Krakow: Rynek Underground Museum Skip-the-line Guided Tour

Krakow , Poland

Krakow: Rynek Underground Museum Skip-the-line Guided Tour

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(98 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Kraków’s past on a guided tour of the Rynek Underground Museum. Skip the ticket line, use headsets if over 15 guests, and discover medieval life through artifacts and multimedia.

Highlights:
• Expert guide brings the city’s past to life
• Discover Kraków’s medieval history underground
• See reconstructions, artifacts, and medieval burials
• Experience interactive holograms and films
• Headsets provided for groups of 15+ guests

Discover a hidden Kraków beneath the cobblestones of the Main Market Square. Opened in 2010, the Rynek Underground Museum is one of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological parks, revealing the city’s medieval roots just a few meters below the surface.

Available options

Polish group tour

Spanish group tour

German group tour

French group tour

English group tour

Group Tour with an ENG Guide: Small Group

Italian group tour

What's included

Licensed local guide

Headsets for groups of 15+

1.5-hour guided tour

Skip-the-line admission to the Rynek Underground Museum

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

With your skip-the-line ticket and an expert local guide, you’ll explore nearly 4,000 square meters of underground paths, merchant stalls, and archaeological remains. Multimedia installations—holograms, touchscreens, and films—recreate the bustle of medieval Kraków, from merchants’ calls to the creak of carts.

Highlights include reconstructions of 11th-century burials, traces of ancient streets, and unique artifacts that illustrate Kraków’s role as a thriving trade hub. You’ll also see how daily life was shaped by craftsmen, merchants, and travelers passing through one of Central Europe’s busiest markets. Your guide enriches the journey with stories about commerce, religion, and the turbulent history revealed during excavations.

The tour lasts around 1.5 hours. For groups of 15 or more, headsets are provided so everyone can clearly hear the commentary.

Stop 2

When you return to the surface, the Main Square—with St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall towering above—will feel different, transformed by the hidden history you’ve just explored. Centuries of life, trade, and tradition hidden beneath your feet now come alive, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the city at its very heart.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT PL FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

49 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.5

49 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.

Our group tours are only in 1 language. Select your preferred language when booking.

In line with museum regulations, each tour is limited to a maximum of 29 participants.

Meeting point

Meet your guide near the entrance to the Rynek Underground Museum. They will hold an excursions.city sign.

Important notes

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.
Gratuities are optional but always appreciated as a gesture of thanks for your guide.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.