The Kraków obwarzanek is more than a snack — it has centuries of tradition and a protected geographical indication, and in the heart of the city there is an interactive Living Obwarzanek Museum where you can take original photos during workshops, holding a warm, fragrant obwarzanek.
In this article you’ll find a list of 10 special places in Kraków that deliver great frames — from classic views of Wawel, through the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, to less obvious perspectives along the Vistula. I’ll also suggest where it’s easiest to park near the Old Town and how to avoid common tourist photography mistakes.
1. Wawel Royal Castle and the Vistula boulevards — a classic, best at sunrise and sunset.
2. Main Market Square: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church and the perspective of Floriańska Street.
3. Kazimierz: Nowy Square, cobbled streets, cozy cafés and murals.
4. Podgórze and Ghetto Heroes Square — raw, moving frames with historical background.
5. Bernatek Footbridge and the left bank of the Vistula — great for night panoramas.
6. The Barbican and Florian Gate — excellent for architectural detail shots.
7. Living Obwarzanek Museum — workshop photos and culinary reportage.
8. Kościuszko Mound or Lasota Hill — elevated panoramas above the city roofs.
9. Nowa Huta (hall, housing estates) — industrial, high-contrast images.
10. Planty and hidden alleys near the University — intimate portraits and street photography.
Wawel looks best in soft light — at sunrise or late afternoon. I suggest using the Vistula boulevards as your foreground (footbridges, benches, reflections in the water). Be mindful of crowds near the Castle — the best shots come early in the morning or after dark, when the illuminations create a dramatic atmosphere.
If you plan wedding or commercial shoots at Wawel, check requirements and possible permits; casual tourist photography is usually free, but commercial sessions can require permission.
The Main Market Square is a treasure trove of motifs: the Cloth Hall with its sculptures, the bugle call and the towers of St. Mary’s Church, colorful townhouses. To avoid crowded frames, come at dawn or choose shots from side streets (Little Market, Grodzka Street).
I recommend longer focal lengths to “compress” perspective and bring out facade details, and short shutter speeds to freeze moving people.
Kazimierz is a photographer’s paradise — cobbled streets, cafés and unique murals. Nowy Square attracts with its distinctive roundabout and food stalls; at night the area has a completely different vibe.
Look for contrasts: old synagogues and modern murals, lamplight and courtyard shadows. Portraits work naturally here, especially in the soft afternoon light.
Podgórze offers strong, emotional frames — notably Ghetto Heroes Square and the area around Schindler’s Factory. This district is great for documentary and architectural photography.
Combine a visit to Podgórze with a walk along the Vistula boulevards toward Piłsudski Bridge and the Bernatek Footbridge for varied perspectives on the city.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge and the left bank of the Vistula provide excellent opportunities for night photography with light reflections on the river. Ideal lenses are medium to long focal lengths — at night use a tripod and long exposures to smooth the water.
This spot pairs well with an evening route linking Wawel and Kazimierz, so you can plan a short photo route after sunset.
Architectural details of the Barbican and Florian Gate are perfect for striking photos — use a wide-angle lens to capture the whole structure and include sections of the cobbled street as leading lines.
The best shots appear at low sun angles, when thin rays emphasize the stone’s texture.
The Living Obwarzanek Museum is an unexpected spot for culinary and reportage photography — the interactive workshops produce natural moments with participants and great “table-side” angles. It’s a perfect place for a photo with an obwarzanek in hand or during the dough-making process.
If you want good photos during workshops, let the staff know in advance and choose fast lenses (e.g. f/1.8–f/2.8) — many interiors have limited light.
For wide city panoramas it’s worth climbing Kościuszko Mound or Lasota Hill — both offer views of roofs, towers and the river. Morning mist and evening lights create the most interesting effects.
Bring a polarizing filter and spare batteries — long panoramic sessions can take time.
Nowa Huta is an alternative to tourist spots — wide avenues, monumental socialist-realist architecture and factory sites give bold, graphic photos. Look for contrasts between the austere architecture and greenery or the sky at sunset.
Respect residents and private property — do not enter restricted areas without permission.
The Planty encircling the Old Town are perfect for portraits, detail shots and atmospheric frames with benches and paths. In the morning you’ll find peaceful spaces with soft light.
Look for reflections, leading lines and natural frames formed by tree branches.
Kraków has a Paid Parking Zone (SPP) covering, among other areas, the Old Town — fees usually apply during the day and can be high in subzone A. If you plan to leave your car for several hours, check the hours and the zone, because costs can add up quickly.
One convenient option near the Main Market is the Galeria Krakowska car park — practical if you want to walk quickly to the Old Town. Check the address and parking rules before you go.
An alternative outside the very center is the Stare Podgórze car park with more favorable rates and good tram connections to the city center — consider this option if you want lower fees and a quieter place to leave your car.
Note: in some parts of the center parking is more expensive and strictly enforced, and on many Sundays fees are waived — but not always, so check local rules before your visit.
Best times of day: sunrise (empty streets, soft light) and the evening golden hour. Avoid photographing the biggest attractions at midday when light is flat and crowds are largest.
For night photography bring a tripod and plan for long exposures; check street lighting and possible photo restrictions in certain interiors (e.g. some sacred spaces or museums).
Keep your equipment safe — in crowded places keep your camera close and avoid displaying expensive gear unnecessarily.
Not planning your timing: arriving at the most popular spots “randomly” at noon often leads to frustration — it’s better to get up early or return later.
Ignoring parking rules: failing to pay for parking can result in a fine — always check the zone and payment methods (app, parking meter).
Not booking popular workshops (for example the Living Obwarzanek Museum) — if you want to take part in workshops and photograph them, reserve your spot in advance.
After an intensive photo session it’s worth resting in well-rated places — in Kazimierz you’ll find numerous cafés and small restaurants, and near the Main Market a few classic venues serving Polish cuisine with good reviews.
If you want accommodation close to the center, consider hotels and apartments on streets leading to the Market or near Galeria Krakowska — convenient for being in the center early for a session.
Do I need a permit to take photos at the Market? - Ordinary tourist photos don’t require a special permit; commercial sessions may require approvals.
Where is the cheapest place to park? - Consider parking outside the very center and traveling in by public transport, or the multi-storey car parks at Galeria Krakowska.
Does the Living Obwarzanek Museum accept walk-ins? - For workshops it’s best to book in advance to secure a spot and better conditions for photography.
The obwarzanek has a protected geographical indication — a great motif for a culinary session with a local accent.
Look for reflections in shop windows and puddles after rain — Kraków’s cobbles and arches often produce beautiful mirrored images.
Try black-and-white shots in Nowa Huta — the raw architecture works well with a monochrome tone.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan their photographic visit to Kraków.
If you want to explore with someone who knows the best frames and tells local stories, I recommend the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. This is a great option if you want an efficient photographic route and local tips.
