This is a short, pleasant route designed for people who want to take beautiful photos of Kraków without visiting museums. The walk circles the Old Town - along the Planty - and finishes (or starts) at Florian Gate. The route is led personally by licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz and combines history with practical photography tips.
If you care about great frames - architecture, details, atmospheric streets and shots with greenery in the background - this walk is for you. I adjust pace and stops to the group’s needs - want more time for photos, we stop longer. Want stories and anecdotes - you get those too!
Because the route does not include entrances to monuments or museums, more time is available for photographing, composing and discovering the best outdoor photospots. It’s an ideal choice for hobby photographers, influencers, couples planning a session or families who want nice keepsakes from Kraków.
A few facts about the guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Kraków guide (license since 2012), has led many groups and happily combines storytelling with practical photography advice and local tips.
If you want to book a tour, it’s best to contact in advance - we arrange booking details individually to suit the time (for example the golden hour), meeting point and walk pace.
Planty is the green ring surrounding the historic Old Town - full of charming paths, varied trees, bench compositions and interesting perspectives on the city walls. It’s a great spot for street photography and family outdoor sessions.
Florian Gate is one of the most recognizable entrances to Kraków’s Market Square - a Gothic silhouette, with the Cloth Hall as a backdrop and an atmosphere that looks great both in the morning and in the evening. Together Planty and the Gate create a varied route: greenery, architecture, details and city life.
Because the route skips museums, we focus on street movement, architecture and light - what gives photographers the most opportunities in a short time.
The route is friendly to all photographic levels - from phone shooters to DSLRs and mirrorless systems.
Along the way I tell short historical and cultural stories that help understand the context of places and find more interesting photo compositions.
Meeting and a short chat about expectations (for example favorite motifs, whether you prefer more history or more shooting).
Walk along the Planty - stops at the most interesting viewpoints on the walls and city gates; I show how to use perspective and natural framing (trees, benches, arches).
Stop at Florian Gate - discussion of composition, details of Gothic architecture and ways to make dramatic photos without the crowds.
Short detour into nearby side streets where light and mood can suddenly change - ideal spots for candid shots and portraits.
Finish with suggestions for the best times to return on your own and a brief summary of techniques we used in practice.
Choose the right light - the golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) softens light and adds magic to photos. If you want dramatic, high-contrast shots - mature overcast skies work well too.
Zoom vs prime lenses - short focal lengths (24–50 mm) work best for street and architecture; longer ones (85–135 mm) are great for portraits with nice background blur.
Quick settings - when walking in a crowd use faster shutter speeds (1/200–1/500) to capture passersby; a tripod is useful for night shots in the Planty and for long exposures.
Composition - look for natural frames (gates, trees), use leading lines (alleys, walls) and experiment with framing - low and high angles often give more interesting results than obvious eye-level shots.
Document the moment - alongside attractive architectural frames, shoot details - cobbles, side doors, sculptures, café tables - these give Kraków its atmosphere.
Camera or phone with a charged battery and enough memory space. A powerbank is a good idea if you plan to shoot a lot on your phone.
Comfortable shoes - the route goes along pavements and often cobbles. Weather in Kraków can be changeable, so a light jacket and an umbrella may come in handy.
A small tripod like a gorillapod or a monopod if you plan longer night exposures. Filters (ND or polarizing) can help for specific effects but are not necessary.
A small bottle of water and a snack - especially if the walk will last longer; there are pleasant cafés on the route where you can take a short break.
If you want portrait photos, bring a change of clothes or small accessories - sometimes little props make a difference.
Hobby photographers and smartphone users who want nice frames from a short walk through central Kraków.
Couples and families looking for a quick outdoor session without a formal studio shoot - natural shots in an urban setting.
People who prefer active sightseeing with a guide but do not want to enter museums - the route combines local stories with a practical approach to photography.
Travelers with limited time - the walk is short and effective, letting you see and photograph characteristic places in a calm loop.
The route is adapted for different age groups and fitness levels; we agree the pace together at the start of the walk.
Bookings - best to reserve in advance - write or call to agree a convenient date and time. After booking we arrange the meeting point (usually near Florian Gate or the Planty), the walk length and any photographic requests.
Duration - from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on how much time you want to spend on photos. I adapt the pace to the group.
Groups - the route is flexible - I lead both small groups and larger tours. If you plan a private session, it’s worth booking ahead.
Weather - walks take place regardless of weather; in case of heavy rain we can change the route or reschedule. I always have a plan B if more time needs to be spent under cover.
Tickets/entrances - the route does not include museum entries, so there are no extra ticket fees. If you want to include a visit to a specific monument, we arrange that in advance.
Nearby cafés and a short break - there are many charming places near the Planty and Main Market Square where you can warm up or have a coffee after the walk. Recommended spots close to the route include Café Camelot and cafés in the Cloth Hall area.
Contact and reservation details are provided during booking; it’s best to use the official form or the given e-mail/phone number to confirm availability and details.
Is the route suitable for beginner photographers? - Yes, the walk is ideal for beginners. I will suggest settings, composition and how to quickly use light.
Can we take photos at night? - Yes, the Planty and Florian Gate area are attractive at night. If you want night shots we arrange a later start and it’s worth bringing a tripod or stabilization.
Will the guide help set up the camera/phone? - Of course - I help with basic settings and advise on framing and posing for portraits.
Do I need permits for photographing? - For ordinary tourist photography and street portraits you usually do not need permits. For professional or commercial shoots it’s best to arrange permissions in advance.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - The route runs along pavements and the Planty; I can adjust pace and route but please inform me when booking about any special needs so I can plan the most accessible parts.
For calm photos of Florian Gate come early in the morning - crowds appear later and the morning light is very flattering.
The Planty change mood with the seasons - lush green in spring and summer, beautiful colors in autumn and atmospheric shots with frost or snow in winter. Plan the walk according to the season you prefer.
Don’t be afraid to experiment - sometimes the best photo is not the most famous angle but a detail or moment you’ll remember. I’ll point out less obvious spots where local photographers often shoot.
If you want to combine the walk with a short coffee or cake after the session - I know a few intimate cafés right by the Planty and will recommend a spot that fits your style.
If you visit during a busy season (festivals, fairs), let me know - we can plan the route to use event opportunities or avoid crowds if you prefer peace.
If you want to discover the Planty and Florian Gate with a camera in hand and with a guide who combines passion for Kraków with practical photography tips - you’re warmly invited. The walk is intimate, flexible and friendly for anyone who wants to go home with nice photos and new knowledge about the city.
Contact in advance and tell me what you expect (for example a family shoot, architectural frames, night photos) - I will prepare the route for your needs and find the best time of day for photos.
See you at the Planty by Florian Gate - with a camera or phone, ready for great frames and a good Kraków story!
— Małgorzata Kasprowicz, licensed Kraków guide.
Note - all details (date, meeting point, duration and price) are agreed individually at booking.
