Krakow comes alive in spring: the trees in the Planty and on the Błonia turn a vivid green, the Vistula gains pleasant riverfront promenades, and the townhouses and cobbled streets make a perfect backdrop for photos and short films. The weather is usually milder than in summer, and mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light — ideal for photography.
For Erasmus students and other university students it’s also a time when the city has a strong student pulse — cafés and squares buzz with life, events and university festivals happen, and the atmosphere encourages spontaneous shots and group challenges for TikTok.
Old Town and the Main Market Square - a must: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica tower, the cobbles and townhouses create a timeless background. Early morning or the golden hour are the best times if you want to avoid crowds.
Kanonicza Street and the paths around Wawel - historic townhouses, narrow passageways and views over the Vistula give elegant, cinematic frames. Wawel courtyard and the castle hill are great vantage points for panoramas.
Kazimierz - atmospheric corners, colorful murals and cozy cafés. Streets like Józefa, Szeroka and Meiselsa offer varied backdrops from rough textures to hip café scenes.
Plac Nowy - a place with a unique local vibe; market stalls and the iconic zapiekanki make great lifestyle and street‑food shots. In the evening the square fills with music and lights.
Vistula Boulevards and the Father Bernatek Footbridge - wide river views, picnic spots, low stone walls perfect for short choreographies and dance TikToks.
Błonia - a huge meadow ideal for group photos, picnics and drone shots (remember the rules). In spring the trees bloom and everything looks fresh.
Kościuszko Mound - a city panorama from above, excellent for sunsets and cityscape shots. A short run to the top and a quick video of reaching the summit looks authentically student‑style.
Zakrzówek - cliffs and turquoise water create a dramatic backdrop (observe closed zones and safety rules). A popular spot for nature photos close to the center.
Nowa Huta - raw PRL architecture, wide avenues and industrial motifs fit retro and urbex aesthetics.
Podgórze and colorful staircases - fragments with views of the Vistula and bridges, murals and intimate streets are an interesting alternative to the crowded Market Square.
Planty and green passages - the green belt around the Old Town, perfect for short walks, portraits and coffee‑in‑hand stories.
Grodzka Street and Piłsudski Bridge - classic perspective shots, great for walk‑through clips and group departures.
Start: Planty by the Barbican - a short session among greenery and then into the charming alleys of the Old Town.
Walk along Kanonicza to Wawel - a few shots with the castle in the background and by the Vistula.
Five‑minute walk to Kazimierz - Józefa and Szeroka streets, quick portraits by murals and café terraces.
Plac Nowy - street food, colour and local vibe; a perfect route finish with a zapiekanka and coffee.
This route is entirely on foot, free of charge and planned to give a variety of frames at a relaxed pace — ideal for your first day in the city.
Morning - Old Town and Collegium Maius: start early, take photos under historic gates and on the university courtyard; if you have friends studying at Jagiellonian University, ask for a quick interior shot.
Late morning - Wawel and the Vistula boulevards: stroll around Wawel, then walk to the river for ice cream or coffee with a view.
Lunch - Kazimierz / Plac Nowy: grab a zapiekanka on Plac Nowy or choose an inexpensive world‑food spot — these areas are student‑budget friendly and great for street‑food sessions.
Afternoon - Zakrzówek or Kościuszko Mound: depending on the group’s energy pick nature and water (Zakrzówek) or the panoramic view from the mound. Both places are excellent for longer videos and group shots.
Evening - return to Kazimierz: dinner, a café or a small bar — this is where you can shoot moody night footage with warm lights.
The plan includes breaks to rest, charge phones and short photo sessions every 30–60 minutes so even larger groups keep their pace.
Plac Nowy - the iconic zapiekanki stalls and quick snacks for groups. This is student classic and a great on‑the‑go cheap meal.
Cafés in Kazimierz and the Old Town - many spots offer cozy interiors and desserts, perfect for coffee‑in‑hand photos. For a relaxed sit‑down, look for cafés with sockets to charge devices — for example Massolit Books & Café in Kazimierz is a known spot combining coffee and books.
Food trucks and small street bars - often found on the boulevards and near the universities; a fast and affordable option for bigger groups.
Bar mleczny (milk bar) - traditional, very cheap Polish meals; a good choice when you want local food for little money.
If you plan a group dinner, consider booking ahead — even small places fill up quickly on weekends.
Light is key - schedule shots for morning (soft light, fewer people) or the hour before sunset (golden hour). Avoid harsh midday shadows.
Movement and dynamics - short videos with camera motion, transitions, simple choreography or outfit changes work well on TikTok. Record several takes and experiment with clip speeds.
Use natural frames and leading lines - doors, gates, cobbles and walls help focus attention on the main subject.
Drones - remember the rules. Over the historic center drones usually require permits and can be restricted. Check the latest regulations if you plan to fly.
Battery and storage - bring a powerbank, spare memory cards and free phone space; shooting video quickly uses resources.
Respect locals and privacy - don’t set up gear in private courtyards or block building entrances.
In memorial and sacred places keep quiet and respectful - don’t do large staged sessions inside churches without permission.
Don’t block sidewalks or entrances - Krakow has many narrow streets, so place tripods and setups with care.
Do not enter fenced areas or ignore prohibition signs. Popular spots like Zakrzówek have zones where access is limited for safety reasons.
Keep the area clean - cleaning up after a picnic shows students respect the public space and residents.
Q: When is the best time to come to avoid crowds? - The fewest people are early in the morning (approx. 6:00–9:00) and outside main weekend afternoon hours. If you want photos of an empty Market Square, dawn is the best moment.
Q: Are all places free? - Most suggested outdoor spots are free, but some attractions (museums, access to certain courtyards) may require tickets. Routes marked “no tickets” avoid paid interiors.
Q: Can I do a session with professional gear? - For large shoots it’s best to ask property owners or site managers. In public spaces keep the crew and equipment small so you don’t obstruct others.
Q: How to move between spots? - The center is very walkable. For longer distances use trams and buses — they’re cheap and often faster than taxis in rush hour.
Q: Where can we charge phones? - Many cafés and local restaurants have sockets, but it’s wise to carry a powerbank for the whole group.
Powerbank and cables - spare battery is essential.
Water and snacks - especially important on long routes or with a large group.
Comfortable shoes - Krakow is a walking city with cobbles and stairs.
Daily plan and offline map - group your favourite points and plan the best light times.
Respect for spaces and people - a beautiful photo is an art that shouldn’t disturb others.
If you are planning a trip for Erasmus students, a student integration or a photoshoot for a larger group, I can help create a route matched to your time, budget and aesthetic preferences — from short 2‑hour rounds to a full day with breaks for food and rest.
Write how much time you have, how many people and what styles you like (historic, industrial, green, food) and I’ll prepare a practical plan with photo spots, breaks and logistical tips.
