Beneath the surface of Krakow's Main Market Square are layers of the city's past - foundations of townhouses, remnants of streets and merchants from different eras. A walk from the city gates through the Market to the Underground exhibits is like reading the city's chronicle in three acts: the defensive walls and Florian Gate, the lively Market with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church, and the museum excavations beneath the square. This text will help you plan your route, buy tickets and avoid the most common tourist pitfalls.
If you plan to visit in a single day, it’s good to split your time: a short walk around the fortifications and Florian Gate, a break at the Market and the Cloth Hall, then the descent to the Underground - the exhibition under the square usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the route you choose.
Florian Gate is one of the best preserved elements of Krakow’s medieval fortifications - a section of the old city walls and the nearby Barbican sit side by side, giving excellent context for understanding the city’s former layout. The Market Underground is a unique archaeological exhibition showing remains of houses, streets and workshops layered through history - from the early Middle Ages to modern times. Together they form a fuller picture of urban life from centuries past.
Visiting these places also creates a striking contrast: outside you see monumental fortifications and vibrant squares, and moments later you descend into quiet underground galleries to see how the city looked “from below.” This experience is appreciated by families, history lovers and the simply curious.
Start: the Barbican and Florian Gate - a short stop for photos and a brief explanation of the city walls’ role. Time: 20-30 minutes.
Walk along the Planty to St. Mary’s Church and the Cloth Hall - along the way notice the townhouses that hide stories of trade and craft. Time: 30-45 minutes with short stops.
Main Market Square - a quick loop around the Cloth Hall, town hall displays and the Adam Mickiewicz monument. A good place for a coffee break or a pretzel.
Enter the Market Underground - leave this for the end of the longer walk so you can focus calmly on the exhibition once you go below. Reserve 1-2 hours depending on route (A/B/C) and your pace.
Practical note: If your time is limited, choose a shorter route (short A/B). If you enjoy archaeology and exhibits, plan for the longer route (route C includes additional displays).
Tickets for the Market Underground are sold online and at the ticket office; prices vary by type (regular, reduced, family, group). In practice a regular ticket at the Museum of Krakow for Market exhibitions usually costs a few dozen złoty, and reduced tickets are cheaper - check the current price list before you go.
Entries to the Underground happen on a timed schedule every several minutes - the number of visitors per entry is limited, so in the high season it’s better not to leave ticket purchase to the last minute. Larger groups require prior reservation and different organizational rules - plan your booking in advance.
Remember free-admission days: museums sometimes offer free entry on selected days (for example Tuesdays), but on those days space may be limited or special procedures may apply. The last entry to the exhibition is usually scheduled a certain number of minutes before closing - check the last-admission time to avoid disappointment.
The Market Underground is adapted for visitors with limited mobility - lifts are available in many places and most of the route does not require climbing steep stairs. The museum has toilets, including a baby-changing facility, which makes visiting easier for families with small children.
Interactive solutions have been prepared for the youngest visitors - play areas and multimedia stops help engage children with history. If you come with a stroller, check the entrance options for storage or routes adapted for strollers.
If you visit with a school group or a larger family group, it’s good to inform the museum about the number of participants; in some cases special hours or a guide are required.
Plan your visit with a time buffer - the Market can tempt you to stop for coffee, and queues to enter the Underground in season extend waiting time.
Do not leave ticket purchase to the last minute during summer and weekends - entries are limited and can sell out.
Do not use flash or a tripod underground - the exhibition lighting and conservation rules restrict photography in some areas.
Do not expect it to be warm everywhere - underground temperatures are lower, so a light layer of clothing is useful even on a warm day.
If you prefer a quiet, intimate visit, choose morning entries or late afternoon times outside peak hours.
After exiting the Underground it's nice to stop for a meal or coffee - there are many places around the Market for every budget. A few tried-and-true spots: Wierzynek - a historic restaurant serving Polish cuisine; Cafe Camelot - a cozy café perfect for dessert and coffee; Miód Malina - a pleasant place for a meal a short walk away but worth it; Pod Aniołami - traditional cuisine served in historic cellars.
For a quick local snack try a freshly baked obwarzanek sold around the Market or head toward Plac Nowy in the Kazimierz direction for a zapiekanka - a slightly longer walk but a frequent tourist favorite.
If you plan to dine at a popular restaurant, reserve a table in advance, especially in the evening.
Archaeologists have uncovered layers under the Market floor corresponding to different centuries - from early medieval wooden structures to stone foundations of later townhouses. Visitors can see an almost cross-sectional view of the city through the ages.
Florian Gate was once one of the main city gates and was part of an extensive defensive system; today it is one of Krakow’s symbols and a useful orientation point.
The Underground sometimes hosts themed exhibitions and educational events - check the museum calendar because beyond the permanent exhibition you may find an archaeological demonstration or a history lesson for children.
Are the Underground exhibitions open every day? - Opening hours may vary with the season and holidays; check current hours on the museum website or at the Visitor Service Center before your visit.
Can I buy tickets online? - Yes, many tickets are available through the museum website or ticketing systems; tickets are often sold at the box office too, but online purchase guarantees entry at your chosen time during busy periods.
Does the visit require a lot of walking? - The underground route is on foot but adapted for most visitors; people with limited mobility should ask about available facilities and barrier-free routes.
Can children enter? - Yes, there are facilities and special solutions that make the exhibition attractive for the youngest visitors.
Not allocating enough time for the Underground - the result is rushing and missing interesting parts of the exhibition.
Failing to check payment options - some vendors still prefer card payment, but it’s always good to have a little cash for small purchases.
Not checking closing hours on holidays - on some days museums or branches may be closed or have altered hours.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media - you'll help others plan a better visit to Krakow.
If you want to explore Krakow with a local guide, consider services offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz - all contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata will gladly tailor the route to your expectations and show places worth visiting during a short or longer stay.
Have a great tour of the Old Town - may every step reveal a new story!
