Poznan is one of Poland’s most underrated cities. Ky arrived not knowing what to expect, and left having fallen in love with the charm, atmosphere and colour of Poznan. The city is has a student town vibe, home to one of the largest universities in the country. This is evident in the parks, street bars and even the exceptional café scene. We always enjoy visiting university towns, as we feel this brings a bit more culture, atmosphere, budget friendly eats, and excellent coffee culture. This guide will illustrate the beauty of Poznan, sharing a few excellent things to do when you visit.
Best things to do in Poznan?
Watch Lech Poznan football team
The Lech Poznan team is infamous for their atmosphere and active fans. In fact, they are well known around the world for their iconic ‘Poznan’ move, a celebratory move that involves supporters linking arms standing with their backs to the pitch jumping side to side. Traced back to Lech Poznan in the 1960s, active fans around the world have copied this iconic celebration. Heading to a game here was high on Ky’s bucket list, and the dates happen fit so he could make it happen. The ‘Poznan Stadium’ is located around a 15 minute drive out of the city, and tickets were easy enough to buy a few weeks in advance from the Lech Poznan website (sign up for a free account, they cost about 20-30 euros from memory). If you are purchasing seats, we’d recommend sitting on one of the wings, this way you won’t sit in the opposition fans, and you’ll also avoid being stuck in with the Poznan active fans.. an experience that might be ‘a lot’ if you’re not used to active fans. Book your Lech Poznan tickets here.
Explore the Poznan old market square and Stary Rynek area
The central part of the Poznan old town is well worth checking out. Most of this main square was rebuilt around 70-80 years ago, but unlike some old towns which have had to be reconstructed.. Poznan have done it really well. The heart of the city is picturesque and very colourful.
If you are heading into the old town, try to get there to watch the famous Poznan goats butt heads with each other in the main square clock tower. This happens at 12pm and is quite a popular attraction.
Enjoy the beautiful parks in Poznan
There are numerous parks around the old town, include our favourite, the Park Dabrowskeigo. This has a lovely uni student and family vibe. There’s lots of free deck chairs out to sit in, and if the sun comes out, it’s the perfect spot to relax. We also enjoyed the Chopin Park and the expansive Park Cytadela at the edge of the town.
Wander Półwiejska street
Located in the Poznan “new town”, this street is home to good cafes, Bakeries, cheap eats, and shops. It’s close to the lovely Park Dabrowskeigo and the shopping area Stary Browar (see below).
Explore and shop at Stary Browar
Located in the “new town” part of Poznan, Stary Browar is home to 200 stores in a 19th century brick building. Not only is it architecturally appealing, it’s go lots of great stores (from boutiques to well known retailers). Stary Browar is also located near Polwiejska Street and Dabrowskeigo Park.
Poznan has great churches and cathedrals
There are numerous impressive churches and cathedrals located around the Poznan town, with the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Mary Magdalene and St. Stanislaus definitely a must visit in the old town.
The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is another good option to visit located near the Poznan castle.
Explore the Skroda area/Mural Śródka
Located around 20-30 minutes walk from the old town is a historic area called Skroda. Home to some gorgeous street art and the impressive Poznan Cathedral, Skroda is a great spot to spend a few hours walking, exploring and enjoying some of the great cafes and restaurants in the area.
And more?
There’s always lots more to do. A few other good options would include the visiting the Poznan castle (note – not open Mondays) and the unique Croissant Museum. You could also check out the colourful Plac Kolegiacki square and Wolny Dziedziniec Urzędu Miasta near the old town.
The best coffee in Poznan
We are making a big call here, but Poznan had some of the best coffee and café secene in Europe. There were so many excellent cafes and coffee roasters. The list below is comprehensive, but not exhaustive. These were some of the top places we stumbled upon. Our favourite was definitely Untitled Coffee, but every did a good brew.
- Untitled Coffee
- Give Me Coffee
- Kawiarnia KAWA
- bardzo
- KAHAWA Kawa i Książka
- Stragan Kawiarnia
- MIEL Coffee
- Guest Coffee Culture – outside the town
- Kaferdam
- PLOT TWIST espresso bar
- La Gacca Cafe by Brisman
- Mitte Klubo~Piekarnia Poznań
- Faraway cafe&lunch
- Panta Rhei Cafe
- Lavenda Cafe & Lunch
- Jaglana
- Dynx Restauracja
A few good food options in Poznan:
- Perogi/dumplings in Poznan – Try Pierożak Pierogarnia Półwiejska (make them fresh by hand, typically 2-2.5pln per one) or Pierogarnia Stary Młyn in the old town.
- Bakeries in Poznan – inna.piekarnia (good coffee too), also popular with locals Pretty Cukiernia, Luna also had good treats.
- Mitte Klubo~Piekarnia Poznań – An excellent café/restaurant on the edge of the Poznan old town.
- The cafes! Most of cafes above do great food/brunch options
- Restauracja Dmuchawce – cute little restaurant out of town
Where to stay in Poznan?
Due to the affordable nature of accommodation, we would recommend staying in the old town, or just on the fridge closer to the train station. We have listed a few good options below..
- eswiety10 – Gorgeous apartment in the heart of the old town.
- Saint Martin Residence Old Town with Wellness – Beautiful rooms with wellness facilities in the old town.
- STARY RYNEK Old Market Square PREMIUM Apartments – Stay with main square views!
- Swiety 7 – An apartment in an incredible location.
- B&B Hotel Poznań Old Town – Well priced hotel in the old town.
- Apartmenty Liberty Plaza – Another beautiful, well located apartment.
So should you visit Poznan? The answer is yes, definitely yes!
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