Collegium Maius is the Jagiellonian University Museum — historic interiors, a collection of scientific instruments and the university’s treasury; it usually has shorter visitor lines, but many entries run at set times with a guide.
The Market Square Underground (Podziemia Rynku) is an impressive archaeological exhibition located several metres below the surface of the Main Market Square — it’s worth buying a ticket in advance to avoid queues.
The simplest way to avoid long waits: plan ahead (buy tickets online where possible), come outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) and organise your route — first Collegium Maius, then the Market Square and the Underground.
Where it is and what you’ll see: Collegium Maius sits near the Main Market Square on Jagiellońska Street. Inside you’ll find medieval rooms, a collection of scientific instruments, the university treasury with insignia and unique mementos.
Reservations and tickets: the museum often runs entries at set times and sometimes has unguided visits; there are also days when admission is free or limited — always check current information before you arrive.
Practical tips: - Arrive for the first morning entry — that’s when there are the fewest people. - If you want to hear the clock concert or join a special guided tour, ask the ticket desk about guided-entry times. - Bring comfortable shoes — the route isn’t long, but you’ll be walking through an old building.
The entrance to the Underground is through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the side facing St. Mary’s Basilica — a convenient and logical route after walking the Market Square.
Buying tickets: it’s best to buy tickets online via the museum’s official sales channels when that option is available. In high season time-limited tickets can sell out — booking lets you skip the ticket line at the desk.
Free days and restrictions: the museum offers occasional free-admission days (check which weekday applies currently) — on those days tickets are usually only available at the ticket office and disappear quickly, so if you want free access arrive early.
Last entry and visit time: plan your schedule — the Underground tour usually takes at least an hour; remember the last-entry times published by the museum.
8:30 – arrive in the centre, enjoy a short walk around the Market Square before the crowds build.
9:00 – visit Collegium Maius (first entry) — shorter lines, a calmer experience.
10:30 – coffee and a cake in a nearby café (for example Café Camelot) and a short walk around the Cloth Hall.
11:30 – entry to the Market Square Underground (with an advance ticket) or a relaxed walk around the Square and a later descent if tickets are available that day.
Afternoon – continue exploring the Old Town or head to Kazimierz; evening – dinner at recommended spots (for example Wierzynek, Starka, or Milkbar Tomasza for a quick local meal).
Accessibility: the Market Square Underground offers partial access for visitors with limited mobility — check in advance about lifts or alternate routes. Collegium Maius can be less wheelchair-friendly due to its historic layout; ask staff about access options.
Transport: most central Kraków attractions are within a short walk of the Main Railway Station; trams and buses stop near the Market Square. Driving in the inner city is usually inconvenient — public transport or walking is recommended.
Luggage storage: if you have large bags, leave them at your hotel or in luggage storage points — the Market Square area isn’t always convenient for big suitcases.
Café Camelot – a cosy café near the Market Square, perfect for a coffee and cake break.
Wierzynek – a historic restaurant on the Main Market Square, a good choice if you want to feel the atmosphere of old Kraków (reserve a table).
Milkbar Tomasza – quick, local food at reasonable prices, great for a short stop between attractions.
Starka (Kazimierz) – if you plan to move to Kazimierz after sightseeing, this place is known for traditional cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere.
Trying to enter the Underground on a free-admission day without arriving early — tickets at the desk may run out; if you want free entry, plan to be there at opening.
Buying “skip-the-line” offers from random resellers — some offers add extra fees or aren’t necessary; use official sales channels or trusted vendors.
Assuming everything is open year-round with the same hours — museums close or change hours on holidays; always check current opening times before your visit.
Collegium Maius preserves unique scientific instruments and the so-called Jagiellonian Globe — the place links academic history with stories about famous students and professors.
In the Underground you’ll find remains of wooden houses and layers of the city from the 12th–13th centuries — walking there is like stepping back in time beneath the streets you walk every day.
Pay attention to the Collegium Maius musical clock — it plays short melodies at certain hours and is a pleasant surprise for visitors.
Can I enter the Underground without a pre-purchased ticket? - Yes, but in high season you risk that tickets for your chosen time will be sold out; on free days there are no advance reservations and tickets are sold at the desk.
Is Collegium Maius open on weekends? - Entry organisation can vary; sometimes more visits are scheduled on weekdays with guided entries, so check current hours.
Is it worth visiting both attractions on the same day? - Yes, it’s a convenient plan: Collegium Maius in the morning, a walk around the Market Square, then the Underground in the afternoon or later with a pre-booked ticket.
I hope this guide helps you plan a calm, enjoyable visit without standing in long queues. If you liked the article, share it with friends or on your social media — you’ll help others plan a great stay in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city and can tell its stories in a friendly, down-to-earth way, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Thank you and see you in Krakow!
