Wawel, the Market Underground and Kościuszko Mound are three very different stops on Kraków’s map: the royal hill with the Cathedral and archaeological cellars, a modern underground museum revealing medieval remains and craftsmen’s workshops, and a green mound with wide views over the city. Together they give a fuller picture of Kraków’s history and landscape.
This guide will help you plan the route, buy tickets sensibly and avoid common pitfalls — with practical tips for families, couples and solo travelers.
If you have only one day: start in the morning at Wawel (buy a ticket for your chosen route in advance), then walk to the Main Market Square and visit the Market Underground, and leave the afternoon for Kościuszko Mound — if the weather is good, sunset from the mound is charming.
Alternative: visit the Mound first to avoid the biggest crowds; then head to Wawel and finish with the Market Underground. Note — timing depends on opening hours and season, so check each attraction’s hours before you set out.
Wawel is actually several separate institutions: Wawel Cathedral (with royal tombs, crypts and the Sigismund bell) and the Royal Castle with several routes and exhibitions. Each part may require a separate ticket.
It’s common that entrances to archaeological cellars and some rooms have limited capacity and the last admission often happens about an hour before the branch closes — keep this in mind when planning your visit time.
Opening days and hours for the Cathedral and the Castle change seasonally; some spaces are closed on holidays, so check current information before your visit. For larger groups, backpacks and strollers may need to be left in a cloakroom.
Practical note: not all tickets can be bought only at the ticket office — for some routes it’s worth reserving entrance times in advance, especially in the high tourist season.
The Market Underground is a modern museum beneath the Main Market Square that shows the remains of streets, workshops and everyday life of medieval Kraków. The route is multimedia and spatial — allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the visit.
Tickets are usually paid; on some weekdays the museum offers free admission (for example certain Tuesdays in some seasons) but prior reservation is then required. Ticket prices vary by tariff — full and reduced fares, with family and group options available.
The museum is family-friendly — it has educational zones and baby-changing facilities, plus an elevator which helps with strollers. Group meetups are usually arranged at an agreed spot on the Square, often near the Adam Mickiewicz monument.
Kościuszko Mound is a green viewpoint with an easy access path. There is the Kościuszko Museum and a ticket office at the mound — from February 1, 2025 new ticket prices apply (for example normal ticket 28 zł) and admission usually includes a multimedia exhibition.
The mound has set opening hours (typically opening around 9:00); access to the mound area and exhibitions is through the ticket office by the parking area. For safety reasons animals are not allowed on the mound.
You can reach the mound by public transport or car; there is a free car park nearby, which is useful when coming with family or by coach.
Buying tickets online in advance saves time and stress, especially in season (May–September, weekends, holidays). On Wawel some routes have limited, timed entries — booking is strongly recommended in those cases.
Avoid buying tickets from unknown sellers outside official ticket offices and reservation systems — there are offers that add hidden fees or tickets that are not accepted at the entrance.
If you plan to visit on a weekday, check free admission days (for example some museums offer free Tuesdays) — reservation for free days is often required as well.
Around the Market and Wawel you’ll find many reliable places. For coffee try atmospheric cafés such as Cafe Camelot or Charlotte (breakfast and bakery), and for a classic Polish meal restaurants like Pod Aniołami or Pod Wawelem serve local flavours.
After visiting the Mound consider a picnic on the Błonia meadow or a quick stop at one of the cafés by the Planty. For something more modern, Kazimierz and Szeroka Street offer numerous cafés and small restaurants with international cuisine.
If you want a real local snack — try an obwarzanek to go from the Market or a creamy soup in one of the restaurants serving Polish cuisine.
From the mound on a very clear day you can see a panorama stretching all the way to the Tatra Mountains — good visibility is required, and many visitors forget this possibility.
The Market Underground shows that beneath elegant townhouses lie the remains of former streets and workshops — it’s not just exhibits but a layer of everyday life from old Kraków.
At Wawel you don’t only visit royal chambers — the Cathedral houses tombs and mementos connected with important figures in Polish history, which often make a bigger impression than the grandest rooms.
Mistake: trying to “do everything today” without checking opening hours. Fix: plan the order and check each place’s hours the day before.
Mistake: buying the cheapest offers from unknown sellers. Fix: use official ticket offices or trusted reservation services.
Mistake: not wearing comfortable shoes for the mound and underground routes. Fix: bring shoes with good soles — some sections can be uneven or damp.
Can you visit all three places with a stroller? The Market Underground has an elevator, but not all Wawel routes and some sections of the mound are fully accessible. Check availability and possible cloakroom options in advance.
Are there discounts for students and seniors? Yes — most museums offer reduced tickets upon presenting an appropriate document. Check the exact conditions for each branch before purchase.
Can I bring a dog to the Mound? According to the mound regulations animals are not allowed.
Are audio guides available at the Market Underground or Wawel? Many branches offer audio guides or guided tours — fees and availability differ by route.
When planning your day, leave some time for coffee and a short rest — Kraków is best enjoyed when sightseeing isn’t a race.
If you’d like to explore Wawel and its surroundings with a local guide, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a better visit to Kraków.
