Kraków is a city that looks good in every season, but the best shots require a plan. Below you'll find tried-and-true locations, practical photography tips, short information about the Czartoryski Museum and what to watch for when planning a roughly two-hour cruise on the Vistula.
This text is written for people who want to make the most of their time taking photos and short videos — while also respecting public space and local residents.
1. St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican — a classic historic backdrop of brick and fortification; excellent in the soft light of morning and evening.
2. Floriańska Street and the Planty — the perspective of the cobbled street and the green belt of the Planty give elegant, tidy frames both vertical and horizontal.
3. Kanonicza Street and the Alley of Unfaithful Thomas — narrow, atmospheric lanes, café windows (e.g. Cafe Camelot) and architectural details perfect for portraits.
4. The Small Market and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — pastel tenement houses, columns and market atmosphere work well for urban and fashion photos.
5. Kazimierz (Józef Street, Wolnica Square) — murals, atmospheric pubs and corners with a strong urban character.
6. Father Bernatek Footbridge — a bridge with views of the Vistula and Wawel’s skyline; fantastic at sunset and for reflections in the water.
7. Zakrzówek — a former limestone quarry with turquoise water and rocky shores; ideal for outdoor, "vacation-style" urban shots.
8. Krakus Mound (and other mounds) — city panoramas, great at sunrise or twilight for photos with a person in the foreground.
9. Barbican and the Planty at night — illuminations, quiet and architecture without crowds create dramatic nighttime photos.
10. Hidden gardens and courtyards of the Old Town — look for small enclosed spaces by tenement houses; often less crowded and very Instagrammable.
Best times: early morning (before 9:00) or the golden hour just before sunset. These moments give the nicest light and the fewest people.
Composition: look for leading lines (Floriańska Street, arcades), frames within frames (gates, doorways) and symmetry — simple tricks that instantly improve a photo.
Video format: for Reels/Stories plan vertical shots and quick beats (entrance — detail — reaction). Change shots every few seconds to keep attention.
Gear: a powerbank and an extra memory card are must-haves. If you use a tripod, don't block paths — place it at a side corner or on the edge of the pavement.
Avoid common pitfalls: don’t place your model in the middle of a walkway, don’t occupy entrance lanes to businesses and ask for permission if you plan to enter a private courtyard.
Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine is one of the most important works in Polish collections and draws a lot of interest — if you plan to see the painting in person, it’s worth booking a time in advance.
The Czartoryski Museum is part of the city’s museum offering and displays Princess Izabela Czartoryska’s collection along with other valuable artifacts. Check opening hours and ticket types before your visit; during the season advance reservations can be required.
Practical tip: after visiting the museum it’s nice to sit down for a coffee and review your photos — nearby cafés around the Old Town offer convenient spots to rest and recharge your gear.
Vistula cruises come in different options: short 30-minute trips, one-hour tours, longer cruises and private rentals of gondolas/catamarans. Two hours is a comfortable length if you want to relax, enjoy the views and take a series of photos from different sides of the river.
From the deck you’ll see, among other sights, Wawel Hill with the Royal Castle, Dębnicki Bridge, Salwator, river inlets, buildings of Dębniki and stretches of green areas along the Vistula — a unique city perspective.
Costs: prices depend on the operator and trip length. Tickets are available for 30–60 minute cruises and private rentals by the hour — check current fares and book online during the season.
Practical tip: a sunset cruise gives beautiful soft light; if you want quieter shots, choose a weekday cruise or book a private trip.
Cafe Camelot (Kanonicza Street) — atmospheric interior in the heart of the Old Town, a great place to rest after a morning shoot.
Pizzeria Cyklop — a simple, well-rated spot in the center, a quick option after a long walk with your camera.
Metrum Restobistro and other café addresses in Kazimierz — good coffee, cake and a place to review photos. After a Vistula cruise consider a restaurant moored on the boulevard, where you can often find tables with views of Wawel.
If you’re looking for something special, reserve a table in advance — popular places in the center can fill up, especially in the evenings.
The Planty: a park created on the site of the demolished medieval defensive walls — a walk along the green ring gives perspectives on monuments you won’t see from the market.
The Barbican: a circular defensive structure from the 14th–15th century and one of the few preserved fortifications of this type in Europe — its night lighting creates a raw, cinematic atmosphere.
Zakrzówek: the former limestone quarries have turned into one of the city’s most "exotic" photo spots — it looks like a seaside bay though you’re still in Kraków.
Father Bernatek Footbridge has great reflection moments — look for puddles and calm water to get interesting mirror shots.
Assuming the center will be empty — plan sessions for mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds.
Setting up equipment without thinking about pathways — remember local residents and café customers; don’t block entrances and sidewalks.
No plan for powering your gear — a powerbank and spare batteries save most phone and video sessions.
Not checking drone rules — there may be restrictions in the strict city center.
Where to park closest to the Old Town? The easiest option is the large underground car park at Galeria Krakowska or paid spots near Basztowa and Worcella; the center is covered by the Paid Parking Zone (zones A, B, C).
Can you take photos in museums? Rules depend on the exhibition — in some rooms photography is forbidden or requires flash to be switched off; check the regulations on site.
Can you rent a gondola for 2 hours? Yes — operators offer hourly rentals, including 1–2 hour options; prices and passenger limits vary; advance booking is recommended.
Are tripods allowed in the Old Town? In most cases yes, but during busy hours it’s better to rely on handheld shots so you don’t block passage.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others better plan their visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with a private guide and discover photographic routes off the beaten path, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck with your frames and enjoy exploring — Kraków has many faces, discover them slowly and with curiosity!
