Did you know you can walk from the Main Market Square to the wide Błonia meadow in about 15 minutes? This simple fact is handy when you want a quick change of scenery without wasting time on transport. In this article I describe 10 places in Kraków that look great on Instagram and in short TikTok clips — from classics to hidden gems — plus practical tips and suggestions on where to sit and relax after a shoot.
The heart of the city and an absolute classic. The colorful townhouses, the Cloth Hall and the huge open space of the Market offer many options — portrait shots, wide architectural frames and short drone clips (if you plan to fly, check local regulations). Best light: early morning and the golden hour at sunset.
Practical tip: avoid including horse-drawn carriages in your frame if you want a natural, modern look — carriages work great for retro, atmospheric shots but they attract crowds.
The brick walls of St. Florian’s Gate and the nearby Barbican make an ideal historical backdrop. The Planty form a green ring around the Old Town — a great place for lifestyle photos and long street-perspective shots.
Photographer’s tip: use the Planty paths on an overcast day — soft, diffused light highlights colors and textures beautifully.
One of the most atmospheric little streets near Wawel. Narrow historic houses, stylish café windows and architectural details create romantic frames perfect for portraits and styled sessions.
Before and after: coffee at the nearby Cafe Camelot — a well-rated spot for a short break.
Kazimierz is Kraków’s artistic district: murals, cafés, cobbled streets and an atmosphere that works well in short urban films. Wolnica Square and the area around Józefa Street are places where you can get interesting, raw shots with local flavor.
Food tip: choose venues with high ratings — Kazimierz has many great cafés and restaurants, but it’s worth checking reviews before booking.
A walk along the Vistula is a must at sunset. The Bernatek Footbridge gives romantic views of the Wawel and reflections in the river — ideal backgrounds for music-backed clips and product teasers.
Note: the boulevards can get crowded on weekends — if you want an empty frame, come earlier or later.
Zakrzówek is one of the city’s most surprising spots — limestone cliffs and deep turquoise water create an almost tropical scene. It’s perfect for outdoor sessions and lifestyle shots among nature.
Safety and access: the area’s rules and access arrangements have changed over the years — check current entry rules and on-site signs. Swimming is not always permitted and some paths are steep.
If you want a wide panorama of the city against the sky, choose one of the mounds (Krakus Mound, Kościuszko Mound or Piłsudski Mound). Morning mists and sunsets can do wonders there.
Technical tip: use a wide-angle lens or stitch a series of images into a panorama — the ‘big city’ effect is guaranteed.
Kraków has many small, quiet courtyards tucked behind tenement gates — excellent spots for intimate portraits and fashion shoots. Look for side passages from the Planty or areas near Kanonicza and Jana z Długosza streets.
How to find them: stray from the main routes, look for signs like ‘entrance to the courtyard’ and don’t be afraid to ask local restaurateurs for tips.
Night lighting around St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican creates dramatic scenes — perfect for more cinematic frames. The Planty late in the evening can also surprise you with calm and mystery.
Important: after dark remember to prioritize safety and pack compact gear — lighter equipment means less stress and smoother filming.
If you’re after less obvious backdrops with a scientific twist, visit the Geological Museum (Jagiellonian University). Its collections of minerals, fossils and geological exhibits make original settings for photos and educational films.
Practical: the Geological Museum of the Jagiellonian University is located in the Krowodrza area (Oleandry 2a) and often operates with partial public access — it’s wise to confirm opening hours or arrange a visit by phone before you go. Consider geological displays in other city institutions as alternatives.
The golden hour (just after sunrise and just before sunset) is always the best choice — light is soft and colorful, with long, sculptural shadows. Early morning gives you the most empty frames in the busiest locations.
Avoid mid-summer noon if you want dramatic light; instead choose shaded places (the Planty, courtyards) or photograph creatively using contrasts.
Quick transitions between locations, sync to music and short shots of 1–3 seconds work best. Start with a recognizable icon (e.g., the Cloth Hall), then add a shot from an unexpected spot (a courtyard, a museum exhibit), and finish with an atmospheric sunset over the Vistula.
Use stabilization (gimbal or phone stabilization), shoot vertically and remember good sound — even simple city sounds can add atmosphere.
After a session on Kanonicza Street we recommend Cafe Camelot — a cozy interior with good reviews from visitors. In Kazimierz head to well-rated cafés and restaurants — this is the safest way to find tasty and quick options.
If you’re planning a longer break or need a place to charge gear, look for venues with above-average ratings on review sites — it’s an easy way to find friendly, reliable places.
1) Assuming bad weather is to blame for crowds — in season most attractions are busy regardless of the weather. Solution: arrive earlier or choose less obvious weekdays.
2) No logistical plan — moving between points takes time. Plan your route to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth and make the most of the light.
3) Unplanned museum shots — many small museums (including the Jagiellonian University Geological Museum) have irregular hours and may require an appointment. Call ahead to make sure the exhibits are available.
Can I fly a drone over the Old Town in Kraków? Generally no — the city center is a restricted zone for flights. Always check current rules and permissions before planning a flight.
How much time do I need to see all the places on the list? If you want to shoot at each spot with short stops, plan at least 2 days. If you limit yourself to the best points, you can make a good loop in one intensive day.
The Planty were created on the site of demolished defensive walls — when you walk the green ring you are literally following the old city fortifications.
Geological museums in Kraków hold collections dating back to the 19th century — a great option if you’re looking for an unusual, scientific backdrop for photos.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Your tags and stories help others find the best frames in Kraków!
If you’re looking for individual support during sightseeing or a photo session in Kraków, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
