Get Great Pictures of
Krakow with Your Camera
Photography comes natural in Krakow. It’s a picturesque city with
plenty of scenic places and it has much to offer all camera-toting
visitors. Notably the
Old Town of Krakow at the heart of the city, the nearby
Kazimierz district,
and other historic spots as well as the rustic environs may reward
any photographer and/or cameraman.
Also, Krakow is rich in festivals and other lively events that
provide plenty of attractive photo opportunities for memorable
snapshots or videos.
Generally allowed, taking photos is restricted in some places.
As a rule, outdoors you can shoot photographs or a film in public
spaces at will. Yet indoors, the use of camera is restricted one way
or another in most places of interest in Krakow. Even sites with
free admission, such as churches, often display a ‘no photo-taking’
sign by the entrance. Elsewhere, including the
Wieliczka Salt Mine and the church of the Virgin Mary’s
they charge little extra for taking pictures or making a film. And
there are popular tourist attractions in Krakow, notably the
Wawel Royal Castle, where shooting photos and/or videos
is forbidden. Fortunately, the city has also such places as the
Old Synagogue together with other branches of the City of
Krakow Historical Museum, the
Archeological Museum, and
most branches of the
National Museum in Krakow (with the
notable exception of the
Princes Czartoryski Museum)
that allow cameras free of charge.
Also, please note that most museums and other institutions prohibit
the use of flash and tripods (as well as selfie sticks!) even as they permit making photographs
or videos.
Curiously, owners of businesses, even shopping centers, often ban
taking pictures and videotaping on the premises. Their restrictions
may be legally questionable but those ignoring them risk
confrontation with a security guard.
Photographing the locals.
Tourist attractions in Krakow and the city center are
full of avid photographers and nobody minds camera clicks in public
spaces. On the other hand most people don’t like being photographed
by strangers and unsolicited portrayals are considered rude and an
invasion of privacy. But when asked, the locals often agree to pose
for a photo or two. You don’t need to ask street artists in fanciful
costumes ubiquitous in the Old Town, notably its
central Rynek Glowny square – being photographed by and
with tourists is their job so don’t forget to leave them some
change.
Krakow's Christmas
markets take place at the central Rynek
Glowny
immense square from the late November through the
early January.
Shopping and services
Photographic equipment and accessories are readily available in
Krakow’s specialty stores, in electronics superstores, and even in
computer shops. Their selection of goods and prices match similar
enterprises in other cities of the European Union.
Your digital photography may be turned into prints in service (or
self-service) centers across downtown Krakow and at
shopping malls. Many of them also develop rolls of film.
In balmy weather Krakow restaurants
spill over sidewalks in the Old Town
historic district.
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