Kraków has everything you need for an eye-catching reel or a feed-worthy photo: medieval gates and cobbles, colorful townhouses, cozy cafés, the green Planty belt, and surprising natural spots like Zakrzówek. Every frame can tell a different story — from nostalgic to modern.
The city’s compact scale makes it easy to do a “several spots in one day” plan, and the variety of neighborhoods means even a short walk can give you completely different looks. That’s great news if you’re traveling with young people and want everyone to come home with interesting photos and videos.
This article is my subjective list of 10 places worth visiting, practical tips on the best times to come, recommendations for places to eat, and tested ideas for accommodation suited to groups of young people.
1. St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican — historic brickwork and defensive architecture give a distinctive, cinematic feel. You get strong shots both close-up (brick details) and from farther back (the entrance to Floriańska Street).
2. Kanonicza Street and the Corner of Doubting Thomas — one of Kraków’s most beautiful and oldest lanes; narrow arches, townhouses and café windows make a great setting for portraits and styled photos. I recommend visiting early morning to avoid crowds.
3. Small Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — pastel facades and elegant architectural details; perfect for urban-style frames and market-life shots. The Cloth Hall looks especially good at golden hour.
4. Kazimierz (ul. Józefa, Plac Wolnica) — murals, atmospheric cafés and a mix of styles; this is the place to add an artistic or bohemian vibe to your shots.
5. Father Bernatek Footbridge — the riverfront and boulevards offer beautiful compositions over the Vistula, reflections and romantic sunsets. Great for short videos and wide-angle shots.
6. Zakrzówek — turquoise water, cliffs and wooden platforms look like a little paradise below the city; a phenomenal backdrop for outdoor sessions. Remember safety near edges and follow local rules for using the area.
7. Krakus, Piłsudski and Kościuszko mounds — viewpoints that give city panoramas, excellent as a background for sunrise or sunset photos.
8. Vistula Boulevards and Podgórze — industrial riverside views, lesser-known corners and the historic Podgórski market square. You’ll find fewer tourists and interesting perspectives here.
9. The Planty and evening illuminations around the Barbican/Planty — night shots with empty alleys and lamplight create dramatic, elegant frames; bring stabilization for your smartphone.
10. Hidden courtyards and gardens — search for small, enclosed spaces around the Old Town: often less crowded, very ‘Instagrammable’ and perfect for slow, styled sessions.
The best times for photos are very early morning (before 9:00) and the golden hour in the evening. Light is softer then, and popular places tend to be less crowded.
If your schedule is tight, plan your route logically: start with central spots (St. Florian’s Gate, Kanonicza), then move to the river or Zakrzówek — you’ll save time on transit.
Avoid weekend midday hours in the high season. When possible, schedule sessions on weekdays or very early mornings. For larger groups it’s also wise to notify venue owners or site administrators in advance, especially if you plan to use a tripod.
For groups with young people, the best locations are close to the Old Town and Kazimierz — you’ll save travel time and be near most of the photo spots. If you want quieter and cheaper accommodation, consider Podgórze or areas near the train station and Galeria Krakowska.
Options for different budgets: higher-standard hotels near the Old Town (comfortable if you want convenience), hostels in Kazimierz and by the Main Station (good for younger groups who enjoy shared spaces), and rental apartments for groups — all popular solutions.
Practical tips when booking: check reviews for safety and cleanliness, make sure the place has good connections to main tram/bus lines, and ask about rules for registering youth groups.
Cafe Camelot (Kanonicza / Corner of Doubting Thomas) — a cozy café perfect for resting after morning shoots; its interior has character and looks great in coffee-shot photos.
Olio — known for Italian-style pizza and a pink, Instagram-friendly interior; a good option for a quick, stylish meal.
Pizzeria Cyklop and Metrum Restobistro — reliable, well-rated places for lunch after a long walk; opt for venues with good reviews and the possibility to reserve for larger groups.
If you want something local and budget-friendly — check milk bars (bar mleczny) and small bistros around the Old Town; they’re great for a quick meal before the next session.
Plan your shots: start with wide frames, then details, and finish with a portrait. Short videos perform well when they have a simple narrative: entering the frame, a detail, a reaction.
Use natural leading lines — Planty alleys, Floriańska Street or bridges — they build depth in the frame. For Reels/Stories, vertical format and dynamic cuts between plans increase engagement.
Drones are restricted in the city center — check local rules and allowed zones. Instead of a drone, use puddle reflections, reflective surfaces, or high viewpoints like the mounds.
For night photos use a tripod or night mode on your phone. Small LED lights and a powerbank are must-haves for longer sessions.
Surprising fact: the Planty are the former line of city walls — walking them is like circling the historic ‘ring’ of the city. The mounds hold legends and stories you can use as a voice-over or background for a video to add context to your frame.
A common mistake is planning too many spots for one day — result: tiredness, low energy and average photos. Better focus on a few places and give them time.
Another frequent error is ignoring social norms: don’t set up gear that blocks walkways, don’t disturb café customers, and always ask permission before photographing private individuals. Respecting residents and public space is a basic rule of good tourism.
Can I take commercial photos in Kraków without permission? For commercial shoots in some places you may need permission — if you plan a professional session with models and lots of equipment, check ahead.
Is a tripod allowed in the center? Generally yes, but avoid placing it in narrow passages or during peak times. When in doubt, choose morning hours.
How to get to Zakrzówek most easily? By public transport or taxi — note that reaching the best viewpoints may require a short walk.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way for others to discover Kraków’s photo spots.
If you want to explore Kraków with someone who knows the best photo routes and can tailor a tour to your interests (including groups of young people), consider booking a tour with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information is available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Good luck planning your sessions and have fun discovering the many faces of the city!
