Yes — and very often it makes a huge difference. A private route lets you plan mornings and evenings around a specific shooting schedule, arrive at locations at the ideal light, and avoid queues and crowds. For a photographer this is not only convenience but real time savings and better light in the frame.
For example: instead of wandering between points and missing the golden hour at Wawel, a private guide will help arrange the route so the most important shots are taken in optimal light. That’s a chance for frames with fewer passersby, refined architectural compositions and more time to experiment with camera settings.
Additionally, a private route gives the possibility to visit places that are unusual for standard tours — including interiors like the Arcade Museum, private courtyards or lesser‑known viewpoints along the Vistula — often available after prior arrangement.
Arcade Museum is an interactive video‑games museum with a collection of classic arcade machines from the ’80s and ’90s — over 150 machines create a unique neon‑retro scenography. It’s an excellent backdrop for portraits, lifestyle shots and commercial sessions with a vintage vibe.
The museum operates in a hands‑on format that allows visitors to play the machines and host events. For groups there’s an option to open earlier or to rent the space exclusively — a great choice if you need quiet, control over lighting and no crowds during a shoot.
Strengths of the place include colorful point lights, reflections, neon signs and original furniture — elements that give photos a distinctive character and help create a consistent aesthetic without extra set dressing.
The golden hour is your best tool: soft, warm light and long shadows create depth and emphasise the textures of stone and façades. In Kraków especially photogenic are: Wawel and the Vistula boulevards (reflections in the water), the bridges and sections of Grodzka (classic frame with Wawel), the Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (warm light on the townhouses), and the boulevards and Bernatek Footbridge — where the sky’s color reflects beautifully in the Vistula.
Kazimierz — especially Plac Nowy and its side alleys — gains a soft, nostalgic atmosphere during the golden hour; lanterns and café lights start to play at dusk, giving a blend of golden and urban light.
The Planty and streets such as Floriańska or Grodzka work well in the morning and evening — early morning sessions just after sunrise allow calm frames without crowds, while evening shots have a more dramatic urban character.
Short morning photo route (2–3 hours): Vistula boulevards — Wawel with reflections — Planty — Main Market Square. Ideal if you want to bring a tripod and work quietly before midday.
Afternoon‑to‑evening route (sunset and blue hour): Kazimierz (Plac Nowy, alleys, cafés) — walk to the bridges and footpaths — long exposures of Wawel at dusk — finish in the retro scenography of the Arcade Museum (neon/interior session).
Creative session in Arcade Museum: stage a portrait or a short video in the arcade area, use the colored lights as rim light, experiment with low ISO and short exposures to capture game dynamics. For commercial shoots, ask about renting the museum exclusively.
Universal recommendations: a wide‑angle lens (16–35 mm) for architecture and streets, a versatile zoom (24–70 mm) for reportage and portraits, fast primes (50 mm f/1.8 or 35 mm f/1.4) for portraits in low light, and a longer tele lens for perspective compression in panoramas.
For the golden hour bring a tripod — it allows long exposures and shooting panoramas with silky water. In interiors like the Arcade Museum you’ll also appreciate fast glass and LED panels to light faces without losing the neon atmosphere.
Settings: experiment with white balance (try the “cloudy” preset or manually push slightly warmer), use low ISO when possible, and in darker spots open the aperture and secure stability. For video consider a log or flat profile to better capture neon colours.
Book in advance: many attractions — including the Arcade Museum — offer the possibility of earlier opening or hiring the space for groups. If you want a crowd‑free background or to work with models, a reservation is essential.
Plan your time: use an app to calculate golden hour (for example PhotoPills or Sun Surveyor) — the golden hour time changes with date and location, so don’t rely on general advice. Allow time for walking between spots and for adjusting to changing light.
Permissions and etiquette: most street shots don’t require special permits, but large tripods on narrow pavements can get in the way — set up equipment so you don’t block passages. For professional shoots with a crew or commercial use, it’s worth asking property owners or site managers for permission.
Carry spare batteries and memory cards — they are the most common causes of frustration on location. A powerbank for your phone and extra camera batteries are essential.
Transporting gear: if you plan a lot of walking, consider a photo backpack with a good carrying system and rain protection. In cold weather condensation can be an issue — keep the camera in the bag before bringing it from cold to warm air.
Be mindful of traffic and crowds — plan shots outside peak hours and always have a plan B if your chosen spot becomes busy.
Do I need permits to take photos in the Main Market Square? — For amateur photography public spaces don’t usually require special permits, but professional sessions with a lot of kit, staff or commercial intent may need approvals from administrators or paid permits. It’s always wise to check in advance.
Can I fly a drone over the Old Town? — Drone use over the historic centre and above crowds is regulated. Typically there are no‑flight zones over the Old Town and flying without the appropriate permissions is unsafe and prohibited.
How do I avoid crowds in popular places? — The most reliable methods are: early morning (just after sunrise), weekdays outside the high season, booking a private session or hiring a space exclusively (for example at the Arcade Museum).
Arriving “at the last minute” — photography is sometimes a race against sunset. Leave early, factoring in walking time and possible surprises.
No plan B — weather, renovations, closed streets — always have alternative locations and a few compositional ideas.
Neglecting local etiquette — when setting up a tripod don’t block walkways; when photographing people ask for consent, especially inside restaurants and private spaces.
Massolit Books & Café (Kazimierz) — a great place to browse photo books and enjoy good coffee after a morning outdoors.
Mleczarnia and Plac Nowy 1 — Kazimierz classics, good for a short break and quick shots with local colour. Forum Przestrzenie on the Vistula is another option with views and space to relax.
If you prefer a more traditional restaurant with strong reviews: consider well‑known places in the Old Town and Kazimierz — book a table in advance, especially after evening shoots.
Retro‑styled session: use Arcade Museum as a backdrop and ask the model to dress in 1980s/90s style — neon colours, leather and period accessories create a strong mood.
Reflections: look for puddles, the Vistula’s surface along the boulevards or shop windows — reflections often add symmetry and depth to a composition.
Detail photography: instead of starting with wide shots, spend time on fragments — old doors, building ornaments, cobblestone textures and street lamps give unique accents.
Working with a private guide means route planning that matches your photographic needs, access to less obvious locations and logistical support (timing, transport, contacts with venue owners, quick dining recommendations).
If you wish, you can take advantage of the private guiding services offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who runs Kraków routes tailored to photographers and urban photography. Contact and booking details are available via the Zwiedzanie Krakowa team.
If the article helped you, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan their photographic adventure in Kraków. And if you want a personalised session plan — write or call, we’ll gladly help refine the route and reserve spaces.
