Kazimierz is a district stretched between the Vistula River and the Old Town that mixes centuries of history with a lively café and restaurant scene. Wandering its narrow streets, visiting synagogues and small museums, and tasting local flavors are essential — but a melex (electric tourist cart) will save you time and energy when moving between the more distant points.
Melexes are especially useful when you want to see more with limited time, when you travel with small children or older people, or when you prefer to comfortably combine several sites in a single day. Still, plan your rides so you don’t miss the atmosphere that comes from exploring on foot.
From a practical point of view: many companies offer set routes of 30–90 minutes that include the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze (Oscar Schindler’s Factory). You can also book a melex for a specific route or hire it by the hour — a good option for transfers between program points.
Three days is enough to get to know Kazimierz’s most important sights, try local food, visit several synagogues and see Podgórze. The suggested layout of days mixes shorter melex rides with walks that reveal the district’s spirit.
Day 1: arrival and first contact with Kazimierz — main sights, Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street, a gentle evening stroll and dinner.
Day 2: deeper historical sightseeing — synagogues, the old Jewish cemetery, museums, and in the afternoon book a melex to connect Kazimierz with the Old Town or Podgórze.
Day 3: shorter attractions, cafés and discovering lesser-known corners — markets, galleries and time for a relaxed meal before departure.
Morning: if you’re coming from a hotel, start with a short melex transfer from reception to the heart of the district — it saves time and helps you quickly get your bearings. Begin your walk on Szeroka Street, historically the center of Jewish life.
Afternoon: visit Plac Nowy — known for its food stalls, the famous zapiekanka (toasted baguette) stand in the square, and numerous cafés. It’s also a great place to sit and watch daily life.
Evening: book a table at one of the local restaurants. Recommended places include Plac Nowy 1 (international, modern cuisine), Starka (Polish cuisine in a cosy setting) and Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (Middle Eastern food on Szeroka Street). After dinner consider a jazz concert or one of the atmospheric cafés for a nightcap.
Morning: start with the most notable monuments — the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue and its cemetery, and other synagogues such as Tempel and Izaak. Entry to interiors is sometimes limited by opening hours and may be paid — check times in advance.
Afternoon: order a melex for a route that links Kazimierz with the Old Town and Podgórze so you can see additional highlights quickly: Ghetto Heroes’ Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta), Schindler’s Factory, the river boulevard and Wawel (exterior). Such a ride usually lasts 60–90 minutes depending on the chosen route.
Evening: explore the eateries and bars tucked into Kazimierz’s side streets. This is a good moment for dinner at a recommended bistro or one of the places noted in guides.
Morning: visit local galleries and small craft shops — Kazimierz has many studios offering ceramics, posters and antiques. It’s a great place to find an original souvenir.
Midday: take a short melex ride to one of the viewpoints along the Vistula or enjoy a walk on the river boulevard. If time allows, have coffee again at the iconic Mleczarnia or a light lunch at Bazaar Bistro.
Departure: plan a melex transfer or use public transport to your departure point — meleks can comfortably take you to your hotel, but remember to book in advance, especially on weekends.
Booking: it’s best to reserve a melex in advance, particularly if you want a specific time or route. Companies offer short 30–45 minute routes, longer 60–120 minute tours, and rentals by the hour.
Prices and group composition: prices depend on duration and number of passengers. Indicative rates for shorter rides usually start at a few dozen zlotys per person or around 300–420 PLN for the whole vehicle on standard routes. Confirm the exact price when booking.
Language and comfort: many meleks offer audio guides in several languages or a driver who speaks English/other languages. Melexes operate within designated central zones — observe traffic rules and designated boarding points.
Accessibility: meleks are a good option for people with limited mobility, but ask the operator about access to specific places and boarding arrangements.
Plac Nowy 1 — a large, modern place on Plac Nowy, good for bigger groups and evening outings. Serves international dishes and creative cocktails.
Starka — a cosy restaurant with Polish cuisine and local atmosphere, a good choice for a traditional dinner.
Hamsa Hummus & Happiness — a popular spot on Szeroka Street serving Middle Eastern food; excellent for vegetarians and hummus fans.
Zazie Bistro and Szara Kazimierz — more refined options; if you’re looking for an elegant lunch or dinner, reserve a table in advance.
Bazaar Bistro and smaller cafés — ideal for breakfast or a light lunch before more sightseeing.
Curiosity: for centuries Kazimierz was a separate town and is home to a unique complex of synagogues and an old Jewish cemetery — a place with a very layered, complex history.
Mistake 1: trying to see everything in one day. Kazimierz is best savoured slowly — give yourself time for café stops and to enter monuments.
Mistake 2: relying solely on the melex. Melexes are great for transfers and a quick overview, but many details and the local atmosphere are discovered on foot. Combine both ways of exploring.
Avoid: don’t skip checking synagogue or museum opening hours — some places have limited seasons or are closed on certain days. Always have a plan B — a café or a short walk along the river.
Do meleks run in Kazimierz year-round? Yes — many companies operate all year, but during high season and weekends it’s wise to book in advance.
Can meleks drive everywhere? Melexes operate on designated routes and at set stopping points; they may not be able to drop you directly at every entrance. The operator will explain possibilities.
Is it worth combining a melex ride with walking? Definitely — use the melex for longer transfers and explore the rest on foot.
What to bring for three days of sightseeing? Comfortable shoes, a light jacket (weather can change), a water bottle, a charged phone and an offline map or public transport app.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or on your social profiles — you’ll help others plan a great stay in Krakow. Everyone who comes to Kazimierz will find something for themselves: history, flavors and a unique atmosphere.
If you’d like to explore Kazimierz (and Krakow) with a private guide, I recommend booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and offerings are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private guided walk lets you tailor the route to your interests and pace, and a melex can be included as part of a personalised program.
I hope this plan helps you enjoy Kazimierz — I look forward to welcoming you in Krakow!
