Rynek Underground (Podziemia Rynku)
The Basics
Rynek Underground, housed in recently excavated medieval merchant stalls, tells the city’s entire history, from its first settlers to the death of Pope John Paul II. The popular attraction is most commonly visited as part of a tour of Krakow’s Old Town. If you have more time, you can combine Rynek Underground with other regional attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Krakow’s Old Town is great to explore with a walking tour, many of which stop at the Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, and Jagiellonian University. Krakow Card holders receive free admission to Rynek Underground as well as 40 other attractions including Schindler’s Factory, Town Hall Tower, and Cloth Hall.
Things to Known Before You Go
Rynek Underground is ideal for history buffs as well as families, as there are many kid-friendly interactive displays.
Admission to Rynek Underground is free on Tuesdays.
The museum is limited to 300 visitors at a time, so book timed tickets at least a day in advance.
Displays are multilingual, and audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot to explore on foot in Krakow.
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Rynek Underground is located below Krakow’s Main Market Square, which is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Old Town. From the main train station (Kraków Główny), it is a picturesque 20-minute walk or short taxi ride.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The museum is open from 10am to 8pm Monday, to 4pm Tuesday, and to 10pm Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on the second Monday of the month. Krakow is busiest during July and August, so it’s best to explore Krakow in spring or fall, when temperatures are lovely and crowds are thinner. Or come in December for Krakow’s famous Christmas market.
Restaurants in Krakow Old Town
Krakow’s Old Town Main Market Square hosts lots of fantastic restaurants serving up Polish and international cuisine. If you want to try pierogis, the famous Polish dumpling speciality, be sure to visit Pierogarnia Krakowiacy. For great pizza, Boscaiola is a good choice, and Morskie Oko is tops for interesting highlander entertainment and traditional food.
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- Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
- Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (Galeria Sztuki Polskiej XIX Wieku w Sukiennicach)
- Adam Mickiewicz Monument (Pomnik Adama Mickiewicza)
- Krakow Town Hall Tower (Wieza Ratuszowa w Krakowie)
- Historical Museum of the City of Krakow
- Krakow Old Town (Kraków Stare Miasto)
- Krzysztofory Palace
- St. Adalbert Church (Kościól Św. Wojciecha)
- Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square)
- St. Mary's Basilica (Kościól Mariacki)
- Hipolit House (Kamienica Hipolitów)
- Maly Rynek (Small Market Square)
- Chopin Concert Hall (Chopin Gallery)
- Jagiellonian University (Uniwersytet Jagielloński)
- Jan Matejko House (Dom Jana Matejki)