If you only have a short break in Krakow and wonder if it is possible to see Wawel and walk across the Father Bernatek footbridge in 2 hours — the answer is: yes, but keep your expectations realistic. A melex (electric tourist vehicle) is a great way to move comfortably and quickly between key points: the Old Town, Wawel Hill and Kazimierz with its characteristic footbridge. In this text I’ll advise how to plan a two-hour route, what’s worth seeing quickly, what needs more time and practical tips to keep the outing pleasant and stress-free.
Note: the plan below is based on typical melex tour offers and practical rules for visiting Wawel. If you want to enter the interiors of the Royal Castle or see all exhibitions and the cathedral crypt — allow an additional 2–3 hours or plan a separate visit.
A melex lets you move quickly between points without getting tired, offers guide commentary and makes it easy to visit several districts in a short time. Melex routes usually include the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz — the places you want to tick off when your time is limited.
For older visitors, families with small children or people with limited mobility, a melex is a convenient alternative to long walks. At the same time remember that a melex trip consists of short stops and is not a place for long, in-depth visits inside museums.
Melex prices vary by operator and route length — common options are 40, 80 and 120 minutes. The 120-minute option lets you visit the most and is the most sensible choice for seeing Wawel + the Father Bernatek footbridge + a short walk through Kazimierz.
0:00 - Pickup at the agreed place (hotel, Main Market Square or another arranged spot). Short welcome and route presentation by the guide.
0:05–0:25 - Drive through the Old Town: Main Market Square (short photo stop near the Cloth Hall / St. Marys Basilica), drive down Floriańska Street and a section of the Royal Route.
0:25–0:50 - Wawel Hill: the melex will stop near the Castle and Cathedral. 20–25 minutes for photos, a short walk around the courtyard and a possible quick visit inside the Cathedral (if tickets were bought in advance and queues are short). Full sightseeing of the Castle requires much more time.
0:50–1:05 - Drive or quick stop at the Vistula boulevards for views of the river and a panorama of Wawel from the riverside — a great photo spot.
1:05–1:35 - Drive to Kazimierz, cross the Father Bernatek footbridge - photo stop on the bridge or its approaches. Short stroll through Kazimierz streets: Szeroka, Plac Nowy (where you can try local snacks, e.g. zapiekanka), a section of Józefa Street.
1:35–2:00 - Finish the route at the agreed place: recommendations for nearby restaurants/cafes, practical info and farewell.
Exterior views of the Castle and Cathedral, the Wawel courtyard, architectural details and the Vistula panorama — all of these are realistic to see in a short time. An interior visit? Mostly only a quick entrance to the Cathedral (if the queue is short and you have a pre-purchased ticket), or possibly entering a single selected Castle exhibition with very efficient timing.
The Father Bernatek footbridge is a photo spot and a symbolic link between the Old Town and Kazimierz. A short walk across the bridge, photos and a few words about its history and significance make a nice complement to the route.
If you expect a lot of storytelling and anecdotes from the guide — the melex allows space for short, concise tales during drives between locations.
Wawel is a complex site: the Royal Castle and the Cathedral operate independently and have different admission rules. If you want to enter interiors (especially Castle exhibitions or the Cathedral crypt), buy tickets online in advance — this saves time and reduces the risk of standing in queues.
If you have only 2 hours, plan for at most one interior visit (usually the Cathedral). Visiting the main Castle exhibitions usually requires more time; for a full tour allow an additional 2–4 hours.
Check opening hours and closed days (holidays can affect access to some parts of Wawel). In season the best strategy is an early time slot or an afternoon outside peak hours.
Operators typically offer pickup from hotels, an arranged spot in the Old Town or designated meeting points. Arrange this when booking to avoid wasting time getting to the start.
It is often possible to finish the tour in a different place (for example in Kazimierz or on Grodzka Street) — ask when booking, especially if you plan to stay for a meal in a particular district.
If you plan to use a melex on days with heavy traffic (festivals, summer season), arrange a specific pickup time and have a plan B in case of delays.
Melexes are relatively low-impact vehicles and friendly for people with limited mobility — they can get closer to attractions than large buses. If you travel with a wheelchair or a stroller, confirm when booking whether the vehicle has appropriate facilities.
Always follow safety rules: sit steadily, do not get off in prohibited places, be careful when boarding and alighting on cobbles and curbs. The guide or driver will point out safe stopping places.
If you travel with children, remember that short stops and chances to stretch legs will be appreciated — for a 2-hour plan it’s good to include at least one short walk.
If you want to eat nearby after the tour, here are some recommended places (different styles, tradition and atmosphere):
- Restauracja Pod Wawelem – classic Polish dishes near Wawel; large portions and a characteristic atmosphere.
- Cafe Camelot (Kazimierz) – a cozy café ideal for coffee and cake after a walk in Kazimierz.
- Massolit Books & Cafe – for book lovers and a quiet coffee in the heart of Kazimierz.
- Plac Nowy – a street food area; if you fancy a local quick snack, it’s worth stopping here (e.g. zapiekanka).
When choosing a place for a meal, consider the time of day and whether you want a quick bite or a relaxed dinner — both are available around Wawel and Kazimierz.
- Ticket to Wawel or the Cathedral (if you plan to enter) — preferably in electronic form.
- Comfortable shoes — even short walks on cobbles require stable footwear.
- A light jacket or umbrella depending on the weather — Krakow can surprise during the day.
- Powerbank and a charged phone — for photos and possible payments.
- Cash and card — many places accept cards, but for small stalls or a zapiekanka it’s good to have some cash.
Will I enter the Castle and see everything in 2 hours? - No. Two hours are enough to see Wawel from the outside, the courtyard and a quick visit to the Cathedral, but not for full exploration of all Royal Castle exhibitions. Add extra hours for that.
Does the melex stop on the Father Bernatek footbridge? - Yes, many routes include the bridge as a photo stop and short walk; confirm this when booking.
Is there a minimum number of people to book a melex? - Some operators have minimum participant numbers or offer exclusive rides for a higher price. When booking, check the conditions and any extra costs for smaller groups.
Is a melex a good idea with small children? - Yes, it’s a convenient option, but remember to secure children and plan shorter stops for them.
How to avoid queues at Wawel? - Buy tickets online in advance, come outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) and have a clear plan of what to see first.
- Book a melex or confirm the pickup time.
- Check whether you want to enter the Cathedral or Castle and buy tickets in advance if so.
- Decide on start and end points for the tour (hotel, Main Market Square, Kazimierz).
- Pack essentials: phone, powerbank, comfortable shoes and a light coat/umbrella.
- Plan where to eat after the tour — Wawel and Kazimierz offer many pleasant cafes and restaurants for every budget.
If you want, I can help refine a specific 2-hour route tailored to your accommodation and preferences — tell me where you are starting from and whether you want to go inside Wawel.
