This is an intimate photographic walk around the Old Town designed for people who want to go home with beautiful shots and a better sense of light. The route follows the Planty and finishes (or begins) at Florian Gate - combining nature, architectural details and atmospheric side streets.
The walk is led in person by licensed guide Malgorzata Kasprowicz (licensed since 2012), who mixes local stories with practical photography tips. Pace and length are adapted to the group - a great option for couples, small groups of friends, families and content creators.
The standard photographic version lasts about 1.5-3 hours, but if you prefer you can expand it into a full-day trip, combining the Planty and Florian Gate with Wawel Hill, the Vistula boulevards, Kazimierz and other attractions.
You get someone who knows the best viewpoints, can time shots for the right light and tells the story of a place so your photo gains context - not just a pretty background.
The route does not include museum entries, so more time is available for photographing, composing frames and experimenting with shots - important if you want a solid session in a short time.
The guide shows less obvious spots, suggests composition and camera/phone settings, and advises how to use natural frames like trees, arches and gateways. Even a beginner photographer will see quick improvement in their images.
Morning - Planty and Florian Gate (1.5-2 h): start very early, catch the golden hour among the trees of the Planty and empty frames at Florian Gate. Architectural session plus a few portrait shots.
Late morning - Main Market Square and Kanonicza Street (1-1.5 h): quick stops at the Cloth Hall and on Kanonicza - classic compositions and facade details.
Lunch - break in a cosy cafe: a short rest, time to review photos and swap ideas. The guide will recommend a place that fits the group mood.
Afternoon - Wawel and the Vistula Boulevards (1-1.5 h): panoramas from the ramparts, river reflections, walks along the boulevards - ideal around sunset.
Evening - Kazimierz / night shoot (1-2 h): murals, atmospheric bars and night shots of Planty/Florian Gate lit up. Optionally finish with dinner in Kazimierz and a short recap of the day.
The walk-through Florian Gate shot - vertical reveal: start behind a Planty corner, walk through the gate and reveal the Market Square; add a quick audio hit or a trending beat.
Green frames of the Planty - use branches and avenues as natural framing; for vertical clips, do a smooth top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top move to emphasize depth.
Details plus sound - a fast sequence of details (tiles, cobblestones, sculptures, coffee cups) matched to sound creates a trendy 15-30s micro-street clip.
Handheld transitions and timelapse - short timelapses from the Planty or Vistula Boulevards combined with a portrait shot work great on Reels and TikTok.
Night frame - long exposures in the Planty (lights and passing trams in the background). For TikTok use a short clip with motion blur and a high-contrast filter.
Light timing - morning (approx. 6:00-9:00) offers the fewest crowds and soft light; late afternoon and the golden hour are perfect for warm, dramatic shots; at night use illumination and long exposures in the Planty.
Gear - a phone with HDR mode, a power bank and a spare memory card are the minimum. A small tripod like a gorillapod helps for night shots, and a 24-50mm equivalent lens works well as a versatile option. Longer focal lengths (85-135mm) are great for portraits with nice background blur.
Street settings - faster shutter speeds (1/200-1/500) for photos with people in motion; for night shots use a tripod and longer exposures.
Permissions - ordinary tourist photos and street portraits do not require permits. For professional commercial sessions it is best to agree details with the guide in advance and, if needed, with property owners.
Safety and respect - do not block walkways, avoid setting up a studio on the pavement and remember the residents - courtesy helps you get better shots.
After a walk along the Planty it is great to stop for coffee and review photos. Around the Old Town and Kanonicza you will find intimate cafes and bakeries suitable for a short break - the guide will recommend a spot that matches the group.
If you finish the tour in Kazimierz, the Plac Nowy area offers many options for a quick snack or an evening meal in a cosy restaurant.
If you prefer something more local, the guide will happily suggest where to go for authentic pierogi, a good coffee or a dessert after the photo session.
It is best to book in advance - especially if you want a specific time (for example the golden hour) or a full-day itinerary. Booking allows you to set a meeting point, duration and expectations for the session.
The route is flexible: Malgorzata leads small groups (2-6 people) and larger ones - pace is agreed at the start of the walk. If you need adjustments (for example limited mobility), inform the guide in advance so the most accessible parts can be planned.
In case of bad weather the guide has a plan B - alternative stops, shorter cafe breaks or rescheduling of the night session.
Is the route suitable for beginner photographers? - Yes. The walk is beginner friendly: the guide will suggest settings, composition and quick phone tricks to use.
Can we take photos at night? - Yes. The Planty and the area around Florian Gate look great after dark. If you want night shots, arrange for a later start and bring a tripod or stabilization.
Will the guide help set up my camera/phone? - Of course - basic settings and composition guidance are part of the service.
Are special permits required? - Not for ordinary tourist photography. For commercial shoots it is advisable to agree details beforehand.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - The route follows sidewalks and the Planty; it can be adapted, but please inform at booking about any limitations.
The best shots often come when you combine good light with a short plan and the courage to experiment. Don’t be afraid to change camera height, use natural frames and take many short shots instead of one long one - that increases the chance of a viral moment.
If you want to spend the whole day exploring, combine the Planty and Florian Gate photographic walk with Wawel, the Vistula Boulevards and Kazimierz - the guide will help plan the day to use the best light and avoid crowds.
If you have specific ideas (for example a portrait session, night shots or TikTok videos), write in advance - the guide will prepare the route and suggest the best times and practical gear tips.
See you on the Planty - with camera or phone, ready for great frames and an engaging story about Krakow!
