If you only have a short time in Krakow, a melex is a great option: the electric vehicle lets you move efficiently between the main sights without tiring walking, while still letting you soak up the neighborhood’s atmosphere. A typical melex route covers a part of the Old Town, Kazimierz and a bit of Podgórze — and fits into about 1.5–2 hours.
Melexes are quiet, eco‑friendly and often equipped with audio guides. Many have roll‑down transparent rain curtains and blankets for cooler days — so they work in nearly any season.
For people with limited mobility or those traveling with small children, a short melex tour offers comfort and time savings, while still allowing you to see the “essence” of Kazimierz and the key viewpoints of Krakow.
Start: pickup from an agreed place in the center (hotel, Market Square, near Wawel). Melexes usually come to the customer and can often drop you off at a different arranged location at the end — very convenient when time is limited.
Stage I — Old Town (around 10–15 min driving with short photo stops): drive along representative streets near St. Florian’s Gate and the Main Market Square — a short stop to view St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall from the outside.
Stage II — Wawel (around 10–15 min): admire Wawel Hill, the cathedral and the panorama from the outside. On a short tour we usually don’t go into interiors, but it’s worth stopping for photos.
Stage III — Kazimierz: Wolnica Square and Kazimierz market (around 20–30 min): begin in the historic heart of the district — Wolnica Square, the old town hall and winding streets. This is often the first longer stop and allows a short walk.
Stage IV — Synagogues and the Remuh Cemetery (around 15–20 min): drive and stop at the main places of Jewish heritage: Szeroka Street, synagogues (including Remuh) and the Remuh cemetery — places worth careful attention.
Stage V — Plac Nowy and local flavors (around 20–30 min): Plac Nowy is the heart of local life: cafes, bars, the market and the famous zapiekanki. This is a good moment for a short break and a snack.
Stage VI — Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory (around 15–20 min): cross the Vistula to Podgórze, stop for views at the former ghetto walls and the exterior areas of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. If time allows, a last short stop at Krakus Mound or a viewpoint.
Finish: return to the location agreed with the operator — often a restaurant, hotel or another meeting point.
Old Town (outside) — 10–15 min
Wawel (view from outside) — 10–15 min
Wolnica Square, Kazimierz market — 15–20 min
Synagogues / Remuh cemetery — 15–20 min
Plac Nowy — 15–25 min (here you can eat a zapiekanka or have a coffee)
Podgórze, Schindler’s Factory (outside) — 10–15 min
Note: times are approximate and depend on traffic, time of day and the number of short photo stops.
Plac Nowy — a must for a short walk: the market, local cafes and especially the famous zapiekanki stalls. It’s a place with strong local character and a great spot for a quick break.
Szeroka Street and the synagogue area — here you’ll feel the history of Jewish Kazimierz: historic synagogues and charming narrow courtyards.
Remuh and the Remuh cemetery — a quiet and important place of remembrance. It’s worth spending a moment inside to see the tombstones and the historic atmosphere.
If you feel like a short walk after the melex, cross Dębnicki Bridge to find a viewpoint of Wawel — the panorama is especially beautiful at sunset.
Zapiekanki at Plac Nowy — Krakow classic. Quick, local and filling if you want to try something typical.
Ariel (Szeroka Street) — a traditional, atmospheric restaurant in the heart of Kazimierz with a menu inspired by Jewish and Polish cuisine; a good choice if you decide on a longer stop for lunch.
Hamsa (Szeroka Street) — Mediterranean‑Israeli cuisine, popular with Kazimierz visitors — recommended for a tasty, lighter meal.
Cafes and small bistros around Plac Nowy and ul. Józefa — ideal for coffee, dessert or a quick breakfast. If you want a classic, intimate cafe, look for places in Kazimierz’s historic tenement houses.
Note: in season (spring–autumn) the best spots are often busy — if you plan a longer stop at a restaurant, consider booking a table in advance.
Booking: in the tourist season (May–September, weekends, holidays) reserve a melex in advance — the best times are morning (fewer crowds) or late afternoon (nice light for photos).
Cost: roughly prices start from a few dozen zloty per person, while exclusive rental for a small group can be a few hundred zloty depending on route length and group size. Always confirm the exact quote with the operator.
Capacity: standard melexes usually seat about 4 people; there are larger versions for 6–8 people — give the exact number of participants when booking.
Weather: most melexes have transparent rain curtains and blankets. If it’s raining or windy, ask the operator for extra protection.
Luggage: because of limited space in a melex avoid bringing large suitcases on this short ride.
Audio and commentary: many melexes offer audio guides or short live commentary — if you care about history, ask when booking about the language and format of the tour.
For visitors with limited time in Krakow who want to see Kazimierz’s main sights without intensive walking.
For families with small children — a short, comfortable tour with the possibility of stopping for breaks.
For people who prefer convenience and a quick orientation of the district before exploring it on foot.
Respect places of remembrance: by the synagogues and the Remuh cemetery keep quiet and maintain respectful behavior. These are places of strong religious and historical significance.
Don’t block walkways: when taking photos or entering cafes be careful not to obstruct residents or other visitors.
Photography: take photos with consideration — it’s not always appropriate to enter private courtyards or photograph residents without permission.
Will I see everything important in Kazimierz in 2 hours? - In 120 minutes you’ll see the key points and get a feel for the district. To visit museums or sit down for a full meal you’ll need more time.
Does the melex go by Wawel and through the Market Square? - Yes, routes commonly include representative parts of the Old Town and a view of Wawel. Interior visits (for example entering the castle) are not part of a standard 2‑hour route.
Can I hop off and return to the melex later? - That depends on the operator; many companies allow short stops and re‑boarding, but confirm when you book.
Are melexes safe in the rain? - Yes — most have rain curtains. Blankets are available on cooler days.
How do I order a melex? - Contact a local operator, give the number of people, preferred time and start/end locations. In high season book in advance.
If you want great photos — choose morning or the “golden hour” before sunset. Crowds will be smaller and colors more beautiful.
If you’d like to learn more about Kazimierz’s history, consider combining the 2‑hour melex ride with a later short walking tour once you know the area better.
Ask the driver/guide for local food tips — they often know the best, less touristy places to eat with great atmosphere.
Enjoy the moment — Kazimierz is a neighborhood best felt slowly, but even a short, well‑planned tour can leave many pleasant memories.
