Wawel, Collegium Maius and the Market Square Underground are three different experiences: the royal hill with state rooms and the treasury, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University with unique scientific objects, and an underground journey through the market’s history. Each site usually issues separate tickets and keeps its own opening hours, so booking and planning in advance saves time and stress.
Before you visit any of them, think about how much time you have and what matters most to you — royal interiors and treasures, the atmosphere of a historic university, or an interactive underground exhibition. Choosing the right order will let you see everything without rushing.
Wawel is actually a complex of several exhibitions: royal chambers and apartments, underground route, the Crown Treasury and Armory, plus open areas (courtyards, gardens). Entry to each part is usually purchased separately or as a combined ticket; there are also seasonal routes and a special “for enthusiasts” pass that covers more areas.
Prices and route lengths vary by option. Shorter routes (for example the basic state rooms) take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, while a full visit through several branches can take several hours. The Dragon’s Den (entrance at hill level) often has a small separate fee.
Practical tip: buy tickets online for the most popular routes where possible — in high season places fill up quickly and some entries are limited. Check the exact entry time printed on your ticket — internal routes often start at strictly scheduled times.
Collegium Maius is the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University: its classic courtyard, lecture halls, astronomical instruments, historical scientific collections and rich university legends make the visit memorable.
A typical visit takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours — enough to see the main rooms and displays at a relaxed pace. Take a moment in the arcades to listen to the story of the old clock or look at the historic instruments.
Opening hours and ticket prices change with season and special events; there are usually regular and reduced tickets and the option to buy online or at the ticket desk. Sometimes events take place in the courtyard — check the current schedule before you go.
The Museum under the Main Market Square is a large archaeological and multimedia space telling Kraków’s story. The route passes finds, reconstructions of historic market buildings, fragments of old installations and interactive stations that show trade and everyday life from the Middle Ages to modern times.
The entrance is near the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica — easy to find on the Square. The exhibition has several themed zones, a children’s area and multimedia halls, so a calm visit usually takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Practical notes: the underground museum has daily opening hours with shorter breaks on some days. In high season it’s wise to reserve a timed entry online, and if you plan to visit on a free-entry day (often a weekday set by the museum) check whether registration or seat limits apply.
If you have one full day in central Kraków, try this plan: morning — Wawel (quiet on the hill in the early hours, fewer people in the chambers), then a walk along the Vistula and lunch nearby; afternoon — Collegium Maius and the Old Town; evening — the Market Square Underground (in some months the museum is open later and the evening multimedia show is special).
Another option is to start with the Underground (to avoid midday crowds), then Collegium Maius and finish with a sunset walk around Wawel — choose depending on your priorities and the opening hours on the day you visit.
- Buy tickets online where possible. Especially for Wawel and the Market Square Underground, advance booking removes queues and the risk of sold-out time slots.
- Check rules for free admission: some museums offer free days (for example selected weekdays) or discounts. If you plan to use a free day, find out in advance whether registration is required or places are limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the Underground has modern walkways, but visits last longer and walking around Wawel and the Old Town can be tiring.
- Visitors with reduced mobility: check accessibility in advance. Some Wawel exhibitions and the Underground provide facilities, but it’s best to confirm before arrival.
- Families with children: the Underground has interactive zones and play areas; plan shorter sessions and breaks to keep the visit enjoyable for little ones.
- Time estimate: allow about 1–2 hours for each attraction; if you like reading panel text and taking photos, allow extra time.
After Wawel or a stroll through the Old Town you’ll find many good places to eat. A few favourites visitors return to:
- Wierzynek — the historic restaurant in the heart of the Market Square; a good choice for a more formal meal.
- Pod Wawelem — a restaurant with regional flavours, conveniently located just below Wawel Hill.
- Cafe Camelot — a cosy café near the Market Square, great for coffee and cake after sightseeing.
- Charlotte — bakery and café at Plac Szczepański, perfect for a quick lunch or breakfast.
If you prefer something quick and local, look for small milk bars and pierogi places in the side streets of the Old Town — a convenient way to taste local dishes before your next attraction.
Can I return tickets or change the date? - Refund and change policies depend on the ticket seller and ticket type. When buying online check the vendor’s terms — some official channels allow changes, others are non-refundable.
Is the Market Square Underground free on Tuesdays? - From time to time the museum offers free-entry days on specific weekdays, but these can have limits and require registration. Always confirm the current policy before your visit.
Can I take photos in the museums? - In most places private photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are usually prohibited. Some temporary exhibitions may have additional restrictions.
How early should I arrive for a timed entry? - For timed entries arrive a few to fifteen minutes early, especially if you need to collect tickets at the desk or go through security.
Is it worth buying combined tickets? - If you plan to visit several branches of Wawel, a combined ticket can be cost-effective. Check which exhibitions are included, as not all areas are always covered by a single ticket.
1) Decide which places are your priority. 2) Check opening hours for your planned date and buy tickets online if possible. 3) Plan a walking route — Wawel, the Old Town and the Underground are close to each other. 4) Allow time for a meal and short breaks. 5) Stay flexible — in season there may be minor changes to hours or visitor limits.
If you’d like, I can prepare a tailored day plan for a specific date (I’ll suggest the best time to visit Wawel, Collegium Maius and the Market Square Underground and help with reservations, taking breaks and your personal preferences into account).
