When you stroll across the Main Market Square you usually feel only the pulse of the modern city — stalls, bells and chatter. Yet beneath the pavement lie remnants of medieval houses, streets and artisan workshops. A visit to the Market Square Underground Museum is a great way to combine a classic walk with stories about old Kraków and to see places no longer visible from the surface.
For couples planning a wedding photoshoot with friends, a guided visit can be not only a source of interesting backgrounds but also an opportunity to learn the context — history, architectural details and anecdotes that can enrich photos with narrative.
A guide knows the best nooks, portals and perspectives that look great in photos. That way the shoot gains original backdrops and the photographer doesn’t waste time searching for locations.
Guided walks help with logistics — the guide can advise when a location is likely to be quiet, which places require permission for photography and which streets have the best light.
For a group of friends a guide can run short improvised scenes, suggest shot ideas and introduce natural dynamics so the photos feel less posed and more authentic.
The Market Square Underground Museum displays fragments of medieval Kraków — house foundations, street sections and everyday objects. It’s a place where history becomes almost tangible.
A visit is a great way to diversify a photo day: the museum interiors and exhibits can serve as backgrounds for a few intimate shots or as an interlude between surface locations.
Remember that some museum areas have restrictions on tripods, flash or large equipment — it’s best to check in advance (or discuss this with the guide).
Kazimierz — artistic alleys, atmospheric cafés and Plac Nowy with its distinctive layout. Great for relaxed urban shots and scenes in cafés or by historic gates.
Kanonicza Street and the Wawel area — intimate, medieval surroundings and the impressive silhouette of the castle. Evening light over the Vistula gives pleasant, soft tones.
Planty and its side paths — green surroundings right next to the Old Town offer options for both formal and spontaneous photos.
Błonia and the Krakus or Kościuszko mounds — wide open spaces, city panoramas and natural surroundings. Ideal for group photos and long-distance shots.
Zakrzówek Reservoir — turquoise water and rocky cliffs create an unusual, almost exotic outdoor feel (remember safety and local rules when visiting).
UJ Botanical Garden — greenhouses, paths and exotic plants work well for fairytale or natural-style shoots.
Father Bernatek Footbridge and the Vistula boulevards — modern perspectives, views of Wawel and spontaneous shots with city elements in the background.
Tyniec — the Benedictine abbey and a tranquil riverside atmosphere; a good choice for more reflective images.
Zabłocie and its murals — industrial, colorful walls and loft interiors for couples seeking unexpected, urban frames.
Morning (sunrise) — if you want empty streets and soft light, start at the Main Market Square or Kanonicza. This is when traffic is lowest and the photographer can take key shots without rushing.
Late morning — a relaxed walk through Kazimierz with a break at a cosy café; here you’ll get candid, reportage-style photos with friends.
Afternoon — lunch or coffee break, possible indoor sessions in a museum (e.g. the Market Square Underground) to contrast with outdoor settings.
Sunset (golden hour) — a session by the Vistula, on the Krakus Mound or at Zakrzówek. This is the time for the most atmospheric, soft images.
Evening — atmospheric shots in a restaurant or on the lit streets of Kazimierz; a perfect end to the day and natural images over a glass of wine.
For most outdoor locations in Kraków you don’t need special permission for amateur photography. If your session is commercial (paid service, advertising) or you plan to use large set-ups (big tripod, structures, drone), check requirements and possible fees.
Historic interiors and museums usually have restrictions on flash and tripods. It’s always worth consulting museum staff beforehand or asking the guide, who can help with these details.
Safety first: be careful at Zakrzówek and other cliffs; on the street pay attention to traffic and other passers-by. Drones require special caution and compliance with aviation rules.
Café Camelot (Świętego Tomasza Street) — a cosy interior perfect for a coffee break and a small retro-style mini-session.
Forum Przestrzenie — by the river, with open space and a modern backdrop; good for larger groups and post-shoot relaxation.
Bunkier Cafe (Plac Nowy) — a Kazimierz coffee classic, easy to capture natural urban photos during a break.
If you’re looking for something more elegant for a post-shoot dinner, there are several highly rated restaurants around the Market Square; it’s worth booking a table in advance, especially on weekends.
Last-minute planning — lack of reservations for a larger group and unexpected delays can ruin great light. Plan at least approximate times and locations.
Expecting everything from a single spot — Kraków has many diverse locations; it’s better to plan 2–3 different backdrops than try to do everything in one place.
Styling unpreparedness — make sure outfits match the place (for example, an elegant dress in an industrial setting can look great, but comfortable shoes are useful for long walks).
Ignoring technical limitations — if the photographer uses flashes, a drone or large tripods, consult with the venue staff or the guide in advance.
Do you need the museum’s permission to take photos in the Market Square Underground? — Many museums allow non-flash photography for private use, but restrictions may apply to tripods and professional equipment. It’s safest to ask in advance.
When is the best light for a shoot in central Kraków? — Early morning (before cafés open) and the hour before sunset are usually the best times for photos in crowded parts of the city.
How much time should we allow for a walk + photoshoot? — For group comfort, plan at least 3–5 hours including breaks, location changes and possible museum visits.
Use elements of local history — small props or accents (old maps, books, local souvenirs) can add context and originality to photos.
Invite passersby for a short improv — natural, unplanned gestures can create some of the most beautiful frames.
Think about sound and motion — a short video clip from the session (e.g., the group walking onto a bridge, laughter over coffee) complements photographs and gives more memories.
If this text helped you plan a shoot in Kraków, share it with friends — someone may be looking for ideas for a photoshoot with friends!
If you’d like a professionally guided walk around Kraków combined with practical tips for a photoshoot, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). You can find contact details on the tour website. The guide is happy to help choose routes, clarify restrictions and point out the best light.
