St. Andrew’s Church, although modest inside, looks great from the outside and in its architectural details. It’s one of those stops easy to weave into a photo route around the Old Town — especially if you like the contrast between raw stone forms and the soft light of morning.
Below you’ll find a list of 10 places worth visiting with a camera or phone, plus practical tips on how to sightsee more cheaply, use family tickets, and avoid common mistakes tourist-photographers make.
A classic that almost always works — wide shots featuring the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, corner views of the Square or symmetrical photos of the row of townhouses. Early morning and the golden hour are the best times if you want to avoid crowds.
Photography tip: try a low perspective with the cobbles in the foreground — it adds depth and character. Respect conservation breaks and avoid setting up equipment that blocks passageways.
One of the most photogenic lanes of the Old Town — stone façades, narrow passages and historic atmosphere. Ideal for portraits and architectural details.
Tip: look for “natural frames” — doors, arches and lamps often create compositions that make a photo stand out.
Shots of Wawel from the Vistula boulevards give a beautiful panorama — especially striking at sunset when the silhouettes of the castle and cathedral reflect in the river.
If you plan to go inside (for example the royal chambers), check family ticket availability and visiting hours — many areas can be photographed from the outside without a ticket.
Kazimierz is a treasure trove of atmospheric frames — café fronts, courtyards with string lights, murals and lively squares. Plac Nowy offers a grittier, street-style vibe.
Advice: if you plan a shoot inside a café or restaurant, ask for permission in advance — many venues are happy to collaborate with photographers, but it’s polite to notify them.
Turquoise water and rocky shores create a striking contrast to the urban landscape — great for summer shots, though it can get busy in season.
Practical note: parts of the area may be restricted for safety or nature reserve reasons — when planning a session check current rules and opening hours.
The mounds give city panoramas in a single frame — perfect for sunrise or wide-perspective shots. Depending on the weather you can capture dramatic skies or the soft light of morning.
Tip: bring a tripod if you plan to shoot before sunrise or after dusk.
A green oasis with a wide variety of plants — ideal for nature photos, flower details and calm portraits. During blooming season you can make particularly special images.
Advice: check opening hours and the rules for photographing inside greenhouses if you’re planning a professional session.
An industrial neighborhood with murals and a loft atmosphere — good backgrounds for contrasting photos, street art and fashion shoots. Zabłocie also offers modern, graphic frames around old halls and modernist structures.
Tip: explore side streets — you’ll often find lesser-known, more interesting compositions there.
The Planty is a green belt encircling the Old Town — great for delicate, romantic shots. St. Florian’s Gate is a characteristic starting point for photo routes through the center.
Note: the Planty are quiet in the morning and excellent for pictures without tourists in the background.
Café and restaurant interiors can be as photogenic as the streets. Places like Café Camelot and Massolit Books & Café provide great backdrops for portraits and lifestyle images.
Advice: if you want to photograph commercial interiors, politely ask for permission — many places are happy to cooperate, especially outside peak hours.
Many museums and institutions in Kraków offer reduced or family tickets — if you plan to enter interiors, check official sites for discounts, opening hours and online booking options.
To sightsee on a budget: focus on outdoor routes (viewpoints, streets, boulevards), use promotional days and free-entry times at selected institutions, buy tickets online to avoid queues, and consider grouping attractions into one day to take advantage of family ticket options where available.
1) Arriving at peak hours — solution: get up early or choose the golden hour. 2) Not getting permission to photograph commercial interiors — solution: ask staff in advance. 3) Leaving equipment unattended — solution: travel with a minimalist kit and keep valuables close.
Also avoid blocking passageways with a tripod in narrow streets and remember to respect residents — good relations often open access to more interesting frames.
Can I use a tripod in the center? In most places yes, but on narrow urban streets it’s better to use a small tripod and be careful not to obstruct others. Some historic sites or museums have additional restrictions.
Is a drone allowed? Flying over the historic center and crowds is regulated and usually requires permission. Always check current regulations before flying.
Recommended spots with a good reputation: for atmospheric cafés — Café Camelot and Massolit Books & Café are reliable choices; for traditional Polish cuisine check restaurants near the Market Square and in Kazimierz. If you prefer highly rated places, read reviews and reserve a table outside peak times.
If you travel with family, pick places with child-friendly menus and outdoor seating — that makes relaxing easier after a long day of sightseeing.
Surprise 1: in some places low-angle shots look best — cobbles and steps add drama. Surprise 2: a seemingly ordinary gate or door can be a more original background than the city’s most promoted spot.
Local tip: talk to a barista or server — they often suggest lesser-known viewpoints or the hours when a street looks its best.
If this guide helped you plan a photo walk, share it with friends or on social media — inspiring others is always welcome. Your favorite shots can help other visitors discover new perspectives of Kraków.
If you’d like a personalized photo route or private sightseeing with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), check the offer on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — contact details and details are available there. Good luck, happy shooting and enjoy your stay in Kraków!
