Kraków is a city where medieval townhouses, green boulevards and modern spaces form a perfect backdrop for photos and short videos. Did you know the largest sports and entertainment hall in Poland — TAURON Arena Kraków — is just a few kilometres from the Old Town and can easily be added to a city walking route? This article shows the top spots, lays out a 5-day walking plan and gives tips for making better shots for Instagram and TikTok.
1. Wawel Royal Castle — a classic best photographed during the golden hour; a frame with the Vistula and the cathedral grabs attention.
2. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the city’s heart with colourful townhouses, St. Mary’s Basilica and a lively atmosphere; best photos are taken early morning or after sunset.
3. Kazimierz — atmospheric streets, murals and cosy cafés; perfect for a soulful feed and «street vibe» videos.
4. Vistula Boulevards — reflections in the river, sunsets and a relaxed mood; great for lifestyle shots.
5. Zakrzówek — turquoise water and rocky cliffs; an outdoor hit if the weather is good.
6. Kanonicza Street — medieval atmosphere, cobblestones and architectural details; every frame here looks cinematic.
7. Krakus Mound and Kościuszko Mound — viewpoints offering wide perspectives of the city, ideal for panoramas and time-lapses.
8. Parks and the Planty — the green ring around the Old Town; perfect in the early morning when the city wakes up.
9. Decjusz Villa and Wola Justowska — lesser-known, elegant backgrounds, ideal for styled photoshoots.
10. Modern spaces and street art in Zabłocie and Podgórze — industrial frames, murals and trendy cafés that add contrast to classic Kraków.
Day 1 — Old Town and Wawel: start at the Planty at sunrise, then go to the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall, and spend the afternoon at Wawel. In the evening walk the Vistula Boulevards for views of the illuminated castle.
Day 2 — Kazimierz and Podgórze: begin on Kazimierz’s atmospheric streets (Szeroka, Józefa), visit synagogues and street art; in the afternoon cross the bridge to Podgórze to see historic spaces and murals.
Day 3 — Zakrzówek, Wola Justowska and Decjusz Villa: a day for nature and unusual frames — Zakrzówek’s turquoise lagoons, then the quieter, green backgrounds of Wola Justowska.
Day 4 — Mounds and parks: morning at Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound for a panorama; afternoon in Jordan Park and nearby avenues. This day is for wide shots and time-lapses.
Day 5 — Zabłocie, modern spaces and TAURON Arena: visit creative cafés and museums in Zabłocie in the morning, then head toward TAURON Arena in the afternoon — a great moment to combine urban frames with the industrial backdrop of a large hall. If you plan to enter the Arena, reserve the interior visit for the afternoon or evening.
Practical notes when planning the route: try to start exploring at sunrise or just before sunset (the golden hour). Good shoes and a water bottle are essential — most of the route is walkable, but plan café breaks.
TAURON Arena is an easy addition to a city walk: from the Main Market Square it’s roughly a short tram ride or a few kilometres’ walk, which makes it feasible as part of a longer sightseeing day. The arena hosts concerts and sports events, so check the event schedule before visiting to avoid large crowds and transport complications.
Consider visiting the arena interior if guided tours or open days are available — they offer unusual angles and perspectives not visible from outside. During big events traffic and parking can be difficult; in those cases use public transport or plan your visit outside peak event times.
If you want to film material focused on the Arena itself, remember the rules: professional shoots may require permission from the venue; for simple exterior shots a smartphone and a small tripod are usually enough.
Cafés and casual eats: try places loved by both locals and visitors — the atmospheric interior of Café Camelot (Old Town), Massolit Bookstore & Cafe (Kazimierz) and the popular spots offering Jewish and Mediterranean dishes around Plac Nowy. These are great photo backgrounds and serve tasty meals.
Restaurants for a nicer lunch or dinner: in the centre look for places with strong reviews and a local touch — elegant options on the Market Square or in Kazimierz combine traditional flavours with modern presentation.
Accommodation: if you value a photogenic setting and convenience, consider hotels near the Market Square or in Kazimierz. Popular choices include classic hotels in historic townhouses and modern boutique hotels close to the centre. Book in advance during the season.
The most common mistake — trying to "tick off" all of Kraków in one day. The city has many layers, so it’s better to spread the visit over several days and leave time for spontaneous discoveries.
Don’t schedule major photo sessions in the middle of the day in popular spots. The Market Square and Kazimierz are busiest between 10:00 and 18:00; the best shots are in the morning and late afternoon.
If you plan a professional photo shoot (photographer, models, lots of gear), check rules and permits for historic sites and parks. Some locations may require permission or a fee.
Remember to check TAURON Arena’s event calendar — big concerts can change city logistics: traffic, limited parking and more crowded public transport. Check the arena calendar before planning your route.
Surprising contrast in the city: just minutes from medieval streets you can find modern spaces and murals — use the “old vs new” contrast for a photo series.
Experiment with reflections — the Vistula and some ponds create fantastic reflections of architecture, especially at sunrise or in the evening.
Look for details: gates, signs, mosaics and old doors often make a stronger impression than the usual “postcard” shots. Close-ups and details work great for a TikTok reel or an Instagram carousel.
Can you see everything on foot? Yes — the centre and many attractions can be explored on foot over a few days, but for longer distances (airport, outlying districts) use trams or taxis.
When is the best time to come to avoid crowds? Early weekday mornings outside high season are best; in high season stick to mornings and late afternoons.
Do I need permission to film on the streets? For casual phone shots — no. Professional sessions or the use of large tripods/gear may require permission from local authorities or the site owner.
Kraków offers many opportunities: from the classic Wawel to the modern frames of Zabłocie and the impressive TAURON Arena. A five-day walking plan lets you capture different moods of the city without rushing and leaves room for spontaneous discoveries.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or post it on social media — it will help others prepare for their visit. On the guide page of Małgorzata Kasprowicz you can find information about private tours and assistance with trip organisation — consider a guided option if you want to learn the city “from the inside.”
