The Market Underground is one of Kraków’s most spectacular attractions — a modern exhibition located a few meters beneath the Main Market Square, right by the Cloth Hall. Built on years of archaeological research, it reveals remains of medieval stalls, paved streets, building fragments and thousands of everyday objects. The show combines authentic finds with multimedia, reconstructions and interactive displays, so visiting feels like a journey back in time.
A typical visit to the Underground takes about 60–90 minutes and makes a great complement to a walk around the Square — it’s a good option in any weather because much of the route is indoors. There’s a child-friendly zone and facilities for visitors with strollers. Many sources also note opening hours and that some Tuesdays may offer free admission — however, check current rules and times before you go.
Horse-drawn carriage rides by the Market are a traditional and very photogenic part of Kraków’s scene. Carriages usually offer short routes around the Old Town — a few minutes circling the Square and the Planty, sometimes with a short leg toward Wawel. The idea of “a carriage all day” is hard to put into practice: horses and carriages need breaks, proper care and suitable conditions, and drivers must respect working-time regulations and designated rest areas.
If you dream of a longer private ride, you can try negotiating a private hire with a licensed driver for a special event (wedding, photo shoot or private event), but this is more expensive and more complex logistically. For most visitors it’s best to treat a carriage as a short atmospheric experience rather than a full-day transport option.
Sample one-day itinerary: start in the morning with a visit to the Market Underground (about 1–1.5 hours) — arriving early helps you avoid crowds. After the museum, enjoy a coffee near the Square (popular choices include cafés around the Old Town such as Café Camelot, Charlotte, or Café Szara). In the afternoon you could take a short carriage ride — for example a 15–30 minute loop around the Market and Planty — then walk to Wawel Castle and continue to Kazimierz.
If you prefer less walking, after the Underground you can take a taxi or public transport to Wawel and Kazimierz. End the day with dinner in a well-rated Old Town or Kazimierz restaurant — it’s a pleasant way to round off the day.
In the centre, choose places with good reviews — for example the historic and elegant Restauracja Wierzynek near the Square, traditional Polish venues such as Pod Aniołami, and popular international options in the surrounding streets. For relaxed cafés try Massolit Books & Café in Kazimierz, Café Camelot or Charlotte on the Square. If you want authentic local flavour on a budget, look for a ‘bar mleczny’ (milk bar) or sample zapiekanki from a well-rated stall.
If you need accommodation, look for hotels or apartments in the Old Town, by the Planty or in Kazimierz — staying close means most attractions will be within a short walk.
Buying tickets on the spot in high season without a prior reservation — the Underground can be very busy, so book online in advance to avoid queues. Not planning breaks for children or seniors — the underground route can be tiring, so schedule a short rest after exiting. Using carriages without agreeing the price in advance — agree the route and cost before you get in to avoid misunderstandings. Feeding or trying to pet horses without the driver’s permission — safety and animal welfare come first.
Unexpected extreme heat — in very high temperatures consider skipping a carriage ride out of concern for the horses and choose an alternative (taxi, tram or a shaded walk).
Typical visit time for the Underground: usually 60–90 minutes. Opening hours and ticket prices can change seasonally, so always verify current times and fares on the museum’s official channels before you go. Many museums run timed entries to control capacity, and some days (for example certain Tuesdays) may offer free or discounted admission — check beforehand.
Accessibility: the underground route is partially adapted for visitors with reduced mobility — the facility usually has lifts and accessible toilets, and families with strollers are often accommodated. For carriage rides choose licensed drivers, agree price and route in advance, and avoid rides in extreme weather to protect the animals.
Is it worth booking Underground tickets in advance? Yes — especially in season and on weekends, booking online helps you avoid queues and ensures you get the time slot you want. How long does a carriage ride around the Market last? Standard rides last from several minutes up to around half an hour; longer routes require negotiation and private booking. Can a carriage go down every Old Town alley? No — local traffic rules and narrow streets mean carriages have designated routes and parking spots; some tiny lanes are inaccessible.
Are the Underground exhibits suitable for children? Yes — the museum has zones and attractions for younger visitors, though parts of the exhibit are dimly lit and may be challenging for very small children. How can I look after the horses’ welfare? Avoid rides during extreme heat, don’t feed horses without permission, choose licensed services and watch for signs of fatigue or poor care — if a horse looks distressed, decline the ride.
The Underground hides not only everyday tools and coins but also remnants of 12th–14th century buildings, fragments of old water systems and traces of raids that shaped the city’s history. The exhibition includes models of old market trade and multimedia reconstructions that can surprise even longtime Kraków lovers.
Carriage rides are often associated with romantic evenings on the Square — they’re great for photos and a short rest during sightseeing, but remember that the real rhythm of the city is best discovered on foot, among side streets and cafés.
The Market Underground is a must-see in Kraków — a unique mix of archaeology and modern museum storytelling. A horse-drawn carriage is a charming extra, perfect for a short atmospheric ride but not a realistic whole-day transport solution. When planning your visit, reserve tickets in advance, plan breaks and pick reliable places to eat and rest.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with an experienced guide, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information is available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great trip and enjoy discovering Kraków!
