Want to see Krakow with friends, take great photos and have fun doing it? This route combines classics with less obvious photo spots: the Main Market Square, Kanonicza Street, Wawel, the Vistula boulevards and Kazimierz. The route is flexible — it works for a quick 2-hour outing or a slower, longer walk (3–4 hours) with breaks. We chose places where many shots can be taken without entering paid interiors, and locations are easy to reach by public transport. Ready to go? Bring comfortable shoes and a phone powerbank - you’ll need it!
In the text you’ll find practical photography tips, framing ideas, places to stop for food and alternative variants of the route if you want less city and more nature or an industrial feel. Everything is described in a friendly, step-by-step tone.
Note: respect local residents, don’t block sidewalks and ask for permission when photographing people up close. If you plan to use a drone - check the regulations and no-fly zones.
Start: Planty / St. Florian’s Gate - a convenient meeting point and a natural entrance into the city center. A short walk on the Planty park gives you green frames and great townhouse backdrops.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (20–30 minutes) - classic shots: symmetry of the Cloth Hall, façade details, parts of St. Mary’s Basilica. If you want quieter photos, come early in the morning. Pay attention to perspective and try low angles to emphasize the cobbles.
Kanonicza Street (10–15 minutes) - one of the most photogenic lanes in the Old Town. Use natural frames (doors, arches), building textures and portraits against historic doorways.
Wawel and the Vistula boulevards (15–25 minutes) - photos from the castle terraces and reflections of Wawel in the Vistula. The boulevards are perfect for calm waterside shots and sunset scenes if you arrive later in the afternoon.
Vistula boulevards continuing toward Dębnicki Bridge / Bernatka Footbridge (20–25 minutes) - piers, bridges, benches and urban compositions with nature in the background.
Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and the side streets (20–30 minutes) - murals, atmospheric cafés and courtyards. Plac Nowy is great for street photography and colorful market stalls. The route ends in the heart of Kazimierz — an ideal spot for coffee or a snack.
Time of day matters a lot: - Morning (6:00-9:00) - the fewest people, soft light, best for details and symmetry. - Golden hour before sunset - warm tones, dramatic skies and picturesque reflections on the boulevards. - Evening - illuminated scenes and café atmosphere, but more people; great for night shots and street photography with lamps in the background.
Settings and equipment: - A phone with HDR mode works very well; a camera with a bright lens helps separate subjects from the background. - A lightweight tripod or gimbal for steady evening shots and short videos. - Powerbank: recording stories and taking many photos quickly drains batteries.
Composition and creative ideas: - Look for leading lines (streets, cobbles, murals). - Use natural frames (arches, doors, branches). - Change shooting height — low angles lengthen perspective; higher viewpoints show context. - Details: doorknobs, signs, wall textures and café tables make great complementary shots to your travel series.
Respect and ethics of photographing: - Don’t block walkways and avoid setting up tripods in narrow spots. - Don’t photograph private interiors without permission. - For portraits, always ask for consent, especially in private spaces or at market stalls.
Coffee and breakfast near the Market Square: - Charlotte (Plac Szczepański area) - French feel, great bakery goods and café atmosphere; ideal before starting the route. - Cafe Camelot (Kazimierz) - atmospheric interior and a nice backdrop for a few coffee shots.
Snacks and street food: - Plac Nowy in Kazimierz - Krakow zapiekanki and local street food; a great spot for lively, colorful photos.
Lunch/dinner around Kazimierz: - Starka (Kazimierz) - traditional flavors in an atmospheric interior; a good place to meet after the walk. - Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa - big portions and characteristic décor; popular with visitors.
Places to charge equipment: - Many cafes in the center offer socket access; it’s worth asking the staff when you order. - If you have powerbanks, bring them — the quickest solution on the route.
Zakrzówek - nature and turquoise water: a short ride from the center, a big reward for a few additional landscape and outdoor portrait shots. Note: it’s a popular spot - crowds are smaller outside peak season.
Krakow’s mounds (Kościuszko Mound, Krakus Mound) - city panoramas from a different perspective; great for sunrise or sunset skyline photos.
Zabłocie and the Oskar Schindler Factory - industrial vibes, murals and modernist backdrops; ideal if you want contrast to the historic center.
Willa Decjusza / Decjusz Park (Wola Justowska) - if you need quieter, greener backgrounds with a historical touch.
Transport: - The route conveniently starts in the center - nearby tram and bus stops serve the Market Square and surrounding areas. - If you come by car, remember the paid parking zones in the center.
Safety and practical tips: - Wear comfortable shoes - the cobbles require care. - Carry your ID and a charged phone. - Watch out for pickpockets in crowded places. - In bad weather have a plan B: a café, a museum or a short shelter indoors.
Legal issues and drones: - Drone flights over the historic center are regulated and usually require permits; check applicable rules before planned aerial shots.
The city regularly hosts photo walks and workshops organized by museums, galleries and local photography communities. It’s a great way to see less obvious places and learn techniques from others. If you plan to visit during an event, check the calendars of local museums and cultural institutions - they often run themed walks, workshops and short photography projects.
The Museum of Photography and other cultural institutions sometimes organize open days, photo walks and themed workshops - it’s worth checking their current schedules before your visit, especially if you want to combine the walk with a short course or guided tour. Such activities are great for groups of friends because they combine practice with getting to know the city.
If you’d like, I can suggest specific events or propose a personalized route for your needs (morning vs evening, nature vs city, portrait session, etc.).
Is the route suitable for beginner photographers? - Yes. The route is designed to provide many impressive compositions without complicated equipment settings. A smartphone with a good camera is enough, and I’ll suggest settings and composition tips.
How much time do we need? - Minimum 2 hours for the short version. If you want to photograph calmly and take breaks, plan 3–4 hours.
Can we do a private session (e.g. portrait) on the route? - Yes, but remember to respect public space and get permission from owners if you want to enter interiors or private courtyards. In some places using a tripod or strong lighting may bother residents or other visitors.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - Parts of the route (Planty, the Market Square, the boulevards) are relatively accessible, but cobbles and steps on some sections can make movement difficult. If you need a fully accessible route, I can prepare an alternative plan.
Plan key shots for the best light - morning or just before sunset. - Bring extra memory cards and a powerbank. - Share roles: one person watches the map and time, another helps with camera settings. - If you plan to eat and drink locally, try the cafés in Kazimierz - they’re perfect for ending the day and offer natural backdrops for evening photos.
And remember: the main goal is to have fun and create shared memories. Photos are a bonus - the best shots come when the mood is relaxed and natural. Enjoy the walk and great frames! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Krakow guide (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
Want a personalized route for your group? Write and tell me what you like to photograph (architecture, street photo, portraits, nature) and I’ll design the perfect route for you.
