The Princes Czartoryski Museum (Pijarska 15) is not only one of Poland’s most valuable art collections but also a fantastic spot for photography — both inside, where the second floor and the glazed architectural details are worth paying attention to, and in the Old Town streets around the Palace. After an intensive visit, it’s a good idea to plan lunch at one of the nearby restaurants: from traditional Polish flavors to modern bistros. In this guide I describe 10 places that combine photographic value and good food — tested ideas for a whole afternoon plan.
The museum is usually open Tuesday–Sunday (check current opening hours before your visit). Tuesdays often offer free admission for visitors; this can be a great opportunity but also a time when there may be more people inside — plan your photos outside peak hours if possible.
1) Princes Czartoryski Museum — interiors and details: Head to the second floor and look for compositions that include the glazed ceiling elements and the elegant rooms. After leaving the museum you’ll find excellent lunch options within a short walk, including restaurants serving Polish and European cuisine — if you want a traditional meal, consider well-established places with classic menus.
2) The Planty near St. Florian’s Gate — the city’s green frame: The Planty park and the area around St. Florian’s Gate are a photographic classic (quiet alleys, benches and a view of the surrounding architecture). After a walk along Grodzka and Floriańska Streets, stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant offering seasonal dishes.
3) Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica — monumental shots: The Market Square offers endless possibilities — intimate details in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or dramatic light at sunrise and sunset. I recommend lunch in one of the well-rated restaurants around the Square that serve both Polish and international cuisine.
4) Wawel and the Vistula boulevards — castle views: Views from the boulevards and bridges are icons of Krakow. After a photo session you can sit in a restaurant with a river view or choose a cozy bistro a short walk from the castle.
5) Café Manggha and the Manggha Museum — Asian aesthetics on the Vistula: The Manggha building and its terraces provide interesting modern frames and are also a pleasant place for lunch with a river view. The café menu works well as a light lunch after photographing the area.
6) The streets of Kazimierz — atmospheric frames and culinary discoveries: Kazimierz offers cobbled streets, colorful murals and intimate cafés. After shooting, visit one of the recommended restaurants serving Jewish or modern cuisine — these places often have great reviews and strong character.
7) Nowy Square and surroundings — raw backgrounds and street food: Plac Nowy is great for high-contrast urban photos. For lunch try popular local bars and small restaurants offering regional snacks — a good chance to try zapiekanki or modern takes on Polish dishes.
8) St. Peter and St. Paul Church — baroque frames: The monumental entrance and statues make a great portrait backdrop. Nearby you’ll find cafés and restaurants that serve lunch in a calmer atmosphere than the Market Square.
9) Little nooks of the Old Town — architectural details and quiet courtyards: Look for unusual perspectives between townhouses; after such a walk a meal in an intimate bistro or an elegant, traditional restaurant tastes especially good.
10) The Vistula riverbanks and bridges at dusk — light and reflections: The golden hour along the Vistula creates magical shots of the castle and river line. After sunset many riverside restaurants serve dinner, but there are also great places for a late lunch near the Old Town.
If you’re looking for well-regarded options — a few safe choices: Pod Baranem (classic Polish cuisine, close to the Old Town), Hawełka (historic interiors, atmosphere and tradition), Szara (elegant menu by the Market Square), Café Manggha (light lunch on the Vistula) as well as reliable milk bars and bistros for budget-friendly, quick meals. When choosing a place, pay attention to reviews and seasonal menus — they usually guarantee good taste and quality.
- Museum interiors: respect museum rules about photography — where it’s forbidden, don’t use flash or a tripod. The most interesting shots in the Czartoryski Museum are often available early in the morning or late afternoon, outside the busiest visiting times.
- Light: the best times for photos are the golden hours (just after sunrise and before sunset) — especially along the boulevards and at the Market Square. On cloudy days look for architectural details and the colorful facades of cafés and restaurants.
- Transport and getting around: the Old Town is compact and easiest to explore on foot. Plan your route so you don't retrace steps unnecessarily — combining the museum + Planty + Market Square + Vistula is about a 1–2 hour walk without long breaks.
- Reservations: if you want to eat at a popular restaurant after visiting, book a table in advance, especially on weekends. In small bistros you can usually order faster, but for more elegant places a reservation is recommended.
1) Arriving at the museum and immediately planning a long indoor photo session — avoid disappointment by first checking photography rules and expected visitor numbers.
2) Eating “on the run” at random places by the Market Square — it’s better to check reviews and pick a well-rated restaurant, especially if you care about quality and atmosphere after a photo session.
3) Trying to fit too many locations into one day — Krakow has a lot to offer, so it’s better to choose a smaller number of spots with time reserved for photos and a relaxed lunch.
Can you take photos in the Czartoryski Museum? In many rooms photography is allowed without flash and without tripods, but rules may vary by exhibition — check information on site.
When is the best time to visit the museum to avoid crowds? Outside weekend peak hours and right after opening on weekdays are usually the best times.
Where to eat quickly and cheaply nearby? There are milk bars and small bistros in the area offering quick, affordable lunches — a good choice if you want to maximize time for photography.
The Czartoryski collection includes the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in Poland — a fact that draws many visitors and affects attendance at the museum. That’s one reason to plan your visit in advance and consider taking photos outside the busiest times.
Keep in mind the museum is part of the larger National Museum structure — rules and opening hours can sometimes change, especially for special exhibitions.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on your profiles — you’ll help others better plan a photographic walk through Krakow. If you’d like to explore with a local guide and receive personalized photo routes and culinary recommendations, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information about her services is available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Have a great trip and take amazing photos in Krakow!
If you want, I can prepare a short tailored route (2–3 hours) with specific times, photo spots and restaurant suggestions — tell me how much time you have and what kind of photos you prefer.
