Exploring Krakow: Top 10 Landmarks and Attractions to Visit

Krakow is a popular tourist destination in Poland, world-renowned for stunning medieval architecture, vibrant street life, and rich history. There are iconic landmarks such as Wawel Castle and St. Mary's Basilica, historic neighbourhoods such as the Kazimierz district, and fascinating photo spots for sculptures and monuments.

Keep reading for a whistlestop tour of Krakow's most enjoyable photographic subjects.

Historic Landmarks and Architecture

There is no shortage of photogenic locations in this medieval city for history buffs, and there are many smaller religious buildings in the old town and beyond. It's a tough job to whittle this down to the best—here are just a few favourites.

1. Barbakan

Barbakan is a circular brick gateway built during the 15th century to defend the city. Once linked to the city walls, it is now part of the city's Historical Museum. The structure features seven towers, thick walls, and a moat. Its imposing Gothic design, complete with arrow slits and turrets, looks especially dramatic during the golden hour and in low light.

For more inspiration and tips about architecture photography, check out Skylum’s guide to architecture photography.

2. St. Mary's Basilica

The striking Gothic architecture of St. Mary's Basilica is one of Krakow's most iconic landmarks. Its two uneven towers are a fascinating photographic subject, especially at sunrise or sunset when the red brick glows in the light.

Once every hour, a trumpeter plays the famous “Hejnał Mariacki” from the taller tower, a centuries-old tradition. To capture this, you will need a good telephoto lens; something like a 70-200 mm lens will be sufficient.

The interior of the Basilica is undoubtedly a must-see for architecture photographers. However, tripods are not allowed inside, and the lighting is poor. Therefore, you may need to bump your ISO to capture a sharp handheld image. Consider zooming in to capture the fine details, then use a wide angle to capture the entire scene.

Some elements that should not be missed include the ceiling, which is a deep blue with stars painted upon it, the intricate stained-glass windows, and the towering wooden altarpiece. Also, if you have the energy, climb the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of Krakow.

Read more: Urban Night Photography: Tips To Avoid Mistakes 

3. Wawel Castle

Perched on Wawel Hill and overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is one of Krakow's most iconic landmarks and an enduring symbol of Poland's royal heritage with architecture that spans multiple eras—Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. 

There is much to photograph here, such as the grand courtyard, elegant arcades, and the red brick exterior. The State Rooms and Royal Apartments feature ornate ceilings, grand tapestries, and historical artefacts. The Crown Treasury and Armory also provide fascinating details for close-up photography.  

There are also plenty of panoramic viewpoints from which to admire the Vistula River and Krakow's skyline. 

4. Wawel Cathedral

Also found at Wawel Hill, the eponymous cathedral is one of Krakow's most significant landmarks. It is rich in history and stunning architecture, a Gothic masterpiece with intricate chapels and golden domes. 

The grand interiors offer breathtaking photo opportunities. Outside, look out for the lifesize statue of Pope John Paul II, Krakow’s most famous son.  

Climbing the bell tower rewards you with panoramic city views and skyline views framed by the Vistula River. Finally, it is worth stating that it's also one of Krakow's most visited locations, meaning you will often be jostling for position with other travellers. Patience will go a long way here! 

Need editing inspiration? Search Marketplace for architecture presets for Luminar Neo.

5. Grodzka Street

This is one of the oldest streets in Poland. It leads from the Main Square to Wawel Castle, passing historic townhouses and beautiful churches. It's an excellent spot for people-watching and street photography.

As part of the Royal Route, it has witnessed centuries of royal processions and everyday life in the city. A walk down this cobbled street feels like a step back in time. You will love photographing the beautifully preserved buildings, grand churches, and hidden courtyards that line the way. 

This street is also a prime viewpoint to capture the horse-drawn carriages that depart from the main square. Street artists, souvenir stalls, and the occasional street performer line the route.

Cityscape Viewpoints

The city is particularly appealing during the golden and blue hours—the times of day photographers covet most for lively images. Here are some of the best spots if you'd like to place yourself in an enviable position to capture a stunning cityscape image.

6. Sukiennice

The town square is arguably Krakow's most iconic shot, often replicated on postcards and souvenirs throughout the city's gift shops. St. Mary's Basilica is the iconic landmark in the city center, but consider retreating into the nearby Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) arches, which are excellent for framing the Basilica. 

As the heart of the tourist district, this location is often congested with tourists, so you may consider visiting early in the morning before most people arrive. The Basilica is lit throughout the night until dawn, so you can capture a beautiful backlit sunrise shot if conditions are right.

7. Vistula Riverside

From the river banks of the Vistula River, there are beautiful views of the Wawel Castle and the Cathedral. The reflection of these landmarks on the river at sunrise or sunset creates a captivating, serene atmosphere perfect for landscape photography. You may also wait until darkness for atmospheric reflections.

You can walk up or down the river, where you'll find green parks and tranquil paths that offer excellent opportunities for nature shots, especially in the changing seasons. The Vistula's boulevards are often busy with people enjoying the outdoors. Cyclists, joggers, and locals will offer some opportunities for street photography.

Fascinating monuments

Krakow is home to stunning monuments, sculptures, and public art that can be compelling photographic subjects while forming part of the city's rich history. Great examples can be found in the Kazimierz and Podgorze districts, plus the Old Town. Here are a few of the best and most interesting examples.

8. Smok Wawelski

Smok Wawelski is the legendary Wawel Dragon. According to Polish folklore, the dragon lived in a den beneath the hill and terrorized the city until a clever shoemaker killed the dragon by tricking it into eating a sheep stuffed with sulphur. Today, a giant metal sculpture bearing its likeness stands beneath Wawel Castle near the river, attracting throngs of tourists. The statue breathes real fire every few minutes! You can also explore the mythical dragon's cave beneath Wawel Hill. 

9. Dzok The Dog

Krakow is a city that takes great pride in its myths and legends, and this may be the most touching of all. Dzok was a faithful canine companion whose owner died of a heart attack. For a year afterwards, Dzok patiently awaited the return of his master, surviving on snacks supplied by locals. 

This poignant tale is immortalised with a statue by artist Bronisław Chromy. Its inscription proclaims:

“The most faithful canine friend ever, epitomising a dog’s endless devotion to his master.”

10. Eros Bound

Polish artist Igor Mitoraj created “Eros Bound,” perhaps one of Krakow's most recognizable sculptures and popular selfie spot. It is located in the Main Square near the Town Hall Tower. This giant bronze sculpture depicts a hollow face lying on its side. Visitors often interact with this surreal sculpture, climbing inside its hollow form for photos and selfies.

For a creative shot, try tilting yourself to photograph the sculpture face-on.

More Krakow Inspiration

For a deeper dive into the photography opportunities in this fantastic city, visit our friends at PhotoHound for even more Krakow photo spots. You will find some lesser-known gems, plus in-depth advice about the photo locations on this list. Beyond the city, Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a worthwhile day trip.

Krakow is a vibrant city, well connected throughout Europe by land and air, and a delight to visiting photographers. We'd love to see what you capture on your travels! Make sure to tag us in your adventures #madewithluminar.