Kraków is a city that increasingly invests in removing barriers — there are ramps, wide paths and apps with accessibility information. Planning a photo outing while considering surface types, parking or adapted toilets will help you get better shots and spend the day without stress.
What to watch for: surface type (cobblestones can be troublesome for small wheelchair wheels), the ability to drive close to a viewpoint, access to toilets adapted for people with disabilities and shaded rest areas — these are the details that make the biggest difference during a summer shoot.
It’s also worth downloading the city app or checking accessibility maps before you go — cities and regions more and more publish information about ramps, designated disabled parking and places where you can rent a wheelchair.
The Vistula boulevards are one of the most photogenic spots: long, flat promenades, views of the river and Wawel, plus many cafés and viewing points. Large stretches have asphalt or even surfaces which make moving a wheelchair easier.
On the boulevards you can easily shoot portraits during the golden hour or dynamic shots from bridges and footbridges. Seasonal food stalls operate in summer — plan a shaded break.
Practical tip: choose stretches marked as “South” or “North” Boulevards — these have longer, flatter routes, public toilets and comfortable places to rest.
Planty is the park encircling the Old Town with paths, benches and historic corners. Main paths are paved and on large parts of the route wheelchair-friendly, which makes it easy to change perspectives between greenery and monuments.
It’s a good place for family portraits, photos with architectural details in the background and shots of the city wrapped in greenery. In summer trees provide shade — remember to take breaks and carry water.
Practical tip: Planty form a long loop — if you want a specific scenery (for example near Wawel or St. Florian’s Gate), check in advance which side you start from to avoid long maneuvers over cobbled sections.
Bernatek Footbridge connects Kazimierz and Podgórze and offers great perspectives on the city skyline. The structure with gentle ramps was designed for easy access — entry to the bridge is step-free and wheelchair-friendly.
We recommend this spot for evening photos — beautiful lighting and the view of Wawel can create very striking frames. The bridge is also convenient for family portraits with the city panorama behind you.
Practical tip: the bridge can be windy — in summer watch for loose clothing and secure your camera during stronger gusts.
Sections of the boulevards around Dębnicki Bridge and Poleski Boulevard offer flat asphalt paths and long stretches ideal for photos with movement in the background — cyclists, boats on the Vistula, reflections in the water.
This area is great when you want to capture urban space in a more natural, less touristy atmosphere. Good both in the morning and in the evening.
Practical tip: there are parking spaces and tram stops nearby; in summer foodtrucks sometimes appear and work well with relaxed lifestyle sessions.
The Garden of Experiments is full of interactive installations that photograph beautifully — geometric devices, striking reflections and spaces for creative shots. The site offers services adapted to visitors with diverse needs, and parts of the routes and installations have been prepared with accessibility in mind.
It’s a recommendation for families and people looking for unconventional frames: a slightly scientific atmosphere, play with light and shadow and a welcoming space for photographic experiments.
Practical tip: in summer check the schedule for available demonstrations and any offers for visitors with disabilities — organizers often provide dedicated solutions and practical information for guests.
The Museum of Photography is not only a great interior for photos but also an example of an institution caring about accessibility: information points may offer wheelchair loans, the building has elevators, and toilets and exhibition spaces consider the needs of wheelchair users.
It’s a good spot for photos with an artistic vibe — exhibitions, display details and aesthetic interiors suit more conceptual sessions perfectly.
Practical tip: check opening hours and the possibility of borrowing auxiliary equipment before your visit — the museum informs about available services on site.
Although outside Kraków, Energylandia (Zator) and Zatorland are worth visiting in summer if you’re after colorful, dynamic shots — rollercoasters, themed zones and water attractions provide lots of opportunities for photographic fun.
These parks pay attention to accessibility: they have dedicated parking for people with disabilities, adapted toilets and information points for visitors needing extra support; Energylandia runs a Disability Service Point with information on accessible attractions.
Practical tip: some attractions may be unavailable to people with limited mobility — ask on site for a list of usable attractions and about discounts for guests with a valid disability certificate.
In the region you’ll find recreational facilities (thermal baths and water parks) adapted to the needs of people with disabilities: step-free entries, lifts, pool hoists and adapted changing rooms. In summer such places make an interesting alternative for photos — the play of water, pools and recreational architecture.
They’re great if you’re after images that convey “summer and relaxation” — pools, palms (artificial or planted) and contrasts between water and architecture are attractive backgrounds.
Practical tip: ask about pool hoists and entry procedures — staff are trained and often provide help getting into the water.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is an excellent spot for nature and floral detail photography and is conveniently located near Kraków’s center. Many paths are paved and suitable for wheelchairs, while greenhouses and pavilions create attractive backgrounds regardless of the weather.
It’s a place for calm, artistic shots: plant macro photography, portraits among flowers or reportage-style photos from seasonal botanical events.
Practical tip: greenhouses can be warm and humid in summer — protect your camera and plan shorter sessions inside greenhouse interiors.
Often the best frames are details: a café terrace, a colorful door, a trendy mural or a well-composed table. Many venues in Kraków have outdoor terraces and step-free entrances; choose those with high ratings for service and accessibility.
Good examples of places for a short break and quick frames include well-reviewed cafés around Plac Szczepański and along Planty — staff there are usually welcoming to guests with wheelchairs.
Practical tip: if you plan shots with gastronomy in the background, pick places with terraces and step-free entrances; in summer reserve an outdoor table to make your photography schedule easier.
Check surfaces — even if a place looks nearby and accessible, side streets in the Old Town often have old cobblestones that make travel with small wheels difficult; plan routes along paved paths and boulevards.
Take breaks in the shade and bring a water bottle — summer days can be hot, and wheelchair users and their companions need regular rests.
Use city tools: apps and websites with accessibility information, maps of parking spaces for people with disabilities and information points at tourist centers. If you plan to arrive by car, carry the parking permit that allows you to use marked disabled spaces.
Avoid skipping the city center out of fear of cobblestones — instead, plan a step-free route using Planty and main wide streets or use the boulevards along the Vistula.
Don’t forget to check availability of toilets and rest areas — before a long shoot make sure you know where the nearest adapted toilet is and where to stop for a coffee.
Be ready for the weather — in summer bring a sun umbrella and covers for photographic equipment; sudden storms can change plans, so have a plan B for interiors (museums, cafés, greenhouses).
Can you rent a wheelchair or auxiliary equipment in Kraków? Museums and some cultural institutions offer wheelchair loans on site — it’s worth checking by phone or on the institution’s website before your visit.
Where to park when visiting photo spots by car? The city publishes lists and maps of parking spaces for people with disabilities — using them helps you plan drop-offs close to photo locations.
Do all attractions have adapted toilets? Most larger venues and recreational parks have adapted toilets, but always confirm in advance — especially for smaller viewpoints and seasonal events.
After a shoot, choose venues with good reviews and step-free entrances for a comfortable rest on a terrace. Around Planty and Plac Szczepański you’ll find many places recommended by visitors — asking locals for the latest tips is often helpful.
Cafés with character and a wide selection of desserts and drinks often have comfortable terraces and are family-friendly — ideal for a break during a summer session. Reserving a table helps avoid waiting, especially at weekends.
- a city accessibility app or map (useful to quickly check where ramps and adapted toilets are);
- a map and list of parking spaces for people with disabilities — useful if you arrive by car;
- the phone number for Kraków’s tourist information point and contacts for the places you plan to visit — a quick call can save time and disappointment.
If you’re planning photos in Kraków this summer and want to avoid running around in the heat, use the list above as a starting point. Plan your route with accessibility and comfort in mind — Kraków has many spots that photograph beautifully and are convenient for wheelchair users.
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Would you like a personalized route or a private guided tour? Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private, tailored city tours adapted to guests’ needs — contact details are available on the site.
