Krakow is a city that almost takes great photos by itself — from the Renaissance arcades of the Cloth Hall to the wild cliffs of Zakrzówek. If you only have a weekend, plan your route to see the most photogenic spots quickly and comfortably — including if you’re moving around by golf cart. Below you’ll find a Top 10 list, concrete tips on how to photograph each place and practical advice (where to eat, when to come, what to do with tripods and drones). All in a friendly tone so you return home with beautiful shots and a good mood.
The Cloth Hall is one of Krakow’s most recognizable motifs. The best shots are taken at sunrise when the Market Square pavement is still empty, or just after dusk when the lighting highlights the arcades and facade. Pay attention to the symmetry of the covered passages — perfect for classic compositions.
If you want a higher vantage point, there’s a café on the Cloth Hall roof with a view of the Square — a good spot for an elevated perspective (without a drone). Remember the Square is very crowded on weekends, so if you plan a lookbook or a professional shoot with a large tripod, schedule it for the morning or a weekday.
Where to eat: the rooftop café at the Cloth Hall, restaurants around the Square (for example Szara Gęś) — a good place for a break after shooting.
St. Mary’s Church is an icon of Krakow — its external facades, Gothic details and the famous trumpet call are strong photographic elements. It looks most impressive during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset).
If you want a panorama of the city roofs and church details, consider going up the tower (when open) — tickets and opening hours change seasonally, so check ahead. Note: during services and ceremonies tourist access can be limited; respect the silence and rules inside.
Wawel Castle is not just architecture — it’s also a panorama over the Vistula. Some of the most beautiful shots come from Bulwar Czerwieński when the castle is reflected in the river. In the evening the castle’s illumination gives photos a romantic mood.
From the boulevard you can also shoot from bridges — Dębnicki Bridge and the footbridges offer different perspectives; secure your gear in windy conditions near the river.
Kanonicza Street is one of the oldest and most picturesque streets near Wawel — tenement houses, cobbles and narrow passages create a perfect atmosphere for retro or romantic portrait shots. The best images come in soft morning light or at sunset when warm tones emphasize the stone texture.
Tip: continue toward Grodzka and Senacka Streets to find less crowded nooks with light ideal for portraits.
Kazimierz is a photographer’s paradise: colorful murals, cobbled streets, cozy cafés and street life that works great in reportage shots. Józefa Street and Nowy Square are where you’ll find contrasts: old tenements next to modern graphics and food trucks.
Evenings in Kazimierz have their own vibe — lanterns, neon lights and crowds at bars create dynamic frames. Recommended stops for a break: Cafe Camelot, Massolit Books & Café, Starka — good places for coffee and a quick phone recharge.
If you plan a portrait session in Kazimierz, choose morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds at Nowy Square.
Bernatka Footbridge (the 'Lovers’ Bridge') and other Vistula bridges are excellent for photos with light reflections on the water. Bridges look especially impressive after dark when city lights create long reflections.
From the bridges you’ll also get great shots of Wawel and the Old Town skyline. Be careful when shooting near railings and always watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
If you’re driving a golf cart, plan to park safely and walk to the bridge — many areas along the Vistula are pedestrian and bicycle zones.
Zakrzówek Reservoir is one of the trendiest photo spots in Krakow — turquoise water, vertical rocks and wild greenery give a feeling of a scenic escape without leaving the city. Visit outside the weekend peak if you want calmer shots.
Safety note: not all sections are adapted for tourist traffic — avoid descending steep cliffs and do not enter areas with no-entry signs. Bring comfortable shoes and a torch if you plan to shoot at dusk.
For mirror-like water shots, look for legal viewpoints and platforms — a few spots are secured and open to visitors.
A walk through the Planty offers many subtle frames: tree-lined openings, historic gates and benches among greenery. It complements the more monumental shots from the Market and Wawel — plant details, arches and lanes are great for urban reportage.
The Planty are also a perfect spot for an afternoon break or a quick picnic — lots of shade and quiet corners to test different lenses.
On weekends the paths can be busy — if you want empty frames, choose early morning.
Kościuszko Mound offers one of the widest views of Krakow — you can see Podgórze, the Vistula and the Wawel silhouette. The best photos are at sunrise or sunset when the panorama is bathed in soft light.
Keep in mind that reaching the mound involves a short trek — if you’re using a golf cart, plan to leave it near the path and walk a short distance. With a good lens you can capture images here perfect for panoramic prints.
For night photographers it’s also a good spot for long exposures with the twinkling city in the background.
Podgórze has a different character than the Old Town — more raw, slightly industrial, with interesting wall textures and modernist accents. Podgórze Market Square, the area around the Museum ‘Schindler’s Factory’ and former industrial sites give great atmosphere for urban and documentary photography.
Morning and afternoon walks are especially charming here when light hits brick facades at an angle. This area is great if you’re looking for contrasts between old industry and city life.
If you want to take photos inside museum buildings, check the photography rules in advance — some exhibitions may prohibit flash or tripods.
A golf cart (small electric tourist vehicle) is a convenient way to move quickly between points over a weekend — especially if you want to visit several distant spots in a short time. A few practical rules:
- Always check with the operator or rental company which routes are allowed — the historic center has pedestrian zones and entry restrictions.
- Plan stops for photos: don’t drive a golf cart onto the Main Market Square or into narrow streets — leave the vehicle in a designated spot and take short walks to attractions.
- Charging and range: check the battery range before planning your route and find out where you can recharge; not all spots have public sockets.
- Be cautious in crowds — driving a small vehicle among pedestrians requires special attention; slow down and use audible/visual signals when needed.
- Parking: leave the golf cart so it does not block sidewalks, entrances to venues or spaces for people with disabilities.
- Best hours: the golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) and the 'blue hour' after dusk. In the center, morning is the best time for empty frames.
- Gear: a good smartphone and one versatile lens (24–70 mm or 35/50 mm) will suffice for most tourists. For panoramas and details bring a wide-angle and a lightweight travel tripod. If you use a large tripod or plan a commercial shoot, check in advance whether permits are needed.
- Drone: flying a drone over the dense city center and crowds usually requires permission from the proper authorities — check current rules and permits before you fly.
- Power: bring portable power banks — charging your phone during all-day walks is essential.
Krakow has plenty of pleasant places to rest and recharge before the next photo spot. A few recommendations in different parts of the city:
- Old Town: the rooftop café at the Cloth Hall, Szara Gęś — classic flavors and a comfortable break after a Market shoot.
- Kazimierz: Cafe Camelot, Massolit Books & Café, Starka — great for coffee and local snacks.
- Podgórze: cafés and bars near Podgórze Market Square and the bistro near MOCAK — good places to rest after a walk along the Vistula.
In larger venues, ask about phone charging — many places will gladly provide a charging point if you buy a drink. Very useful after long photo sessions.
Do I need permission to take photos in the Market Square? - Tourist photography is allowed. If you plan a large setup, hire models or do commercial shoots, contact the city authorities — permits are often required.
Can I fly a drone in central Krakow? - Drone flights over the center and over crowds are subject to aviation rules and often need permission. Check current regulations and restricted zones before flying.
When is it least crowded? - The fewest people are usually at dawn (6:00–8:30) and on weekdays. In high season (May–September) even mornings can be busier.
Is a tripod a problem? - A small, discreet tripod is usually fine. Large tripods and lighting for commercial shoots may require city or venue permission.
Can I drive a golf cart onto the Market? - In most cases the Market is a pedestrian zone; vehicle entry is restricted. Confirm official routes and parking with your golf cart operator.
Day 1 (morning–afternoon): start at dawn in the Market (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church), a short walk to Wawel and Bulwar Czerwieński, coffee break in Kazimierz, afternoon shots on Józefa Street and Nowy Square. In the evening — Bernatka Footbridge and Vistula shots.
Day 2 (morning–afternoon): early golf cart trip to Zakrzówek (morning calm), then the Planty and hidden gates of the Old Town, afternoon at Kościuszko Mound for sunset, finish in Podgórze — industrial frames and dinner.
This plan is flexible — the golf cart speeds up travel between farther points, but always allow short walks to the most beautiful spots.
- Check the weather forecast and bring durable protective covers for your gear in case of rain.
- Take spare batteries and memory cards — nothing spoils a session like running out of space.
- Comfort: comfortable shoes, a light jacket, a water bottle. Krakow is a walking city — even with a golf cart you’ll do a lot of walking.
- Respect public and private space: if you photograph people, ask for permission, especially in intimate situations.
Krakow has so many faces that a weekend is only a taste — but a well-planned itinerary, a few hours at sunrise and a sensible way of getting around (for example a golf cart between farther points) will let you come back with several truly exceptional photos. You can print the TOP 10 list and tick places off one by one — it’s a simple travel joy.
Wishing you lots of sunshine, great frames and a wonderful adventure in my city — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you want, I can prepare a shorter half-day plan or tailor a route for a wedding or family session. Happy shooting!
P.S. If you plan commercial shoots or bring large equipment, write in advance — I’ll help check formalities and find the best locations for the session.
