Planty is the true green heart of the Old Town - a ribbon of parkland encircling the historic center, perfect for a short rest between sights. Florian's Gate, on the other hand, is one of the most recognizable icons of Krakow's medieval defensive walls - a fantastic background for photos and a landmark on the Royal Road. Together they form a route that combines the calm of greenery with the monumentality of urban architecture - an ideal mix for anyone who wants to see Krakow with atmosphere and take beautiful photos.
If you care about a backdrop with history and at the same time practical tips - a walk with a licensed guide lets you discover stories and curiosities you won't read in standard tourist guides. As a guide I have led thousands of groups and I know where to stand to capture the best frames - and how to plan the route to avoid crowds.
In this article I will suggest: what to see in the Planty, where to place your camera at Florian's Gate, when to photograph, how to book a tour with me and which tickets are worth having with you. Everything in a friendly tone - not overly academic, but with humour and practical advice.
I encourage you to read on and get in touch if you'd like to book a walk tailored to your needs - family, photography-focused or for a school group.
Planty is a strip of greenery several dozen meters wide, created on the site of the former city fortifications. Strolling along Planty’s paths you can feel calm away from car traffic, while being just steps from the Old Town's main attractions.
Where to take photos - practical tips:
- Benches under monumental trees - a great backdrop for portraits, especially in the soft light of morning or late afternoon.
- Paths with views of wall fragments and towers - details of the walls give atmospheric, "old-town" shots.
- Cobblestone walkways and lamps - in the evening the lamps give cozy light, perfect for photos before dinner.
- View of the Garrison Church and the streets opening onto the Planty - compositions with small architecture in the background look very stylish.
Best time for photos: early morning (about an hour after sunrise) or the "golden hour" before sunset. During the day Planty can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so for calmer frames it's worth arranging a walk earlier or in the late afternoon.
Florian's Gate is a tall Gothic city gate leading toward the Main Market Square. Its axis with Floriańska Street creates an excellent perspective - you can use it for photos with symmetry and depth.
A few simple tips:
- Stand on the axis of Floriańska Street so the gate is the central point of the frame - the symmetry effect is very attractive on Instagram.
- Low-angle shots lengthen the monument and add dynamism.
- Shots with movement - use a short shutter speed to capture passersby blurred around the still gate - this creates a "living city" effect.
- Evening illuminations - the Gate is sometimes lit, which gives dramatic, high-contrast photos. Remember that in low light it's good to have a tripod or a stable support.
- If you want photos without crowds - choose very early hours or secure closer compositions at the start of your visit, when foot traffic is lower.
My walks combine history, anecdote and practical photographic advice - all so that you not only see Krakow, but also return with beautiful photos and an engaging story. I lead tours in Polish and English. I have held a Krakow guide license since 2012 and have experience guiding individual tourists, families, school and corporate groups.
What's included - key information:
- Guiding service - during the walk I point out the best spots and advise how to photograph them.
- Museum entrance fees are not always included - tickets for Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica or specific museums are paid separately. I help with ticket purchase and provide current information about availability.
- Audio equipment - for larger groups there are headset sets available (standard cost around 8 PLN/person), which makes listening easier in crowded places.
- Plan B for rain - the route can be adjusted to spend most of the time indoors and under cover if the weather requires it.
How to book and where we meet: we usually set the meeting place and time after booking - most often we meet at the Main Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz monument, but I can adapt the starting point to your needs. To book a walk contact me by phone at +48 501 962 037 or email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Prices depend on language and group size - there are rates for small groups (1–35 people) and per-person prices for larger groups. Seasonal promotions sometimes apply - it’s always worth asking about current terms at the time of booking.
Entrance tickets - most Old Town routes can be done without paid entries, but if you plan to enter Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica or specific museums - tickets are purchased separately. As a guide I help organize and, if needed, take care of ticket purchases.
Accessibility - Planty is a pedestrian area with comfortable sidewalks and benches. The area around Florian's Gate has cobblestones; movement with a stroller or wheelchair is possible, though some cobbled sections can be less comfortable. If you need a fully barrier-free route - let me know when booking and I will prepare an alternative route.
Weather - tours run regardless of weather. In case of very bad weather I adapt the route so most of the time is spent in covered attractions and interiors. It's always good to bring a light raincoat and comfortable shoes.
Equipment - if you come with a camera, remember an extra battery and a memory card. For phones I recommend a powerbank - long touring and photographing can drain your battery faster than you expect.
- The axis of Florian's Gate with the view down Floriańska Street - the classic, symmetrical shot.
- A bench under a spreading tree in the Planty - a natural, soft portrait background.
- Fragments of the walls and towers by the Planty - details that create atmosphere.
- Entrances to townhouses on Floriańska and Grodzka Streets - architectural details and colorful doors.
- Bernatek Footbridge (if you decide on a short detour down to the Vistula) - a great panorama of the Vistula and Kazimierz at sunset.
Remember - the most beautiful photos are not only about the background but also about light and the moment. Sometimes waiting a few minutes is enough to turn an ordinary shot into something special.
How long is the walk? - A standard walk along the Royal Road including the Planty and Florian's Gate usually takes 2–3 hours, depending on the group's pace and number of photo stops.
Does the guide sell tickets to attractions? - I help with ticket purchase and inform about current prices, but entrance tickets are usually paid separately. For larger groups I can handle collective ticket purchases.
Can I request a more photography-focused route? - Of course - I can prepare a tour focused on the prettiest frames with more stops for photos.
Do you guide in English? - Yes, I offer tours in Polish and English.
What happens in bad weather? - Tours take place regardless of weather. If it pours heavily, we shift the emphasis to interiors and covered attractions.
How do I book and how far in advance? - It's best to book ahead, especially in the tourist season and on weekends. Phone +48 501 962 037 or email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com are the fastest ways to book.
- Wear comfortable shoes - cobbles and long walks can be hard on your feet.
- Arrive early at the meeting point - this gives time for a short introduction and to set up the first shots without rush.
- Make sure your phone is charged and you have extra memory for your camera - the best shots appear unexpectedly.
- If you come with children - I provide short, engaging stories that keep their attention and make the walk enjoyable for the whole family.
- If you want photos in empty spaces - plan the walk early in the morning.
If you want to explore Krakow with passion, humour and with someone who knows the city inside out - join me for a walk. I guide individual tourists as well as school, corporate and family groups. Book a date by phone at +48 501 962 037 or email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com - we will agree the route, time and all details.
See you in Krakow - together we'll find the best frames and tell a story that will stay with you for a long time.
Best regards - Margaret Kasprowicz
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