A melex is an electric, quiet vehicle that moves through the city centre and combines the benefits of a tour with comfort — especially useful if you have a short stay or you're travelling with people for whom long walks are difficult.
At weekends Kraków buzzes with life: the Main Market Square, Kazimierz and the Vistula boulevards are full of people, events and stalls. A melex lets you glide between key spots without pushing through crowds and quickly travel between districts — ideal when time is limited.
For those interested in academic culture, a stop at Collegium Maius (the Jagiellonian University Museum) is a great way to combine a panorama of the Old Town with a visit to one of Poland’s most beautiful Gothic buildings.
Popular short melex routes include the Old Town — the Royal Route, Wawel and a stretch of Kazimierz. The route usually passes the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate, through the Main Market Square with St. Mary’s Basilica, then along Grodzka Street to Wawel, and afterwards through the Planty and near Collegium Maius.
If you want to get off and visit Collegium Maius inside, plan an extra 45–90 minutes for the museum — the cloisters, rooms, valuable exhibits and the stories about the Jagiellonian University leave an impression.
Operators often offer 30–40 minute options (quick overview), 60–90 minute runs (basic tour) and 120-minute itineraries (extensive routes connecting the Old Town with Kazimierz and Podgórze).
Morning: start at the Main Market Square — a short walk around the Cloth Hall and admire Wit Stwosz’s altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica (if you want to go inside, expect queues).
Late morning: hop on a melex that takes you along the Royal Route to Wawel — view the hill from the outside and take a short walk around the courtyard. Ask for a stop at Collegium Maius and spend 45–90 minutes exploring the museum and cloisters.
Afternoon: ride the melex to Kazimierz — here it’s worth getting off to have lunch. Try local bites and quick stops: a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy, coffee at Massolit Books & Café or a cake at Mleczarnia. In the evening enjoy a short walk along the Vistula or return to the Market Square for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Day 1 — Old Town and the University: in the morning visit the Main Market Square, climb the Town Hall Tower or enter St. Mary’s Basilica, then walk the Royal Route to Wawel. In the afternoon devote time to the university precinct — Collegium Maius, Collegium Novum and the Planty. Dinner nearby — for a classic atmosphere try Szara or Wierzynek.
Day 2 — Kazimierz and Podgórze: in the morning stroll through Kazimierz — synagogues, cosy cafés and atmospheric streets. In the afternoon take a melex or tram to the river and visit the Schindler’s Factory in Podgórze — an important historical site worth seeing.
On both days you can use the melex as comfortable transport linking different parts of the route, saving energy and time for museum interiors and other visits.
Collegium Maius is the oldest preserved building of the Jagiellonian University — its cloisters, halls and museum collections tell the centuries-long story of the university. Focus on the cloisters, the collection of scientific instruments and exhibits that show academic life across the ages.
Check current opening hours and visiting rules before you go — in the tourist season there may be limits on visitor numbers and timed tickets. If you plan a group or a weekend visit, consider booking tickets in advance.
Remember to respect the museum space and keep quiet in some rooms — it’s not only an attraction but also a place of memory and learning.
Booking — operators offer various time options and routes; if you want to stop at Collegium Maius or enter other interiors, tell them when you book so the guide can plan the stop.
Accessibility and comfort — melexes are gentle for people with limited mobility and older visitors. Narrow cobbled streets and steep sections appear in the centre, so ask the operator about boarding and alighting points close to the places you want to visit.
Weather — electric vehicles sometimes have rain covers, but on chilly days bring an extra layer. On summer weekends plan early departures to avoid the largest crowds.
Travel time — short rounds last 30–40 minutes, standard 60–90 minutes, and extended routes up to 120 minutes. Choose the option that matches your plans for museum visits and meal breaks.
Near Collegium Maius and around the Old Town you’ll find many spots for coffee or a light meal. Recommended cafés and light-bite places: Massolit Books & Café — great for book lovers and coffee; Cafe Camelot — a cosy café close to the square; Mleczarnia in Kazimierz — ideal for dessert and coffee.
For lunch choose classic restaurants by the Market Square: Szara or Wierzynek (if you’re after a traditional, more formal atmosphere). For a quick local bite try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.
If you prefer something less touristy, explore one of Kazimierz’s side streets — you’ll find small bistros and pubs serving local and international dishes at reasonable prices.
Melex prices depend on the operator and route length; expect rates charged either per person for short rides or as a vehicle hire for a set time. Always ask about extra fees for stops and guided commentary.
Card or cash — many operators accept card payments, but when booking by phone it’s good to have your card details ready or agree on payment method in advance.
Safety — melexes travel at low speed and routes go along designated streets; still be careful when boarding and alighting, especially on cobbles and curbs.
Will a melex reach everywhere in the centre? - Melexes operate on routes accessible to electric vehicles and can get close to most attractions within the Old Town and Kazimierz. In very narrow or pedestrian-only zones the vehicle may not enter — in that case the guide will suggest a convenient drop-off point.
Can I get off at Collegium Maius and buy a ticket on site? - Yes, tickets are usually available at the museum ticket office, but in summer it’s better to book ahead or come outside peak hours because queues may form.
How long does a visit to Collegium Maius take? - A standard visit typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend reading labels and viewing exhibits.
Is a melex expensive? - It depends on the option: short rides are cheaper, while hiring a melex exclusively or taking longer routes costs more. For groups it often makes sense to hire the vehicle for a set time.
Is a melex a good option with children? - Yes, it’s a comfortable and enjoyable way to get around with children — short stretches are fun for them, and guides can tell legends and interesting stories during the ride.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly — a rain cover isn’t always comfortable for long visits.
Book museum tickets if you plan to enter Collegium Maius or Wawel interiors at the weekend — it will save time.
Bring comfortable shoes — even with a melex, short walks are necessary.
Carry a small amount of cash for stalls, zapiekanki and small purchases, though cards are widely accepted.
If you care about specific stops — inform the operator when you book.
See Kraków from different perspectives — a melex gives comfort and pace, but don’t skip short walks, because they’re when you discover hidden corners and charming cafés.
Collegium Maius is worth visiting even if you’re not a history-of-science enthusiast — its architecture and atmospheric cloisters make a strong impression and let you feel the old university atmosphere.
If you’re coming at the weekend start earlier than most tourists — a morning coffee by the Planty and first photos on a nearly empty Market Square make memorable moments.
Enjoy your visit! If you like, I can help plan a route tailored to your interests — Kraków’s stories about kings, students, art and food are ready to surprise you.
