Are you looking for a route around the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall that will give you beautiful photos while helping you avoid the biggest crowds and queues? Want to know what time to stand by St. Mary's Church, where to catch the best light on the Cloth Hall, and how to move between Kazimierz and the Old Town without wasting time? This guide is for you — written in simple language with practical advice from photographers and travelers. Let’s begin!
I won't describe the whole history of Krakow step by step — we'll focus on the route and practical tips you can use immediately when planning a day of shooting with your camera.
As a licensed guide in Krakow since 2012, I've led thousands of groups and I'm happy to share how to sightsee smartly, with taste and without stress.
In the text you'll find: a step-by-step route plan, photographic suggestions (angles, times, camera settings), ways to avoid queues, and a FAQ with practical information. Everything in a friendly tone — so that exploring is a pleasure.
The Main Market Square is the heart of Krakow: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church, the Town Hall Tower and the rows of townhouses make a superb backdrop for photos — from wide panoramas to close details. For a photographer it's also a convenient starting point from which to plan short walks to other parts of the Old Town and to Kazimierz.
Starting at the Market gives you: easy access to the most recognizable spots, the possibility of quick breaks at cafes, and convenient tram and walking connections to Kazimierz. It's also a good place to begin 'light' — leave big bags at your hotel and start shooting with minimal gear.
If you want photos without people in the frame — the best time is sunrise (before 7:00 in summer, a bit later outside the high season) or very early on weekday mornings. Evening light is also beautiful, but it can be busier then.
The Cloth Hall is an iconic building — outside it's dominated by trade and a market atmosphere, while the upper floor houses a permanent exhibition (the Sukiennice Gallery) and paid displays accessed through ticketed entrances. If you want to go inside and see the exhibitions, plan ahead: check opening hours and ticket availability (in season it's worth buying tickets in advance).
If your goal is only to photograph the façade and outdoor shots, you can avoid queues — just position yourself for a frame early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Keep in mind that the ground-floor trade is busiest during the day, so for empty arches and even light come earlier.
Some practical tricks for a less crowded visit: approach the Market from a side street — from Sienna Street, St. John's Street or Bracka Street you can catch alternative angles of the Cloth Hall without the crowds at the main entrance. If you plan an interior photo report, consider visiting outside weekends and during early opening hours.
1) Start: sunrise at the Adam Mickiewicz Monument — wide Market panoramas with soft light. Use a wide-angle lens, low ISO and look for symmetry between the townhouses and the Cloth Hall.
2) St. Mary's Church — exterior details and spires. Shoot details of sculptures and portals handheld or on a tripod. If you want to capture the trumpet call (hejnał), check the time and be aware that a small crowd gathers nearby.
3) The Cloth Hall — façade, arcades and stalls. Walk around the building: the rear and sides often offer less crowded frames, and the light falls in interesting ways in the afternoon.
4) Walk toward Grodzka Street and continue to Kazimierz: go via the bridge or the Bernatek Footbridge if you want shots of the Vistula and city panoramas. On the way look for details of medieval townhouses and cobbled streets.
5) Kazimierz — Plac Nowy, Józefa Street, Szeroka Street: these places are full of atmosphere, color and contrast. Experiment with street portraits, details of tiles, neon signs and local food stalls.
6) End of the route: golden light along the Vistula boulevards or night shots of illuminated townhouses and cafe lights.
You can adjust the route time: photographers often return to the same spot several times at different hours — each moment brings a different mood and light.
- Wide angle (16–35 mm) for panoramas and Cloth Hall interiors; 50 mm for details and portraits; a 70–200 mm telephoto works well for compressing perspective and pulling distant details closer.
- ISO: keep it as low as possible outdoors; raise it slightly in darker interiors of the Cloth Hall or churches. Aperture priority (A/Av) helps control depth of field.
- Tripod: bring a small, light tripod for early-morning, evening or night exposures. For street photography a tripod can be cumbersome because of crowds.
- Framing: look for leading lines (Cloth Hall arcades, streets leading to squares), façade symmetry and contrasts of light and shadow on the buildings. Details — a vendor’s hands, textures of walls and regulars at a café — can tell the story better than a wide shot.
- Get up earlier: in high season morning is your best tool. Before 8:00 the Market can feel almost empty and the light is soft.
- Avoid weekend afternoons and school holidays — the center gets busiest then. If possible, choose a weekday.
- Buy museum tickets online in advance (if a site offers online sales) and plan a specific entry time. This is the most reliable way to skip queues.
- If you're doing a photoshoot with models — consider getting permission from the city administration or contacting the location in advance (especially if using flash or tripods) to avoid misunderstandings.
- Use side streets and courtyards — they are often less crowded and can offer more intimate architectural frames.
- Toilets: there are several public toilets near the Market and many cafes that allow use of facilities after a small purchase. It's useful to have small change for automatic public toilets.
- Left-luggage: if you have a large bag of equipment, consider leaving items at your hotel or using a luggage storage service. That way you can move freely with just the essential gear.
- Power and memory cards: carry spare batteries and an extra memory card — a great shooting day can fill them quickly.
- Safety: Krakow is relatively safe, but like in any busy tourist spot keep an eye on your backpack and equipment. Use a comfortable camera strap, secure the strap to your body and minimize displaying expensive gear in very crowded places.
- Equipment insurance: if you shoot commercially, consider short-term equipment insurance or check whether your travel policy covers camera gear.
Kazimierz is all about contrast: Jewish history, small synagogues, colorful cafes and a lively street market. It's great for portraits, moody street shots and architectural details. Key spots include Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and the narrow streets around the old urban fabric.
Shoot from a low perspective to emphasize cobbles and street art; use natural frames (gates, arcades) to create intimate compositions. In the evening neon signs and restaurant terraces produce warm, cinematic shots.
Do I need to book a guide? - If you want a guided walk with stories and local anecdotes, booking a guide is a good idea. If you only plan to take photos, you can explore on your own but it's worth planning the route and timings.
Do I need permission to photograph in the Market? - Outdoor photography with a camera is allowed. For larger shoots (tripod, lights, models) check local rules or contact the location in advance.
Where is best to eat near the Market and Kazimierz? - There are many cafes and restaurants with different styles near both areas. Look for places with character and interesting interiors — they make great short breaks and candid photo opportunities.
How long does this route take? - Typically 2–3 hours for relaxed shooting. If you plan portrait sessions or visiting museum interiors, allow a full day.
- Charged batteries and spare batteries.
- An extra memory card.
- A waterproof cover for your camera (in case of sudden weather changes).
- A small tripod or monopod if you plan longer exposures or night shots.
- Comfortable shoes — the Market and Kazimierz have cobbles and sometimes uneven surfaces.
- Cash for small purchases and tips in cafes (though many places accept cards).
