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Prior to exploring Poznan, I knew of some nice colorful houses on the square. I only had one image in mind, and thought it was a a little cluster everyone photographs.
But boy, was I wrong! Nothing prepared me for the scale and beauty of Poznan’s Old Town Square. And Poznan just kept on overdelivering. Except one travel mishap, which wasn’t Poznan’s fault but entirely my own.
Poland never disappoints. I’ve traveled through the country several times, mostly on city-centric trips. I’ve been to Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, so naturally I couldn’t leave out Poland’s fifth-largest city.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide will walk you through how to spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Poznan, with the highlights you shouldn’t miss and a few extras to make your trip even better and tailored to your preferences.
My husband and I spent 3 days in Poznan in the summer, on a partly sponsored trip.
Let’s get right into how you too can enjoy Poznan to the fullest, whether you have 3 days or less:
One Day in Poznan
Oh, you have only one day in Poznan? Poor you. But we’ll make it work, I promise. Here’s what you need to see to get to know Poznan in a day:
Old Market Square (Stary Rynek)
No beating around the bush, start right in the heart of Poznan at the Old Market Square.
I suggest heading first to the Tourist Information Center on the southern side of the square (Stary Rynek 59/60) to grab a free map and get any tips you might need.
Once equipped, take your time walking around this incredible square and admiring its picturesqueness. Not just the Renaissance townhouses in every color or the charming row of 16th-century merchant houses on the eastern side, but the whole thing!
The magnificent City Hall, designed by an Italian architect, steals the show, especially at noon when two mechanical goats pop out to butt heads.
In the center, you’ll find a cluster of buildings that house the Museum of the Greater Poland Uprising (1918–1919) and the Municipal Gallery. There’s a lovely walkway between them and the Wielkopolska Military Museum, which stands out as the only modern building.
And don’t miss the beautiful fountains representing Greek gods—Apollo, Neptune, and Mars.
This square is impressive not only for its beauty but also for its size. It’s the third largest market square in Poland, right after those in Krakow and Wroclaw.
Liberty Square (Plac Wolności)
We’ll be coming back to the Old Market Square later, don’t worry. But now it’s time to make your way to Liberty Square via Ignacego Paderewskiego Street.
Originally designed to be large enough for military parades, this square today serves as a spacious gathering spot and a venue for all kinds of events. During our visit, a lively food festival was taking place.
Liberty Square used to be the city’s main hub of activity, though nowadays it’s much quieter unless an event is happening. Still, it’s lined with beautiful and unique buildings, including an arts theater and a public library.
The real highlight, especially on warm days, is the geometric fountain. You can walk through it, and at night it lights up in shifting colors. Like most fountains in Poznan, it’s fair game to dip your hands in or cool off a little.
Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski)
Once you’ve enjoyed the vibe, we’ll slowly head towards the best lunch spot. But first, let’s walk by Poznań’s Royal Castle.
Today’s look of the castle is only a little over a decade old. While the original castle was built here sometime before the 16th century (the exact date is unknown), it suffered from long periods of neglect and was largely destroyed during World War II.
Nowadays it houses the Museum of Applied Arts. Since you have only one day, I don’t think you should go explore the museum unless that’s your priority. An entrance to the museum also includes access to the castle tower, from which there are beautiful views of Poznań. However, one must climb 185 stairs and there’s no elevator.
Still, even without venturing inside, you can enjoy at least a partial view from an elevated vantage point right in front of the castle.
Lunch: Pyra Bar
Just a short walk away, ideally through the Old Market Square (because it’s so pretty!), you’ll find one of the best places to have a truly local Poznań meal.
What’s that? You may be surprised, but it’s not dumplings! Sure, they love their pierogi like the rest of Poland, but in Poznań, the humble potato is king. People here eat more potatoes than anywhere else in the country.
So make your way to Pyra Bar at Strzelecka 13. You don’t need a reservation, the place is huge. Order anything from the menu, honestly. Each dish is a classic!
But if you don’t want to miss the one must-try potato specialty, go for pyry z gzikiem, a baked potato topped with a creamy cottage cheese sauce. It’s simple but it works. We also tried placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) with a similar sauce, and both were beyond delicious.
Just make sure you leave a little room for something sweet coming up soon.
Dessert: St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal świętomarciński)
Another foodie surprise in Poznan. A croissant, you ask?
Well, this is no “ordinary” croissant. I hope you have a sweet tooth because this one means sweetness overload. The St. Martin’s Croissant is made with croissant dough, except it’s marbled with marzipan and nuts. Each time the dough is folded in preparation, the marzipany, nutty mixture gets folded in too. And it’s usually topped with a sweet glaze, of course.
Depending on how full you are from the potatoes, you may want to share just one of these croissants between two people. It’s super sweet and heavy. And delicious.
Contrary to us poor tourists who can only eat so much of the sweet deliciousness, in Poznan, around 300 tonnes of croissants are eaten on St. Martin’s Day! Mind you, one weighs 200 to 250 grams.
If I’m doing the math right, that’s more than 1.2 million croissants! Since Poznan has around 540,000 inhabitants, everyone including babies must have more than two. Honestly, that sounds crazy, but it’s a number a guide told me.
Nevertheless, you should absolutely try the croissant. There are a few places that serve the real deal, because apparently, it’s easy to come across knock-offs. I asked at the info center and would suggest you sit down for a croissant and coffee right at the Old Market Square at Rogal Świętomarciński (Stary Rynek 11).
Other verified spots include Cukiernia Hanna Piskorska at Ignacego Paderewskiego 11 (just a hole in the wall) or Fawor at Wielka 24, a tiny café two blocks away from the Old Market Square.
Poznan Cathedral & Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski)
Let’s venture out of the Old Town and cross the River Warta onto Ostrów Tumski, also known as Cathedral Island. You can manage this in a 15-minute walk, burning all the calories you’ve just acquired. Or, if you can hardly move, hop on a tram!
The majestic cathedral, officially the Archcathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, dates back to the 10th century and is the oldest cathedral in Poland. It’s also officially the oldest historical monument in Poznan. It stands on what used to be one of the main political centers of early Poland.
Over time, it has been rebuilt many times after fires, war damage, and changing architectural styles.
Take your time here and just soak it all in. It’s the perfect spot to slow down for a moment.
Entering the cathedral is free unless you decide to explore the crypts and underground areas, where you’ll find relics of the first Polish rulers and ancient church remains.
Śródka Quarter
From Cathedral Island, it’s an easy walk to the Śródka Quarter. Just keep heading a bit farther from the city center. This picturesque little neighborhood hides plenty of cozy cafés, small bistros, and a famous 3D mural. Seriously, this mural is listed among the top sights in Poznan, and for good reason.
The mural shows old houses and is said to represent how the quarter looked back in the day. It’s beautifully detailed and makes for a great photo stop.
Dinner: Na Winklu
Okay, it’s time for dinner! And I’ll finally let you have pierogi, those yummy Polish stuffed dumplings. One of the best places to try them is right in the Śródka Quarter, at Śródka 1.
They serve delicious dumplings filled with meat or veggie mixes, both boiled and baked. You can order sets of six or nine dumplings (three or five if you go for the baked ones), depending on how hungry you are. My favorites were all the boiled ones. We had them with meat and also with mushrooms and sauerkraut.
The bistro itself is lovely, decorated with cute cushions shaped like pierogi. Such a nice touch!
Concluding Your Day in Poznan
If you still have a bit of time and energy left, stroll back toward the Old Town. Once you’re back at the Old Market Square, find a spot at one of the cafés or bars around and enjoy a drink while the square glows under the evening lights. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Poznan.
Two Days in Poznan
Okay, I’m glad to hear you have two days in this amazing city! For your first day, follow the itinerary above, and let your second day go like this:
Stary Browar Shopping Mall
It may sound a little strange to start your day at a mall, but this one is anything but ordinary. The name Stary Browar means “Old Brewery,” and that’s exactly what it once was. This unique architectural landmark is a real feast for the eyes.
The Stary Browar mall opens at 9 am daily, so you can take a morning stroll through it and admire the beautiful blend of old and new. You’ll find it at Półwiejska 42.
Poznan Walking Tour
Nothing helps you get to know a city better than exploring it with a knowledgeable guide. That’s why on your second day, I suggest joining a walking tour.
We went on a free walking tour with Walkative (this one), and besides brief history and culture insights, we covered Liberty Square, the Royal Castle, the Old Market Square and City Hall, where we saw the goats butt heads right at noon, as well as the Parish Church and the Jesuit College.
Our guide, Asa, was truly passionate and even extended the tour beyond the planned time. We could pay what we wanted, but it’s customary to give around €20 per person.
If you prefer, you can also take a private tour. This one is the best-rated option I’ve found.
Lunch: Weranda Caffe
If you’ve done the walking tour, this is a convenient and popular place to go for lunch. Tucked on a side street just off the Old Market Square, at Świętosławska 10, this bistro serves modern Central European cuisine. They even have a few Poznan specialties on the menu. In the summer months, you can sit outside and enjoy a beautiful view of the pink Parish Church.
We only had drinks here but loved the look of the meals at other people’s tables! During our visit, a food festival was on, so we had our lunch taken care of there instead.
Brama Poznania / Porta Posnania
Let’s digest with a walk and then feed our brain. We’re heading back to Cathedral Island, this time to Porta Posnania, also known as Brama Poznania.
The name of this institution plays with Poznan’s name, which is close to the word “discovery” in Polish. So this “Gateway to Discovery” is actually the “Gateway to Poznan.” And vice versa. :)
But enough about semantics. This is the place to learn about Poznan’s history in an interactive way. You’ll walk through different rooms with an audioguide in hand that leads you smoothly through the whole exhibition.
Expect multimedia and video content—it’s fun and engaging. Even my husband enjoyed it, and he was originally planning to park himself at the on-site café and just wait for me. :)
Coffee Break: Po Drodze_punkt kawa
Since you’re already in the area, head back to the Śródka Quarter for a relaxing coffee break and a moment to digest all that newly acquired knowledge. Po Drodze is a small café but very charming.
If the weather’s nice, grab a seat outside and enjoy the laid-back Śródka vibes. Cake is optional but highly recommended!
Find the café at świętego Jacka 1.
Warta River & KontenerArt
I hope the weather is still holding up, because we want to enjoy some more time outside now. From Śródka, take a walk along Poznan’s main river, the Warta.
This lovely walk leads you to KontenerArt, a food truck and outdoor entertainment area made up of shipping containers. It’s open from April until late September. You can check the most up-to-date information on their Facebook page.
You can enjoy a drink here, including a local non-alcoholic beer called Sady, which comes in several fruity flavors. Popular street food is available too, and you can’t go wrong with a zapiekanka, a Polish-style open-faced baked bread that’s a bit like pizza.
When we hung out at KontenerArt, live music started up on the stage toward the evening. What a great chillout spot. And it’s free to visit!
On your way back to your hotel, consider walking through the park called Stare Koryto Warty. It’s where the Warta River used to flow, now turned into a lovely little park. It actually reminded me a bit of Valencia!
Well, that concludes another day in Poznan. I hope you’re not done yet and are staying for at least one more day, because I have a great plan for you!
Three Days in Poznan
You’re staying for three days? Wonderful! I promise your third day in Poznan is going to be amazing. Try to stick to this itinerary:
Poznan Palm House (Palmiarnia Poznańska)
Start the day at one of Poznan’s main points of pride, its palm house! This complex, which also includes a botanical garden, is over 100 years old, making it the oldest palm greenhouse in all of Poland.
The historic pavilion is beautiful, and its contents are even more impressive. It’s quite large too, so allow about one to two hours for your visit. The Palm House is home to 17,000 plants representing around 700 species and subspecies from Mediterranean, subtropical, tropical, savannah, and desert climates.
If you follow the suggested route, you’ll end up in a room filled with aquariums showcasing exotic fish.
There’s also an on-site, jungle-like café if you’d like to enjoy a drink surrounded by lush greenery inside the greenhouse.
To get to the Palmiarnia, you’ll walk through Wilson park, which on its own is a lovely park to visit, you’ll see! It’s also the city’s oldest park.
Imperial Castle (Zamek Cesarski)
Take a tram for about 15 minutes (or walk for roughly 20) to reach Poznań’s Imperial Castle, because this sight is well worth it.
This castle is extraordinary in both looks and history. Construction began around 1905 and it was completed in 1910 for Wilhelm II, the German Emperor, designed by Franz Schwechten during German rule. During World War II the building was repurposed by the Nazi regime and was intended to serve as Adolf Hitler’s residence in Poland.
You can take a tour of the castle and check out the frequent events there. I found many to be aimed at locals (mostly in Polish). But even if you just admire the building from the outside it’s still worth the visit.
When we visited in the summer, there was a lovely chill-out spot set up right in front of the castle with a coffee truck and plenty of seating by a ground-level water fountain, where kids were splashing around under the sun.
All the current visitor info is available on the castle’s official website. You can even take a virtual tour of the interiors.
The building also houses the Museum of the Poznan Uprising in 1956. (We didn’t visit it, but it’s there if you’re interested.)
Lunch: Madara Ramen
Okay, let’s have something very different for lunch on your third day in Poznan. Ramen! There are quite a few ramen restaurants in the city, so it would be a shame not to try at least one.
Madara Ramen feels truly authentic. The interior gives off a cozy Japanese vibe, and the ramen itself is top notch. They even make their own fresh noodles daily.
Find it on Święty Marcin 43.
Museum of Applied Arts at the Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski)
Now, on your third day, I strongly suggest checking out the museum at the Royal Castle. The main exhibition showcases pieces from the Middle Ages all the way to modern times. You’ll see weapons, jewelry, clothing, kitchenware, personal items, and more, all with tags in both Polish and English.
During our visit, there was also a small historical exhibition on the ground level with coins and weapons, but that one was only in Polish.
Another thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip—unless you’re not physically able or have vertigo—is the tower. Climb the 185 stairs and take in the lovely views of Poznan, your new favorite city! :)
Coffee Break: Kaferdam
I love hipster cafés with specialty coffee, and Kaferdam was just perfect for that. They serve excellent coffee, other drinks, cakes, and breakfast until 4 p.m. The interior has that typical stripped-down look with bare walls, a slightly rough vibe, and comfy seating.
You’ll find it at Grobla 30. Or, if you prefer, check out a café near wherever you are using the European Coffee Trip app. It’s my go-to all over Europe and makes it easy to filter for specialty cafés based on your preferences.
Citadel Park (Cytadela)
The last stop on our program is one of Poznań’s top green spaces—Cytadela. It’s quite large and you could wander around for hours if you wish.
This former fortress was built as part of the Poznań Fortress system (Fort Winiary) in the 19th century, and later it was the site of the city’s last major stand in the Battle of Poznań in February 1945.
There are also military museums, sculptures and monuments, a bell tower, and other historical sights to check out. Adjacent to the park you’ll find war cemeteries.
Actually, when we visited, we had quite limited time for the park and took a long walk to get there. Then we found it was closed for the Bittersweet Music Festival, a major three-day event drawing in thousands of visitors. So we didn’t see the park. :D Next time!
The Citadel park is about a 20-minute walk from the historical centre. We walked one way and then took a Bolt back.
Dinner: Pieroźak Pierogarnia
For your last supper, I’d take you to a pierogi fast food. At Pieroźak Pierogarnia, you can mix and match pierogi, even by single pieces, in all variety of flavors including sweet. It’s a small place but you can also sit outside, weather permitting.
You can also nicely watch the buzz of people streaming in and out of the Stary Rynek. Pieroźak Pierogarnia can be found at Wrocławska 23.
I enjoyed it but if you’d rather go to a standard restaurant, then head to Wiejskie Jadło at Stary Rynek 77 (entrance is at Franciszkańska Street). This restaurant stood out when I researched traditional places to eat and also came recommended by our tour guide.
What Else to Explore in Poznan
Okay, if you happen to have more time in Poznan (because you decided to stay forever?), there are a few more things that appear on most lists that we didn’t cover. I’d totally visit them on another trip. I want you to have your Poznan travel guide complete, so I’ll just list them here:
Malta Lake
A large artificial lake surrounded by greenery, walking paths, and recreation areas. In the summer, it’s perfect for a stroll, cycling, or even water sports, and in winter there’s an artificial ski slope nearby.
Poznan Zoo
Located near Malta Lake, the Poznan Zoo is spacious and beautifully set in natural surroundings. You can reach it by taking the small Maltanka Park Railway, a charming narrow-gauge train that runs from Malta Lake right to the zoo’s entrance. It’s a fun and nostalgic way to get there.
Other Parks
Poznan has many green spaces to unwind in. Apart from Citadel Park, check out Jan Kasprowicz Park with its outdoor pool, and Park Sołacki, known for its tranquil ponds and charming bridges.
National Museum
Located just off Liberty Square, the National Museum showcases Polish and European art from the Middle Ages to modern times. It’s one of the most important art museums in Poland and well worth a visit if you enjoy paintings and sculpture.
Where to Stay in Poznan
We stayed at Hotel DeSilva Premium, a lovely mid-range accommodation option. It sits right on the edge of Poznan’s historical center and is within walking distance of several tram lines and even the train station wasn’t too far.
The room was clean, spacious, and functional. We enjoyed the generous breakfast buffet so much that we indulged every morning. Anything you could think of, you’d find it there, including freshly made waffles!
Getting to Poznan
Poznan is well connected, so getting there is easy. You can arrive by plane, train, or bus.
The Poznan Ławica Airport (POZ) lies about 7 kilometers west of the city center and is connected by city bus lines and taxis. Direct flights operate from several European cities, including London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Prague, and Warsaw.
If you’re already in Poland, trains are a great option. Poznan Główny, the main train station, is one of the country’s busiest hubs, with regular connections to Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Berlin. Long-distance buses also stop here, usually near the train station.
We came by train from the Czech Republic, on the Baltic Express line that connects Prague all the way to northern Poland. The train was comfy, but on the Polish side they didn’t include a restaurant car.
On our way back home, we even used First Class, but it still wasn’t possible to buy a bottle of water until we crossed the border into the Czech Republic. Just be mindful of that and bring something to drink and snack on if you use the same train. You can purchase anything at the train station.
Getting Around Poznan
Poznan’s public transport consists of trams and buses. We either walked everywhere or hopped on a tram, which worked like a charm.
We made use of the Poznan City Card, so our public transportation was already prepaid. But you can easily use the Jakdojade app to buy tickets online and look up connections. The app is available in English too.
Paper tickets are sold at vending machines near tram stops and need to be validated before boarding.
Poznan City Card
The Poznan City Card is a discount card for city attractions and can also include public transport.
With the card, you get free entry to the Museum of Applied Arts in the Royal Castle, as well as reduced entry to Porta Poznania (40% discount) and the Poznan Palm House (50% discount).
These are the sights covered in this three-day itinerary, but there are more discounts available, including 10% off in selected restaurants. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Poznan Tourism website.
I hope this Poznan itinerary helps you make the most of your time in this beautiful city. I truly enjoyed exploring Poznan and hope you’ll love it just as much as I did. If you’ve been or have any great tips to add, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
Veronika of Travel Geekery visited Poznan on a partly sponsored trip with Poznan Tourism Board. All opinions are her own and unbiased.