Where in Kraków will I get the most "postcard" shots? When should I come to avoid crowds? How do I use the light of a summer afternoon? This guide answers those and other questions — I point out specific locations, best times of day, framing ideas and practical tips so your summer photos from Kraków are successful and varied.
The article mixes well-known, tried-and-true locations with less obvious viewpoints so both first-time visitors and returning photographers can plan a walk that fits their preferences. All descriptions and tips are written plainly so you can use them straight away. I don’t just list "must-sees" without explaining — for each place I add a framing idea and the best time of day. You can put this into practice during your visit.
The Main Market Square is a must for photographers — a huge historic space, colorful townhouses, the Cloth Hall and the powerful silhouette of St. Mary’s Basilica create many classic compositions. The best times for photos are sunrise (the city wakes up without crowds) and the "blue hour" just after sunset, when city lights contrast with a deep sky.
Framing idea - a shot from the Town Hall Tower or through the Cloth Hall arcades with St. Mary’s in the background is classic but always effective. For a dynamic shot, capture the bugle call and people passing by, experimenting with long and short shutter speeds. Remember the morning mists and the soft side light early in the day that soften shadows on the façades.
Wawel Hill is another place that "makes" photos — the castle and cathedral above the Vistula offer many perspectives: from the hill itself, from the boulevards and from bridges. The river boulevards are excellent for shots with reflections, especially at sunset when Wawel’s facades take on warm tones.
Framing idea - a panorama from the boulevards between Dębnicki Bridge and the Bernatka Footbridge, with Wawel in the background and reflections in the Vistula. Also look for unusual low-angle shots using boats or passersby to give scale and dynamism.
Kazimierz is photographic gold for lovers of street photography and portraits. Cobblestone lanes, low townhouses, cafés and numerous murals provide huge framing possibilities. Szeroka Street and the area around the synagogues are full of details and atmosphere; don’t forget the courtyards, where fairy lights in summer evenings create intimate frames.
Framing idea - a portrait under courtyard lights or a wide shot with a mural or a café as background. When photographing people, respect residents and local businesses — life goes on here, so ask for permission for close-up shots.
Zakrzówek is one of the most "holiday-like" spots inside the city limits: turquoise water, white cliffs and green surroundings create a landscape that can feel almost exotic. In summer it’s highly photogenic — ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and outdoor sessions.
Framing idea - a top-of-cliff view showing the contrast between turquoise water and rocky shore, or a portrait with the water as background. Remember safety rules — not all sections of the shore are accessible or safe to descend.
Zabłocie offers raw, industrial backdrops: halls, tracks, murals and modern architecture. It’s a good choice if you want contrast to the Old Town aesthetic — here you can make photos with a more urban, edgy character.
Framing idea - a portrait in an industrial setting, architecture shots using lines and textures, or a night composition with lit halls and reflections. Check local murals and galleries — they often provide colorful backdrops.
Planty, the green ring around the Old Town, is a great space for calm frames: paths, benches, greenery and morning mists. Urban rooftop gardens and viewpoints are becoming more popular — perfect for city panoramas from unusual perspectives.
Framing idea - details such as a gate, bench or lamp in Planty combined with soft light, or a rooftop panorama that captures Wawel and the Old Town roofs in a single frame.
The golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) gives warm tones and soft shadows — ideal for architecture and portraits. Early morning is also the best time to photograph busy places like the Market Square. The blue hour after sunset is perfect for city illumination shots and long exposures.
On cloudy days focus on details and textures — façades, murals and courtyards benefit from even, soft light. Harsh midday sun can be challenging — seek shade, arcades or narrow streets to work with softer light.
Urban portrait - use Kazimierz or Zabłocie as a backdrop; work with a wide aperture to separate the model from the background. Wawel panorama - stitch several vertical frames or use a wide lens with low ISO for sharp detail. Reflections in the Vistula - find a calm stretch of the boulevard at dusk. Night shots of the Market and illuminated buildings - use a tripod, long exposure and a small aperture.
A versatile kit for a summer photo walk: a camera with a standard zoom (for example 24–70 mm) and a fast prime (50 mm f/1.8) for portraits; a lightweight tripod for night shots; spare batteries and a memory card. A phone with a good sensor is also enough for many shots, especially in good light.
Settings - for city panoramas use low ISO (100–200) and aperture f/8–f/11; for portraits use f/1.8–f/2.8; for night photos use a tripod and exposure times of several seconds or longer. Pay attention to white balance — in summer the light temperature can vary between sun and shade.
Respect residents and local businesses — especially in Kazimierz and on narrow streets. For commercial shoots or when using professional equipment (tripods, lights) check if you need permission from the place owner or building administration. Avoid leaving belongings unattended and be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.
If you plan to fly a drone, check current regulations for urban flights and no-fly zones — flights over the historic centre are usually restricted. Personal and equipment safety is essential, particularly when photographing at night and in less frequented areas.
Short walk (2–3 hours) - the classics: Main Market Square (morning), walk through Planty, panorama from the Vistula boulevards. Ideal when you have limited time and want to capture the key shots.
Half-day route (4–5 hours) - a mix of old and new: Wawel, the Vistula boulevards, walk to Kazimierz (portraits and streets), afternoon in Zabłocie for industrial shots. Finish at sunset by the river.
Full-day route (6–10 hours) - the full set: sunrise in Planty or from a tower, Market and Cloth Hall, Wawel, lunch in Kazimierz, afternoon at Zakrzówek, evening return along the boulevards and night photos of the Market. This route gives varied frames and lets you use the best times of day.
Spare batteries and a memory card. A lightweight (folding) tripod for night shots. A polarizing filter for water and sky. A small towel and extra water, especially in summer. A powerbank for your phone and for charging lights or a gimbal. Documents and some cash for tickets and local transport.
Kraków in summer offers huge photographic opportunities: from the recognizable panoramas of Wawel and the Market, through atmospheric Kazimierz frames, to contrasting shots of Zakrzówek and Zabłocie. The best photos come when you combine good preparation (gear, timing) with a willingness to experiment and patience - sometimes it’s worth waiting a few minutes for the perfect light or for an interesting person to enter your frame.
Go out with a specific assignment (for example 10 frames: one detail, one wide, two portraits, three night shots) and you’ll return with a thoughtful and cohesive collection. Good luck and enjoy photographing Kraków in summer!
Food and coffee - a few reliable local places to try: Restauracja Starka in Kazimierz for traditional Polish dishes and flavored vodkas, and Café Camelot on Św. Tomasza for a cozy coffee break and homemade cakes. If you look for more options around Plac Nowy and Szeroka Street you’ll find many cafés, bistros and bars that are both atmospheric and photo-friendly.
Safety at Zakrzówek - treat the cliffs and shoreline with caution. Some sections are restricted or not safe to descend, so use marked paths and viewpoints. If you plan an extended shoot, bring water, sun protection and a small first-aid kit.
Quick FAQ - Is photography allowed inside churches? Generally yes for personal use, but avoid flash or tripods during services and check rules at individual sites. Do I need permits for a professional shoot? For commercial shoots with large equipment or where you block public space, ask the property owner or local administration for permission. Where to charge batteries? Many cafés and some cultural venues offer plugs, but carry a powerbank to be safe.
