Kraków is a city of contrasts: in a single day you can start with the scent of the forest and the views from Piłsudski Mound and end up in the cool, multimedia chambers beneath the Main Market. Combining a walk through Wolski Forest with a visit to the Market Underground gives a fuller picture of the city — both natural and historical — and works well for families, couples and anyone who wants to escape the urban bustle without missing the main sights.
A woodland walk refreshes you between visits to monuments, while the Market Underground helps you understand how medieval trade worked and how many layers lie beneath the Market square’s paving stones. This plan will satisfy both nature lovers and history fans.
The Market Underground is an exhibition built on archaeological research; beneath the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) fragments of former stalls, streets and water systems were uncovered, and the display combines models, reconstructions and multimedia presentations. The museum route usually takes about 60–90 minutes, and if you visit with a guide it’s wise to allow 1.5–2 hours to stop at the most interesting points and ask questions.
The exhibition can be visually intense — it’s an excellent option for rainy days when walking around the city isn’t ideal.
Ticket prices vary with the season and the museum’s policies; commonly encountered rates are around 10–15 PLN for a full-price ticket (check current prices before your visit). Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office; for groups and guided tours you should reserve the guiding service in advance.
If you want to guarantee entry at a specific time, buying tickets online is the safest option. On Tuesdays and other special days there may be free-admission events — but availability is limited and queues can be long.
For group visits the museum usually requires tours to be led by guides who completed special training for the exhibition; the standard flat fee for a guiding service is typically a fixed amount per group (roughly around 150 PLN per group).
A professional, licensed guide will not only describe the archaeological finds but also explain the social and commercial context of past centuries, answer questions and help interpret the multimedia parts of the exhibition. A well-planned tour includes pauses and time to explore some sections independently.
If you value group comfort, ask for a sound system or small headsets — with larger groups this makes it much easier to hear the guide.
Wolski Forest is an extensive woodland complex west of Kraków’s center, full of nature reserves, rock formations, meadows and viewpoints. Within the forest you’ll find Piłsudski Mound, the Camaldolese monastery at Bielany, Panieńskie Rocks, Bielańskie Rocks and public meadows perfect for a picnic.
An additional attraction for families is the Kraków Zoo. Walking trails vary in difficulty — from short strolls to longer loops (6–8 km and more). Because sanitary and catering infrastructure is limited in some parts of the forest, plan breaks at places with services or bring your own provisions.
A popular loop linking the Camaldolese monastery, rock formations and Piłsudski Mound is a great choice for a half-day trip: it offers history, nature and city panoramas. Reserves such as Panieńskie Rocks and Bielańskie Rocks are ideal for short scenic stretches and wildlife watching.
For a family outing we recommend the meadows with shelters (for example Sowińce) — children have space to play and adults can easily prepare a picnic. When planning your route, take into account access to parking or public transport stops — in high season it’s most convenient to arrive with transport planned in advance.
You can reach Wolski Forest by public transport, taxi or car; some entrances have parking, but on weekends and holidays they can fill up. If you’re traveling with a larger group, reserve parking spots ahead of time and allow extra time to walk to the starting point.
In the forest wear comfortable shoes, bring enough water, clothing for changing weather, sunscreen and insect repellent. For longer routes bring a first-aid kit and a map (or a charged phone with an offline map). If you plan a bonfire or an event, remember the required permits.
Families with children: a short 2–3 km loop plus a visit to the Zoo or a picnic on the meadow. A walk in Wolski Forest gives children space to play safely, while the Market Underground provides a compact dose of history — opt for a shorter guided tour and warn children in advance about darker interiors.
Active visitors: longer loops and routes across hilly terrain, finished with a visit to the Underground as a form of "mental rest."
Seniors and people with limited mobility: parts of the Underground can be spatially restricted — check accessibility and conditions before planning your visit. In Wolski Forest choose short, easy sections and places with basic infrastructure.
Buying tickets at the last minute — in high season and on special days (for example free Tuesdays) this often results in long lines and sold-out slots. Buy tickets online or plan your visit outside peak hours.
Underestimating travel time — combining a long forest walk with a visit to the Underground without time buffer can lead to rushing. Allow at least 30–60 minutes of extra time for transfers and walking between locations.
Not preparing for the weather — conditions in the forest can change quickly; bring a rain layer and comfortable shoes.
Under the Market you won’t see only stones — the exhibition is based on archaeological research from the early 21st century and reveals fragments of medieval stalls and water systems, turning the visit into a journey through time.
Wolski Forest owes its name in part to a historical figure — Mikołaj Wolski — and within its area there are reserves and rock formations that look like miniature “deserts” inside the woods. It’s a place where monastic history meets remnants of the Fortress of Kraków and rich natural life.
If you want to eat after visiting, choose well-rated places near the Market and Kazimierz: Massolit Books & Cafe (bookshop café ideal for coffee and cake), Wierzynek (historic restaurant with traditional cuisine), Szara (well-reviewed restaurant on the Market Square) and Starka in Kazimierz (popular spot with Polish dishes and a friendly atmosphere).
For a quick lunch before entering the Underground consider small cafés and bakeries close to the Market, and after an energetic walk in Wolski Forest choose places serving hearty regional home-style meals.
Is it worth booking a guide? Yes — especially if you want to understand the historical context of the Underground and learn lesser-known facts about Wolski Forest. A licensed guide customizes pace and content to your group.
How much does a guide cost? The standard fee for a guiding service for groups at the Underground is usually a flat amount (roughly around 150 PLN), while private city tours have rates depending on route length and group size — details are arranged individually.
Are the Underground spaces accessible for people with limited mobility? Some areas may be difficult to navigate — check specific conditions and available support options before your visit.
Morning start in Wolski Forest: short walk, viewpoint and picnic (2–3 hours). Transfer to the center and lunch (1 hour). Afternoon visit to the Market Underground with a guide (1.5–2 hours). Evening: dinner near the Market or in Kazimierz and a walk through the lit streets.
If you have less time: choose a shorter route in Wolski Forest or replace it with a quick trip to Piłsudski Mound and focus on the underground exhibition.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Kraków guide who prioritizes tailoring the program to guests’ expectations — whether families with children, school groups or international visitors. Her suggested routes combine reliable information, curiosities and a comfortable pace of sightseeing.
If you want to arrange a private tour or consult a route, contact details for the guide are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she will gladly help plan either a one-day trip or a longer themed program.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — that’s the best way to help others plan a great day in Kraków.
If you’d like a personalized route, write directly to Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find her offer and contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you many pleasant discoveries and great moments in Kraków!
