Looking for places where you can take nice photos and at the same time not worry about steep stairs or inaccessible restrooms? This guide combines classic Kraków views and local legends with concrete accessibility information and practical "skip the line" tips. It's written for visitors who want to sightsee comfortably and capture great shots.
Inside you'll find 10 recommended locations (outdoor spots and museums), short legends or interesting facts to add atmosphere to your photos, and concrete tips on planning your visit to avoid queues and unpleasant surprises. If you want — at the end there are also ideas for coffee and food near the sights and an FAQ with practical answers.
Why go: The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków — Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Basilica. It offers countless frames: architecture, street musicians, and sunrise or sunset light that floods the tenement houses.
Accessibility: The square is spacious, but remember the uneven cobbles. Use the wide promenades along the Planty or approach from sides where the paving is smoother. Nearby is the Rynek Underground museum, which has an elevator and an accessible toilet — a great option if you want to combine outdoor shots with interior photos.
Legend / photo idea: Hearing the hejnał from St. Mary’s tower makes for an atmospheric moment — the short bugle call ties to the legend of the trumpeter who was cut off while warning the city of an attack. Catch the moment right after the hejnał for dynamic shots with people in motion.
Why go: Wawel is a must-see — hilltop panoramas, courtyards, the cathedral and distinctive tower silhouettes. Twilight shots of the Vistula and Grunwald Bridge are impressive.
Accessibility: Some outdoor areas at Wawel are accessible — courtyards and selected exhibitions are barrier-free. Not all routes inside are accessible (some rooms have steps or narrow passages), so it’s worth contacting staff before your visit to ask about available facilities and direct-access routes. In practice, drop-off and entry can often be arranged with prior notice.
Legend / photo idea: The Wawel Dragon — although a legend, the dragon's statue by the river sometimes breathes fire at scheduled times; it's an easy way to get a dynamic, recognizable shot. There are also small informational points around Wawel that are handy when planning your visit.
Why go: The boulevards offer long, even promenades along the Vistula — perfect for photos of Wawel, bridges, and city sunsets. It’s also a good spot for lifestyle photos with seasonal riverside cafes and benches by the water.
Accessibility: The boulevards are designed as promenades — surfaces are usually even and wheelchair-friendly. They’re a great alternative to the heavy cobbles of the Old Town if you want to capture Wawel without accessibility issues.
Photo tip: Best shots are shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the light is soft and golden. Frame the shot with a bridge in the background to get a layered composition.
Why go: Kazimierz is a treasure trove of atmospheric places: colorful walls, cafés, Nowy Square and Józefa Street full of murals and details. It’s ideal for portraits and urban sessions.
Accessibility: Streets in Kazimierz can be cobbled and sometimes narrower, but many main routes and squares have passages you can navigate by wheelchair. Choose quieter hours (morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
Where to have coffee after photos: Kazimierz has many welcoming spots to rest — for a traditional atmosphere and local tastes try cafés around Nowy Square.
Why go: Błonia is a huge meadow next to the center — perfect for wide shots, drone photos if allowed, and foggy-morning frames. The Planty is the green ring around the Old Town and serves as a lovely contrast to historic architecture.
Accessibility: Both spaces are very wheelchair-friendly — even paths, lots of room to maneuver and numerous benches. They are ideal for family and outdoor sessions without logistical problems.
Tip: Early morning on Błonia brings quiet and soft light — perfect for minimal, aesthetic compositions.
Why go: If the weather turns, museum interiors are an excellent alternative for photos with architectural details or exhibits in the background — and they often offer amenities missing outdoors.
Accessibility — concrete examples: The Museum of Kraków (Rynek Underground) has an elevator and an accessible toilet. MuFo (Museum of Photography) allows borrowing a wheelchair for the visit and has lifts between floors. Many cultural institutions publish information about accessibility and induction loops — check with them before your visit.
Skip-the-line tip: For museums it’s best to buy tickets in advance and message or call to confirm step-free entry; some venues offer priority entry for visitors with disabilities.
Why go: Zakrzówek has spectacular water colors and rocky backdrops — great for nature-style photos and maritime accents in the middle of the city. Mounds (for example Kościuszko Mound) give city panoramas from above.
Accessibility and warning: Zakrzówek’s terrain is uneven and can be unfriendly for wheelchairs — if you plan a session there consider leaving the chair on flat ground and approaching on foot with assistance. Mounds often have steep ascents; not all paths are adapted. Instead of attempting to reach the summit in a chair, pick nearby accessible viewpoints (bridges, boulevards) for similar panoramas without extra effort.
Photo note: Zakrzówek is a former quarry with an interesting transformation history — its raw landscape contrasts well with city architecture and looks great in monochrome shots.
Why go: Bridges offer geometric lines, reflections and perspective — great for shots in morning mist or night frames with city lights. They also allow two-layer compositions: the Vistula and Wawel.
Accessibility: Bridges usually have even surfaces and wide sidewalks, making it easier to photograph from a wheelchair. They’re also good spots to capture bridge architecture and river activity.
Photo tip: Try longer exposures in the evening (use a tripod or phone stabilization) to smooth the water surface and create light-trail effects.
Plan your visit: Book tickets online where possible and contact venue staff to arrange step-free entry or a drop-off point. Many institutions have procedures for visitors with disabilities — a quick message in advance is usually enough.
How to avoid queues (skip the line): Visit outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon), reserve time slots online and ask about entries for visitors with reduced mobility. Some places offer priority entry or allow you to be dropped off directly at the entrance after prior arrangement.
Toilets and rest: Museums such as Rynek Underground and MuFo have accessible toilets and lifts — keep them in mind when planning your route. Bring a blanket or a small folding stool — during longer outdoor sessions it’s good to have a comfortable place to rest.
Common mistakes: 1) Assuming every old street in the center is easy to navigate — cobbles and thresholds can surprise you. 2) Not checking for accessible toilets. 3) Not arranging entry or drop-off in advance for major attractions.
Quick answers: Is Wawel accessible? — Yes, some courtyards and exhibitions are accessible, but not everything; contact staff beforehand. Is Zakrzówek suitable for wheelchairs? — The terrain is difficult; accessible viewpoints nearby are a better option. Where to borrow a wheelchair in Kraków? — Some museums offer wheelchairs on site (for example MuFo) — ask before your visit.
Final note and encouragement: If this guide helped you, please share it on social media or send it to friends. If you'd like to explore Kraków with a personalised approach, consider arranging a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on her guide page. We wish you beautiful shots and comfortable sightseeing!
