Kraków practically begs to be photographed — from the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, through the atmospheric courtyards of Kazimierz, to the green Planty and the riverside boulevards. Below is a subjective, carefully prepared list of 10 places that reliably produce great and often very pleasing photographic results — with practical tips on when and how to shoot them.
1. Planty — the green ring of the Old Town: Planty were created on the site of the old city walls and today form a convenient park belt around the historic centre. The best shots are taken early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and there are fewer pedestrians. Look for compositional “frames” made by paths, benches, lanterns and traces of former fortifications — portraits and lifestyle shots often work very well here.
2. Wawel and the Vistula boulevards: Wawel is a classic, but instead of the usual angle try the perspective from the Vistula boulevards or from the Bernatka footbridge at sunset — the castle reflects beautifully and gains a warm tone. Note: some museum interiors restrict photography or prohibit tripods.
3. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall: the largest medieval square in Europe is a must-see. Morning and evening are the best times — in the morning you can capture an almost empty square, while in the evening the lights of restaurants and street lamps create a romantic mood. Experiment with side streets (Kanonicza, Senacka) — there you’ll find less obvious compositions.
4. Kazimierz — atmospheric streets and murals: Kazimierz mixes history with an alternative vibe. The area around Szeroka Street and the synagogues makes an excellent background for portraits; also seek out hidden courtyards, murals and cozy cafés with mood lighting (for example Massolit). In the evening streets lit with string lights and neon signs give strong, contrasting effects.
5. Vistula boulevards — lifestyle and sunsets: a walk along the Vistula is ideal for city-nature photos. Bridges, benches, kayaks and the Wawel skyline offer many possibilities. The best light is at sunset or during the so-called “blue hour.”
6. Zakrzówek — turquoise water and rocky shores: one of the city’s most “wow” spots, especially in summer. The water and white limestone shores contrast with the greenery — perfect for outdoor portrait sessions. In bright sun use a polarizer to bring out the water’s color.
7. Kanonicza Street and surroundings: one of the most beautiful lanes of the Old Town, with townhouses and steps leading toward the river. This spot gives elegant architectural frames and classic portraits with historic buildings in the background.
8. Kraków’s mounds (Kopiec Krakusa, Kopiec Kościuszki): vantage points offering panoramas from a different perspective. Sunrise from a mound can produce very picturesque, cinematic shots. When planning a session, consider weather and transport — the climb can be demanding with heavy gear.
9. Błonia — wide perspectives and open space: ideal for lifestyle, family and outdoor sessions that benefit from a roomy horizon. In spring Błonia and the Planty bloom with lovely colors; in summer the wide sky and natural light make the photographer’s job easier.
10. Zabłocie and the Schindler Factory area — street art and industrial details: for contrasty frames choose Zabłocie with its murals, modern facades and industrial textures. A great place if you’re after a more urban look.
Planty are not a single park but a belt of green space that encircles the historic centre of Kraków, created in the 19th century on the site of the old city walls. This park ring consists of many paths, flowerbeds, monuments and resting spots, which gives you varied backgrounds without travelling far from the Market Square.
Photography tips: in the morning (before 9:00) Planty are clearest of crowds and offer the best light for portraits and detail shots. In summer look for shade and the soft light under trees, in autumn use the warm tones of leaves. Compositions that include benches, lamps and fragments of pale stone reminiscent of the old walls work very well. Planty are public and free, so they’re perfect for budget-friendly sessions.
Also pay attention to preserved fragments of Florian Gate and the Barbican in the northern part — combining architectural details with greenery creates attractive contrasts.
The golden hour (about an hour before sunset and just after sunrise) is classic — soft, warm light that softens shadows and emphasizes the texture of stone. Against Kraków’s historic architecture this effect looks particularly nice.
If you want to avoid crowds in the Market and Kazimierz, plan shoots very early (just after sunrise) or after 8 p.m. in summer. During the day look for shaded spots (Planty, narrow side streets) or use a reflector/polarizer to control contrast.
Weather: light fog and low sun create atmospheric, painterly frames; dramatic skies with clouds add tension. Don’t cancel because of rain — wet cobbles and reflections make excellent night photos.
Many cultural institutions in Kraków honour student IDs (including ISIC and local university cards) and offer reduced admission. Discounts typically apply to people up to about 26 years old, full-time students and holders of international student cards.
Keep in mind: discounts vary between institutions — some museums and cultural centres offer permanent reduced-price tickets, others have free-entry days or special youth offers; rules for cultural events (concerts, temporary exhibitions) differ and not all discounts can be combined; before visiting check current rules on the organiser’s website.
Practical tip: carry a valid student ID (physical or electronic) and an ISIC card if you have one — some promotions or city programmes require it. Occasionally universities or organisers reserve a block of tickets for students, so watch local announcements.
Composition: use leading lines (Planty alleys, the edges of cobbles), frames (windows, gates) and layers (foreground, midground, background) — this instantly raises the quality of a photo.
Gear: for urban shooting a 24–70 mm zoom is versatile, while portraits often work best with a 50 or 85 mm. A wide-angle (16–24 mm) helps with architecture; a tele lens is useful for compressing perspective. For smartphones use portrait mode and avoid digital zoom.
Tripod and restrictions: tripods help with night shots, but some places (museums, historic interiors, certain promenades) prohibit tripods or flash — always check rules for a given location.
Working with people: when photographing strangers be polite — a short request, a smile or a brief chat often results in more natural portraits and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Shooting in the middle of the day without a plan — harsh shadows and blown-out skies. Fix: move the session to morning/evening or look for shade (Planty, narrow streets).
Not checking venue rules — some exhibitions, sacred interiors and temporary displays limit photography or tripod use. Fix: check the institution’s regulations online or ask staff before shooting.
Focusing only on the “must-have” shots — repeating the same tourist images. Fix: change your perspective, search for details, try black-and-white conversions or distant compositions.
Rude behaviour — blocking walkways, placing a model on private property, ignoring signs. Fix: respect others, honour residents’ privacy and don’t occupy public space unnecessarily.
After a shoot it’s nice to sit in a pleasant place. In Kraków consider photogenic, well-rated cafés and restaurants: Cafe Camelot (an atmospheric spot on ul. Świętego Tomasza), Massolit Books & Cafe (a bookshop with a café in Kazimierz) and Restauracja Starka (traditional Polish cuisine in a cosy setting). These places have good reputations and offer great photo backgrounds for coffee or a meal.
If you need photographer-friendly accommodation, choose small hotels or guesthouses around the Old Town or Kazimierz — they save travel time for early sessions. Check guest reviews and interior photos to avoid surprises on arrival.
Dining note: in summer reserve a table for popular terraces and restaurants around the Market — places fill up fast in high season.
Are the Planty free to visit? Yes — Planty are a public city park and access to paths and benches is free.
Do students get free museum entry? It depends on the museum. Many cultural institutions offer reduced tickets for students (often up to age 26) or have free-entry days. It’s best to check a specific museum’s website before visiting.
Can I do a professional photo shoot in public spaces? Personal and amateur photography is generally allowed in public spaces, but commercial sessions may require permission from the landowner or a formal permit — for example on sites managed by cultural institutions or at Wawel. Ask in advance to be sure.
How do I avoid crowds in the Market Square? Come very early in the morning, visit outside the peak summer season, or plan shots in narrow side streets and courtyards where crowds are much thinner.
Can I use a drone in Kraków? Drone rules in cities are strict — there are zone restrictions and flights over gatherings or near historic sites can be prohibited. Check current regulations and no-fly zones before using a drone.
Planty are not one continuous park but a series of smaller green fragments created in the 19th century on the site of the former city walls — that’s why the ring so faithfully surrounds the Old Town.
Many locals say the best photos of the Market are taken not in the square itself but from neighbouring steps and narrow streets — there the light and composition are often more interesting.
There are days when some museums offer free or symbolic entry for youth and students — a great opportunity to combine a photo walk with access to interiors usually off-limits for photography.
Pack the essentials: a spare battery, memory card, a small reflector or polarizing filter, a compact tripod (if you plan night shots) and water. Being organised reduces stress and helps you get better frames.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring an offline map — many interesting spots lie at the junctions of small streets. Allow time for local events (markets, parades) that may affect access.
If you plan a portrait session, agree on a backup date and prepare several alternative locations from the top‑10 list — this helps you adapt to changing weather.
If this article helped, share it with friends or on social media — it will be useful to anyone visiting Kraków with a camera. You’re also invited to send your favourite spots — the list will be updated next time.
If you want to explore Kraków with someone who knows the city inside out and can point out the best angles and optimise a route for a photo session, consider booking a session with tour leader Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and booking details are available on the guide’s own page. This saves time and gives access to local, tried-and-tested spots. Have fun and great shots in Kraków!
If you’d like, I can prepare a short 2–4 hour photo route tailored to the time of day and the types of photos you want (portraits, architecture, urban nature). Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll suggest a plan.
