Kazimierz and Wawel are two very different faces of Kraków that tell the city's story through contrast: the narrow, atmospheric streets of the former Jewish town and the broad, monumental royal hill. A walk through Kazimierz offers taste, music and memory; finishing at Wawel at sunset gives you an image of the city that stays with you — stone walls warmed by light and the Vistula reflections create one of the most beautiful views in Poland.
This is a convenient and very photogenic plan for an afternoon: start at Plac Nowy, visit the main synagogues and alleys, walk along the Vistula boulevards and allow yourself time to sit and watch the city change colors. The route works well for solo visitors, couples and families — you only need a bit of flexibility and comfortable shoes.
Start: Plac Nowy — the natural landmark of Kazimierz. The Okrąglak building with its legendary zapiekanki stalls, the surrounding cafés and the atmosphere make it a good place to begin with a short stop and get your bearings.
1. Plac Nowy: try a classic zapiekanka or coffee at one of the local cafés. It’s also a great spot for quick photos and watching neighborhood life.
2. Józefa, Estery, Szeroka streets: walk slowly and pay attention to architectural details, murals and small galleries. Consider visiting the Old Synagogue, Tempel Synagogue and Izaak Synagogue — each has a different character and story.
3. Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery: an intimate, moving place of remembrance. Keep quiet and show respect when entering — it’s still an active cemetery and place of worship.
4. Vistula boulevards and the Father Bernatek Footbridge: a short riverside walk with the best perspectives for photographing Wawel from the water level. The footbridge connects Kazimierz with Podgórze and offers interesting views of the bridges' architecture.
5. Walk toward Wawel: from the boulevards you’ll reach the Wawel area — find a comfortable spot to watch the sunset. Arrive 30–45 minutes before the planned sunset to set up and catch the golden hour.
If you have more time: visit the Oskar Schindler Factory in Zabłocie or climb Krakus Mound for a wide panorama of the city. If you plan to photograph, bring a tripod or find a steady support (a wall, railing).
Plac Nowy and surroundings: the heart of the district; the Okrąglak and the zapiekanka stalls are a must-stop for local flavor. It’s also a convenient place for a short break before visiting the monuments.
Old Synagogue (museum) and the Tempel and Izaak Synagogues: a variety of styles and histories. Visiting the interiors and reading the exhibits helps understand the pre-war life of Kraków’s Jewish community.
Remuh Synagogue with the adjoining Remuh Cemetery: an intimate site full of history and personal inscriptions. It’s one of those places that invites silence and reflection.
Plac Wolnica: less touristy, more local market atmosphere — a good base for heading to the boulevards and the Father Bernatek Footbridge.
The narrow streets: Józefa, Estery, Szeroka — they create the mood of the walk. Keep your eyes open for galleries, antiquarian shops, murals and small craft stores.
Vistula boulevards — classic spot: a low riverside position lets you photograph Wawel’s reflections in the Vistula and the castle’s broad panorama. The best area is between Dębnicki Bridge and the Father Bernatek Footbridge.
Father Bernatek Footbridge — romantic compositions with lanterns and bridge silhouettes. From the footbridge you also have an easy connection to Kazimierz and several perspectives on Wawel.
Krakus Mound and Kościuszko Mound — if you want a wide panorama, climb a mound. It takes more time but gives the ‘city below’ effect with the sunset in the background.
MOCAK terraces and Zabłocie — modern, contrasting shots; consider these if you want to combine Wawel with an industrial backdrop.
When planning, remember: arrive at least 30–45 minutes early, check the weather forecast and the exact sunset time for the date. On weekends and in high season riverside spots can be crowded.
Kazimierz offers a wide range — from street food at Plac Nowy to intimate restaurants and cafés. It’s an ideal area to combine sightseeing with a pleasant meal.
A few places often recommended by locals and visitors: Alchemia, Hevre, Mleczarnia, Starka. Each has a different character — from cozy interiors and local cuisine to venues with live music. Choose according to your mood: a quick snack, a long dinner or coffee in an artistic setting.
If you plan a dinner after the sunset: consider reserving a table, especially on weekends. Around the boulevards and Zabłocie you’ll also find bars with a less touristy atmosphere and good reviews — great for a relaxed evening after a photo session.
The easiest way to get to Kazimierz and Wawel is by public transport (trams, buses) or on foot from the Old Town. Stops near Kazimierz include Starowiślna, Miodowa and Plac Wolnica. Always check current timetables, as routes can change temporarily due to roadworks.
MPK tickets can be bought at machines, via mobile apps and at kiosks — remember to validate your ticket before travel. If you plan intense sightseeing, consider a time-based ticket.
Accessibility: some streets have cobblestones and narrow passages; if you’re traveling with a stroller or need accessibility options, plan your route and check entrances to specific sites. The Vistula boulevards generally have better conditions for people with reduced mobility.
Prepare for the golden hour: a tripod and low ISO will help you get sharp, saturated colors with longer exposures. If you don’t have a tripod, look for stable supports — a wall, bench or railing often works well.
Composition: use leading lines (bridges, boulevards), frame shots with architectural elements and experiment with the Vistula reflections. People in the frame add scale and emotion — don’t be afraid to include them.
Common mistakes: arriving "at the last minute" (no good spot), ignoring the weather forecast and lacking stabilization for your equipment. Avoid these by coming earlier, checking the weather and preparing your gear.
Kazimierz was once a separate town founded by Casimir the Great — for centuries it had its own institutions and a unique history; later it became home to a large Jewish community. That layered history is visible in the buildings and hidden corners.
Wawel sits on a limestone hill, and the Vistula hasn’t always flowed in the same channel — shifts in the river’s course and historical terrain changes shaped the present riverbanks, which are now great viewpoints.
A small tip for photographers: often the most dramatic colors appear just after sunset, so it’s worth staying a few minutes longer than you planned.
When is the best time to arrive to catch the sunset? — Come 30–45 minutes before the official sunset time to find a spot and set up. The golden hour starts about an hour before sunset and is the most favorable for photography.
Do you need tickets for Wawel to watch the sunset? — No, watching the sunset from the boulevards and riverbanks is free. Entrance to interiors and some terraces may be ticketed.
Can I fly a drone in the city center? — There are restrictions near Wawel and over historic monuments. Before flying a drone, check current regulations and whether you need permission.
Is Kazimierz safe in the evening? — Generally yes; it’s tourist-friendly, but as everywhere in the city be mindful of valuables and avoid poorly lit, deserted spots.
Trying to "tick off" every point in one day — it’s better to choose a few places and soak up their atmosphere than to rush non-stop. Allow time for coffee and watching local life.
No plan for getting back after dark — check tram and bus schedules or plan alternatives. On weekends some lines may run less frequently.
Not reserving a table at popular restaurants — if you plan to dine after sunset, reserve in advance to avoid long waits.
If this guide helped you plan an afternoon in Kraków, share it with friends or on social media — practical tips are worth passing on.
If you’d like to discover Kraków with a guide, consider a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on the guide’s website you can find information about routes, prices and contact details. A private tour lets you learn additional photographic gems and stories you won’t find in short plans. Thank you for reading and enjoy beautiful sunsets over Wawel!
