If you visit Wawel in the 2025 season, be sure to make time for the new permanent exhibition that opens access to parts of the Wawel underground. It’s a place where archaeology meets multimedia and historical storytelling.
The exhibition presents the defensive layers of the hill, relics of former armament and everyday life across the centuries — from traces of very early settlements to medieval fortifications. The whole presentation is enhanced with sound and light effects, so the visit becomes a journey through time.
In autumn the castle also offers events and temporary shows that blend tradition with the language of contemporary art. Check whether during your visit there are special programs, workshops or curator talks that can make your stay truly unique.
Practical note - new spaces can be busy, so if you want to soak up the atmosphere of the underground calmly and avoid queues, consider visiting Wawel early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Also remember that not all parts of the hill may be open at the same time due to conservation work or special events, so it’s wise to plan your visit with some time margin.
The Market Square Underground is an archaeological reserve right beneath the heart of the Old Town that lets you see fragments of former urban structures, paving and trading stalls. It gives a great sense of what medieval Krakow looked like.
The exhibition combines authentic artifacts with multimedia displays — you’ll see archaeological finds alongside reconstructions that help place these objects in the context of daily life centuries ago.
A typical visit to the underground takes about an hour. Allow a bit more time if you want to read labels carefully and use the interactive screens.
Practical tip - space can be limited. If you come on a weekend or during the tourist season, it’s better to reserve your entry in advance rather than rely on buying a ticket on site.
For people with reduced mobility: parts of the space are partially adapted, but some sections of the underground have stairs and low passages — ask staff for the most convenient route.
The general rule for Krakow’s most popular attractions is simple — buy tickets in advance. This saves time and helps you avoid queues, especially if you visit during high season or a long weekend.
The main points worth booking in advance include: the Wawel route (especially special exhibitions and the underground), selected entry times for the Cathedral and access to the Market Square Underground. Online booking is the most convenient option, but if you prefer to buy on site, arrive early in the morning.
If you plan several attractions in one day, check the availability of entry times to avoid conflicts — some routes start at strict scheduled times.
A small money-saving tip — there are often concession discounts and family tickets. Young people and seniors should have ID or documents proving eligibility for reduced fares.
If you visit Krakow for a specific event at the castle or a museum, check the program and buy tickets for accompanying events in advance.
The Old Town is a historic centre with restricted car access and a limited number of parking spaces. If you can, leave your car outside the centre and reach the area by tram or on foot — that’s the most convenient option.
The city is developing parking facilities in neighbouring districts and Park-and-Ride systems that are often cheaper and more sensible than trying to park right by the Market Square. It’s worth finding tram loops or transport hubs with parking and taking a short public transport ride.
If you must drive closer to the Old Town, keep in mind paid parking zones, special regulations and frequent tariff changes. Some municipal car parks offer competitive prices and comfortable walking connections to the sights.
Practical advice: check parking opening hours and payment systems (apps, parking meters, cards). Leaving the car outside the centre gives you more relaxed sightseeing time without stress and costly fees.
If you travel with a lot of luggage or with family, plan the route to the nearest public transport stop or a short walk from a car park — often that’s faster than trying to find a space right at the Market Square.
Morning coffee on the Market Square, a quick visit to the Market Square Underground and a stroll through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is a great start — the underground is usually less crowded in the morning.
Next, head to Wawel — if you have a booked entry to the new exhibitions, plan to arrive at the start time of your reservation. After visiting the hill, a short walk along Grodzka Street back to the Old Town will let you see key spots without rushing.
If you want to add museums or temporary exhibitions, choose no more than two or three highlights in one day, because the pace of visiting plus coffee breaks quickly extends the schedule.
In the evening consider a walk along the Vistula or dinner in one of the charming Old Town streets — a perfect ending to a busy day of sightseeing.
Always leave yourself extra time for breaks and unplanned discoveries — Krakow likes to surprise with small museums, galleries and hidden corners.
Is it worth taking children to the Market Square Underground? Yes — the exhibition is interesting for younger visitors, especially if they enjoy stories and short narratives. Prepare them for lower ceilings and stairs.
How to dress for the underground and for Wawel? The underground can be cooler than the surface, regardless of the season — bring a light extra layer. On Wawel, some rooms require cautious movement, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Can I take photos? In most areas photography for personal use is allowed, but some exhibitions or certain rooms may have restrictions on flash or tripods. Always check the signs on site.
What if my visit plans change? If you have a timed ticket and are late, contact the staff of the attraction — it’s often possible to adjust entry, but it depends on the organizer’s policy.
One last thing — the most important: explore with curiosity but also with moderation. Krakow is a city best discovered by walking and by returning to the same places more than once.
If you want to avoid crowds, choose early hours or weekdays outside the peak summer season. Morning light is also beautiful for photos around Wawel and the Market Square.
Bring a bottle of water and comfortable shoes — walking on cobbled streets and short climbs can be tiring, especially with an intensive sightseeing plan.
Don’t be afraid to ask museum staff about recommended exhibits and stories — I’ve often heard remarkable anecdotes not found in brochures that really enrich the visit.
And one more thing — leave some time to do nothing. Sit on a bench by the Planty or by the Vistula and watch the city. That’s part of the Krakow experience too.
Enjoy your visit and see you on the trail around Krakow!
