Kazimierz is a part of Krakow that naturally attracts cameras and phones — its atmospheric streets, courtyards with string lights, murals and cozy cafés create ready-made backdrops. If you travel as a pair and one of you wants to photograph every shot, the other can look after the pet for short periods — I write below about practical dog care options.
The best frames are taken early in the morning just after sunrise or during the golden hour in the evening. During the day, hunt for details — tiles, old doors, café backrooms and graffiti. Remember that some spots can be crowded, so planning and patience help get clean shots.
1. Kazimierz — Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and atmospheric courtyards: the bohemian center with bars, string lights and murals. This is where you can easily catch Krakow’s street vibe.
2. Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — a classic that always works in frame: St. Mary’s Church, historic townhouses and lively squares make a versatile backdrop.
3. Vistula River Boulevards — sunsets and reflections in the river bay give light, lifestyle shots ideal for reels.
4. Zakrzówek — turquoise waters and rocky shores reminiscent of a holiday scene, great for outdoor photos.
5. Kanonicza Street — a historic, picturesque lane with cobblestones and colorful townhouses — perfect for classic shots.
6. Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) — a less obvious viewpoint with city panoramas, excellent at sunrise and sunset.
7. Planty Park — the green belt around the old town, great for morning shots with soft light and seasonal colors.
8. Decjusz Villa and its garden — a calm, elegant background off the beaten path, good for styled sessions.
9. Cafés and interiors — local cafés provide ready-made backgrounds for food and lifestyle photos — plan a stop at a stylish café.
10. Jordan Park (Park Jordana) — green spaces ideal in autumn and spring when nature’s colors add depth to photos.
- Szeroka Street and its eateries — look for courtyards with string lights and decorated tables; this area offers many small, atmospheric frames.
- Plac Nowy — the characteristic cone stalls and market atmosphere create an interesting contrast in the frame; try shots from a height or from behind a table with a local snack.
- Murals and side streets — wander without a strict plan and catch unexpected backdrops; Kazimierz courtyards often surprise with details.
- Café interiors — if you plan food or lifestyle shots, choose a place with style, but always ask staff for permission before a shoot.
You have several reasonable options when you need to leave your dog for a few hours or overnight: a dog hotel/boarding facility, daytime care/doggy daycare, a dog sitter who comes to your apartment, or asking a friend or family member for help. The choice depends on the length of absence, your dog’s temperament and your budget.
Advantages of a dog hotel: regular care, contact with other dogs (if your pet enjoys that), often daily walks and meal options. A downside for some dogs may be stress from a new environment — it’s worth arranging a meet-and-greet visit beforehand.
Daycare or a dog sitter is a good solution for a few hours. A dog sitter can come to your home so your dog stays in a familiar environment. If you choose a hotel, plan to bring: the vaccination booklet, a favorite blanket and one toy — these help the pet settle in.
Szarikton — a small dog hotel with individual kennels and fenced play areas. Offers transport for an additional fee; rates start from around 100 PLN per night and decrease for longer stays. An introductory meeting is required before accepting a dog.
Hotel "Pchełka" — the facility offers stay options for different dog sizes, prices depend on size and date; transport within Krakow is available at a set rate, and there are requirements regarding vaccinations and preparation for the stay. Opening hours and payment rules are provided by the hotel.
PsieNocowanie — a small hotel offering meals, walks and care. Prices vary by size and length of stay, and owners often provide information before arrival. Call ahead to ask about availability and adaptation conditions.
Note - before leaving your dog always arrange a short meet-and-greet visit, check required health documents, ask about the socialization of dogs and whether the place has a quick contact option in case of problems.
- Do not leave your dog in a car, even for a short time — it can be dangerous, especially in summer.
- Prepare the vaccination booklet with records, deworming information and any details about medications if your dog takes them.
- Give the dog something familiar from home — a blanket or a toy — to reduce separation stress.
- If it’s the dog’s first stay at a hotel, arrange a short introductory visit and possibly a trial stay to check the pet’s reaction.
- Ask for the dog’s daily schedule at the care place — how many walks, whether there are play areas, and if there is contact with other dogs.
- Make sure your dog has an up-to-date ID tag and that your contact information is current.
- Golden hour — shoot just after sunrise or before sunset to get soft, warm light.
- Perspective — experiment with different camera heights: low shots on the cobbles and high shots from balconies or stairs create intriguing compositions.
- People in frame — passersby add life to images, but if you want a clean frame, come early in the morning.
- Details — string lights, doors, tiles, wall textures and foliage are great elements for close-ups and stories.
Can I take my dog to most cafés and restaurants in Kazimierz? - Many places accept dogs, but policies vary. It’s always worth asking staff at the entrance. Upscale interiors or places with buffet setups may be less dog-friendly, while relaxed cafés often accept small, well-behaved dogs.
Is it worth leaving my dog in a hotel for one or two hours during a photo session? - Hotels typically accept bookings by the night, but there are places offering daytime care or dog sitters who will come to your home. Check availability and pricing in advance.
How should I prepare my dog for the first stay at a hotel? - Bring the vaccination booklet, a favorite blanket, book an adaptation visit and inform caregivers about eating habits and any medications.
Can a caregiver pick up and return my dog? - Some hotels offer transport for an additional fee. Check the prices and rules for transport and any preparation needed for the trip.
Planning sightseeing in Krakow and taking photos in Kazimierz is easier when you have a solution for your dog. Book care in advance, bring the dog’s documents and favorite items, and plan your shots ahead to make the most of your time.
Short checklist before heading out for photos as a pair:
- Book care for your dog or a dog sitter if you plan a longer outing;
- Pack the vaccination booklet, a favorite blanket and a travel bowl for your dog;
- Agree on a meeting spot after sightseeing and make sure phones are charged;
- Plan the most important photo locations for morning or evening to avoid crowds.
Enjoy your sightseeing and great shots — Kazimierz has plenty of places you'll love, and a well-prepared pet will come back to you stress-free.
