The Pharmacy Museum of the Jagiellonian University Medical College is more than display cases and old jars — it’s a place that surprises with atmosphere and details perfect for photographic frames. In several rooms you’ll find memorabilia related to Krakow’s pharmacy history and exhibitions devoted to figures such as Ignacy Łukasiewicz or Tadeusz Pankiewicz — a soulful backdrop for photos, especially if you’re after something less obvious than the Market Square or Wawel. If you’re planning a walk for two and care about beautiful pictures, it’s worth combining a museum visit with several nearby spots from this list.
1. Pharmacy Museum (Jagiellonian University Medical College) – intimate interiors, wooden shelves and historical exhibits create an atmospheric backdrop; great for portraits with detail and photos documenting an unusual outing.
2. "Under the Eagle" Pharmacy (Apteka „Pod Orłem”) in Kazimierz – a place with a deep story, a retro vibe and symbolic weight for photos with a stronger message.
3. Wawel – a classic; with the right composition (from the castle walls or the terrace above the Vistula) you can get an elegant, “royal” frame.
4. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Rynek Główny and Sukiennice) – panoramas, arcades and evening lights; shoot at dawn or late evening to avoid crowds.
5. Kanonicza Street – a postcard-perfect lane with cobbles and townhouses; ideal for romantic portraits.
6. Kazimierz – Szeroka Street, courtyards and murals; warm, atmospheric frames great for an evening stroll.
7. Vistula Boulevards and Bernatek Footbridge (Bulwary Wiślane and Kładka Bernatka) – water views and Wawel skyline, plus romantic sunsets.
8. Kościuszko Mound and Krakus Mound – vantage points with city panoramas; perfect for a “us with Krakow behind us” shot.
9. Zakrzówek – turquoise water, rock formations and industrial accents; outdoor frames that feel like a holiday set.
10. Planty – the green belt around the Old Town; looks especially good in spring and autumn.
11. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden – the palm house and seasonal blooms; a delicate, romantic photo background.
12. MOCAK and the Schindler’s Factory area – industrial textures and contemporary art for more avant-garde compositions.
13. Nowa Huta (Central Square, Stylowa) – stark, socialist-realist scenes with retro, cinematic vibes.
14. Father Bernatek Footbridge (the bridge with hearts) – a popular spot for quick romantic shots by the Vistula.
15. Wawel Hill from the river side – a different castle perspective and photogenic staircases and approaches.
16. Charming cafés (Café Camelot, Mleczarnia, Massolit) – interiors with character for lifestyle sessions and “coffee date” photos.
17. Be Happy Museum – colorful installations and playful sets; great if you want fun, whimsical shots.
18. Small gates and stone passages around the Old Town – architectural details that frame portraits beautifully.
19. Villa Decius and its garden – an elegant scene with a classic background.
20. Hidden courtyards of Kazimierz and the Old Town – string lights, plants and intimacy that often look best in couple photos.
When planning an "Instagram" day in Krakow, think about timing and rhythm: the nicest light is just after sunrise and during the hour before sunset, and many places look best in soft light. If you want emptier backgrounds, get up early or pick less obvious spots from the list.
Remember comfortable shoes — Krakow is a walking city, often on cobbles and stairs.
Check photography rules at museums and some indoor venues — in certain rooms flash or tripods may be prohibited, and some places may have specific policies for amateur shoots.
If you’re considering a professional outdoor session (photographer with lights and equipment), check ahead whether a permit is required for your chosen location.
Bring a powerbank, spare memory cards and simple accessories for phone/camera — a dead battery in the middle of a shoot kills the mood.
Is the Pharmacy Museum worth visiting if we want Instagram shots? Yes — it’s an unusual backdrop that mixes history with vintage aesthetics; plan a short session during your visit.
Can I take photos inside the museum? Amateur photography is often allowed in many rooms, but ask staff about using flash or tripods; it’s best to check the museum’s current rules at the ticket desk.
How much time should we budget for the Pharmacy Museum? A typical visit comfortably takes 45–90 minutes, depending on your pace and how much you want to photograph.
Is there a connection between the Pharmacy Museum and the "Under the Eagle" Pharmacy? Historical threads about apothecaries and figures like Tadeusz Pankiewicz appear across Krakow’s displays; visiting both places gives fuller context.
Where to check opening hours and tickets? The museum’s official information channels (website or phone) are the most reliable, especially during special events.
For a romantic day that ends with a good meal, consider cafés and restaurants known for their atmosphere: Café Camelot and Mleczarnia in Kazimierz for cozy interiors, Massolit Bakery for a literary-style breakfast, and Stylowa in Nowa Huta for a retro lunch.
If you want accommodation with elegant backgrounds for afternoon photos, consider well-rated central hotels such as Hotel Stary, PURO Kraków Stare Miasto or Bonerowski Palace — they offer stylish interiors and easy access to major photo spots.
Quick tip: when choosing a café or restaurant, filter reviews for interior quality and lighting — well-rated places usually photograph better.
1. Shooting in the midday crowds — plan visits to popular spots outside peak hours.
2. Lacking a plan and expecting too much — better to pick 5–7 locations and focus on quality shots than try to visit all 20 in one day.
3. Forgetting permission for professional photography — if a photographer brings significant equipment, ask about requirements in advance.
4. Mismatching outfits with the background — color contrast and moderation in patterns help produce timeless photos.
5. Unprepared batteries and storage — always carry spares.
- In the Pharmacy Museum you’ll find rooms dedicated to figures who connect Krakow with the history of the oil industry and wartime stories — an evocative backdrop for photos with historical layers.
- Zakrzówek, while visually stunning, can have seasonal restrictions or restoration work affecting access to viewpoint areas — check availability before you go.
- Many Instagram-style cafés have limited or unusual opening hours — if a specific interior matters to you, check opening times before heading there.
Morning: sunrise at Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound, followed by a short walk through the Planty.
Late morning: breakfast at Massolit or Botanica, then visit the Pharmacy Museum (if you plan photos inside, consider booking a time window).
Afternoon: Kazimierz — Szeroka Street, the "Under the Eagle" Pharmacy, cafés and hidden courtyards.
Evening: Vistula Boulevards and Bernatek Footbridge for sunset, then dinner at one of the recommended restaurants.
If this guide helped you plan a photographic day in Krakow, share it on social media or send it to friends — you’ll make it easier for them to choose the best spots for a romantic walk and photos.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with someone who knows the city inside out and can tailor a route to your photographic needs, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Przewodnik Małgorzata Kasprowicz). Good luck capturing beautiful frames and enjoy your stay in Krakow!
