You arrive in Kraków in summer and wonder: where should you take photos to avoid crowds, catch beautiful light and not spend the day just standing in line? Or: which places are truly "Instagrammable" and which hide lesser-known but equally photogenic corners? In this guide I will suggest how to plan a photo day, which city spots to choose at particular times, and how to prepare your gear for summer shots.
Let’s start with a short mental map: - if you want classics and panoramas: Wawel, Main Market Square, Vistula Boulevards; - if you prefer intimate, atmospheric frames: Kazimierz, Kanonicza Street, the Planty; - if you’re after nature and contrast: Zakrzówek, Błonia, the mounds; - if industrial and alternative backdrops interest you: Zabłocie and Nowa Huta. Later I’ll add routes and practical tips - how to catch the golden hour, what to avoid and what to keep in your backpack.
I won’t present preset itineraries from other guides - this is a heartfelt text for visitors of zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I want you to finish reading knowing how to organise your photo days in Kraków so you return with beautiful frames and great memories.
Practical note: the city is alive in summer - festivals, markets and outdoor events change the scenery. When planning a session, check the events calendar - sometimes it’s an advantage, and sometimes it’s a reason to change plans.
Below I describe spots in an order that makes visiting and shooting easier, with less unnecessary walking.
Why it’s worth it: Wawel Castle and Cathedral are Kraków icons - their silhouettes pair beautifully with the Vistula. The boulevards are perfect for lifestyle shots, water reflections and long compositions featuring bridges and the city panorama in the background.
When and how to photograph: Best light is early morning (before tourist sites open) or the golden hour at sunset. The boulevards look great in low light when the water picks up the colors of the sky. For river-level perspectives, look for spots between the Dębnicki Bridge and the Bernatek Footbridge.
Practical tips: - Bring a telephoto or zoom to capture architectural details from a safe distance. - Avoid midday at the Castle - crowds and harsh light kill the mood. - On the boulevards look for reflections and leading lines (for example piers and footbridges).
Etiquette: respect the riverside walkways - don’t block passage when setting up gear and be mindful of safety near the water’s edge.
Small variation: instead of shots from the riverbank try a high viewpoint (for example Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound) - the Wawel panorama placed in the context of the city gives a different dimension.
Why it’s worth it: The Main Market Square is a must for every photographer in Kraków. Colorful townhouses, St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall and the bustle of people create many photos - from documentary to stylised portraits.
When and how to photograph: Dawn is best, when the Square is still empty - wide-angle shots without people work best then. In the evening you can capture atmospheric images of illuminated facades and cafés. During the day focus on details: sculptures, stone steps and café tables.
Practical advice: - For portraits seek narrow streets leading out of the Square (for example Mikołajska Street) - side light and townhouse backgrounds are very flattering. - Watch exposure: bright sky and dark architectural details require balancing or using filters (e.g. graduated ND) or gentle HDR. - For large tripods and professional sessions in public spaces check rules in advance - commercial shoots may require permits.
Mood: The Square is great for showing the city’s pulse - but remember it’s crowded in season. Early morning is the best solution.
Don’t stop at the Square - a short walk to the Planty or nearby alleys gives a variety of frames.
Why it’s worth it: Kazimierz is a mix of history, cafés, murals and atmospheric nooks. Szeroka Street, inner courtyards, string lights and cozy cafés deliver soulful photos.
Where to look: - Szeroka Street, Nowy Square and the area around the old synagogue; - small courtyards with string lights, where you can capture soft, moody lighting; - murals and café fronts that make interesting portrait backdrops.
When and how to photograph: Evenings in Kazimierz are magical thanks to the lights and people - try short shutter speeds to show movement or long exposures to smooth the crowd. Mornings let you use a quiet atmosphere and soft light on the cobbles.
Workshop tip: a tripod makes sense at low ISO and longer times, but in narrow busy streets in summer a nimble approach often wins - quick settings, wide aperture and natural light.
Suggested composition: include elements of everyday life (a café table, a bicycle, a passerby) - photos with a story attract more than just pretty facades.
Why it’s worth it: Zakrzówek is one of the most spectacular natural spots within city limits - turquoise water against rock and greenery makes unique shots, especially in sunny weather.
Practical notes: In summer places like Zakrzówek attract crowds. Access to some shoreline fragments has been restricted or regulated - respect signage and local rules. Safety and nature conservation are more important than the "perfect shot".
How to photograph: - Look for contrast between water and rock; - Use a polarizer to emphasise water colors; - Early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the busiest crowds and harsh light.
Green alternatives: the Planty, Jordan Park and Błonia offer more space and natural backgrounds if you prefer less touristy compositions.
Photo ethics: remember it’s a recreational area for locals - don’t block paths, clean up after picnics and avoid entering protected spots.
Why it’s worth it: Błonia is a vast meadow in the heart of the city - lush in summer and great for shots with ample negative space. Kościuszko Mound offers panoramic city views and distant vistas worth capturing on a clear day.
When to photograph: Early morning on Błonia gives quiet, dew and soft light. The Mound is ideal at sunset, when light wraps the panorama. Longer summer evenings give you more time for the golden hour.
Technical tips: - Wide-angle lenses work well on Błonia to emphasise space; - Telephoto or a longer focal length on the Mound helps compose the panorama and pull out architectural details in the distance.
Access and comfort: both spots are easy to reach and often less crowded than the strict centre, so they’re good for sessions when you want calm and space.
Small challenge: try low-angle shots on Błonia - grass and sky as background make fresh summer frames.
Why it’s worth it: Tyniec is a short trip outside the centre that offers a photogenic combination of monastic architecture, the Vistula and rocky riverbanks. The Benedictine abbey creates an elegant, peaceful setting for a session.
When to go and what to do: A summer morning or late afternoon are ideal - light gently falls on the abbey walls. Paths along the river and the rocks attract compositions combining nature and architecture.
Respect the place: this is a site of religious life and relaxation - keep quiet while shooting, especially near the abbey grounds.
Frame idea: use leading lines (steps, walls) and shoot at an angle to highlight the abbey’s mass and the surrounding landscape.
Logistics: choose comfortable shoes for walking on stony paths and bring water - summers can be hot.
Why it’s worth it: If you want raw urban frames - Zabłocie with its murals and industrial details is a great choice. Nowa Huta offers a brutalist backdrop, wide avenues and interesting contrasts between concrete and greenery.
What to shoot: - Murals, old halls and industrial textures in Zabłocie; - wide avenues, socialist-realist buildings and public spaces in Nowa Huta.
When and how: Summer afternoons bring vibrant mural colours; mornings are better for architecture when light is softer. In both areas look for unusual details - grates, cracks and textures that add character.
Creative idea: combine a portrait with an industrial element - the contrast between skin and background often works very well.
Safety: as in any part of the city - be aware of your surroundings, especially when setting up expensive gear. At night stick to busier routes.
Why it’s worth it: Small streets and courtyards can offer more photographic emotion than the most famous spots. Kanonicza Street is a classic of photogenic charm, and the Planty form a green ring with many frames - benches, paths and architectural details.
How to photograph: - Look for asymmetry, wall textures and natural framing (benches, gates, trees). - Use shallow depth of field for portraits against cobbled streets. - Morning and late afternoon light falls softly and creates beautiful gradients on facades.
Mini-route idea: start on Kanonicza, walk through the Planty and finish at a lesser-known courtyard nearby - each place delivers a different photographic mood.
Valuable tip: details often say more than a wide shot - don’t be afraid of close-ups on craftsmanship, metal ornaments and shutters.
Remember this is a lifestyle of the city - stop for a coffee, listen to the sounds and let frames arise naturally.
When: - Golden hour at sunrise and sunset is a priority. - Early summer mornings give the cleanest frames in the centre. - Late afternoon and evening create atmospheric light in Kazimierz and on the boulevards.
Gear to bring: - A universal kit: camera with a wide-angle lens (24-35 mm) and a mid-tele (50-135 mm). - Polariser for water and sky, ND filter if you plan long exposures over water. - A small, lightweight tripod - useful for night shots and long exposures. - Powerbank and spare memory cards - heat and a long photo day can drain batteries quickly.
Settings and composition: - For summer portraits use wide apertures (f/1.8–f/4) to separate the subject from the background. - For city panoramas prefer smaller apertures (f/8–f/11) for greater depth of field. - Experiment with low angles - especially on Błonia and Zakrzówek rocks you’ll get interesting perspectives.
Extra tips: mind scene contrast (bright sky vs dark details) - filters, edits in Lightroom/Photoshop or choosing the right time of day will solve most issues.
Logistics tip: wear light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes in summer. Also have an offline map or navigation ready - signal can be weaker in narrow alleys.
One-day route (classics + contrasts): Wawel - Vistula Boulevards (coffee break) - Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - Kazimierz in the evening. This route gives panoramas, architectural details and atmospheric night shots.
Short 3-hour route (green and panoramic): Błonia in the morning - Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound for a panorama - a gentle walk through the Planty. Ideal if you want peace and nature close to the centre.
Alternative route (creative frames): Zabłocie for murals - Nowa Huta for industrial backdrops - return by tram to the centre. Great for a session contrasting styles.
Tip: each route can be adapted for evening use - Kazimierz and the Square have lovely night lighting, and the boulevards and bridges reflect illuminations beautifully.
You don’t have to stick to the plan - allow yourself to explore side streets and spontaneous stops. The best frames often come off the beaten path.
Respect others: don’t block walkways or set up equipment where you obstruct tourists or residents. Remember Kraków is not only attractions - it’s home for many people.
Privacy and permissions: ask before taking close portraits. For commercial sessions or big setups check whether extra permits are required.
Protect monuments and nature: don’t enter areas with prohibitions. Don’t climb on historic elements or damage vegetation for a better frame.
Cleanliness: take your trash with you, don’t leave props or litter after a picnic or session.
By following these rules we’ll keep these places welcoming for future photographers and visitors.
Kraków in summer offers many photographic possibilities - from classic panoramas to alternative industrial frames. Planning is important, but so is openness to surprises and patience with crowds. Bring your camera, a bottle of water and comfortable shoes - and go shoot.
If you’d like, I can prepare a short personalised list of places based on your preferences (portrait, nature, architecture) - tell me what you like to photograph and I’ll compose a route tailored to your visit.
Good luck with your shots! Remember - the best photos often come when you combine technique with curiosity and an open eye. Summer in Kraków is a great chance to practise that.
Warm regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) - if you come to Kraków I’ll be happy to advise places matched to your photographic style.
PS. If you have practical questions about a specific place - opening hours, how to get there or seasonal accessibility - write and I’ll check and advise details.
