Did you know that under Wawel Hill a new permanent underground route opened in 2025, revealing fragments of former fortifications and relics from centuries past? It’s a great opportunity to see Kraków from a slightly different — literally lower — perspective. This article will help you plan a guided walk so you can visit the “Międzymurze” (Between-the-Walls) and the Market Underground Museum while minimizing difficulties related to stairs and uneven surfaces.
The new Wawel exhibition, opened in spring 2025, runs along roughly 400 meters of paths between the old defensive walls of the hill. The route shows fragments of fortifications from the Middle Ages through modern times and uses multimedia elements to make the history accessible and engaging for families with children.
The Market Underground is a museum that reveals life on the medieval market below the cobbles. The display is modernly arranged, rich in archaeological finds and interactive elements, which makes a visit interesting for both adults and children.
If you plan to visit both attractions in one outing, allow extra time for entry, possible queues and a coffee break. The Market Underground and parts of the new Wawel routes include visitor-friendly facilities; still, underground spaces can be cooler and sometimes uneven, so it’s good to be prepared.
Museums in Kraków’s center increasingly provide elevators, accessible toilets and obstacle-free routes. The Market Underground states it has a passenger lift and toilets for visitors with disabilities, plus wide circulation routes on the exhibition levels.
For the new underground paths around Wawel, some sections were adapted for visitors, but not all parts under the hill are equally easy to navigate by wheelchair. There are spots with uneven surfaces or sections that require going down steps. For this reason, always call the venue in advance or check the organizer’s information before your visit.
If you need special arrangements (a platform lift, priority elevator access, staff assistance), book them ahead of time. When planning the route ask the guide for a “no-stairs” version — an experienced guide can lead an alternative route and point out places with barrier-free access.
Start: Planty or the tram stop near the Main Square — the Planty park is a flat, convenient ring around the Old Town and a great warm-up before sightseeing.
Main Square: enter the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) from the square level — most principal spots around the Square have flat approaches. The Market Underground offers an elevator, so you can plan this visit first or second on your route.
Route to Wawel: instead of the steep cobbled descent, consider reaching Wawel via the Vistula boulevards and approaching the hill from a side with gentler ramps. The boulevards are usually even and tend to have fewer steps than some historic alleys.
Return: to avoid the cobbled sidewalks of Grodzka Street, return via the Planty toward the Square, or take a short tram ride to rest your legs.
Reminder: although this route is described to reduce stairs, check current accessibility information on the institutions’ pages and plan alternatives if needed.
A guide will help manage the pace, provide historical context in an accessible way and steer the group to the most accessible entrances. A well-planned walk typically takes about 2–4 hours depending on how many places you want to visit and how deeply you want to explore the stories.
Buy tickets in advance, especially for the new Wawel underground route and the Market Underground — this reduces stress and minimizes time spent queuing. Consider last-entry times and hourly visitor limits.
For mixed groups (children, older adults, people with mobility issues) plan the route with rest breaks and shorter segments without steep stairs. Ask the guide for a “step-free” version of the walk or the option to view certain interiors from the outside when indoor access is limited.
Should I book tickets online? Yes — especially in the tourist season and when new exhibitions are open. Booking saves time and guarantees entry at your chosen hour.
How long do visits to the Market Underground and Międzymurze take? On average 1 to 2 hours for each attraction if you want to see the exhibitions at a relaxed pace. A combined visit with a coffee break can take the whole morning or afternoon.
Are the underground spaces cold? Yes — underground areas are usually cooler than the surface. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
Can I bring a stroller? Many sites have elevators and accessible entrances, but a stroller may not be comfortable everywhere. Ask staff in advance about barrier-free routes or stroller storage.
Is photography allowed? In most places private photography is permitted, but flash and tripods are often restricted. Check the rules at the ticket desk.
After an active walk around the Old Town it’s nice to stop for coffee or a meal. Around the Market Square you’ll find well-known, highly rated places: Wierzynek (a historic restaurant with a long tradition), Pod Aniołami (regional cuisine in a pleasant interior), Cafe Camelot (a cozy artistic café) and Charlotte (a bakery and café with fresh baked goods).
If you prefer something more intimate, check up-to-date reviews online and choose a place with good service — popular venues fill up in season, so reserving a table can save time.
For a quick, local bite after sightseeing, consider classic milk bars or recommended bakeries near the Square.
Assuming the entire Old Town is fully accessible — while many places have facilities, some routes and historic interiors still have steps or narrow passages. Always verify accessibility for a specific site ahead of time.
Not booking tickets for popular exhibitions and routes — this leads to waiting in lines and changing plans. Book online as soon as you know your dates.
Wearing inappropriate footwear — cobbles and wooden walkways in underground areas can be slippery and uneven. Comfortable, stable shoes are essential.
Assuming underground routes will be warm — they are often cooler, which can be pleasant in summer but uncomfortable on colder days.
In Wawel’s underground you’ll find not only fortification remains but also traces of very ancient settlements and geological materials that tell the hill’s story from thousands of years ago.
The Market Underground houses artifacts of everyday medieval life — fragments of pottery, tools and traces of craft activities that often surprise visitors with their variety.
Modern multimedia and audio-visual storytelling in the new exhibitions make visiting feel almost cinematic — a great reason to bring children, who often become more engaged through interactive elements.
When planning a guided walk, tell the guide at the start about your expectations and any mobility limitations. This allows the guide to adjust the route and pace to your needs.
If you want an easy, step-free route, ask for the “accessible” or “no-stairs” version. Good guiding is not only about stories but also logistical support: choosing entrances and moments for rest.
If you enjoyed this text, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan a better visit to Kraków. I also encourage you to consider a private guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
