Three days in Kraków is a great chance to visit the most important monuments, soak up the atmosphere of the Main Square and Kazimierz, and still leave time for a good coffee and dinner. If you worry about tired feet, consider a half-day melex ride — a comfortable way to see the Royal Route and stop at the Florian Gate without long walks.
This article gives a practical three-day schedule, a detailed half-day melex route featuring the Florian Gate, suggestions for where to eat and stay, common mistakes to avoid, and an FAQ to help plan your visit. It’s meant to help you plan independently or choose services from the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Day 1: The Royal Route and the Main Square. Start at Matejko Square, walk past the Barbican and the Florian Gate down Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square. Allow time for St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and a coffee break. In the afternoon walk Grodzka and Kanonicza streets up to Wawel Castle and visit the courtyard.
Day 2: Kazimierz and Podgórze. Morning in Kazimierz — visit Plac Nowy, historic synagogues and local cafés. In the afternoon head to Podgórze — see the Ghetto Heroes Square and the Schindler Factory Museum. Spend the evening in one of Kazimierz’s atmospheric restaurants.
Day 3: Museums and theme options. Choose one main attraction: the National Museum, the Czartoryski Museum, the Market Square Underground (Rynek Underground) or a trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine or Ojcow National Park. Alternatively, make it a food day with a cooking workshop and souvenir shopping.
Time: half-day here means about 3–4 hours: a melex ride with short stops for photos and brief walks. It’s ideal when you want to see key points without long walks, or have limited time.
Suggested route: start near Matejko Square - drive past the Barbican - stop at the Florian Gate for a short story about the medieval walls - ride down Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square, short break (photos, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica from outside or enter) - continue via Grodzka and Kanonicza to Wawel, stop for photos by the Dragon and to admire the castle courtyard.
What to expect at stops: at the Florian Gate spend a few minutes on its role in the city’s medieval defense and the nearby Barbican. On the Market Square allow 20–40 minutes if you plan to enter St. Mary’s. At Wawel a short stop by the Dragon statue and views of the courtyard give a full sense of place; visits inside the cathedral or royal chambers should be planned separately.
A melex is a comfortable way to save time and energy, especially with limited hours. It lets you cover more ground in less time — useful in hot weather, for seniors or families with small children.
With a melex it’s easier to schedule photo stops and short storytelling moments without long walks between sights. It’s also a good option when you need to get oriented in the city before exploring on foot.
The Florian Gate is one of the best-preserved pieces of Kraków’s medieval fortifications. Floriańska Street runs from it straight to the Main Market Square — a representative street leading to the heart of the city. Around the Square you’ll find the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower, while Grodzka and Kanonicza continue on to Wawel — the coronation site and final resting place of Polish kings.
Notice the details: Floriańska’s townhouses hold stories and legends, and the nearby Barbican recalls medieval defensive architecture. Wawel is not only the castle and cathedral but also offers many viewpoints over the Vistula River.
Kraków has a rich food scene — from elegant restaurants by the Market to cozy cafés in Kazimierz. For a taste of tradition consider the historic Wierzynek or local favorites like Pod Wawelem. For coffee and cake try Café Camelot or Charlotte; in Kazimierz popular spots include Massolit Books & Cafe and Hamsa.
For your first visit the best locations are the Old Town or Kazimierz — most attractions will be within easy reach. If you prefer peace and quiet, look for guesthouses on the calmer streets along the Planty park ring.
Where is the best place to start a half-day melex tour? Most tours start near Matejko Square or another central spot that allows quick access to the Florian Gate. Book a melex in advance during high season.
Will a melex get everywhere? Melexes drive on major streets and stop at entrances to attractions, but they won’t enter interiors of monuments or closed pedestrian-only passages. Entrances to sites like the cathedral or Wawel’s royal chambers require separate planning and tickets.
How long does a half-day melex tour take? Half-day usually means 3–4 hours including stops and short walks. If you plan to enter multiple museums, allow extra time or split the program across days.
Should I prebook tickets? For popular entries (Wawel chambers, Market Underground, St. Mary’s Basilica in peak hours) it’s wise to buy tickets online to avoid long lines.
What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for short walks, a water bottle, a light jacket for evenings and a charged phone for photos and maps. In summer bring a hat and sunscreen.
Trying to see "everything" in one day — it’s better to enjoy a few places well than rush and remember nothing.
Not booking popular attractions in advance — plan entries ahead, especially if you want a specific time slot.
Wearing unsuitable shoes — cobblestones and stone steps can be unpleasant in the wrong footwear. Prioritize comfort if you plan to walk a lot.
The Florian Gate is decorated with a statue of Saint Florian, who gave his name to the gate and the street. For centuries it was a key defensive point for the city.
The Barbican and city walls form some of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Poland; their exterior presence impresses even those not interested in military history.
Floriańska Street also has a rich cultural and café tradition — nearby spots were long meeting places for artists and writers.
Three days in Kraków is an optimal time to see the main sights, taste local cuisine and feel the city’s atmosphere. A half-day melex tour that stops at the Florian Gate is a great, efficient and comfortable way to start your visit — especially when time or walking ability is limited.
If you enjoyed this guide, please share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore with a private guide, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your stay in Kraków and take many beautiful photos!
