Small groups of 2–6 people have a big advantage: it's easier to find creative shots, move between spots quickly and avoid crowds. In one day you can visit classic highlights and a few less obvious places ideal for Instagram and TikTok if you plan the route well and pay attention to walking times between points.
This article gives you a practical route, tips on when to take photos, where to eat highly rated meals and what to know before a shoot — all tailored for a small, active group.
The suggested plan starts early — that’s key to catching good light and avoiding the biggest crowds. Times are approximate and planned with walking, photos and short breaks in mind:
8:00-9:00 - Wawel and the hill: exterior shots, stops in the courtyard and a Vistula panorama.
9:15-10:00 - Kanonicza Street and the cathedral area: atmospheric lanes and architectural details.
10:15-11:00 - Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): classic frames, the bugle call, wide shots.
11:15-12:00 - Vistula Boulevards and Bernatka Footbridge: lifestyle shots, water reflections, frames with bridges.
12:15-13:30 - Lunch in Kazimierz: top cafés and bars (Massolit Bakery, Cheder, Cafe Botanica).
13:45-15:15 - Kazimierz: murals, cozy courtyards and Plac Nowy.
15:45-17:00 - Zakrzówek (if time and weather allow): turquoise lake and an outdoor session in nature.
Alternative if there’s no time for Zakrzówek: a longer walk to Kopiec Krakusa or a short ride up Kopiec Kościuszki for city panoramas.
Wawel - the best light is at sunrise and around sunset. For a small group, a shot from the Vistula Boulevards with the castle in the background works really well.
Kanonicza Street - an intimate, historic lane perfect for film-style portraits. Watch for car traffic and the protected nature of some courtyards.
Main Market Square - wide compositions with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, but avoid the absolute center at peak tourist hours. The cleanest shots are very early or near evening.
Vistula Boulevards and Bernatka Footbridge - great for dynamic shots and timelapse videos. Bernatka bridge has distinctive evening lighting.
Kazimierz - full of murals, atmospheric cafés and cobbled lanes. Look for side courtyards and string lights over the streets.
Zakrzówek - if the weather is good, the place gives a ‘holiday’ vibe. Be careful near the water’s edge and check which viewpoints are open.
In a small group it’s worth reserving a table in advance, especially on weekends. Here are a few tried-and-true places with good reputations:
Massolit Bakery - a popular spot for a quick, tasty breakfast or pastry; good coffee and a cozy interior.
Cheder (Kazimierz) - café atmosphere and interesting desserts; a good choice for an afternoon break while exploring Kazimierz.
Cafe Botanica - a stylish interior near the Planty, good espresso and a nice photo background.
For lunch, pick places with quick service, good reviews and the option to reserve for a group. If your group wants local flavors, ask for highly rated places with short serving times.
A phone with a good camera is usually enough, but bring a power bank and a small gorillapod or monopod to be safe. Small groups can set up a tripod and change compositions faster than large teams.
If you plan to record longer videos or use a microphone, check batteries and have a quick audio setup plan. In urban spaces bring extra memory cards or enough phone storage.
Remember to ask permission of people you want to film up close — in many public service areas it’s polite to ask before shooting.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day - better to choose fewer and do them well. A small group can achieve a lot, but pace has its limits.
Not reserving a lunch spot - long lines or no available tables cost valuable time. Reserve or pick places known for quick service.
Bad planning for light - the best city photos are taken in the morning and around golden hour. If you want a specific shot, arrive early.
No powerbank or backups - a dead phone means no more photos. Bring spare charging power and a couple of cables.
Kanonicza Street is often less crowded than the Market Square and its atmospheric houses make a strong impression in photos. It’s a great spot when you want a ‘cinematic’ background.
Atmospheric cafés are sometimes tucked away in small Kazimierz courtyards - you can be a step from the main street and feel like you’re in another town.
The Planty at dawn give clean shots of greenery and historic facades without crowds. It’s worth getting up early to use the first light.
Do I need a permit to take photos in Kraków city centre? - For amateur photos and short recordings in public spaces you don’t need a special permit. If you plan a professional session with large equipment, tripods or blocking part of a public area, check rules with city authorities or reserve the space in advance.
How should we travel between points? - The city centre is best explored on foot. For farther distances (Zakrzówek, the mounds) consider a tram, bus or a short taxi/Uber ride. For a small group, a taxi can be convenient and quick.
Where can we leave luggage? - Many cafés and venues will hold small backpacks during a meal. For larger luggage, use station lockers or a luggage storage service in the city centre.
Are public restrooms easy to find? - There are public toilets around the Main Market and in some shopping areas, but many people prefer cafés or museums. It’s good to plan short stops in cafés for restroom breaks and recharging phones.
Take care of yourselves and your gear - keep an eye on bags and phones, especially in crowded places like the Market Square.
Respect residents’ privacy - don’t film in private parts of buildings without permission, don’t block passages with a tripod and avoid making noise in residential night zones.
If you do a session with props or effects, make sure you don’t create hazards and that you’re not disturbing other tourists.
Kraków offers plenty of opportunities for beautiful frames and viral TikToks even in a single day — especially when you travel in a small group of 2–6 people. The key is a good plan, flexibility and choosing a few priorities instead of trying to chase every attraction.
Share this plan with your friends or post it on social media if it helped you plan your trip. If you’d like a personalized route and support while exploring, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and booking information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
