Yes — it’s an excellent idea, especially if you care about exhibitions with character, original compositions and an intimate guided visit. The International Cultural Centre (MCK) is located practically on the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny 25) and regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops and guided tours. It’s a great way to complement a walk among the historic sights with a fresh, inspiring perspective on Central European art and photography.
MCK is also convenient logistically: near the Main Market Square, with visitor-friendly opening hours and a calendar of events that frequently includes photography workshops and curator-led tours — it’s worth checking the current program before you go.
The MCK Gallery generally operates Tuesday–Sunday with visitor-friendly hours; last entry to exhibitions is often in the late afternoon. The institution publishes an events calendar — from curator-led tours and photography workshops to special hours for families and sensory-friendly visits.
MCK organizes photography workshops and themed walks around Kraków, sometimes combined with a gallery visit; these events usually require advance registration (details are provided in each event listing). Groups can also arrange private guided visits at a chosen time.
The MCK declares accessibility for people with mobility needs — the building and exhibitions are adapted. Before planning to photograph inside, check the current rules for each exhibition, because not all shows permit flash or tripods.
1. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — timeless, and sunset shots make a difference.
2. St. Mary’s Basilica — architectural details and the view from the tower (if you plan to go up, book ahead).
3. Wawel Castle — the castle and Vistula riverbanks offer many compositional possibilities.
4. Florian Gate and Floriańska Street — movement and colours, great for reportage-style shots.
5. The Planty — the green belt around the Old Town gives a calm backdrop even in high season.
6. Kazimierz district — atmospheric alleys, murals and cafés, excellent for portraits and street details.
7. Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) — the classic roundel shot and nearby venues make this ideal for street-food photos.
8. Historic courtyards in the Old Town — lesser-known but very photogenic spaces.
9. Vistula River boulevards — dynamic shots with the river, bridges and sunsets.
10. MCK (International Cultural Centre Gallery) — exhibition interiors, object details and photography events create a creative backdrop.
11. Collegium Maius — charming academic cloisters and historic details.
12. Kanonicza Street — one of the most picturesque streets, perfect for portraits by townhouse façades.
13. Nowa Huta and its modernist estate blocks — raw but stylish PRL architecture ideal for retro vibes.
14. Kościuszko Mound or Wanda Mound — panoramas of the city from unconventional viewpoints.
15. Oskar Schindler’s Factory area — powerful frames connected to the city’s history.
16. Bernatka Footbridge and other bridges over the Vistula — modern elements above the river, great for evening shots.
17. Józefa Street — mural-rich walls and cosy cafés as artistic backdrops.
18. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — green compositions and plant details against historic greenhouses.
19. Small galleries and artist studios in the centre — original details that make an Instagram feed stand out.
20. Hidden corners around the Market Square — tucked-away entrances and less-trafficked passages you can discover with a guide.
Start by choosing the theme of the tour — culture and exhibitions (for example MCK), PRL architecture (Nowa Huta) or the best photo spots. That way you can compress the route and set a pace suited to your uncle and the rest of the group.
Sample day: morning at Wawel and the Planty, lunch around Kazimierz, afternoon at the MCK Gallery for an exhibition, and evening on the Vistula boulevards. If you plan to photograph exhibition interiors, check photo rules in advance and see whether curator-led tours are available.
A private tour gives flexibility: you can go slower, take more photography stops and enjoy coffee breaks at recommended cafés. For larger groups it’s wise to reserve visits at places like MCK or major museums to avoid queues.
Plan your photos for the golden hour — right after sunrise or before sunset the light acts like a natural filter and creates soft shadows. In crowded places try lower angles to cut out the crowd and get a more interesting perspective.
In museums and galleries check the photography rules — some exhibitions forbid flash or tripods. If you want to photograph objects, ask staff for permission, and for portraits use natural light by windows. Photography workshops run by cultural institutions are a great way to improve technique and try new compositions with a guide.
Consider minimalist framing: sometimes a façade detail, a fragment of a sculpture or the texture of a brick tells more than a wide shot. Small accessories (a camera with a small light, portable phone tripod) help you take steady photos at any time of day.
After intensive sightseeing it’s great to find a café or restaurant with good reviews. Around the Market Square and Kazimierz you’ll find places serving high-quality local and international dishes as well as cafés with good espresso and cakes. Choose venues with strong local recommendations — that’s a good way to find fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a special lunch or dinner, opt for restaurants praised for their quality and service. For cafés, look for spots known for excellent coffee and cosy interiors where you can sit and review photos.
For families, pick places with child-friendly menus and easy access close to the sights you plan to visit.
Don’t plan everything for a single day — seeing Kraków properly needs a rhythm: breaks, meals and flexibility. Trying to see “the whole city” in a few hours wastes time and energy.
Don’t ignore opening hours for exhibitions and museums — especially if you want to visit a gallery like MCK. Some shows have limited tour times or special events, so check the calendar before you leave.
Avoid photographing where it’s forbidden — respect exhibition rules and collection protection. If in doubt, ask a museum employee.
How do I book a private tour? The best way is usually to write or call the tour guide to set the date, route and pace — private tours are tailored to the group’s interests.
Can I take photos in MCK? It depends on the exhibition — some displays allow photography without flash, others have restrictions. Always check the rules for the specific exhibition before photographing.
Is MCK accessible for people with disabilities? Yes, the building and exhibitions are adapted, but if you need particular assistance it’s a good idea to inform the organisers in advance.
If you want to capture an empty Market Square, early weekday mornings give the best chance of “clean” frames. Curator-led tours often reveal anecdotes you can use later in photo captions.
Don’t forget about local events — festivals and temporary exhibitions can open usually inaccessible spaces and their aesthetics are often extremely photogenic. If you’re visiting with an older person, plan extra breaks and choose spots with easy access to seating and toilets.
If you want the walk tailored to your needs — thematically and photographically — consider a private guided tour with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. With a private formula you can set your own pace, make photography stops and visit exhibitions at convenient times. Contact details and booking information are available on the guide’s website.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan a great visit to Kraków. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on a walk through Kraków!
