Krakow is a city that looks great on camera — whether you prefer classic monuments, raw industrial vibes, or natural settings, there is something here for every visual style.
I prepared this guide so that within a single weekend you can visit the best places for filming and photography, avoid common pitfalls, and have a clear idea for a shooting plan.
This is not a dry list — you will find practical tips on when to go, which shots are worth trying, and how to save time while planning.
You can treat this as a ready-made script for a weekend outing with a camera or video rig.
Remember: always respect private property, follow posted signs and rules, and for professional shoots check whether you need permissions or permits.
The Main Market Square is a must-see. The Cloth Hall, the facade of St. Mary’s Basilica, the Town Hall Tower and the cobbled streets offer many compositional possibilities — both wide establishing shots and architectural details.
Early morning (ideally very early) and late evening help you avoid crowds and capture soft light. Try framing shots through the Cloth Hall arcades to create a frame-within-frame featuring a person or architectural detail.
Wawel Castle and the Vistula boulevards are a natural continuation of a walk from the square. The castle takes on different colors at different times of day — it photographs particularly well in the warm light of the golden hours.
If you plan to film longer, look for less obvious angles: reflections in windows, sculptural details, or perspectives from stone steps leading toward the river.
Practical note: in the most touristy spots plan your shots with people flow in mind — short, dynamic takes often look better than long static shots unless you can clear the space.
Kazimierz has an artistic vibe: cobbled lanes, old townhouses, characterful cafes and many murals. It’s a perfect spot for retro-style sessions, lifestyle shoots, or a documentary look at urban life.
Plac Nowy and the wider area around Józefa Street offer a variety of backgrounds. Test contrasts — warm cafe interiors against cooler, raw murals.
In the evening Kazimierz comes alive — string lights, reflections and neon create an intimate film mood. Remember low-light settings and image stabilization.
If you want to shoot indoors, ask the venue owner for permission — many will agree if you present a short plan and promise not to disturb customers.
A small framing tip: use a wide-angle lens to capture cobbled streets and architecture, and medium focal lengths for portraits that include background details.
Zakrzówek is one of the city’s most "Instagrammable" spots - turquoise water, rocky cliffs and wooden piers. It’s ideal for lifestyle, fashion shoots and short films with a "nature vibes" feel.
The Vistula boulevards provide many perspectives on Wawel and the city skyline — shots at sunset or in the soft morning light look particularly striking.
For drone shots check current rules and no-fly zones, and at Zakrzówek take care near edges and be mindful of unstable ground.
If you plan water-centered shots, bring a telephoto or a versatile zoom — it gives you flexibility when composing scenes.
Note: some parts of Zakrzówek are occasionally closed for safety or maintenance — have alternative locations in your plan.
Podgórze is a neighborhood with strong character: old factories, bridges and industrial spaces. One of the most intriguing spots is Liban Quarry — raw rock formations and historical remnants create a unique backdrop.
The quarry has a heavy, cinematic atmosphere — great for projects that need a raw or historical tone. When planning shoots there consider safety and respect memorial sites.
In Podgórze you can also use views of Dębnicki Bridge and the river piers — the contrast between old industry and the flowing river provides excellent storytelling opportunities.
Bring stronger lenses and polarizing filters when working with sky and water — they often help achieve a dramatic look.
A small ethical note: some areas carry tragic histories — approach filming or photographing such places with tact and respect.
Nowa Huta is a goldmine of industrial-style frames: wide avenues, monumental housing estates, halls and fragments of former industry. It’s perfect for fashion films, editorials and projects seeking a monumental aesthetic.
Look for leading lines, repeating architectural elements and contrasts between space and people — these elements read very well on camera.
Because the area is large, check transport and parking ahead of time — it makes handling equipment much easier.
If you plan interior shoots, look for available halls or event spaces where access and technical support are more straightforward.
Remember composition — raw backgrounds work best with simple, strong styling and few props.
If you want to add lots of green to your material, the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is an excellent choice — a wealth of plants, greenhouse interiors and romantic paths.
Wolski Forest and the mounds (Kościuszko Mound, Krak Mound) offer natural backdrops and city panoramas. The mounds are ideal for sunrises and panoramic shots — perfect if you need the city as a background.
Plan for mornings or late afternoons on the mounds — the light is most beautiful then and temperatures are comfortable for a crew.
For nature photography bring a tripod and a mid-range lens, and consider an ND filter if you want to experiment with long exposures on water.
Also check walking and cycling routes to plan quick gear moves.
Narrow, historic lanes like Kanonicza Street or the Small Market have an archaic, almost cinematic atmosphere. These places are great for detail work: doors, windows, lamps and stone steps look wonderful in close-ups.
For these shots a portrait lens around 50-85 mm and a solid lighting plan are useful if you work indoors or at night.
Watch for pedestrian and local vehicle traffic — plan short, focused takes in these spots.
To add motion to a frame use longer exposures for passing people or panning for passing trams.
Good logistics are handy here — small streets don’t always have space for large bags.
Gear planning - bring versatile lenses (wide angle, a 24–70mm standard zoom and a bright 50/85mm portrait lens). A tripod, gimbal and spare batteries are must-haves.
Time of day - the best light is during the golden hours (just after sunrise and before sunset). Mornings also mean fewer tourists. At noon watch for harsh light and strong contrasts.
Sound - if you record dialogue or ambient sound bring a directional microphone and a recorder. In a busy city isolating the source can determine audio quality.
Permits - amateur photos usually do not require special permissions, but for professional filming (large equipment, crew, tripods on sidewalks, drone use) check requirements and secure permits if needed.
Logistics - plan locations with regard to transport and parking, schedule short breaks for charging and eating. Local cafes are often helpful — ask if you can store or charge some equipment.
Day 1 - morning: Wawel and the Main Market Square (sunrise, architectural details). Mid-morning: Kanonicza Street and the Small Market - atmospheric close-ups. Afternoon: Kazimierz - murals, cafes, and an evening shoot with neon lights.
Day 1 - evening: Vistula boulevards - sunset with a view of Wawel, night shots with reflections in the water.
Day 2 - morning: Krak Mound or Kościuszko Mound - city panorama at sunrise. Later: Zakrzówek - natural water scenes. Afternoon: Podgórze and Liban Quarry or Nowa Huta - close with a raw industrial feel.
This plan gives varied frames and lets you shift styles - from historic through natural to industrial.
If you prefer less moving around, concentrate on one neighborhood and spend more time with each composition - often less is more.
Respect people and places - do not block pathways, avoid flying drones over crowds and do not enter dangerous areas.
At memorial sites or places with difficult histories act with tact and do not treat them merely as a backdrop for jokes - consider the context of shots before editing.
If you film people ask for consent (especially for close-ups). For commercial projects secure model releases.
Be mindful of weather - protect electronics in the rain and stabilize tripods and set pieces in strong wind.
If you are unsure about access to a specific place it is better to ask the administrators in advance than to risk having your shoot interrupted.
- Check the weather and plan the golden hours.
- Charge all batteries, bring powerbanks and extra memory cards.
- Prepare your route plan and note alternative spots in case of closures.
- Ask for permission to film inside venues and look out for no-filming signs.
- Bring water and snacks for the crew - Krakow walks can be intense!
Krakow is a city of contrasts: history meets modernity, green meets industry, and small nooks hide real gems. It’s easy to find both romantic and raw cinematic backdrops here.
Experiment with perspective, mix styling, and don’t be afraid to return to the same spots at different times — light and atmosphere can completely change a shot.
If you want, I can prepare a short, personalized shooting plan based on your equipment and style - tell me what you plan to film and you will get a concrete shot list and settings.
Good luck on set and see you in Krakow - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz)
PS. If you like, I can also prepare a family-friendly route or one adapted for people moving more slowly.
