Yes - it is one of the best combinations to understand how medieval Kraków lived and developed, while also feeling the atmosphere of the old Jewish town. On the surface, the Main Market Square shows monumental space and masterpieces like Veit Stoss’s altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica, and four meters below, the Underground reveals everyday market life, stalls and preserved water systems in archaeological layers.
An afternoon walk through Kazimierz adds cultural context, places of memory and tasty breaks in cafés and restaurants.
This is an optimal route when you have half a day or a full day - all points are close to each other so logistics are simple, and the change of perspective from the large Market to the intimate streets of Kazimierz is impressive. I especially recommend starting in the Underground in the morning before the biggest crowds arrive.
If you want to hear the hejnał live, plan to be at the Market at the top of the hour - the abrupt ending of the melody is a Kraków symbol many visitors enjoy as a small city ceremony.
The Market Square Underground is a modern multimedia exhibition built on archaeological research - under the Cloth Hall you can see fragments of medieval stalls, wooden floors and remains of water installations presented in reconstructions, models and projections. I recommend allocating about 60-90 minutes to calmly view all exhibits and enjoy the multimedia shows.
Tickets can be bought online or at the Museum of Kraków ticket office, but a practical tip: Tuesdays can be free-admission days and then the site gets crowded and reservations may be limited. For peace of mind, it's best to book a timed ticket or visit outside free-entry days.
For those interested in details - the exhibition shows chronological layers of the market and explains how trade worked, which goods were present and how the built environment changed. It’s an excellent complement to a surface visit, especially if you like urban history and material culture.
For centuries Kazimierz was a separate town - initially developed on royal initiative, later becoming the place where Jewish residents settled after decisions made at the end of the 15th century. That is when the district’s characteristic fabric formed, with synagogues, cemeteries and its own urban rhythm.
On a walk through Kazimierz don’t miss Szeroka Street (the former Jewish Market), the Old Synagogue (a branch of the Historical Museum of Kraków), the Remuh Cemetery and Nowy Market Square with the distinctive Okrąglak. These places best show both the former life of the Jewish community and the later history of the district.
Kazimierz is also a meeting district: cosy cafés, galleries, restaurants and festivals, the most important of which is the Jewish Culture Festival - an internationally known event that draws crowds and fills the streets with klezmer music.
Buy your ticket to the Underground online if you care about a specific visiting time - in season that saves stress. Keep in mind that last entry is usually about 75 minutes before the exhibition closes.
Check opening hours for St. Mary’s Basilica and the tower: access to the tower is commonly a small-ticket purchase made on site and the number of entries can be limited; poor weather may cause cancellations of tower access.
Wear comfortable shoes - walking on Kazimierz cobbles and stairs in some museums requires comfort. In winter, layers and slip-resistant footwear are a must. Also carry some small change for minor purchases and stalls with zapiekanki at Nowy Market Square.
Both the Underground and the Old Synagogue are museum sites and unfortunately not all spaces are fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility. The Old Synagogue has stairs and no elevator, and some routes in Kazimierz run along cobbled streets.
If you need assistance or want to confirm wheelchair accessibility, contact the museum or places you plan to visit in advance. Many ticket offices accept cards, but it’s useful to have small change for small purchases.
For visitors with limited mobility you can plan a route with fewer stairs, stick to street-level areas and use local cafés as rest stops.
Kazimierz and the area around the Market offer very good dining spots. Recommended, well-rated places include Hamsa (Szeroka Street) - Middle Eastern cuisine with vegetarian options, Alchemia (Estery Street) - atmospheric place with music and coffee, and Cafe Camelot near the Main Market Square for a quiet break after walking.
For a quick local snack be sure to try zapiekanki at Nowy Market Square by the Okrąglak - a Kraków classic enjoyed by tourists and locals. If you want something more elaborate, reserve a table in the evening at one of Kazimierz’s top restaurants - reservations are recommended on weekends.
If you’re looking for cuisine with Jewish roots, look out for places serving dishes inspired by Jewish and Middle Eastern traditions - the district has both small cafés and established restaurants worth trying.
Half day: morning in the Market Square Underground (60-90 min), a short walk around the Main Market Square and an optional visit to St. Mary’s Basilica (or viewing it from outside), coffee break, then stroll through the Cloth Hall and nearby streets.
Full day: morning Underground, lunch by the Market or en route to Kazimierz, afternoon at the Old Synagogue and a walk along Szeroka Street, visit the Remuh Cemetery, evening at Nowy Market Square with local food and live music. This plan leaves time for stops, photos and visits to a few museum interiors.
If you only have one afternoon, focus on Kazimierz: Szeroka, the Old Synagogue, Nowy Market Square and a few cafés - this gives a good cross-section of the district without rushing.
Assuming you can 'buy a ticket on the spot' - in season popular attractions fill up quickly; buying a ticket online for the Underground or arriving early saves time.
Not checking free days and special opening hours - Tuesdays in some museum branches can be free, creating long queues; if you want to avoid crowds, choose a different day.
Neglecting suitable clothing and footwear - cobbled streets and museum stairs can be tiring; comfortable shoes and being prepared for variable weather are the simplest way to make the visit pleasant.
Under the Cloth Hall archaeologists found layers showing the market was literally built layer by layer: stalls, wooden pavements and water installations - today you can see them interactively in the Underground.
Kazimierz once functioned as a separate town with its own council and walls; this historical separation shaped the district’s unique character.
On the streets of Kazimierz you may encounter traces of well-known figures or less obvious cultural connections - for example the stories of people of Jewish origin who later became active around the world add many interesting contexts to the area.
How much time do I need for the Underground, the Old Synagogue and the Basilica? Roughly: Underground 60-90 min, Old Synagogue 30-60 min, Basilica + tower 30-60 min (if you climb the tower add extra time).
Do I need to book tickets in advance? Not always, but in season and on free-entry days it’s better to buy tickets online or arrive early to avoid queues.
Can I see traces of Jewish life without entering museums? Yes - many memorial sites, synagogues and historic streets are accessible from the outside, but visiting the Old Synagogue and museum branches gives a fuller picture of history and the material traces.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media - it will help plan a joint visit to Kraków. If you prefer a private guided tour, consider services provided by Małgorzata Kasprowicz - on the site zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you can find contact details, route offers and current information on guide availability. I wish you fascinating discoveries and a calm visit - Kraków has more history than it seems if you know where to look.
