This route combines a visit to the modern Museum of the Home Army with the most photogenic spots in Krakow’s city centre — all planned so you can take photos with your dog and rest in dog-friendly places. It’s a convenient plan for a morning or full-day walk for people who want to mix efficient sightseeing with photographic pleasure and their pet’s comfort.
Start: Museum of the Home Army (near the Main Railway Station) — visit the permanent exhibition (about 60–90 min).
Short walk to the Planty and stroll along the tree-lined alleys — quick shots of urban greenery.
Vistula Boulevards — photos by the river, bridges, Wawel panoramas.
Walk to Wawel (external shots, courtyard, panorama).
Kazimierz — atmospheric streets, murals and courtyards ideal for street photography.
Błonia or Jordan Park — large open space for the dog, outdoor session, running.
Break in a dog-friendly café (for example Psikawka) to recharge and have coffee.
Optional: Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) or Kościuszko Mound (Kopiec Kościuszki) for city panoramas at sunset.
The Museum of the Home Army is a modern institution with a multimedia permanent exhibition and accessibility features that ease touring. Visiting the permanent exhibition usually takes about 1–1.5 hours, so plan your time accordingly.
Animals are not allowed inside the museum — exceptions are guide dogs for visually impaired visitors and assistance dogs for people with mobility disabilities. If you plan to enter the exhibition and have your pet with you, you will need to leave the animal outside the building (check storage options or arrange care beforehand).
Photography inside for personal use is generally allowed, subject to local restrictions and requests not to use flash. If you plan to use photos commercially or publish them, it’s a good idea to contact the museum in advance and ask about conditions.
The golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) gives the best light for Wawel, the boulevards and the mounds. If you want empty streets in the Old Town, get up early and start your walk before 8:00.
The Vistula Boulevards offer interesting contrasts of architecture and nature and reflections in calm water — use longer exposures on a tripod when you want a smooth water surface.
Kazimierz is perfect for street photography and portraits with atmospheric café and mural backdrops. Look for courtyards and side streets where the light falls more interestingly than on main thoroughfares.
Bring a light leash and optionally a waist leash so you can shoot with both hands free. A short leash is easier to control in busy Old Town areas.
Keep water and a collapsible bowl for your dog to hand — on hot days your pet tires quickly, and hydration breaks improve their comfort and your ability to work with your model.
When planning dog portraits, watch the background and distance from passersby — a calm dog makes better shots. Using treats or your dog’s favourite toy will help direct their gaze where you want it.
Krakow has regulations on cleanliness and order — a dog owner is obliged to remove their pet’s waste immediately. Failing to do so can result in a fine.
In protected areas and many public spaces dogs must be kept on a leash. Pay attention to signs and local park regulations.
Avoid letting your dog off-leash in busy pedestrian areas and zones where mass events take place. The best places for free running are Błonia or designated dog runs.
Psikawka (Mazowiecka Street) is an example of a café open to dogs — it offers treats for people and small snacks for pets, and a welcoming atmosphere for dog owners. It’s a great spot for a break between walks.
In Kazimierz you’ll find cafés and small bars that often welcome dogs — if you plan to stay longer, ask staff about the best table and water for your dog.
If you want a traditional meal, choose restaurants with good reviews that clearly state their policy on animals. Many places display pictograms by the entrance indicating whether pets are accepted.
The Museum of the Home Army has modern accessibility solutions — audio descriptions and materials for visitors with disabilities, as well as special educational lessons. It’s an interesting place not only for history lovers but also for those interested in multimedia storytelling.
Błonia is a huge open meadow close to the centre — it covers several dozen hectares and is sometimes used for concerts, markets and social gatherings. For a dog it’s an ideal space to run away from the busiest tourist routes.
Mistake: trying to enter the Home Army Museum with a dog without checking the rules. Solution: check the museum regulations before your visit and plan care for your pet.
Mistake: forgetting food and water for the dog on a hot day. Solution: always carry a portable bowl and water and plan shaded breaks.
Mistake: using flash photography in museums or crowded places — it can disturb other visitors. Solution: use natural light, higher ISO and stabilization or a tripod.
Can I enter the Museum of the Home Army with my dog? - No, there is a general ban on animals; exceptions are guide and assistance dogs.
Can I take photos in the museum? - Photography for personal use is usually allowed, but observe ban zones and avoid using flash; contact the museum for commercial publication.
Where can I let my dog off the leash in the centre? - In the city centre it’s better to keep controlled walks on a leash; for off-leash running choose Błonia or designated dog runs.
If you want to explore Krakow without stress and come away with great photos, plan your route with breaks and a flexible schedule. The best shots often appear when you can calmly wait for the right light and your dog’s reaction.
If you prefer to tour with a local guide who will tailor the route to your photographic expectations and your pet’s needs, consider the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offer are available on the guide’s page. If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media so others can benefit from these practical tips!
