Is it possible to capture Kraków's most beautiful shots, film a viral TikTok, and also visit Auschwitz in a reasonable amount of time? In this article I combine a list of the 10 most Instagrammable spots in Kraków with a practical travel guide to Oświęcim and a short FAQ so you can plan your days in the city consciously and with respect for history.
1. Zakrzówek Reservoir - turquoise water, rocky cliffs and picturesque piers give tropical-looking shots without leaving the city. 2. Kanonicza Street and the Wawel area - a medieval atmosphere, cobbles and classic frames with history in the background. 3. Kraków mounds (Kopiec Krakusa, Kopiec Kościuszki) - panoramic city views at different times of day, great for sunrises and sunsets. 4. Kazimierz - atmospheric alleys, historic facades, cafes and street art. 5. The Planty and Old Town gates - subtle green frames surrounding the historic centre. 6. Forum Przestrzenne and modern spaces around Zabłocie - architectural contrasts ideal for fashion and editorial-style shots. 7. Colorful stairs in Podgórze and murals - great for energetic urban photos. 8. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden - plant-filled frames and spring/summer vibes. 9. Characterful cafes (e.g., Camelot) and trendy restaurants - interiors that make the shot for you. 10. The Vistula boulevards and riverside viewpoints - water frames, sunsets and urban scenery.
Plan your route to combine nearby spots — for example Kazimierz + Podgórze or Wawel + the Planty + the river boulevards. This way you'll capture more shots in less time and cut down on walks between points.
- Arrive before sunrise or around the golden hour — the light really makes the difference. - If you're filming TikToks, remember that some places (temples, museums, memorial sites) require a respectful tone — match the tone of your material to the place. - On weekends and during high season popular spots get crowded — consider early mornings or weekdays. - Drones: check local regulations and no-fly zones in the city — many historic areas have restrictions. - Bring a powerbank and extra memory cards — nothing ruins a session like a dead battery or full card.
The most convenient ways to get from Kraków to Oświęcim are by train or bus. Fast train connections can take around one hour, but more commonly travel time ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the type of train and any transfers. From Oświęcim station to the Museum it is still about 1.5–2 km (you can walk or use local transport).
The official Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum website describes how to get there, the location of the Visitor Service Centre and additional transport options on site — for example, a seasonal shuttle between the train station and the Museum entrance during months with higher visitor numbers.
No — you cannot reach Oświęcim from Kraków by tram. Trams operate only within Kraków and do not connect to Oświęcim. The fastest public option is usually the train (typical travel time from about 1 hour up to 1 hour 30–40 minutes depending on the connection) or dedicated shuttle buses and regular long-distance buses, which generally take around 1 hour 20 minutes or longer. When planning, allow time to walk from the station to the Museum entrance and factor in possible delays or breaks.
Self-organized option: travel by train in the morning, arrive at Oświęcim station, then take the local bus M (if it runs in the season) or walk to the Museum entrance. Remember to reserve Museum entry in advance and plan how many hours you want to spend visiting (several hours are recommended).
Option if you also want time in Kraków: if you want to combine city photo sessions with an Auschwitz visit on the same day, consider an extremely early departure or split activities across two days — especially in high season and if you prefer a calm visit to the Museum.
- Book tickets in advance — places are limited and many time slots sell out. - Dress appropriately — the Museum is a place of memory and reflection. - Avoid selfies and humorous or entertainment-style content on the grounds — this is a site of special historical and moral significance. - Check rules about luggage and left-luggage facilities (the Visitor Service Centre usually offers storage).
If you're after a charming café for photos and good food: consider traditional, well-rated cafes on the Old Town or places like Camelot for atmosphere. For pizza lovers look for pizzerias known for Neapolitan-style pies. For veg/vegan options there are popular plant-based restaurants in the centre that also have photogenic interiors. If you're staying in Kraków, choose hotels or apartments with good reviews — a central location and easy transport will save time. When booking, check reviews for quietness (important after a busy day) and for safe storage of camera gear.
1. Not planning time properly - underestimate travel and walking times; leave a buffer. 2. Not booking Museum tickets - entries sell out in season, so schedule ahead. 3. Trying to make joking or entertainment-style content at memorial sites - keep respect and separate entertainment from education. 4. Trying to cram too much into one day - it's better to do fewer things well than many things in a rush. You'll avoid frustration if you book tickets, check train and bus timetables and leave margin time for the unexpected.
Do I have to reserve entry to the Auschwitz Museum in advance? Yes, booking is strongly recommended, especially in the tourist season. Details about reservations and available slots are published by the Museum.
How long should I allow to visit Auschwitz? Allow several hours — the time depends on whether you explore exhibitions independently or with a guide, and on how long it takes to walk to/from the station. Can I get to Oświęcim by tram? No — trams run within Kraków; to reach Oświęcim you need a train or bus.
- Zakrzówek Reservoir was created on the site of a former limestone quarry, which is why its appearance is so unusual and "exotic" for an urban area. - During the season the Museum operates a special shuttle bus between Oświęcim train station and the Museum entrance, which makes getting there easier without a long walk.
Kraków offers plenty of spots that look great on Instagram and TikTok, while the proximity of important memorial sites like Auschwitz requires planning and a responsible approach. If you'd like help creating a personalized itinerary, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com). Share this article on social media or send it to friends — help them plan a better visit to Kraków!
