Yes — absolutely! Kraków has appeared on screen for decades: from Polish classics, through ambitious dramas, to large international productions. You can follow the traces of famous scenes and at the same time enjoy locations without having to stand in long queues.
This guide offers a route spread over two days that combines the most famous film locations with less obvious spots. The plan is arranged so that the busiest attractions are visited early or later, while quieter parts of the day are reserved for walks and atmospheric frames.
I don’t retell the full stories of every film here — I suggest how to see the places known from the screen while leaving the city full of impressions, not exhausted from pushing through crowds. We’ll use riverside boulevards, views from the ramparts, the streets of Podgórze and the nooks of Kazimierz — places that bring a cinematic mood and are often less crowded than the Market Square itself.
The route uses natural viewpoints and side entrances — simple ways to get beautiful shots and a slower pace of sightseeing.
Ready? Let’s start the route.
Plan for mornings — start the most popular spots very early (6:00–9:00) or in the evening when crowds thin out. Leave the middle of the day for places that handle more visitors well.
Choose viewpoints instead of entering paid interiors. The view of Wawel from the river or intimate courtyards on Kanonicza Street give as much atmosphere as castle interiors — and with no queues.
Move in short sections: footbridge - boulevards - Podgórze - Kazimierz. This way you avoid returning through the crowded Market at peak times.
For photos and rest choose the boulevards along the Vistula, the Wawel ramparts, and the city mounds or Zakrzówek — these are spots where you’ll feel space and quiet.
Be flexible with the weather and your mood. If you want silence, come earlier; if you prefer evening lights, save the most Instagrammable shots for sunset.
Morning - start very early: Planty / Florian Gate. A short walk through the Planty park is a great warm-up and an introduction to Kraków’s atmosphere without the crowds.
Main Market Square from the outside - 6:30–8:30: capture frames of the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church and the façades of the surrounding buildings. Early hours are the only time the Square can be relatively empty — perfect for photos and seeing film-famous compositions without the bustle.
Kanonicza Street - 8:30–9:00: one of the most photogenic little streets. It often appears in films as an atmospheric backdrop — cobbles, stone steps and historic façades make an immediate impression.
Wawel - exterior viewpoints and the ramparts above the Vistula - 9:00–10:00: from the ramparts or the Vistula Boulevards you’ll capture the castle in all its glory. This is an excellent place for cinematic shots without entering paid courtyards.
Vistula Boulevards - 10:00–11:00: a walk along the river, bridges and reflections on the water. Many films used frames with the Vistula and Wawel in the background to create the city’s mood, so it’s worth seeing them from a few positions.
Coffee break - 11:00–11:30: head toward Kazimierz; a small café will let you recharge before continuing.
Kazimierz - 11:30–14:00: Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and side alleys. In films the district often serves as a moody backdrop; its courtyards and synagogues have a unique character. Around midday it’s livelier, but side streets still allow for a relaxed walk.
Zabłocie and Oskar Schindler’s Factory - 14:00–15:30: the area of the former ghetto and the surroundings of Schindler’s factory link film history with real history. The exterior and streets are powerful to see and reflect on.
Podgórze - 15:30–17:00: visit the Ghetto Heroes Square, old tenement areas and the bridge. Many film scenes were shot in Zabłocie and Podgórze, which have a lower tourist profile and are often less crowded than the strict city centre.
Evening - Vistula Boulevards or the Bernatek Footbridge - 18:00–19:30: sunset over the Vistula is a film classic. After a day of walking it’s worth sitting on a bench and watching the city in warm light.
If you prefer a tavern, Kazimierz offers many options in the evening, but to stay away from crowds choose smaller side streets in Podgórze or the boulevards.
Morning on Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound - 7:00–9:00: the mounds offer panoramic views of the city. In film the panorama often replaces longer interior shots, and from the top you’ll feel space and escape the urban noise.
Zakrzówek and the cliffs - 9:30–11:30: natural, picturesque spots with limestone rocks and turquoise water. These are alternative outdoor locations to city scenes and great for photos in a calmer atmosphere. Pay attention to signs and restricted zones — some shores are closed.
Dłubnia Trail or a walk along the Dłubnia River - 12:00–14:00: if you like nature, this stretch shows a lesser-known green side of Kraków. Fields, orchards and low footbridges create a cinematic mood without the city crowd.
Return to the centre - boulevards or less-traveled streets of Podgórze for afternoon frames - 15:00–17:00: finish the route in peaceful places that give space for reflection and pretty photos.
The second day is focused on nature and viewpoints — a good option if you want to escape tourist hustle and see Kraków from another side.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Zabłocie) - the grounds and surroundings. The history known from the film draws interest, but you can calmly walk the area and see the exterior locations.
Ghetto Heroes Square and Podgórze - a space with strong historical weight, often present in film and documentary coverage.
Old Town façades and streets - many films use the Market and nearby streets as a backdrop; photos from the outside give the same atmosphere without queues to interiors.
Vistula Boulevards and the bridges - frames with Wawel in the background create a cinematic atmosphere, especially at sunrise or sunset.
The city mounds and other viewpoints - the mounds provide a wide panorama of the city that filmmakers often use as a scenic backdrop.
These places let you compose a film route without buying many tickets or standing in lines — exactly what you asked for.
Plan for the morning - if you want photos on the Market Square or under Wawel, come as early as possible. On weekends it’s worth being here even earlier than on weekdays.
Tickets - this plan assumes viewing from the outside. If you want to enter museums (for example the Schindler Factory museum), check opening hours and buy tickets in advance, because entries can be limited in season.
Transport - Kraków has a well-developed tram and bus system. Short tram rides between the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze save energy. Use trams if you want to move faster between distant points.
Shoes and weather - comfortable footwear is essential; cobbles require care. Take a light jacket as the weather can change quickly. A powerbank and water are welcome.
Safety - Kraków is generally safe, but in crowded places keep your documents close and watch out for petty theft. Respect residents and private courtyards.
If you want to personalize the route (for example add a specific film theme), write and I’ll gladly advise on the best schedule and photo spots.
- Comfortable shoes; - Light jacket or layers; - Powerbank and charger; - Phone/camera with memory card; - Water bottle; - Offline map or saved points in an app; - Small first-aid kit and documents; - If you plan evening shots — a small torch or reflector for basic lighting work.
If you intend to take more photos, bring a small tripod or gimbal. Remember to respect places and residents — large lights and tripods in narrow streets can be intrusive.
A light shoulder bag and a positive attitude are enough to spend two film-filled days in Kraków.
And most importantly — leave room for spontaneous discoveries. The most interesting frames often come when you leave the plan and turn down a side street.
Good luck and great shots!
The route is designed as a loop: Old Town - Wawel - Boulevards - Kazimierz - Zabłocie/Podgórze. This makes it easy to start in the centre and finish in Kazimierz or Podgórze.
If you have little time: choose a section of the Old Town + Boulevards + Kazimierz (about 2–3 hours). If you have more time: add a mound, Zakrzówek and the Dłubnia Trail.
Public transport allows quick moves: 2–4 tram stops between key points are usually enough to shorten walking times.
If you arrive by car, plan parking outside the strict centre and use public transport or short walks — the centre has paid parking zones.
Save a few points in your map app to easily find places in the evening and return to your accommodation.
If you want fewer crowds, split sightseeing into mornings and late afternoons. Time of day makes a huge difference in how you experience the city.
Look for side streets and courtyards — there you’ll often feel the most authentic Kraków atmosphere that filmmakers love to use as natural sets.
You don’t have to see everything in a rush. This plan is a suggestion — you can shorten or lengthen it to suit your needs.
If you want, I can tailor this route to your pace, favourite films or mobility level. I’m happy to help make these two days in Kraków calm, beautiful and memorably cinematic.
Enjoy your visit and great photos! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
