Krakow is one of those cities where almost every corner can become an Instagram hit — from the historic alleys of Kazimierz to the industrial scenes of Zabłocie. For lovers of bricks and minifigures there’s also a treat in town: the Bricks & Figs museum, featuring an extensive exhibition of sets and minifigures, an interactive play area and a café.
This guide combines classic photospots with less obvious places, suggests the best times to come for photos, which cafés to choose for dessert, and how to plan a visit to the brick museum to avoid queues. All written in a friendly tone — so you’ll feel like a local even if it’s your first visit.
1. Kazimierz (Józefa Street, Plac Nowy, atmospheric courtyards) — perfect for moody portraits and street photography; murals and cobbles give shots a unique character.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — a classic that can’t be missing from your album; best shots are early morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller.
3. Wawel and the Vistula boulevards — castle panoramas, reflections in the water and romantic sunset frames.
4. Father Bernatek Footbridge (Bernatka) — photogenic truss bridge with a “padlock” detail; angled shots and night lights give interesting effects.
5. Krakus Mound and Kościuszko Mound — excellent viewpoints over the city, especially at sunset.
6. Kanonicza Street — a Renaissance backdrop without huge crowds; great for elegant portrait shots.
7. Vistula boulevards and bridges (Dębnicki, Bernatka) — summer walks, neons and water reflections create atmospheric frames.
8. Botanic Garden and the greenhouse — greenery and flowers as a natural backdrop, ideal in spring and summer.
9. Zabłocie and abandoned industrial spaces — raw, characterful backdrops for bolder sessions (remember safety and legal access).
10. Tyniec — the monastery and picturesque views from the opposite bank of the Vistula; a perfect spot for a calm, postcard-style photo series.
Best times: early morning (around before 9:00) and late afternoon (golden hour) — fewer people and better light. If you want a photo on the Market Square without crowds, consider visiting just after sunrise.
Night shots: the Bernatka footbridge and the Vistula boulevards look great after dark — bring a tripod or use phone stabilization.
Respect the space: don’t block walkways or architectural details; narrow Kazimierz streets fill up quickly — be courteous while photographing.
Permits: for commercial shoots it’s best to contact site administration in advance (some areas require permission).
Bricks & Figs is a museum of bricks and minifigures that attracts both children and adult collectors. On site you’ll find a wide exhibition of rare sets and minifigures, an interactive play zone and a well-stocked shop.
In practice: a typical visit lasts about 1–1.5 hours, though fans can spend much longer. There’s also a café in the museum — a great place to rest after exploring and to take a few cozy interior photos.
Tickets and planning: tickets are sometimes available at the ticket desk, but during busy times it’s worth booking online in advance to avoid queues. Check opening hours before you go — some days and seasonal changes affect availability.
For families: the museum offers a play area and dedicated spaces for the youngest visitors. If you’re visiting with children, check rules for cloakrooms and safety requirements (for example, socks may be required in play zones).
Cake Dealer — often recommended for modern, creative cakes; try their various cheesecakes.
SO Cafe (SO cafe Habitat) — a well-known café with good cheesecakes and warm desserts; friendly interior and high-quality ingredients.
Miód i Malina (Miod Malina) — a restaurant/café well ranked locally; their desserts impress with classic and seasonal compositions.
Chimney Cake Bakery — popular for its take on the Slovak-Hungarian trdelník (a fun street dessert and very photogenic).
Cukiernia Pod Arkadami and other traditional patisseries — if you want classic pastries and shorter lines, choose a well-rated bakery away from the busiest central spots.
Practical note: if you want a photo of a takeaway dessert in front of a photospot, consider the time of day — creamy desserts lose shape faster in heat.
Morning plan: start with an early walk around the Market Square and Kanonicza Street — golden light and few people. Then head to Kazimierz with a coffee break in a stylish café.
Midday: visit Bricks & Figs (if you plan to go) — booking a ticket for the afternoon gives you time for lunch before the exhibition.
Afternoon and evening: the boulevards or a mound for sunset, and then dessert in one of the recommended cafés or patisseries. For night shots, Bernatka and the illuminated Wawel look exceptional.
Arriving at the Market Square at peak midday and complaining about crowds — better to wake up early or save the Market for late afternoon.
No charged battery or storage — shoot strategically and carry a powerbank. It’s basic but essential for anyone who wants good material.
Not checking opening hours and rules — especially for museums and cafés with limited capacity; online booking can save your day.
Being overly intrusive while posing in public places — remember locals and other tourists; respect privacy and shared space.
Do I need to buy Bricks & Figs tickets in advance? — Not always, but during busy times or weekends it’s better to reserve online to avoid waiting in line.
Where to get dessert if I’m near the Market Square? — instead of stalls right in the square, walk a few streets away to find highly rated cafés and patisseries with smaller crowds.
Are photospots in Kazimierz safe for equipment? — generally yes, but watch out for crowds and pickpockets; leave valuables safe while shooting.
Can you take photos in Bricks & Figs? — Yes, photos are allowed, but follow display rules and respect other visitors (avoid flash on delicate exhibits).
Krakow offers a wide variety of photospots — from historic alleys to modern installations. Sometimes the least obvious spot (a courtyard, gate or side street) creates the best frame.
The brick museum is not just for kids — many adult collectors visit specifically to see unique minifigures and rare sets. It’s also a calm, creative place for interior photography.
Not every popular photospot is suitable for a wedding session — some places are too crowded or noisy; for important shoots consider a less obvious angle and arrange permissions in advance.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — let others know where in Krakow to take photos and enjoy a delicious dessert.
If you want to explore Krakow stress-free with local care, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact details are available on the guide’s website. With Małgorzata you’ll plan routes more easily and discover less obvious gems of the city. Thank you for reading and happy shooting!
