This is an intimate, half-day route led by me — a licensed Kraków guide. We focus on the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica and the spaces around it. The whole program is adapted to photographers: short stops at the best viewpoints, tips on composition and light, and time to photograph without rushing. The route is designed for small groups of 2–6 people so I can adjust the pace and help you reach the best photo spots. Duration: about half a day (usually around 3 hours).
The tour is friendly for beginners with a camera as well as more advanced smartphone and mirrorless photographers. I tell stories, legends and key historical facts about St. Mary’s and the hejnał while suggesting how to best capture them in photos. If needed, the tour can also be conducted in English.
The tour is organised through ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — bookings by phone or e-mail. I also help with buying entrance tickets if participants want to enter the basilica interior or climb the tower (entrance tickets are usually an extra cost).
Meeting at the Main Market Square (usually by the Adam Mickiewicz monument, though we arrange the exact spot individually) — brief chat about equipment and photographic preferences.
Walk and first frames around the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the alleys off the Square and perspectives toward St. Mary’s — tips on composition and focal length selection.
We will visit exterior viewpoints for the best shots of the façade and architectural details; if the group wishes and tickets are available, we will go inside St. Mary’s to see the Veit Stoss altar, the naves and rich interior details.
Time for the hejnał — I’ll tell the legend, point out the best places on the Square to photograph it and advise on camera settings to capture the moment.
A short photo session in less obvious, quieter corners of the Old Town, night shots if the tour runs in late afternoon, and a wrap-up of recommended frames and camera settings.
The route is designed to provide many chances for interesting images: architectural details, the wide space of the Market Square, contrasts of light and shadow in the streets, and the colourful interior of the basilica. Small groups (2–6 people) mean everyone has room to set up gear, change angles and work calmly without crowds.
As your guide I’ll show spots that are less obvious to the average tourist — true 'photo spots' and local perspectives — and I’ll also advise how to use popular locations so your photos don’t look like standard postcards. We’ll discuss camera settings together and talk about photographing interiors (short exposures, higher ISO, stabilization) and creative approaches to details.
The tour combines historical background with practical photography — that context makes your photos richer and gives your frames a storytelling quality.
St. Mary’s Basilica is a Gothic gem and one of Kraków’s most recognisable landmarks. Inside you’ll find the magnificent main altar carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) — a must-see for anyone interested in sculptural detail and the play of light on wood.
We’ll also see the naves, side chapels, rich vaulting and sculptural details, as well as biblical scenes. Take time for close-ups — ornaments, stained glass and shifting light make great photographic material.
The Hejnał mariacki — played every hour from the highest tower of the church — is a must-know story on the tour. I’ll tell the legend and point out the best places on the Market Square to capture both the sound and the moment visually.
Equipment: a wide-angle lens (for example 16–35 mm) for interiors and wide Market shots, a solid zoom (24–105 mm) for details, a bright lens (f/2.8 or faster) for low-light interiors, and a tripod or monopod — check the basilica’s regulations in advance because tripod use may require permission in some places.
Settings: for interior shots avoid shutter speeds longer than 1/30 without stabilization; raise ISO in low light and use a larger aperture to separate details. When photographing the altar and sculptures, concentrate on texture and contrast. For the hejnał: prepare a fast shutter (around 1/500–1/1000) to freeze motion, or try a longer exposure to show the atmosphere of the crowd and evening lights.
Composition and light: look for leading lines (alleys, portals), use architectural framing and symmetry of the façade. The golden hour (just after sunrise and just before sunset) gives the nicest light for exterior photos. Don’t be afraid to experiment with vertical and horizontal frames — both work well in the city centre.
Duration: about 3 hours (half day).
Group: small groups of 2–6 people — private tours for your party are available on request.
Language: Polish and English (other languages can be arranged on request).
Tickets and entrances: tickets for the interior of St. Mary’s or the tower are usually extra — I can help buy them and plan the order of visits to save time. At some times access to the tower is limited (groups and time slots) — it’s advisable to book in advance.
Tripods and larger gear: many churches and historic sites limit tripod use — please check in advance; a small monopod or in-camera/objective stabilization is often enough.
Weather: tours run in most weather; in case of very bad weather the route is adjusted to spend more time in covered or indoor spaces.
St. Mary’s Basilica is a place of worship — please dress appropriately and keep quiet during services. Photography during Mass or liturgical events may be restricted.
We also respect the comfort of residents and other visitors — avoid blocking passages, placing gear in walkways or obstructing views. If you plan a photoshoot with larger lights or props, let me know in advance so we can find the best solution. Please be mindful of local rules and signs inside the basilica.
Is the route suitable for beginner photographers? - Yes. I adapt the level of instruction to the group — from basic camera settings to advanced composition tips.
Do I need a professional camera? - No, you can take many great shots with a smartphone; however, a bright lens and the ability to adjust ISO will help for interior photos.
Will there be time for individual photos? - Yes — small groups allow short private moments at each key spot so everyone can work alone for a bit.
How much does the tour cost? - Price depends on duration and specific arrangements; indicative rates and promotions are available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. After contact we agree on final details and pricing.
What if it rains? - The tour takes place in rain; in case of heavy weather I modify the route to spend more time inside covered sites.
Is the route accessible? - Some parts of the route and certain historic interiors may have limited accessibility. Please contact me with specific needs so I can plan the best possible experience.
Bookings are accepted by phone and e-mail. Fastest contact: phone +48 501 962 037 or e-mail kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After receiving your inquiry we arrange a convenient date, meeting place, photographic preferences and any ticket needs for interiors.
If you have specific wishes (for example photos at a particular time of day or a family session on the Market Square), write those in your message — I’ll try to adapt the plan so you return home with beautiful images and interesting Kraków stories.
I look forward to discovering the Marian heart of Kraków with a camera in your hands — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com
