When we talk about "Krakow's underground" we mean several distinct experiences: the archaeological interiors beneath the Main Market Square (commonly called the Market Underground) and much deeper, extensive systems such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which operates as a separate attraction near the city. Both are led by guides and offer different scales of experience - from a few dozen minutes to several hours underground.
The Market Underground is an interactive museum created after many years of excavations: it presents the city's historical layers, fragments of former buildings, streets and artifacts uncovered beneath the Market Square slab. Visits are usually run as a guided route and last about 1-1.5 hours.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a centuries-old site open to tourists: the tourist route covers several kilometers of underground corridors and chambers, leading through chapels, lakes and salt sculptures. The route is longer and more physically demanding - visitors often spend 2-4 hours there, climbing hundreds of steps and negotiating notable elevation changes.
A guide is not just someone who recites dates and facts. In places like the Market Underground or Wieliczka, a guide connects archaeological and historical context with stories of everyday life, explains the meaning of discovered objects, points out details you might miss on your own, and answers visitors' questions.
Many main routes are organized only in groups led by a licensed guide - this ensures safety, protection of the monuments and a higher-quality exhibition experience. If you prefer a deeper understanding, a guide such as Margaret Kasprowicz can help you link what you see below ground with the city above and share local insights that make the visit more memorable.']},{
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Market Underground (Museum of the Market Underground) - this archaeological reserve lies under the Cloth Hall and the surface of the Main Market Square. The exhibition shows fragments of medieval buildings, pavements and everyday systems. The display is multimedia and interactive; a typical visit lasts around 75-90 minutes.
Wieliczka Salt Mine - the tourist route includes kilometers of corridors, chambers carved in salt, St. Kinga's Chapel and underground lakes. The temperature underground is constant and cooler than on the surface, and the route requires climbing a large number of stairs (often around 700-800 steps when counting the descent and return to the exit level). The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is wise to reserve your visit in advance.
Other smaller underground sites and routes - beyond the Market Underground and Wieliczka you can find fragments of old fortifications, church crypts or city cellars open to visitors; their availability, length and guide requirements vary.
Book ahead - both the Market Underground and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are popular, especially in high season. Having a reserved spot for a specific time often shortens queues and guarantees participation in a guided group.
Languages of the tours - museum guides usually offer tours in Polish and commonly in foreign languages (English, German, Italian, Spanish and others) depending on schedule and availability. When booking, check whether the group will be conducted in the language you prefer.
Types of entries - there are individual, group and family tickets; some options include skip-the-line or extended guided tours. Organized groups and schools usually need separate reservations.
Times and limits - the Market Underground often operates seasonal hours and limits the size of single groups; the salt mine has set start times for groups on the route. Check opening hours and the time of the last admission before your visit.
Both main sites have limitations due to the nature of underground spaces. The Wieliczka route is physically demanding because of many stairs and the length of the route; people with reduced mobility should check availability and possible alternatives before buying a ticket.
The Market Underground is located a few meters below street level and also involves stairs, though the walk is shorter than in the mine. Many museums publish information about stroller access and route variants for visitors with limitations - check this before your visit.
For families with small children: in some places there are restrictions regarding strollers or the minimum age of children; when planning a visit, review the site's rules in advance.
Comfortable shoes and a layer for the cold - underground temperatures are steady and usually lower than on the surface; bring a light sweater or thin jacket. Stable, comfortable shoes are recommended, especially in the salt mine where you will cover long distances and many steps.
A small backpack and minimal luggage - some routes restrict the size of baggage allowed in passages; a small daypack is usually best.
Documents and reservation confirmations - keep your booking confirmation or e-ticket and ID handy if a concession ticket requires proof.
Camera and respect for the exhibits - photography is generally allowed in many areas, but follow site rules (for example, no flash or restrictions in selected rooms). Treat exhibits and spaces with respect.
History and archaeology enthusiasts - the Market Underground is an excellent starting point if you are interested in medieval city life and the material traces of the past.
Visitors seeking unusual experiences - Wieliczka offers spectacular chambers and chapels carved in salt, a rare and memorable experience.
Families - many attractions are arranged to engage younger visitors, though check the route length and difficulty before entering with small children.
People with limited mobility - you must check accessibility and any available accommodations in advance; not all underground sections are wheelchair-friendly or adapted for limited-mobility visitors.
Is visiting underground safe? - Yes. Tourist sites open to the public undergo safety inspections and operate according to conservation procedures and health and safety regulations. Guides ensure groups move in an orderly way.
Do I have to have a guide to enter? - At many major routes a guide is required or visits take place only in groups led by a guide. Smaller thematic paths or exhibits sometimes offer audio guides or self-guided options, but check when booking.
How long does a visit take? - A short tour under the Market usually lasts 1-1.5 hours. Wieliczka typically takes several hours (this includes travel time, descent and the tourist route itself).
Can I buy a ticket on site? - Often yes, but during peak season slots for specific times fill up quickly. Booking online or through the ticketing center increases the chance you'll get the preferred time.
Arrive on time - groups start at specified times and latecomers may not be allowed to join or could lose their reserved slot.
Listen to the guide and follow instructions - this ensures safety, protects exhibits and improves everyone’s experience.
Keep quiet in exhibition areas - in many multimedia rooms and archaeological reserves, silence helps others enjoy the presentation and does not disturb the guide.
Respect photography and touch restrictions - not all exhibits are meant to be handled or photographed with flash.
Short option: Market Underground in the morning, then a walk around the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall. This is a convenient plan for visitors with limited time in the city.
Full experience: combine a visit to Wieliczka with an afternoon in Kazimierz or at Wawel - remember the time needed for transport and to recover after a long underground walk.
Logistics for combined visits: if you plan to see both attractions on the same day, allow time to travel to Wieliczka and a break for lunch; it’s best to buy timed tickets and leave a buffer between activities.
Visiting Krakow's underground with a guide is an excellent way to get to know the city "from below" - both in historical and spatial terms. The Market Underground offers an intense, compact overview of the city's history, while the Wieliczka Salt Mine provides visitors with a spectacular and long-lasting underground experience.
Planning, reservations and practical preparation (comfortable shoes, a light outer layer, booking confirmations) will greatly improve your visit. If you want a full understanding of the history and the best stories, choose a guided tour led by a licensed guide such as Margaret Kasprowicz - it’s an investment in both understanding and safety during your visit.
Enjoy your journey through Krakow’s layers of history - intriguing stories waiting beneath the surface are ready to be discovered.
