Only have one day in Krakow and wondering if it’s worth renting a melex to fit everything in? Yes - with a good plan and a few practical choices you can see the most important places and feel the city’s atmosphere without running around aimlessly. This text will walk you through how to do that step by step.
Throughout this article I write as someone who wants you to leave Krakow tired but happy. You will find a route, practical tips, ideas for breaks and an FAQ.
Note: this article does not promote specific outside guides - it is a plan and practical advice prepared for visitors to zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
The suggested plan starts in the morning and finishes in the evening so you can see the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate, walk (or ride by melex) the Royal Route through the Main Market Square to Wawel, and still have time for Kazimierz and a nice dinner. Example schedule: - 09:00 start at the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate (a short introduction about the fortifications); - 09:30 walk or melex ride along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square (Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, short coffee break); - 11:30 follow the Royal Route toward Wawel, sightseeing outside or enter the Cathedral/Castle (book tickets in advance if you plan to go inside); - 14:00 lunch near Wawel or in Kazimierz; - 15:30 Kazimierz: synagogues, Szeroka Street, atmospheric cafes and bars; - 18:00 free time for a walk along the Vistula or return to the Market Square; - 20:00 dinner and farewell to the city. This plan is flexible - a melex speeds up transfers between spots, giving you more time for attractions or rest.
If you want to see Wawel from the inside (with several exhibitions), plan 1.5 to up to 4 hours on the hill depending on how many interiors and displays you want to visit.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, pick priorities: for example Main Market Square + Wawel + Kazimierz without rushing, rather than trying to tick off everything.
A melex (electric tourist vehicle) is a comfortable solution when: - you have limited time; - you travel with people who have lower stamina; - you want to move faster between the Planty, Wawel and Kazimierz. A melex makes it easier to reach many points without tiring your legs, while still allowing stops at the most interesting places.
When to walk? If you value soaking up the city’s atmosphere, discovering hidden nooks, souvenir shops and stopping for coffee - strolling through the Old Town and Kazimierz is a fantastic choice. A melex won’t replace walking entirely, but it complements the day well by saving time on longer transfers.
Practical tip: if you rent a melex privately for your group, the cost spreads out and is often worth it - for smaller groups check whether tickets and walking transport might actually be cheaper per person.
The Barbican is one of Krakow’s iconic medieval fortifications - a distinctive circular structure that once protected St. Florian’s Gate. It’s a great place to begin the day - a short history right at the entrance to the Old Town will help you understand the city’s layout.
The Royal Route starts at St. Florian’s Gate, runs down Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square and continues along Grodzka Street to Wawel. It’s a route full of monuments - along the way you’ll see townhouses from different eras, churches and places tied to legends and history. With a melex you can travel this route, stopping wherever you want to take photos or hear a story.
Be prepared for crowds at peak times (especially in summer and on weekends) - if you want calmer photos, start early in the morning.
Wawel Hill is a must-see. If you only want to admire it from the outside and visit the Cathedral, allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to visit the Royal Castle exhibitions (royal chambers, armory, temporary exhibitions), add extra time - the visit can take several hours.
Tickets for the Cathedral and parts of the castle are sometimes limited - check availability and book online before your trip. This is especially important on weekends and during the high season. If your priority is going inside, adapt your route to reserve a longer block of time at Wawel.
Practical note: some attractions on Wawel have separate tickets and entry times. Plan ahead to avoid frustration and long lines.
Kazimierz is an excellent place for an afternoon break - you’ll find venues of many styles here: traditional Polish cuisine, Jewish specialties and modern bistros. A few friendly places worth considering: - Starka (a cozy Kazimierz restaurant with Polish dishes and a homely atmosphere); - Mleczarnia (a café in a quieter part of Kazimierz, good for a coffee break); - Szara (around the Market Square, good for something quick but tasty).
If you prefer something simpler on the go: try an obwarzanek from a street vendor, or a popular local zapiekanka from one of the well-known kiosks. Remember time - a long dinner in Kazimierz may leave less time for an evening walk around the Market Square.
I recommend booking if you plan dinner at a popular spot on weekends to avoid waiting.
Reservations and tickets: - check attraction websites (Wawel, museums) in advance; - if you want to go inside, buy tickets online to avoid queues. Melex and prices: - renting a melex shortens transfer time and is comfortable for people with limited mobility; - the price for exclusive melex hire depends on the operator and route length - for groups of about 6 to 10 people the total price is often much more cost-effective per person. Logistics: - I suggest starting the plan at the Barbican/Plac Matejki; - wear comfortable shoes even if you plan to use a melex - small bags for purchases, a water bottle and a light jacket/umbrella will be useful in changeable weather; - if you travel with a large group or coach, check parking and drop-off zones in advance.
Safety: Krakow is relatively safe for tourists, but as in any city keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places and use official tourist information points if you need help.
Extra tip: consider ending the day with a short visit to the Vistula riverside at sunset - it’s a beautiful way to finish the day.
Can you really see Krakow in one day? - Yes, you can see the most important places and feel the city’s atmosphere, but you can’t learn everything. Treat it as a tasting and a reason to come back.
Will a melex take me everywhere? - Melexes travel on permitted routes and are great for transfers between main points, but in the narrowest lanes and some pedestrian zones walking is better. Many places are best explored on foot.
When is the best time to start sightseeing? - The earlier the better. Morning hours are quieter, the light is nicer for photos, and you avoid the biggest crowds.
Do I need to book a melex in advance? - If you plan a specific start time or you are a larger group, booking is a good idea.
What if it rains? - Don’t cancel your plan: many attractions are indoors (museums, the cathedral, restaurants). A melex also reduces the longest rainy walks between points.
- Start the day at the Barbican - it’s a great place to get into the city’s mood. - Don’t try to tick off too many points; pick 3 to 4 priorities and give yourself time to enjoy the city. - Stop for coffee in a small cafe away from the Market Square - you’ll often find better atmosphere and prices. - If you want souvenirs, consider smaller shops outside the Market Square - prices are often more reasonable. - Remember time correlation: Wawel can take the most hours, so adjust your route if you want to go inside.
Wishing you a great day in Krakow - full of beautiful views, good food and moments to remember. If you like, I can now prepare a shortened printable plan or a ready-to-use list of navigation points.
Good luck and safe travels - see you in Krakow!
