Home › Destinations › Rynek Underground Museum
Rynek Underground Museum, Polska - Things to Do in Rynek Underground Museum

Things to Do in Rynek Underground Museum

Rynek Underground Museum, Polska - Complete Travel Guide

Kraków, the former royal capital of Poland, stands as one of Europe's most enchanting medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's crown jewel is its magnificent Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the largest medieval square in Europe, surrounded by Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, and baroque townhouses. Beneath this bustling square lies the fascinating Rynek Underground Museum, an archaeological wonder that reveals over 1,000 years of Kraków's history through interactive exhibits and preserved medieval foundations. The underground museum showcases the evolution of the market square from its earliest days, displaying ancient trade routes, medieval merchant stalls, and artifacts that tell the story of Kraków's rise as a major European trading center. Above ground, the city continues to captivate visitors with its well-preserved Old Town, the majestic Wawel Castle, vibrant Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and a thriving cultural scene that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern Polish life.

Top Things to Do in Rynek Underground Museum

Explore Rynek Underground Museum

Descend beneath Kraków's Main Market Square to discover this award-winning archaeological museum that spans 1,000 years of history. The interactive exhibits feature holographic displays, medieval foundations, and artifacts that bring the square's trading past to life. The museum uses cutting-edge technology to recreate the atmosphere of medieval Kraków's bustling marketplace.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance for 24-28 PLN (about $6-7 USD) to avoid queues, especially during peak summer months. The museum offers audio guides in multiple languages, and the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Visit Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral

Explore Poland's most important historical site, perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River. The castle complex includes royal chambers, the Crown Treasury, and the stunning Wawel Cathedral where Polish kings were crowned and buried. The dragon's den beneath the castle adds a touch of local legend to your visit.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed entry tickets online for 30-35 PLN per exhibition to guarantee access, as daily visitor numbers are limited. Visit early morning or book a guided tour for 80-120 PLN to skip lines and gain deeper historical insights.

Discover Kazimierz Jewish Quarter

Wander through this historic district that was once the heart of Jewish life in Kraków and served as a filming location for Schindler's List. The area features beautiful synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and museums alongside trendy cafes, galleries, and nightlife venues. The quarter perfectly balances historical remembrance with contemporary Polish culture.

Booking Tip: Join a walking tour for 60-100 PLN to fully understand the area's complex history, or explore independently using audio guides available for 20-30 PLN. Evening visits offer great dining and nightlife opportunities.

Take a Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Nazi concentration camp, now a powerful memorial and museum. The experience provides crucial historical education about the Holocaust through preserved barracks, exhibits, and memorial sites. Transportation from Kraków takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Booking Tip: Book organized tours 3-4 weeks in advance for 150-200 PLN including transportation and guide, as individual entry requires advance online booking. Choose tours with official guides for the most respectful and informative experience.

Experience Traditional Polish Cuisine

Indulge in authentic Polish dishes like pierogi, kielbasa, and bigos while exploring Kraków's diverse culinary scene. From traditional milk bars serving hearty local fare to upscale restaurants offering modern interpretations of Polish classics, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. Don't miss trying obwarzanek, Kraków's traditional pretzel-like bread.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 150-250 PLN and provide excellent value with multiple tastings and cultural context. For independent dining, budget 40-80 PLN for traditional restaurants or 15-25 PLN for milk bars (bar mleczny).

Getting There

Kraków is easily accessible via John Paul II International Airport, located 11 km from the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and connections worldwide. The airport connects to the city center via train (20 minutes, 9 PLN), bus (30-45 minutes, 4 PLN), or taxi (25 minutes, 80-120 PLN). Alternatively, Kraków's main railway station receives regular trains from Warsaw (2.5 hours), Berlin (8 hours), and Vienna (6 hours), while international buses connect the city to destinations across Europe at budget-friendly prices.

Getting Around

Kraków's compact Old Town is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within walking distance of the Main Market Square. The city operates an efficient public transport system of trams and buses costing 4.60 PLN for a single ticket or 15 PLN for a day pass, perfect for reaching areas like Kazimierz or Nowa Huta. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available, while bike rentals (30-50 PLN per day) offer an eco-friendly way to explore the city's bike-friendly streets and the scenic Vistula River boulevards.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
Podgórze
Kleparz
Grzegórzki
Krowodrza

Food & Dining

Kraków's culinary scene ranges from traditional milk bars (bar mleczny) serving authentic Polish comfort food for under 20 PLN to Michelin-recommended restaurants showcasing modern Polish cuisine. The Old Town offers numerous restaurants around the Main Square, though prices tend to be higher for tourists, while Kazimierz provides a more local atmosphere with trendy cafes, craft beer pubs, and innovative eateries. Don't miss trying regional specialties like zapiekanka (Polish baguette pizza) from street vendors, traditional pierogi from local establishments, and the city's growing craft beer scene in atmospheric cellars and modern brewpubs.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cracow

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Nolio Restaurant

4.7 /5
(8832 reviews) 2

Boscaiola Restaurant

4.5 /5
(5941 reviews) 2
bar store

Restauracja Olio | Pizza Napoletana

4.7 /5
(4222 reviews)

Boccanera | Ristorante Pizzeria

4.5 /5
(4146 reviews) 2
bar store

Otto Pompieri - Kraków

4.8 /5
(3115 reviews)

Sorrento Trattoria

4.8 /5
(2072 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Kraków is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C), crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Summer (July-August) brings warm weather and vibrant outdoor events but also peak tourist crowds and higher prices, while winter offers a magical Christmas market atmosphere and lower costs, though temperatures can drop below freezing. Each season has its charm, with spring bringing blooming parks, summer enabling outdoor dining, autumn showcasing beautiful colors in nearby forests, and winter creating a cozy, festive atmosphere perfect for exploring indoor attractions like the Underground Museum.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Kraków City Card (75-120 PLN) for free public transport and discounts to major attractions including the Underground Museum
Climb St. Mary's Tower for panoramic city views - tickets are limited and sold only at the tower entrance
Explore the atmospheric Cloth Hall's upper floor gallery and browse the ground floor's traditional craft stalls for authentic souvenirs

Explore Activities in Rynek Underground Museum