Kraków never stops surprising: alongside classic spots like Wawel and the Main Market, new exhibitions and newly opened spaces let you see the city from a fresh perspective. For people who have visited before, updated displays, restored routes and modern multimedia installations often make a return visit a true adventure.
If you’re planning a short getaway, it’s worth combining a walk across Wawel Hill with a visit under the Market Square — both attractions offer experiences “above ground and below ground” that complement each other narratively and visually. This guide will help you plan a day so you can see the most interesting new things without wasting time.
At Wawel, beyond the familiar castle rooms and the cathedral, an expanded underground exhibition within the so-called inter-wall area has recently opened to visitors. This is the space between the defensive walls, where archaeological finds and reconstructions of building layers from prehistoric times up to the modern era are displayed.
The exhibition blends traditional artifacts with multimedia elements and immersive sound-and-light experiences. In some places you’ll find narrated stories and legends presented as audio attractions — a nice way to combine learning with enjoyment, especially if you’re visiting with family.
Beneath the pavement of the Main Market Square lies one of Europe’s most interesting archaeological reserves: layers of the medieval market’s buildings, fragments of stalls and paving, and thousands of everyday objects recovered during excavations. The permanent display tells the story of the development of trade and city life across centuries, and multimedia installations help visualise what the bustling market looked like long ago.
The undergrounds are also a great choice for those who like history “up close” — archaeological contexts, authentic artifacts and carefully made reconstructions let you feel the continuity of the city. The visit follows a set route, often with short multimedia shows and commentary, so plan about 60–90 minutes for the experience.
Buy tickets online in advance, especially in season (spring–autumn) and on weekends — popular time slots fill up fast. Remember that the undergrounds and new exhibitions have entry limits and set start times, so reserving a specific hour will help you avoid long waits.
Pay attention to ticket types: regular, reduced, family, and other discounts (large family card, city cards, etc.). For reduced tickets you’ll usually need to carry a document confirming the entitlement. It’s also worth checking combined-ticket options — sometimes it’s cheaper to link different museum branches in a single purchase.
If you plan to visit both Wawel and the Market Undergrounds on the same day, check opening hours and any time limits between entries. Often it’s easiest to schedule one visit in the morning and the other in the afternoon — that way you avoid crowds and have time for coffee between attractions.
The undergrounds can be cooler than the surface — bring a light extra layer, even in summer. Some areas have stairs and sections with limited space, so if you have mobility issues ask before buying tickets about route accessibility and available facilities.
At Wawel, security checks or baggage restrictions may apply at some entrances — it’s best to leave large backpacks at your hotel or in a storage facility. Photography is generally allowed in designated areas, but flash may be prohibited in parts of certain exhibitions.
If you’re traveling with children, check whether the exhibition offers educational materials or family routes — these often help engage the youngest visitors and make the visit more enjoyable for everyone.
Around the Market and Wawel you’ll find both classic restaurants serving regional cuisine and modern cafés. If you prefer places with a good reputation for quality and value, consider traditional restaurants offering Polish dishes as well as venues with modern Polish cuisine — both are pleasant choices after a day of exploring.
Good local favourites close to the centre include historic and well-known places that serve regional and seasonal dishes. For a coffee break, look for cosy cafés with high-quality coffee and comfortable seating where you can review your route. For the evening, a bar with local beer or wine is a nice spot to relax and recap the day. Choosing spots with positive current recommendations will save time and reduce the chance of disappointment.
Buying tickets from random sellers or unverified apps — always use trusted ticket channels. Saving a few złoty isn’t worth risking your entry.
Planning an overly tight schedule: trying to squeeze many attractions “back-to-back” may mean spending more time in queues than looking at exhibits. Allow at least 60–90 minutes for the undergrounds and a similar amount for the Wawel exhibition.
Being unprepared for underground conditions: no extra layer of clothing, lacking comfortable shoes, or expecting constant phone coverage — the undergrounds are places where it’s better to rely on a planned visit than on ad-hoc online services.
Archaeology under the Market and at Wawel reveals layers of the city showing that Kraków had a lively trade and craft character many centuries ago — everyday objects often tell more than a history textbook.
New exhibitions combine classics with technology: some displays use sound-and-light effects and multimedia reconstructions, so history becomes an experience — especially appreciated by visitors who prefer visual storytelling over dry facts.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? - It’s recommended to book online, especially in season; some time slots fill quickly.
How long does the underground visit last? - Usually 60–90 minutes, depending on pace and additional multimedia shows.
Are the undergrounds wheelchair accessible? - Not all sections of the routes are fully accessible; ask staff about accessibility options before arrival.
Is photography allowed? - Many areas allow photos without flash; some rooms may have restrictions.
Are combined tickets available? - Sometimes combined tickets for several museum branches are offered — check options when purchasing.
How much time should I leave between Wawel and the Market? - A minimum of 1.5–2 hours is recommended to allow for walking, coffee and possible queues.
Morning: start at Wawel — visit the castle and the underground exhibition before it gets crowded.
Afternoon: head to the Main Market Square, have a light lunch at a recommended restaurant, then visit the Market Undergrounds with a pre-booked ticket.
Evening: relax in one of the well-rated cafés or bars, summarise the day and plan the next trip — Kraków always has something new to show.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media — a simple recommendation can make someone’s trip to Kraków much better.
If you prefer touring with a private guide and want to see the city from a local perspective, consider arranging a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz through the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site. Good luck and enjoy your stay in Kraków!
