Krakow brings together different worlds — the historic center with stone façades, the artistic Kazimierz, the industrial Nowa Huta, and green areas like Zakrzówek or Las Wolski. This variety means everyone can find a scene they love: postcard cityscapes, cozy cafés, views from the mounds, and places perfect for outdoor shoots. Below I collected practical tips and a list of spots worth visiting with a camera or phone.
If you plan a session at popular spots, plan the time (sunrise or late afternoon) — streets are less crowded then and the light adds atmosphere to photos. Below: my TOP 10 and a few less obvious suggestions.
1. Wawel and the Vistula boulevards – a classic worth returning to. The castle and cathedral offer great architectural detail shots, and a walk along the boulevards gives panoramas of Wawel reflected in the Vistula.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – the city’s heart: energy, architecture, St. Mary’s Basilica and tram atmospheres in the background. Early morning or late evening you’ll get more intimate shots without crowds.
3. Kazimierz (Plac Nowy, Józefa Street, Szeroka Street) – colorful signs, murals, cozy cafés and cobbled streets. Perfect for reportage-style frames and street portraits.
4. Zakrzówek – turquoise water and rocky cliffs inside the city. It can look like a “mini Mediterranean” and works well for outdoor and drone shots (remember drone rules).
5. Bernatek Footbridge and the Vistula boulevards – a great spot for sunsets, water reflections and lifestyle photos. The footbridge often attracts couples and wedding photographers.
6. Kanonicza Street – the most “medieval” lane in Krakow. Historic houses, cobbles and a calm atmosphere create an atmospheric backdrop without needing filters.
7. Kościuszko Mound / Krakus Mound – viewpoints where you can capture the city panorama. Sunrises and sunsets here are especially rewarding.
8. Nowa Huta (Central Square, industrial corners) – raw, cinematic mood. Ideal for those seeking unusual, strong compositions.
9. Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden and Jordan Park – greenery and seasonal colors (spring/autumn) offer beautiful natural backdrops for portraits.
10. Tyniec Abbey and Vistula areas outside the center – if you have time for a short trip outside the strict center, Tyniec offers peaceful frames with monastic architecture and the river in the background.
Izaaka Street and Kazimierz backstreets with tiny cafés, Willa Decjusza and Wola Justowska for elegant, "Parisian" frames, as well as Podgórze lanes and the area around Oskar Schindler’s Factory, where industrial elements meet the city’s history. These places often produce photos different from standard postcards.
Krakow has spots for pinball and arcade lovers — a great break from shooting and a source of original retro shots. The best-known locations include the classic Pinball Museum (located in a historic basement near Wawel), Krakow Arcade Museum and Pinball Station. In many of these places the ticket includes unlimited play on machines for the day, which is great fun and a chance to photograph interiors filled with blinking lights.
Remember that some museums are housed in historic cellars or halls, offering unique, atmospheric backdrops for photos (great for retro-style portraits). Check the rules about photography and whether tripods are allowed before your visit.
How to buy tickets to avoid queues: it’s best to reserve online, especially on weekends and during the tourist season. Many places offer different options: regular tickets, reduced tickets (e.g. for students), family tickets and membership or "friend of the museum" cards that provide discounts and unlimited entry.
Practical notes: family tickets can be cost-effective, and "open" tickets let you play all day. Some museums offer student discounts upon presenting a student ID. Check opening hours — weekday hours are often shorter than weekend hours. If you plan to take photos while playing, ask staff about flash and tripod rules.
Plan a sunrise visit if you want empty streets and soft light. The golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) gives the nicest colors and long shadows that add depth to photos.
If you shoot in crowded spots (the Market, Kazimierz), use a wider aperture or a faster shutter speed to "freeze" the scene and focus attention on your subject or detail. For architecture bring a wide-angle; for details and portraits take a 35–85 mm lens.
In museums and interiors (for example pinball venues in basements) raise ISO but keep an eye on noise. If you plan to use flash for interior shots: ask staff for permission, because flash is banned in some places.
1) Arriving at the busiest time of day — noon at the Market is crowded with harsh light. Solution: early morning or late afternoon.
2) Not checking photography rules at museums — some places ban tripods or flash. Solution: check the museum’s site or ask at the entrance.
3) Leaving equipment unsecured — open bags in crowded spots are a risk. Solution: carry a comfortable zippered bag and insure equipment if the trip is valuable.
4) Poor time planning — Krakow has many sights; pick 3–4 places per day so you’re not rushing around aimlessly.
A few well-liked places popular with photographers: Café Camelot (atmospheric interior in the center), Massolit Books & Café (a perfect spot for a book-and-coffee shot), Charlotte (breakfast and oven-baked bread on a photogenic background) and Mleczarnia in Kazimierz — each place has its own style and good reviews. If you plan a longer stay, choose accommodation near the Old Town, Kazimierz or Salwator — from these areas you can easily reach most photo spots.
Always check current reviews and book ahead for weekends. Local cafés often make great lifestyle photo backdrops, so if you want to shoot inside — ask staff for permission and choose a quieter time outside peak hours.
Can I take photos at Wawel and inside churches? – Outside, yes; inside, many churches prohibit flash or professional equipment without permission. Check rules for the specific site.
Do I need permission to fly a drone? – Yes, drone flights over urban areas and monuments require permissions and adherence to aviation rules; in the Wawel and city center areas drones are usually prohibited. Always check current regulations before flying.
Can I take photos in pinball museums? – Amateur photography is usually allowed, but rules vary (flash, tripods). Ask staff at the entrance.
How much time should I spend at a pinball venue? – With an "open" ticket and if you enjoy gaming, you can spend several hours; a standard visit is 1–2 hours, but fans often stay longer.
Zakrzówek was difficult to access a few years ago; now it’s very popular for photos — but it’s not always safe because of steep cliffs, so take care. Also remember that some of the most photogenic streets look best off-season, when locals return to their normal rhythm of life.
Another trick: morning walks through the Planty or Kazimierz lanes give peace and interesting encounters with local details (doors, signs, café garden nooks) that you rarely see in daytime photos.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media to help them plan a visit to Krakow. If you prefer touring with a guide, consider private guided tours with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and booking information are available via Zwiedzanie Krakowa. Private tours let you visit places at the best time of day and receive local tips tailored to your photographic interests. Great shots and safe travels!
