The Market Square Underground is one of those places in Kraków that can change the way you see the city — instead of another item to tick off a list, you get a journey through time: medieval streets, fragments of old buildings and hundreds of archaeological finds. It’s also an excellent complement to a surface walk on the Main Square, because it shows what urban life looked like centuries ago and why Kraków earned its place in Europe.
For students and exchange visitors (Erasmus) the Underground is ideal: it provides strong historical context, takes a reasonable amount of time (usually 60-120 minutes) and — compared with many paid attractions — can be very budget-friendly. A guided tour adds flavour to the stories: instead of dry labels you get anecdotes, local curiosities and answers to questions you wouldn’t have thought to ask.
Keep in mind that the exhibition is underground — it can be cooler and darker than the surface, so bring a light layer and be prepared for stairs. Photography is usually allowed but without flash and tripods — that’s a standard museum rule for archaeological displays.
If your time is limited and you want to visit the Underground during a weekday, use a few simple rules to make the most of the visit: choose a morning or early afternoon slot — weekend crowds haven’t yet arrived; on Mondays check for current free-admission days or special reservation rules, as museums sometimes run promotions.
For student groups: organise a group of 5-30 people and consider booking a guide — it improves the visiting experience and the per-person cost is often very reasonable. If you plan to combine the Underground with other sights (Wawel, a route across the Market Square or Kazimierz), schedule everything in advance — this helps avoid waiting and makes timing easier.
Suggested weekday rhythm: morning in the Underground (60-90 minutes), a light lunch near the square, an afternoon walk in Kazimierz or a quiet moment in a park. It’s a good pace for exchange students — intensive but not rushed.
Ticket prices for the Underground vary by season and entry type (regular, reduced, group). Students usually qualify for a reduced ticket upon showing a valid student ID — check before your visit which documents are accepted. Remember that on some days the museum offers free entry to selected branches, but those days often have limited capacity and reservations take priority.
Booking a guided visit is often the best option for groups — it helps avoid queues and gives a fuller understanding of the exhibition. If you need a specific time (for example after classes), book at least a few days in advance, especially in the tourist season. The last entry is generally about 30 minutes before closing — don’t be late.
If you’re on a tight budget: pick a day with discounts or free admission; plan shorter guided tours or visit independently in less busy hours.
The most common mistake is arriving at the last minute and missing the final entry — check opening times and plan with a margin. Another frequent issue is dressing too lightly: underground spaces are cooler, especially outside the summer season.
Avoid using flash when photographing and don’t bring tripods — these may be prohibited and can disturb other visitors. Don’t wear high heels — comfortable footwear matters on stairs and longer routes.
If you are in a large group and want everyone to hear the guide, ask for radio headsets or split into smaller groups — this is an easy way to make sure no one misses the highlights. For group bookings, clearly agree a meeting point on the surface — the Main Square has several entrances and it’s easy to get mixed up.
The Underground reveals parts of streets and buildings that were buried over the centuries — walking there is literally moving through the city’s historical layers. These are not just ‘beautiful exhibits’ but real traces of trade life and everyday activities of city residents from centuries past.
Sometimes a ticket for the Underground also allows entry to other museum exhibitions within a set period — ask about this when you buy your ticket. It’s a great option if you want to see more and get full value from a purchase.
On special evenings (for example during Museum Night) the route may be open much longer and special guided tours take place — this is a different way to experience the Underground, but be aware these events sell out fast.
After you come up from the Underground, it’s worth resting and enjoying a good meal — there are several well-rated spots near the Main Square. If you want tradition and atmosphere, try Restaurant Wierzynek. For a calmer coffee and cake, Cafe Camelot is a great choice. For homestyle food and a friendly vibe, Miód Malina is worth a visit, and for a good breakfast or a light dish the bakery-bistro Charlotte is ideal.
For students and Erasmus visitors: if you prefer cheaper but tasty options, look for small milk bars, bistros with soup-of-the-day offers and street vendors with regional snacks — Kraków has plenty of places where you can eat well on a budget. I can also recommend less touristy venues tailored to your culinary preferences.
In the tourist season it’s wise to reserve a table at popular restaurants — weekends can get busy and free tables disappear quickly.
Do I need a guide to enter the Underground? Not always — individual visitors can often buy an entry ticket without a guide. Groups, however, more commonly take a guided tour. For a deeper understanding of the exhibition, a guide is highly valuable.
Are there student discounts? Yes — the museum offers reduced tickets for students. Before your visit, check which student IDs are accepted and whether reduced entries require an extra reservation.
How long does the visit take? The Underground visit usually lasts from about 60 to 120 minutes depending on whether you take a guided tour and how many questions the group asks.
What about accessibility for people with limited mobility? Some parts of the exhibition may be accessible only by stairs — if you have mobility restrictions, contact the museum staff in advance to discuss options and possible accommodations.
Can I combine the visit with other attractions? Of course — the Underground pairs well with a Market Square route, a visit to Wawel or a walk through Kazimierz. When planning a full day, include breaks for meals and time to move between sites.
Quick-start day: morning visit to the Underground (60-90 min), lunch at Charlotte, an afternoon stroll along the Planty and an evening in one of Kazimierz’s bars. This is for those with limited time who still want to feel the city’s atmosphere.
Deeper-context day: Underground in the morning, then Wawel and a short visit to the Castle Courtyard, lunch in a less touristy spot and an afternoon at an exhibition in one of the city museums. Good for history lovers who want more substance.
If you’re an Erasmus group — consider a relaxed evening meetup after the visit in one of the recommended cafés: it’s a perfect chance to compare impressions and plan the next days together.
If this text helped you plan the visit — share it with friends or your Erasmus group. Good experiences of the Underground spread quickly when someone recommends the place.
If you’d like help booking a guided tour or want a tailored route for your group, Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide) is happy to lead small and larger groups, sharing her passion for the city and practical tips. Contact details and booking information are available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — feel free to send a message to arrange a visit.
Enjoy your visit — Kraków has many stories to tell, and the Market Square Underground is one of the most interesting places to start.
