The 11 essential things to do in Poznań

Traveling to Poland? Discover our selection of incontours to visit Poznań, the country’s flagship and historic cradle.

The fifth city of the country nestled in the Great Poland region, Poznań is the story of a particular story. It is here that the Slavic tribes were unified in the 9th century, thus forming the first Polish state. Traversed by the Wartan River, Poznań now houses some architectural treasures, including its historic centre, its colourful facades or even more rynek , its place of the market known as one of the prettiest in the country.

Besides its heritage, Poznań is also and above all recognized for its culture and art of living. If many consider it a trendy destination, it is because it is halfway between Warsaw and Berlin (in all senses of the term), thus offering a full experience for travellers.

So what do we do in Poznań? What are his immanquables? Follow the guide, we take you to the discovery of the nickname "horse hipster"!

1. Stare miasto, historic centre

Visiting Poznań begins with one of its symbols: the historic center. Installed around the market square, Stary Rynek , displays a welcoming face with its colorful houses. If the places were destroyed during the Second World War, they have since been reconstructed in the same way: some houses built for the city’s merchant elite are at times. In Stary Rynek, take the time to stroll through the alleys to admire the architecture before stopping in the beautiful baroque church of Saint Stanislas. For a gourmet break, don't miss a taste of the famous ovened croissant of Saint-Martin, speciality of the city and its region.

2. The City Hall

Under its Renaissance air, the City Hall Ratusz attract the crowds with a funny show. Indeed, it is here that every noon, two tin goats come out of the top of the tower, giving twelve horn strokes under the traditional air of a trumpet player. You will learn by visiting Poznań, goats are true symbols of the city. And for cause, they have their own well-known legend of folklore enthusiasts!

3. The National Museum

Notice to art lovers, the National Museum of the city is recognized as one of the must-sees to visit in Poznań. Known for its large collection of paintings by Polish and European masters, the museum houses works ranging from Antiquity to today. More contemporary, a design section has also chosen a home.

In particular, between its walls is the only painting of Monet in Poland, La Plage de Pourville . For the little story, La Plage de Pourville is not a painting like others... And for cause, he was derogated in 2000 before being found 10 years later. The reason? By cutting the frame, the thief simply left his prints!

4. Ostrow tumski, Cathedral Island,

Located on an island between two branches of the Warta, Ostrow tumski houses the oldest cathedral in the country, Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul. Renovated several times over time, it houses a preserved interior in Byzantine style where several kings of Poland rest. After discovering the cathedral, go to the Porta Posnania Museum: fully interactive, it promises an instructive and playful parenthesis.

5. The Imperial Palace

This is the youngest palace in Europe! Built in 1910 for Emperor William II, the Imperial Palace is today the headquarters of the Zamek Cultural Centre and other institutions. If you ask that you do in Poznań, know that in addition to guided tours, the Imperial Palace hosts varied shows and events throughout the year.

6. Stary Browar

Born in the 19th century, Stary Browar is a complex recognized as one of Europe’s most successful architectural conversions. Like the bricks and certain glassware, many period elements were kept or re-employed under the philosophical concept 50/50. A renovation story not like others to discover the time of a guided tour of the place.

In addition to a certain cultural heritage, Stary Browar is home to a shopping centre of 200 shops and restaurants. A park, club and artistic centre also come to fill this place very appreciated by locals and travellers.

7. Srodka

Are you wondering what to do in Poznań for a typical local time? The old quarter of Srodka is now revived by visitors for Stare miasto. With its many cafes and restaurants, it is one of the most important rendezvous points of the locals who like to find a drink there.

Enjoy your visit to taste local specialties and taste the city's flagship vodka. And then go and admire the gigantic mural in trumpet the eye made by artist Arleta Kolasińska. She's worth the detour!

8. The banks of the Warta

Student city par excellence, Poznań also invites outings and relaxation. For this, nothing is worth the shores of the Warta! Perfectly equipped, they regularly host concerts, outdoor cinema sessions but also bars and beaches. Visiting Poznań is fully enjoying its art of living!

9. Lake Malta

Less than two kilometers from the city centre is Malta, an artificial lake renowned for its outdoor activities. Over there, artificial ski trail, summer sled, kayak rental and zoo welcome a cosmopolitan audience. Want a little walk? Bring your bike to discover specially designed paths!

Bars and restaurants also offer their services, the ideal opportunity to enjoy a short break with a view between two activities.

10. The Malta Festival

We told you above, visiting Poznań is undoubtedly going through its cultural scene. The Malta Festival, a local pioneer in living arts, has 29 editions. Every year, when the summer reaches the tip of its nose, the Malta Festival invests public places and showrooms with eclectic programming. In 2020, take advantage of your visit by attending the next edition of the festival: an appointment from 19 to 26 June!

11. To see and do also in Poznań

Cultural and historical centre at 42 museums, it is difficult to draw up an exhaustive list of what is to be done in Poznań. Here are some additional ideas:

• The Museum of Musical Instruments: unique in Poland, this museum features the podium of the three largest in Europe in its category. With a rich collection of objects coming from all over the world, he invites you to travel and discover.
• A match at the INEA stadium: this stadium is the residence of the professional football club Lech Poznań. It is here that the famous “Let’s all do the Poznań", a practice of supporters that consists of turning the back to the ground and jumping on the spot by holding on the shoulders. For the anecdote, the Manchester club has even resumed this very widespread tradition.
• The Parc de la Citadelle: located north of the old town and inaugurated during the domination of the Prussians, the park has experienced many battles. Today, he is a historical witness with several museums in connection with his military past. Appreciated by the premises as a park, it includes artistic installations and outdoor cultural events.

How to get to Poznan?

Several options are available to visit Poznań: the plane, the train, or the bus.

The plane

If Poznań is accessible from several French airports, only flights from Paris and Beauvais are direct (on average 3 hours of flight). Another option appreciated by travellers: if you have time, first enjoy a first stopover in Berlin or Warsaw before joining Poznań by bus. From France, low-cost companies are legislated to Berlin or Poznań. Whatever your choice, pay attention to prices! According to the periods, some prices are very high, simply because Warsaw, Berlin or even Poznań today are very frequent. So take different options and jaug prices on standard flight comparisons Ulysses .

Once at the Poznań airport, you can reach the city centre, less than 10 kilometres away, in a few minutes. For this, prefer the bus (lines 159 and 148 on day and line 242 at night), private shuttles or taxis. If you want to enjoy Poznań and its surroundings, you can opt for the car rental directly by prior booking or directly on site in one of the specialized agencies.

The train and the bus

By bus

For more adventure, you can join Poznań by the Flixbus network. Here you will have to be more patient: count about 24 hours with correspondence in Berlin or Wroclaw.

By train

The journey by taking the train is a little less long but it still takes about 16 hours to reach Poznań. In addition to this, there is at least one correspondence in Germany. If you are already in Berlin or Warsaw (with a first flight from France), the getaway to visit Poznań is easy! Indeed, the city is located on the direct line connecting the two capitals.

Where to stay in Poznań?

In Poznań, all areas of interest are within walking distance. Thus, the offer of accommodation is mainly concentrated in the historical district of Stare Miasto. You can opt for Srodka for an authentic stay. On the ground floor, the possibilities are varied: apartments, hostels, hotels... It's for everyone. Anyway, remember that Poznań is a student vilel, so choose the location of your accommodation! For that, think to take a look at one Compare hotels . Use the map and juggle with the options to find your happiness. You can also opt to Airbnb for a 100% local experience.