Kraków is a city where almost every corner can become a great frame - from the monumental Wawel to the intimate streets of Kazimierz. Below is a list of 10 proven locations that offer a variety of shots: classic, urban, industrial and natural scenes all in one.
1. Wawel and the Vistula boulevards - the classic panorama with the castle, reflections on the water and details of the cathedral. Best at sunset or early morning when there are fewer people.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the heart of the Old Town with colorful townhouses; excellent architectural backdrops and shots from the cobbled square perspective.
3. Kazimierz - atmospheric alleyways, string lights, tiles and café windows; an ideal place for street photography and lifestyle portraits.
4. Vistula boulevards and the Bernatek Footbridge - a relaxed riverside vibe, reflections, bridges and a great spot for dusk photos.
5. Zakrzówek - turquoise water, rocky cliffs and dramatic natural frames just next to the city; perfect for outdoor sessions and wide-angle shots.
6. Kościuszko Mound and Krakus Mound - viewpoints with panoramas of Kraków; especially recommended at sunrise.
7. Podgórze and Zabłocie - industrial frames, murals and modern details; great for lovers of raw urban atmosphere.
8. Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden and the Planty - greenery, benches, paths and soft light with the city in the background.
9. Liban Quarry and the Wolski Forest area - more mysterious, "cinematic" sceneries for those looking for unexpected frames.
10. Tyniec - the abbey and the stony banks of the Vistula; shots with history and calm in the background.
Light makes the biggest difference: the golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) will transform any shot. Early morning is also best if you want to avoid crowds in the Market, Kazimierz or on the boulevards.
If you want empty architectural scenes - choose weekdays outside the high tourist season. Weekends and summer middays are when most classic spots are crowded.
Also check the weather: clear, diffused light (an overcast day) is great for details and portraits, while dramatic clouds add mood to landscape photos.
Bring an extra battery and a memory card - the best shots happen when you are prepared. A tripod will be useful for night photos or long exposures by the Vistula.
For urban portraits use a 35-50 mm lens. For panoramas and wide views a wide-angle lens is ideal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with low and high angles - Kraków hides great details at pavement level.
If you plan a shoot with props or a large crew, ask venue owners (cafés, restaurants) for permission in advance. A few places are happy to cooperate with photographers for a small fee or in exchange for promotion.
If you plan a trip from Kraków to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, remember this is a place of memory and special character - it requires respect and proper preparation. The Museum has a Visitor Service Center and parking areas at both sites; travel from Kraków takes about 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic.
Parking at the Museum includes paid areas and traffic is organized for high visitor numbers; it’s worth checking parking information and any organizational changes before you go.
Very important - entry with a dog is only allowed if the dog is an assistance animal for a person with a disability and appropriate documents are presented. Companion pets are not intended for the exhibitions - bring a dog only if it is an assistance dog.
1) Trying to photograph in places that require silence and solemnity - remember that some locations (for example certain museum exhibitions or memorial areas) require reduced noise and respectful behavior. Always check site regulations before taking commercial photos.
2) Not being prepared for the weather - Kraków’s weather can change quickly. Protect your gear from rain and bring layers for cooler evenings.
3) Leaving litter and not cleaning up after pets - if you walk your dog (outside prohibited areas), pick up after them. It’s basic respect for the place.
4) Photographing without permission in restaurants or private stalls - ask the owner, especially if you want to position a model on a table, in the decor or use lighting equipment.
Kazimierz and the Market area offer plenty of places to rest and take additional interior photos. A few recommended names: Café Camelot (atmospheric interior perfect for portraits), Massolit Books & Café (bookshop-café in Kazimierz), Mleczarnia (a cozy café tucked among Kazimierz’s venues) and Charlotte (bakery with a French vibe - great morning light).
If you want local flavors, try traditional lunches at restaurants serving Polish cuisine near the Market or in less touristy streets of Podgórze. Many central places are willing to allow an interior shot if you let the staff know in advance.
If you plan a photo picnic - Błonia is a great place to spread a blanket, with wide space and views for relaxed shots.
- On Kościuszko Mound and Krakus Mound you can often find lesser-known viewpoints on the city roofline - check a few paths and be surprised by how many perspectives these hills offer.
- Zakrzówek can look like a tropical cove, but access may be seasonally limited (entry rules, fees, opening hours) - it’s best to verify current regulations before visiting.
- Liban Quarry and some industrial areas can provide a "film" atmosphere, but not all sections are officially open - act with caution and respect private property.
Can I take commercial photos in the Market Square? - Amateur photos are generally allowed, but for shoots with professional equipment and a larger crew it’s better to ask the city authorities or site manager; commercial sessions may require a fee or permit.
Can I photograph inside churches with a camera? - Many churches allow photos without flash or tripod, but some prohibit photography during services. Always behave respectfully and ask before taking pictures.
How to travel with a dog from Kraków to Oświęcim? - Transport rules vary; small animals in carriers are sometimes allowed on trains, larger dogs may require a ticket and restraint. For visits to the memorial site, bring a dog only if it’s an assistance animal.
For the urban photographer: battery, card, wide and portrait lenses, rain cover, tripod (optional), water, offline map.
For a session with a dog: check site regulations, waste bags, water for the dog, towel and a backup plan - and above all don’t plan to enter places where animals are not allowed.
For a trip to Auschwitz: reservation for entry (if required), ID documents, comfortable shoes, respect for the site and awareness that this is a place of remembrance, not a typical "photogenic" location.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or post it on social media - that way more people will find tested spots and practical tips.
If you want to explore Kraków with someone who knows the city inside out and can show the best frames - consider guided walks with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private tour is a great option when you want to optimize a photography route and learn local secrets.
Good luck catching the best shots - Kraków awaits with a thousand inspirations!
