Planty is the park that surrounds the Old Town, created on the site of demolished medieval defensive walls. It’s not only a pleasant place for a walk but also an excellent backdrop for photos: paths, benches, historic gates and often soft light at dawn or just before sunset. Walking along the Planty lets you quickly find varied photographic compositions within a few minutes’ walk of the Market Square.
Worth knowing: the Planty were shaped gradually and today form an almost continuous band of greenery — photos taken in different parts of the park can look like they were shot in several different city locations. If you want an empty frame, go early in the morning.
Where to look for a frame? Pay attention to the sections of the park near St. Florian’s Gate and close to the Barbican — the contrast of greenery and Gothic brick looks great both in color and in black and white. Tree-lined alleys create natural “frames” for portraits and lifestyle shots.
Photography tip: shoot into the light during the golden hour to get soft, diffused silhouettes; use a wide aperture to achieve a pleasing background blur. After your photos, relax in a nearby café — a few recommended places are mentioned later in the guide.
The Market Square is a must for any photography plan. The Cloth Hall arcades, St. Mary’s Basilica and sculptural details create instantly recognizable frames that work in every season. It’s best to photograph early in the morning or in the evening when crowds are smaller.
Where to eat after a session: around the Market you’ll find traditional restaurants such as Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami, as well as numerous cafés and bars offering local specialties — a great spot for a filling meal after an intense shoot.
The riverside boulevards offer excellent frames with Wawel’s panorama and reflections in the water, especially at sunset. Bernatka Footbridge is a good point for capturing symmetrical compositions and interesting perspectives.
Recommended venues: along the boulevards you’ll find places such as Forum Przestrzenie and several cafés serving light snacks — perfect for a break between shots.
Using Wawel as a backdrop gives photos a historical, monumental scale. Shots from the Vistula (for example from bridges or the boulevards) let you incorporate the castle into the urban landscape. Don’t forget the details: decorations, doors and towers work very well in close-ups.
After shooting: near Wawel it’s worth visiting cozy cafés and bars around the Small Market or Bernardyńska Street — ideal places for coffee and cake.
Kazimierz is a treasure trove of atmospheric frames: cobbled streets, gates, murals and intimate courtyards. Szeroka Street, the synagogues and nearby nooks provide plenty of photographic inspiration.
Where to eat: try the eateries on Szeroka — for example Hamsa — as well as numerous cafés and bars offering modern cuisine. Kazimierz is also a fantastic area for dinner after a day of exploring.
Zakrzówek is known for its turquoise water and steep rocky shoreline. It’s an ideal location for outdoor photo shoots, especially in summer. Note: it can get crowded and access is sometimes restricted, so check current entry rules before your planned visit.
After the session: if you head back to the center, stop for coffee at one of the nearby cafés or choose a restaurant with a view of the Vistula.
Kanonicza Street is one of Krakow’s oldest and most photogenic streets — townhouses, cobbles and a peaceful feel even in season make it perfect for retro-style photos. It’s a great place for portraits and architectural shots.
Nearby: after the walk you can visit cafés and patisseries in the center to refresh your gear and enjoy a sweet treat.
Krakus Mound, Kościuszko Mound and other viewpoints offer wide, “breathing” shots of the whole city. Sunrise from a mound is a spectacle for photographers — arrive early and bring a tripod.
Practical tip: it’s often windy on the mounds, so bring spare filters and a sturdy tripod. After descending, enjoy a meal in a local café in the Wola Justowska area or back in the center.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden and Jordan Park are great for photographing nature, macro and calm portraits. Seasonality changes the look here: spring and autumn offer the most striking colors.
After photos: around the Planty and gardens you’ll find atmospheric cafés, small bistros and bakeries serving fresh pastries.
Krakow has many cafés with unique interiors: from retro to minimalist. Places like Café Camelot or local bakeries are not only good for espresso but also ready-made backdrops for lifestyle photos. Pay attention to windows, furniture and wall textures.
Where to eat: beyond cafés, check bakeries such as Massolit Bakery and other local spots for cakes and sandwiches — perfect for a quick break between outdoor shoots.
Don’t shoot in harsh midday sun if you want attractive portraits — the light is then hard and creates unflattering shadows. The best times are early morning and the so-called golden hour before dusk.
Avoid standing in the middle of walkways or tram tracks just to get a dramatic frame — besides the danger, it obstructs other people. If you plan a professional session (large tripods, a crew), check local rules and possible permits for chosen locations ahead of time.
A note for visitors: the Planty were created on the site of former defensive walls and today form a band of greenery that can be treated like a long, natural set — simply walk along the park to find varied architectural styles and details.
Do I need a permit to take photos in central Krakow? For ordinary, non-commercial tourist photos you usually don’t need a permit. If you plan a paid session with equipment and a crew — check local regulations or contact the owner of the location.
Where is the best place to eat after a session near the Planty? Around the Planty you’ll find both traditional restaurants and small cafés. Recommended areas for a meal include the Main Market Square, Kazimierz and the boulevards along the Vistula.
How can I avoid crowds in my photos? Get up early — between 6:00 and 8:00 the center is often quietest. Winter also has fewer tourists, although lighting conditions differ.
Why they’re worth trying: Krakow has many places with soul that are both photogenic and serve good food. In Kazimierz you’ll find atmospheric restaurants and cafés serving dishes worth photographing. Around the Market there are restaurants offering Polish and international cuisine.
Example names to consider (check opening hours before visiting): Hamsa (Kazimierz), Café Camelot (center), Massolit Bakery (coffee and pastries), and various local cafés near the Planty.
Krakow offers very diverse photographic backgrounds within short distances: from the greenery of the Planty, through the historic walls of Wawel, to the industrial frames of Zakrzówek and the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz. Planning, rising early and being aware of your surroundings will help you get the best shots.
If this guide helped you plan your photos — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a personalized route and on-site tips, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — more information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy photographing and bon appétit in Krakow!
