If you enjoy mixing city walks with history full of discoveries, this combination is for you. Podgórze shows a second, less obvious face of Kraków: local stories, intimate squares and places that remember life in the old town. The Market Underground, on the other hand, takes you a few meters below the cobbles of the Main Market Square and reveals fragments of the medieval city that are hard to imagine from the surface.
This duo is great for a single day of sightseeing: start on the Vistula bank in atmospheric Podgórze, learn about its history and corners, then move to the beating heart of the Old Town to see the extraordinary displays underground. The route works both for first-time visitors to Kraków and for those who want to look at the city from a slightly different angle.
Podgórze is a part of the city with a strong local identity. Together we'll walk through the most important points: Wolnica Square (the former Podgórze market), Józefińska and Targowa Streets, where you can still feel the 19th-century urban fabric, as well as the area of the former salt warehouse and the riverside with a view of Wawel.
Depending on the chosen route and the group's interests, the program may include: the House of Podgórze History (Dom Historii Podgórza), Rękawka Gallery, fragments of the former Nowacki Promenades and charming nooks with tenement houses and small squares. I tell stories about everyday life, urban changes and local legends.
For those interested in a broader context we can also discuss Podgórze’s relationship with the Old Town and spatial transformations in the 19th and 20th centuries. At the end I usually suggest a short walk down to the Vistula to see Wawel and the Old Town skyline.
The entrance to the Market Underground is by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), on the side of St. Mary's Church. Underground you'll see extensive archaeological excavations and reconstructions of fragments of the medieval market — from merchant stalls to remains of urban buildings from centuries ago.
The museum offers multimedia displays, models and archaeological exhibits that help you picture how Kraków looked hundreds of years ago. The visit is engaging both for adults and for families with children; the displays are designed to present history in an attractive and accessible way.
Plan about 60–90 minutes for an individual visit. If you go with a guide, the program may last a little longer because we'll discuss the context of the finds and I will share anecdotes connected with the site.
Ticket prices for the Market Underground and opening hours can change, so I always recommend checking the latest information before you go. In practice: the museum offers standard, reduced and family tickets; there are also group rates and special discounts (for city cards or families).
A guided tour option is available — when visiting with a guide you usually need to reserve the time in advance. On days with free admission or promotions there may be booking restrictions, so if you care about a specific time, it's better to buy a ticket ahead of time.
If you plan to combine your Podgórze walk with visits to the Podgórze museum branch or other branches of the Kraków museums, check opening hours for each site — some locations have shorter opening days or designated quiet hours for visitors who prefer a calmer visit.
Half-day option - morning: start the walk in Podgórze, visit Wolnica Square, a short stop at the House of Podgórze History, walk down to the Vistula and return toward the Old Town. In the afternoon, enter the Market Underground — about an hour in the museum.
Full-day option: a longer morning walk through Podgórze with a break at a local café, at midday head to the Old Town for lunch near the Market Square, and in the afternoon visit the Market Underground and possibly stop by the Cloth Hall or the Town Hall Tower.
When planning the day, allow time for breaks and meals — both Podgórze and the Market area have many cozy cafés and bars with local cuisine, perfect for short stops.
For people who like history presented in an engaging, vivid way — both architecture lovers and those looking for local stories and atmospheric corners.
For families with children — the route is flexible and we can adjust pace and length; the Market Underground offers interactive displays that usually capture younger explorers.
For visitors with limited mobility — please notify me in advance because some historic spaces have architectural barriers. I will inform you about available options and try to adapt the route to make it as comfortable as possible.
Comfortable shoes — the route goes over different surfaces: cobbles, sidewalks and sections of riverside paths. Inside the underground museum you walk on special walkways and platforms, but comfortable footwear always helps.
Weather — bring a light jacket or layers; it tends to be cooler underground than on the surface. In summer remember a hat and water; in winter dress warmer.
Ticket and proof of entitlement — if you have a concession entitling you to a reduced ticket (student ID, child ID, family card), bring a document that confirms your entitlement.
Camera — in most places you can take photos for personal use; if you want to use flash or photograph for commercial purposes, ask museum staff beforehand.
Children and strollers — some parts of the route may be difficult for strollers; if you're traveling with young children tell me when booking and I'll suggest the most convenient option.
If you'd like to book a Podgórze walk and a visit to the Market Underground with me, send a message via the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website or contact me directly through the reservation form. When booking, give your preferred date, an approximate number of participants and any information about discount entitlements.
Depending on date and group size we will agree the program and the tour length. I can offer shorter variants (about 1.5–2 hours) or longer ones (3–4 hours) combining the walk with entry to the Market Underground.
Remember that during the tourist season the best time slots fill up quickly — if you plan to visit on a weekend or need a tour in a specific language, it's wise to reserve in advance.
Do I have to buy Market Underground tickets in advance? - Not always necessary, but I recommend booking or buying tickets in advance during the tourist season to avoid queues and ensure entry at your chosen time.
How long does the Podgórze walk take? - A standard walk lasts about 1.5–2 hours, but we can shorten or extend it according to the group's needs.
Is the route suitable for children? - Yes, the route is family-friendly. I adapt pace and content so it’s interesting for younger participants as well.
Are there baggage restrictions in the Market Underground? - Larger exhibitions have basic safety rules and sometimes limited space, so it’s better to avoid large backpacks.
Don’t rush — the best stories appear when we slow our pace and talk. Give yourself time to look at details: old façades, traces of former crafts, graffiti with local stories.
Plan a break in a local Podgórze café — it’s a great way to feel the neighborhood’s atmosphere and chat about what we’ve just seen. Recommended spots I like to suggest include Café Szara (near the Market) or smaller cafés on the Podgórze waterfront, but I’ll give current favorites when you book.
If you wish, after the tour I can recommend places for lunch with local cuisine or quiet cafés by the Vistula — I have a few favorite addresses my groups usually enjoy.
