Kraków is a compact city easily explored on foot, but many of the most interesting sites — Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Main Market Square and the Market Underground — require separate tickets and have limited entry slots. Good planning saves time, avoids queues and lets you see the highlights at a relaxed pace.
This guide offers practical tips about tickets, the best order for walking the Royal Route, useful practical information (opening hours, visit durations, accessibility) and suggestions for coffee and lunch stops — written in a friendly style for visitors on their first or second trip to Kraków. — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
Quick mental map: the Royal Route typically starts near the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate, continues along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square, passes the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, and then follows Grodzka Street to Wawel. It’s a good idea to include a visit to the Market Underground (entrance near the Cloth Hall) and to plan time for the interiors of Wawel.
Short version (2–3 hours) - a walk along the Royal Route: St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica from the outside), Grodzka Street and an external view of Wawel. Ideal if you’re short on time and want to soak up the atmosphere and take photos.
Standard version (3–4 hours) - the Royal Route with entry to St. Mary’s Basilica (if you wish to see the interior), a short visit to the Market Underground (about 1 hour), a stroll along Grodzka Street and visits to the interior of Wawel — the Cathedral and one selected exhibition in the Castle. This is an optimal plan for a morning or afternoon.
Full version (4–6 hours) - the Royal Route + Market Underground + Wawel (Private Royal Apartments, the Treasury and Armory, Cathedral crypts and the bell tower) + a lunch break in the Old Town. If you want to see several exhibitions at Wawel, add an extra hour or two.
Practical tip - if you plan to visit Wawel and the Market Underground on the same day, buy timed tickets in advance — spots are limited, especially in the high season and on weekends.
What is the Market Underground? It’s a modern museum located a few meters below the Main Market Square that presents archaeological discoveries and the history of trade and everyday urban life in past centuries. The exhibition uses multimedia and reconstructions to make the city’s history easy to understand.
Visit duration: plan at least 45–60 minutes for an individual visit; guided tours typically last 60–90 minutes depending on the chosen package.
Tickets and prices (approximate): a full-price ticket is around 40 PLN; reduced tickets, family and group options are available. The museum sometimes offers free admission days or other promotions — check current rules before you travel.
Accessibility and facilities: the Underground has educational zones for children and conveniences (lift, restroom). It’s family-friendly, but visitors with limited mobility should check accessibility details for specific routes in advance.
Entrance: the Market Underground entrance is by the Cloth Hall. Queues are common in season — reserving a timed ticket or buying one for a specific hour makes planning much easier.
Wawel is a complex site — the Royal Castle, the Cathedral with crypts and the hill with beautiful views. Many parts of Wawel have separate tickets and different opening hours, so choose the parts that matter most to you when planning your visit.
Popular choices among visitors: the Private Royal Apartments, the Representative Royal Chambers, the Treasury and Armory, the Cathedral crypts and the bell tower. Typical visit times per exhibition are about 60–80 minutes.
Tickets: exhibitions are sold separately; combined tickets are often available. Prices vary by exhibition and ticket type (full/reduced/family). To avoid disappointment, buy tickets online — timed slots fill up quickly.
Practical tips: - keep in mind restrictions on large backpacks (you may need to leave them in a cloakroom), - security checks and metal detectors are often in use, - if you plan to climb the bell tower or visit the crypts, check requirements in advance (for example the number of steps).
St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican - the historic start of the royal procession, a great photo spot and an introduction to the medieval city fortifications.
Floriańska Street - the main historical trade artery, now lined with elegant townhouses, souvenir stalls and atmospheric cafés.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - the heart of Kraków: the Cloth Hall has been a trade site for centuries and today houses shops and craft stalls; nearby is St. Mary’s Basilica with its famous trumpet call. The Market Underground lies just below the square — a must-see for anyone interested in archaeology and everyday history.
Grodzka Street and Wawel - Grodzka leads to Wawel, passing historic townhouses and churches; the route ends at the hill with the Royal Castle and Cathedral. Stop at the viewing terrace to look out over the Vistula River.
Buy online in advance — this is the most reliable way to secure a timed entry to Wawel and the Market Underground. In season (spring–September) and during long weekends, slots sell out days or even weeks ahead.
Check opening hours — museums and exhibitions have varying hours by day and season. Some institutions have restricted-access days or occasional temporary closures.
Match tickets to your day plan — if time is limited, book interior visits (Wawel, Market Underground) first, and see the rest on foot.
Reduced and family tickets — have the documents that confirm eligibility for discounts ready (student ID, family card, etc.). Also check local city cards which can sometimes lower costs.
Best times to visit: early morning (at opening) or late afternoon — fewer crowds and nicer light for photos. Midday is peak tourist time, especially on the Market Square.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes are essential — cobbled streets and many stairs (especially to towers) call for good footwear. Bring a light jacket — the Underground can be cooler than street level.
Weather and a plan B: if rain is forecast, plan interior visits (Market Underground, Wawel) for the wet part of the day and leave outdoor walking for better weather.
Documents and payments: many places accept cards, but small cafés and market stalls may prefer cash. Always carry ID if you have a reduced ticket.
Coffee to start: Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) or cafés around the Market Square — great breakfasts and fresh bakery goods, perfect before a long walk.
Quick stops near the Market: cafés and small bistros around the Cloth Hall serve cold drinks and local snacks.
Lunch after visiting Wawel: Restaurant Wierzynek (historic interiors at the Market Square) or pleasant spots on Kanonicza and Grodzka Streets — choose depending on budget and whether you prefer traditional Polish dishes or something lighter.
Dessert and relaxation: after a busy day try artisanal ice cream or a café with a Market Square view — a lovely way to round off the day.
Do I need to buy a ticket to the Market Underground in advance? - I recommend it, especially in season and on weekends; booking gives peace of mind and guarantees entry at your chosen time.
How long does the whole Royal Route walk take with visits to Wawel and the Underground? - A comfortable version takes 4 to 6 hours (including interiors); if you only want to see exteriors, 2–3 hours is usually enough.
Is the Market Underground suitable for children? - Yes, the exhibition includes interactive and educational elements and has zones designed for younger visitors.
Is Wawel accessible for people with limited mobility? - Some parts of Wawel and the Underground have restrictions (stairs, narrow passages); many sites offer accessibility features, but check specifics for each exhibition before you go.
Can I see everything in one day? - In theory yes, but you should set priorities. A full visit to all exhibitions at Wawel plus the Market Underground is intense and can feel rushed. It’s better to plan a more relaxed day with time for a break.
Plan your day so you enjoy Kraków’s atmosphere — don’t just tick off items from a list. A coffee break, a view from Wawel or a stroll around the Cloth Hall add real flavor to the visit.
If you’d like to tour with a guide, visit zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I offer routes tailored to your time and interests (Wawel, the Royal Route, Market Underground) and I’m happy to help plan the details of your visit.
Good luck planning and enjoy your visit to Kraków — this city has so much history it always leaves something for a next trip!
