Kraków and Zakopane combine city charm and mountain scenery in a way that’s magnetic for holiday photos: historic townhouses, Market Square illuminations and Christmas stalls - and in the mountains, rustic highlander cabins, snow‑topped peaks and the Tatra panorama from Gubałówka. In one weekend you can capture the contrast between urban elegance and raw mountain aesthetics, which makes for varied and eye‑catching photos and Instagram stories.
In winter plan your shoots around light: the golden hour just after sunrise or before sunset delivers soft, cinematic light; in the evening decorations, fairy lights and snow create a fairytale mood. If you want photos without crowds - the earliest mornings and weekdays are your allies.
This guide lists 20 places - 12 in Kraków and 8 in Zakopane - that combine aesthetics, convenience and the chance to make classy holiday photos. I also added practical tips on what to avoid and how to organize your time.
1. Main Market Square and Sukiennice - a classic that works year‑round. In winter use the holiday illuminations and market stalls; the photos take on a more ‘cinematic’ feel.
2. St. Mary’s Basilica and the tower - a shot with the bugle call and a winter sky is always effective. Climb the tower at sunset if you want to capture the city panorama.
3. Kazimierz - atmospheric streets, courtyards and cafés give plenty of character. Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and the surrounding area are great for lifestyle and street photos.
4. Planty and the tree‑lined promenades - winter paths with white snow or glowing lights make an ideal background for romantic frames. Morning fog adds mystery to the scene.
5. Vistula boulevards - reflections in the water, bridges and Wawel in the background. In the evening the footbridges and lit embankments create an elegant, minimalist aesthetic.
6. Krakus Mound (or Kościuszko Mound) - viewpoints offer wide city panoramas; arrive before sunrise for a clean sky and soft light.
7. Kanonicza Street and Józefa Street - cobbles, historic doors and townhouses make perfect backdrops for classic, filter‑free shots.
8. Zakrzówek - turquoise water and rocky cliffs (if safety conditions allow) look like a small exotic spot near Kraków; excellent for contrasty compositions.
9. Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden - winter trees, hoarfrost and plant textures give photos a subtle, natural vibe.
10. Father Bernatek Footbridge and the bridges over the Vistula - lines and reflections in the water, especially striking at sunset.
11. Villa Decius and Wola Justowska - if you want elegant, less crowded setups for classic portraits these spots are ideal.
12. Cafés and interiors - Café Camelot, Massolit, Charlotte and other popular city cafés are ready‑made sets for lifestyle photos. Reserve a table in the evening or by the window to get more light and comfort.
1. Krupówki - the heart of Zakopane, perfect for street photos and shots with highlander stalls, oscypek cheese and local folklore. An evening walk with lights has a special charm.
2. Gubałówka - the funicular ride gives quick access to viewpoints with Tatra panoramas; clouds and sunset make for spectacular shots.
3. Morskie Oko - a Tatra landscape classic. This spot requires planning (winter hiking time), but the views are worth the effort.
4. Kościeliska Valley and Strążyska Valley - wooden footbridges, streams and caves provide natural backdrops that look great in winter and autumn photos.
5. Wielka Krokiew and the ski jumps - a raw, sporty atmosphere and views over Zakopane, especially impressive on competition days.
6. Wooden architecture and Zakopane‑style villas - Villa Koliba, historic guesthouses and other listed buildings give authentic regional context to photos.
7. The meadow and viewpoint near Giewont - classic shots with the mountain silhouette in the background; on a clear day the effect is spectacular.
8. Local inns and interiors - interiors with highlander decor, live music and regional dishes add narrative and atmosphere to photos. Popular, highly rated places appear seasonally - book a table, especially on weekends and holidays.
You can combine Kraków and Zakopane in several ways: by car (about 2–2.5 hours depending on conditions), by coach (regular departures from Kraków stations) or by train + bus to Zakopane. If you only have a weekend I suggest: day 1 - Kraków (morning in the Planty, midday in Kazimierz, evening on the Market Square); day 2 - leave early for Zakopane, come back in the evening after photos on Gubałówka.
Remember that in winter road and weather conditions can lengthen travel time - leave a buffer for driving and parking. During the holiday season it’s wise to book accommodation and restaurant tables in advance. If you plan Morskie Oko or longer mountain hikes - better allocate a separate day for them.
Set your priorities: if holiday lights and urban atmosphere matter most, spend more time in Kraków; if you dream of mountain panoramas and snow - reserve at least half a day in Zakopane for a ride and a viewpoint.
• Sunrises and sunsets - the best light is the golden hour and the blue hour after dusk, when lights and illuminations contrast nicely with the sky. For holiday decorations shoot just after dark.
• Avoid crowds - in Kraków and on Krupówki start very early or choose weekdays. Evening photos with lights are best planned just after market openings or slightly later when many people head to restaurants.
• Tripod - bring a small tripod if you want long exposures of lights. In some churches or museums using equipment may require permission.
• Composition - look for leading lines (paths, footbridges, stairs), reflections in water and natural frames (doors, arches). Contrasts between old and new (for example a historic façade with a modern light installation) create interesting effects.
• Clothing and gear - batteries drain faster in cold weather; carry a spare battery and protection for your camera/phone against moisture, and wear warm, non‑restrictive clothing.
1. Assuming Krupówki are everything - Krupówki are atmospheric, but it’s easy to miss more elegant, less obvious frames in Zakopane and Kraków. Step off the main promenade and search for viewpoints or historic villas.
2. No reservations during the holidays - restaurants and hotels fill up fast; if you want an elegant dinner book ahead.
3. Poor timing for reaching attractions - winter road conditions, limited parking and walking approaches (for example to Morskie Oko) can significantly extend trip time.
4. Photographing only the center - the best frames are often on the edges: boulevards, mounds, villas, valleys and small streets offer more original motifs.
5. Neglecting clothing - a stylish photo is one thing, but a frozen photographer is no fun; layer up, bring waterproof boots and touchscreen gloves.
In Kraków book tables at well‑established places - if you want an elegant dinner in the center consider restaurants around the Market Square; for a quick pleasant brunch choose popular cafés known for atmosphere and stylish interiors.
In Zakopane choose highly rated mountain inns for a warm regional meal - traditional dishes served in a cozy interior add narrative to your photos. Places often serve hot oscypek, kwaśnica or lamb dishes - ask locally for recommended, certified spots if you want authentic flavors.
For classy accommodation look for boutique hotels or historic villas near the center that offer cozy decor and easy access to attractions. During the holiday season premium options disappear quickly - reserve early.
• Transport between the cities: a car gives the most flexibility; coaches and private runs operate regularly - check the weather forecast and road condition in winter.
• Payments: Poland uses the złoty (PLN); both cards and cash are useful for small purchases at markets.
• Watch the crowds: the Market Square and Krupówki can be busy on weekends and holidays - keep valuable gear close to you.
• Weather: mountain conditions change fast - check the forecast before heading into valleys or on longer walks; carry a route map and appropriate footwear.
• Due to winter conditions some trails and roads may be closed or require crampons/spikes - check information before you set out.
Q: In the holiday season is it better to stay in Kraków or Zakopane? A: If your priority is urban illuminations and museums - Kraków. If you dream of snow and mountain panoramas - Zakopane. The best option is to combine both if time allows.
Q: Is it worth taking the funicular to Gubałówka? A: Yes - it’s a fast way to get panoramic views of the Tatras and nice elevated shots; remember the funicular is very popular and queues are possible in season.
Q: When is the best time to photograph the Market Square to avoid crowds? A: The earliest morning (before 8:00) or late evening after market stalls close.
Q: Do I need permission to photograph in churches and museums? A: Many churches and museums allow non‑flash photography without a tripod; in some places a ticket with photo rights or a special permit is required.
• In Kraków look from different angles - atmospheric courtyards and arcades offer natural frames and lights that work brilliantly at night.
• In Zakopane some popular views are overexposed - if you want something unique, seek less frequented valleys and shepherd huts off the main trail.
• Local bakeries and pastry shops are a treasure trove of holiday details - a shot of a hot, fragrant pastry against wooden backgrounds adds authentic flavor.
• Remember accessories: a pretty scarf, hat or textured gloves can elevate a photo without much effort.
If you’re planning a short holiday trip - a well‑composed list of 20 places (12 in Kraków, 8 in Zakopane) will help you capture the most representative and Instagram‑friendly frames. The key is to plan your time, book ahead and look after the photographer’s comfort - warm clothing and spare batteries are essential.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on your profiles - great routes are worth recommending. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a local private guide - Małgorzata Kasprowicz invites you to get in touch; details and a contact form are available on the guide’s website. Good luck with your frames and happy holiday photos!
