The Planty and the Market Square Underground are two very different — yet perfectly complementary — faces of the Old Town. The Planty is a green ring of paths created on the site of the former defensive walls — ideal for resting after sightseeing. The Market Square Underground is a modern archaeological museum that lets you peer into Kraków’s history literally buried beneath the Main Square paving stones. In this article you’ll find practical tips on buying tickets, the best times to arrive, what to combine in one visit, and which places are recommended by visitors and locals.
The Planty are a park encircling the Old Town covering about 21 hectares with a perimeter of over 4 km. Created in the 19th century on the site of the medieval walls and moats, a walk along the Planty is also a walk through the city’s history. The Park is divided into eight sections that reference nearby landmarks such as Wawel, the Barbican and the University.
Key highlights include tree-lined alleys planted with horse chestnuts, numerous monuments and sculptures, fountains (including a fountain commemorating Chopin) and several pleasant playgrounds if you’re traveling with children. Look out for preserved fragments of fortifications near the Barbican and the small, charming “Tree of Liberty” — subtle details that often escape hurried visitors.
The Planty are especially pleasant in the early morning and late afternoon — at those times locals relax in the shade and the atmosphere is less touristy. If you want photos without crowds, consider walking just after sunrise or after 18:00 in summer.
The Market Square Underground (a branch of the Museum of Kraków) is an archaeological exhibition beneath the eastern side of the Main Square, close to St. Mary’s Basilica and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument. A characteristic glass entrance leads down to displays that show fragments of the old city, everyday objects and reconstructions of medieval interiors.
Visits run at scheduled times and often use timed tickets — the route has limited capacity, so in high season and on weekends tickets sell out quickly. The museum sells timed tickets online for specific slots; there are also occasional free-admission days (e.g., certain weekdays), so it’s worth checking the current visitor calendar.
Family-friendly interactive zones are available and the site includes toilets and partial accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility — check availability of lifts and accessible routes before your visit.
Book tickets in advance if you want to visit the Market Square Underground or popular museum branches in the centre — this saves you from queuing and the risk of no availability. Official ticket systems usually offer entries for specific times, sometimes with the option to cancel. Sales are typically opened several weeks in advance, so check the online calendar when planning a trip.
Look for combined tickets — some museums offer combo options that let you visit more than one branch at a reduced price. Also check free-entry days: certain branches of the Museum of Kraków and other institutions have designated days when admission is free or much cheaper.
If time is limited, choose late-afternoon or early-morning slots — the Main Square is less crowded then and museum entries are often easier to secure. Avoid the biggest holidays and summer weekends if you prefer a calmer visit.
Around the Main Square you’ll find many museum branches: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) with temporary exhibitions and the National Museum’s rooms in the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Basilica with the famous Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece (interior visits at set times), and not far away — Wawel Castle with its collections and cathedral. Many of these places have separate ticket systems and entrance limits.
When planning your day, check which attractions require separate reservations and whether you can combine visits the same day. For example, in high season it often makes sense to book the Market Square Underground and then visit the Cloth Hall, ending with an evening stroll through the Planty or a stop at one of the recommended cafés.
If you’re interested in archaeology, keep an eye out for seasonal exhibitions and smaller branches that sometimes have lower ticket prices and a strong local character.
Around the Main Square and a short walk from the Planty you’ll find a wide range of places — from historic restaurants to modern specialty cafés. A few spots that consistently get great reviews and are worth considering: Restauracja Szara (known for elegant, high-quality cuisine), Wierzynek (historic dining, rich in atmosphere), Cafe Camelot (a charming Old Town café), Massolit Books & Café (a bookstore with café), and Słodki Wentzl (a patisserie and café on the Square).
For your first visit, a central location is usually best — Old Town, near the Planty or Kazimierz — so most attractions are within walking distance. When booking, pay attention to reviews mentioning soundproofing — the Square area can be noisy at night.
If you prefer quiet and local atmosphere, consider small, highly-rated guesthouses or apartments on side streets off the Planty — still close to the centre but away from the busiest crowds.
The Planty were created on top of the medieval fortifications — while you see greenery and alleys today, you’re literally walking over centuries of city history. In several places along the Planty you can spot preserved fragments of the old walls if you know where to look.
The Market Square Underground is not a typical ‘basement museum’ — the exhibition combines modern multimedia with authentic archaeological finds, making it interesting for families and history buffs alike. Plan enough time so you can take a coffee break at one of the nearby cafés mid-visit.
If you want photos of the Square without crowds, try shooting from the Planty — the lower, green foreground gives a different perspective. Another simple trick: arrive shortly before dusk — light is softer and some tourists begin to disperse.
Trying to get into the Market Square Underground on the spot without a reservation in high season — often ends in refusal or a very long wait. Solution: book online in advance or choose a less busy time.
Assuming central attractions don’t change opening hours — many museums have closed days, shortened hours on public holidays or special maintenance dates. Solution: do a quick check of the institution’s official calendar before you set out.
Eating at the first restaurant you see on the Square just because it’s convenient — it can be expensive and average. Solution: use reviews and recommendations, and reserve a table in popular places if you want a well-known dining experience.
Do I need to reserve entry to the Market Square Underground? Reservation is strongly recommended — the museum works with limited entries, especially in high season and on weekends. It’s best to buy timed tickets in advance for your chosen slot.
Are there free-entry days? Some museum branches have free-admission days; there are also days with free entry for residents. Check the museum’s current schedule before your visit.
Are the Planty free? Yes — the Planty are a public park and visiting them is free. Entrance to museums and the Market Square Underground is paid unless a free-admission day is in effect.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them better plan a stay in Kraków and avoid common pitfalls.
If you’d like to explore with someone who can show you the city’s highlights and hidden details, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized walks and tours tailored to your interests; contact and offerings are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private guide can help personalize the route, reserve appropriate time slots and point out small details you might miss on your own.
