Krakow is a city where history, culture and modern attractions mix on a small area. In three days you can see the most important places, feel the atmosphere of Kazimierz and find time for reflection in museums — and if you lack time or energy for long walks, a quick melex ride through three districts (Old Town, Kazimierz, Podgórze) takes about 2 hours and shows the main landmarks. In this text you’ll find a concrete 3-day plan, practical tips about the Galicia Jewish Museum and information about melexes — how long they take, what to expect and how to plan your visit so you don’t waste time. Along the way I’ll add a few food recommendations and answers to frequently asked questions.
This article uses practical information about tickets for the Galicia Jewish Museum, the typical character of melex routes and general rules for planning days in Krakow — all given in simple, friendly language so you can use the plan straight away during your stay.
If you want, I can also personalize the route to your group’s pace, add accommodation suggestions or tailor the food plan — at the end you’ll find a short note about the option to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Day 1: Old Town — Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel. This day focuses on the most important monuments; walk on foot and choose 2–3 museums or interiors to visit so you don’t rush.
Day 2: Kazimierz — synagogues, atmospheric streets and exhibitions connected with Jewish history. Plan an afternoon stroll along the Vistula and time for a good coffee in a local café. It’s a good day to visit the Galicia Jewish Museum and move through the exhibition at a calm pace.
Day 3: Options: a) niche museums and half a day at a museum or another attraction (for example the Pinball Museum), b) a fast melex route — about 2 hours if you want to see three districts without too much walking. Keep this day for whatever caught your interest most during the previous days.
Start early at the Main Market Square: walk around the Cloth Hall and visit St. Mary’s Basilica. If you plan to go into museums around the Square, pick a maximum of 2–3 places so you don’t rush.
For Wawel, book tickets in advance if you plan to visit the state rooms or special exhibitions — simply touring the courtyards and entering the cathedral takes less time, but the popular options can sell out.
In the afternoon slow down: have a light lunch and stroll along the Planty or visit a small themed museum. In the evening I recommend booking a table at a trusted restaurant near the Market — a comfortable solution after a full day of walking.
Practical tip: the centre has cobblestones and steps — comfortable shoes are a must. Take a small backpack with water and an umbrella, Krakow’s weather can change quickly.
Kazimierz rewards a relaxed pace: synagogues, galleries and atmospheric streets are best enjoyed without hurrying. Choose a route that combines the main sites with breaks for coffee and local snacks.
The Galicia Jewish Museum is located in the heart of Kazimierz and tells the story of Jewish life in the southern Polish lands. A visit here is an important and reflective part of exploring the city — plan at least 60–90 minutes to go through the permanent exhibitions and any temporary displays at a calm pace. Tickets are available in a range that usually covers individual admissions and options connected with virtual events; it’s worth checking opening hours and the price list before you go.
If you want deeper historical context, consider combining the visit to the Galicia Museum with a short walk to nearby memorial sites, then a break in one of the well-rated cafés on Szeroka Street or at Plac Nowy.
If you’d like a break from walking, a melex (electric tourist vehicle) is a comfortable option: a standard route covering the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze usually lasts around 2 hours and lets you see the main points without too much effort. Melex operators often offer hotel pickup and audio guides in many languages, which help explain the history and context of the sites you pass.
For those who prefer their own pace, you can order a melex for shorter segments (30–60 minutes) or ask for a tailor‑made route. Prices depend on the operator, route length and the number of passengers — basic short routes for small groups have approximate rates, and a full two‑hour tour is often marketed as the “Three Districts” option.
In practice: if you want to see the city’s variety quickly, a 2-hour melex is a good solution; if you prefer to dive into historical detail, leave more time for walking and museums.
Melexes: typical routes include the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze; audio guides are often available in many languages; operators offer route lengths from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Booking a specific time is recommended in the high season.
Museum tickets: many Krakow museums require or strongly recommend advance reservation, especially for temporary exhibitions and for Wawel. Buying tickets online where possible saves time and stress. Ticket prices for the Galicia Jewish Museum generally include individual admission options and sometimes virtual-event packages; check opening hours before your visit.
Accessibility: not all historic buildings and small museum spaces in old tenement houses are easily accessible for people with limited mobility — check accessibility info on museum pages or ask when booking.
In Kazimierz and around the Market you’ll find a mix of reliable spots — from traditional Polish restaurants to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Choose places with good reviews and reserve a table in the evening, especially on weekends.
Some areas worth considering: cafés and restaurants around Plac Nowy and ul. Szeroka; eateries on or near the Main Market serving regional dishes; friendly coffee shops with good espresso ideal for a museum break.
Accommodation: if you want to save time choose a place in the centre or in Kazimierz — most attractions will then be within a short walk or a quick melex ride. Remember to book ahead in season; apartments and small hotels often offer better value than last‑minute options.
Surprising: many of Krakow’s smaller museums hide details in cellars and corridors that can be real gems — pay attention not only to exhibition rooms but also to architecture and small display elements.
Common mistakes: 1) an overly ambitious plan for a single day — better 2–3 sights than “everything”; 2) no advance reservations — especially for Wawel and popular exhibitions; 3) not adjusting the pace — plan coffee and rest breaks.
How to avoid them: plan realistically, buy tickets online where possible, take breaks and use a melex to complement walking routes rather than replace everything.
How much time do I need for Galicia? — To go through the exhibition at the Galicia Jewish Museum calmly, plan at least 60–90 minutes.
Is it worth taking a melex for a full 3 days? — A melex is a great option for 1 shorter trip (for example 2 hours) or as a complement on the second/third day; it won’t replace in‑depth museum visits.
Do I need to book tickets for Galicia? — In high season and for larger groups it’s worth buying tickets in advance; the museum offers different ticket options and special events, so check current hours and prices before visiting.
What about children? — Both melex rides and many central attractions are family‑friendly; plan shorter walking segments, more breaks and engaging activities (for example the Pinball Museum as an entertaining break).
If this plan was helpful, share the article with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help others plan a great stay in Krakow.
If you want a personalized tour — tailored to your group’s pace and interests (Jewish history, architecture, food) — consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and contact information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com; guiding options include short (2‑hour) and longer tours in Polish and English, with the possibility of tailoring the route. Have a great trip and see you in Krakow!
