If you love photographing places with character, a route through Podgórze, the former ghetto and the areas around Schindler’s Factory is a real treat. As your guide I will show you not only the historical context and stories, but also the best frames — from raw fragments of buildings, through preserved sections of the ghetto wall, to details of the industrial architecture on Lipowa Street. The route combines historical knowledge with practical photography tips, so you’ll return home with beautiful photos and a deeper understanding of the place.
A guided visit also brings practical advantages: we avoid queues, schedule museum entries to save time, and I help choose the time of day and viewing angles to match light and crowd conditions. If you want long-exposure shots, night images or portraits against the walls — we will plan that together.
My photo tours include anecdotes, short stories of residents and advice on how to photograph sites of memory with respect and awareness of historical context.
If you want entry to Schindler’s Factory (the exhibition “Kraków — the time of occupation 1939–1945”), note that including the museum extends the standard route — usually from 2 hours to about 4 hours. This gives time both for exterior photos and for a calm visit to the exhibition.
The route is suitable for amateur photographers, families with a camera, and anyone who wants to combine a photographic passion with exploring the city’s memory.
1) Start: Podgórze — Heroes of the Ghetto Square and fragments of the wall: an excellent place for documentary shots, portraits in a raw tonality and close-ups of brick texture. A short history of the ghetto and tips on photographing a site of memory with respect.
2) Lipowa Street and the surroundings of Schindler’s Factory: industrial frames, the contrast between the former hall and contemporary arrangements. I will show the spots that yield the best photos of façades and factory details. Bring a wide-angle lens and something for stabilization (small tripod or monopod).
3) Film locations and traces of memory: places connected with the film "Schindler’s List" and authentic traces of history — ideal backgrounds for reportage shots and portraits. I will tell short stories of the people involved and point out frames where history meets composition.
4) Optional entry to Schindler’s Factory: if you choose to go inside, we will take time for a relaxed tour of the exhibition — this is also a chance for interior photos (where permitted) and details of the displays. After the exhibition we can return outside and finish the open-air shots.
5) Finish: a short wrap-up session — review of the best shots, editing tips and suggestions for your next photographic steps in Kraków.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and one of the city’s most visited places of memory. The museum uses an organized ticketing system and often implements online sales and entry limits at popular times.
A few practical notes: - tickets for Schindler’s Factory are also available at the box office, but in high season it’s better to reserve online in advance; - an entry with a guide extends the route and often requires earlier booking for group times; - for planned group entries it’s best to contact the museum ahead of time to ensure availability and to synchronize entry times with my route.
Note about ticketing changes: the museum announced organizational changes on July 21, 2025, including new online ticketing rules coming into effect at the start of 2026 — for example, named tickets for online sales, the possibility of a combined ticket valid for 7 days and timed-entry restrictions. In practice this means online tickets may be released in advance (e.g. up to 90 days) and may have assigned entry times. For that reason I recommend booking ahead, especially if your route includes museum entry.
Prices and rules (check shortly before your visit): historically, regular tickets for Schindler’s Factory have been in the range of several dozen zlotys; the Historical Museum updates fares and sales rules, so confirm price and availability when booking. If you like, I can help with ticket booking — I coordinate entries with the route plan so you don’t lose time on site.
On days when the museum offers free admission or special hours (for example limited free Mondays in selected periods), expect larger crowds — an important consideration for photographers when planning shots.
- Equipment: I recommend a versatile kit — a wide-angle lens for architecture, a standard zoom 24–70 or 24–105 for general shots, and a fast 50 mm or 85 mm for portraits. A small tripod or monopod is useful for longer exposures (night shots, interiors).
- Polarizing filter: helpful for photographing the sky and reducing reflections on glass. - Settings: in shady alleys use higher ISO and plan to reduce noise in post; on bright days experiment with low ISO and longer exposures on a tripod. - Composition: look for contrasts — brick versus sky, machine details versus human scale. When photographing sites of memory exercise subtlety; avoid arranging subjects in ways that could offend. - Ethics of photographing: in memorial spaces and museums observe silence and respect. Ask for consent before photographing people. - Time of day: the golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) gives soft, beautiful light on factory façades and along Lipowa. For photos without crowds, mornings outside peak season are best.
If you wish, during the tour I can suggest specific camera settings and help compose shots — a great option for those who want to improve skills in practice.
A technical note: in some museum rooms photography may be forbidden or restricted — I always inform participants in advance which spaces are subject to a ban and propose photographic alternatives outside the exhibition.
- The standard version of the walk around the former ghetto area and Schindler’s Factory exterior takes about 2 hours and covers the main outdoor points. - If we include entry to Schindler’s Factory and a thorough visit to the exhibition, count on about 4 hours. This pace is comfortable — time for photos, breaks and a relaxed look at the displays. - For photography groups or people who want to spend more time composing shots, we can plan an extended route with additional stops in Kazimierz or Podgórze. - Reservations: if you want museum entry on a specific day and time, it’s best to set the date in advance. Group tickets often require earlier booking and assigned entry times.
If you visit Kraków in high season (spring–summer) or plan to come during cultural events, book further ahead — I can help coordinate so the route runs smoothly.
Do I have to book the route in advance? - It’s best to do so. Booking lets me tailor the tour to your expectations and coordinate any museum entry.
Is photography allowed in the museum? - It depends on the exhibition and museum rules. At booking I will check current restrictions and let you know which rooms prohibit photography.
How much does a ticket to Schindler’s Factory cost? - Prices change. The museum announced organizational and tariff changes in 2025, with new rules planned from early 2026. For this reason I recommend checking the current price when booking or asking me to help buy tickets.
Is the route suitable for children? - Yes, the route can be adjusted for families. For museum entry consider whether the exhibits are appropriate for younger visitors; I can offer a version with elements made more accessible for children.
What if it rains? - Many points on the route are outdoors, but we can adapt the plan to spend more time inside museums and cafés. Bring rain protection and a waterproof case for camera gear.
- ID (sometimes required for named ticket reservations) - Comfortable shoes; the terrain is mixed: sidewalks, cobbles, short sections of paved roads - Camera and spare batteries / memory card - Small tripod or monopod (optional) - Filters (polarizer), lens cloth - Water bottle and light snacks - Light jacket; Kraków weather can be changeable - If you wish — a list of shots you plan to take; I will help you realize them during the walk.
If you plan to shoot only with your phone — no problem. I will advise settings and recommend quick editing apps on the spot.
Would you like to book a route with entry to Schindler’s Factory or prepare a photographic version tailored to your needs? Write or call — I will gladly arrange details and help with ticket purchase and logistics. For photography groups I suggest a short pre-visit conversation to refine themes, equipment and expectations.
When booking we can agree on: - route length (2 h / 4 h with museum entry / extended route), - start and end points, - help with ticket purchase and instructions about photography rules in the museum, - the option of photographic coaching during the tour.
You are warmly invited — see Kraków differently, with history and a good frame. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, licensed Kraków guide.
