Kraków is a city that changes its photographic face at every hour: morning mist in the Planty, golden light over the Vistula at sunset, and neon accents in Zabłocie after dark. With its variety — monuments, rivers, mounds and atmospheric neighborhoods — everyone can find a frame that fits their style.
In this article you’ll find my subjective top 10 list of places worth photographing in Kraków (with practical tips on when and how), followed by a short, concrete guide to Zakopane: 15 free, elegant ideas for spending time there, perfect for visitors looking for authentic experiences.
1. Wawel and the Vistula boulevards — classic sunset and night frames: the lit castle plus reflections in the water. Best to arrive before sunset, prepare a longer exposure and capture the light reflections on the Vistula.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — architecture, details and street life. Photos work best at dawn or late evening, when crowds are smaller and the lanterns create a dramatic backdrop.
3. Kazimierz (Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy) — atmospheric lanes, murals and cafe windows. A great spot for portraits and reportage-style photos with the vibe of local bars and cafes.
4. Vistula boulevards and Father Bernatek Footbridge — city panoramas, reflections and romantic compositions. The footbridge is often colorfully lit, which is useful for evening shots.
5. Zakrzówek — turquoise water, raw rocks and an industrial contrast. An ideal location for outdoor sessions in good weather; be cautious near the shore.
6. Kanonicza Street — a narrow, cobbled street with a cinematic atmosphere. Symmetry, details and calm evening light create beautiful frames.
7. Kościuszko Mound — wide city panorama. Best photos at sunset, when the city lights begin to sparkle and the expansive view opens up.
8. Krakus Mound — less frequented, it offers a starker feel and interesting moods at dawn or at night.
9. Zabłocie and the MOCAK area — industrial backgrounds, street art and modern architecture. Excellent for experimenting with contrast and monochrome compositions.
10. The Planty and St. Florian’s Gate — the green ring around the Old Town, romantic alleys and the historic accent of Florian’s Gate. Perfect for portraits and architectural details.
A tripod, a power bank and spare batteries are must-haves for longer sessions and night shots. If you’re shooting with a phone, use night modes and long-exposure features and set the device on a stable surface if you don’t have a tripod.
Plan the time of day: sunrise and twilight are golden hours that soften shadows and help avoid crowds. At popular spots (Main Market Square, Kazimierz) it’s worth arriving very early or late in the evening.
Mind local rules on drones and professional shoots — many places, especially around the Old Town, have bans or require permits.
A good shot is not only about gear: look for leading lines (streets, bridges), use water reflections and experiment with silhouettes against lit facades.
On the Old Town consider Szara (classic dishes in an elegant setting) or Wierzynek for a place with historic atmosphere. Both are well regarded and comfortable after a long walk.
In the Kazimierz area I recommend Starka and Plac Nowy 1 — they get good reviews and have a friendly vibe; for a quick pastry or coffee Massolit Bakery is often recommended by photographers and walkers.
In Podgórze and along the boulevards you’ll find interesting small bars and restaurants — for example the place Kropka is appreciated for its modern approach to cuisine.
1. Walk along Krupówki — the promenade is the heart of Zakopane, perfect for a relaxed stroll, browsing local crafts and soaking in the town’s atmosphere.
2. Hike up Gubałówka on foot — you can take the funicular, but walking up gives a real sense of achievement and is completely free. The views of the Tatras are the reward.
3. Sunrise or sunset on Antałówka — a short walk and a beautiful panorama of the Tatras without spending a złoty.
4. Rówień Krupowa and the ZAKOPANE sign — a large meadow near the center with a view of Giewont; a great spot for photos and a picnic.
5. Polana Lipki — close to the center, an excellent place for a peaceful walk with Tatras panoramas.
6. Walk to Kuźnice — many trails start here; even the town walk gives a mountain feel.
7. View the Wielka Krokiew from the outside — even without entering, the impressive shape of the ski jump makes an impact.
8. Walk among historic villas and wooden architecture — Kościeliska Street and surroundings offer many interesting facades and Zakopane-style details.
9. Visit city parks and playgrounds — great for families; many well-kept green areas are just off Krupówki.
10. Seek local stalls with oscypek and regional handicrafts — browsing and photographing stalls is free and part of local color.
11. Short trails and viewpoints around town — many viewpoints are free and let you enjoy the panoramas.
12. Walk along small streams and brooks within town — little atmospheric spots ideal for quiet moments.
13. Join some outdoor events and festivals — many seasonal events include free outdoor programs (check local event dates).
14. Do a photo walk through the center with a map of monuments — create your own mini photo plan and discover lesser-known details.
15. Picnic with a view of the Tatras — find a comfortable meadow or clearing and enjoy the view for free.
Mistake: paying for the Gubałówka ascent without checking alternatives. Tip: see if it’s better to walk up (free) or buy a funicular ticket depending on your fitness and plan.
Mistake: leaving your car in a random spot during high season. Tip: park in designated areas — they may be paid, but you’ll avoid fines and stress.
Mistake: buying souvenirs without comparing. Tip: look around a few stalls — prices and quality can vary, and bargaining is sometimes possible.
Mistake: underestimating mountain weather. Tip: even in town check the forecast and bring layers — weather around the Tatras can change quickly.
Is the ascent to Gubałówka free? You can walk up on foot at no cost. The funicular is paid — the choice depends on your preference and fitness.
Are Krupówki worth visiting in season? Yes — it’s the heart of Zakopane. To avoid crowds, choose early morning or late evening for a stroll.
How to get from Kraków to Zakopane? The most popular options are train and bus; driving takes about 2–3 hours depending on traffic. Plan ahead in high season.
Do I need to reserve a table in the recommended Kraków restaurants? In popular places (especially on weekends) a reservation is a good idea if you want to be sure of a table.
In Kraków you’ll find a “sea” of turquoise water right by the city — Zakrzówek often surprises visitors who came for monuments only. It’s a great spot for a different kind of photography.
In Zakopane many viewpoints are reachable on foot and free — you don’t always need cable cars or commercial attractions to enjoy Tatras panoramas.
Often the best frames are not at the main sights but in side streets and unexpected nooks — take time to wander without a strict map.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — we help visitors discover Kraków and Zakopane without stress.
If you want to get to know Kraków even better, consider the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. It’s a great option when you want a personalized route or a photographic walking tour of the city.
