If you’re planning to visit Kraków and want photos with soul — this route is tailored for you. The half-day program combines Wawel (the city’s most famous views, architectural details and royal chambers seen from outside the hill) with the Market Square Underground — a place loved by photographers and by anyone who values local stories. Everything takes place in an intimate 2–6 person group so everyone has room to shoot and can get individual tips.
I personally lead this route. As a licensed Kraków guide (licensed since 2012) I am authorized to guide on Wawel Hill and in the Market Square Underground, so I can provide access to the most interesting narratives that give context to your images.
The route is designed to blend great frames with a relaxed pace: we’ll talk about framing, best times of day, working with light and how to use urban details to give your photos a unique atmosphere.
Who is it for? Hobby photographers who want to improve their city photography, couples looking for romantic shots, small photo teams and anyone who prefers touring in a small group and asking questions without rush.
Duration: typically 3–4 hours (half a day). I adjust the pace to the group and photographic conditions.
Wawel: panoramas over the Vistula and the city, medieval walls, entrances, spots with the best perspectives on domes and the cathedral silhouette — ideal for sunrise and sunset photos; sculptural and architectural details look great in soft side light.
The Royal Route and Wawel surroundings: cobbled courtyards, atmospheric lanes, fragments of historic towers and gates — excellent for street-style shots and portraits set in a historic environment.
Market Square and the Market Square Underground: the Square is not only the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s with its towers and shafts of light; the Underground reveals the city’s hidden layer — archaeology, relics, fragments of old streets and structures that create unusual, highly textural compositions.
Practical photo profile: wide urban vistas, environmental portraits, architectural details, experiments with light and shadow in arcades and passages, and low-light shots in the underground (I’ll prepare you on how to set up your camera/phone).
During the walk I’ll point out exact spots and body positions, suggest focal lengths, exposure settings and how to use natural elements (benches, trees, arches) for composition.
Gear: a wide-angle (24–35 mm) and a versatile zoom (24–70 mm) or a bright standard lens for portraits. A fast lens (f/1.8–f/2.8) is useful for low-light shots, especially in the underground.
Phone or camera? A well-prepared phone performs very well, but a DSLR/mirrorless camera gives more control over depth of field and higher quality in low light.
Tripods and lights: many museums and historic sites restrict tripods and flash. Before setting up a tripod or using extra lighting, ask me — I’ll check the rules and we’ll decide what’s acceptable.
Batteries and memory cards: bring spare batteries and at least one extra memory card — half a day of intense shooting can use them up quickly.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes, light layers (Kraków’s weather can change over a few hours), and a compact umbrella in case of rain — part of the route involves walking between spots.
Light: the best light at Wawel and the Market is in the morning (just after sunrise) and late afternoon / golden hour. If you want shots without crowds — morning is the best choice.
Groups: the route is run in an intimate format — 2–6 people. This way everyone has space to work with their gear and I can focus on individual photographic needs.
Time: half a day (usually 3–4 hours). I tailor the program and pace to the group’s expectations — whether you prefer more architecture, portraits or detail shots.
Indicative price: the website lists current pricing options; a typical half-day price for a small group corresponds to 3–4 hours of guiding. Check for seasonal promotions — I’ll adapt the offer and confirm the cost when you book.
Additional tickets: some exhibitions and interiors (for example specific displays at Wawel) require separate tickets — these are purchased separately. Planning ahead helps avoid queues and sold-out slots.
Wawel reservations: due to Royal Castle rules, reservations and guiding services require advance notification. I therefore recommend booking with a few weeks’ notice, especially in high season.
Meeting point: we’ll choose a meeting spot that fits your plans — we can start at Wawel, at the Main Market Square or another convenient location. On booking we’ll agree on the place and time.
Sample 3-hour plan: meet and briefly discuss goals → walk Wawel Hill (panoramic shots and details) → follow the Royal Route to the Main Market Square (short stops for frames) → enter the Market Square Underground (archaeological shots and atmospheric underground photos) → wrap-up and individual photographic feedback.
A 4-hour plan allows longer portrait sessions and time to experiment with composition in several spots, plus a more relaxed visit to the underground.
I’ll adapt the route to your priorities: more portraits, more wide shots or focus on architectural detail.
If you have a specific project (e.g. fashion photography, engagement session) — let’s discuss it in advance. Commercial shoots may require additional permits.
Respect historic sites: please do not touch exhibits and move carefully around the sites. Some spaces have limited light and narrow passages — be mindful of other visitors.
Photography: private photos are usually allowed, but exhibitions or museums may have their own rules (e.g. no tripods, no flash, ban on commercial photography). At the start of the route I’ll remind you of the current rules and help decide where and how to set up equipment safely.
Safety: the Underground has uneven surfaces and stairs — comfortable footwear is a good idea. People with limited mobility should ask in advance about accessibility of specific parts of the route.
Consideration for others: quiet camera modes and respect for fellow visitors create better working conditions and nicer photos.
For sessions with models or professional equipment, please inform me at booking — I’ll check rules and help obtain any necessary permissions.
Can I bring a tripod? — Tripods are prohibited in some places. I always inform about current restrictions; if a tripod is necessary for your session, I’ll check permission beforehand.
Do I need tickets for Wawel/Underground? — Selected exhibitions and some areas of Wawel require tickets — they are paid separately. The Market Square Underground may also require an entry ticket. Buying tickets ahead often saves time.
How do I book the route? — Contact via the website form or a message — we’ll set the date, start point and photographic goals. For Wawel-related bookings it’s best to plan in advance (a few weeks).
Do you lead tours in English? — Yes, tours are available in English — details and prices are arranged individually.
What if it rains? — The route usually runs regardless of weather; part of the program in the underground protects from rain. We can also modify the route if conditions are particularly unfavorable.
When booking please write: preferred date and time, number of people, a short description of your equipment and photographic expectations (e.g. “portraits at golden hour”, “architectural details”, “engagement session”). This lets me tailor the route and check ticket availability.
I recommend booking ahead, especially in the tourist season and during city events. Short-notice bookings are possible but may be limited by ticket availability for interiors (e.g. Wawel).
I will prepare a quick list of places to visit and point out the best times of day for photos at each — so your half-day visit brings as much photographic satisfaction as possible.
If you have special requests (gear rental, model, make-up), write in advance — I’ll help arrange the logistics.
Contact and confirmation: after receiving your request I’ll confirm details and send brief organizational tips: meeting point, route plan and information about necessary tickets.
Look for detail — the most interesting stories often hide in small elements: a coat of arms, a keyhole, a carved ornament. Such photos complement wide city views perfectly.
Try different perspectives — crouch down, get closer, use leading lines (stairs, walls, roof edges).
Don’t be afraid of people in the frame — sometimes a passerby adds life to a photo. Remember to be respectful and discreet when photographing people.
Balance taking photos with listening to the stories — historical context can add depth to your pictures and help tell a visual story.
If you’d like, after the walk I can send a short email with a few notes on your photos (if you share samples) — a nice way to quickly polish your style.
If you dream of photos that recall not only places but also stories — join me for a half-day route around Wawel and the Market Square Underground. A small group of 2–6 people gives comfort for working with a camera and the chance to deeply learn the stories behind these sites.
Send a short message with dates and expectations — I’ll reply with a proposed program, options for timing (morning/sunset) and an indicative price. See you in Kraków!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz — licensed Kraków guide, ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com
PS: If you’d like, when you book I can suggest a short list of cafés and spots for a warm drink after the session — the perfect way to end a half-day photography tour in Kraków.
