Combining a guided walk, entry to the Rynek Underground, and a short carriage ride is a convenient way to learn the key stories of the Old Town and soak up its atmosphere in a single time block. The program mixes a few hundred metres of walking along historic streets, about an hour in the multimedia museum under the Market, and a scenic carriage ride around the Main Square and nearby monuments.
The route is paced so it doesn’t overload participants and leaves time for the museum visit, a short coffee or snack break, and photos. The whole experience lasts around 4 hours, but allow for small variations depending on the group's pace and possible lines at the museum entrance.
The Rynek Underground is an archaeological park located a few metres below the surface of the Main Market Square. The exhibition shows remnants of medieval buildings, fragments of old streets, and everyday objects uncovered during excavations — presented with multimedia solutions and 3D reconstructions.
The visit gives a clear picture of the medieval market as a place of trade and crafts: you will see reconstructed workshops, sections of walls and foundations, and many archaeological finds. Plan about 60–90 minutes to see the permanent exhibition at a relaxed pace.
Visitors enter the Underground from the Market level (entrance at the Cloth Hall / St. Mary's Church side). In high season waiting times can increase, so it’s a good idea to plan entry for a specific time or book tickets online if possible.
0:00 - Meeting with the guide on the Main Market Square (for example near the Town Hall Tower or beside the Cloth Hall). Short introduction to the plan and safety - 10–15 minutes.
0:15–1:15 - Guided walk through the Old Town highlights: Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, local stories and anecdotes tied to the Square - about 60 minutes.
1:20–2:30 - Visit to the Rynek Underground (scheduled entry time). Time in the museum: 60–90 minutes depending on group pace.
2:30–3:00 - Coffee / snack break near the Market or a short look inside the Cloth Hall - 30 minutes.
3:00–3:45 - Carriage ride around the Old Town: shorter option circling the Market or a longer route including parts of Grodzka Street, Wawel and surroundings (20–60 minutes depending on the arrangement with the carriage operator).
3:45–4:00 - End of the tour, practical tips from the guide and recommendations for further independent sightseeing.
The Rynek Underground is a paid museum. Ticket prices vary by type (regular, reduced, family, group) and season — individual tickets typically cost in the range of several dozen zlotys. Individual visits usually take around an hour; schools and organized groups can arrange special rates and guided tours.
A guide fee is usually charged per group (offers often show rates from modest to higher fees per hour, or a fixed fee for the route) — agree details in advance with the chosen guide. Booking the guide and tickets in advance reduces waiting time.
Carriage prices vary widely. Short circuits around the Market (a few minutes) are sold as short rides, while hour-long routes or trips that include Wawel and Kazimierz can cost several hundred to over a thousand zlotys per carriage (price depends on route, duration and season). Always agree the price before you start and ask about available route lengths.
Booking: in high season it’s recommended to reserve a guide and — if you plan a longer carriage ride — to book the carriage in advance. For short spontaneous carriage rides there can sometimes be availability without booking, but there is no guarantee.
Clothing and shoes - wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobbles and uneven surfaces; in summer bring light, breathable clothing and sun protection; in cooler weather dress in layers.
Baggage - a small backpack is convenient. The Underground may have restrictions on large backpacks or require storing them in a cloakroom.
Weather and conditions - carriages are horse-drawn and may be less comfortable in very hot or heavy rain; if temperatures are high, ask the operator about horse welfare and conditions.
Payments - many carriage operators and small service providers prefer cash; check in advance whether card payments are possible. When booking a guide online, card or bank transfer options are usually available.
Timing - leave a small buffer between segments (for travel to/from a station, or potential queues at the museum).
Language - most local tours by default are in Polish; if you need English, request it when booking. This article and the route information are provided by Margaret Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com), who can offer guided tours in English when arranged in advance.
Carriage rides are a traditional tourist feature, but it's important to pay attention to the animals’ welfare. Before a longer ride, ask the driver about the horses’ care, rest breaks, and protections used in hot weather.
Avoid long rides in extreme heat; if in doubt, choose a shorter route or shift the ride to a cooler time of day. When choosing a provider, observe the horses’ condition and behaviour — calm, well-kept animals are a good sign.
This program suits visitors who want to experience the heart of Krakow in a short time, combining a guide’s narrative with an accessible museum experience and a touch of romance via a carriage ride.
It works well for couples, families with children (with shorter walking sections), older visitors who prefer to limit walking, and guests who want a local narrator to bring the city’s history to life.
Book entry to the Rynek Underground and your guide in advance during the high season — it saves time and stress.
Agree on the length and price of the carriage ride before it starts — write it down or ask for confirmation if you reserve by phone.
If you want specific stops (for example a pause at Wawel or a ride to Kazimierz), discuss this beforehand with your guide and the carriage driver — some routes require extra time and cost.
If you’re sensitive to crowds or prefer quiet, consider a morning or late-afternoon start outside the busiest hours.
Check current opening hours and ticket prices shortly before your visit — museum regulations and fees may change.
Q: How long should I book for the Rynek Underground? A: Allow 60–90 minutes for the permanent exhibition at a relaxed pace, more if you want to use all multimedia stations.
Q: Where is the entrance to the Underground? A: The entrance is at the Cloth Hall area on the side of St. Mary’s Church; check the signage on the Market Square.
Q: Can I get coffee nearby? A: Yes — there are many cafés around the Main Square. If you prefer a classic spot in the Cloth Hall, Café Noworolski (inside or beside the Cloth Hall) is a traditional choice; for a cosy atmosphere try Café Camelot or other nearby cafés around the Market.
Q: Should I tip the carriage driver or guide? A: Tipping is optional but appreciated for good service; a small tip to the driver or guide is a common way to say thanks.
Q: Is the route suitable for strollers or limited mobility? A: Parts of the Old Town are cobbled and can be uneven; the museum and some carriage operators offer accessibility options, but check when booking to ensure the tour meets your needs.
Extra suggestions: If you want to extend the experience after the official tour, consider a short walk up Grodzka Street toward Wawel Castle, or a quiet stroll into the Kazimierz district to taste local cafés and small restaurants. For bookings or a customised itinerary with explanations in English, contact Margaret Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
A 4-hour program - guided walk + Rynek Underground + carriage ride - is a well-balanced option for those who want to see the essence of the Old Town and experience its atmosphere in a single block of time. It offers both historical and archaeological content and a relaxed, picturesque way to get around.
When planning, remember to make reservations, agree the carriage price in advance, and check current opening hours and ticket prices for the Rynek Underground. With a little preparation your visit will flow smoothly and leave you with a richer understanding of Krakow and memorable moments from a unique ride through its historic streets.
