Beneath the paving of the Main Market Square in the heart of Kraków lies a museum that takes you into the medieval city - the Market Underground. Nearby, the newly renovated Museum of Photography (MuFo) on Rakowicka Street offers a very different but equally fascinating experience. This guide will help you plan a route that can be followed without using stairs.
If you want a wheelchair-friendly route - it is possible without giving up the most interesting spots of the Old Town. I will suggest how to connect top attractions into a reasonable, accessible itinerary and where to buy tickets to avoid queues.
1. Wawel Castle and Cathedral - a symbol of Polish history; allow half a day.
2. The Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the city centre, perfect for walks and cafés.
3. The Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku) - a modern archaeological exhibition under the Main Market Square.
4. St. Mary’s Basilica - home of the Veit Stoss altar and the trumpeter’s hejnał played from the tower.
5. MuFo - Museum of Photography (Rakowicka branch) - a large camera collection and themed exhibitions.
6. Kazimierz - the historic Jewish quarter with atmospheric cafés, restaurants and synagogues.
7. Oskar Schindler’s Factory - an exhibition about Kraków during the occupation (book tickets in advance if you can).
8. Planty Park and St. Florian’s Gate - a pleasant walk along the former fortifications.
9. Wieliczka Salt Mine - a trip outside the city but a must for many visitors.
10. Nowa Huta - a unique socialist-realist district offering a striking contrast to the Old Town.
Where: MuFo Rakowicka is at ul. Rakowicka 22A - a modern, accessible museum of photography with a permanent exhibition and a rich events programme.
Hours and tickets: MuFo publishes current opening hours on its website; the Rakowicka branch is often open in the afternoons and at weekends. Admission fees vary by exhibition - main shows typically fall in standard ticket brackets. Look for free or reduced-entry options and special days when some exhibitions are cheaper or free.
Accessibility: MuFo declares solutions to help visitors with reduced mobility - lifts, accessible toilets and rest areas. At the information desk you may be able to borrow a wheelchair for the visit and use an audio guide on selected exhibitions.
Events and guided visits: the museum regularly runs curator-led tours, workshops and themed days. If you want to join a guided visit, book early because some events have a limited number of places.
Where: the entrance to the Market Underground is at the Main Market Square and is run by the Museum of Kraków. The exhibition is based on archaeological finds and tells a multimedia story of the medieval city.
Visit length: plan roughly 60–90 minutes; many visitors stay longer because of interactive displays and reconstructions.
Accessibility and a no-stairs route: the Market Underground is adapted for wheelchair users - there is a lift/platform on the route and an accessible toilet. The exhibition layout and circulation routes are designed to avoid barriers for people with reduced mobility.
Tickets and practicalities: in high season buy tickets in advance, especially at weekends and during city events; reduced and family tickets are normally available. Note that the ticket office can be located on the other side of the Cloth Hall - keep this in mind when planning your entry.
Route planning: to avoid steps and steep descents, enter attractions via entrances with lifts or street-level access. Sample sequence: MuFo (Rakowicka) - short tram ride or walk along the Planty - Wawel (accessible entrances and routes) - Main Market Square (Market Underground with a lift) - stroll through the Cloth Hall and then on to Kazimierz.
Transport and approaches: centre-bound trams are convenient and most low-floor on popular lines; tram stops are close to the Planty and there are lines that stop near MuFo. When walking, remember that some streets are cobbled - uneven paving can be slower to cross, so allow extra time.
On-site facilities: city museums publish information about lifts, accessible toilets and priority lines for families and people with reduced mobility - use these facilities when available.
Buying tickets online: most popular attractions in Kraków sell tickets online - this saves time and avoids long queues in season. Check the official ticketing system of each museum before you go.
Best days and times: to avoid crowds, visit on weekdays in the morning or late afternoon; many museums also offer discounted or free days - check the rules before your visit.
Last entry and pacing: many museums state that the last entry is 30–45 minutes before closing. Plan your time so you can see the exhibitions and attend any guided tours you booked.
Restaurants and cafés: after a full day of sightseeing try well-known and highly rated places: Wierzynek - for historic interiors and traditional Polish cuisine; Pod Wawelem - generous regional portions near Wawel; Charlotte - a popular bakery and café for breakfast in the centre; Massolit Books & Café - a great spot for coffee and a relaxed start before exploring Kazimierz.
Hotels recommended for location and comfort: Hotel Stary - luxury, steps from the Market Square; Bachleda Luxury Hotel - by the Planty, popular with guests seeking high standards and a convenient location. Book in advance during the high season.
How to choose: if you need a no-stairs stay, ask the hotel about lift access, barrier-free rooms and storage for medical equipment when you make your reservation.
1. Not booking tickets in advance for the busiest museums - especially on weekends and in high season. Book ahead.
2. Trying to cram too much into one day - Kraków is best explored at a relaxed pace with time for café breaks.
3. Ignoring accessibility information - if you need a no-stairs route, check the museum website or call ahead to make sure lifts and facilities are operating on the day of your visit.
4. Assuming the entire Market Square is the same - cobbles and narrow passages can slow movement; prefer wide routes such as the Planty and main pavements on representative streets.
Is the Market Underground accessible for wheelchairs? Yes - the exhibition includes a lift/platform and the route was designed with accessibility in mind.
Does MuFo have lifts and accessible toilets? The Rakowicka branch states it has lifts, accessible toilets and the possibility to borrow a wheelchair - however, it’s wise to contact the museum in advance if you need extra assistance.
How much do tickets cost? Prices depend on the museum and the exhibition - approximate standards mentioned in this guide are a few dozen zloty for main exhibitions at MuFo and around 20 zł for the Market Underground (reduced and family tickets are usually available). Always check the current price list on the official site before your visit.
What if a lift is out of service on the day of my visit? The safest option is to contact museum staff in advance to agree on an alternative visit or change the date. Staff typically help visitors who need special arrangements.
If this guide helped you plan your route, share it with friends or on social media - it may save someone stress and time.
If you want to explore Kraków more comfortably with local stories and context, consider booking a private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - reservation details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A guided visit helps you make the most of your time and discover less obvious places.
Good luck and enjoy discovering Kraków - a city that mixes history with everyday life, and whose paving hides stories worth learning.
