Poznań

Poznan combines millennial history and modernity. It offers a picturesque Market Square, a historical cathedral, interesting museums and a lively imperial quarter.
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Poznan is the fifth largest city in Poland. Located in the western part of the country, it has witnessed numerous historical events that have shaped its unique character.

The beating heart of Poznan is its Old Market Square, surrounded by colourful buildings full of architectural details that tell centuries of history. The city boasts an impressive blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, visible in its many monuments and churches.

Poznan is also known for its lively cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries and theatres offering entertainment for all tastes. The presence of several university faculties gives the city a young and dynamic atmosphere, with cafes, restaurants and nightclubs enlivening its streets.

No less important is Poznan’s role as a trade and exhibition centre, with its modern business district and numerous international trade fairs attracting visitors from all over the world.

Things to do in Poznan

Poznan is a city that offers a rich variety of attractions for visitors, ranging from historical monuments to interesting museums, from peaceful parks to lively modern districts. Whether you are a history buff, art lover or simply looking for unique experiences, Poznan has something to offer everyone.

Old Market Square (Stary Rynek)

1Stary Rynek, 60-101 Poznań, Poland

The beating heart of Poznan is undoubtedly its magnificent Old Market Square. This vast square space, surrounded by colourful Renaissance and Baroque buildings, is one of the most photographed places in the city. In the centre of the square stands the majestic City Hall, a masterpiece of 16th century Renaissance architecture.

Don’t miss the daily spectacle that takes place on the façade of the Town Hall at midday: two mechanical goats emerge from a small door and collide 12 times, to the delight of tourists and locals alike. This tradition dates back to 1551 and commemorates a historical event related to the construction of the clock.

Around the square you will find numerous cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. It is the perfect place to sit at a table outside, enjoy a coffee or local beer and watch the hustle and bustle of people. Be sure to also explore the surrounding streets, where you can discover small boutiques, art galleries and hidden historical buildings.

Ostrów Tumski

2Ostrów Tumski, 61-001 Poznań, Poland

Ostrów Tumski, meaning ‘Cathedral Island’, is the historical and spiritual heart of Poznan. Located on the Warta River, this small island is considered the birthplace of both the city of Poznan and the Polish state. The main attraction of Ostrów Tumski as you might guess is the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, one of the oldest churches in Poland.

Walking around Ostrów Tumski is like taking a trip back in time. The cobbled streets, old buildings and peaceful atmosphere contrast with the hectic pace of the modern city centre, offering visitors a unique and contemplative experience. The island is particularly atmospheric at sunset, when the lights of the street lamps come on.

Poznań Cathedral

3Ostrów Tumski 17, 61-001 Poznań, Poland

Located on the island of Ostrów Tumski, the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul is one of Poznan’s oldest and most important monuments. This majestic Gothic church, built in the 10th century, is considered the first cathedral in Poland and the burial place of the first Polish rulers.

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with its Gothic vaults, richly decorated side chapels and a crypt containing the remains of the first Polish kings. Don’t miss the Golden Chapel, a Baroque masterpiece with its gilded decorations and breathtaking frescoes.

Climb the cathedral tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Warta River. A visit to the cathedral will allow you to immerse yourself in Poland’s rich history and admire one of the country’s most important examples of Gothic architecture.

Imperial Castle

4Święty Marcin 80/82, 61-809 Poznań, Poland

Poznan’s Imperial Castle is a fascinating example of Neo-Roman architecture, built in the early 20th century as a residence for German Emperor Wilhelm II. Today, this impressive building houses a cultural centre and offers visitors an interesting perspective on the city’s history.

Explore the richly decorated interiors, including the Throne Room and the royal flats, which offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the elite of the time. The castle regularly hosts art exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events.

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the castle tower for a panoramic view of the city. The surrounding gardens are perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic on a sunny day.

Cesarski District

5plac Wolności 19, 61-739 Poznań, Poland

The Cesarski District is a fascinating area that bears witness to the period when Poznan was part of the German Empire. The Imperial Gate, an imposing Neo-Roman archway, marks the entrance to this district full of monumental buildings.

Stroll along the wide avenues lined with majestic buildings such as the Opera House, the Academy of Music and the Raczyński Library. These buildings represent an interesting mix of architectural styles, from neo-Renaissance to neoclassical.

The district is also home to theAdam Mickiewicz University, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Poland. The student atmosphere lends a lively energy to this part of the city.

Poznan National Museum

6al. Marcinkowskiego 9, 61-745 Poznań, Poland

The Poznan National Museum is a must-see for art lovers. Housed in a 20th century modernist building, the museum boasts an extensive collection ranging from medieval to contemporary art.

Highlights of the collection include works by internationally renowned Polish artists such as Jan Matejko and Jacek Malczewski, as well as a significant collection of European art from the 15th to the 20th century. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of 19th-century Polish paintings.

Don’t miss the Gallery of Medieval Art, which exhibits magnificent Gothic altarpieces and religious sculptures. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary Polish and international artists.

Croissant Museum

7wejście od, Klasztorna 23, 61-779 Poznań, Poland

For a unique and tasty experience, visit the Croissant Museum in Poznan. This interactive museum is dedicated to the ‘rogal świętomarciński’, a traditional Poznan croissant filled with almond paste and poppy seeds.

Take part in an interactive demonstration where you can learn the history of this typical pastry and watch it being made. The best part? You can taste the freshly baked croissant at the end of your visit!

Map

In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.

Where to stay in Poznan

Poznan offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit the needs of every type of traveller.

The Old Town is the ideal choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Staying here will allow you to be within walking distance of major attractions such as the Old Market Square, the City Hall and numerous restaurants and bars. You will find a variety of luxury hotels, boutique hotels and flats for rent in restored historical buildings. The main advantage is the proximity to the main tourist sites and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Old Town.

The Jeżyce district is perfect for those seeking a more local and quiet atmosphere. This residential area, west of the centre, is known for its trendy cafés, restaurants and independent shops. Here you will find cheaper accommodation options, including bed & breakfasts and flats for rent. It is well connected to the city centre by public transport.

The Wilda district, south of the centre, is an excellent choice for travellers looking for an authentic atmosphere and cheaper prices. This area is experiencing a cultural renaissance, with art galleries, cafés and creative spaces springing up in old industrial buildings.

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Excursions around Poznan

Gniezno

Poznan is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, rich in historical, natural and cultural attractions. Renting a car is an excellent option for visiting these locations, as it offers greater flexibility and the possibility of reaching places less accessible by public transport.

Gniezno

Gniezno, the first capital of Poland, is located about 50 km east of Poznan and is an essential stop for those interested in Polish history. The city is dominated by the magnificent Gniezno Cathedral, where the first Polish kings were crowned.

The cathedral houses the relics of St Adalbert and the famous Gates of Gniezno, a masterpiece of Romanesque bronze art depicting scenes from the saint’s life. The Museum of the Beginning of the Polish State offers an interesting perspective on the formation of the Polish nation.

The historical centre of Gniezno, with its market square and medieval churches, is worth a stroll. The drive from Poznan takes about an hour.

Lake Malta and Park

For a break from city life, head to Lake Malta, a picturesque man-made lake located a few kilometres from the centre of Poznan. This recreational area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and offers numerous opportunities for recreation.

You can rent a boat or pedalo to explore the lake, jog or cycle along the paths surrounding the water, or simply relax on its shores. The lake is also home to a world-class sports centre, where rowing competitions and other water sports are regularly held.

Nearby you will find the New Poznan Zoo, a vast zoological park housing a wide variety of animals in environments that reproduce their natural habitat. It is an excellent option for a family outing.

Kórnik Castle

Kórnik Castle, located about 25 km southeast of Poznan, is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip. This 19th-century neo-Gothic castle is surrounded by a vast park and botanical gardens.

The castle houses a museum with a rich collection of period furniture, antique weapons and a library with over 350,000 volumes, including many rare manuscripts. The gardens are particularly spectacular in spring, when thousands of azaleas and rhododendrons bloom.

The drive from Poznan takes about 30 minutes, making Kórnik Castle an ideal destination for a half or full day.

Wielkopolski National Park

For nature lovers, the Wielkopolski National Park is a must-see destination. Located about 15 km south of Poznan, this park offers picturesque landscapes with lakes, forests and moraine hills.

The park is ideal for hiking, cycling and birdwatching. There are numerous marked trails and viewpoints. Lake Góreckie, in the centre of the park, is a popular place for boating and swimming during the summer.

A visit to the park can be combined with a stop at the nearby Szreniawa Agricultural Museum, which offers an interesting insight into the rural history of the region.

Rogalin

The Palace of Rogalin, located about 20 km south of Poznan, is a magnificent example of Baroque and Classicist architecture. Built in the 18th century, the palace is surrounded by beautiful French-style gardens.

The interior of the palace houses a museum with a rich collection of paintings, period furniture and objets d’art. Particularly impressive is the Painting Gallery with works by Polish and European artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the famous Rogalin Oaks, a group of ancient oak trees, some of which are over 700 years old. The park surrounding the palace is perfect for relaxing walks.

Biskupin

For a dip into prehistory, visit Biskupin, located about 90 km northeast of Poznan. This archaeological site is a reconstruction of an Iron Age fortified settlement dating back some 2,700 years.

The site includes reconstructions of dwellings, defensive walls and gates, giving visitors a vivid idea of what life in a prehistoric village might have been like. During the summer, the site hosts demonstrations of ancient crafts and construction techniques.

Although it is the furthest of the proposed destinations (the drive takes about 2 hours), Biskupin is a unique experience that is definitely worth the trip, especially for families and history buffs.

How to get to Poznan

Poznan, located in the western part of Poland, is well connected both nationally and internationally. Its strategic location, halfway between Berlin and Warsaw, makes it easily accessible from different parts of Europe. The city is served by an international airport and enjoys excellent rail and road connections.

Poznan-Ławica Airport

Poznan-Ławica Airport (POZ) is the main air gateway to the city, located just 7 km from the centre. It serves domestic and international flights, with regular connections to major European cities.

To reach the city centre from the airport, you can take bus 159, which takes about 20 minutes and departs every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or private transfer: the journey takes about 15 minutes and costs around 30-40 PLN.

Finally, if you need to travel to outlying areas or places in the vicinity, consider renting a car.

Poznan by train

Poznan is an important railway junction in Poland. The main station, Poznań Główny, is well connected to major Polish cities and some international destinations.

Trains from Warsaw take about 3 hours, while from Krakow the journey takes about 5 hours. There are also direct connections from Berlin that take about 3 hours.

Poznan by car

If you prefer to drive, Poznan is easily accessible thanks to its motorway network. TheA2 motorway connects Poznan to Warsaw to the east and the German border to the west, while the S5 highway connects the city to Wrocław to the south and Gdańsk to the north.

Poznań Weather

What's the weather at Poznań? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Poznań for the next few days.

Wednesday 16
16°
23°
Thursday 17
13°
21°
Friday 18
14°
22°
Saturday 19
16°
24°
Sunday 20
17°
27°
Monday 21
19°
29°

Where is located Poznań

Poznan is located in the western part of Poland, about 300 km west of Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

Poznan occupies a strategic location, being equidistant between Berlin and Warsaw, both of which can be reached in about 3 hours by train or car. It is also about 170 km from Wrocław and 280 km from Łódź.

Insights on Poznań

Poznań Airport

Poznań Airport

Practical guide to Poznań Airport with real-time information on arrival and departure times, connections to the city centre and accommodation in the surrounding area.
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