Krakow is a city that almost photographs itself — from the historic alleys of the Old Town, through panoramas from the hills, to the surprising corners of Kazimierz and the turquoise coves of Zakrzówek. If you enjoy a great shot, it's worth planning your route ahead: some places look best at sunrise, others after dark, and some require a little patience to find a less crowded frame. Below you will find a list of 10 proven locations, practical tips about toilets (yes — they matter!) and a few recommendations to help you avoid the most common mistakes tourist photographers make.
1. Wawel and the Vistula Boulevards — a classic with lots of potential: best photographed at sunset or at night to capture illuminated façades and reflections in the Vistula River.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the city’s heart offers many compositions: architectural details, St. Mary’s Basilica and shots from the Cloth Hall perspective; in the evening the square often feels more magical.
3. Kazimierz — the streets around Józefa Street and Plac Nowy provide atmospheric backdrops, colorful signs and murals perfect for portraits and street photography.
4. Zakrzówek — turquoise water and rocky shores: an outdoor hit for nature lovers within the city; best on sunny days.
5. Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) and the river boulevards — a good vantage point for panoramas and experiments with reflections, especially at sunset.
6. Viewing mounds (Kopiec Krakusa, Kopiec Piłsudskiego) — city panoramas from above, excellent at sunrise and dusk.
7. Kanonicza Street and the Alley of the Unfaithful Thomas (Zaułek Niewiernego Tomasza) — medieval atmosphere, historic townhouses and quiet nooks that give authentic, cinematic frames.
8. Planty Park and hidden courtyards of the Old Town — ideal for calm morning shots with soft light.
9. Podgórze and its colorful stairs — less obvious and therefore original backgrounds with street art.
10. The Botanical Garden and green enclaves — nature details, flowers and tranquil compositions, great for lifestyle and macro photography.
The Krakow Zoo is an interesting spot for photos with a wild — yet safe — atmosphere: pavilions, the penguin enclosure and giraffes offer different compositions than the city center. It's worth arriving in the morning when animals tend to be more active and there are fewer visitors.
Practical note: public toilets for zoo visitors are available already on the approach before the ticketed area, and also inside the grounds near exhibits such as the penguins, giraffes and big cats; many cabins are accessible for people with reduced mobility. This makes it easier to plan longer sessions without worrying about basic comfort.
If you plan a professional photo shoot, check the zoo’s photography rules in advance and any requirements regarding permits or fees — rules may differ depending on the nature of the session.
Krakow’s center has a spread of public toilets, but opening hours vary — some are available late into the night, others only during daytime hours. In practice, the most reliable locations are around the Cloth Hall (a toilet there operates late into the night), several points along the Planty, the Vistula boulevards and larger city parks.
Many municipal toilets have cabins adapted for people with reduced mobility, but condition and availability can differ; some locations undergo maintenance or change opening hours seasonally. A good habit: mark one or two “sure” toilets on your map before setting off on a photography walk, especially if you plan a longer route with camera gear.
Plan mornings and evenings. The smallest crowds and the most beautiful light are just after sunrise and shortly after sunset — if you want clean frames without crowds, set an early alarm.
Think comfort: comfortable shoes, a small backpack for accessories and handy powerbanks. Consider lens choices: a wide angle for panoramas and streets, a short tele for details and portraits.
Don't ignore permissions in paid or restricted places — some institutions (including certain pavilions in zoos) have rules about using tripods or holding commercial sessions.
Remember etiquette: don’t feed animals in the zoo to get a better shot; don’t walk on lawns and leave no trace. Respect the privacy of residents and other visitors when photographing in public spaces.
Going at the wrong time — postponing a visit to “an afternoon walk on the Market” often ends with photos full of people. Solution: arrive early or choose side streets and courtyards.
Not planning for toilets and breaks — a long walk with a camera and no plan risks discomfort. Solution: include 1–2 stops marked for a toilet and a coffee break.
Carrying too much gear — lugging everything at once limits mobility. Solution: plan a basic kit and swap accessories on site.
Krakow has many places recommended by locals and visitors. Near the Old Town you'll find classic, highly regarded restaurants such as Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami, which combine local atmosphere with good cuisine.
In Kazimierz it's worth visiting Mleczarnia (a cozy café space) or places praised for service and flavor, such as Hamsa on Szeroka Street — their patio and décor often work well for culinary lifestyle photos too.
If you're looking for coffee and a spot to review photos, Café Camelot and several cozy cafés around Kanonicza Street are safe choices — they have an atmosphere that invites a break after a long walk.
Is it easy to find public toilets in Krakow? Yes, they are spread in key points around the city, but opening hours vary by location — it’s best to plan at least one “sure” toilet on your route.
Are there toilets in the zoo and are they accessible? Yes — toilets are located before the ticket gate and at several exhibits inside the zoo; cabins adapted for people with reduced mobility are available.
Do I need a permit for a photo session in popular places? For amateur and souvenir photos usually no, but professional sessions (large equipment, tripod, models, wardrobe/makeup) may require permission from the site owner or a fee — always ask in advance.
At Zakrzówek and some viewing mounds you'll catch the best light very early in the morning; on weekends these spots can be busy, so weekdays are often a better choice.
Some city toilets extend hours during the tourist season or during city events, but technical outages do occur — if you plan a long outdoor session, mark alternative points just in case.
When looking for original compositions, pay attention to small elements: shop signs, door details, joinery and façade textures. Often these details make the best photos, not just the most famous backdrops.
If this guide was helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends — you’ll make their photographic trip to Krakow easier.
If you want to explore Krakow with someone who knows the city inside out and can tailor routes to photographic needs, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private guide; contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy great shots and peaceful coffee (and toilet) breaks!
