Yes — and in a pleasant, unhurried way. If you have two days, a sensible plan is: a quick, comfortable loop of the main sights by melex, a walk through the most beautiful corners of the Old Town and Kazimierz, and an evening break from monuments in a place where the exhibits are replaced by great fun — the Krakow Pinball Museum. This mix of history, convenient transport and unusual entertainment makes a short visit to Krakow memorable. Below you'll find suggested times, a route and practical tips.
Morning: start close to your accommodation — if you’re staying in the center, head to the Main Market Square. A walk around the Square, the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica takes about 1–1.5 hours if you don’t enter every interior. After that, hop on a melex — it’s ideal when you want to see many places without getting tired.
Melex tours run from short 30-minute spins up to 3-hour excursions. On a 2–3 hour route you can visit Wawel, drive briefly through Kazimierz and stop by Schindler’s Factory or the old ghetto area in Podgórze. It’s a great way to get your bearings and build a mental map before more walking.
In practice: pick the 2–3 hour route (full route) — you’ll have time for short stops, photos and brief entries to selected sites (note: some attractions require separate tickets). Many providers offer hotel pickup from a central starting point, which saves time and is comfortable when your schedule is tight.
09:00–10:30 — Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (view from outside or a short visit if you have tickets).
11:00–14:00 — melex (full route) with a stop at Wawel and a short picture stop in Kazimierz; the driver/guide will share basic stories and tips. Shorter option: choose a 1–1.5 hour route if you want more museum time.
14:30 — light lunch around Kazimierz; I recommend places popular with both visitors and locals, including restaurants serving Polish dishes and seasonal menus (look for high-rated spots and consider booking dinner in advance at busy venues).
Food: in the center and in Kazimierz you’ll find many standout places — classic restaurants with Polish and seasonal dishes, cafés with excellent coffee and bars serving local beers. Choose venues with strong reviews and reserve a table for dinner on weekends.
Accommodation: for a short stay it’s worth booking a hotel near the Market Square or in Kazimierz — this reduces travel time and lets you enjoy evening walks on lit cobblestone streets. Hotels with good reviews for location and breakfast are a smart investment for a brief trip. If you want specifics, pick properties highly rated for central location and service.
Book a morning visit to one chosen interior (for example, Wawel Royal Castle, a themed museum or a special exhibition) — this avoids long lines and makes the day more efficient.
In the afternoon plan a visit to the Krakow Pinball Museum — a unique spot housed in a historic cellar near Wawel. Tickets often include unlimited play on pinball machines and arcade games, so allow at least 1–2 hours there, more if you’re into gaming. It’s a perfect, playful contrast after exploring historic sites.
Make sure the Pinball Museum visit doesn’t conflict with your departure — leave at least 1.5–2 hours buffer before your train or bus departs from the city.
The museum is located in the cellar of a historic building and combines a collection of pinball machines and classic arcade games with a small bar area. The collection spans machines from early electromechanical units to more modern pinball tables with screens — among the oldest machines you can sometimes find examples from the 1930s.
A ticket commonly gives unlimited play on all available machines, which means for a single fee you can spend as much time as you like playing and exploring the collection. This makes it a great place to relax after an intense day of sightseeing.
Tip: if you’re visiting with children or in a larger group, check opening hours and any group discounts — the museum can get busy, especially in the evenings and on weekends.
A melex is an electric tourist vehicle running short routes around the center. Its advantages are comfort, the ability to quickly circle the main points of interest and commentary from a guide. Vehicles usually have rain curtains and can be heated on cooler days.
Tour length depends on the offer — you’ll find options from 30 minutes up to 3 hours. If you only have two days, choose a 2–3 hour route to cover the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz. Remember that ticket prices generally do not include entry to interiors — those tickets are bought separately.
Booking: with limited time it’s wise to reserve a melex in advance, especially during peak season. Ask in advance whether the driver makes short photo stops or allows a few minutes to hop off for pictures.
Surprise: in the heart of historic Krakow you can find a place where, instead of another art museum, people spend time at pinball machines and arcade cabinets — that contrast stays with many visitors.
Mistakes to avoid: trying to squeeze too many paid interiors into two days; failing to book a popular dinner spot; not allowing enough time to move between a melex route and scheduled museum entries. Advice: plan priorities and leave buffer time for the unexpected.
Another common mistake is not checking specific opening hours — not every museum or attraction is open every day at the same times, so check hours before you travel.
How much time do I need at the Pinball Museum? — Minimum 1–2 hours to play a few machines; pinball fans can stay much longer.
Is a melex worth the price? — Yes, if you want to quickly and comfortably see the main sights without long walks; for those who prefer long walking tours, melex may be less appealing.
Do I need to book in advance? — It’s sensible to reserve a melex during the season, and to book popular restaurants and interior visits ahead of time, especially on weekends.
If you liked this plan — share it with friends or post it on social media; two well-planned days in Krakow can create many memories. If you’d like to explore with someone who knows the city well and can match the pace to your expectations, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s page. Good luck planning and enjoy your stay in Krakow!
