The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków, but the real surprises often lie beneath its cobbled surface. The Market Underground is a modern archaeological museum under the Cloth Hall where a multimedia exhibition guides visitors through eight centuries of trade and everyday city life. It’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to understand how medieval Kraków looked before setting off to explore the sights above ground.
1. Market Underground – a multimedia archaeological park beneath the Cloth Hall. 2. St. Mary’s Basilica and the hejnał from the tower – a must-hear and don’t-miss the altarpiece by Veit Stoss. 3. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the National Museum branch there – trade, history and art in one place. 4. Wawel (Castle and Cathedral) – the kingdom of history right next to the Old Town. 5. Pinball Museum – an interactive take on a museum where you play the machines instead of just looking at them. 6. Floriańska Street and the Barbican – stroll along the historic city route. 7. The Planty and the Royal Garden – a moment of rest between attractions. 8. Nearby themed museums (e.g., contemporary art and craft museums) – short visits, big impressions. 9. Cozy cafés and tea-houses in the Old Town’s nooks — perfect for a break. 10. Local galleries and craft shops – souvenirs beyond magnets and keychains.
If you have little time, combine attractions: Market Underground in the morning, then a walk around the Square and the Cloth Hall, and in the afternoon take a break at the Pinball Museum or one of the recommended cafés.
The underground is an archaeological space enhanced with multimedia: models, projections, holograms and interactive screens show the cross-section of commercial life in the medieval Market. Keep in mind that the route is about 4 meters below the surface, and the exhibition mixes authentic relics with modern reconstructions.
Practical info: the museum is part of the city’s museum network, and it’s worth buying a timed ticket online, especially in high season. Opening days and hours may change depending on the season and special events — it’s best to check the museum’s information before you go. Visiting is more comfortable if you dress in layers: underground spaces can be cooler than the Square.
For families: the exhibition includes child-friendly elements — a playroom and interactive points that make the city’s story accessible. Visitors with limited mobility should check accessibility options in advance, since some archaeological routes run through historic cellars.
This unusual "museum-lounge" is a great option for families, groups of friends and anyone who wants a break from classic monuments. You’ll find dozens of pinball machines and arcade games from different decades — from classic mechanical exhibits to electronic machines with modern screens. Most ticket options include unlimited play during the chosen time slot (short session or full-day pass).
Location: the museum operates near Wawel/Old Town (in the Stradomska area), making it a convenient stop after intensive sightseeing. Opening hours often extend into the evening — a good choice for an afternoon break or evening entertainment.
Tip: if you plan to play for a long time and come back during the day, choose a full-day (open pass) ticket. Most venues don’t allow drinks at the machines, but there is usually a bar or café on site — keep that in mind, especially with children.
Ticket prices for museums in central Kraków vary by institution and season. The Market Underground is run by city museum services and often offers different ticket categories (standard, reduced, family, group) and special free-admission days. The Pinball Museum usually uses an hourly or full-day model; prices depend on the offer (for example a 1-hour ticket or an open pass).
Good practice: buy tickets in advance online, especially during tourist season and on weekends — this helps you avoid queues and the risk of sold-out time slots. If you plan to visit several museums, check city passes or family discounts that can sometimes be worthwhile.
Watch for promotions: some museums have free-entry days or lower prices on certain weekdays — it’s worth checking in advance.
Morning start: a quick breakfast at a café by the Market and first steps on the surface — St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. Late morning: visit the Market Underground (book a timed entry). Noon: lunch around the Square — recommended, well-rated places are listed below. Afternoon: Wawel or one of the smaller museums. Evening: relax with pinball at the Pinball Museum or enjoy a concert/dinner. This itinerary mixes history, art and fun without the pressure of trying to see everything at once.
If you’re traveling with kids, intersperse more demanding sights with shorter, interactive activities to keep them engaged.
Choose comfortable, well-reviewed places that fit your sightseeing plan. Recommended options close to the Market include Café Camelot (a café with a charming interior), Restauracja Pod Aniołami (traditional cuisine in an elegant setting) and Szara Restaurant (menu inspired by regional flavors). All three are popular choices for a break after an intense morning of sightseeing.
If you’re after quick street food or budget options, the Market area has many small bistros and bakeries. In summer consider taking a break in the café gardens by the Planty — a quiet moment away from the Market crowds.
- The Market Underground is not just old walls — the exhibition combines genuine finds with modern multimedia reconstructions, making the visit feel like a short historical show. - Interactive museums in Kraków (like the Pinball Museum and other game-themed venues) reflect a trend of combining play with education — a great way to introduce younger visitors to local history and culture. - Many central attractions have hidden entrances or side approaches — sometimes it’s easier to reach them from less busy streets than from the main tourist routes. These small curiosities will help you see Kraków not only as postcard sights but also through local stories and places often skipped by mainstream guides.
1. Arriving at the last minute without reservations — this can lead to long queues or no availability. Book tickets online, especially for popular city museum branches. 2. Trying to fit everything into one day — an overly tight schedule is tiring. It’s better to focus on 2–3 attractions in depth than to rush through 8 superficially. 3. Not checking opening hours — museums have different schedules and sometimes reduced hours in certain seasons. Check current opening times before you go. 4. Leaving the Pinball Museum and similar places to the very end of the day without extra time — if you want to play calmly, buy a longer ticket or plan these visits earlier.
Avoiding these simple pitfalls will give you more time to enjoy places rather than rushing from one checklist item to the next.
Is it worth buying tickets online? Yes — especially for the Market Underground and on weekends. A reservation guarantees a specific entry time and helps avoid queues.
How much time do you need for the Market Underground? Usually 60–90 minutes is enough if you want to calmly view the exhibition and use the multimedia features.
Is the Pinball Museum suitable for children? Yes — it’s one of those places where children (and adults) have a great time. Just check age restrictions for some arcade or skill games.
Are both places within walking distance of the Main Market Square? Yes — both the Market Underground and the Pinball Museum are in the center or very close to Wawel, so they’re easy to combine with a walk through the Old Town.
If you want to see Kraków without hurry, combine classic highlights with offbeat attractions — the underground gives historical context, and the Pinball Museum adds fun between museums. Always buy tickets in advance when possible, choose a convenient time to visit (early morning or late afternoon outside weekend peaks) and leave some room for spontaneous discoveries.
Share this article with friends or on social media if you found it helpful — that way more people will learn about interesting ways to explore Kraków. If you prefer a private, intimate tour, consider booking a guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from Zwiedzanie Krakowa. Enjoy discovering Kraków!
