The Main Market Square in Kraków is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe and a place where history mixes with everyday city life. Under the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) lie authentic medieval layers of the city — home to the Market Underground Museum, which can surprise even experienced travelers. Exploring beneath the square gives a different perspective on the city’s development over centuries and shows how its buildings and ground levels changed.
When planning your visit remember that the Market is also a huge gastronomic and cultural zone — walks, street concerts and seasonal fairs mean there’s always something happening. It’s an excellent starting point for further discoveries in Kraków.
1. Market Underground Museum — an archaeological reserve under the Cloth Hall with displays showing trade and city life from pre-foundation times through the Middle Ages.
2. St. Mary’s Basilica — a Gothic church famous for the altar by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) and the hourly bugle call played from its tower.
3. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the historic trading center with its arcade and market hall, also home to the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery.
4. Town Hall Tower and the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków — a viewpoint and stories about city life.
5. The Adam Mickiewicz Monument and the cafés around it — a perfect spot to rest and watch city life.
6. Floriańska Street and Florian Gate — part of the old city walls and one of the most popular walking routes.
7. Collegium Maius (Jagiellonian University) — the oldest university buildings with interesting university exhibits.
8. The Barbican and Planty — remnants of medieval fortifications and the green belt surrounding the Old Town.
9. The Royal Route and Wawel Royal Castle — a short walk from the Market to the historic hill of Wawel.
10. Local eateries and cafés around the Market — from traditional restaurants to modern cafés serving specialty coffee.
The Market Underground Museum is one of the most unusual attractions at the Main Market Square — the visit takes place on glass walkways above the uncovered structures of the medieval city. It’s worth planning ahead because the number of visitors on the route is limited.
Ticket prices (example): regular ticket around 19 PLN, reduced around 16 PLN; family and group tickets are also available. There are often days with free admission (typically requiring prior reservation) — so always check the current rules before your visit.
Opening hours can change seasonally; typically the museum is open in the morning and afternoon (for example roughly 10:00 to 19:00–20:00), and some days (like the second Monday of the month) may be closed. The museum has facilities for families and visitors with reduced mobility (lift access, a children's area, restrooms).
"Skip the line" can be worth it in the tourist season (spring–autumn) and on weekends and holidays, when queues for tickets may be long. If you have limited time in Kraków or are traveling with young children, consider a timed-entry ticket with guaranteed access.
If your schedule is flexible and you visit outside peak hours (for example early on a weekday), you’ll save by buying a standard ticket on site or online without the priority option.
Always compare price and entry time. A skip-the-line ticket pays off when it lets you enter immediately or within a short time — otherwise you may save money by booking a regular timed ticket online and arriving shortly before your slot.
The safest option is to buy tickets in advance through the museum’s official website or authorized online sellers — especially in high season. A reservation guarantees a spot at a specific time and avoids long waits.
When you arrive, have your reservation confirmation ready (printed or electronic), ID for those claiming reduced fares, and cash or card in case you need to buy a ticket on site.
Beware of street offers and suspiciously cheap "entrance tickets" sold on the spot — buy only trusted tickets to avoid problems at entry.
1. Not reserving during the season — leads to long waits or sold-out slots. Reserve ahead if you come on weekends or in summer months.
2. Poor timing — some attractions have reduced hours off-season; check opening times before you go.
3. Buying tickets from unknown people or sources — always use official ticket offices or trusted online sellers.
4. Not planning breaks for food and rest — the Market can be tiring; schedule a pause in one of the recommended cafés or restaurants.
5. Ignoring discount conditions and required documents — students and other eligible visitors must carry proof of entitlement.
Restaurants and cafés around the Market offer a wide range: from elegant Polish dining to cozy cafés. Choose places with good reviews and a tradition of serving local dishes.
A few well-known nearby options include: Wierzynek (traditional Polish dining), Pod Aniołami (classic Polish cuisine), and Charlotte or Café Camelot for a relaxed coffee and pastries. If you prefer modern cafés, look for specialty coffee shops on the side streets off the Market.
If you plan to stay in the city center, hotels and apartments by the Market give a huge location advantage — keep in mind that rooms with Market views are often pricier but offer unforgettable experiences.
- The best times for a peaceful view of the Market are early mornings (before 10:00) or late evenings, when most tour groups have left the center.
- The Market Underground reveals building layers dating back to the 11th–14th centuries — a rare chance to see a "city under the city."
- Many local cafés serve specialty coffee and desserts made by local pastry chefs — try regional flavors away from the busiest tourist spots.
- A small but useful tip: in season, have a public transport app and an offline map, as transfers and logistics can take longer in crowds.
Is the Market Underground worth visiting with children? Yes — the museum offers educational elements and a play area for the youngest visitors, and the route is family-friendly (lift, changing facilities).
Are there days when admission to the Underground is free? There are often days with free entry (e.g. certain Tuesdays), but prior reservation is usually required — always check current information before you go.
How long does the Underground visit take? The route typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on group pace and participation in additional activities.
Are there discounts for students and seniors? Yes — reduced tickets are available. Bring supporting documents to prove eligibility.
The Main Market Square and its Underground are a must for anyone who wants to know Kraków’s history from the inside out. Planning your visit — booking tickets in advance, choosing the right time and considering skip-the-line — will let you see the most important places without stress and long queues.
To make your visit even more pleasant and tailored to your interests, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
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