Are you planning to shoot footage for a vlog, a short documentary, or just want exceptional holiday photos? Krakow offers a huge playground — from turquoise reservoirs, through the historic lanes of Kazimierz, to long boulevards along the Vistula. In this article I’ll point out which places are worth visiting, when the light is best, and what practical things to consider so your shots come out great and stress-free.
I won’t list rigid “one-minute” routes — instead I’ll highlight locations and give tips on how to get the most film-and-photo potential from them. The tone is friendly and practical — aimed at visitors who want to see Krakow through the eyes of a cinematographer and photographer.
You can use this as a source of inspiration for a 1–3 day shooting plan. At the end there’s a short one-day filming route — if you only have a single day, it’s worth planning it well.
Welcome — Małgorzata (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
Zakrzówek is one of those spots that instantly catches the camera’s eye — turquoise water, limestone shores and wooden piers create frames that look like a seaside resort, and yet you’re right inside the city. It’s perfect for close-up shots (textures of rock, reflections in the water) and for outdoor scenes with people in the frame.
Practical tips: arrive early on weekday mornings when there are fewer people and the light is soft; late afternoons give a nice warm tone. During the season the bathing area may have entry limits and designated swimming zones — if you need isolated shots, check access and respect bathing areas.
Drone filming: Zakrzówek offers beautiful aerial perspectives, but drone regulations, privacy and safety rules apply. Obtain permissions if you plan extended production work.
The Vistula boulevards are an excellent place for photos and footage linked to urban lifestyle, sunsets and reflections on the water. Long promenades, benches facing the river and occasional industrial character of the riverbank give wide compositional options — from panoramic city shots to intimate frames with architectural details.
The best light here is at sunset, when the sky and river play with color; on clear days you can include silhouettes of Wawel and parts of the Old Town in the frame. The boulevards are also great for dynamic shots — walks, cyclists and runners add rhythm and local color to films.
Mind the light: avoid harsh midday sun when contrasts are too strong. For static night shots bring a tripod and plan for longer exposures.
Kazimierz is a magnetic district full of atmospheric lanes, old synagogues and cafés that look great on film. Szeroka Street, the famous courtyard used as a film set and the tucked-away corners create powerful images for both reportage and artful scenes.
On Kazimierz look for contrasts: alternate wide shots that show the urban fabric with close-ups — shop signs, old gates, tile fragments and café tables. In the evening the district changes mood — warm lights from venues and a crowd of guests create a lively atmosphere.
When filming memorial sites and religious buildings, show respect — some synagogues have dress codes and specific visiting hours. For commercial interior shoots inquire in advance about permissions and organizational rules.
Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and Wawel Castle are must-see spots — classic architectural shots, the bugle call from the tower and the wide planes of the Market give timeless frames. Kanonicza Street is one of Krakow’s most picturesque streets — narrow, historic, with varied facades, ideal for walking shots and portraits.
To avoid crowds in central points, consider early morning (best light and quiet) or shoot from slightly more distant viewpoints to ‘cheat’ the busyness. For a more intimate feel, explore side streets and small squares between the main attractions.
Note: organizing larger filming setups may be restricted — the Old Town and areas below the castle have specific rules, so productions requiring closures or street equipment should be notified to city services in advance.
Kościuszko Mound and Krakus Mound offer wide panoramas of the city — excellent for sunrise and sunset shots and for night frames with the lit-up city. I especially recommend Kościuszko Mound for the golden hour — the view toward Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Old Town is broad and impressive.
Logistics matter: plan for walking routes, stairs and equipment handling; for evening shoots bring a tripod and spare batteries. With good visibility you can capture deep layers and a sense of scale.
Mounds are also a great backdrop for short dialogue scenes or outdoor portraits — the natural light and open space add an epic feel to footage.
If you want a contrast to historic architecture, choose Błonia, the Planty or the Botanic Garden. Błonia is a huge meadow near the center — ideal for wide-angle shots that show people in open space, picnics or activity scenes. The Planty encircling the Old Town provide a pleasant green ribbon perfect for walking shots.
The Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden is rich in colors and textures — excellent for plant details, macro photography and calm scenes. In summer parks also make a nice backdrop for everyday life footage — morning runners, evening neighborhood gatherings.
Check regulations in parks: some zones are protected, and commercial filming in the Botanic Garden may require prior arrangements.
In summer Krakow hosts many outdoor screenings, open-air cinemas and cultural events in museum gardens and hotel courtyards. These are excellent opportunities to capture the mood of summer evenings — the audience, conversations, reactions to the film and lighting installations as background.
For documentaries or reports, follow local event calendars — many events recur and allow you to record natural scenes. When filming audiences remember image rights and obtain consent for close-up shots of private individuals.
Outdoor cinemas are also great for short ‘city at night’ pieces — the flicker of the screen, people chatting and dining terraces create lively cinematic frames.
When shooting in the city take care of basics: batteries, spare memory cards, a tripod, lens filters and a power bank. There’s a lot of walking in Krakow’s center — lightweight, mobile kits usually work better than heavy rigs.
Time and light — plan shoots for the golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) and for mornings, when streets are calmer. Avoid shoots that require silence during peak season afternoons.
Formalities — small amateur shots usually don’t need permits, but larger productions, drone use or occupying public space with extensive equipment may require permission from the city office or the site owner. Always check local rules and respect posted restrictions.
Respect for place and people — Krakow’s monuments and memorial sites deserve careful and considerate filming. Keep places clean, don’t disturb residents and be cautious with lighting or generators near historic surroundings.
Morning - Zakrzówek: morning light, calm frames of water and rock. Capture a few wide shots and reflections.
Late morning - Kazimierz: atmospheric lanes, cafés and synagogues — portrait and reportage shots. Film short scenes of local gastronomy.
Afternoon - Old Town and Kanonicza Street: architecture, passages and façade details. Look for interplay of light and shadow.
Sunset - Vistula Boulevards: wide shots with the Vistula as the main element, reflections and silhouettes of passersby.
Evening - Kościuszko Mound: night panorama of Krakow, shots of the lit city. This is an intensive plan but possible with good organization and a mobile kit.
Krakow is a city full of ideas — from the natural scenery of Zakrzówek, through the artistic nooks of Kazimierz, to urban panoramas from the mounds. The most important thing: plan with sensitivity and openness to the local rhythm. A little flexibility and respect for the place will get you better shots than the most expensive equipment.
If you’d like, I can help design a route for a specific film idea or advise technically — write a brief description of the project, time available, budget and crew size, and we’ll plan it together. Enjoy filming in Krakow and good luck with your frames!
Warm regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz - guide (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
