Krakow is a city that practically asks you to take out your phone: cobbled streets, gothic towers, atmospheric cafés and a river that gives beautiful reflections at dusk. In practice most tourist shots are accessible, but it’s good to know the rules and a few limitations — both formal and customary.
An important practical note from recent months: on April 17, 2025 new regulations came into force in Poland concerning the prohibition of photographing and filming certain objects important for security and defense. This means that in some designated places you may see signs prohibiting photography, and ignoring them can have legal consequences.
When planning a photographic route through the city, combine the desire for nice shots with common sense: watch for signage, respect other people’s privacy and obey bans in places of worship, institutions and protected facilities.
1. Main Market Square and Sukiennice - the heart of the Old Town. The most classic frame: the Market panorama with St. Mary’s Church tower and the colorful townhouses. Best light at sunrise and dusk; avoid peak season if you want clean shots.
2. Wawel and the Vistula boulevards - the view from the riverbank gives beautiful reflections of the castle in the water, and Wawel’s courtyards make a classic backdrop. Remember that some parts of the complex have rules regarding commercial photography.
3. Kazimierz - Szeroka Street, atmospheric nooks and murals. This district offers many lifestyle-style frames: cafés, courtyards with string lights and charming doors. Walk slowly and look for details.
4. Vistula Boulevards and Bernatek Footbridge - a great spot for sunset photos with Wawel’s silhouette in the background. The boulevards are also excellent for dynamic lifestyle shots and vlogs.
5. Zakrzówek - the “turquoise” water and raw, rocky landscape in the middle of the city. An ideal place for an outdoor session in good weather; remember safety at the water’s edge and any access rules in force.
6. Kanonicza Street and surroundings - picturesque, historic lanes full of atmosphere. This is a spot for classic and romantic photos, especially during the golden hour.
7. Krakus Mound (and Kościuszko Mound) - viewpoints with a wide perspective over the city. Sunrise and sunset here can produce spectacular frames.
8. Zabłocie and post-industrial areas - street art and raw backdrops for modern shoots. Here you’ll find contrasts between historic architecture and new walls covered with graffiti.
9. Selected cafés and interiors - e.g. Massolit, Café Camelot, Botanica Café or local bakeries: café interiors are great backgrounds for food shots, flat-lays and portraits. Pay attention to each venue’s rules and respect other guests.
10. Parks and green spaces - the Planty, Jordan Park or the area around Błonia - perfect for nature photos in the city, family photos and relaxing shots in spring and autumn.
- Photographing in public spaces: the general rule is simple — photographing public spaces is allowed, but you should respect people’s privacy and likeness; if someone explicitly does not want to be photographed, respect that.
- Protected objects and the new regulations (as of 17.04.2025): from that date Poland introduced rules allowing certain objects to be marked where photographing is prohibited for security reasons. Posted signs indicate places where photography and filming may require permission.
- Museums and exhibitions: rules vary — some institutions allow photos without flash or tripod, others impose a total ban or charge fees for commercial sessions. Always check the rules at the ticket desk and follow staff instructions.
- Churches and places of worship: you can often take photos, but avoid using flash during services, do not disturb worshippers and ask permission for portrait shots. Interiors of high artistic value may have additional restrictions.
- Drones: flying a drone in the city requires care — aviation regulations, no-fly zones and safety rules apply. Before you launch a drone, check no-fly maps and any required permits.
- Selfie-sticks, tripods and commercial sessions: in some locations using a tripod or running a photo session may require the manager’s permission; selfie-sticks are sometimes banned in crowded places for safety reasons.
- Think of others: avoid blocking passages, don’t stage sessions in marked dangerous places and don’t stand where you obstruct movement. A short pose for a frame is fine, but long sessions in a narrow street may disturb others.
- Respect residents’ privacy: when photographing courtyards, housing estates or houses, remember that it’s someone’s private space. When in doubt, ask for permission.
- Be careful with night shots: a great photo isn’t worth risking safety. Don’t climb fences, embankments or enter closed areas just for a better angle.
- Remember commercial uses: if you plan to use photos commercially (advertising, sale), make sure you have the right to use people’s likenesses and that you’re not violating any venue rules.
1. Early morning is the golden hour for clean frames in the center — the Planty and the Market just after sunrise look especially beautiful.
2. Look for reflections - the Vistula, puddles after rain and the surfaces at Zakrzówek offer interesting reflections of architecture.
3. Play with scale - place a person against monumental architecture (Wawel, the basilica) for effect and depth.
4. Details build atmosphere - patterns on tenement houses, decorated doors, gutters and cobbled streets often make the best, less obvious frames.
5. Use café interiors - flat-lays, coffee and cake on a rustic table can be a hit on social media.
- Tourist information and museum staff: if you’re unsure about photography rules in a place, ask the staff at the entrance. They will usually give clear guidance on flash, tripods and commercial use.
- Signs and notices: pay attention to 'no photography' signs at entrances; these are binding and stem from both venue rules and new regulations concerning protected objects.
- Local apps and city pages: useful for checking opening hours, possible restrictions and current events that may affect access to places.
Can I take photos at Wawel? - Most outdoor areas are available for photography, but indoor exhibitions, chapels or museum rooms may have restrictions. Check the rules at the ticket desk and follow staff instructions.
Can I use a drone over the Vistula? - Drone flights in urban areas are subject to aviation rules and local no-fly zones. Before flying, check required permissions and no-fly maps.
Can pictures of people be published without consent? - As a matter of courtesy and privacy law, if a person is the clear subject of a photo (a portrait), it’s best to ask for permission before publishing, especially for commercial use.
What should I do when I see a 'no photography' sign? - Respect the sign and do not photograph/film that place. If unsure, ask a staff member.
Can I photograph food in a restaurant? - Generally yes, as long as you don’t disturb other guests. Some venues ask customers to refrain from professional shoots without prior consent.
Short plan (morning + afternoon): get up early and catch the Market at sunrise, walk the Planty for quiet details, and in the afternoon visit Kazimierz for photos in atmospheric cafés.
Creative plan (old vs new contrast): start at Kanonicza Street and Wawel, then head to Zabłocie to capture street art and raw industrial backdrops.
Nature plan: morning at Krakus Mound (sunrise), afternoon at Zakrzówek, evening on the Vistula Boulevards with reflections and the city panorama.
1. Be attentive and polite to others - a good photo shouldn’t cost someone else comfort or safety.
2. Check signs and ask — when in doubt it’s better to ask than to break the rules.
3. Remember the law and recent updates — new regulations on April 17, 2025 introduced restrictions on photographing selected objects; watch for signage and local announcements.
Enjoy Krakow with your camera — this city has countless faces and everyone can find their perfect frame. Good luck and happy shooting!
