Do you want to see the Lajkonik and come home with great photos but don’t know where to stand, how to budget your time, or whether it’s worth booking a private tour? If so, this text is for you.
The Lajkonik is one of Kraków’s most colourful events: a procession, dances, the lucky tap of the mace and a finale on the Main Market Square. Visitors often ask: what time does the procession start, where is the best place to watch the antics, where can I photograph the whole parade, and where should I focus to catch emotions and details. I answer practically and in a Kraków way - no fluff.
A private tour during the Lajkonik lets you plan a route to avoid the biggest crowds, catch the best frames and hear historical tidbits at the right moment. I will lead you to spots worth visiting before and after the procession, tell you when to get into position for a photo and help you capture those special moments you won’t see from the crowd.
Below you will find equipment tips, a list of the best photo spots and practical advice - also for people who are not professional photographers.
Let’s get started!
The Lajkonik appears once a year - traditionally during the octave of Corpus Christi (that is, one week after the holiday). The procession sets off from Zwierzyniec and travels a route that ends with a finale on the Main Market Square. Times and small route changes (for example due to roadworks) can happen, so it’s worth checking current information shortly before the event.
A typical procession route includes the starting area (around Senatorska Street / Plac Na Stawach), stops and performances in courtyards (for example at local convents), ceremonial stretches along main streets leading into the Old Town and final presentations on the Main Market Square with the traditional tribute from the city authorities.
When planning photos, remember: part of the spectacle happens along the route (movement, interactions with the public), while the climax and posed moments are on the Market Square - these are two different photographic situations that require different set-ups and preparation.
A private tour makes it possible to synchronise time and place so you are where you need to be: at the start of the procession near Plac Na Stawach, in the courtyard for the dances and on the Market Square before the finale.
Also respect the tradition: the Lajkonik is part of local heritage and much of the event has an almost sacred-folk character - do not block performances, do not enter areas reserved for participants and do not commercialise the character without the organisers’ consent.
1) Start / area of Senatorska Street and Plac Na Stawów - photos of the whole procession: if you want to show the strength, colour and scale of the whole entourage, the starting point and first stretches are excellent. The marching ranks, the band music and the Lajkonik’s first contact with the public create dynamic reportage images.
2) Plac Na Stawów and the Norbertine Convent courtyard - dance and detail shots: at these stops there are frolics, dance skirmishes and group presentations. It’s a great place for action shots and expressive images - you’ll capture movement, faces and the colours of the Lajkonik’s costume.
3) Sections by the Philharmonic and the boulevard - photos with architecture in the background: the kilometres before entering the Old Town let you photograph the march with interesting urban scenery. Position yourself to the side to get leading lines and show the procession against monumental architecture.
4) Entry to the Old Town - Franciszkańska / Grodzka - close-up shots and tension before the finale: as the procession approaches the historic centre, the emotions rise. These are good moments for a telephoto lens: portraits, costume details and spectators’ reactions.
5) Main Market Square - the finale, tribute and the stage under the Town Hall Tower: this is the climax. If you plan stage shots (the Lajkonik dance, receiving the tribute, photographing with attributes), prepare for strong stage lighting in the evening and large crowds. With good positioning you’ll get both documentary photos and memorable portraits with the Lajkonik.
6) After shots - detail photos and outdoor portraits: after the official finale many people disperse to nearby corners - this is a chance for calm portraits with costume details, the mace at rest or photos with fewer people in the frame.
Gear: if you can choose - bring at least one versatile zoom (for example 24-70 mm) and a telephoto (for example 70-200 mm). A wide-angle is useful for broad scenes; a short tele is great for portraits and details. Smartphones also do very well, especially with portrait mode and stabilization.
Settings: motion - use a short shutter speed (for example 1/250–1/500 s) to freeze a dancing Lajkonik; if you want to emphasize motion, lower the shutter to 1/60–1/125 s and track the subject with a panning technique. Increase ISO in shadowed areas to keep shutter speed fast enough. Shoot in continuous mode - you won’t miss the shot.
Composition: look for leading lines (streets, rows of the procession), contrasts (colourful costumes against old buildings) and moments of interaction (the mace tap, a dancing leap, a child’s laugh). Mind your background - moving a few steps often removes an intrusive trash bin from the frame.
Extra tips: use AF lock on the Lajkonik’s face and procession leaders; carry a powerbank - you’ll take a lot of photos; consider a small monopod if you plan long shooting with a telephoto.
If you shoot in the evening on the Market Square, watch white balance and control stage lights - RAW will give you the most flexibility in editing.
As a guide I know the rhythm of the procession and where the best dances and photo opportunities appear. On a private tour I’ll make sure you’re in the right place at the right time - before the crowd blocks the best vantage points.
I help plan a photographic route so you’ll see both classic frames (the full procession, the finale on the Market Square) and intimate shots (costume details, audience emotions). I’ll also look after equipment safety and your comfort - short coffee breaks, quieter vantage points and alternative shots if weather or road closures interfere.
For less experienced photographers I offer short in-the-field tips - how to set the camera, how to position yourself relative to the sun and how to catch more interesting frames with your phone.
A private tour also gives you personal stories and context - a photo gains when you can tell what it shows. That makes the souvenir more meaningful.
I do not promote other guides - this is an experience I lead personally.
Arrive early: the best spots are taken in advance. Even 30–60 minutes before the procession can give you a good position without pushing.
Clothing and shoes: comfortable shoes and light layers - the weather can change. In hot weather carry water and a hat; on cooler days a thin jacket and gloves won’t hurt.
Equipment safety: use a neck or shoulder strap, keep your bag closed, don’t leave gear unattended. In crowds keep the camera close to your body.
Etiquette: do not step onto streets or stages reserved for performers, don’t block other viewers and let organisers do their job. Respect the tradition and local customs - the Lajkonik is more than a tourist attraction.
If you plan commercial photography (sales or advertising), check the organisers’ rules and any legal requirements regarding use of likeness or protected heritage elements.
09:30 - meeting and short talk about expectations: gear, favourite frames, time limitations.
10:00 - walk to the starting spots, positioning around Senatorska / Plac Na Stawach - opening photos;
12:30-14:00 - follow the procession, stops for dances, action shots in courtyards and by the Philharmonic;
16:00 - break, quick selection of photos and short camera settings check (if needed);
18:30-21:30 - return to the centre, positioning on the Market Square before the finale, stage photos and souvenir portraits.
This programme can of course be shortened or extended. On a private tour I adapt the pace and spots to your needs and to the conditions of the given year.
Prepare in advance - check the weather forecast and the procession start time; bring spare batteries and memory cards.
Watch the procession’s rhythm - the best moments often come unexpectedly; patience and readiness make a difference.
Think in stories - one good frame is nice, but a series tells the Lajkonik story: the start, the dances, the finale, people’s reactions.
Respect local tradition and participants - your photos will be better if taken in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
If you want, I will guide you during the next procession and help plan a photographic route - privately, the Kraków way and with humour. Write to me and we’ll arrange a date and prepare a plan matched to your equipment and expectations.
Q: When exactly is the Lajkonik this year? A: The procession takes place during the octave of Corpus Christi - the exact date varies each year, so check the event calendar before you travel.
Q: What time should I arrive to get a good spot? A: Aim to arrive 30–60 minutes before the procession in popular areas; earlier if you want front-row access at the Market Square.
Q: Can I take photos with my phone? A: Yes - modern smartphones handle portraits and low light well. Use portrait mode for close-ups and stabilization for tele shots.
Q: Are there restrictions on professional gear? A: For most visitors there are no restrictions, but if you plan to use photos commercially check with organisers about permits and rights.
Nearby places to eat and warm up: after the procession you’ll find many cafes and restaurants around the Old Town. Well-known options include historic Wierzynek on the Main Market Square and cosy cafes in the Old Town alleys - perfect for a break and photo review.
Transport note: Old Town streets can be closed during the event. If you rely on public transport or taxis, allow extra time and plan meeting points outside the most crowded stretches.
My name is Małgorzata Kasprowicz - I have guided thousands of guests around Kraków. I love telling the city’s stories, suggesting the best spots and accompanying photographers in the search for unique frames.
If you want to tour Kraków during events like the Lajkonik, I invite you to book a private tour - I design them with comfort, great photos and good fun in mind.
See you on the streets of Kraków!
Malgorzata
contact: zwiedzaniekrakowa.com (information about reservations and dates available on the website).
