups who want to make the most of limited time, enjoy modern forms of sightseeing and don't mind short scooter rides through historic parts of the city.
If you choose this tour: book in advance, check scooter rental and museum rules, dress appropriately and be ready to alternate riding with walking. With these preparations three hours in Krakow can be intense, safe and truly rewarding.
Enjoy your visit - Krakow has many layers to discover, both above and below the Market Square.
If you would like, I can help prepare a detailed, personalized 3-hour route that fits your preferences (pace, must-see points, participants' ages).
Do I need to reserve Market Underground tickets in advance? - In high season and for groups it is recommended to reserve in advance to secure your time slot.
Is the Market Underground suitable for people with mobility issues? - The site is several metres below street level and includes stairs; check accessibility options in advance and tell your guide if you need special arrangements.
What is the best time for this tour? - Morning or late afternoon avoid the biggest crowds on the Main Market Square; early slots also make it easier to move on scooters.
Can children join? - Yes, but check rental age rules and the abilities of the children. Consider walking through the busiest Old Town sections.
Where to eat after the tour? - The Old Town and Kazimierz offer many choices: cafés, milk bars and restaurants serving Polish classics (pierogi, żurek, grilled dishes). Your guide can recommend nearby places suited to your taste and budget.
