If you’re coming to Krakow for three days and want to make the most of your time, a melex (electric tourist shuttle) is a great complement to walking. It lets you move quickly and comfortably between the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze, saving energy for museum interiors, café breaks and tasting local dishes.
Local companies offer melex tours in different formats — short 30–60 minute loops up to full-day hires with stops at selected points. Vehicles are often adapted for weather (covers, heating) and some offer multilingual audio guides.
In practice: combining walks and melex rides gives the best result — use the melex to cover longer distances or get an overview, then explore the most interesting spots on foot. This way you’ll see more without feeling rushed or exhausted.
Day 1: Old Town and Wawel. Morning walk along the Royal Route, visit Wawel (cathedral, courtyard) and stop for lunch. Afternoon on the Planty and a relaxed coffee near the Market Square.
Day 2: Kazimierz and Plac Nowy — spend the day soaking up the neighborhood’s atmosphere. Consider booking a melex for part of the day or the whole day to combine historical commentary with convenient transfers between synagogues, Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and stops along the Vistula.
Day 3: Podgórze and the memory trail — Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Ghetto Heroes Square, walks by the Vistula. Use the last hours to return to favorite spots or buy souvenirs.
Book a melex with pick-up at your accommodation or a central meeting point — many companies offer pick-up and drop-off. Break the day into several stops: Old Town (short loops around the Market Square and Wawel), Kazimierz (stops at Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street, synagogues), Podgórze (Ghetto Heroes Square and Schindler’s Factory) and scenic viewpoints along the Vistula.
Sample melex day: start at 10:00 — a drive through the Old Town with a short stop at Wawel (30–45 min), then Kazimierz with a longer stop at Plac Nowy (2–3 h for coffee, a zapiekanka and visiting synagogues), lunch at a local restaurant, an afternoon transfer to Podgórze and a visit to Schindler’s Factory (1–2 h), return to the center in the evening.
Ask the operator about the planned route and any restrictions — not every narrow street is accessible to melex vehicles, and during high season full-day bookings are often required.
Plac Nowy is the heart of Kazimierz and famous for zapiekanki — a simple but iconic open baguette toasted with toppings. In the center of the square stands the distinctive Okrąglak (the round pavilion) with many windows where stalls prepare zapiekanki with different toppings. It’s a great, affordable snack for a walk or a late-night bite.
If you want to try the classic version, pick one of the well-regarded stalls — reviews vary and some places are better in the evening, others during the day. A good approach is to compare a few windows and choose one with a shorter or more energetic queue.
Plac Nowy also has cozy cafés and beer-garden-style outdoor spaces around it — a nice place for a longer stop, especially on warm days. The district is lively at night, but if you prefer fewer crowds visit in the earlier afternoon.
Kazimierz offers a wide choice of venues — from small cafés to notable Middle Eastern and contemporary restaurants. A few well-known names frequently recommended: Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine, Szeroka Street), Mleczarnia (a cozy café/bar with a courtyard), and many excellent cafés and restaurants near the Old Town perfect for breakfast or a late lunch.
When choosing where to eat, check ratings and recent reviews — popular places can be busy, so booking a table for dinner on weekends is a smart idea. To taste traditional dishes, order obwarzanek (a Krakow bagel), pierogi or other local specialties at recommended spots.
A small tip: Kazimierz also has high-quality vegan and vegetarian options — many restaurants offer fresh, seasonal menus.
The Okrąglak at Plac Nowy used to serve as a fish market — today it’s a symbol of Kazimierz’s food culture, mainly known for zapiekanki.
Many cafés and cellars in Kazimierz still carry the vibe of the 1990s and former workshops — places like Alchemia and other clubs have helped shape the neighborhood’s artistic atmosphere for years.
Less obvious: Kazimierz’s courtyards and hidden cafés are often filming locations for movies and TV shows — exploring side streets can reveal the most interesting corners.
Public transport: you can reach Kazimierz and Plac Nowy by tram and bus from the center. Always check current timetables as route numbers and schedules may change seasonally. Walking between the Market Square and Kazimierz usually takes about 15–20 minutes.
Booking a melex: for a full day it’s best to reserve in advance, especially in tourist season. Operators offer packages — short tours, combined routes or whole-day hires with stops. Ask about audio guide options, accessibility for people with reduced mobility and weather protections (covers, heating).
Opening hours of attractions: synagogues, museums and some galleries have varied opening times. If you plan to visit interiors (e.g., synagogues or Schindler’s Factory), check hours and consider buying tickets online to avoid long lines.
Assuming Plac Nowy is only for nightlife — beyond the evening scene the square is also great during the day, when queues at zapiekanka stalls are shorter and you can explore more peacefully.
Picking the first zapiekanka stall you see without checking reviews — compare a few windows or ask a local for a recommendation, because quality can vary.
Failing to reserve a melex for a full day in high season — groups and visitors with limited mobility should secure transport early to ensure a smooth plan.
Can you hire a melex for the whole day? Yes — many companies offer full-day hires with pick-up and drop-off and planned stops at key city points.
Will a melex go everywhere in Kazimierz? Melexes usually follow routes adapted to tourist traffic but they can’t enter very narrow streets. Always confirm route details with the operator.
Is it worth eating zapiekanki at Plac Nowy? Yes — it’s part of the local experience. For the best quality, choose well-rated windows and avoid peak crowd times unless you want the party atmosphere.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a great visit to Krakow.
If you’d like a more personalized tour of Krakow led by private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, visit the website of Zwiedzanie Krakowa for contact details — Małgorzata will prepare a route tailored to your interests and pace. Enjoy discovering Krakow and enjoy your zapiekanka at Plac Nowy!
