Kraków has many photographic “icons,” but for team-building groups the most valuable locations are the less obvious ones — places with character that let you create original shots while giving everyone room to move and talk. Below you’ll find 7 recommended summer spots: each works well for group photos, offers different backdrops and gives you the chance for a short activity or chill-out after the session.
I wrote this guide with team-building groups in mind — short transfers between locations, good backdrops for group shots and participant safety are priorities. Sometimes it’s worth skipping the most popular sites and choosing one of the spots below — better light, fewer people and more freedom to experiment with photos. You bring the idea for the shot, and we’ll advise the logistics. (Note: please respect nature and memorial sites).
Zakrzówek is a natural, dramatic backdrop: turquoise water, limestone cliffs and wild corners give photos a real “wow” factor. For team-building groups it’s great for dynamic shots — sprints along stone edges, water-perspective shots taken from the shore, or calm portraits with nature in the background.
Best time: early morning or late afternoon on weekdays. At the summer peak it can get busy, so if privacy matters plan your session outside the busiest hours.
Important notes: do not enter fenced or signposted-restricted areas. Safety is key — wear comfortable, grippy shoes, avoid blocking paths for other visitors and be careful near rock edges.
Kopiec Krakusa is a less-crowded mound with a pretty panorama of the Vistula and the southern part of the city. For team-building groups it allows you to arrange the whole team against a simple city panorama, without the crowd you often find on more popular mounds.
Photo ideas: wide group shots with the city in the background, portraits by stone features, sunrise images with soft light. The mound is also great for short team activities like mini photography workshops or quick competitions for the best shot.
Logistics: the walk is short, so the spot works well for groups with mixed fitness. Choose morning hours to avoid heat and tourists.
The Botanical Garden is an oasis of green: greenhouse interiors and diverse plant compositions — ideal for lifestyle photos and natural portraits. In summer the garden offers vibrant colors, shady paths and places to rest between shots.
For team-building groups: small themed sessions (for example, a color-motif shoot), quick composition workshops, and after the session — relaxing on the grass. It’s nice to set up a picnic or a short team task in the shade of the trees.
Practical tips: visit in the morning or on weekdays to avoid school groups. Check rules for photographing inside greenhouses — commercial equipment is sometimes restricted.
Monastery courtyards and the paths of Las Wolski offer cool shade and peacefulness in summer. The monastery’s architecture provides classic, symmetrical backdrops and the forest gives natural green settings for action shots.
Why it’s worth it: this is a great alternative to busy squares — photos here feel intimate and elegant. For teams you can plan a short mindful moment (if the group wishes), a themed walk or a mini portrait session in the courtyard.
Practical advice: be respectful of dress codes in sacred areas and maintain quiet. Not all parts may be open at all times — check opening hours in advance.
Sections of the Vistula boulevards near the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art tend to be calmer than the city center. The mix of water, greenery and modern architecture creates interesting, minimalist backdrops for photos.
For team-building groups: ideal for motion shots — group walks, frames with bridges in the background, sessions using steps and river walls. After shooting you can plan a short river cruise or coffee in nearby cafés.
When to come: late afternoon and sunset give soft light and nice sky colors over the river. Avoid weekend afternoons if you want peace and quiet.
Zabłocie is former industrial terrain with a raw brick-and-metal aesthetic: courtyards, warehouse façades and modernized interiors. For teams it creates an “industrial chic” backdrop — perfect for edgy group photos.
What to do there: look for interesting details — old gates, graffiti, brick textures. It’s a good spot for styled team photos and short creative tasks like “make the best shot in 10 minutes.”
Important: not all interiors are publicly accessible, so respect local businesses and residents; take photos mainly in public spaces and courtyards where permitted.
A few dozen kilometers from Kraków, Ojców National Park offers rock formations, caves and forested valleys — a backdrop completely different from urban concrete. For teams it’s an option for a half-day trip with multiple photo points.
Why it’s great in summer: nature is in full bloom, trails are clear and light filtering through trees makes soft, moody images. It’s also a great alternative when the city is hot and crowded.
Logistics: plan transport and allow time for short walks. Some park areas attract large school groups — choose less popular trails and arrive early.
After a session it’s good to take the group to a cozy restaurant or café where you can review photos and relax. For team groups choose places that accept reservations and have strong reviews — especially in Kazimierz, near the Planty and on Zabłocie.
If you plan overnight stays for a small group: consider boutique hotels or apartments near the Planty and Kazimierz — they put you close to many photo points and make it easier to manage noise. For larger groups look into guesthouses or apartment blocks where several rooms can be booked together.
Practical tip: check current reviews and reservation policies before confirming for the group; summer dates fill up fast.
Plan short program blocks — 1–2 locations per half day give the most comfort and time for photos. Before you go, agree on a meeting point, estimated walking time between sites and a backup plan in case of rain.
Transport: for bigger groups consider hiring a minibus or booking public transport in advance. Check whether locations have restrictions for coaches or parking spaces.
Permissions and equipment: if you plan a professional shoot with large gear (tripods, lights, drones), check local rules and possible permit requirements. Drones in particular need careful attention to regulations and respect for memorials and privacy.
Checklist before you leave: water for participants, a first-aid kit, powerbanks, spare camera batteries, and model releases if you plan to publish photos on social media.
Trying to schedule too many locations in too short a time — this leads to rushing and snapshots. It’s better to choose 2–3 spots and do them well.
Not communicating with venues — failing to reserve tables after a session can prolong downtime. Book ahead, especially in summer.
Ignoring signs and rules — pay attention to no-entry zones, protected areas and memorial sites. Always respect the surroundings and other users of public space.
What’s the best time for photos in summer? The best light is early morning and late afternoon; to avoid crowds come outside weekends.
Do you need permits for group photos? Amateur photos in public spaces usually don’t require permission, but professional equipment and commercial shoots may. Always check the venue rules.
How large should the group be? For comfort and easy movement we recommend 10–25 people for an urban route; larger groups are better split into subgroups.
Instead of a static pose, ask participants for a short movement — a jump, a turn, a walk toward the camera. Motion brings naturalness and dynamism to photos.
Use details — shoes, hands holding coffee cups, fragments of architecture — such shots build a coherent visual story from the outing.
Run a mini photo challenge: each subgroup has 20 minutes to take three photos under given categories (e.g. “most creative background,” “best team shot,” “a detail that tells a story”).
If you liked this guide — share it with friends and on social media. That helps other organizers find places that really work for groups.
If you want fully professional planning and logistics — contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Services include photography-oriented route planning, reservations and short contextual talks during the walk.
Good luck planning your session — may the photos keep the memory of the places as well as the fun and team spirit!
