Krakow in autumn has a unique atmosphere — the city is no longer weighed down by summer heat or peak-season crowds, and the monuments find a new setting among colorful avenues, morning mists and warmer, softer light. It’s an ideal time for photographers and for anyone who simply wants to stroll and catch beautiful frames.
Places that can be crowded in summer feel more intimate in October. Parks and riverside promenades take on rich colors, and the historic nooks of the Old Town and Kazimierz gain extra depth thanks to fallen leaves and mellow autumn light.
If you’re looking for photographic inspiration and want to discover the city from a less obvious angle, autumn is a great moment to visit.
Planty - the green ring that surrounds the Old Town. In autumn the alleys of the Planty are strewn with leaves that work beautifully for portrait shots and atmospheric frames with architecture in the background.
Wawel and the Vistula Boulevards - a classic that gains golden reflections in the water in autumn. A walk along the Vistula offers panoramic shots with Wawel in the background and romantic compositions at sunset.
Kazimierz - atmospheric streets, colorful murals and cozy cafés. Józefa Street and Plac Nowy are full of character and look especially cinematic with falling leaves.
Zakrzówek - turquoise water, cliffs and wild vegetation. The contrast between the blue of the reservoir and the autumnal colors of the trees makes for striking, unexpected frames. Remember to follow marked paths and respect safety signs.
Błonia and Jordan Park - wide open spaces ideal for panoramas, family shoots and drone footage (if you plan to fly a drone, check local rules first).
Przylasek Rusiecki - wooden footbridges and ponds create moody photographic compositions, especially in soft autumn light.
Zalew Nowohucki and Nowa Huta - different from the historic center, Nowa Huta offers open modernist compositions and seasonal decorations like autumn displays near the reservoir.
Park Lotników (the 'Maledivy' pond) - a small pond surrounded by greenery that contrasts nicely with autumn foliage and suits quiet, intimate sessions.
Hidden courtyards and alleyways of the Old Town - off-season it’s easier to find quiet courtyards, gateways and architectural details that make great portrait backdrops.
Day-trip options around Krakow - Ojcow National Park and the Błędów Desert are recommended for autumn landscapes if you want to add natural motifs to your album.
The best light for street and outdoor photography is the golden hour — just after sunrise and just before sunset. In Krakow during autumn these moments often bring soft, warm tones that reveal architectural details and leaf color.
Morning fog can add a mysterious mood — if you like that atmosphere, get up early and head to the Planty or the riverbanks. On cloudy days colors are saturated and contrasts are gentle — good for portraits and architecture without harsh shadows.
Aim for mid-September to mid-October for the strongest leaf colors, though the exact peak depends on that year’s weather. Even November has its charms — colder light and smoking chimneys create a different, atmospheric mood.
Gear - if you can choose, bring a 35 mm or 50 mm for portraits and a 16–35 mm for wide architectural shots. A 70–200 mm telephoto is useful for details and distant compositions. A tripod is handy for longer exposures and evening shots.
Filters and accessories - a polarizer improves sky and leaf colors; spare batteries and memory cards are must-haves for a full day of shooting. A powerbank helps if you use your phone as a backup camera.
Clothing - autumn can be unpredictable: wear layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable non-slip shoes. Carry a small umbrella — rain can appear suddenly, and wet streets often create interesting photographic atmospheres.
Respect public space and residents — don’t block sidewalks, watch for traffic and trams, and ask permission when photographing inside cafés or private courtyards.
At Zakrzówek and other cliff areas take extra care. Do not go beyond barriers or risk unsafe positions for a better shot.
If you photograph people, ask for consent, especially in intimate situations. Many public places allow photography, but a friendly conversation never hurts.
Morning - sunrise in the Planty or by Wawel: start with a walk through the Planty, aiming for early mist and empty alleys.
Late morning - Old Town and cafés: walk through the Main Market Square, capture the Cloth Hall details and side streets, and pause for coffee in Kazimierz.
Afternoon - Zakrzówek or Przylasek Rusiecki: nature close to the city, perfect for color contrasts and water reflections.
Sunset - Vistula Boulevards or Błonia: golden hour over the Vistula gives beautiful panoramas; in the evening return to the Market Square when the lamps are lit.
Leaf frames - use fallen leaves as a natural frame for portraits or architectural details.
Reflections - look for reflections of Wawel or tenement houses in puddles and water surfaces along the boulevards and ponds.
Motion - capture dynamic elements: a passing tram, a couple under an umbrella, leaves swirling in the air.
Details - doors, signs, lanterns and Krakow’s cobblestones make great detail shots that often tell an interesting story about a place.
Autumn brings local decorations — from pumpkin displays to seasonal markets and installations across the city. These can create excellent backdrops for photos, so it’s worth checking local event listings before you go out.
In Nowa Huta you’ll often find autumn attractions around the Zalew Nowohucki that are family-friendly and provide colorful seasonal motifs.
Remember that not all installations are on display for the entire season — if there’s a specific decoration you want to photograph, check the dates in advance.
Ojcow National Park - close to Krakow, with picturesque valleys, limestone cliffs and autumnal forests. Excellent for nature walks and landscape photos.
The Pieniny and the Dunajec Gorge - if you have more time, the colorful valleys and rivers look stunning in autumn.
Błędów Desert - an unusual landscape that contrasts strongly with the autumn forests of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.
Best single day for photography? Aim for early morning for empty streets and soft light, and stay for the golden hour at sunset — both give very different but complementary moods.
Public transport and getting around: Krakow has a reliable tram and bus network. Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the Old Town and Kazimierz — many streets are cobbled.
Where to warm up and grab a coffee? For historic charm try Café Noworolski at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or a cozy Kazimierz spot such as Café Camelot — both good for a restorative break between shoots.
Museums worth visiting if you need shelter from bad weather: Wawel Royal Castle, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Schindler’s Factory) and the National Museum are excellent choices and photographable in their own right.
Drone use: if you plan to fly a drone, check local aviation rules and avoid flying over crowds or near the airport. Respect privacy and local restrictions.
Safety and etiquette: keep an eye on your gear in busy areas, follow signs at natural sites like Zakrzówek, and always ask permission before photographing people in private situations.
Krakow in autumn is a treasure trove of photographic inspiration — from atmospheric alleys and historic panoramas to parks and hidden corners. The most important things are planning your day around the light, dressing for comfort and safety, and simply enjoying the city.
If you’d like, I can prepare a short, personalized route tailored to your interests — architecture, nature or urban portraits. Happy shooting and see you in Krakow!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz)
