Krakow is a city of contrasts: medieval cobbles and monumental monuments sit next to the colourful walls of Kazimierz, and the Wawel Castle dominates many views — an excellent backdrop whether you shoot with a smartphone or a camera. Below you’ll find 10 proven spots for a session, practical tips on when to go, and clear guidance on planning a stress-free half-day “Wieliczka – Premium Experience” that leaves time for beautiful photos. Let’s get to the list.
- 1) Main Market Square and surroundings – a classic we don’t skip: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, the Town Hall Tower and the side streets (Floriańska, Kanonicza, Senacka). Photographers love the details — sculptures, tiles, townhouses and the café terrace atmosphere.
- 2) Wawel and Czerwieński Boulevard – perfect for castle shots from different perspectives. The boulevard near Dębnicki Bridge offers a nice composition with the river in the foreground, while the Wawel walls provide a monumental background.
- 3) Kazimierz – Józefa Street, Plac Nowy and the mural-filled lanes. Colourful walls, atmospheric cafés and street lamps create excellent frames, especially at dawn or after dusk.
- 4) Bernatek Footbridge (Lovers’ Bridge) – a distinctive spot with love locks and dramatic evening lighting; great for couple portraits and panoramas with the Vistula.
- 5) Zakrzówek – for nature lovers and bold colour. Limestone cliffs and turquoise water make shots very different from the historic centre. Be mindful of non-tourist-adapted places and safety when photographing near cliffs.
- 6) Bagry and the reservoir – the city beach and marina are good for water and sailboat sessions; an excellent spot for sunset photos.
- 7) Podgórze and Podgórze Market Square – a different, less crowded face of Krakow: the triangular square, the neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s Church and nearby industrial vibes.
- 8) Bednarski Park – green steps and romantic pathways; perfect for outdoor portraits and nature shots in the middle of the city.
- 9) The city mounds (Kościuszko Mound, Krakus Mound) – panoramic city views from height: sunrise or late afternoon give wide compositions and beautiful light.
- 10) Nowa Huta and industrial corners – geometric compositions, socialist-realist architecture and colourful murals; great for those seeking less obvious frames.
If you plan a half-day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and want to make the most of your time (and take photos), plan the route with transport, comfortable shoes and ticket reservations in mind.
- Duration: the Tourist Route usually takes about 2–4 hours; add travel time from central Krakow. In practice, plan half a day (about 4–5 hours) for a comfortable visit with a break and time for photos.
- Underground conditions: the temperature is steady at around 16–18°C, so even in summer a light sweater is useful. The route is roughly 3.5 km with over 800 steps to climb; at the entrance (Danilowicz shaft) there are additional stairs (about 380) — include this when planning energy levels.
- Reservations and tickets: popular time slots sell out quickly; for groups or guided tours in specific languages, book in advance. For premium packages, check availability and whether extras (e.g. graduation towers, tastings, special entrances) are included.
- What to bring and how to photograph: photography and filming on the Tourist Route are allowed, but respect exhibits and other visitors. Small bags (for example up to 35x20x20 cm) can be taken underground; larger items are best left in the surface cloakroom.
- Getting there: from Krakow you can go quickly by train (Kraków Główny → Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia) or by car; Wieliczka’s station is a short walk from the mine.
- Golden hour and sunrises: for Wawel and Czerwieński Boulevard choose early morning or late afternoon; soft light will beautifully model the castle and the river.
- Early mornings at the Market: to avoid crowds and get empty Market Square frames, rise early — especially in high season. Some hidden courtyards and side streets offer great shots without crowds even later in the day.
- Zakrzówek and Bagry: best visited early or on weekdays; watch for restricted areas and obey safety signs.
- Gear: a lightweight camera body and a versatile zoom (for example 24–70 mm) will cover most city shots; a wide-angle is useful for interiors (e.g. St. Mary’s Basilica) — remember stabilization. A tripod can be awkward in crowded places but is useful for night shots and interiors; check rules for tripods in specific locations ahead of time.
- Photographing in Wieliczka: underground light is limited — use higher ISO and good footwear. Always follow safety rules and avoid blocking passages used by other groups.
- Old Town: after a session near the Market, visit atmospheric cafés and restaurants — examples include Cafe Camelot for a classic artistic atmosphere, local bakeries and cafés around Grodzka Street.
- Kazimierz: many cosy places for a longer meal or coffee — try Massolit Books & Café for a quiet coffee and a place to review photos, and explore the many bars and small restaurants serving Polish and international dishes.
- Podgórze and Podgórze Market Square: after a walk in these less crowded areas look for local bistros and patisseries; a good choice for a relaxed lunch with local flavour.
- Near Wieliczka: after the mine visit you can stop in nearby restaurants serving regional dishes — look for places with solid reviews and convenient parking if you travel by car.
- Public transport: Krakow has a well-developed tram and bus network; many central attractions are walkable. The easiest way to Wieliczka is by train from Kraków Główny — Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia station is close to the mine.
- Accessibility: some historic interiors and underground routes have limitations for visitors with reduced mobility; the Salt Mine offers selected hours and routes adapted to special needs — contact the site in advance to arrange assistance.
- Equipment safety: stay alert in crowded places; use straps and photo backpacks that make it harder for strangers to remove gear quickly.
- Can I take photos in the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Yes, photography and filming on the Tourist Route are allowed; be mindful of the rules and avoid obstructing other visitors.
- How much time should I set aside for the “Wieliczka – Premium Experience”? Reserve half a day — practically 4–5 hours including travel time so you can tour, take photos and enjoy a break.
- Do I need to buy tickets in advance? For popular time slots it is strongly recommended to book ahead. Weekends and summer afternoons can be busy.
- Is it better to visit Krakow in the morning or evening for photos? Early morning gives the cleanest Market Square frames; evenings are great for illuminated shots around Wawel and the bridges. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
- Can I fly a drone in Krakow? Drones over city centres and historic monuments are subject to regulations and often require permission from authorities. Check current rules before flying and avoid crowded areas.
