Floriańska is one of Krakow’s most recognizable streets: it runs from the St. Florian's Gate straight to the Main Market Square and for centuries has been an important trade and ceremonial route. The view through the gate’s arch with the street perspective and the tower of St. Mary’s Church in the background is a composition that almost always looks good.
The best light on Floriańska is in the morning, when the street is still calm, and in the evening, when lanterns and shop windows add atmosphere. If you want an empty frame, come before shops open or late in the evening on weekdays.
Pay attention to architectural details — the rich façades and ornate doors make excellent portrait backdrops. Look for contrasts between brick and modern shopfronts, and in wet weather use reflections on the cobbles.
1. Wawel — views from the Vistula boulevards and the Castle: the castle panorama against the river is one of the city’s most photogenic motifs.
2. Wawel Cathedral — interiors and tomb details plus the cathedral’s silhouette from the outside. Remember the rules (see the section about tickets).
3. St. Florian's Gate and the Floriańska street perspective — the shot through the gate’s arch toward the Market is a classic.
4. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — shots from the corners, from the Cloth Hall steps and from the line of townhouses; shoot at sunrise or after dark for best results.
5. Kanoniczna Street — intimate, with historic buildings; great for architectural photos and portraits with an old-town backdrop.
6. The Planty and fragments of the city walls with St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican — greenery with stone elements gives a nice contrast.
7. Kazimierz (Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy) — atmospheric corners, murals, cafés and street scenes full of character.
8. Bridges over the Vistula, including Bernatek Footbridge — good for city panoramas and sunsets reflecting in the river.
9. The Barbican and parts of the medieval fortifications — architectural detail and shots from the fortification perspective.
10. Kościuszko Mound (or other nearby hills) — a viewpoint over Krakow’s panorama, ideal for 'city from above' photos.
Entry to Wawel Cathedral and some exhibitions (the Sigismund Bell, Royal Tombs, Cathedral Museum) requires a paid ticket; a standard ticket for individual tourists is roughly 25 PLN, a reduced ticket about 17 PLN. There is also a ticket with an audio guide (higher price).
Opening hours are seasonal: in spring–summer the cathedral is usually open longer (for example 9:00–17:00), while in autumn–winter visits end earlier (for example 9:00–16:00). On Sundays visits often start after noon. Check current hours before your planned visit.
There are rules inside the cathedral: keep quiet, silence your phone and dress appropriately (covered shoulders). Photographing inside is sometimes prohibited — the only place commonly exempt is the Sigismund Bell (viewed from outside). Keep this in mind when planning an indoor photo session.
The golden hour right after sunrise and just before sunset is the safest recipe for beautiful architectural and panorama photos. At these times the light is soft, colors deepen and details are less contrasty.
If you want to avoid crowds, head out very early (before 8:00) or after 21:00 on weekdays. Also consider visiting popular spots outside the weekend.
For street photography bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture and a 35–50 mm lens for portraits in the urban context. A tripod is useful in the evening or for longer exposures by the Vistula.
Around the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find many well-rated places. If you’re after traditional, well-executed Polish cuisine, consider the historic Wierzynek at the Market Square and Restaurant Pod Nosem with views of Wawel.
In Kazimierz I recommend atmospheric spots known for quality, for example Starka, where you can try homestyle dishes and local liqueurs. For coffee and dessert a reliable choice is Cafe Camelot.
If you want a quick bite between shots, Plac Nowy offers a wide selection of small outlets and street food, while the Market area has both elegant restaurants and cozy cafés.
Attempting to photograph inside the Cathedral without checking the rules — this can lead to having shots cancelled or being asked to stop by staff. Always check regulations and follow signage.
Planning on 'it will definitely be empty' during high season — even early hours can be busy. Avoid disappointment by planning alternative frames and shots from different perspectives.
Ignoring the weather — harsh midday sun creates strong shadows and blown highlights on façades; if you want details, choose a cloudy day or the golden hour.
Not carrying backup equipment (battery, memory card) — quick street sessions can stretch out, and lacking basics can ruin your plans.
Can you take photos in Wawel Cathedral? Generally, photographing the interior is limited; there is usually a ban on photographing collections and interiors, while an exception may apply to the Sigismund Bell as seen from outside. Always check the latest information at the ticket office.
What are the ticket prices for the Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum? As a guideline, a full ticket is about 25 PLN, a reduced ticket about 17 PLN; audio-guide tickets are more expensive. Prices and concession rules may change, so confirm before your visit.
When is the best time to photograph Floriańska Street? Preferably in the morning or evening. Morning light and fewer passersby give the best chance for clean frames.
Do I need permission for a photo session in the center? Small amateur sessions usually don’t require formal permission. For professional crews, tripods, lighting equipment or blocking traffic, it’s wise to check with the city office or the specific institution in advance.
Notice the history of trams on Floriańska — tracks once ran here, which changed the street’s dynamics. Today it’s more of a pedestrian route, better shown in walking and detail shots.
If you want an unusual Wawel angle, try shots from the left bank of the Vistula at low water — different perspectives often make a photo stand out.
Many cafés and restaurants offer attractive interiors with historic charm — these are great backgrounds for lifestyle portraits in the old part of the city.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others prepare well for their visit. The travel photography community loves seeing Krakow images.
If you want to explore Krakow with someone who knows the best photographic spots and can tailor the route to your expectations, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
