Krakow is a city where even a random frame can look like a postcard — from the medieval lanes of the Old Town, through the artistic Kazimierz, to the turquoise shades of Zakrzówek. This guide gathers 10 spots that work great on Instagram, Reels and TikTok, and for each location I add practical tips to help your photos and videos look their best.
1) St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican — an Old Town classic: brick walls, medieval character and strong perspective. Remember the gate is over 30 meters tall and looks great in the soft light of morning or evening.
2) Floriańska Street and the Planty — the long perspective of the cobbled street framed by the green Planty park makes elegant vertical and horizontal shots; the Planty were created on the site of the former city walls and form a green ring around the center.
3) Kanonicza Street and the Alley of the Unbelieving Thomas — narrow, atmospheric lanes with historic townhouses and architectural details; even simple portraits here gain a historic mood.
4) The Small Market (Mały Rynek) and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — pastel facades, market activity and architectural details create a universal backdrop for photos and short clips.
5) Kazimierz (Józefa Street, Wolnica Square) — murals, cafes and atmospheric corners; a great place for street-style shots and soulful, moody compositions.
6) Father Bernatek Footbridge (Bernatek Bridge) — a bridge with views over the Vistula and Wawel panorama, very photogenic at sunset.
7) Zakrzówek — rocky shores and turquoise water that feel almost like the seaside; excellent for outdoor shoots, but take care around cliffs and follow local safety rules.
8) Krakus Mound and other viewing mounds — a city panorama at sunrise or sunset is a guaranteed impressive shot.
9) Vistula Boulevards and Czerwieński Boulevard — water reflections, a riverside promenade and views of Wawel Castle; good for lifestyle frames.
10) Hidden gardens, courtyards and murals (Zabłocie, Podgórze) — look for small, enclosed spaces off the main route; they are often less crowded and very 'Instagrammable'.
The best times are early morning (before 9:00) and the golden hour in the evening. At these moments the light is soft and tourist traffic is lower.
On weekends and during high season the Old Town fills up — if you want empty frames, choose a weekday or very early hours.
Plan according to light direction: for example St. Florian's Gate and Floriańska Street look great in morning and evening light, while the Vistula boulevards are especially nice at sunset.
For Reels/Stories choose vertical framing; for portrait photos place the subject against leading lines (Floriańska Street, cobbles, arcades).
Look for symmetry at gates and entrances; use surrounding elements: benches in the Planty, puddle reflections, staircases and architectural details.
For short videos plan a simple narrative: entrance into frame — detail — reaction. Change shots every few seconds to keep viewer attention.
Cafe Camelot (ul. Kanonicza) — atmospheric interior perfect for a break and for more frames over a cup of coffee.
Massolit Bakery (Kazimierz) — good coffee and baked goods, often recommended by photographers and bloggers.
Metrum Restobistro and other cafes in Kazimierz — great spots to rest after a session and recharge devices.
Pizzeria Cyklop — a simple, tasty place recommended by locals; a good quick meal after an intense photo day.
Zakrzówek is beautiful, but some areas are not adapted for visitors — watch out for steep cliffs and obey signs. Do not go off marked paths.
Check drone rules before flying — there are restrictions in the city center and near historic monuments.
Be mindful of horses and carriages around the Market Square — they are picturesque but can be unpredictable and may disrupt a shot.
The Paid Parking Zone covers Krakow center and is divided into subzones A, B and C — the center (A) is the most expensive. Payments are easiest via apps or parking meters.
It's often best to leave the car in underground garages at Galeria Krakowska or park on the outskirts and use public transport — this saves time and stress.
If you plan a short session, consider using public transport or a taxi so you don't waste time searching for a spot.
Assuming the center always offers free parking — plan in advance to avoid wasting time and money.
Setting up equipment so it blocks passage — respect residents and pedestrians; avoid creating bottlenecks.
Taking photos in dangerous or private places without permission — ask the owner and avoid risky descents near Zakrzówek cliffs.
Can I use a tripod in the Old Town? Usually yes, but during busy hours it's better to stick to short handheld shots to avoid blocking the way.
Where is the best place to park near St. Florian's Gate? The nearest convenient options are larger underground garages and paid parking close to the center; park there and continue on foot.
Are night photos allowed? Yes — illuminated monuments give great effects, just remember safety and a sturdy tripod.
The Planty park was created on the site of former defensive walls — walking them is like walking through the city's history, often offering a calmer perspective on the monuments.
The Barbican is one of the few circular city fortifications in Europe preserved in good condition — it makes a strong historic backdrop for photos.
Krakus Mound is sometimes less popular than Kościuszko Mound, but it offers a raw, cinematic panorama of the city, especially attractive at sunrise.
If this guide helped you plan a photography route in Krakow, share it with friends and on social media — let more people discover these frames.
If you'd like to explore Krakow with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz and learn the best photographic routes beyond the usual trail, I invite you to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
