Did you know that in the heart of Kraków you can capture scenes that combine history, urban murals and green corners all in one walk? The city offers an exceptional variety of backdrops — from the medieval St. Florian’s Gate and the atmospheric Kazimierz to the turquoise coves of Zakrzówek — so it works wonderfully for both photos and short videos.
This guide gathers practical tips and proven spots you can visit at low cost with a small group of 2–6 people — the suggested routes are walkable and can be adjusted depending on time and weather.
1. St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican - a historic backdrop, brick arcades and the character of medieval city defenses.
2. Floriańska Street and the Planty - the perspective of a cobbled street and the green ring of the Planty park create elegant frames.
3. Kanonicza Street and the Alley of the Unfaithful Thomas - narrow, atmospheric lanes and café windows ideal for portraits.
4. Mały Rynek and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - pastel townhouses and architectural details that look great in both natural and evening light.
5. Kazimierz (Józefa Street, Wolnica Square) - colors, murals and cafés that create an energetic backdrop for short films.
6. Father Bernatek Footbridge and the Vistula boulevards - gentle river views and a city panorama at sunset.
7. Zakrzówek - rocky shores and turquoise water give a ‘mini-vacation’ feeling in the middle of the city.
8. View mounds (e.g. Krakus Mound) - panoramic city views from above, ideal for wide shots and sunsets.
9. Barbican and the Planty at night - lighting and emptier spaces give dramatic, moody photos.
10. Hidden gardens and courtyards around the Old Town - less crowded, very Instagrammable.
When planning a route for a small group, choose walking loops that connect nearby spots — this way you won’t waste time on transfers and you’ll save on public transport tickets or taxis.
Leave the car at one of the large underground parking lots or outside the strict city center and move on foot. The Paid Parking Zone covers the center — it’s best to check rules before arrival to avoid fines.
If you want to cut costs further, skip paid attractions and focus on free places: the Old Town, the Planty, Kazimierz, the Vistula boulevards and the view mounds are all free and highly photogenic.
The best times for photos are early morning (before 9:00) and late afternoon — the so-called golden hour. The light is softer then and places are less crowded.
Weekdays, especially outside the high tourist season, give a better chance of empty frames. If you can, avoid weekend afternoons and public holidays.
When planning, consider the light direction — some streets look outstanding only at certain times, so it’s worth visiting them twice (morning and evening) or checking the orientation on a map beforehand.
For Reels and TikToks it’s better to shoot vertically and think of the frame as a sequence: entrance, detail, reaction. Change the plan every few seconds to keep the viewer’s attention.
Look for leading lines (e.g., the cobbles of Floriańska Street, the Cloth Hall arcades) and symmetry — a quick way to strengthen composition.
Use surroundings creatively: reflections in puddles, benches, steps or street lamps add depth. In low light a tripod or a stable phone rest will noticeably improve shot quality.
Cafe Camelot (Kanonicza Street) — an atmospheric interior in the historic district, a cozy place to relax after a shoot and recharge devices.
Metrum Restobistro — a pleasant spot in Kazimierz, recommended by locals, ideal for coffee and dessert after a walk.
Pizzeria Cyklop — simple, solid food that works as a quick meal for a group without formalities.
In Kazimierz and near Mały Rynek you’ll also find many highly rated cafés and small restaurants — look for places with local reviews and short wait times if you’re in a smaller group.
Assuming you’ll always find free parking in the center — instead plan parking in advance or choose public transport.
Blocking passages and doorways with photography gear — respect space and property owners to avoid conflicts with passersby and local businesses.
Forgetting about the safety of your equipment and personal belongings while shooting — keep an eye on them, especially in crowded places and during night sessions.
Careless use of drones and tripods near historic sites — check local regulations before using them to avoid fines.
Where to park nearest the Old Town? The most convenient options are large underground parking lots or paid street parking near Worcella and Basztowa streets, then walk the rest of the way.
Can I use a tripod on the Main Market? Usually yes, but during busy hours it’s better to stick to handheld shots so you don’t block passageways.
Are night photos allowed? Yes — illuminated monuments produce great effects; just remember safety and a stable support for your camera or phone.
Do some places charge an entrance fee? Some museums and courtyards may have seasonal fees, so it’s worth checking before you go.
St. Florian’s Gate is about 34.5 m tall and was once connected to the Barbican by a special corridor — a nice fact to tell in a short history clip.
The Planty park was created on the site of the demolished city walls and today forms a green ring around the Old Town — a walk through the Planty offers calmer perspectives on the monuments.
The Barbican is one of the few preserved circular fortifications of its kind in Europe, which gives the spot a unique character for photos.
If this guide helped you plan a route, share it with friends or on your social media so others can discover Kraków’s best shots too.
If you’d prefer someone to show you photographic routes and tell local stories, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
