Did you know that the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica contains over 200 carved figures, took 12 years to complete and is still considered one of the most important works of Gothic sculpture in Europe? It’s a perfect starting point - seeing it in person is worth making the centerpiece of a three-hour melex tour of the Old Town.
A melex is a convenient, eco-friendly way to move through narrow streets and around the Market Square - it saves time and gets you to places that would take many more hours on foot. In this guide I suggest a practical, friendly route and tips so that three hours are enough to feel Krakow’s atmosphere and visit St. Mary’s Basilica.
Start: Main Market Square (meeting point) - 0:00–0:10 - short briefing and route setup.
St. Mary's Basilica - 0:10–1:00 - enter the interior, admire the Veit Stoss altarpiece, Wyspiański and Mehoffer polychromes, time for photos and a short rest.
Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - 1:00–1:20 - walk around the Cloth Hall, quick souvenir shopping, photos by the Town Hall Tower.
Floriańska Street, St. Florian's Gate, Barbican - 1:20–1:35 - drive by and short photo stop.
Route through the Planty toward Wawel - 1:35–2:00 - panorama and a story about the Royal Route.
Wawel (exterior and courtyard) - 2:00–2:30 - time for photos, optional entry to the royal chambers if time allows.
Drive to Kazimierz or short coffee/break stop - 2:30–2:55.
Return to the Market Square, wrap-up - 2:55–3:00.
The highlights are the Veit Stoss altarpiece, the Wyspiański and Mehoffer polychromes, the boat-shaped pulpit and the stained glass. At a good pace, allow 40–60 minutes for the interior. If you want to climb a tower for the bugle call and the view, add another 20–30 minutes.
Entry to the interior is available during set visiting hours - check opening times before your visit. Visiting usually requires buying a so-called 'donation ticket' (a small admission known locally as a 'brick' ticket) - part of the proceeds supports the upkeep of the church. Keep in mind the main entrance from the Market Square is primarily for worshippers; tourists are asked to use a designated entrance for visitors.
Opening hours and prices may change, but generally visits take place in daytime hours on weekdays and extended hours at weekends. Plan your visit outside Mass times and arrive earlier if you want tower tickets - places for the bugle call are limited.
Observe silence and respect for this place of worship. Dress appropriately - shoulders and knees should be covered. Photographing the interior is usually allowed without flash but professional equipment, tripods and selfie sticks may require permission.
A melex is an electric vehicle, typically seating 4–8 people depending on the model, ideal for short central routes. Advantages: quiet, eco-friendly, comfortable and time-saving. Limitations: it can’t always enter the narrowest alleys and won’t take you inside monuments - it stops near sights so you continue on foot.
Prices vary by company, season and route length - for this 3-hour plan it’s best to book in advance, especially in summer and on weekends. Make sure the price includes the driver/guide, waiting time and any parking or access fees. If you prefer a private guided experience tailored to your pace and interests, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Cafe Camelot (near the Market) - a cozy café, great for coffee and dessert after sightseeing. Wierzynek (Market Square) - a historic restaurant recommended for a special meal (book ahead). Szara (by the Market) - good Polish cuisine and friendly service, often highly rated.
In Kazimierz I recommend Starka (traditional Polish cuisine with a modern twist) and Massolit Books & Cafe (for book lovers and a quiet coffee). For quick local flavors you’ll find several stalls and small places at the Market serving pierogi and regional snacks. I recommend choosing well-rated places and reserving a table for evening meals.
Trying to enter the church through the main portal during Mass - solution: check Mass times and choose a tourist time. Not preparing for queues to the tower - solution: arrive earlier in the day or outside peak season. Expecting the melex to drop you 'right at the door' of every monument - solution: ask the driver for the nearest legal stop and allow time for a short walk. Buying tickets from random street sellers - solution: purchase donation tickets and tower tickets only at official visitor desks or box offices.
Another mistake: not booking in popular restaurants - solution: reserve a table if you plan to dine at a specific place. Also remember appropriate clothing for sacred interiors.
Is 3 hours enough to visit St. Mary's Basilica and take a short melex tour? Yes - with good organization you can see the Basilica interior, circle the Market and see the exterior of Wawel. If you want to climb the tower or enter the castle interiors, plan for more time.
Do I need to book a melex in advance? In high season it’s recommended - book at least a day ahead to ensure availability and the best start time.
Where do I buy a ticket for St. Mary's Basilica? Donation tickets are bought at the visitor desk on the Market Square. Tower tickets are separate and limited, so arrive early.
Can a melex enter the Market Square? Melex vehicles can usually drive around the Market and stop in designated spots, but access depends on traffic rules and time of day - the driver will advise on the best legal stopping point.
The bugle call from St. Mary's Tower cuts off mid-melody - this honors the legend of the trumpeter who was shot while warning the city of an attack. It’s worth waiting to hear it live.
The Veit Stoss altarpiece was taken during World War II but was recovered and restored after the war; its carved details are so fine that many figures have individual facial features.
Because melexes are so quiet, guided stories are often easier to hear than from a traditional tourist bus - a plus if you want to enjoy local anecdotes and history.
If you find this plan helpful - share it with friends or on social media to help others better plan a short visit to Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a private guide, I invite you to book a tailor-made tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details and offers are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private guide will adapt the route to your pace and interests. Have a great trip and enjoy discovering Krakow!
