The Barbakan is one of the most photogenic starting points along Kraków’s Royal Route — it attracts photographers with its Gothic architecture, rich brick details and dramatic morning light. Starting the day near the city walls gives a strong visual contrast to the solemn, reflective character of a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial — a photographic and emotional experience that should be planned with sensitivity and respect.
For a group of photographer friends this plan offers varied opportunities: architecture and street scenes in Kraków, portraits in the light around the Main Market and cobbled lanes, and a documentary, restrained style of shooting during the visit to Auschwitz. On weekdays tourist traffic is usually lower than on weekends, which makes photographing in the city and organising the trip to Oświęcim easier.
When combining these two places remember a fundamental rule: respect is paramount at the Memorial. Photographing there is not an end in itself — it’s about documentation and remembrance, not about creating “Instagram” moments.
1) 06:30–08:30 - Barbakan and the Royal Route: morning photo session. Start at the Barbakan, walk through St. Florian’s Gate and along Floriańska Street toward the Main Market. Morning light and thinner crowds make ideal conditions for architecture and portraits.
2) 08:30–09:30 - breakfast and packing for the trip: quick coffee and sandwiches near the Market; check gear, batteries and memory cards.
3) 09:30–11:30 - travel to Oświęcim: by car about 1–1.5 hours; by train from Krakow usually from around 45–95 minutes depending on the connection. Allow extra time for travel and parking.
4) 12:00–15:30 - visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: the minimum recommended time is several hours; it’s wise to reserve admission cards in advance and arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your guided visit.
5) 16:30–18:30 - return to Krakow and evening frames in Kazimierz or at Wawel: warm sunset light can give beautiful portraits and atmospheric street images.
Times and durations are approximate — adapt them to the Memorial’s booking availability and your group’s preferences.
Booking entry to the Memorial is mandatory — admission cards are personal and you should check date availability well in advance. Weekdays are generally easier for finding free slots, but plan with several days’ margin.
Getting there: a car gives flexibility (approx. 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic); the train is a comfortable alternative — no parking stress. Train travel time varies by service (usually about 45–95 minutes). Check current timetables before you travel.
On site at the Memorial remember practical limitations: security checks at the entrance, restrictions on baggage size — large backpacks should be left in your vehicle or coach; also allow time to walk between Auschwitz I and Birkenau when planning your schedule.
Photography for private, non-commercial purposes is generally permitted in areas open to visitors, but there are clear exceptions — photography is forbidden in the room with victims’ hair (block 4) and in the basements of block 11. Above all, maintain respect for the place and for other visitors.
Recording commercial material or creating content as an online creator requires permission and prior contact with the Museum Office; filming during standard group tours is usually not allowed. Drones and aerial filming are subject to special restrictions and are permitted only in exceptional cases after approval.
Avoid using flash in exhibitions, do not position equipment so that it blocks walkways, and do not stage scenes at the expense of the site’s natural character. If you plan to use a tripod or larger gear, ask ahead — for safety and visitor comfort the staff may not allow it during busy times.
Think documentary, not sensational. Your frames should record the history and atmosphere of the place, not turn tragedy into spectacle.
Avoid posed, ‘cheerful’ photos in the context of memorial spaces. Portraits and moody images should be taken with sensitivity, ideally outside exhibition zones where such photos would be inappropriate.
Be mindful of other visitors — move quietly, set cameras and phones to silent, keep sessions short and avoid blocking passages. If someone asks you not to post a photo of them online, respect that request.
A light, versatile kit: a camera with one good wide-angle lens (about 24–35 mm) and one general-purpose or short tele lens (50–135 mm) will cover most needs. Wide frames for city architecture and details, and mid-tele for subtle portraits at the Memorial.
Extras: spare batteries, extra memory cards, a small clean cloth for lenses, a polarising filter (useful in strong light), and a powerbank. Bring a compact, discreet tripod and use it considerately — check in advance whether it’s permitted at particular exhibition spots.
Settings: at Birkenau, where scenes can be cool and contrasty, work with low ISO and longer exposures if possible (without flash). In museum rooms with limited light, rely on stabilization and quiet shutter modes to avoid disturbance.
After returning to Krakow head to Kazimierz or the Main Market, where there are many friendly spots to enjoy a meal and review photos with friends. Choose a café with a good espresso for breakfast, a restaurant for a hearty Polish lunch, and a cozy bar in Kazimierz for evening drinks.
Suggested places to consider: Café Camelot or Charlotte for a relaxed breakfast near the Market; Pod Wawelem for traditional Polish dishes; local bistros and intimate wine bars in Kazimierz for evening conversation. Check opening hours before you go.
For a more reflective end to the day — a walk along the Vistula and a night frame of Wawel make for beautiful, calm images.
Not booking tickets for the Memorial — this can result in no entry or long waits. Reserve admission cards ahead of time.
Insensitive photographing and lack of respect — thoughtless sharing on social media can hurt viewers. Before posting, consider whether the image is appropriate for the context.
Too much bulky gear and no logistical plan — travel light and plan your kit for the whole day to avoid time lost repacking and to keep the Memorial experience unobstructed.
The Barbakan — today a picturesque photo spot — is one of the few preserved barbicans of its kind in Europe and makes an excellent starting point for a walk along the Royal Route.
Many visitors photograph with phones — that’s natural, but the most delicate images often come when the photographer works calmly and discreetly, without disturbing others.
If you plan a group session in Krakow, check opening hours and any restoration work in advance — some parts of the Barbakan or adjacent walls may be temporarily closed.
Q: Do we need permission to take photos at Auschwitz? - A: For private use, photography in publicly accessible areas is usually allowed, with exceptions (e.g., the room with victims’ hair and the basements of block 11). Commercial material requires prior permission and contact with the Museum.
Q: Can we use a tripod or flash? - A: Tripods can be problematic in crowded areas and require caution; flash is not recommended in exhibition spaces. If you plan professional shots, check the Museum’s rules in advance.
Q: How early should we book admission cards? - A: It’s best to check availability as soon as you plan the trip and reserve; weekdays are often easier but do not guarantee entry without prior booking.
If this route sounds interesting, plan the day ahead and treat the visit to the Memorial as an important history lesson as well as a photographic opportunity.
Share this guide with friends on social media so other photographers and visitors know how to combine a good photo plan with an ethical approach to places of remembrance.
If you’d like a private, experienced guide for your trip, consider services with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — an experienced guide who can lead thoughtful, respectful visits. Find details and contact information on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
