Kraków combines history, picturesque architecture and green corners, while Wadowice adds strong local history and a cozy, compact market. Together they create a route where you can capture a variety of aesthetics — from medieval postcard views to street art and atmospheric café interiors.
If you want content for Instagram or short TikTok videos, plan shots for different times of day: early morning for empty streets and soft light, late afternoon golden hour for panoramas, and evening for illuminated scenes.
Wawel is a must-see: shots from the Vistula Boulevards with the castle in the background look fantastic at sunset. Remember that the best perspective is often from the opposite bank of the Vistula, where you can include both the castle and the river in one frame.
The Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall are the heart of the city. Colorful townhouses, St. Mary’s Basilica and the street atmosphere are very photogenic, but don't miss Kanonicza Street — narrow, historic and almost always giving a 'postcard' effect.
The Planty Park is perfect for green shots, especially in the morning when the city is just waking up. Strolling the alleys you’ll easily find charming paths, benches and fragments of historic walls that work well as backgrounds.
Kazimierz is full of courtyards, murals and cozy interiors. Szeroka Street, narrow nooks and numerous eateries make a great backdrop for street sessions or short video scenes.
Zabłocie is the place for lovers of an industrial look — abandoned halls, modern murals and trendy architecture give images a raw, creative character.
If you’re looking for interiors, pay attention to well-rated cafés and bakeries that combine good coffee with an aesthetic interior. Add a few of them to your plan — they’re often recommended by photographers and bloggers.
Zakrzówek is one of those places that, in good weather, looks like an overseas travel catalog: turquoise water, cliffs and wooden platforms. When planning a session, remember safety and that not all sections are accessible; stick to marked paths.
The Vistula Boulevards offer light lifestyle shots with city panoramas and reflections on the water. A walk between the bridges is a great place to film a short reel or a sequence of stories showing changing light.
Krakus Mound, Kościuszko Mound and other mounds offer wide city panoramas and make excellent backgrounds for dusk photos. They’re also great for drone shots if you have the proper permissions and follow local rules.
It’s worth getting up earlier to catch sunrise — most mounds are much less crowded in the morning, which means calmer frames and more natural shots.
Look for murals and small colorful streets off the beaten path — from Podgórze to the side streets of Kazimierz you’ll find unusual backgrounds and less frequented outdoor scenes.
Sometimes the best frames are in the details: sculpture ornaments, an old townhouse with an interesting plaster texture, or a cheerful garden next to a café. Walk around with your camera and keep your eyes open for these 'micro-gems'.
Wadowice is best known as the birthplace of John Paul II; the market (John Paul II Square) and the basilica create a very recognizable, atmospheric backdrop. Shots of the pope’s family home and the market itself carry strong emotional and historical weight.
Wadowice cream cakes (kremówki) are a must-have culinary prop for photos — a well-framed shot of the dessert with the historic market in the background will do very well on social media. If you plan to post, try to photograph it in natural light, for example by a café window or in an outdoor seating area.
The Family Home of John Paul II Museum and the Basilica are worth visiting not only for photos but also to learn the history. When planning a visit, check opening hours and rules for photography inside sacred places and museums.
In Kraków you’ll find many places that combine great food with beautiful interiors — choose venues with high ratings and popularity among locals. Plan at least one breakfast in a photogenic café and a dinner in a restaurant with a view or a cozy interior.
In Wadowice, look for places around the market: several cafés and patisseries specialize in local treats and offer comfortable outdoor seating that works wonderfully as a photo background.
If you value interior photography, choose accommodation with interesting architecture or boutique guesthouses — they often give the most opportunities for morning and evening shots.
When to take photos? The best times are the golden hours at sunrise and sunset and the early morning if you want to avoid crowds. Be prepared for changing weather and have an alternative plan for interiors.
Do I need permission to use a tripod? In public spaces you can usually use a tripod, but some museums, sacred interiors or private venues may have restrictions. Always ask staff or check the venue rules.
How to avoid crowds? Choose weekdays, come early in the morning or plan visits outside the high season. At popular spots, plan short photo stops and then move on — this helps you get the shot and shows respect to other visitors.
Can I fly a drone? Drones are regulated and often banned in city centers and near monuments. Check local regulations and no-fly zones before you take off.
Trying to get the 'perfect' shot, many tourists forget to respect sites and local communities. Don’t block walkways, don’t climb fences and remember that not every place is a set for photos.
Another mistake is poor time planning: too short a stay at popular spots leads to rushed shots. Give yourself time to walk and observe the light.
Over-editing is also common — heavy retouching can erase what makes a place beautiful. Natural light and authenticity often work best.
Check local cultural events — festivals, markets and open-air concerts add unique atmosphere and look great in short videos.
Search for details instead of only big panoramas — close-ups of handcrafted signs, tiles, sculptures or mural fragments give an original feed without competing with hundreds of identical shots.
Change perspective: a lower viewpoint, building symmetry or framing the shot with plants can turn a familiar place into a fresh image.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — that’s the best way to help other visitors discover beautiful spots and learn how to respect them.
If you want to explore Kraków or Wadowice with someone who knows the best spots and can tailor the route to your photographic expectations, consider booking a private tour with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and booking information are available on the guide's website.
Good luck with your shots and safe travels — may your photos capture the spirit of these unique places!
