Yes — it’s a great idea. Short routes, an intimate atmosphere and many layers of history make visiting the Rynek Underground combined with key places of Jewish Kraków (the Kazimierz district, cemeteries, synagogues) ideal for small groups of 2–6 people. With few participants you can ask questions, set the pace and focus on details usually missing from larger tours. The guide can offer stories, anecdotes and a thematic thread — for example everyday life in medieval Kraków and the history of Kazimierz’s Jewish community — so the visit is coherent and memorable.
In the Rynek Underground you will literally feel the city’s layers — archaeological finds and reconstructions of marketplaces, storage areas and streets from different eras. Once back on the surface, it’s worth walking to Kazimierz, where traces of Jewish Kraków are visible in the buildings, street layout and local memory. This combination — underground plus Kazimierz — gives a fuller picture of the city than a surface-only walk around the Main Market Square.
If you plan to visit during the high season or on a weekend, buy tickets in advance and set a time to avoid queues and to coordinate entrances to different sites (the underground museum, synagogues, cemetery). For small groups it is often cost-effective to book a private guided tour — this also gives flexibility in route and time spent at each stop.
1) Entrance to the Rynek Underground (Main Market Square) - the visit begins beneath the surface of the Market Square, where you will see architectural remains, fragments of medieval streets and reconstructions showing how the city’s trade life looked. The visit to the museum branch itself usually takes about 1–1.5 hours.
2) Return to the surface - a short walk past the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and around St Mary’s Church to frame the context of the city’s central place.
3) Transfer or walk to Kazimierz - the heart of Jewish Kraków: Szeroka Street, Józefa Street, Plac Nowy. You will see synagogues (including the Remuh Synagogue and the Old Synagogue), the Old Jewish Cemetery and fragments of historic buildings that tell of the centuries-long presence of Jews in the city.
4) Memorial places and museums - depending on interests you can visit the Galicia Jewish Museum or other exhibitions devoted to the history of the Jewish community.
5) Finish with coffee or a meal in one of Kazimierz’s recommended cafés or restaurants. This allows time to sum up the visit and talk about questions that came up during the route.
The Rynek Underground is located directly under the Main Market Square; the entrance is through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). The site is part of the city museum network and usually has regular opening hours with extended hours at weekends. The last admission is often scheduled about 30 minutes before closing.
For small groups (2–6 people) it’s sensible to buy tickets online or reserve by phone — especially in the tourist season. Some days have free admission or altered hours, so check dates before you travel.
The underground can be accessible to people with limited mobility (depending on the part of the exhibition and availability of a lift), but some sections involve stairs and uneven archaeological surfaces. If someone in the group has mobility difficulties, report this when booking to confirm available facilities.
If you plan to visit synagogues and cemeteries, remember their rules: some places require quiet and appropriate clothing (covered shoulders and knees), and access to certain sites may be limited on particular days or at certain hours.
A typical combined tour (Rynek Underground plus selected places in Kazimierz) takes from 2.5 to 4 hours — depending on the group’s pace and interests. Families with children can shorten the museum part and spend more time on interactive elements or take a longer café break.
With small groups the guide can flexibly lengthen or shorten chosen stops — so it’s worth agreeing priorities before the tour (for example more time in the Underground vs a longer visit at the Old Jewish Cemetery).
If your time is limited, concentrate on the Rynek Underground and one or two highlights in Kazimierz — this allows for an intense but not tiring visit.
Kazimierz and the Market Square area offer many highly rated places. After the underground visit and a walk through Kazimierz it’s worth stopping for a meal or coffee at recommended spots: Wierzynek (the historic restaurant at the Market Square), Pod Aniołami (traditional regional cuisine), Miodova (creative dishes), Hamsa (Mediterranean / Middle Eastern cuisine in Kazimierz), Café Camelot (a charming place for coffee and cake) and Massolit Books & Café (ideal for book lovers and a quiet atmosphere).
When choosing a place, follow reviews and ratings — many Kazimierz venues have excellent feedback, but popular hours (evenings, weekends) can mean longer waits. For small groups it’s worth reserving a table to finish the route, especially if you plan to have dinner after a full day of sightseeing.
For a quick break I also recommend Plac Nowy — a relaxed spot for a snack and to watch everyday district life.
Beneath the Main Market Square there is far more than just ruins - archaeologists have uncovered traces of former marketplaces, workshops and fragments of wooden buildings that show how the city changed over centuries.
In Kazimierz the street layout and some houses still retain features of the former Jewish quarter and artisanal traditions. Many places are not obvious at first glance — it’s worth listening to the guide’s stories that connect material remains with social and cultural history.
Less obvious: a visit to the Underground pairs well with the story of Kraków’s markets and international trade, which shaped the city’s culture for centuries — it’s a vantage point on the transformations Kraków has undergone from the Middle Ages to the present.
1) Not planning tickets in advance — this leads to long lines or no available spots at desired times. Book ahead, especially in season.
2) Wearing inappropriate clothing for memorial sites — when entering cemeteries or synagogues have a scarf or clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
3) Trying to fit too many points into too short a time — it’s better to focus on a few key places and view them more closely.
4) Not informing about mobility limitations — if someone in your group has difficulties moving, report it in advance to check accessibility and plan an alternative route.
Are the Rynek Underground exhibits suitable for children? - Yes, the site includes interactive elements and displays adapted for younger visitors, though parts of the route are museum-like and require attention.
How much is admission and are there discounts? - Ticket prices vary and depend on the museum’s current policy; there are often regular, reduced, family and group tickets. The most reliable option is to check the price when booking online or ask the guide for up-to-date information.
Do we have to book a guide? - For groups of 2–6 people a private guide gives the most benefits because the route can be tailored to interests. Individual entry is possible, but for fuller commentary it’s worth reserving a guided tour in advance.
Is the route safe? - Yes, the Underground and sites in Kazimierz are prepared for tourist visits. Take care on uneven surfaces and stairs.
1) Decide your priorities — do you prefer more time in the Underground or a longer visit to Kazimierz?
2) Check available dates and buy tickets online or reserve a time with a guide.
3) Set the meeting point (usually near the Cloth Hall/Main Market Square) and the entry time for the Underground.
4) After sightseeing plan a coffee or lunch break in one of Kazimierz’s recommended restaurants.
5) If you wish, ask the guide for extra materials — maps, recommendations for further routes or help reserving a table.
If you enjoyed this route, share the article with friends or on social media — small groups often appreciate the intimate character of such tours.
If you want to explore Kraków in a personal, engaging way tailored to your interests, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers customized routes matched to your time, theme and group pace. All contact details and the full offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you a great trip in Kraków and inspiring discoveries!
