Kraków is a city that photographs beautifully — from the historic facades along the Royal Route, through the panoramic views at Wawel, to the atmospheric corners of Kazimierz. This guide gathers the top 10 Instagrammable spots and adds practical tips: when to come, where to sit for an elegant break, and how to avoid the busiest hours.
The text includes classic photo points as well as a bit of green and modern backdrops, so you can plan a route from the Market Square through Wawel and the river boulevards to Kazimierz, or choose a nature-focused variant (Zakrzówek, a mound).
I wrote this to help visitors — short photography tips, café addresses and a practical FAQ useful for anyone who wants to combine sightseeing with great shots.
Wawel is a must-see stop. Even without buying tickets to the interiors you can get excellent shots: the castle panorama from the embankments, reflections in the Vistula, and the silhouette of the cathedral towers at sunset.
Where to photograph: the castle embankments, the Vistula Boulevards just below the castle, and the main approaches on the Wawel side. Mornings and the golden hour in the evening offer the best light.
Practical tip - avoid setting up tripods on narrow walkways and don’t block pedestrian routes. For vertical videos, use the Boulevards as a reflective water background.
The Main Market Square is the visual heart of Kraków. The symmetry of the Cloth Hall, corner townhouses and subtle architectural details look great in photos and short videos.
Where to stand: the Cloth Hall steps, the area around St. Mary’s Basilica and Grodzka Street. Mornings have the fewest crowds, while evenings bring illuminations and atmospheric lights from nearby restaurants.
Photography tip - for shots without crowds, come very early (around 6:00–8:00) or choose an unusual low-angle perspective.
Kanonicza is one of the most photogenic streets of the Old Town: cobbles, subdued facades and stone thresholds create an ideal backdrop for portraits and detail shots.
When and how: soft morning light and overcast days work best here because they reduce harsh shadows and bring out the textures of the stone.
Tip - a simple composition works great: a person in the middle of the street, strong depth perspective and natural frames from doors and lamps.
The Boulevards are perfect for photos with water and bridges in the background. Reflections, steps leading to the Vistula and city benches create natural lifestyle frames.
Best spots: near Dębnicki Bridge, the Bernatek Footbridge and the piers. Sunsets often paint Wawel in golden light reflected in the river.
Video tip - water movement and passersby add dynamics. Use stabilization or short pans when shooting content for TikTok.
Kazimierz combines old tenement houses, colorful murals and cozy cafés. Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy are a treasure trove for street photography and lively shots.
What to see: graffiti-filled alleys, plant-filled courtyards and the street stalls at Plac Nowy (famous for zapiekanki!). This area is great for moodier, more artistic images.
Practical tip - if you plan to photograph inside cafés or private courtyards, let the owner know or ask for permission first.
Planty form a green ring around the Old Town and are an ideal spot for calm shots among trees and paths, despite being in the center.
Best places: the Planty walkways, the view toward St. Florian's Gate and green sections with townhouses in the background. Planty are also a great start or finish for a short photo route.
Tip - use the Planty as a natural frame for architectural shots: leaves and arches often make a soft, attractive background.
If you want to escape the historic built environment and look for nature-rich photos, Zakrzówek is a great option outside the strict center. Turquoise waters, rocks and the contrast with greenery are impressive.
Logistics: reachable by public transport or a short taxi ride; viewpoint areas can get crowded in season, so plan outside weekends.
Photo tip - a polarizer or HDR mode on your phone helps to get saturated water colors, and early morning hours reduce crowds.
Kościuszko Mound is a viewpoint with a wide panorama of Kraków. From the height you can capture the city 'from above' and create a strong closing shot for the day.
Access and timing: a short walk or public transport; it's worth arriving before sunset if you want golden-hour light and evening city lights.
Tip - for drone footage plan ahead and check rules — there are restrictions over the center and crowds.
Zabłocie offers modern and post-industrial backdrops: murals, modern facades and atmospheric post-factory spaces ideal for contrasting compositions.
Where to look: around the Oskar Schindler Museum, areas near former factories and new riverside developments. This is a good place for raw, graphic photos.
Practical tip - use lines and geometric elements to build strong compositions from a different perspective.
Błonia is a large green meadow in the center — perfect for 'wide open' photos and a peaceful rest. Jordan Park, in turn, offers more intimate paths and classic benches for relaxing.
What to do: picnic, a session among the grass or a walk away from city crowds. Błonia often make a great backdrop for dynamic shots with plenty of space and movement.
Tip - this is a fine place for a classy break after an intense city route — the open space gives breathing room and often fewer people in the frame.
After an intensive walk it’s good to sit somewhere that matches the photo vibe and offers comfort. Here are a few suggestions that fit nicely into a photo route:
- Cafe Camelot (Old Town) - atmospheric interiors and a cozy vibe; perfect between Market Square and Kanonicza photos.
- Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) - fresh baked goods and pleasant interiors; good for a quick breakfast before a morning session.
- Massolit Books & Cafe (Kazimierz) - for book lovers and quiet "coffee & book" frames.
- Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) - classic, cozy spot with local character; ideal for an afternoon rest after photos at Plac Nowy.
- Forum Przestrzenie (Vistula Boulevards) - riverside spot with a relaxed vibe and views of the Vistula; a good base before shooting the boulevards and bridges.
Also: for a quick and very local snack, Plac Nowy offers iconic zapiekanki, and nearby you’ll find many small cafés and bars serving pierogi and other local bites.
When to come: mornings (6:00–9:00) and late afternoons/golden hour are the best times for photos. If you want empty frames, very early hours are key.
Equipment and settings: a phone with HDR, a powerbank and a small gimbal are often all you need. For portraits use a wide aperture; for urban shots try low angles and leading lines.
Permissions and drones: for commercial shoots and drone use in the center check local regulations and possible requirements. In public spaces avoid positioning equipment so it blocks walkways.
Safety: watch out for petty theft in busy places; carry documents and keep your phone secure. Wear stable shoes on cobbled streets.
Transport and parking: the city center has paid parking zones; trams and buses make getting between spots easy. Consider leaving the car and moving on foot or by public transport.
Do I have to pay to take photos at monuments? - Amateur photos from the outside are free. Commercial sessions or reserved shoots may require permission and fees.
Can I photograph the interiors of churches and museums? - Many places require a ticket and may have photography restrictions; always check the rules for each venue.
Where can I find toilets and wifi in the center? - Cafés and restaurants usually offer toilets and wifi, and there are public toilets in selected locations; carry small change for facilities.
Can I photograph late at night? - Yes, many places look beautiful at night thanks to lighting, but consider safety and check café opening hours if you plan a break after dark.
How do I avoid crowds at the Market Square and Wawel? - The best strategy is to come very early in the morning or visit off-season; weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
If you have only two hours: start at St. Florian's Gate / the Planty, walk to the Market Square, take a short session on Kanonicza, head down toward Wawel and the Boulevards, and finish in Kazimierz at Plac Nowy. This loop combines classics with atmosphere and gives several classy break options.
Have questions or want a route tailored to your preferences (more nature, a portrait session, a shorter version)? I’m happy to help plan something for your time and taste. Enjoy exploring and capturing great shots in Kraków!
Guide author: Małgorzata Kasprowicz — practical routes and tips to help you see Kraków like a local.
