During works on the Main Market Square in the 2000s, archaeologists uncovered the remains of the medieval marketplace beneath the paving, and instead of covering them over, the city turned the excavation into a museum. The Rynek Underground, a branch of the Museum of Kraków, runs under a large part of the square, with walkways threading past the foundations of old market stalls, cobbled roads, workshops and an early cemetery. The permanent exhibition, Following the Traces of European Identity of Kraków, uses projections, holograms, reconstructions and touchscreens to show how the medieval city traded with the rest of Europe. It is atmospheric, well lit and easy to follow, and is a good way to make sense of the square above. Entry is by timed ticket, and last admission is seventy-five minutes before closing.
The museum is open daily, with shorter hours on Tuesdays, and closes on the second Monday of each month and on some holidays; in November 2026 the Museum of Kraków lists several closed days, including 11 November, so check the calendar before you go. Tuesday is a free day, but those tickets are sold only at the box office on the day, in limited numbers.
How to visit well: book a timed ticket for a quiet slot, or take one of the linked guided options that combine the museum with the square above. Allow about an hour and a half. The entrance is on the square by the Cloth Hall, and the museum is a welcome refuge on cold or wet days.
Who it suits: families with curious children, history lovers and anyone who wants the story of the Old Town before walking it. The multimedia displays keep younger visitors engaged better than a traditional museum would.
What to expect
The experience
A walkway route through excavated medieval remains beneath the square, with projections and interactive displays.
Best time
Early in your trip, and on a cold or wet day.
How long
About an hour to an hour and a half.
Tips
Book a timed slot, avoid the second Monday of the month, and check holiday closures in November and December.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Understanding medieval Kraków before you explore it.
- Families
- Holograms and touchscreens make it one of the most child-friendly museums in the city.
- Couples
- A good wet-afternoon plan before dinner in the Old Town.
- Pair with
- St Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall directly above.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes.
Good questions
Where is the Rynek Underground entrance?+
On the Main Market Square beside the Cloth Hall. The museum runs beneath the square itself.
Is the Rynek Underground free on any day?+
Tuesday is a free day, but free tickets are sold only at the box office on the day in limited numbers and cannot be booked online.
When is the Rynek Underground closed?+
On the second Monday of each month and on some public holidays. The Museum of Kraków publishes the closed days, including several in November and December.
How long does the Rynek Underground take?+
About an hour to an hour and a half. Last entry is seventy-five minutes before closing.
Is the Rynek Underground good for kids?+
Yes. The projections, holograms and reconstructions are engaging for school-age children.