Florians Gate marks the symbolic entrance to the Royal Route and is a perfect spot to begin a short but rich route through Krakow’s historic centre. Its silhouette, surviving wall fragments and the nearby Barbican are a great introduction to the city’s medieval fortifications.
Since the Middle Ages coronation processions passed through here — the place has both a defensive and ceremonial character. A short stop lets you photograph a great perspective down Floriańska Street and get your bearings for the rest of the walk.
If you only have an hour or two, spend 10–25 minutes here: admire the façade, look for reliefs and then walk to the Barbican and nearby wall sections — they are all very close to each other.
The Market Underground is an archaeological museum with a strong multimedia component: under the Main Market you can see real excavations, fragments of old streets, everyday objects and reconstructions that help imagine life in medieval Krakow.
A visit usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half — if you like reading labels and using interactive displays, plan a little more time. Temperatures below ground are often cooler than on the surface, so bring a light layer of clothing.
The museum blends archaeological finds with projections and reconstructions, so for many visitors the experience feels more like a “time travel” than a conventional museum tour. There are also family-friendly areas and attractions for children.
1) Start: Florians Gate and the Barbican (10–25 minutes) — see the wall fragments, take photos and read the short information panels.
2) Walk down Floriańska Street to the Main Market (5 minutes) — a short stroll along the Royal Route gives a sense of scale and shows the buildings leading to the square.
3) Enter the Market Underground (60–90 minutes) — book your ticket in advance if you can; this is the main highlight of the route.
4) Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Basilica — a quick exterior look (15–30 minutes) or a short coffee break.
You can complete the whole loop in 1–2 hours if you keep a good pace and focus on the main stops.
Ticket prices for the Market Underground are updated from time to time, but expect to pay anywhere from a few to several dozen złoty per person (there are full-price, reduced, family and group tickets).
The Barbican and defensive walls often share a ticket with nearby sites, and Florians Gate is usually part of a museum branch. Many institutions encourage buying tickets online — this shortens waiting time and protects you from disappointment if places sell out.
Note: on some days or at certain hours admission can be free or limited — always check current information before your visit, especially outside the high season.
The safest option is to buy your Market Underground ticket via the museum’s website or at the visitor information centre — this is especially important during the season and on weekends. On-site ticket desks sometimes have restrictions or different sales locations.
If you have a tight schedule, choose an early opening slot or late afternoon — those times often have fewer crowds on the Market. For school groups or larger parties it’s best to reserve in advance.
If you buy tickets at the counter, have a small amount of cash and a card ready — not every desk can process large group payments at once.
The Market Underground includes family-friendly facilities: accessible toilets with changing tables, children’s zones and an elevator that helps with strollers and visitors with limited mobility. Still, some passages are low or narrow — mind your comfort while moving around.
The temperature below ground is usually lower than on the surface — even in summer bring a light sweater. Flat-soled shoes make walking on excavations and boardwalks easier.
If you’re carrying a small bag, leave larger backpacks at your hotel or in storage — display rooms are limited and big bags can get in the way of other visitors.
Around the Market you’ll find historic restaurants and cosy cafés. To feel the atmosphere and taste local flavours, consider dining in a traditional restaurant on the square or exploring one of the side streets.
Some suggestions for different moods: Wierzynek — a historic, representative restaurant; Café Camelot — an intimate spot for coffee and cake; Charlotte — a bakery-café with a French vibe close to the Market. For a quick local treat look for obwarzanki vendors (the round Krakow bagel) near the Market entrances.
If you prefer regional dishes in a calmer atmosphere, walk a few steps away from the busiest tourist streets and look for homestyle restaurants or small bistros in Kazimierz.
Thinking “I’ll just walk in” — in season or on weekends the Market Underground and popular museum branches can have limited entry numbers. Online booking solves this problem.
Assuming everything is open year-round — some fortification sites are seasonal or have regular closed days (for example, a monthly closure). Check opening days in advance.
Wearing the wrong clothes — it’s cooler underground and the Market can be hot and sunny on warm days. Comfortable shoes and a light layer are a must.
Florians Gate used to be part of the ceremonial entry along the Royal Route — for a time a tram even passed through the gate (until the mid-20th century).
In the Market Underground archaeologists found remains of daily life in medieval Krakow — including fragments of old streets and burial sites that tell stories about life and death in the old city.
The exhibition often combines authentic excavations with modern multimedia projections — this unusual mix of old and new helps you picture what life on the Market looked like centuries ago.
Do I need to book a ticket for the Market Underground? - Not always, but with heavy traffic or limited time it’s wise to book in advance.
How long does the Market Underground visit take? - Usually 60–90 minutes; allow extra time if you enjoy detailed displays and multimedia.
Are there discounts for families and students? - Yes, reduced and family tickets are usually available; check the terms when buying.
Is the Market Underground accessible for wheelchair users? - The museum has accessibility features (an elevator), but not all sections may be fully accessible; ask the museum information for details.
If this quick guide was helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends — a clear plan saves time and reduces stress during a short stay in Krakow.
If you’d like a more comfortable and deeper visit, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers tailored walks and practical local insights. Find contact details and more information on the guide’s website. Enjoy discovering Krakow!
