The Main Market Square in Krakow practically invites photography - colorful townhouses, the Cloth Hall, the tower of St. Mary's Basilica and the lively street life create endless framing possibilities. As the largest medieval square in Europe, wide-angle compositions, panoramas and architectural details can look especially impressive here.
Before you plan specific shots, think about the mood you want: a raw, contrasty architectural photo, warm portraits over coffee, or dynamic street photography full of motion. The Square supports all those approaches, but the key is observing the light and the flow of people.
The best light for urban photography appears during the so-called golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) and the blue hour - the moment right after dusk when the city takes on rich colors and the lights come on. Arriving earlier also means fewer crowds and more room to compose your shot.
If you want to capture the life of the Square - stalls, vendors and passersby - mornings and late mornings, and late afternoons are ideal. If you prefer an empty pavement, come as early as possible - many photographers are there before the first light.
Weather also dictates style. Bright, harsh midday sun gives strong shadows and facade textures but can flatten the scene. Soft, cloudy skies help bring out details and colors without strong contrast.
You don't need the most expensive gear to take nice photos. For beginners a compact camera or a smartphone with a manual mode works well, and a wide-angle lens is useful - for interchangeable-lens cameras 16-35 mm or a 24 mm are great choices.
A few simple settings: lower ISO (100-400) for sharp images in good light; aperture f/8-f/11 for greater depth of field in architectural shots; a faster shutter speed (1/250 or faster) to freeze motion; and for night or long-exposure shots use a tripod or steady the camera.
Smartphones: use Pro mode, set exposure manually, use HDR for high-contrast scenes and experiment with Night mode in the evening. If you must shoot a handheld long exposure, rest the phone on a stable surface.
Wide shots: show the Square in context - the Cloth Hall, facades and the crowd. Try low-angle shots to emphasize the monumentality of the townhouses.
Details: look for architectural features - coats of arms, ornamentation, arches, shutters and the texture of the stone. These details often tell the city's story as well as a panorama.
Portraits and street photography: use side light and a soft background (the Planty park or alleys around the Square) for portraits. Respect the people you photograph - if you plan to publish a portrait, ask politely for permission.
Motion and dynamics: panning (following a moving subject with a slower shutter) or freezing people and pigeons can add character to your photos. Sometimes candid moments work best - the flow of tourists, a vendor setting up a stall or street performers.
The Cloth Hall and its arcades are a classic backdrop with the rhythm of columns and repeating geometry - great for symmetry and detail. Pay attention to perspective when shooting from the arcade level.
The towers of St. Mary's Basilica and the Town Hall offer opportunities to capture a panorama of the Square from above - check opening hours and any access restrictions if you plan to shoot from the top. The Small Market, Grodzka Street and the façades facing the Planty offer more intimate frames, often less crowded than the central pavement.
Don't forget perspectives from the Planty - the green ring around the Old Town provides a nice frame and natural contrast to the stone façades. If you want different moods, consider a quick walk to Kazimierz or the Vistula boulevards, which often complement a city shoot with interesting additional views.
The most common mistake is arriving at the Square at midday expecting "nice light". That's when the square is busiest and the light is harsh. Aim for morning, evening or cloudy skies instead.
If you want fewer people in your frame, use a long exposure and a tripod - with longer shutter speeds moving people tend to disappear while static elements remain sharp. Alternatively, compose tighter shots that zoom in on architectural details.
Respect public and private spaces: don't enter areas marked closed, be cautious with equipment and avoid blocking walkways. If you plan a professional session (wedding, fashion, commercial), check required permits - when in doubt ask local authorities, museums or get help from the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz who can assist with formalities.
A lightweight camera backpack, a few filters (polarizer for color and reflections, ND for long exposures) and a powerbank for your phone are a good minimum. Don't carry everything at once - plan gear for the session and leave the rest in a safe place.
Beware of busy spots and pickpockets: keep gear close to your body, use safety straps and don't leave your bag unattended. Many cafes and restaurants near the Square are good places to sit and review photos - choose well-rated places like Wierzynek for a historic atmosphere where you can charge batteries and relax between shots.
For night long exposures bring a tripod and watch your equipment. When possible shoot with company or ask someone to mind your things, especially late in the evening.
Do I need a permit for commercial photos at the Square? - It depends on the nature of the session. Amateur photos usually do not require formalities, but commercial shoots or those using large equipment may need permission from city authorities or site administrators. If unsure, ask local city services or museums, or get help from the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz who can assist with paperwork.
Can I fly a drone over the Square? - Drone regulations are strict, especially over historic sites and densely populated areas. Always check current aviation and city rules and obtain required permissions before planning a flight.
How should I publish photos with people in the background? - If a photo features identifiable individuals and you want to use it commercially, it is better to have their consent. For private use or documentary purposes consent is often not required, but always respect privacy and avoid publishing in ways that could harm subjects.
After shooting, it's worth resting in well-reviewed venues near the Square. A few classics and highly rated spots include the historic Wierzynek restaurant - its historic interiors are a unique setting to review photos and recharge.
If you want to widen your shots beyond the Square, consider a walk to Kazimierz (Józefa Street, Nowy Square) and the Vistula boulevards - these areas often complement a city session with different colors and frames.
A few surprising ideas: photograph the Square in the rain - the wet pavement beautifully reflects lights; look for symmetry in the Cloth Hall arcades; use shop window reflections or glass reflections for creative compositions.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media - you'll help others prepare better for photographing Krakow.
If you want to explore Krakow with someone who knows the city, can advise on the best times, places and help organize a session - including logistics, transport, restaurant reservations, tickets and necessary permits - consider contacting the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata is happy to help plan your trip, show you museums and points of interest and assist with arranging a photography session in Krakow. Good luck and clear skies on the Square!
