You can visit Kraków in three days and still leave room for an interesting, non-rushed highlight: the Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiences. This is not an ordinary "attraction" — it covers about 6–6.5 hectares of interactive installations (around 110 stations) that can engage even adults for hours. If you like combining the classics (Wawel, the Market Square, Kazimierz) with something different and hands-on, this plan is for you.
You only need to plan the logistics: melexes are great for short, faster rounds around the Old Town and Kazimierz, but to reach the Garden (al. Pokoju 68, Czyżyny) it’s worth considering the tram, a taxi or renting a melex for a longer period. Below you’ll find a detailed, tourism-friendly 3-day plan, practical tips, a list of food and lodging suggestions and a short FAQ.
Morning: start at Wawel — visit the castle courtyard, the cathedral and the chapels. It’s worth coming early to avoid the biggest queues and to have time for a walk along the Vistula.
Afternoon: walk along the Planty to the Main Market Square. See the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (listen for the real bugle call), then enjoy coffee at one of Kraków’s iconic spots — for an artistic atmosphere try Cafe Camelot near Świętej Anny Street, or Charlotte on the square for lovers of French-style baked goods.
Evening: dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant. For traditional dishes with generous portions consider Pod Wawelem, or for an elegant experience try Wierzynek — both are popular with visitors, but remember to reserve a table.
Morning: take a melex ride around the Old Town and Kazimierz. A melex is a comfortable, eco-friendly option for quickly seeing the sights — standard short routes last from 30 to 120 minutes. Many melexes offer audio guides in several languages or a driver who provides commentary. This is a great solution if you want to save energy or are traveling with children.
Afternoon: explore the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz — Plac Nowy, the synagogues and the atmospheric cafes. Stop for a snack at one of the consistently well-rated cafés in the area.
Evening: if you want a different mood, cross the Vistula to Podgórze, home to the former ghetto and the Schindler's Factory Museum — important places for reflection and history.
Reserve at least 2–4 hours for the Garden of Experiences. It’s a sensory educational park with over a hundred devices demonstrating phenomena from physics, acoustics, optics, mechanics and magnetism. It’s great for children, but adults will find it very engaging too.
What you’ll see and try: the Geo-corner with types of rock used in Kraków’s architecture; Zapachowo — a scent-focused herb-and-flower sensory area; the Lem-maze — a green labyrinth with quotations; seasonal additions such as an outdoor planetarium and, on selected dates, a telescope for observing sunspots.
Getting there: the Garden is at al. Pokoju 68. While melexes mainly operate in the center and Kazimierz, you can sometimes book a vehicle for a longer private transfer to avoid changes — otherwise take the tram or a taxi. In practice, the fastest and most reliable options are public transport or a taxi unless you arrange an extended melex rental in advance.
The Garden’s season traditionally runs from the second half of April to the end of October — in summer you can expect the full program of workshops and attractions. Outside the season part of the space becomes the Garden of Lights (a winter outdoor exhibition).
Tickets and discounts: the Garden offers full, reduced and family tickets; some attractions are paid separately (for example the planetarium, gyroscope or summer toboggan track). Lessons and workshops are available for groups and schools — check the current price list before visiting and consider group booking if you’re coming with a larger party.
Access and contact: the Garden has an information desk and on-site staff. Animators wearing distinctive shirts help visitors operate the exhibits; parking nearby can be paid during large events (for example at TAURON Arena). If you plan to visit on the day of a concert or sports event, check parking availability in advance.
Melexes are electric tourist vehicles popular in Kraków. Standard short rides around the Old Town and Kazimierz last 30–45 minutes; longer, personalized routes are also possible. Vehicles usually carry 4–8 people, with some models accommodating slightly more.
Costs: prices depend on the operator, duration and route — roughly, a short Old Town ride can cost a few hundred zloty per vehicle (for example around 150–220 PLN for 4 people); a longer 2–3 hour route is more expensive and can cost several hundred zloty. Booking a melex for a private longer route (for example from the center to the Garden of Experiences and back) typically requires an individual quote.
Where they park and what to look for: melexes have designated stops in the center (for example by Świętego Jana Street and Szeroka in Kazimierz). In bad weather vehicles have protective covers for passengers. On popular routes audio guides in several languages are often standard.
Food: Kraków has many highly-rated places — for traditional Polish cuisine try Pod Wawelem (known for large portions); for a more upscale dinner consider Wierzynek. For atmospheric coffee or dessert in Kazimierz try Cafe Camelot; for a quick tasty breakfast or baked goods choose Charlotte or other central bakeries. If you prefer trendy riverside bars, look for well-reviewed spots around Forum Przestrzenie. Use current reviews when choosing — the best venues keep consistently high ratings and evening reservations may be necessary.
Accommodation: if a central location is a priority, consider highly-rated hotels near the Old Town or close to the Main Train Station — for example Hotel Stary, PURO Kraków Stare Miasto or Balthazar Design Hotel. For families, apartments near the Planty offer comfort plus easy access to city walks.
The Garden of Experiences isn’t just a collection of experiments — from above the layout resembles a leaf pattern; the arrangement is designed so thematic zones form a coherent whole.
During the garden season there are mobile workshops and demonstrations, and on-site animators readily assist with exhibits — don’t be afraid to ask, it’s part of the educational experience.
Melexes are surprisingly flexible: although they’re often associated with 30–40 minute routes, operators also offer hourly or full-day rentals — a great option for groups, families with small children or anyone who wants to reduce walking.
The main mistake is being overly optimistic with time — the Garden of Experiences and a walk through the Old Town can take longer than expected. Schedule extra hours for unplanned stops and experiments.
Another mistake is assuming a melex will take you everywhere — operators often have assigned service areas; if you want a melex to go outside the center (for example to the Garden of Experiences), confirm this when booking and ask about the price for a longer route.
Third mistake: not booking evening tables or seasonal attraction tickets. On weekends and during holidays popular restaurants and attractions can be crowded — reservations are a simple safeguard.
Is the Garden of Experiences good for children? Yes — it’s one of the most child-friendly educational parks in Kraków; adults will enjoy it too.
Will a melex stop at every point in the Old Town? Melexes have designated stops and routes; many short routes include the main points of the Old Town and Kazimierz, but for a custom route arrange details with the operator in advance.
How much time do I need at the Garden of Experiences? Minimum 2 hours, ideally 3–4 hours if you want to use extra attractions or attend workshops.
How to check current hours and prices? Before traveling, check the attraction’s official information (seasonal hours, ticket prices, special events) — opening hours often change with the season.
When planning three days in Kraków try to balance the classics with local surprises — a melex is a convenient way to see the city quickly, and the Garden of Experiences offers fresh-air breathing space and something different from typical museum visits.
If you liked this plan - share it with friends or on social media; it may help someone organize a family trip. If you prefer to explore with a private guide, consider services by Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details are available on the guide’s page. Good luck with planning and enjoy your trip to Kraków!
