Krakow has its classics - Wawel, the Main Market Square, Kazimierz - but if you are looking for images with character, it’s worth stepping off the beaten path. I have prepared an intensive route that can be completed in one long day, combining nature, industrial backdrops, mounds and hidden hills. Each spot offers different light and mood, and together they form a varied photographic reportage of the city.
In the text you will find short descriptions of each location, a suggested visiting order, practical tips (how to get there, best time of day, safety), a few food recommendations for breaks and common mistakes to avoid. At the end there is an FAQ and an invitation to share your results with others.
Start: early late morning at Zakrzówek - a short walk around Twardowski Rocks. Then head to Podgórze (colourful stairs and industrial corners). Coffee break around Zabłocie/Kazimierz. In the afternoon climb to Przegorzały or Rajsko Hill, then Wola Justowska and Villa Decius. Golden hour at Krakus Mound or Kościuszko Mound. End the evening with photos of the Vistula boulevards or industrial frames on Zabłocie. The whole route is physically demanding - plan transport (bike, scooter, or public transit) between some points.
If you prefer an easier pace, split the route over two days: Zakrzówek and Podgórze on day one, the mounds and Wola Justowska on day two. Remember that some places look best in the morning (for example, the quiet on Krakus Mound), while others shine at sunset (Vistula boulevards, panoramas from the mounds).
The former quarry with turquoise water is one of the most striking natural photo locations within the city. Strong contrasts - bright limestone walls and deep greenery - work great in wide-angle shots and portraits against the water.
The Twardowski Rocks around Zakrzówek add a raw, rocky accent - perfect for images with deep depth of field and for searching out unusual textures. When planning a session, check access rules and safety; swimming and jumping into the water are sometimes prohibited, and some paths are steep.
Podgórze is a neighbourhood full of contrasts: small courtyards, colourful stairs and remnants of industry offer plenty of creative possibilities. Colourful steps and local murals make a friendly backdrop for lifestyle portraits.
Look for hidden alleys with string lights, interesting gates and modernist architectural fragments. In the evening you can catch warm light on brick walls or the atmosphere of local eateries if you want to include food shots in your report.
Przegorzały offers rocky escarpments and wide views over a bend in the Vistula, while Rajsko Hill is a great place for broad, calm landscape frames. These spots are less crowded than the centre and let you work without rush.
From the viewpoints you can easily get compositions that include the river - use a long lens to compress perspective and bring out landscape layers. Take a warm jacket for the evening - the wind can be strong.
Villa Decius with its gardens in Wola Justowska is a little-known, elegant corner with classical architecture and well-kept greenery. It’s an ideal setting for more formal sessions: portraits, family photos or architectural details.
Nearby you’ll also find quiet streets and parks with varied vegetation - excellent for spring and autumn shoots when colours are rich. Bring a medium focal-length lens and a polarising filter to boost the saturation of sky and leaves.
The mounds are easily accessible hills with panoramic views of the city. Krakus Mound has a wilder, ‘untamed’ character, while Kościuszko Mound offers a broader panorama and wide spaces ideal for sunset shots.
Arrive about an hour before sunset, set up your tripod and work with long exposures to capture soft light and the first city lights. Bring extra batteries and protection for your gear - wind drains batteries faster.
If you’re in the mood for lesser-known viewpoints, Srebrna Góra or Wielogóra (Guminek) offer interesting perspectives on suburban parts of Krakow and less-exposed panoramas. These are good places for minimalist frames and experiments with negative space.
These spots often lack tourist infrastructure - plan your route and return time, and bring comfortable shoes and water. Night photography here requires extra attention to safety.
The abbey in Tyniec is slightly outside the strict centre, but if you have time this short excursion is worth it. The abbey’s stone walls, small cloisters and views of the Vistula create images with a strong historical atmosphere.
It’s best to plan a visit at midday or late afternoon, when light hits the stone at an angle and brings out textures. Respect the site - many areas are historic and require quiet and care.
On the route it’s good to plan a break in well-regarded places. Around Zabłocie and Kazimierz I recommend reliable, highly-rated spots that work for both coffee and a longer lunch: Massolit Bookstore & Cafe (laid-back atmosphere, good coffee), Forum Przestrzenie (riverside view and relaxed vibe), Charlotte (fresh bakery and atmospheric interior).
If you plan a more formal meal after the session, choose restaurants with good reviews and reserve in advance. For outdoor shoots carry a small snack and water - not all points have nearby food options.
Check accessibility and local restrictions before your session - some quarry or cliff areas have limited access for safety reasons. Professional shoots in historic parts of the city often require permission from the local office or the landowner.
Don’t underestimate weather and terrain - sharp rocks, steep paths and wind are common factors complicating outdoor work. Don’t plan the whole intensive route for a single day without prior logistical reconnaissance - that leads to rushing and worse frames.
When using a drone, remember aviation rules and no-fly zones over crowds and historic monuments. If you are uncertain, check current regulations and, if needed, stick to handheld photography or use a telephoto lens.
Is the route suitable for beginner photographers? Yes - many places offer simple, striking frames, but the intensive plan requires good fitness or transport between points.
Do I need a permit to take photos? For amateur photos you usually don’t need a permit, but professional sessions (with models, studio equipment) in historic spaces or on private grounds may require permission. Always ask in advance if you plan an extensive shoot.
What time of day is best? The golden hours at sunrise and sunset give the best results. Some places (e.g., Zakrzówek) also look great in strong daytime light, while others (mounds, boulevards) are most effective at sunset.
Krakow has more 'peaks' than many tourists expect - between mounds, hills and cliffs there are unexpected viewpoints that rarely appear in guides. These are excellent spots for unique shots.
Avoid the crowds in the centre - if you want empty frames of monuments, get up earlier than most tourists. Also consider unconventional framing: parts of facades, details of walls, reflections in puddles or interesting rock textures - these often make your photos stand out.
If you’d like, I can help plan a route tailored to your equipment and photo theme (portraits, landscape, architecture). At the end - share your photos on social media and tag your friends. If you dream of a guided photographic walk, consider booking a private walk with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Public transport, bikes and scooters make the route much more manageable. Krakow’s tram and bus network connects many points mentioned here; consider combining short rides with walking to save time and energy.
If you carry heavier equipment, prioritise public transport or a short taxi ride between distant spots to avoid strain.
Respect private property and posted signs, especially around quarries, cliffs and historic sites. Do not disturb wildlife or local residents.
When photographing people in intimate or private settings, ask for permission. Keep noise low in quiet areas like cloisters or residential streets.
