Krakow surprises with photogenic scenes at every turn — from medieval walls and cobbled streets, through atmospheric Kazimierz corners, to the green Planty and the turquoise pockets at Zakrzówek. Having a ready list of 10 proven spots helps you plan your route faster, avoid the busiest crowds and come home with better photos or short videos for Reels and TikTok.
With a few simple photography tricks (planning the shot order, changing perspective, using light), one afternoon can turn into a mini shoot — and you won’t waste time running between spots that only look good in photos. Below you’ll also find practical info on how to get around, where to park and what to know about concession tickets at the Aviation Museum — especially useful when you’re visiting with family or a group.
1. St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican — a classic backdrop of red brick, strong architecture and a real sense of history; frames from here always look great.
2. Floriańska Street and the Planty — long street perspective, cobbles and green belt offer elegant, timeless compositions in both portrait and landscape formats.
3. Kanonicza Street and the Alley of Faithless Thomas — narrow, atmospheric lanes and stylish storefronts (for example on Kanonicza) are perfect for portraits and retro-style shots.
4. The Small Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — colourful townhouses and architectural details work well in dynamic frames and lifestyle photos.
5. Kazimierz (Józefa Street, Wolnica Square) — murals, cafés and cosy corners make an ideal backdrop for stories and short films.
6. Father Bernatek Footbridge — river and city panorama, especially picturesque at sunset.
7. Zakrzówek — rocky shores and turquoise water offer an unusual, highly photogenic contrast to the city’s monuments.
8. Krakus Mound and other viewing mounds — the city panorama from above is a great option at sunrise or dusk.
9. The Barbican and the Planty at night — lit-up walls and empty alleys create dramatic, moody evening photos.
10. Hidden gardens and courtyards of the Old Town — small enclosed spaces are often less crowded and allow for more intimate frames.
Central Krakow is covered by a Paid Parking Zone. The most convenient option is to leave your car in larger underground garages (for example at Galeria Krakowska) and continue exploring on foot. If you plan short sessions in the Old Town, consider public transport or a taxi — often faster than searching for a free space.
You’ll find fewer people and cleaner shots in the early morning (before 9:00) and late afternoon. Weekends are the busiest in the centre, so choose weekdays if you prefer calmer frames.
The Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow houses a large permanent exhibition of aircraft, engines and aviation memorabilia — a great place for interesting, unusual photos (for example inside cockpits or next to large fuselages). The museum’s address is al. Jana Pawła II 39, Krakow.
Ticketing is straightforward: full-price tickets, concession tickets and family or special tickets are usually available. Young children often enter free of charge; discounts exist for holders of certain cards (family cards, senior cards) and there are family/group options that can reduce the overall cost. Check current opening hours and concession details on the museum’s official pages before your visit, as offers and seasonal hours can change.
If you plan to visit with family or a group, look for family tickets and group discounts — they can significantly lower the cost. It’s also worth asking about guided tour reservations if you’d like stories behind the exhibits.
Plan short stories: a video with a clear narrative (entry, detail, reaction) holds viewers’ attention much better than one monotonous shot. Change scales: wide shots showing context cut to quick details — this works well on Reels and Stories.
Look for leading lines (Floriańska Street, arcades), symmetry (gates, entrances), reflections in puddles and unusual textures (brick, cobbles). For portraits, use flat frames with shallow depth of field; for panoramas, use a tripod or digital stabilization. Use natural light — the golden hour in the morning and evening is the best time for magical shots.
Cafe Camelot (Kanonicza) — atmospheric, often recommended for a coffee after a walk around the Old Town. The interior is photogenic and calm, ideal for a short rest between locations.
Metrum Restobistro and other cafés in Kazimierz are good spots to recharge your phone and plan the next stops. For a quick, tasty meal choose popular local places with good reviews and short waiting times if your shoot schedule is tight.
If you plan a longer outdoor session at Zakrzówek, bring snacks and water — nearby food trucks and cafés can be seasonal and may not always serve larger groups.
St. Florian’s Gate is part of the former city walls and is one of Krakow’s landmarks — it has impressive height and was historically tied to the city’s defences.
The Planty Park was created on the site of demolished defensive walls and forms a green ring around the Old Town, offering fresh perspectives and shade on hot days.
The Barbican is an example of medieval defensive architecture that survived to the present day; its shape makes it look excellent in both daytime and illuminated night photos.
Assuming you’ll always find free parking in the centre — plan a garage or use public transport to avoid wasting time looking for a spot.
Blocking passageways with a tripod or setting up equipment on private property without permission — always be mindful of other pedestrians and property owners.
Flying a drone in the strict city centre without checking rules — there are restrictions around historic sites, so check local regulations beforehand.
When is the best time to take photos in the morning? Before 9:00 — most places are still quiet and the morning light is soft.
Can I take photos at night? Yes, illuminated monuments create great effects. Remember safety and stabilizing your gear.
What discounts are available at the Aviation Museum? The museum offers concession tickets for children, youth, students and seniors, as well as family tickets. Check for combined promotions and special offers before visiting.
Bring a power bank — extended shooting and video quickly drain phones.
Carry a small lens-cleaning kit — dust and fingerprints can ruin a close-up shot.
Check the weather forecast and opening hours for indoor attractions (museums, cathedrals) if you plan to go inside.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others prepare for their visit and find the best shots.
If you want to discover Krakow off the beaten path and learn how to take photos like a pro, consider guided services with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and tour options are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck planning your session and see you in Krakow!
