Kraków mixes historic architecture, scenic boulevards along the Vistula, green parks and industrial corners — a combination that looks its best in summer. Warm light, outdoor events and lively street life create many opportunities for authentic shots.
In summer, don’t limit yourself to postcard spots: look for small details — reflections in water, string lights in beer gardens, courtyards with plants or murals that come alive in the afternoon light.
This article lists 10 places with practical tips, unusual angles and advice on how to avoid the common mistakes tourist photographers make.
The Planty is the green ring around the Old Town — perfect for first frames after arrival. Here you’ll capture the contrast of nature and buildings, while St. Florian’s Gate provides a classic, recognizable motif.
Secret: shoot from a low angle along a path so cobbles appear in the foreground and the trees blur in the background. Morning is the best time — soft light and fewer people.
There’s a short walk from here to a coffee in one of the traditional cafés near the Planty — a good moment to review photos and recharge batteries.
The Market Square is a must-see, but to avoid “another same” photo try looking for symmetry, doors and façade details instead of only wide shots of the crowd.
Secret: climb a small step or platform to capture pigeons in flight against St. Mary’s Basilica. Alternatively, shoot a series of details — signs, sculptures, tiles — and later combine them into a small collage.
Practical tip: very early morning gives the cleanest frames, and late afternoon brings beautiful light on the tenement houses.
Kanonicza is a narrow, elegant street full of historic façades — excellent for portraits and architectural photos in soft light.
Secret: use natural frames — gates, arches and doors — to place a single clear subject. Shooting slightly from the side emphasizes stone texture and the street’s length.
Next to its canonical atmosphere, plan a coffee stop in a cozy café and check exposure settings when the light is contrasting.
Wawel is more than the castle — the Vistula boulevards offer many possibilities: reflections of the castle in the water, silhouettes at sunset and shots of bridges.
Secret: shoot from the opposite riverbank or from a bridge so the castle’s reflection and full silhouette fit the frame. Bridges and piers create leading lines that add dynamics.
Practical note: evening panoramas look best just after sunset, when the sky still has color and the city lights begin to glow.
Kazimierz is a treasure trove of atmospheric shots: Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy, courtyards with string lights and murals create stories in the frame.
Secret: look for entrances to courtyards and garden bars — many great shots are hidden from the main street. Morning or late evening helps you avoid crowds, and garden lights make beautiful night accents.
If you plan a longer session, schedule a break at one of the well-rated cafés in the neighborhood.
The mounds are places where you can capture Kraków panoramas without the city center crowds. Sunset from a mound yields postcard-worthy shots with the city at your feet.
Secret: arrive early enough to choose an interesting composition with trees or rocks in the foreground. Settings: a long lens will compress the city silhouette and flatten perspective.
If you want to avoid heat, opt for late afternoon — temperatures fall and the light becomes warmer.
Zakrzówek is a former quarry bay with turquoise water and vertical cliffs — it makes a spectacular summer impression in photos.
Secret: look for vantage points above the water that include both the lake and contrasting rocks; unique shots also come from lower points near the shore. Planning: weekends can be crowded — consider mornings or weekdays.
Safety: don’t risk going into restricted areas or jumping from cliffs — take care of yourself and others.
The Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec and the cliffs above the Vistula create a calm, almost cinematic background — a great spot for a longer session outside the center.
Secret: the best shots are often taken from the opposite riverbank or from viewpoints along the path — that way the whole complex and the river bend fit into the frame.
Logistics: you can get there by public transport or car; plan at least half a day if you want to take photos and visit the abbey.
Zabłocie combines post-industrial spaces with new developments — factory walls, modern galleries and murals make a strong background for original shots.
Secret: look for contrasts between old brick and new architectural forms; raw textures pair well with minimalist portraits.
If you plan commercial shoots or use professional equipment, check onsite rules in advance and obtain permission if necessary.
Błonia is a huge meadow open to the urban horizon — perfect for lifestyle photos, picnic scenes and wide compositions.
Secret: use wildflowers and low grasses in the foreground to add depth and lightness to your frames. Weekends often host outdoor events, so check the calendar.
Las Wolski and Willa Decjusza nearby are good alternatives if you want more greenery and interesting plant life.
Plan your key shots for the golden hour — just after sunrise or before sunset — when light adds depth and warmth.
Avoid peak tourist times at weekends and afternoons. If possible, shoot early mornings — fewer people and better light. Save places offline on your maps and carry a powerbank.
Drones: flying drones over the historic center is regulated and often requires permission. If you plan aerial shots, check the current rules and no-fly zones.
After a day of shooting it’s worth visiting well-rated places — both in the center and in Kazimierz there are cafés and restaurants ideal for a break and a photo review.
Examples to consider: classic cafés near the Planty and in Kazimierz, and highly-rated restaurants around the Market Square. Booking a table for the evening is a good idea during the season.
If you look for accommodation, choose places close to the center or public transport — it saves time between photo locations.
Blocking a narrow passage while taking photos — always check that your position doesn’t obstruct passersby or residents.
Too-wide compositions with no main subject — look for a focal point and leading lines. Take several versions of the same shot, changing height and angle.
No plan for charging batteries and breaks — bring a powerbank, spare memory cards and schedule pauses for food and hydration.
Do I need a permit to take photos in the center? For casual, handheld tourist photos you don’t need a permit, but professional sessions with lights and big tripods may require permission from the site owner or local authority.
When is the best time to photograph Wawel to avoid crowds? Very early morning or late evening outside major event dates are the best times.
Is it safe to photograph at Zakrzówek? Yes, if you follow safety rules and don’t enter restricted areas. Don’t take risks like jumping from cliffs or going where visitors are not allowed.
Many of the best shots come from details — pay attention to reflections in shop windows, tile ornaments, house numbers and door textures; these often make the difference.
If you photograph people in public spaces, a smile and a brief consent often open the door to natural portraits. Always respect privacy and be polite.
Plan your route to combine nearby spots — a two-hour route through the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz gives very varied images without wasting time.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on your profiles — you’ll help others better plan a photographic stay in Kraków.
If you’d like a personalized photo route around Kraków or a private tour with an experienced guide, I invite you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact and offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck creating beautiful frames and enjoy discovering Kraków with class!
