Did you know that one of Krakow’s most characteristic districts — Nowa Huta — was created as an "ideal city" in the spirit of socialist realism and today is one of the most important places that attracts photographers, TikTok creators and lovers of urban architecture? It’s a space where monumental postwar layouts meet greenery and everyday life — perfect for a photo session with a medium-sized group and a walk with a pet.
This guide picks 10 places in Krakow that combine: photogenic aesthetics (Instagram/TikTok), visible elements of postwar/communist architecture and convenience for groups of 7–20 people and (where possible) pet-friendly zones. I write it with tourists in mind — concrete and practical — so you can plan a comfortable day in the city.
Below you’ll find descriptions of the places, logistical tips, route ideas and a short FAQ — all in a friendly, helpful tone.
- Each place is briefly described: what to see, why it’s a good backdrop for photos and how it will work for a group of 7–20 people and a pet.
- If you plan to go indoors (museums, theatres, cinemas), check rules for larger groups and animals in advance — outdoors there’s usually no problem, indoors you often need to arrange permission with the institution.
- Practical tips (transport, best time of day, food) are included with each place or in the “Practical information” section at the end of the article.
Why go: Plac Centralny is the quintessence of socialist-realist planning: monumental buildings, wide perspectives, symmetry and historicizing details — a great backdrop for group photos and short films. Aleja Róż and the nearby estates show different stages of postwar architecture, so a short walk gives you varied shots.
For groups 7–20: the outdoor space lets a larger group arrange itself without crowding; you can split the session into a few spots (e.g. under arcades, in the centre of the square, by façade details).
For pets: it’s an urban area with plenty of green strips and sidewalks — dogs are welcome for walks, but remember the leash and to clean up after your pet.
Practical tip: the best light is the golden hour (right after sunrise and right before sunset). During the day the square is busier, especially on weekends.
Why go: near the factory gates stand buildings that reference Renaissance and Baroque motifs, designed as the representative centre of the socialist city. Façades and large plazas create an impressive backdrop for strong-character photos.
For groups 7–20: the wide open space makes it easy for a group of a dozen or more to work on compositions and short films without interference.
For pets: the outdoor area is pet-friendly, though keep dogs on a leash because of traffic and residents.
Practical note: observe safety rules around industrial sites and gates — do not enter closed areas and respect the privacy of functioning facilities.
Why go: cultural buildings in Nowa Huta from the mid-20th century have interesting façades, typical details and historic cinema signs — an excellent setting for stylized, atmospheric photos.
For groups 7–20: the areas around theatres and cinemas are spacious; you can stage short “mini-sessions” and then continue exploring the district.
For pets: the surroundings are streets and sidewalks — walking a dog is easy, but bringing a pet indoors requires agreement from the institution.
Photography tip: pay attention to contrasts between geometric façades and informal details (e.g. signs, lamp posts, benches).
Why go: Zabłocie is an industrial-cultural zone — old and renovated halls, museums, trendy cafés and muraled walls. MOCAK and the neighbourhood offer a modern, postindustrial vibe that pairs well with raw, contrasting aesthetics.
For groups 7–20: plenty of outdoor space, and cafés and bars nearby allow for breaks; it’s a convenient option for a session and lunch for a larger group.
For pets: outdoor areas and the Vistula boulevards are pet-friendly; check museum regulations before bringing a pet inside.
Food & service: the area has many places that will happily serve a larger group outdoors — a good solution for a break between shots.
Why go: the boulevards along the Vistula are a versatile spot for photos — water, bridges, footbridges and urban trees create varied backgrounds. The Bernatka footbridge gives characteristic shots with the bridge perspective and city panorama.
For groups 7–20: the long walking route lets you split people and organise several frames without crowding; there are benches and places for a quick picnic.
For pets: this is one of the best spots for dogs — lots of space and chances for a free walk (observe local rules).
Tip: at dusk the boulevards light up beautifully — be careful moving around after dark.
Why go: the vast lawn of the Błonia is a classic place for group photos, picnics and dynamic shots. The simplicity of the background (wide greenery, horizon) helps emphasize people and styling.
For groups 7–20: ideal for a picnic-style session, team-building games and relaxed shots. It’s easy to combine photography time with relaxation.
For pets: dogs will love the space — lots of running room, though in summer it can get busy. Bring water and waste bags.
Additional note: Błonia are close to the centre and easily accessible, which simplifies logistics for a larger group.
Why go: from the mounds you get wide views over Krakow — perfect for wide shots, sunsets and short video pieces with a panorama in the background.
For groups 7–20: the trails up the mounds allow gathering people gradually; plan your time because climbs and descents take a little while.
For pets: dogs generally cope well with the walk, but remember water and breaks; in good weather the mounds can be popular.
Tip: bring tripods or gimbals for better photos and smoother short films.
Why go: beyond the central square, Nowa Huta hides intimate estates with interesting details: arcades, balconies, decorative elements and greenery between blocks. These are good backdrops if you want a less "harsh" socialist-realist aesthetic.
For groups 7–20: perfect for a themed walking tour — split the group into smaller subgroups so you don’t block movement or disturb residents.
For pets: quieter streets are comfortable for animals; keep city etiquette in mind and avoid noise in late hours.
Note: respect residents’ privacy and do not enter fenced properties.
Why go: in Krakow, especially in former industrial areas and along main pedestrian routes, you’ll find murals and installations that contrast nicely with the austerity of postwar blocks. Colorful backgrounds will liven up your shots and let you create creative compositions.
For groups 7–20: murals make great quick photo stops along a route — it’s easy to position a larger group in front of a big wall.
For pets: murals are usually in public spaces — dogs are usually fine, but remember general cleanliness rules.
Tip: look for mural walls in Zabłocie, Podgórze and near some Nowa Huta estates.
Why go: even the best-planned session needs a break — choose cafés with outdoor seating or larger restaurants that can host a group. Many venues near the centre and in Zabłocie will happily serve bigger parties outside.
For groups 7–20: reserving outdoor tables is usually a simple way to comfortably end the walk. Confirm group availability and let the venue know if you have a pet and want to sit inside.
For pets: more and more places offer water bowls and outdoor seating; check a venue’s policy before entering.
Food suggestions: in the centre and on Kazimierz you’ll find both traditional restaurants and cafés with Instagrammable interiors — it’s smart to plan a break at a place that fits your group size.
Transport: all the described places are reachable by public transport or taxi from the centre. For group convenience take an offline map or set a clear meeting point by a distinctive landmark (e.g. a large monument or park entrance).
Reservations and permissions: if you plan to go indoors (museums, theatres) as an organised group, check booking rules. Outdoors, good organisation is enough, but do not block sidewalks or building entrances.
Duration: a half-day route (3–4 hrs) allows visiting 2–3 places; a full-day route — 5–6 points with breaks for food and relaxation.
Safety and comfort: bring water, a small first-aid kit, dog waste bags, phone powerbanks and a small tripod/gimbal if you plan to record.
Weather: have a plan B for rain — cafés and museums near most spots will get you through a short shower.
Morning start: Plac Centralny (Nowa Huta) — quick photos by the façades and a short walk down Aleja Róż.
Late morning: Teatr Ludowy and surroundings (architectural details), then transfer to Zabłocie.
Lunch: café/restaurant with outdoor seating in the MOCAK/Zabłocie area — a break and phone charging.
Afternoon: Vistula boulevards and the Bernatka footbridge — panoramic photos and a walk with the dog.
Evening: Błonia or one of the mounds (depending on the time of day) — sunset and a finish with a shared picnic or dinner.
Can I do group photos in Nowa Huta without permission? Yes — in public spaces (sidewalks, squares) you generally don’t need permission for short amateur sessions. If you use professional equipment, tripods, lighting or want to block part of a space, contact the district office or the landowner.
Can dogs enter museums and theatres? Usually not — most cultural institutions do not allow accompanying animals without prior arrangement. Outdoors and in cafés with terraces there’s usually no problem.
How to keep the group comfortable during a session? Plan short breaks every 30–45 minutes, bring bottled water, snacks and a contingency plan for bad weather.
Are these places good for TikTok? Yes — short sequences with contrasts (concrete vs greenery), handheld dynamic shots and wide panoramas from the mounds work very well.
In Zabłocie and the centre you’ll find cafés and restaurants with varied interiors and terraces — great places to wrap up a session and rest. I recommend calling ahead to reserve a space for a larger group.
If you want to try local cuisine after a full day, choose restaurants with spacious dining rooms or terraces — many can accommodate larger groups without trouble.
For coffee and cakes: the centre and Kazimierz have numerous cafés with Instagrammable decor — convenient final stops for the route.
Respect residents — many of these places are residential areas. Avoid setting groups on private driveways, entering stairwells without permission or shooting through fences.
Keep the area clean — pick up after your pets and don’t leave picnic trash.
Mind safety — don’t obstruct traffic and don’t block pedestrian crossings.
Krakow has more faces than many tourists expect: alongside medieval alleys you’ll find large postwar architectural realizations that make excellent photographic backdrops and settings for group outings. Nowa Huta and its surrounding spaces offer a unique chance to take photos with strong character while enjoying the outdoors with your group and pet.
If you’d like, I can help plan a detailed route tailored to your start point, schedule and food preferences — tell me where you’re starting from and how much time you have and I’ll prepare a step-by-step proposal.
Have a great visit and many successful shots! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
