Wawel and the Market Underground are two absolute must-see attractions in Krakow, but both have limited capacity and different entry rules. Wawel shows permanent collections (Royal Apartments, Armory, Treasury) as well as temporary exhibitions - some routes are open only at certain times or as part of combined tickets. The Market Underground displays remains of the medieval market: house foundations, streets from centuries ago, tombs and everyday objects. It is strongly recommended to reserve tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during the summer season, to avoid long waits or sold-out time slots.
If you care about a specific temporary exhibition or want to enter the most popular rooms at Wawel, check availability online a few days before your visit. In some cases it’s also worth visiting in the low season or early in the morning to enjoy shorter lines and a calmer atmosphere.
When planning your route, keep in mind that the Market Underground usually takes at least an hour to visit, while visiting larger routes at Wawel can take from 1 to 3 hours depending on which exhibitions you choose.
Wawel features both permanent displays and rotating temporary exhibitions that change from time to time, opening or closing rooms as the program changes. Popular shows include exhibitions presenting the castle’s oldest layers and Romanesque relics, Oriental art with Turkish and Persian pieces, and the representative royal chambers and apartments decorated with tapestries and portraits.
Ticket prices at Wawel vary: individual tickets for specific exhibitions typically range from a dozen to several dozen złoty, depending on the display. There are also pricier combined packages and special routes that cost more than standard entry tickets.
Good practices: buy tickets online if you want to guarantee entry, check the times of last admissions (usually 30–60 minutes before closing), and remember that some spaces are only available at certain hours. On special days like Museum Night, Wawel sometimes opens additional entrances or unusual routes - check the calendar if you plan to visit in May or on event days.
The Market Underground is a museum arranged a few meters below the Main Market Square. The route leads among exposed foundations of former buildings, medieval streets, vessels and everyday objects, and graves from distant centuries. The displays include items connected to trade, daily life and local legends, with fascinating discoveries such as burials and objects that bring the medieval market to life.
The entrance to the Market Underground is usually located near the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), close to St. Mary’s Basilica and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument. Because of capacity limits, booking or buying tickets in advance is advisable - in high season you may not find an available time slot on-site.
Ticket prices vary by period and category; as a guideline, full-price tickets are typically in the range of a few dozen złoty, with reduced, family and group rates available. The museum sometimes offers free-entry days - check current rules before your trip. Also note that opening hours can change seasonally and may be shorter in winter.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory is an important place for anyone interested in 20th-century history and the fate of Krakow’s Jewish community - check opening hours and ticketing as it can be very busy in season.
The city museums and branches of the Historical Museum of Krakow host a range of themed exhibitions - from the city’s history to archaeological collections. If your time is limited, pick one or two places and give them enough time to absorb the context of the exhibits.
Krakow has many excellent, highly rated places to eat. If you want to try traditional cuisine in a charming setting, consider restaurants such as Pod Nosem or Szara Gęś near the Market Square. For coffee and dessert, popular cafés include Cafe Camelot and Singer - all are known for good reviews and a pleasant atmosphere. In Kazimierz, visit Hamsa for Middle Eastern flavors or explore the cafés on Józefa Street and around Nowy Square.
When choosing accommodation, look for places with good reviews located near the city center or public transport (Old Town, Kazimierz, or around the Main Train Station). Book ahead in high season and pay attention to reviews about noise and breakfast quality.
If your budget is limited, consider guesthouses and small hotels a short tram ride or a 10–20 minute walk from the Market Square - they often offer much better prices while still being conveniently located.
Buy tickets online - it’s the fastest way to avoid long queues, especially at Wawel and the Market Underground. Pay attention to whether you’ll need a printed ticket or an electronic one.
If you want to save money: check whether the day of your visit has free-entry windows or special promotions (sometimes there are short free windows or discounted days). Additional discounts may be available for holders of certain city cards or family passes.
Mind the limitations: some routes have strict visitor limits at any one time, and certain rooms at Wawel or other museums may not be fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. If you need special assistance or want to store luggage, check in advance whether the museum offers cloakroom services and what their entry rules are.
Expecting to get in immediately - many visitors arrive without tickets and waste time in lines, sometimes having to return another day. Solution: buy tickets ahead or plan to visit outside the busiest hours.
Not checking the last-admission times - some exhibitions stop selling tickets earlier than the main museum closing time. Make sure you know the last-entry time so you don’t get turned away at the door.
Wearing unsuitable clothes or shoes - exploring the Underground and Wawel often means stone floors and stairs; bring comfortable shoes and dress in layers (it can be cooler underground).
In the Market Underground you’ll see not only foundations but also everyday objects uncovered from the earth - these small details help you imagine how vibrant the medieval Market was.
At Wawel, special events sometimes open areas normally closed to tourists - for example, during Museum Night or particular projects new passages through gardens or fortress gates may be made available.
Listen to local legends - some rooms and places carry stories about dragons, vampires or extraordinary burials that add color to the visit.
Do I have to reserve a ticket for Wawel? - For the most popular routes it’s advisable to buy tickets in advance. Some exhibitions can be bought at the ticket office, but in high season you risk sold-out slots.
When is it least crowded? - Early weekday mornings and late afternoons outside peak tourist season are usually quieter.
Is the Market Underground accessible for strollers? - Due to the nature of the exhibition and the presence of stairs, accessibility may be limited; check details before your visit if you need special accommodations.
If you have a short visit: start the day at the Market Underground (about 1–1.5 hours), then take a short walk around the Main Market Square and pause for coffee; spend the afternoon at Wawel (choose one or two exhibitions). If you have more time, add Oskar Schindler’s Factory or strolls through Kazimierz.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore Krakow with a local guide, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact and offer details are available on her guide page. Enjoy your visit and happy sightseeing in Krakow!
