Poznań

Understand

Poznań is a town steeped in history, as it was the first capital (with Gniezno) of Poland and seen by many as the birthplace of the Polish nation. Today it is a diverse and vibrant town, with many university students living here and much to divert the traveler. It has a stunningly rejuvenated central square, thriving night-life, fascinating museums and many attractions in the surrounding area. For train buffs, Poznań is the home of Europe's last surviving steam-hauled passenger service. With a strategic position on the Berlin – Moscow train line, Poznań will be for many their first experience of Poland.

History Poznań was one of early centres of power in Poland, built first as fortified settlement on Ostrów Tumski island with first cathedral in Poland which probably was place of baptism of duke Mieszko I in 966 (disputed with Ostrów Lednicki as the alternative location). First bishop in Poland resided here and Early Piasts were buried in cathedral crypt. This early development was halted due to destruction by multiple wars and population revolts against Christianity in mid 10th century which encouraged Piasts to move to the relatively unharmed Kraków with Poznań taking back seat for a time. Another period of development happened from mid to late 13th century when local Greater Polish dukes created new settlement on west bank of Warta river, which to this day remains centre of the city. Walls were built and duke Przemysł II built a castle as he tried to seize power in politically divided Poland. After short period of stagnation city entered quite long period of prosperity which lasted until 17th century, thus architecture of Old Town is dominated by Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Highlights are Town Hall and multiple elaborately decorated churches, especially the City Church of St. Stanislaus and Our Lady. 17th century brought calamity to entire Poland and Poznań was affected too. Severe mismanagement of city by nobility and king resulted in municipal authorities losing power over their own domain and greatly reduced tax revenue which halted its development entirely. To compound the disaster, city was intermittently sieged for over 100 years due to constant warfare in Poland and trade routes started to avoid Polish territory (and Poznań) whatsoever, prefering to move by the sea through Gdańsk. After fall of Napoleon, City was given in 1815 to Prussia which had profound effect on its development. While Prussian government got rid of stifling restrictions of previous Polish rule on city it also instituted policy of ever increasing Germanization an

Getting there

By plane 1 Poznań - Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport (POZ IATA) (7 km from the city centre). Domestic flights from Warsaw are offered by Polish Airlines LOT. International flights are offered by LOT (Frankfurt, Munich), Lufthansa Regional (Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf), KLM (Amsterdam), Norwegian Air Shuttle (Oslo-Gardermoen), Ryanair (Barcelona, Bologna, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London-Stansted, Madrid, Milan-Orio al Serio, Rome-Ciampino, Palma de Mallorca), Scandinavian Airlines (Copenhagen), and Wizz Air (Barcelona, Paris-Beauvais, Cork, Dortmund, Eindhoven, London-Luton, Rome-Fiumicino, Stockholm-Skavsta, Oslo-Torp). The airport is easily accessible by public buses 159 and 148. The 159 goes to the main train station while the 148 terminates at the Rondo Kaponiera intersection. For more details regarding public transport look into "Get Around" section below. Both buses leave about every quarter of an hour and the journey takes around 25 minutes. There is a ticket machine next to the bus stops, payment can be made by cash or card, screen works in different languages. Another option is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER IATA)

By train

2 Poznań Główny. Poznań main station. Virtually all trains from northwestern Poland and Wielkopolskie pass this station. Platform numeration and station layout is not very intuitive and it is better to come early. (updated Nov 2023) 3 Poznań Garbary. Local station closer to Ostrów Tumski side of the city, only regional and metropolitan rail. (updated Jul 2024) Trains from Berlin or Warsaw take approximately 3 hours and cost around €20 one-way. Trains from Kraków (approx. 8 daily) take around 6 hours and cost €15 one-way, Wrocław (more than 15 daily) will take around 2 hours and cost around €8. The journey from Gdańsk (6 trains daily) will take 5½ hours and cost €12 and to Toruń (6 trains per day): 2½ hours and €7. One daily train is direct from Vilnius in Lithuania, taking 10 hours via Kaunas, Białystok and Warsaw, continuing to Szczecin. The eastbound train calls at 11:30 to reach Vilnius at 23:30. Poznań is also served by long-distance trains from popular beach- and mountain resorts: Zakopane (2 night trains in winter and summer season), Szklarska Poręba/Kudowa-Zdrój (2 daily + 1 in season), Kołobrzeg (Kolberg), Hel and Świnoujście. Besides, Poznań and Wielkopolska region has a vast network of local connections operated by Koleje Wielkopolskie and Polregio operators. From tourist standpoint important routes served include trains from: Gniezno, Kalisz, Wolsztyn, Wągrowiec and Konin (and by bus to Lich

Getting around

By public transport

Poznań is a compact city and has a decent public transport system, consisting of trams and buses operated by the city's transportation authority (MPK). If you decide to use public transportation, prices of tickets are following (Jun 2024):

15-minute which costs 4 zł 45-minute which costs 6 zł 90-minute which costs 8 zl There are also daily tickets and multi-day tickets available:

24-hour ticket which costs 15 zł 7-day ticket which costs 50 zł. 24-hour and 7-day tickets are valid for any public transport line without additional fare. Besides that a 24-hr ticket validated between 20:00 on Friday and 24:00 on Saturday is valid till 24:00 on Sunday, becoming a weekend-long ticket. Full price list is available here. Validate your tickets as soon as you enter into vehicle. Look for yellow machines that have small thin hole in centre. If your ticket expires you will need to validate another ticket. If you don't have a ticket and are caught, you will be fined between 120-240 zł and will have to go through hassle of paying fine. You may transfer as many times as you wish and are only limited by time on your ticket. Night buses use the same tickets and fares. Ten minutes on a tram is usually enough to ride a few stops in the city out of the peak hours. For more than 5-6 stops, use a 45-minute ticket. The Poznań Card is a combination of ticket and discount card. Prices: 30 zł one-day, 40 zł two-day and 45 zł three-day. The PEKA card is the electronic fare card for the city, with lower fares than paper tickets based on the number of stops taken (1 stop 0.6 zł, 2 stops 1.1 zł, etc.) You must tap the card on entry and exit for buses and trams, after selecting the number of normal/reduced fares you need. Bearer PEKA cards can be purchased from City Information Centres (CIM) (see the webpage for other locations) for 27 zł, of which 12 zł is a deposit. You may have to ask about buying a bearer card. If you study in Poland and are under 26, or you bear an ISIC, you are eligible for a 50% discount on every public transport ticket. Public transport is free for people over age of 70. Luggage smaller than "90 x 75 x 40 cm", wheelchairs and pushchairs can be carried free of charge. Bicycles can also be taken free of charge, but only in vehicles labeled with bike pictogram on entrance, however they must give way before both wheelchairs and pushchairs and also will be refused in packed vehicles. An internet service Jak dojadę (Polish for: How will I get to...) helps you to find a connection and the proper timetable even without a good knowledge about th

See

Old Town

1 Stary Rynek (Old Market Square). The old town square, one of the finest in Europe. This is the centre of old, medieval Poznań, and has been superbly rebuilt after severe destruction in World War II. Cafés and bars line the square and it is a superb spot for ordering a drink and watching the world go by. (updated Nov 2023) 2 Town Hall, Stary Rynek 1. M Tu F 10:00-16:00, W 12:00-18:00, and Su 10:00-15:00. The Town Hall is the centrepiece of the Rynek. It was built in the Gothic style in the first years of the 14th century. It was later rebuilt in Renaissance style by Giovanni Battista di Quadro from Lugano. It is said to be the most beautiful non-church renaissance building north of the Alps. The building houses the Historical Museum of Poznań (built as the headquarters of municipal powers and the city court), displaying exhibitions about the history of the city since the 10th century. Two things to watch out for here are the ornately decorated Great Entrance Hall and the mechanical goats which appear from the roof of the building each day at noon to butt their heads together a dozen times. €1.50. (updated Oct 2016) 3 The City Church of St. Stanislaus and Our Lady (Fara Poznańska), Klasztorna 11, ☏ +48 61 852 69 50. 06:00-19:30 daily, no visits during mass service. This church was reopened in 2007 after total refurbishment, one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Poland. It was built as a Jesuits' church; it is now the parish church for the Old Town. Many tourist come here for the sounds of its organs, built here in the 1870s by one of the most famous organ masters of that time: Friedrich Ladegast from Wesenfels (Germany). The organs can be heard during services (regular on Sundays and on weekdays: 03:00 or 04:00 and 13:00) and during organ concerts (each Thursday, 19:30, free entrance). (updated Nov 2024) 4 The former Jesuits' College, plac Kolegiacki. It was an old Jesuits' school build by the monk in the same period, as the neighboring church, now houses the City Office - so it's possible to get in to see the interiors, but only halls and corridors. In the early 19th century it was the quarters for emperor Napoleon I during his march toward Moscow. Few years later - the concert place for Frédéric Chopin (his original instrument is still exhibited in Poznań in the Museum of Musical Instruments - see below). In front of the City Office is the monument of two goats - the symbol of the city. (updated Nov 2024) 5 King's Castle, Góra Przemysła 1. The King's Castle (Zamek Królewski) - rebuilt by King Przemysł II in 1290s, but erected by his

Do

1 Termy Maltańskie, Termalna 1 (Termalna, or Termy Maltańskie stops), ☏ +48 459 595 590, [email protected]. all zones open before 12:00, all close on 23:00. One of the largest aquaparks in Poland with large sports swimming pool and saunas (all three are separate zones paid and visited separately). Many water slides, wave pool and other attractions. Outdoor swimming pools are available in summer and an artificial beach with umbrellas and sand. Expect huge crowds in the evening and during summer. 46 zł (aquapark), 55 zł (sauna), 18 zł (swimming pool). (updated Nov 2024) 2 Nowe Zoo, Krańcowa 81 (eastern outskirts of the city behind Malta Lake), ☏ +48 61 646 33 44. 09:00-16:00 (Nov-Feb), 09:00-17:00 (Mar, Oct), 09:00-19:00 (Apr-Sep). Huge zoo for a casual stroll located in a forest, large variety of animals (including elephants, tigers, seals and bisons) on spacious enclosures. Long distances may be a bit boring or tough on children. Zoo became popular for its focus on animal welfare and protection. You can access it also with park train (see below). Avoid restaurants inside zoo though, they are quite bad. over 45 zł in season (Mar-Oct), 15 zł off-season (Nov-Feb). (updated Nov 2024) 3 Park Railway Maltanka (start close to Rondo Śródka, end at Nowe Zoo with stop on Termy Maltańskie). 10:00-19:00 every half hour, consult timetable. Park train which goes from city to the zoo close to Malta Lake. Source of amusement for many children who ride it. Some rides are completed using steam train. 15 zł, 10 zł reduced. (updated Nov 2024) Football: 4 KKS Lech Poznań, Stadion Miejski, Bułgarska 17 (Bus or tram to Stadion Miejski), ☏ +48 61 886 3050. "The railwaymen" play soccer in Ekstraklasa, the top tier. KKS stands for Kolejowy Klub Sportowy, railway sports club, and a splendid Ty 51 steam locomotive stands in front of the stadium. Stadion Miejski is now sponsored as Enea Stadium, capacity 42,800. (updated Jun 2026) Warta Poznań were promoted in 2026 and now play in I Liga, the second tier, at tiny Dębińska Road Stadium.

Lakes Some have mountains others have sea, in Poznań summer life revolves around four city lakes located relatively close to centre. Chain of lakes: Rusałka, Strzeszyn and Kiekrz make for a nice cycling or jogging trip.

5 Malta Lake (east of city centre). Long artificial lake with rowing track used in professional competitions. There is about 5km long path going around entire lake often used for marathon runs. Small swimming spot and leisure centre with huge children playground are located on southern side. (updated Nov 2024) 6 Malta Ski,

Buy

The Stary Rynek is full of stalls where you can buy handicrafts and toys. Good souvenir shops selling folk handicraft are situated in Woźna street (one of the streets from the Square eastwards).

Comic books Św. Marcin street 29, in an inside square, there is a little nice manga shop. You can easily find it as there is a big poster about it on the wall in near the street.

Shopping streets Półwiejska is the main shopping street in Poznań. All kind of stuff useful and not can be found here including: specialist bookstores, orientalising trinkets, console game exchange, arcades, phone repairs Głogowska used to be important, now it is more let down. Known mostly for wedding dresses. There are also many second hand fashion stores. Św. Marcin (and streets nearby: Gwarna, Taczaka, Ratajczaka) second hand bookstores, antiquaries, music and movies.

Open-air markets There are many in Poznań, most are open all year round – maybe during the most severe frosts some stalls are closed and vendors are at home.

1 Bernardyński Square, Plac Bernardyński (a, little bit further from the centre, accessible on foot (5- to 6-minute walk from the Old Market Square) or by trams #5, #13 and #16 and buses #74 and #76). A good choice of flowers, a lot of vegetables and fruit. 2 Jezycki Market (From the centre take trams #2, #17 or #18 to get there (if you're a good walker it's also accessible on foot)). Mostly for the locals living in Jezyce district, a huge choice of meat, some flowers, vegetables, some clothes and shoes. Much better prices than in shops in the centre, but don't expect much English (or any other language). If you are a meat lover, just next to Jezycki, you will find Wilczura (Zdrowe Mięsa) (Poznańska 1/3), a specialized butcher offering wide range of less common meats and meat products, from horsemeat to coypu sausages. The prices are quite competitive and not much higher than more casual kinds of meat. 3 Łazarski Market (trams #5, #8, #14 and #18). Also assigned mostly for locals, apart from food, flowers and clothes – some toys and electronic equipment. 4 Wielkopolski Square Market, Plac Wielkopolski (in the vicinity of the Old Town (2-3 minute walk)). Mostly flowers, vegetables-fruit and sweets, some meat. 5 Wildecki Market (trams #2, #9 and #10). A market similar to Jezycki Market

Shopping malls

6 King Cross Marcelin, ul. Bukowska 156, ☏ +48 61 886 04 02. M-Sa 09:00-21:00, Su 10:00-20:00. A shopping centre in the western parts of the city, next to the street leading to Ławica airport. 7 Poznan Plaza, Kaspra Drużbickiego 1 (Lechicka Poznań Pla

Eat

Poznań has two culinary locations, one in Old Town, close to and around the Town Hall and consists mostly of restaurants serving typical Polish fares often catering to tourists. Here you will find the usual pierogis, pyzy, goose, bigos etc.. Another fancier spot is located in Jeżyce district around Jeżyce Market, Dąbrowskiego and Szamarzewskiego streets, which is focused more on world cuisine with some fine dining additions. In other districts you will usually find inexpensive bistro and kebab places.

Budget If you are looking for budget options then search for places named "Bistro", "Kebab" or the critically endangered "Bar mleczny". These places will allow you to eat well at low, usually 30 zł price.

1 Bar Pod Arkadami (Under the Arcades), pl. Cyryla Ratajskiego 10 (a bit more far from the Old Town, but still in the centre), ☏ +48 669 900 387. One of the last remaining milk bars in Poznań. A place to eat a meal on the cheap that is not spaghetti. (updated Feb 2025) 2 Avanti, Stary Rynek 76, ☏ +48 61 8523285. For those on low budget, this is an inexpensive fast-serve place with few kinds of spaghetti or lasagne. Served almost immediately: pasta and sauce are always ready. (Tip: go for carbonara pasta). (updated Feb 2025) 3 Kociak (Kitty), ul. św. Marcin 28, ☏ +48 61 852 00 34. Very famous for its wonderful desserts and milk shakes. Don't be astonished with the interiors: it is a cafe bar, not a luxurious café. 4 Piccolo, Rynkowa 1. Small selection of spaghetti and lasagne on very tight budget. There are several of them within the city; one of the most useful is on Rynkowa 1 only few steps from the Old Market Sq. (updated Mar 2025)

Mid-range 5 Double B's American Dinner, Ul. Szkolna 15, ☏ +48 453 012 788. Restaurant based on popular image of American 50s restaurants. Serves burgers, hot-dogs and other American-inspired cuisine. 60 zł. (updated Jun 2024) 6 Dramat, Stary Rynek 41, ☏ +48 61 852 9917. 11:00-22:00. A cheap place on the Rynek serving Polish food. Perennially popular. €2-5. 7 Czerwone Sombrero, Stary Rynek 94, ☏ +48 573 411 584. Original Mexican cuisine with live Latino music. (updated Jun 2024) 8 Kura Warzyw Gemüse Kebab, ul. Wrocławska 20, ☏ +48 576 548 555. M Tu 12:00-01:00, W Th 12:00-03:00, F Sa 12:00-05:00, Su 12:00-00:00. Posh döner kebab inspired by German originals. Higher quality than typical Polish kebab, but quite expensive. Vegan options available. Open till early morning. 40 zł. (updated Jun 2024) 9 La Giovane, ul. Woźna 1, ☏ +48 61 870 37 37. M-Th 12:00-22:00, F Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-20:00. Pizzeria in the Old Town +

Drink & nightlife

Most night clubs in Poznań are to be found on and around the Stary Rynek, especially on Wrocławska street which is centre of local nightlife.

1 Cuba Libre, Wrocławska 21, ☏ +48 61 855 23 44, [email protected]. from 22:00 M-Sa. Latin music, most nights the owner gives a basic salsa-lesson early at night, before that Latin Parties with different DJs and music. (updated Sep 2024) 2 Proletaryat, Wrocławska 9, ☏ +48 61 8524858. 3 Kultowa, Wrocławska 16. from 17:00. Go to pub with lots of smoke for a slower day. Brick, cosy interiors and 80s/90s Polish rock hits. (updated Feb 2025) 4 Klub 'Pod Minogą', Feliksa Nowowiejskiego 8, ☏ +48 606 304 303. from 17:30. Music club mostly catering to small, cosy concerts (usually rock), good acoustics that does not hurt ears too much. Climate of old 90s bar with raw brick walls, old wood and delicate humid stench. (updated Feb 2025) 5 KontenerART (east side of park near Ewangelicka, close to the river). open May-Sep. Chill location near river to drink a few beers and have a dance or two. Good for small groups or singles. (updated Feb 2025)

Sleep

Poznań is well known for its trade fairs, when thousands of business types descend en masse to the city. Accommodation can be quite difficult to find in this period, and prices tend to go up.

Budget 1 APG Guest Rooms - Pensjon Polska, 56/58 Polska str, ☏ +48 61 843 00 03, +48 502 25 29 39 (mobile). 2 Blooms Boutique Hostel and Apartments, Kwiatowa str. 2 (close to the Old Brewery shopping centre), ☏ +48 61 221 44 48, [email protected]. Wi-Fi, linen and a full breakfast included. 56 beds. From 50 zł. 3 Hanka hostel, Biskupińska 27. 4 Youth hostel of 'Kids' Friends Society', Drzymały str. 3 (by tram, lines 9 i 11 or bus 78), ☏ +48 664 081 981. Good for organized school groups, meals-ordering possible.

Mid-range 5 Don Prestige Residence, 2 St. Martin Str (Wrocławska stop), ☏ +48 61 859 05 90, [email protected]. 6 Hotel/Camping Malta, 98 Krańcowa Str (between the racing track on the Malta Lake and the Zoo), ☏ +48 61 876 62 03, [email protected]. 7 Hotel IOR - Congress Centre, Węgorka 20, ☏ +48 61 864 92 00, [email protected]. Respectively far (but with very good transport), close to the airport and to the stadium. (updated Mar 2025) 8 Hotel HP Park, 77 Baraniaka (South of the Malta Lake), ☏ +48 61 874 11 53, [email protected]. (updated Feb 2025) 9 Hotel Włoski, 8, Dolna Wilda str, ☏ +48 61 833 52 62. A new hotel, located just out of the city centre, most tourist attractions are accessible on foot. In the vicinity : swimming pools and tennis courts in Chwiałkowskiego str. And walking green areas at the Warta river side. 10 Hotel-Restaurant Brovaria, 73/74 Old Market Square, ☏ +48 61 858 68 68, [email protected]. A cozy hotel on the main square, joined with a restaurant offering locally-brewed beer (the Poznań version of 'U Fleku'). (updated Oct 2025) 11 Ilonn Hotel, Szarych Szeregów 16, ☏ +48 61 668 75 75, [email protected]. Renovated hotel on the outskirts of the city, relatively close to the Strzeszyn Lake (one of a few natural lakes in the city). High standard and top customer care makes this location worth considering when going to Poznan. It is directly connected with the Rail Station via 168 bus line as well as with the city centre. The hotel complex includes parking, restaurant and separate conference rooms. (updated Mar 2025)

Splurge 12 Andersia Hotel, 3 Andersa Sq, ☏ +48 61 667 80 00, [email protected]. just next to the Old Brewery, 10-minutes walk from the fair areas, the central station and the Old Town. 13 Blow Up Hall, 42, Kościuszki Str, ☏ +48 500 161 671, [email protected]

Go next

For those arriving by train from Berlin, it would make sense to travel south to the cities of Wrocław and Kraków, or on to Warsaw. Another opportunity is to travel to the north - Gdańsk. Day-trips:

Dziekanowice (35 km northeast) — accessible only by car, village in Greater Poland containing ethnographic museum with traditional houses and Dutch windmills. Further behind museum there are ruins of palace on island of Ostrów Lednicki one of contenders for title of first capital of Poland Gniezno (50 km northeast) — first capital of Poland and a minor city, easily accessible via Intercity and commuter rail. The city has one of oldest cathedrals in Poland used for coronation by Polish kings and containing relics of Adalbert of Prague. Behind cathedral there is old town with variety of architecture and food. There is also Museum of the Beginnings of the Polish State. Kórnik (18 km southeast) — Poznań suburb accessible by suburban bus with a beautiful old town containing gothic church and numerous lakes. There is also a neogothic castle complete with original furniture and surrounded by a dendrological park with well kept bushes and trees, best visited in May/June during flowering period. Licheń Stary (100 km east) — two large basilicas and important Virgin Mary pilgrimage site in Poland. Worth a visit if you are a devout catholic, or if you enjoy absurd architecture. Owińska (17 km north) — village suburb with baroque Cistercian Nuns Monastery and dilapidated von Treskow family palace with park. Good starting point to visit Puszcza Zielonka or forests north of Poznań via pedestrian/cycling bridge with observation tower. Puszcza Zielonka (10–15 km northeast) — large forest complex to the northeast of the city. Many walking and cycling trails, lakes with fishing spots. On the forest boundaries there are numerous wooden churches. Contains free observatory on top of Dziewicza Góra open during daytime except for Mondays providing great view of Poznań and its suburbs. Puszczykowo (15 km south) — easily accessible by commuter train, interwar era suburb with many villas, contains travel museum of a Polish traveler Arkady Fiedler including gifts from many tropical tribes. Good starting point for wandering or cycling in Wielkopolski National Park that preserves post-glacial landscape of Greater Poland. Numerous hills and scenic lakes. Rogalin (16 km south)— accessible only with car or bike, baroque-classicist palace of Raczyński family with their famous painting collection and horse cabs. Surrounded by oak trees (in total: more than 500), including three natural monumen