Short stop in the city, on Erasmus, or just after a quick, showy walk with a camera? Great plan! Below you’ll find a friendly, well-tuned route you can walk in about two hours — no paid tickets, but with several truly Instagrammable shots. The route mixes the classics with less obvious spots and aims for maximum impact with minimal effort. If you prefer to start at Krakus Mound, I included a starting option — ideal for those who want a city panorama before the rest of the walk. We won’t go into paid interiors — we photograph from outside, on the embankments and streets. Pleasant and stress-free.
Further on you’ll find: - a clear step-by-step plan with approximate times, - practical photography and logistics tips, - a starting variant from Krakus Mound, - a checklist of things to bring. Everything written plainly so you can head out and have fun right away.
Remember: Kraków is full of pleasant surprises — leave a little room for improvisation and spontaneous shots. A smile and a bit of politeness usually get you the best frames.
If you want me to adapt the route to your preferences (for example more nature instead of crowds, a portrait session, or a route that begins at Krakus Mound) — write to me and I’ll be happy to help.
I use one dash style throughout the text: "-".
The plan is designed to make the most of two hours of walking in the centre and near Kazimierz. A walking pace with short photo sessions gives about 100–120 minutes total. Here’s a suggested loop:
- Start: Planty / St. Florian’s Gate - 0–5 minutes: a short opening shot among the green of the Planty, the classic backdrop at St. Florian’s Gate to kick off the session.
- Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - 20–30 minutes: symmetry of the Cloth Hall, colorful tenement facades and parts of St. Mary’s Basilica — try different camera heights and look for architectural details.
- Kanonicza Street - 10–15 minutes: a narrow, atmospheric street perfect for portraits and close-ups of historic details.
- Wawel (outside view) and the Vistula Boulevards - 15–20 minutes: castle panorama from the embankments and frames by the river — fantastic at sunset, and quieter in the morning.
- Vistula Boulevards - 20–25 minutes: walk along the riverbank, reflections in the water, piers and bridges as backgrounds.
- Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, Nowy Square and side alleys - 20–25 minutes: mural walls, courtyards, café fronts and the street vibe. Finish the route here — good coffee or a quick snack.
Krakus Mound is a great viewpoint — raw and less "touristy" than some other mounds. From its top you get a wide panorama of the city that looks fantastic at sunrise or sunset. For Erasmus students and other students it’s a quick way to grab the main postcard shot of the city without queues or fees.
If you start from Krakus Mound you can: - capture an east- or west-facing panorama, - get the feel of Podgórze to add contrast to photos from the city centre. Keep in mind that starting on the Mound shortens your time in the Old Town core or means you’ll need to speed up your pace — plan whether you prioritise the panorama or the streets of Kazimierz.
Getting from the Mound to the centre requires a short public-transport ride or a 20–40 minute walk depending on your pace. If you’re short on time, start in the centre; if the panorama is your priority, begin at the Mound.
It can be windy at the Mound — consider this when planning hair for photos and when setting up a tripod.
Practical note: paths on the Mound and its approaches can be slippery in colder or wet months — comfortable shoes are a must.
A few simple rules that will improve your frames without complicated gear:
- Time of day matters: morning (approx. 6:00–9:00) = calm and soft light; the golden hour before sunset = warm tones and dramatic skies; in the evening illuminated façades and neon signs make interesting shots. Pick what you like most.
- Settings and gear: a phone with HDR mode will do great. If you have a camera, use a wider aperture for portraits and a smaller aperture for city scenes if you want more depth of field. A powerbank is essential — stories and filters drain batteries fast.
- Composition: look for leading lines (streets, walls), natural frames (doors, arches, branches) and contrasts between nature and architecture. Change camera height — low angles emphasise the cobblestones, higher angles show the background.
- People in the frame: they add energy. Don’t be afraid to ask for permission for a short shot inside a café or to ask a passerby to cross your frame for movement. Politeness helps.
Kraków is friendly, but keep a few things in mind: - watch out for pickpockets in crowded places like the Main Market and bridges; - wear comfortable shoes — cobbles and stone steps can surprise you; - don’t block walkways or set up large gear in places that obstruct movement; - remember the rules for drones in the centre — special permits are usually required.
Special note about Zakrzówek and other natural spots in the city: some cliffs and banks don’t have railings. If you plan photos near water or on rocks, be careful and use official paths and viewpoints. Don’t risk a single shot.
Respect residents and privacy — always ask before photographing someone’s interior or private courtyard. A good frame and a bit of empathy go hand in hand.
Have a plan B for bad weather — a cosy café, a covered passage or coming back the next morning are easy solutions.
If you need quick help or tips on the spot — write to me; I’ll help tailor the route and times to your preferences.
The route is optimised to start in the centre (Planty / St. Florian’s Gate) because from there you can easily walk to most points. If you stay further away, use trams and buses — Kraków’s centre is well connected.
The end point is Kazimierz — from here it’s easy to catch a tram or bus to different parts of the city, and there are many budget food options and cafés. For Erasmus students this is a convenient finish: Kazimierz is lively in the evening and a frequent meeting place for students from different countries.
If you prefer to finish at Krakus Mound, plan the return by public transport or taxi — walking back takes more time. Always check current timetables and possible traffic changes when planning.
If you travel in a group, agree on a check-in point every 30 minutes — simple but calming.
Paid parking zones exist around the Market area — if you come by car, factor that in.
- phone/camera + powerbank, - comfortable shoes, light jacket (weather can change), - small bottle of water and a few coins for coffee or a snack, - maps app or saved offline points, - a note with preferred times (e.g. golden hour), - politeness toward residents — it often opens doors to better shots.
Additionally: if you plan a shoot with larger equipment, ask the venue owner for permission — many places are happy to collaborate.
If you want, I can prepare a short personalised list of spots as a map — just tell me your preferences (portraits, nature, small groups).
Budget tip: Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) is a good place for an inexpensive snack between shots.
One more thing — enjoy it! The best photos happen when you like the place you’re in.
- If you have more than 2 hours: add Zakrzówek or Kościuszko and Wanda Mounds — more space and nature.
- If you prefer an industrial vibe: visit Zabłocie and the area around the Oskar Schindler Factory — murals and post-industrial backgrounds work great for contrast.
- For a quieter version: a morning with coffee on the Planty and a relaxed pace along Kanonicza give atmospheric, less crowded shots.
If you want a route tailored for an Erasmus group, photography students or a portrait session in one of the locations — write to me and I’ll adapt times and places.
Enjoy the walk and great shots — see you in Kraków! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
PS. If you’d like this route as a printable PDF or a file with points you can import into your phone maps, tell me what format you prefer and I’ll prepare it.
I use one dash style "-" throughout the text, as requested.
