You are coming to Krakow and wondering: what to do, which places are worth seeing in 2025, and above all — can you take photos while sightseeing? This text is meant to help you plan a day (or a few) in the city, especially in the picturesque Podgórze district, and to explain the most important photography rules so your visit is stress-free and full of great shots.
I will write in simple language, without technical jargon. Here you will find route suggestions, practical tips and rules worth remembering so you don't get an unpleasant surprise while taking photos.
Walk around the Old Town and the Main Market Square - a classic that always works: Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall), St. Marys Basilica, the Planty park, cafes and ice cream on the square.
Kazimierz and its atmospheric eateries - the former Jewish quarter offers atmosphere, street art and great places to eat.
Podgórze - less crowded, interesting museums, original architecture and memorial sites that are worth seeing in peace.
Museums and exhibitions - in 2025 Krakow hosts many temporary and permanent exhibitions, from history to contemporary art.
Activities along the Vistula - walking, cycling or a boat ride; good spots to relax and photograph at sunset.
Festivals, concerts and city events - in season there are many outdoor events, check the calendar for the day you arrive.
Podgórze is a district with character - it combines industrial history, memorial sites and friendly local cafes. Here you will find former factory grounds, places connected with 20th century history and atmospheric riverside boulevards.
Museums and exhibitions: Podgórze hosts interesting branches of city museums where you can learn about the districts history and transformations. Many of these places have permanent and temporary exhibitions worth checking before you visit.
Memorial sites and architecture: in this part of the city you will find spaces connected to World War II history, as well as historic bridges, tenement houses and pleasant squares perfect for a stroll.
Riverside boulevards and bridges: a great place for a morning or evening walk. Views of the river create many photographic possibilities, especially in the golden hour.
Start: a corner cafe - begin the day with local coffee and a map on your phone. Local cafes are often a great place to catch the districts vibe.
Factory / museum - visit a local museum (check opening hours and photography rules before entering).
Walk to the river and over a bridge - head to the boulevards, stop by the bridges, look for shots with an interesting perspective on the river and the city skyline.
Memorial sites / open-air spaces - visit memorial spaces and monuments, keeping respect and calm for the place.
End of the route: dinner in one of Podgórzes cozy restaurants - a perfect moment to review the days photos and plan the next day of sightseeing.
Generally: yes - photographing in public spaces in Krakow is allowed. But there are important exceptions and rules you should know to avoid trouble.
New regulations for special objects: from April 17, 2025 new rules prohibit photographing and filming certain military objects and critical infrastructure without permission. Such places are (or will be) clearly marked with a special sign - if you see a camera crossed out or a notice of prohibition, do not take photos.
Pay attention to signs and instructions from authorities: if there are boards informing about a photography ban, an announcement or staff asks you not to take photos - comply. Sometimes the ban covers a whole zone, other times a specific object.
Use common sense in urban spaces: photograph monuments, streets, bridges and panoramas. Avoid photographing interiors of objects marked with a ban or images that may invade people's privacy (for example, photos in changing rooms or inside private homes without consent).
Each museum has its own rules regarding photography. Common rules include: no flash, no tripods, prohibition of photographing certain rooms or exhibits and restrictions on professional equipment.
Practical example: in many institutions flash is banned because intense light can harm delicate exhibits. If you want to take a photo inside an exhibition, turn off the flash and try not to use a tripod unless you have permission.
Memorial sites and history museums often have additional rules - keep silence and respect, do not stage photographic scenes that may be perceived as inappropriate.
Before you enter: check the institutions rules on their website or ask at the ticket desk. This is the quickest way to avoid trouble and an awkward conversation with staff.
Drone flights in the city are subject to aviation regulations and local restrictions. In many parts of Krakow, especially near the airport, the city center and areas with heavy traffic, drone flights are limited or require permission.
If you plan aerial photos: check applicable civil regulations, no-fly zones and requirements for notifications or permits. Irresponsible drone use in the city can result in a fine or confiscation of equipment.
Alternative: if you want high viewpoints without formalities, look for viewing points or legal observation terraces, which often provide equally nice perspectives on the city.
If you plan a photoshoot for commercial purposes (advertising, product photography, models in front of monuments), the safest approach is to ask the owner of the place for permission or obtain a formal permit. Some institutions and private spaces require a fee or a signed agreement.
Using tripods, flash units and large equipment in crowded places can bother others - schedule shoots during off-peak hours or rent a space where you can work without disruption.
Remember image rights: if people are recognizable in your photos, professional use may require their consent.
What is good to have with you:
- a charged phone and a powerbank,
- a small camera or mirrorless, a light travel tripod (use only where allowed),
- a spare memory card and an extra battery,
- comfortable shoes, water and a snack,
- a map or app with current opening hours of museums and events.
What to avoid and how to behave:
- do not use flash in museums and near delicate exhibits,
- do not set up a tripod where it blocks others,
- do not photograph objects marked with a photography ban (especially military objects and critical infrastructure),
- respect memorial sites - avoid staging and noise,
- if you plan to fly a drone - check the regulations and no-fly zones first.
Industrial architecture and renovated buildings - look for interesting textures, details and contrasts between old and new.
Riverside boulevards at golden hour - beautiful light, reflections in the river and the city panorama in the background.
Streets and alleys with local murals and cafes - perfect for street photography and portraits.
Memorial sites and monuments - photograph with sensitivity and respect; most often youll get better shots by keeping distance and calm.
Planning: before your visit check opening hours and the current photography rules at the museum or place you want to see - this will save disappointment.
Respect: treat memorial sites and exhibitions with sensitivity. Sometimes the best photo comes from standing to the side and letting the scene live naturally.
Flexibility: if you encounter a photography ban - dont argue. Instead, learn the history of the place and come back another afternoon for a photo walk where photography is allowed.
Enjoy the city: Krakow is not only photo spots - its people, flavors and sounds. Take pictures, but also sometimes put the camera down and simply savor the moment.
Warm regards and see you in Krakow!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz
