Strolling across the Main Market Square, it’s hard to imagine that directly under the pavement there is a layer of history reaching back to times before the city was officially founded in 1257. The Rynek Podziemny (Market Underground) is more than cellars and foundations - it is a multimedia museum, an archaeological and architectural reserve, and a story about trade, crafts and everyday life in historic Kraków.
This site blends authentic remains with modern exhibition technology: glass walkways over streets paved centuries ago, reconstructions of craft workshops, original objects unearthed during excavations, and multimedia stations that help explain the finds in context.
Archaeological research carried out under the eastern part of the Market in the early 21st century uncovered building layers dating to the 12th and 13th centuries. These discoveries shaped today’s visitor route and made the most interesting relics available to the public.
The opened route was preceded by comprehensive conservation work and scientific study. Thanks to that effort we can now see fragments of paving, foundations of former stalls, remains of old buildings and numerous everyday objects recovered from the ground.
The route runs along walkways and sloped passages above the original urban deposits. In different parts of the exhibition you will find, among other things: fragments of medieval pavement, foundations of houses and market stalls, early water installations, traces of burial sites, richly illustrated reconstructions of craft workshops and a model of 15th-century Kraków.
The exhibition uses multimedia - touch screens, projections, audio guides and interactive stations - which make it easier to understand how the city’s urban fabric changed over the centuries. For children there is a special area with an interactive puppet theatre and engaging educational puzzles.
The Market Underground is a branch of the Museum of Krakow. Opening hours can change seasonally, so it’s a good idea to check current times before you go. Typically the branch is open in the morning and afternoon, with shorter hours on Tuesdays and often closed on the second Monday of the month.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office. The museum usually offers full-price, reduced and family tickets; Tuesdays often have free admission but on free days entry tickets are issued at the box office and reservations are limited. Last entry is generally about 75 minutes before closing, so plan your time accordingly.
The recommended entrance is through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the side facing St. Mary’s Basilica - this is the most commonly indicated starting point for the underground route.
The museum takes accessibility seriously: the venue provides step-free entrances, ramps, a lift and restrooms adapted for visitors with disabilities. People using wheelchairs and visitors with other needs can expect additional assistance, but it’s advisable to contact staff in advance to arrange details.
If you need sign language interpretation or other specialised support, the museum can often arrange services by prior reservation.
How long you spend depends on how closely you want to study the displays: a quick walk-through takes about 45–60 minutes, while visitors who read labels, use multimedia stations and take time with the finds may spend 2–3 hours. Families with children often need extra time for the educational area.
The fewest visitors are usually early in the morning right after opening and on weekdays outside weekends. If possible, choose a weekday and a morning slot. Avoid Tuesdays if you prefer a quiet visit - free admission that day can draw larger crowds.
Booking tickets online in advance guarantees entry at your chosen time and shortens any queue at the ticket office. School groups and organised tours often visit at specific times, so expect more people around typical school hours.
Photography for private use is generally allowed, but always follow the exhibition rules: don’t use flash, don’t step off marked paths and obey staff instructions. Respect signs that prohibit photography in certain areas.
If you’re unsure, ask at the ticket office or to a staff member on arrival. Keep in mind that reproducing collections and publishing photos for commercial purposes may require the institution’s permission.
The Underground includes elements designed for younger visitors: interactive stations, storytelling and a puppet theatre that help present the city’s history in an accessible way. Plan for short breaks and playful, educational stops to keep children engaged.
Bring comfortable shoes and a light layer - the underground can be cooler than the surface, and the route includes walkways and sloped passages.
The Main Market Square and its surroundings are rich in attractions: a quick visit to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a climb of the Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Basilica, and then the Wawel Hill or the Kazimierz district are all great follow-ups. After the underground, a coffee and a bite to eat in one of the recommended nearby restaurants is a pleasant idea.
If you wish, you can plan your route to combine the Market Underground with other branches of the Museum of Krakow within a 30-day period - some joint tickets or passes make combined visits easier.
Around the Main Market you’ll find venues to suit different tastes. Classic options include historic and well-regarded places such as Wierzynek, Restauracja Szara, Wentzl and the atmospheric Cafe Camelot. These spots combine good food with convenient locations close to the attractions.
If you’re after dessert or coffee in a historic setting, cafés by the square offer a wide selection of pastries and are a natural place to rest after an intensive visit.
Not booking in advance - this can cost you a lot of time in queues, especially in high season. Buy a ticket online or plan an alternative time.
Visiting on free-Tuesday expecting peace - free admission attracts crowds, so choose another day for a quiet experience.
Not checking entry times and last-entry policy - the museum closes at set times and last entry is limited, so plan your visit to allow enough time inside.
Do children pay? - Museums usually offer family and reduced tickets; check the conditions for families before purchase.
Can I buy a ticket on site? - Yes, but on busy days it’s better to book online to avoid long queues.
Is the route difficult for wheelchair users? - The route is adapted and accessible; nonetheless it’s recommended to contact staff beforehand to confirm details and possible assistance.
The surface level of the Main Market Square has changed considerably over the centuries - when you stand in the underground you can see how the city has ‘risen’ through successive layers of settlement.
The exhibits are not only decorative objects - many finds are everyday tools and discarded items that give the best picture of ordinary people’s lives in past centuries.
The Market Underground is one of those attractions that combines science, history and effective exhibition design. It’s an ideal place for visitors curious about the city’s past, families and archaeology lovers.
If you want to make the most of your visit to Kraków and receive a personalised sightseeing plan, I recommend booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata knows the city’s most interesting corners, can help with logistics, ticket and restaurant reservations, and can lead museum and underground visits tailored to your interests.
Share this guide with friends or on social media if you found it helpful - and plan your visit so you take home the best memories from Kraków!
