A melex is a fast way to see Kraków’s main sights in a short time without tiring walking. During a comfortable two-hour ride you can view Wawel Castle from the outside, travel the Royal Route, stop at the Main Market Square, pass through Kazimierz and glance at Podgórze. It’s a great option for people with limited mobility, families with children and travellers who want to make the most of a short stay. Many melexes are equipped with heating and transparent curtains, and several companies offer a guide or audio recordings in multiple languages, which makes learning the city’s history easier.
If you only have two hours, consider a mixed plan: cover part of the route by melex and reserve part for a short, focused walk around the Market Square and its immediate surroundings. This balances the convenience of transport with the chance to feel the city’s atmosphere on foot.
0–10 minutes: meeting point and brief presentation of the route. Typical starting places are near the Planty, St. Florian’s Gate or the Main Market Square, so you’re immediately in the heart of the Old Town. 10–30 minutes: drive past Wawel with a short photo stop — from the outside you’ll see the castle, cathedral and the Vistula river boulevards. 30–60 minutes: travel the Royal Route along Floriańska and Grodzka Streets, overview of the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Jan Matejko House and St. Mary’s Basilica, with the option of a short stop at the Market Square. 60–90 minutes: a longer stop at the Main Market Square (20–30 minutes) — walk around the Cloth Hall, take photos, a quick visit to St. Mary’s Basilica or Rynek Underground, visit the Town Hall and the surrounding alleys. 90–120 minutes: drive through Kazimierz and Podgórze, a short historical introduction and return to the meeting point. This schedule can be adjusted depending on interests — if you prefer more time on the Market Square, shorten the stop in Kazimierz.
In practice, a well-planned two-hour melex tour mixes short drives and focused walks at key points so you don’t waste time on transfers or long walks.
The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków — the largest medieval market square in Europe, covering roughly 40,000 m². The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) in the center draws attention; once a cloth market, today it’s full of stalls with handicrafts and jewellery. St. Mary’s Basilica is famous for the altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) and for the hourly trumpet signal — the hejnal — played from its tower. The Town Hall Tower offers a panorama of the Old Town. Under the square, a museum reveals remains of medieval streets and workshops, helping you understand how life here looked centuries ago.
Pay attention to small details: richly decorated townhouses, plaques commemorating historical figures, street musicians and artists who create a unique atmosphere. If you have time, explore the side streets — they often hide cosy cafés and craft workshops that are a pleasant escape from the main crowds.
The best place for a longer stop is the Main Market Square or the area around the Cloth Hall, from where you can easily reach small attractions: enter St. Mary’s Basilica, quickly explore the Cloth Hall, visit Rynek Underground or climb the Town Hall Tower. If you want photos of Wawel, ask for a short stop at the Vistula boulevards and admire the castle from a distance — Wawel is worth spending several minutes on.
For short walks stick to 1–2 attractions so you don’t fragment your time. Buy museum tickets in advance if you plan to enter Rynek Underground, because queues can delay the schedule.
On and around the Market Square you’ll find a wide range of places, from historic restaurants to cosy cafés. For a traditional, elegant experience, Restauracja Wierzynek offers dining with history in the background. For a relaxed coffee break try Café Camelot or Charlotte, where you can quickly recharge with coffee and a pastry. For a fast, reasonably priced meal look to small bars and eateries on Szewska and Grodzka Streets.
Remember that restaurants directly on the Market Square can be more expensive; if you want local food at better prices, walk a couple of steps into the side streets. Reserving a table during the high season is a good idea.
Beneath the Market Square lie layers of the city from past centuries — archaeological work has revealed fragments of medieval streets, workshops and pottery, now visible in the underground museum. Melex vehicles, although modest in appearance, often cover many kilometres during a workday and are adapted to different weather conditions thanks to curtains and heating. The hejnal from St. Mary’s, traditionally ‘broken off’ mid-melody, commemorates a trumpeter who, according to legend, was shot while sounding the alarm — today it’s one of Kraków’s most recognisable tunes.
Not everyone knows that the Market Square has hosted many historical events and its current layout is largely similar to the plan from the 13th century. That’s why every stroll there is a meeting with history.
Expecting the melex to stop everywhere — many historic sites have restrictions on vehicle access and you should expect some stops to be photo-only from the outside. Before the tour, agree with the guide or operator where you can get off. Buying souvenirs only at the first stalls by the Cloth Hall — prices there can be higher; look for handicrafts in side shops or in Kazimierz. Not booking in advance during the season — the best time slots and short routes fill up quickly, so booking helps avoid disappointment. Leaving valuables in plain sight — crowds and busy areas are attractive to pickpockets; keep documents and your wallet close.
Also, when planning a short route don’t try to see ‘everything at once’ — it’s better to fully enjoy a few key places than to rush through the whole city without satisfaction.
How much does a melex tour cost? Prices vary by operator, route length and number of passengers; short shared rides typically start at lower rates for small groups, while private hires and longer routes cost more. It’s best to check current prices with the operator before your trip. Is a melex accessible for people with reduced mobility? Yes, many companies provide vehicles adapted for people with mobility difficulties and offer comfortable boarding and seating. What is the best time to visit the Market Square? Early morning before the crowds or late afternoon when the light is gentler for photos are most pleasant; the square has a special atmosphere in the evening, though some attractions and venues may be closed. Is it worth buying a ticket to Rynek Underground? If you’re interested in the city’s history and want to see archaeological finds under the square, it’s definitely worthwhile—especially on a short visit, it adds significant insight.
Where are the toilets and how to use them? There are several public restrooms near the Square and restrooms inside larger cafés and restaurants; have some small change or a card ready, since a small fee may apply in some places.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan a short but valuable visit to Kraków. If you’d like a more personalised tour with local care, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the local tour page. We wish you great views, lovely photos and the true taste of Kraków!
