If you only have a few hours and want to feel Krakow’s atmosphere, combining an electric melex ride with interactive workshops at the Living Obwarzanek Museum is a great plan. The melex lets you quickly and comfortably reach the main points of the Old Town, Kazimierz and parts of Podgórze, while the museum offers a hands-on, tasty experience of a local tradition — each participant shapes and bakes their own obwarzanek and takes it home.
This option is ideal for families with children, older visitors or anyone who wants to make the most of a short stay in Krakow. In three hours you can see a lot and leave with a souvenir you made yourself.
0:00 – Pickup from an agreed spot in the centre (hotel, Market Square or another point). Short briefing and departure by melex.
0:15–0:50 – Ride around the Main Market Square and the Royal Route: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (stop for photos), Royal Route toward Wawel — viewing Wawel Hill from the outside.
0:50–1:30 – Transfer to Kazimierz: short walks and stops at the district’s highlights (Szeroka Street, Nowy Square) with commentary; time for photos or a quick espresso.
1:30–2:30 – Living Obwarzanek Museum: workshop lasting about an hour — a story about obwarzanek history, demonstration, and hands-on shaping and baking. Souvenir and a junior obwarzanek baker’s certificate.
2:30–3:00 – Return by melex to the end point; brief wrap-up and tips where to eat or get coffee next.
Times are approximate and depend on traffic, pauses and group size.
Book the Living Obwarzanek Museum workshop in advance — places for individual and group workshops often sell out, especially on weekends and in high season. Workshops usually last about an hour and include a demonstration and hands-on dough preparation.
Agree the melex route and estimated duration with the operator. Providers offer different options: Old Town only, Old Town + Kazimierz, or an extended route including Podgórze and the Schindler Factory. Ask about the sound system (audio guide or live guide) and whether the briefing will be given in Polish or another language.
Check cancellation rules and the weather policy — melexes have rain covers and heating, but in extreme conditions the route or workshop time may be changed.
It’s best to buy museum tickets online in advance, especially if you plan to attend a workshop. Confirm the exact workshop time beforehand.
If anyone has food allergies or dietary requirements, report them before the workshop — classes use wheat flour, poppy seeds and sesame. Traditional obwarzanki may contain animal fats, so they are not vegan.
For guests with limited mobility, check accessibility and any architectural barriers at the museum (some rooms may have steps). Melexes usually allow easy boarding, but ask the operator about ramps or designated seating.
After the workshop and ride you can choose from well-known spots in the centre and in Kazimierz. Recommended places include Cafe Camelot (a cosy café near the Main Market Square), Massolit Books & Cafe (for book lovers and good coffee), historic Wierzynek (for those who want a historic atmosphere) and numerous Kazimierz venues offering fusion cuisine and Jewish-inspired dishes.
If you want to buy excellent obwarzanki outside the workshop, look for traditional sellers in the centre — fresh obwarzanki sold from carts are popular with locals and visitors. The Living Obwarzanek Museum also sells its baked goods if you want a takeaway souvenir.
The Krakow obwarzanek has over 600 years of tradition and carries a protected geographical indication — it’s more than a street snack; it’s part of the region’s culinary heritage.
Melexes aren’t a passing trend — these electric tourist vehicles have been used for decades to offer slow, comfortable city transfers; they produce little noise and are often equipped with rain covers and heating so they can run in many seasons.
Expecting to 'go into everything' — a melex and three hours are a great way to survey attractions, but don’t plan to enter many museums the same day. It’s better to choose one indoor visit (for example, the workshop) and several short photo stops.
Not booking the workshop — especially on weekends or in high season, obwarzanek workshops can fill up. Online booking gives peace of mind and guarantees a spot.
Assuming the obwarzanek will be vegan — traditional obwarzanki can contain animal fat and workshops use ingredients with gluten, sesame and poppy seeds; if you have restrictions, inform the organisers.
Can a melex go onto the Planty or right up to the monuments? Melexes operate in the centre and stop at strategic points, but entering interiors of monuments is usually not possible. Always confirm the route with the operator.
How long is the workshop at the Living Obwarzanek Museum? Standard workshops last about an hour — enough time for a short history talk and to make your own obwarzanek.
Are the obwarzanki baked during the workshop edible? Yes — the obwarzanki made during the class are baked and edible. Remember to wash your hands before eating and to check allergen information.
If you want a pleasant, stress-free tour of Krakow, combining a melex ride with a visit to the Living Obwarzanek Museum is a safe bet. Book the workshop in advance, tailor the melex route to your interests and leave time for coffee or a light meal afterwards.
If you need a personalised tour or a Polish-speaking guide, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — booking details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Enjoy your stay in Krakow and bon appétit with your obwarzanek!
