Are you planning a group trip — a team-building event, a company weekend or a get-together with friends — and wondering how to combine the atmospheric Kazimierz with mountain Zakopane? It’s a great idea: Kazimierz offers evening mood, great food and perfect photo spots in its old lanes, while Zakopane adds adventure, views and plenty of outdoor attractions.
In this article I’ll suggest practical routes, places worth visiting, group team-building ideas and proven tips so every photo will look nice — even if you take them with a phone.
Kazimierz is a classic for atmospheric frames: cobbled streets, old gates, colorful murals and tenement houses full of character. The best areas for photos are Plac Nowy (lots of street food and a rippled surface ideal for wide shots), Józefa Street — with gates and courtyards — and Szeroka Street, where synagogues and picturesque facades often appear in the background.
Look for contrasts — old plaster against a fresh mural, reflections in puddles after rain, the glow of lamps in the evening. The small square by Św. Wawrzyńca often has large murals and long perspectives that work great for vertical compositions. The Ojciec Bernatek footbridge is a good spot for romantic panoramas of the Vistula and the city.
Practical tip: shoot during the golden hour — early morning and right before sunset have the most magic. In the evening hunt for neon signs and the warm light of cafés — portraits will look natural and atmospheric.
If you stay in Krakow for the evening or plan a meetup before heading to the mountains, here are simple tried-and-true formats: a shared breakfast in one of Kazimierz’s cafés, a photo challenge scavenger hunt around designated points (perfect to do before lunch), or a small culinary route around Plac Nowy — so many tasty options in one place that team-bonding is guaranteed.
Other group ideas: cooking workshops (for example focused on local cheeses like oscypek), a short boat ride on the Vistula in good weather, or an escape room — a quick, fun task that brings a lot of laughs. Everything depends on the group’s energy — match the pace and activity level to the participants.
You can reach Zakopane by train, bus or car — the choice depends on budget and group size. For groups it’s often worth booking a minibus or reserving several seats in a comfortable vehicle, because flexibility and time matter on day trips.
For a weekend in the mountains bring layers — the weather changes fast. A raincoat or light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots if you plan mountain routes. Don’t forget powerbanks for phones — photo sessions drain batteries quickly.
Krupówki is the obvious stop — bustling street life, stalls, regional treats and a characteristic atmosphere. It’s worth escaping quickly to Gubałówka or a scenic trail — the Tatras’ panoramas do the work in every frame. Kasprowy Wierch offers spectacular high-altitude views if you like dramatic mountain scenes.
For old villas and wooden architecture explore side streets and historic cottages — traditional decorations and Goral details look great in photos. For a more rustic mood visit the Chochołowska Valley and its glades, and in the evening try the thermal baths where you can capture relaxing shots with steam rising from the water.
Goral feasts are perfect for groups — live music, a bonfire and local food create a sense of closeness and shared fun. A sleigh ride in winter or a horse-drawn carriage are classics that bond people like little else.
For active groups: quad rides, snowmobile trips in winter, bikes and electric scooters in summer, and rafting on the Dunajec — these options build team spirit. If you prefer something calmer, thermal baths and spa time are great for recovery after an active day and offer time for conversations over hot tea.
Option A - quick mix (most popular): Friday evening — meet in Kazimierz, short walk, dinner and a photo-spot hunt. Saturday — very early departure to Zakopane, Gubałówka/Kasprowy or an easy trail, afternoon in the thermal baths, evening return to Krakow. Sunday — relaxed walk along the Vistula boulevards or a short route around the Old Town.
Option B - a full mountain weekend: Friday travel and check-in, Saturday mountain activity (for example a guided hike or quad trip) and an evening regional feast, Sunday relaxation in the thermal baths and return. This variant gives more time for bonding activities and less rushing.
Designate one 'photographer' or rotate the role — this avoids many duplicate shots and chaos. For group photos, rows work well, a slight body angle and natural smiles. Add props — scarves, hats, regional products — they give photos a story.
Vertical frame for stories, horizontal for posts — remember different formats. Look for textures — brick, wood, fabrics — that add depth. If you shoot in the evening use a phone torch as a soft fill on faces instead of the harsh flash.
Respect residents’ privacy and don’t block walkways. For drone shots check local rules and be considerate of other tourists.
Groups mean logistics: book transport and main attractions in advance, especially in high season. Small details like attendance lists, food allergies and contact numbers make organization easier and prevent stress.
Check the weather forecast the day before departure and have a plan B for rain — museums, thermal baths and indoor attractions are lifesavers. In the mountains stick to marked trails and inform participants about basic safety rules — offline maps, proper shoes, water.
Also remember local culture — Kazimierz is a neighborhood with history and residents, so keep noise in check and look after the area.
If you want a ready-made plan tailored to your group size, pace and budget, I’ll be happy to prepare it. I help plan routes around Krakow and one-day or weekend trips to Zakopane, including photo spots and team-building elements.
Contact for booking and questions: phone +48 501 962 037 or e-mail kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Tell me how large your group is, your preferences and expectations — I’ll prepare a proposal suited to you.
I wish you fun planning and many great photos — Krakow and the Tatras have so much atmosphere that even a simple weekend can be remembered for years. You’re warmly invited!
Best time to visit: spring through early autumn for hiking and views; winter is great for snowy landscapes and classic mountain activities. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter for photos.
Recommended local tastes: try oscypek (smoked sheep cheese) in Zakopane, street food at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz, and local pastries in small cafés. If you want specific recommendations, I can suggest cafés and restaurants that work well for groups.
Accessibility: some historic streets are cobbled and uneven; if anyone in the group has mobility needs, plan routes and transport accordingly.
