Kraków combines a historic Old Town, green mounds, and modern riverfront districts — everyone can find their perfect frame here, from sunrise to sunset. This guide shows 10 tried-and-true spots worth visiting with a camera or smartphone, and offers tips on planning your outing to avoid crowds and come away with photos you’ll be proud of.
You’ll also find practical information about opening hours, accessibility, toilets, and ideas for couple shoots — we choose places not only for their beautiful panoramas but also for comfort and atmosphere.
Kościuszko Mound is one of the most reliable points on Kraków’s photographic map. From its summit you get a wide panorama of the city — Wawel, the Old Town and the surrounding areas. The spot works well both at dusk and in the clear morning light.
It’s worth arriving at the Mound early to avoid strong winds on the top and to have time for a walk around the fort. There is a small viewpoint café on site — a convenient place for a break after a session. Remember to check opening hours and any tickets for the museum located by the mound before your visit.
Photo idea for couples: use the stone throne or the stone terraces as a frame, shoot toward the sun at sunset so silhouettes become romantic. Avoid very windy days — wind can spoil hair and overall comfort during a shoot.
Piłsudski Mound is the highest of Kraków’s mounds, located in the Wolski Forest. The walk to the top is a pleasant green stroll — the act of reaching the hill adds emotional weight to your photos.
If you’re after wide shots with a panorama of Kraków, this is an excellent choice — on a clear day you can spot distant mountain ranges and even the airport in the distance. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to get there, especially if you’re coming from the city centre.
For couples: an afternoon walk and a picnic at the mound’s base can be a lovely prelude to a summit session — natural, uncrowded frames, especially outside weekends.
Krakus Mound lies on the other side of the Vistula in the Podgórze district. It’s an intimate, historic hill with nice views over the southern part of the city and a great place for sunset when Lesser Poland fills with warm tones.
There are often fewer tourists here than at Kościuszko Mound, so you can arrange couple photos or capture the city without crowds. Bring a tripod if you plan longer exposures at dusk.
Combine a walk here with a visit to the cozy streets of Podgórze — they make a good backdrop for portraits and reportage-style frames.
The terrace on top of the Cloth Hall offers a unique perspective over the Main Market Square and the towers of St. Mary’s Basilica. It’s easy to access and especially impressive in the evening when the townhouses are lit up.
Access to the terrace is usually included in the ticket to the museum branch — check hours and rules before visiting. The museum has convenient facilities, including a café, toilets, and some accessibility options in designated areas of the building.
Frame idea: a wide shot of the Market with a couple in the foreground or architectural details with the Cloth Hall as a classic, always-photogenic backdrop.
New photo opportunities have appeared at Wawel — a seasonal viewing terrace at the Small Bastion provides one of the most spectacular views of the castle and the Old Town. It’s a great spot for close-up shots of historic architecture and panoramas that include castle details.
The terrace is sometimes open seasonally and may have a limited number of entries — plan ahead during the tourist season. Access requires climbing stairs, so consider mobility needs when planning a visit.
Idea for couples: shooting with the castle as a backdrop during the golden hour gives an elegant, timeless result.
Climbing the Town Hall Tower is for those who want photos looking straight down on the Main Market Square. The view of the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s and surrounding townhouses is unique and offers strong compositional possibilities.
Keep opening hours and visitor limits in mind; the tower has stairs, so plan accordingly. Last admissions are usually about half an hour before closing. This spot is great for documentary and urban panorama photos.
For couples: a romantic session in the city centre works best outside peak tourist times to keep the atmosphere more intimate.
The Vistula Boulevards are perfect for photographing the river, bridges and Wawel from a different angle. The Bernatek Footbridge with its evening lighting provides modern, atmospheric shots.
Walks along the river pair well with couple sessions: benches, greenery and gentle paths allow for natural, candid photos. The boulevards are also great for long night exposures or shots with reflections in the water.
Pay attention to timing — morning and evening light make the biggest difference. Avoid midday when contrasts are strongest.
The Zabłocie district around MOCAK offers interesting, slightly raw backdrops — modern museums, galleries and renovated industrial spaces. Some rooftops provide terraces with views of the boulevards and parts of the Old Town.
This area is especially good for photos with an artistic edge — contrast between brick, metal and greenery works well for reportage and couple shoots. Note where terraces are publicly accessible and where tickets or restrictions apply.
Cafés and restaurants in Zabłocie are highly rated — perfect for a break after a shoot.
Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most photogenic areas: cobbled lanes, synagogues, cafés and colourful murals create endless framing possibilities. Plac Nowy is great for reportage photos, while Szeroka Street has a special evening atmosphere.
A couples session in Kazimierz can feel intimate and spontaneous — choose early evening or morning for warm light and fewer people. A tasty break: try one of the well-rated cafés and local eateries in the district.
Note: at flea markets and crowded spots it’s wise to keep equipment and personal items close.
A walk around the Planty and down Grodzka Street toward Wawel is a classic photographic route: intimate alleys, lanterns and historic townhouses create beautiful backdrops in any season.
You’ll find great spots for portraits, architectural details and longer frames with Wawel in the background. Evening illuminations add mood, while morning light offers soft, fresh conditions.
Idea: plan a route that starts at the Planty in the morning, continues to the Boulevards and finishes at the mounds in the evening — this way you’ll capture several different types of shots in one day.
Best light: the golden hour (just after sunrise and just before sunset) and the soft light of an overcast day. Avoid harsh midday shadows if you want even exposure.
Gear: a smartphone will handle most shots, but for panoramas or night photos bring a tripod and a fast lens. A small kit: camera/smartphone, powerbank, lightweight tripod, a few filters and a spare memory card.
Permissions and rules: some museums and terraces (e.g., museum rooftops or towers) require tickets and limit tripods or professional equipment. Always check regulations before a session to avoid surprises.
Toilets and comfort: most major attractions have toilet access (museums, cafés, city centre). On the mounds and boulevards public restrooms are rarer — plan a break at a café or museum point.
Protecting your gear: in crowds and busy areas keep equipment close; be vigilant in Kazimierz and at the Market Square regarding pickpockets.
Are the mounds paid? Not all: some mounds are freely accessible (e.g., Krakus Mound and Piłsudski Mound are usually free), while Kościuszko Mound hosts a museum and sometimes ticketed areas — check current information before you go.
Can I use a tripod? In most outdoor places yes, but museums and some terraces restrict tripods. For professional shoots it’s worth asking the site managers for permission.
Where are the nearest toilets? In the historic centre the easiest options are museum toilets (for example in the Cloth Hall), cafés and service centres. On the mounds and boulevards facilities are limited — factor that into your day plan.
Do I need a permit to photograph a couple in public? For amateur photos in public you don’t need special permits. Professional sessions (large equipment, crew, props) may require permission from the city or site manager — ask in advance.
After photos at Kościuszko Mound I recommend the Panorama viewpoint café — a convenient spot to rest with a view. Near the Cloth Hall you’ll find Cafe Szał, popular with many visitors, and Kazimierz is full of highly rated cafés and restaurants ideal for a romantic meal.
For those who want good local food — choose places with strong reviews and attention to quality; in the city centre and Zabłocie you’ll find several restaurants that receive excellent guest feedback. If you like, I can prepare a list of top 5 restaurants in each area (Old Town, Kazimierz, Zabłocie).
If you plan a wedding or anniversary session, reserve a table in advance — popular places fill up, especially on weekends.
Arriving "at the last minute" before sunset — result: no time to find the best frame. Fix: arrive 45–60 minutes earlier to get to know the spot and set up your gear.
Ignoring site rules (tripods, small fees, photo restrictions) — result: awkward conversations with staff or being asked to leave. Fix: check the rules on the venue’s pages or ask on site.
Shooting in harsh midday sun without a plan for light — result: unflattering shadows and blown highlights. Fix: plan for golden hours, use a reflector or find shaded spots for portraits.
The new viewing terrace at Wawel (Small Bastion) is sometimes made available seasonally and offers an unusual perspective on the castle and Old Town — it’s a relatively recent attraction, so check availability before visiting.
On some mounds, special occasions (commemorative days, local holidays) bring events that can change access or increase crowds — if you want intimate frames, check the city event calendar.
Some museum branches have terraces and gardens (for example selected branches of the National Museum) which can be excellent alternatives to crowded central viewpoints.
If you found this article useful, share it on social media or send it to friends — you’ll help others plan a photographic walk around Kraków.
If you need individual support — contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can help plan a photography route, advise on the best times of day and take care of the trip’s details.
If you’d like, I can prepare a compact map with walking times between points and a list of recommended cafés and toilets at each spot on request.
