Top 10 places in Krakow for Instagram and TikTok — where to get the best shots (St. Florian's Gate, parking and the Old Town)
1. St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican — a classic: brick walls, fortifications and the entrance to Floriańska Street give a great historic backdrop.
2. Floriańska Street and the Planty — the street perspective, cobbled strips and the greenery of the Planty create elegant frames both vertically and horizontally.
3. Kanonicza Street and the Alley of the Unfaithful Thomas (Zaułek Niewiernego Tomasza) — narrow, atmospheric lanes and café windows (e.g. Cafe Camelot) perfect for portraits and stylized shots.
4. Mały Rynek and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — pastel tenement houses, market atmosphere and architectural details that look impressive in photos.
5. Kazimierz (ul. Józefa, Plac Wolnica) — colorful murals, cafés and atmospheric corners that work well in stories and short videos.
6. Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) - the lovers' bridge with views of the Vistula and the city skyline at sunset.
7. Zakrzówek — rocky shores and turquoise water: a different side of Krakow, excellent for outdoor shoots.
8. Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) and other viewing mounds — panoramas from above make a superb backdrop for photos at sunrise or dusk.
9. The Barbican and the Planty at night — illuminations and empty spaces create dramatic evening shots.
10. Hidden gardens and courtyards — look for small enclosed spaces around the Old Town: often less crowded and very Instagram-friendly.
Parking near the Old Town needs planning: the centre is part of the Paid Parking Zone, so check rules before you arrive.
The most convenient option is to leave your car in large underground car parks, for example at Galeria Krakowska, or at parking lots near Worcella and Basztowa streets, then walk into the centre.
The Paid Parking Zone is active during daytime hours and is divided into subzones — the centre (A) is the most expensive, with cheaper zones B and C further out. Payments are made at parking meters and via mobile apps.
If you plan a short shoot in the Old Town, consider using public transport or a taxi — often the fastest way to avoid hunting for a parking spot.
The best times for photos are early morning (before 9:00) and late afternoon / golden hour — the light is softer and there are fewer people.
On weekends and in the high season the Old Town is crowded — if you want emptier frames, choose weekdays or very early hours.
Plan shots with the light direction in mind: Floriańska Street and St. Florian's Gate look great in the soft light of morning and evening.
Use different formats: wide shots for market panoramas, vertical for Reels and Stories.
Look for leading lines (Floriańska Street, the narrow lanes of Kanonicza) and symmetry (doorways, gates) — simple ways to strengthen your composition.
Use surrounding elements: benches in the Planty, reflections in puddles, stairs and arcades add interesting textures.
For short videos build a simple narrative: approach / detail / reaction — change shots every few seconds to keep viewers engaged.
Cafe Camelot (Kanonicza) — a classic, atmospheric interior perfect for relaxing after a walk through the Old Town.
Pizzeria Cyklop — a simple, tasty spot recommended by locals and travelers.
Metrum Restobistro and other cafés in Kazimierz — a good plan after a photoshoot: coffee, cake and a place to recharge your gear.
St. Florian's Gate is a surviving fragment of the old city walls — its height is about 34.5 m, and it was once connected directly to the Barbican by a special corridor.
The Planty is a park created on the site of the demolished defensive walls and forms a green ring around the Old Town — a walk along the Planty offers calmer perspectives on the monuments.
The Barbican is a circular defensive fortress from the 14th–15th centuries and is one of the few such structures in Europe that has survived to today.
Don't assume you'll always find free parking in the centre — leave your car in a garage or outside the paid zone and use public transport.
Don't block entrances or set up equipment on private property without permission — respect the owners of tenement houses and restaurants.
Watch out for horses and carriages at the Market Square — they are picturesque but can interfere with shots and be unpredictable.
Check local rules for drones and filming — regulations in the strict city centre are restrictive for safety reasons.
Where is the nearest parking to St. Florian's Gate? The most convenient options are underground car parks (for example at Galeria Krakowska) or paid parking near Basztowa and Worcella.
Can I use a tripod in the Old Town? Generally yes, but during busy hours it's better to shoot handheld so you don't block passersby.
Can I take photos at night? Yes — night illuminations of monuments create great effects, just remember safety and a stable tripod.
Do I need to pay to enter St. Florian's Gate? Some parts and exhibitions may charge seasonal fees — check current information before your visit.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others discover the best shots in Krakow.
If you'd like to explore Krakow with a guide and discover the best photographic routes beyond the usual trails, you can book a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
