Grodzka Street is one of Kraków’s oldest and most atmospheric arteries — the link between the Main Market Square and Wawel, part of the historic Royal Route. A ride by melex is a simple, fast and comfortable way to see the most important points of this route in a short time, hear interesting stories and save energy for museum interiors or longer meals. It’s an excellent option for families with children, older visitors, people who walk more slowly and for guests with limited time in the city. Melexes are electric vehicles — quiet and eco-friendly — often equipped with covers, sound systems with audio guides and hotel pickup, which makes planning a short weekend stay easier.
The route runs through the heart of the Old Town and showcases monuments that belong to Kraków’s many-centuries-long history: parts of the Cloth Hall and the Market Square, the characteristic townhouses along Grodzka (including medieval and Renaissance houses numbered along the street), Baroque and Romanesque churches and the panorama of Wawel at the foot of the castle. Along the way you’ll pass examples of sacred and secular architecture, representative palaces and interesting tenement houses that recall the street’s commercial and royal past. The melex ride also offers convenient access to Wawel — if you plan to enter the cathedral or the royal chambers, it’s worth arranging tickets and timing in advance.
Typical melex rides around the Old Town usually take 30–40 minutes; shorter stretches (for example the direct route from the Market Square to Wawel) take 20–40 minutes, while extended routes connecting the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze usually last 90 to 120 minutes. Prices are usually quoted per vehicle (not per person) and in practice have ranged in offers from roughly 200 to 400 PLN per vehicle depending on route length and hours. On weekends and in the tourist season it’s wise to book in advance — popular slots fill up quickly, especially late afternoon and evening. Check whether the offer includes hotel pickup, an audio guide and language options — that will help tailor the trip to your needs.
Day 1 — morning at the Market Square and a short melex ride: starting early from the Main Market Square you’ll face fewer crowds and get better light for photos. The melex will take you along Grodzka toward Wawel — with a short stop for photos and stories about the townhouses. In the afternoon visit Wawel (cathedral, armory, royal chambers) or plan a longer walk around the Planty. Leave the evening for dinner at one of the recommended restaurants by the Market or under Wawel.
Day 2 — extended route: choose a longer melex tour that connects the Old Town with Kazimierz or Podgórze. It’s a good way to see contrasting districts without using public transport. In the afternoon relax in a café, and in the evening enjoy Kraków’s bars and small concerts in Kazimierz.
To feel Kraków’s culinary atmosphere choose long-established and well-reviewed places. In the heart of the Market Square you’ll find historic restaurants offering traditional Polish cuisine and interiors that recall old feasts — for example Wierzynek, famous for its historic setting and classic dishes. Near Wawel there are hearty, family-friendly places such as Pod Wawelem known for large portions of Polish comfort food. For a relaxed coffee or cake try Café Camelot on ul. Św. Tomasza or the classic Café Noworolski in the Cloth Hall — both are favorites for their atmosphere and selection of sweets. If you’d like more options, I can add further names and a suggested menu or typical opening hours.
Melexes are friendly for people with reduced mobility — many vehicles offer easy entry and comfortable seating, but not all models are identical. If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty climbing, confirm with the operator when booking that they can provide a suitable vehicle and assistance. On colder days check whether the vehicle has covers or heating; in rain ask about hoods or the possibility of rescheduling. Bring a light jacket, comfortable shoes (even on a ride there may be short walks at stops), water and ID documents, especially if you plan to enter museums that require reservations.
Grodzka Street belonged to the Royal Route and was part of the medieval trade road leading to southern Europe. Its beginnings are recorded in documents from the 13th century, and the route has preserved its medieval layout despite a mid-19th-century fire that destroyed part of the buildings. Along the street you can find houses dating from the 13th–17th centuries and plots with unique names and stories of merchant families. One of the tenements on Grodzka was built around the 14th century — a good example of how much history here survived later reconstructions and fires.
Assuming the melex will take you everywhere — a melex is great for quickly seeing major points, but it won’t go into narrow pedestrian side alleys closed to traffic and it doesn’t replace walking through museum interiors. Plan which spots you want to see from the outside and which you’ll visit on foot.
Booking at the last minute — on weekends and in high season melexes can be booked out; reserve in advance and check whether the price is per vehicle or per person to avoid surprises.
Ignoring the weather — even short showers are unpleasant if the vehicle has no covers; check conditions and protective options with the operator.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes — especially on weekends and during the tourist season it’s a good idea to book ahead to ensure availability and your preferred audio guide language.
How many people fit in one melex? Most offers are for a single vehicle which usually seats several people — check the operator’s limit (commonly 4–7 people).
Is a melex suitable in the rain? Many companies offer covers or heating, but conditions vary — if the weather is bad confirm protections with the operator or consider moving the tour to another time.
Is it safe? Yes — melexes are slow-moving electric vehicles in the city center; still, take care when getting on and off and during short photo stops.
If you liked this route idea, share the article with friends or on social media — it’s a great way to help others plan a successful weekend in Kraków. If you prefer to explore with a personal guide, I recommend the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s page. If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized weekend plan (with exact times, restaurant names and help with reservations) — tell me your preferences (pace of sightseeing, budget, interests) and I’ll tailor an itinerary for you. Wishing you a great trip and wonderful discoveries on Grodzka — a street full of history and perfect for slowly savoring Kraków!
