Not at all — rain changes the light, enriches the colors of the cobbles and opens access to places that look completely different in sunshine. If you plan a stroll with a friend, treat wet streets as an asset: puddle reflections, the sheen on stone walls and quiet indoor corners make great frames.
This is one of the most unexpected places in the heart of the city: the museum stretches several metres below the Main Market Square and displays revealed foundations, medieval pavements and modern multimedia. In the rain it’s ideal shelter — atmospheric lighting and the contrast of old walls create moody, cinematic photos.
Entrance to the Underground is often organised via the Cloth Hall; the exhibition mixes archaeological finds with reconstructions and projections, so when planning a shoot remember restrictions on tripods and flash — photography should respect exhibits and other visitors.
Practical tip: book tickets in advance (especially on weekends), and after visiting stop for coffee in one of the nearby cafés — it’s a natural extension of a rainy walk.
The Cloth Hall arcades are a classic: stone arches, loggias and carved details make a beautiful backdrop without stepping into the rain. Walking under the arcades gives even, soft light and architectural “frames” for portraits.
Additionally, on the upper floor of the Cloth Hall is the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery (part of the National Museum) — if you want photos in an elegant museum interior, check current exhibitions and visiting rules.
The basilica’s interior with the Veit Stoss altar and its Gothic volume is an extraordinary setting. A shot with soaring vaults and light coming through stained glass can be phenomenal, especially with soft, rainy daylight outside.
Important — larger photo sessions or filming inside usually require permission; you can take casual amateur photos, but professional shoots need contact with staff and prior arrangements.
The Collegium Maius courtyard, ringed by arcaded cloisters, looks wonderful even in rain — the arcades protect you from the weather and the historic silhouette creates a noble, intimate scenery. Staircases and antique details are great material for retro-style photos.
Pay attention to visiting hours and possible limits on the number of people in the courtyard; some entries are in groups and it’s worth checking availability.
If you prefer modern, raw backgrounds for photos — MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) offers spaces with good lighting, simple forms and neutral backdrops that highlight fashion shots or portraits. The museum has rules about photography: generally no tripods or flash and large bags should be left in lockers.
Opening hours are regular — the museum is a great option for a longer dry walk and a creative session, and you can visit an exhibition and compose shots with installations.
Long talks by the window, steam rising from a cappuccino and cosy interiors give natural, relatable photos. I recommend visiting well-rated cafés in the Old Town and Kazimierz — interiors vary: retro Camelot, the historic Słodki Wentzl and the French-style Charlotte are great examples.
On rainy days, hopping between cafés is a lovely plan: each place offers a different aesthetic, and short window-side sessions with natural light produce the best results.
If you’re looking for contemporary lines and shiny surfaces, shopping centres give many interesting possibilities: glass roofs, reflections, neon lights and interiors protected from the rain. It’s a good place for a more urban look.
Note: malls have photography rules — for larger shoots it’s better to ask security or management.
Krakow hides many smaller museums and workshops where you can capture details: old manuscripts, scientific instruments, shelves full of antiques or ceramic ateliers. These places work well for detail shots, portraits and storytelling photos.
Look for interactive exhibits or workshops with a visitor corner — there you’ll more easily get natural, unstaged shots.
You don’t have to go far: interesting light and textured walls are found in tenement passages in the Old Town and Kazimierz. Wooden doors, brick arches and mosaic floors make great portrait backdrops. In the rain details gain depth and sheen.
Tip: ask café owners or residents for permission before entering private stairwells — a friendly conversation often opens access to unusual frames.
Finally: don’t forget simple but striking shots — puddle reflections, raindrops on an umbrella, silhouettes walking past lampposts. What may seem banal at first often becomes the best photographic material in the rain.
Set your camera to low ISO when possible, use natural light by windows and experiment with movement — blurred trails of passing trams or pedestrians will add dynamism to photos.
Bring a small waterproof cover for your camera or phone, a dry towel and spare batteries — cool, damp conditions drain devices faster. A powerbank is a must-have.
Use umbrellas in contrasting colours — they double as props in the frame. In low light choose a wider aperture (lower f-number), image stabilization and careful increases in ISO; plan to use a tripod only where allowed.
In museums and churches always check photography rules: some places forbid flash or tripods, and professional sessions may require permission.
Using flash in dark, historic interiors — flash flattens atmosphere and may be prohibited. It’s better to work with natural light and raise the camera’s sensitivity if needed.
Not protecting your gear — moisture can damage electronics. Even a short shower without cover can end with a broken phone or lens.
Unthoughtful styling — in rainy weather small patterns and shiny fabrics can reflect light in unflattering ways. Simple, contrasting outfits often look better.
Is the Market Square Underground good for photos? Yes — it has an intimate, unique atmosphere and lots of details that look great in photographs. Remember the visitor rules.
Can you take photos inside St. Mary’s Basilica? Amateur photos are usually possible, but professional sessions require permission; respect prayer areas and the usual tourist visiting hours.
What to do if it pours heavily? Look for covered arcades (the Cloth Hall), museums or cosy cafés — rain is a great excuse to visit interiors you might skip on sunny days.
The Market Square Underground reveals fragments of Krakow from centuries ago — the exhibition is placed several metres below the square level and combines finds with multimedia for a true feeling of a time journey.
Many museums in Krakow have regular free-entry days (often on Tuesdays) — if your schedule is flexible, check this in advance and plan a budget-friendly visit.
Morning: gentle shots under the Cloth Hall arcades and a short visit to the Market Square Underground.
Late morning: coffee and a window-side session in a cosy café (Camelot, Słodki Wentzl or Charlotte).
Afternoon: a contemporary art museum (MOCAK) or Collegium Maius, and in the evening a walk along dry pavements and dinner in a well-rated restaurant — this day combines photos, culture and great coffee.
If this guide helped you plan a rainy day in Krakow — share it with friends or on social media. A short rainy stroll often brings the best photos and memories.
If you want to explore Krakow with someone who knows the city and its photographic corners, consider booking a private tour with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and booking information are available on the guide’s website; it’s wise to reserve a date in advance.
