St. Mary's Basilica and the Rynek Underground Museum are two complementary attractions that show Krakow from two perspectives: the monumental interior of the Gothic basilica with the Wit Stwosz altarpiece and the hourly hejnał, and the archaeological discoveries beneath the Market Square slab that let you peek into medieval city life. Seeing both places gives a fuller picture of the history and atmosphere of the Old Town.
Both attractions are located right by the Main Market Square, so in practice you can visit them in a few hours — with time for coffee or lunch in between. For many visitors this is the perfect first contact with Krakow: the spiritual interior of St. Mary's and the "city beneath the city" in the Underground.
The highlight is the Gothic altarpiece by Wit Stwosz — a monumental wooden sculptural masterpiece from the 15th century and one of the basilica's symbols. The interior also contains polychrome murals and numerous richly decorated side chapels.
From the taller tower of St. Mary's you can enjoy a panorama of the Old Town and hear the hejnał played every hour — a tune that abruptly stops in memory of the legendary trumpeter. Tower access is possible but requires climbing stairs and is not always suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
The Rynek Underground is a modern archaeological museum presenting medieval stalls, fragments of old streets and transport routes, and everyday objects recovered during excavations. The exhibition combines finds with multimedia displays, making the city's history very readable and engaging for adults and children alike.
The museum route runs beneath the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and helps you understand how Krakow developed over the centuries — a great complement to the above-ground visit, where historic façades and Gothic architecture dominate.
St. Mary's Basilica: sightseeing is usually available during designated tourist hours; the Wit Stwosz altarpiece is shown to visitors at specific times. On entry visitors are asked to purchase a small entrance token (a 'conservation ticket') dedicated to preservation work. Check current hours before your visit, as tourist access may be limited on feast days and during services.
Rynek Underground (Museum of Krakow): the museum operates with limited capacity and set entry times; regular and reduced-price tickets are sold at the museum ticket office (and through official channels). The last admission is scheduled before closing — in high season booking in advance is recommended. Prices and hours may change, so it's best to verify them shortly before you go.
Good news: the Rynek Underground offers a route adapted for visitors with limited mobility — the building has an elevator and largely obstacle-free circulation, and there is an accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities within the exhibition area.
In St. Mary's Basilica some areas accessible to tourists are reasonably barrier-free, but access to the tower requires stairs; the viewing terrace is generally not accessible for wheelchairs. It's always a good idea to contact the visitor services in advance — staff can help arrange entry or point out the most convenient entrance for people with mobility needs.
Suggested plan: start with the Underground (easy descent by lift, step-free route) and then visit St. Mary's — this way you avoid stairs early in the day. If you need assistance entering the basilica, ask the staff for help; and avoid visiting during services if you want to see the tourist areas freely.
Both the Underground and the Basilica attract many visitors, especially in season. The Underground has limited places per session — booking in advance will save time, and buying tickets early in the morning (right after opening) often helps avoid the longest lines.
Allow about 1–1.5 hours for the Underground and 30–60 minutes for the accessible parts of the Basilica (longer if you wish to attend a service or admire the altarpiece in peace). Remember that on Sundays and feast days parts of the church may be closed to tourists.
Around the Market you'll find well-known local restaurants with good reputations. Reliable choices in the area include Wierzynek (historic, representative dining on the Main Market), Szara Gęś (known for refined Polish cuisine) and cozy cafés such as Cafe Camelot — all are popular and good options if you want to continue exploring Krakow's flavors after sightseeing.
If you want to stay close to the attractions, choose the Old Town or the Planty area: you'll be a short walk from St. Mary's and the Cloth Hall and avoid much of the early-morning city noise. When booking accommodation, check reviews and the availability of amenities (for example, a lift in the hotel), especially if a step-free route matters to you.
The Wit Stwosz altarpiece is several metres high and often impresses visitors with its size and detail — it's worth taking a close look when the altarpiece is open to the public.
In the Underground you'll see fragments of old stalls and streets — places that for centuries functioned under a different urban plan than today's Market. This contrast between the maintained above-ground representation and the layers below is one of the most fascinating discoveries.
Not checking opening hours — on holidays and during services access to the altar or some chapels can be limited. Always verify current hours shortly before your visit.
Confusing entrances — the Underground entrance is by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), which can be on the opposite side from some information points. If you need a step-free route, ask at the ticket office about the easiest access and the elevator.
Buying tickets at the last minute — places may sell out in high season. Booking online or arriving early in the morning solves this problem.
Is the ticket price for the Basilica fixed? - Tourist entry to selected parts of the basilica requires purchasing a conservation token; amounts can change, so check current information before your visit.
Are the Underground and the museum suitable for strollers and children? - Yes, the museum declares a mostly obstacle-free route, a lift and accessible toilets as well as baby-changing facilities.
Can I go up St. Mary's tower with a stroller? - No, access to the tower requires climbing stairs and is not suitable for strollers; visitors with mobility limitations should skip the tower or contact the staff in advance for advice.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a better visit to Krakow. If you prefer to explore the Market and its surroundings without stress, with local commentary and additional insights, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — she runs zwiedzaniekrakowa.com and can provide tailored, accessible visits. Enjoy an unforgettable walk through the heart of Krakow!
