Krakow is a city where history, the river and green spaces form a fantastic backdrop for photos — from classic shots of Wawel to unexpected landscapes at Zakrzówek. In this article you will find 10 spots, specific tips on when to visit, which lenses are useful, and practical advice about tickets, transport and permits for photography.
1) Wawel (Wawel Hill) - a classic must-have. The best light is at sunset and in the morning from the Vistula boulevards. When planning your visit: many exhibitions have limited entry, so buy tickets online in advance or plan a specific visit time. Recommended lenses: wide-angle for panoramas and 50–85 mm for architectural details.
2) Vistula Boulevards and Bernatka Footbridge - great for sunsets, reflections and frames with Wawel in the background. Mornings are quieter; evenings bring more atmosphere. A good spot for lifestyle and cityscape photos.
3) Kazimierz - streets like Szeroka, atmospheric courtyards, murals and cozy cafés. Ideal for street photography and portraits with an urban vibe. Come in late afternoon or evening when lights turn on and the area comes alive.
4) Main Market Square and Cloth Hall - the heart of the city. To avoid crowds and get clean frames, rise at dawn and use the soft morning light. For dramatic architectural shots use a tripod and long exposures, especially outside the high season.
5) Zakrzówek - the famous reservoir with turquoise water and rocky shores. An unusual, almost 'exotic' backdrop inside the city. Check which viewpoints are open and respect safety rules — not all access points to the water are official. Perfect for outdoor sessions in good weather.
6) Krakus Mound and Kościuszko Mound - vantage points with city panoramas. Sunrise and sunset deliver spectacular results. Bring warm clothing in cooler weather — the mounds can be windy.
7) Kanonicza Street - a medieval atmosphere with cobbles, townhouses and a discreet mood. Every shot here feels postcard-like; great for portraits and styled photoshoots.
8) Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden and parks (eg. Jordan Park) - greenery, flowers, a palm house and calm compositions. Excellent for macro work, portraits and gentle nature frames inside the city.
9) Podgórze - Podgórze Market Square, MOCAK and the area around Schindler's Factory. Industrial and historic backdrops work well for rawer, more artistic images.
10) Cafés and interiors (eg. Café Camelot, Massolit, Botanica) - details, atmosphere and stylish interiors make great backgrounds for food photos and portraits. Interiors can be tight - plan lighting and camera settings accordingly.
Wawel is one of the most visited attractions, so plan ahead. Most exhibitions require timed tickets and have limited capacity; buying online secures entry and shortens queues.
Allow 2–3 hours to tour the complex (Castle + Cathedral + crypts) if you want to see several exhibitions. If you plan a photoshoot on the hill, check photography rules — some interiors restrict or prohibit commercial photography without permission from the conservator.
If you’re organising a commercial session (for example a paid outdoor shoot or a wedding session with a team), make sure in advance whether you need an additional permit. For individual visitors, photographing courtyards and exterior areas is generally allowed within site regulations.
Zakopane is a great day trip from Krakow if you want to combine city photography with mountain scenes. The journey by train usually takes around 2.5–3 hours, and there are more services in peak season — it’s wise to book tickets in advance.
Buses and private carriers run regularly between Krakow and Zakopane; on weekends and in high season expect heavier road traffic and possible delays. In the mountains the best light for photos is normally early morning and late afternoon.
If you plan to photograph in the Tatra Mountains (eg. Morskie Oko, Kościeliska Valley), check weather and trail conditions — safety should always come first.
Golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) and blue hour (just before sunrise and after sunset) provide the nicest city light. In the center it’s best to come very early to avoid crowds and get cleaner compositions.
Bring a wide-angle for panoramas and expansive views. For architectural details and urban portraits, 35–85 mm lenses work well. A tripod is useful for night shots, long exposures along the Vistula and on quieter streets.
Remember charged batteries and spare memory cards — popular spots quickly produce lots of images. A small lens-cleaning kit is handy, especially when shooting near water or in parks.
Flying drones in the city center and above crowds is regulated and often requires permission; drones are usually restricted near historic sites like Wawel. Before you fly, check current regulations and no-fly zones.
Commercial sessions in public places or on heritage grounds may require consent from site owners or the heritage conservator. For wedding or fashion shoots, plan contact with the appropriate institution and obtain formal permission if needed.
Be mindful of your equipment in crowded areas — pickpockets operate where tourists gather. Keep gear close to your body and use covers that protect your camera from rain.
Trying to force shots in the middle of a crowd - better frames come earlier in the morning or from less obvious viewpoints.
Not checking photography rules inside historic interiors - flash and tripods are sometimes prohibited; always check site regulations.
Not adapting equipment to changing light - bring spare cards, batteries and filters, especially if you plan to shoot variable light along the river or in the mountains.
Some tried-and-true places that also look great on camera: Café Camelot (atmospheric interior), Massolit (carefully baked goods and a bookish vibe), Botanica (stylish interior and plant-filled backgrounds). In Kazimierz look for smaller local cafés — many have interesting decor perfect for photos.
If you plan a longer session, choose a place with good reviews and reserve a table, especially on weekends. Combining a coffee break with photographing interiors gives natural, unposed shots.
When is the best time to photograph the Main Market Square? Very early in the morning - before the stalls open and the tourist flow increases.
Do I need a ticket to photograph Wawel from the outside? No - photos from the boulevards and external viewpoints are allowed. Photographing some interiors or doing commercial sessions may require a permit.
How do I get from Krakow to Zakopane? Direct trains or buses are the fastest and most convenient options; travel time is typically around 2.5–3 hours. In season, book tickets in advance.
Zakrzówek is often compared to exotic coves - the water colors can surprise even locals; it looks best on sunny days after several dry days.
Unusual viewpoints, like certain embankment sections along the Vistula or small slopes in Podgórze, can give a rare perspective of Wawel not often seen on postcards - seek less popular walking routes.
If this article helped you - share it with friends or on social media so other visitors learn where to take the best photos in Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a private guide, find the best photo spots and receive a tailored photography route, please contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details are available on the guide’s page. A private tour is a great way to discover lesser-known places and avoid tourist traps.
