Kraków combines history, architecture and unusual spots that look great in photos and short videos. Old tenement houses, cobbled streets, hills with city panoramas and trendy cafés give endless possibilities for creative frames and viral clips. If you’re after classic postcards — you’ll be happy; if you prefer less obvious backgrounds — Kraków has plenty of those too.
In this guide you’ll find my subjective list of 10 places, practical advice on when to come, what to avoid, and specific information about Florianska Gate and the Schindler Factory (including ticket tips).
1. Florianska Gate - a symbol of the Royal Route, great for both daytime shots (architectural details) and the illuminated look at night. Best times: sunrise for empty frames or late evening for atmosphere. Note — it’s a busy spot, so plan short sessions and don’t block the walkway.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - classic, but with perspective (for example a shot from a restaurant balcony or from the side of the Cloth Hall) you can get a unique frame. Early morning is best for photos without crowds.
3. Wawel - courtyards, battlement walls, view of the Vistula. Look for non-obvious frames with greenery in the background or shots from the river boulevards.
4. Kazimierz (Szeroka Street, Meiselsa, Plac Nowy) - raw, atmospheric Kazimierz offers great backgrounds for portraits and short films. Look for murals, cobbles and cozy cafés.
5. Zakrzówek - turquoise water and rocky cliffs that look like a tropical cove. A fantastic spot for summer sessions; remember to approach safely and follow the rules around the reservoir.
6. Kanonicza Street - one of the oldest streets in the city, ideal for photos with a medieval aesthetic (stone façades, narrow passages).
7. Kraków mounds (e.g., Krakus Mound, Kościuszko Mound) - city panoramas, sunrises and sunsets work very well here. They also give space for storytelling in video content.
8. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden - the palm house and variety of plants are natural backdrops for soft, green frames.
9. MOCAK / historic post-industrial spaces - industrial walls, containers and concrete backgrounds are perfect for fashion shots and more raw styling.
10. Cafés and interiors with soul (e.g., Café Camelot, cafés in Kazimierz) - interior details, window light, porcelain and atmosphere create warm, inviting images.
Florianska Gate is part of the historic urban layout of the Royal Route and one of Kraków’s most recognizable spots — it’s worth visiting not only for photos but also to feel the historical context of the place.
A few practical tips: - best light is in the morning and evening; - avoid blocking the passage and pay attention to pedestrians; - an interesting composition is the gate combined with sections of the city walls and the nearby Barbican; - if you want to enter the interior or see an exhibition (when available), check ticket and opening information with the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków, as entry may be organised as part of combined tickets.
The Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is one of the most important exhibits about World War II history in Kraków. Due to the nature of the exhibition the site attracts many visitors and entry is organised in timed slots.
Practical ticket and organisational tips: - book in advance: in season and on weekends tickets sell out quickly; - the museum operates timed entries — being late may mean you cannot enter; - avoid buying tickets from unofficial resellers — intermediaries sometimes charge inflated prices; - if online tickets are sold out, it is sometimes possible to buy a ticket at the ticket office in the morning (but this carries the risk of a long queue); - remember this is a place of memory — show respect for the exhibition content; making lighthearted or joking videos is inappropriate.
Additionally: audio guides and themed guided tours are often available in several languages — if you want a deeper understanding of the context, choose an audio guide or a guided tour.
- Café Camelot (ul. Świętego Tomasza) - atmospheric interior, perfect for portrait photos and a good coffee after a session. - Olio (pizza) - pink interiors and designer details, popular among Instagrammers. - If you want a view - look for rooftop cafés around the Market Square or restaurants with terraces by the Vistula.
It’s worth planning a break in less obvious places: small cafés in Kazimierz or places near the Planty often have pleasant backgrounds, fewer crowds and a local vibe. During breaks try local sweets or sandwiches — that’s also a good shot for your stories.
- Always shooting at the same time (midday) - harsh light ruins colors and creates unpleasant shadows. Choose golden hour or overcast days. - Buying tickets from intermediaries near attractions - check official channels and the museum ticket office. - Rude blocking of pedestrian passages at popular points (e.g., Florianska Gate, the Market) - Kraków’s promenades are used by residents and tourists. - Making humorous or inappropriate content in places of remembrance (e.g., the Schindler Factory) - show respect. - Using drones without permission - there are flight restrictions in the city centre and many places prohibit drones. Check local rules and zones.
- For a long time a tram used to pass through Florianska Gate — a lesser-known fact that surprises people who expect only a medieval atmosphere. - Zakrzówek looks like a tropical bay, but it’s an artificial reservoir created on the site of a former quarry — in summer it can attract crowds like a seaside beach. - In some interiors of Kazimierz you can find frescoes and details that locals treat like “secret” photo backgrounds — it’s worth asking baristas or owners for permission before starting a longer session.
Q: When is the best time to come to avoid crowds? - A: Early morning (just after sunrise) or late evening. Outside the high season (November–March) it’s also quieter.
Q: Can I take photos inside the Schindler Factory? - A: Rules may vary by part of the exhibition; in some rooms photography is limited. Check museum rules before your visit.
Q: Where to buy tickets for the Schindler Factory and Florianska Gate? - A: Most reliably via the official website of the museum or directly at the ticket office. In season it’s recommended to reserve tickets online in advance. Avoid unofficial reseller offers.
Q: Are the places accessible for people with reduced mobility? - A: Many venues (museums, some cafés) strive to be accessible, but conditions vary — check accessibility information on the institutions’ websites or call ahead.
- 07:00 - Florianska Gate and empty frames along the Royal Route; - 08:00 - breakfast in an atmospheric café (Café Camelot or another) and interior shots; - 10:00 - walk around Kazimierz, hunt for murals and frames at Plac Nowy; - 13:00 - lunch and a break; - 15:00 - Zakrzówek or a mound for panoramic views; - 18:00 - Wawel or the Vistula boulevards for sunset; - evening - dinner and night footage in the Market Square.
Remember to plan short breaks and check museum opening hours — the best shots are often those you plan in advance.
Kraków is a city that inspires — from medieval gates to modern, Instagram-friendly interiors. When planning photos think about light, respect for places of remembrance and local rules. Book tickets ahead, avoid intermediaries and look for less obvious frames to make your content stand out.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with someone who will show you the best frames, tell local stories and lead a route tailored to your needs — I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact and details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or post it on social media. Wishing you fantastic frames and a great stay in Kraków!
