If you’re looking for the best things to do in Poznań, you’re in for a surprise. Before our Poland road trip, we honestly knew very little about the city, but after spending several days exploring its colourful Old Town, fascinating history, incredible food scene and vibrant neighbourhoods, we completely fell in love with it. In this Poznań travel guide, we’re sharing our favourite experiences and why we think this charming city deserves a place on every Poland itinerary.

When planning our Poland road trip, Poznań wasn’t high on our list. We had our hearts set on exploring Poland’s beautiful national parks, and cities simply weren’t our main focus.

Then an opportunity came along that completely changed our plans.

A house sit caring for a shy cat became available right in the heart of Poznań. Located close to the Central Station, the Imperial Castle and only about a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Stary Browar shopping centre, it was the perfect base for exploring the city on foot. It also gave us the perfect excuse to adjust our route and spend a few days discovering a city we knew surprisingly little about.

The more we looked into Poznań, the more curious we became. Could this lesser-known destination really compete with places like Kraków? Had we been overlooking one of Poland’s best city breaks all along?

So, is Poznań the most underrated city in Poland?

Let’s find out!

Like many first-time visitors, our first stop in Poznań was the colourful Old Market Square (Stary Rynek). With our house sit in such a central location, we could simply leave the apartment and stroll towards the historic centre. From the very beginning, we enjoyed soaking up the city’s atmosphere.

On our way to the Old Market Square, we stumbled upon Zen On, a Michelin-recommended restaurant with a long queue outside. That was enough of a reason for us to stop and see what the excitement was about. Luckily, we managed to get a table, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our first day in Poznań.

With full stomachs and big smiles, we continued our walk towards the Old Town. Along the way, we briefly stopped at the Church of the Holy Spirit before reaching what quickly became one of our favourite places in the city.

We have visited many beautiful squares during our travels, but Poznań’s Old Market Square immediately stood out. Colourful Renaissance merchant houses, elegant historic buildings and lively cafés surround the square. Together, they create one of the most vibrant and picturesque places we’ve ever explored.

We took our time wandering through the streets. We admired the beautiful Town Hall, stepped inside the magnificent Fara Church and kept an eye out for the city’s famous goat symbols, which seem to appear all over Poznań.

It didn’t take long before we started asking ourselves the same question we had before arriving…

Why isn’t Poznań mentioned more often as one of the best city breaks in Poland?

No visit to Poznań is complete without discovering the story behind the city’s famous goats. Today, they are the city’s unofficial mascot. As you explore Poznań, you’ll spot goat sculptures, murals, souvenirs and other playful tributes around almost every corner.

According to a popular legend, a cook accidentally burned the venison he had prepared for a feast hosted by the mayor. Desperate to save the day, he tried to catch two nearby goats instead. The mischievous animals escaped, ran up the Town Hall tower and started butting heads in front of the gathered crowd. The mayor enjoyed the spectacle so much that he ordered craftsmen to install a pair of mechanical goats in the Town Hall clock.

More than 450 years later, the famous goats still appear every day and continue this much-loved tradition. From the mechanical goats on the Town Hall to the bronze goat sculpture at Plac Kolegiacki, they have become a symbol of the city. Keep your eyes open as you explore—you never know where the next goat might be hiding!

We had every intention of seeing the famous noon performance, but the weather quickly changed our plans. While walking to Plac Kolegiacki to admire the goat sculpture, the skies suddenly opened, and we found ourselves caught in a serious downpour. We waited, hoping the rain would pass, but after a while we realised we would miss the midday show.

Luckily, the goats make a second appearance at 3 pm, so once the rain finally became lighter, we made our way back to the Old Market Square. Standing among other visitors looking up at the Town Hall tower, we watched the little goats appear and perform their famous head-butting tradition. It might only last a short moment, but something is charming about seeing a tradition that has been delighting visitors and locals for generations.

Tip: Arrive a little early if you want a good view, especially around lunchtime when the square can get busy. The Town Hall and the surrounding Old Market Square are also beautiful to explore while waiting for the show.

After finally seeing the famous Poznań Goats at the Town Hall despite the heavy rain, we were still looking for a cosy place to escape the weather. The rain had not completely stopped, and after walking around the Old Town in wet conditions, a warm café and something sweet sounded like the perfect plan.

That’s when we discovered Rogal, one of the city’s best-known places to tryPoznań’s most famous speciality: the St. Martin Croissant.

Sometimes unexpected weather leads you to some of the best travel moments. Instead of continuing our sightseeing in the rain, we took a break and enjoyed one of Poznań’s most traditional treats.

The St. Martin Croissant (Rogal Świętomarciński) is much more than a normal pastry. This local delicacy is made with a special filling of white poppy seeds, nuts, almonds and raisins, wrapped in a rich, flaky dough and finished with icing and chopped nuts. It is such an important part of Poznań’s identity that the traditional version is protected by the European Union as a regional speciality.

After tasting one ourselves, we completely understood why locals are so proud of this unique pastry. It is rich, filling and unlike any croissant we had tried before.

Tip: If you want to discover the history and tradition behind this famous pastry, visit the Croissant Museum, where you can join an English-language show every day at 2 pm and learn how the St. Martin Croissant is made.

Our first attempt to visit Plac Kolegiacki didn’t quite go as planned. After getting caught in the heavy rain during our first walk, we decided to return another day—because of course, we still had to rub those famous bronze goats for good luck!

Thankfully, the weather was much kinder on our second visit. After watching a few locals and visitors follow the tradition, it was finally our turn to rub the goats’ horns. Whether the legend is true or not, we had fun taking photos with and even on the sculptures.

But the goats are not the only reason to stop at Plac Kolegiacki. Just a few steps away, a glass section in the pavement offers a fascinating glimpse into Poznań’s past. Looking down, you can see the archaeological remains of the former Collegiate Church of St. Mary Magdalene, including parts of the church foundations that were uncovered during excavations. The site also revealed thousands of historical artefacts and burial remains, giving visitors a unique view into the city’s medieval history.

Standing there and looking at centuries of history beneath our feet was such a special moment. It is amazing how Poznań continues to reveal new stories, even in places that at first glance simply look like a beautiful city square.

After our visit to Plac Kolegiacki, we continued exploring and learning more about Poznań’s fascinating history and culture.

Just a short walk from the Old Market Square, we found ourselves standing in front of the magnificent Fara Church, one of Poznań’s most impressive landmarks. While its elegant Baroque façade already caught our attention, stepping inside left us even more amazed.

The beautifully decorated interior is filled with ornate gold details, colourful frescoes and soaring columns that create a truly breathtaking atmosphere. It is considered one of the finest Baroque churches in Poland, and it didn’t take us long to understand why. Even if visiting churches isn’t usually high on your travel list, we would highly recommend taking a few minutes to step inside this remarkable piece of Poznań’s history.

Tip: If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the free organ concert at 12 noon in the Fara Church. Listening to the magnificent organ in such a stunning Baroque setting makes the visit even more memorable.

With more than 1,000 years of history, Poznań is one of Poland’s most fascinating cities to explore. From the impressive Imperial Castle and the historic streets of the Old Town to Ostrów Tumski, where Poland’s story began, the city offers a fascinating mix of architecture, culture and historical landmarks. As we wandered through Poznań, we discovered that behind the colourful buildings and lively squares lies a much deeper story waiting to be explored.

One of the most surprising facts about Poznań is that it is home to Europe’s youngest castle built for a crowned monarch. The Imperial Castle in Poznań was completed in 1910 as the residence of German Emperor Wilhelm II, making it a very unusual sight compared to the medieval castles most travellers expect to find in Europe.

When we arrived, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. The castle itself was partially closed, but luckily we could still enter some areas, explore exhibitions, and admire some of the impressive historic rooms.

The building has witnessed many different chapters of Poznań’s history. Originally created as a symbol of German imperial power, it later became part of the city’s complicated 20th-century history. During World War II, the Nazis planned to transform the castle into Adolf Hitler’s official residence and redesigned parts of the interior for that purpose, although Hitler never actually visited the castle.

Today, the Imperial Castle has a completely different purpose. It is home to the Zamek Culture Centre, one of Poznań’s most important cultural spaces, hosting exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and events. There is also a café inside, making it a nice place to take a break while exploring the city.

Although we couldn’t explore every corner of the castle, we enjoyed discovering the different layers of history hidden inside this fascinating building—from imperial residence to cultural centre.

One of the most fascinating places to visit in Poznań is Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), a historic area often referred to as the birthplace of Poland. Located between the branches of the Warta and Cybina rivers, this peaceful part of the city feels completely different from the lively Old Market Square.

Ostrów Tumski played a crucial role in Polish history. This is where Mieszko I, the first ruler of Poland, was baptised in 966, an event that marked the beginning of Christianity in Poland and became one of the most important moments in the country’s history.

The highlight of the island is the impressive Poznań Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in Poland. Inside, visitors can discover centuries of history, including the tombs of Poland’s first rulers and beautiful historic interiors.

To learn more about the origins of Poznań, we visited the Genius Loci Archaeological Reserve. This modern underground exhibition takes visitors beneath the surface, where you can see parts of the city’s original fortifications and archaeological remains from the early settlement. Through glass sections and interactive displays, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how Poznań developed over more than a thousand years.

Tip: If you want to visit the Genius Loci Archaeological Reserve, plan your visit for a Sunday when admission is free. On other days, the regular entrance fee is only 15 PLN. The reserve is open on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm, making it an easy addition to your Ostrów Tumski itinerary.

Nearby, we also discovered the Śródka Mural, one of Poznań’s most famous photo spots. This impressive 3D artwork tells the story of the neighbourhood and has become a symbol of the creative revival of this historic area.

Another highlight nearby is the Brama Poznania ICHOT (Poznań Gate), a modern cultural centre dedicated to telling the story of Ostrów Tumski and Poland’s beginnings through interactive exhibitions.

Visiting Ostrów Tumski showed us another side of Poznań. While the colourful Old Market Square captures your attention immediately, this historic island reveals the deeper story of the city and its importance in Polish history.

Since many of Poznań’s museums offer free entry on Tuesdays, we planned our sightseeing around it and spent the day exploring some of the city’s cultural highlights. On our way, we stopped at Fontanna Wolności (Freedom Fountain) and admired the beautiful glass wings nearby before making our way to the National Museum.

Our first stop was the National Museum in Poznań (Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu), home to an impressive collection of Polish and European art. We wandered through galleries filled with Polish masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as paintings by Dutch, Flemish and Italian masters.

The museum’s greatest treasure, however, is Claude Monet’s Beach in Pourville—the only original Monet painting on display in a Polish museum. Seeing such a famous work of art in person made the visit even more special.

Our next stop was the Royal Castle, where we climbed the tower for panoramic views across Poznań’s colourful Old Town. Unfortunately, the outdoor viewing terrace was closed for renovations during our visit, so we could only enjoy the scenery from inside the tower.

Apart from the viewpoint, there isn’t much to explore inside the castle itself. Most visitors come for the tower or to visit the Museum of Applied Arts, which is housed within the same building.

The Museum of Applied Arts is located inside the Royal Castle. Instead of focusing on paintings, it tells the story of everyday life through beautifully crafted objects used over the centuries which was really interesting.

The collection includes furniture, ceramics, jewellery, armour, weapons and historic clothing. One of the highlights was the interactive section where visitors can try on historical hats and garments. Naturally, James couldn’t resist dressing up! Rather than asking, “Who painted this?”, the museum asks, “How did people live?”—and we really enjoyed that different perspective.

Our final museum of the day was the Archaeological Museum, where we were greeted by Poland’s only authentic ancient Egyptian obelisk. Inside, the exhibitions take visitors on a journey through the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, offering fascinating insights into Poland’s earliest history.

What interested us most, however, was the exhibition on the archaeology of Sudan and North African rock art. It is a part of the world we know very little about, so it was especially interesting to learn more about these ancient cultures. The museum itself is fairly small, and unfortunately several sections were closed for renovation during our visit, but we still found it well worth exploring.

If we had to choose our favourite neighbourhood in Poznań, Jeżyce would be right at the top of the list. Before visiting, we had never even heard of it, making it a true hidden gem for us. After spending some time here, however, we quickly realised that this is probably where many locals love to hang out.

Jeżyce has a creative, laid-back atmosphere and is packed with independent cafés, trendy restaurants, vintage shops, bakeries and small boutiques. Around almost every corner we discovered another place that made us think, “We should come back and try that!”

We didn’t even make it very far before being distracted by a tiny bakery selling Pączki through a small street-facing window. Of course, we couldn’t resist. We shared one filled with traditional powidła śliwkowe (plum butter), and it turned out to be one of the best sweet treats we had during our stay in Poznań.

As we continued wandering through the neighbourhood, we passed one inviting café and restaurant after another. Jeżyce has a completely different feel from the historic Old Town—less touristy, more local and full of character.

Before leaving, we stumbled upon the impressive Wieża Ciśnień Powogaz, a beautifully restored former water tower that now serves as a cultural and exhibition space. Surrounded by modern apartment buildings, we couldn’t help but nickname it “Poznań’s Space Needle.” It may not be its official nickname, but once you see it, you’ll probably understand exactly what we mean.

If you have an extra half day in Poznań, don’t just stay around the Old Market Square. Head to Jeżyce instead—you’ll discover a completely different side of the city.

One thing that surprised us about Poznań was just how green the city is. Despite being one of Poland’s largest cities, you’ll find plenty of parks and green spaces where you can slow down, enjoy nature and escape the busy streets for a while. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk, a picnic or simply a break from sightseeing, Poznań offers plenty of beautiful places to unwind.

We had saved the warmest day of our stay for a visit to Citadel Park (Park Cytadela), one of Poznań’s most important historical landmarks. Getting there turned into a little adventure of its own. We had planned to take the tram, but after getting slightly lost and struggling with the language barrier at the station, we ended up on a train instead. One stop later—and 12.20 PLN lighter—we arrived at our destination.

Although today it is Poznań’s largest and most beautiful park, Citadel Park has a much deeper story. The park stands on the site of Fort Winiary, a huge 19th-century fortress built by the Prussians. During the Battle of Poznań in 1945, fierce fighting took place here, making it one of the city’s most important historical sites. After the war, much of the fortress was demolished, and the area was transformed into the peaceful park visitors enjoy today.

Our walk began at the impressive Peace Bell before continuing past the Museum of Armaments and the beautifully restored amphitheatre, surrounded by colourful flower beds. Throughout the park, information boards explain the history of Poznań and the events that shaped the city, making it much more than just a place for a stroll.

One of the highlights was seeing Magdalena Abakanowicz’s “Unrecognized”, a striking installation of 112 headless cast-iron figures. Walking among these sculptures was both fascinating and thought-provoking, and it is easy to see why they have become one of Poznań’s most iconic landmarks.

Citadel Park perfectly combines history, art and nature. Whether you’re interested in learning more about Poznań’s past or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city centre, it is a place we wouldn’t miss.

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll feel right at home in Poznań. The city is packed with cosy cafés, specialty coffee shops and inviting bakeries, each with its own unique charm. We certainly couldn’t visit them all, but every time we turned a corner, another place caught our eye and made us want to come back for another cup of coffee.

We discovered Masz Babo Placek completely by chance while wandering through one of Poznań’s neighbourhoods on our way to a vegan restaurant. The cosy interior immediately caught our attention, and we knew we had to come back after lunch for something sweet.

Sharing desserts has become a bit of a tradition for us, so we chose a delicious pastry topped with cream, fresh blueberries and a buttery crumble. We’d spotted similar pastries in several bakeries around Poznań, and after tasting this one, we understood why they are so popular. It wasn’t the cheapest treat, but it was absolutely worth it.

We also loved the café’s quirky name. “Masz babo placek!” is a well-known Polish expression that’s often used when something unexpected happens—roughly translating to “Well, there you have it!” The owners have given the phrase a sweet twist by turning it into the name of their café, making it just as memorable as the delicious cakes they serve.

If you’re exploring Poznań and looking for a cosy place to enjoy coffee and homemade pastries, this is a café we’d happily return to.

If you are looking for a good coffee break in Poznań, Trzecia Kawa came recommended to us as a lovely local coffee spot. We didn’t get the chance to sit down for a coffee ourselves, but we stopped by to take a few pictures and liked the cosy atmosphere.

It looks like the kind of place where you can slow down for a while, enjoy a good cup of coffee and take a break from exploring the city.

Strag is exactly the kind of coffee place we love: a relaxed, stylish café with a local feel rather than a generic coffee chain. Known for specialty coffee and a cosy atmosphere, it looks like the perfect place to slow down after exploring Poznań. We had a quick look around and could immediately see why it is recommended as one of the city’s good coffee spots. This is the kind of place where we could easily imagine spending a quiet morning with a good book and a great cup of coffee.

One of our favourite food discoveries in Poznań was Zen On, a Michelin-recommended restaurant that proves great food doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag.

The menu focuses on Asian-inspired cuisine with plenty of vegetarian options. Menekse chose the Menu of the Day, which included tofu udon noodles in a rich hoisin sauce, a refreshing passionfruit lemonade and a chocolate cookie for dessert. James went for the Vegetarian Tantan Ramen, with plant-based meat, noodles and bean sprouts in a creamy sesame and coconut broth.

Both dishes were full of flavour and beautifully prepared. What surprised us most was the price: Menekse’s complete menu cost only 35 PLN (around €8), while James’ ramen was just 49 PLN. Considering the quality, atmosphere, and Michelin recognition, Zen On offers incredible value.

If you’re looking for a memorable meal in Poznań, especially with vegetarian or vegan options, we can highly recommend adding Zen On to your itinerary.

Although we didn’t get the chance to try Yetztu ourselves, it came highly recommended by a lovely lady at the Poznań Tourist Information Centre, who told us it serves the best ramen in the city.

We simply ran out of time, but it is definitely on our list for our next visit. If you end up trying Yetztu, we’d love to hear what you thought—let us know in the comments below!

If you are travelling with people who all crave something different, Kulinarna Kamienica Food Hall might be the perfect stop. Located in the heart of Poznań, this modern food hall brings together ten different food concepts under one roof, from sushi and ramen to pizza, pasta, pierogi, Indian and Greek cuisine.

We loved the atmosphere and the idea behind it. It is also a great place to stop for just a drink and enjoy the vibrant setting.

While exploring Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), we finally got the chance to try a different version of one of Poland’s most famous dishes: baked pierogi at Na Winklu. We had been curious about this variation for a while, and it definitely did not disappoint.

Instead of the classic boiled pierogi, these are baked until golden and slightly crispy on the outside. We decided to try the mozzarella and dried tomato filling, which gave this traditional Polish dish a more Italian twist. While it wasn’t the most typical pierogi flavour, it was surprisingly delicious and, most importantly, very filling.

Of course, we also had to try the classic Ruskie pierogi, one of our favourite varieties. While they were tasty, they were slightly different from the traditional Ruskie pierogi we are used to. The potato flavour was less pronounced, while the cottage cheese filling stood out much more.

Overall, Na Winklu was a fun place to experience pierogi in a slightly different way. If you’re exploring Ostrów Tumski and want to try a modern take on this Polish classic, it is definitely worth a stop.

If you’re looking for traditional Polish food, generous portions and excellent value, Schaboszczak od Dziadka is a place worth adding to your Poznań food itinerary. We actually enjoyed it so much that we came back a second time during our stay.

The restaurant is not fancy, and that’s part of its charm. The focus here is clearly on hearty, homemade-style Polish dishes rather than a stylish atmosphere. Don’t expect a hidden gem though—this place is already well known and often packed, not only with tourists but also with locals who come for affordable and satisfying meals.

During our first visit, we both chose the Menu of the Day, which started with a delicious tomato soup followed by Ruskie pierogi with sauerkraut. The portions were generous, the flavours were comforting, and the price was hard to beat.

Since we enjoyed it so much, we returned to try more dishes. This time, James ordered the chicken schnitzel with potatoes and salad, while I chose another Menu of the Day: traditional borscht followed by klopsiki in mushroom sauce with potatoes and red cabbage. Once again, the portions were big, and the food was exactly what we hoped for—a simple, filling, and authentic Polish meal.

The Menu of the Day costs only 29 PLN, while the schnitzel was 47 PLN, making Schaboszczak od Dziadka one of the best-value places we found in Poznań.

If you want to experience everyday Polish comfort food without spending much, this is definitely a place to consider.

Vegan food in Poznań impressed us far more than we had expected. The city has a fantastic selection of fully vegan restaurants, and every place we tried was delicious. What surprised us even more, though, was how easy it was to find excellent vegan and vegetarian options in regular cafés and restaurants as well. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to enjoy more plant-based meals, eating out in Poznań is easy, varied, and full of flavour.

If you’re looking for delicious vegan food in Poznań, make sure to add Kuchnia PoWolność to your list. It was one of our favourite vegan restaurants in the city, and we’d happily return.

For lunch, we ordered the Vegyros Bowl (45 PLN) and the Summer-Style Meatball Cutlets (45 PLN). Both dishes were beautifully presented, packed with flavour and left us completely satisfied. It was one of those meals where every bite reminded us why we love discovering vegan restaurants while travelling.

The restaurant itself is just as inviting as the food. The cosy interior, decorated with beautiful paintings of plants and birds, creates a warm and relaxing atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.

One thing to keep in mind: the menu changes regularly, so it is worth checking their social media before visiting to see what seasonal dishes and creations are available.

Whether you’re vegan or simply curious to try creative plant-based cuisine, Kuchnia PoWolność is a restaurant we can wholeheartedly recommend.

If you’re looking for a vegan twist on one of Poland’s most iconic street foods, Granvegano is worth adding to your list. They specialise in vegan zapiekanki—long, open-faced toasted baguettes that are a beloved Polish classic, traditionally topped with mushrooms and cheese but served here with creative plant-based combinations.

We didn’t make it there during our stay, but after hearing so many good things, it’s definitely a place we’d love to try on our next visit.

While exploring the trendy neighbourhood of Jeżyce, we stopped at Wypas, a popular vegan restaurant known for its creative plant-based dishes. We decided to share the Sea Plate (47 PLN), a fun and different take on seafood-inspired cuisine.

The dish combined crispy nori-wrapped tofu with fries and a small salad. We enjoyed the flavours and especially liked trying something a little different from the usual vegan options. The portion was slightly smaller than we expected for the price, but it was still a tasty and interesting meal.

With its creative menu and relaxed atmosphere, Wypas is a nice place to visit when exploring Jeżyce. It is a good reminder of how diverse Poznań’s vegan food scene has become, offering much more than just salads and simple plant-based dishes.

Roswell & Soup Culture – Vegan Soup in an Edible Bread Bowl

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most memorable. Roswell & Soup Culture is a tiny vegan spot in Jeżyce that caught our attention with a very unique concept: The café serves the soup in an edible bread bowl!

We stopped here for a quick break and enjoyed a delicious red pepper soup in the bread cup together with a fresh green smoothie. It might be a small place, but the cosy atmosphere and creative idea make it a fun stop when exploring this neighbourhood.

Ziomal – A Plant-Based Breakfast Spot in Jeżyce

While exploring Jeżyce, we couldn’t resist stepping inside Ziomal. We weren’t hungry at the time, so we only had a look around and took some pictures, but the cosy atmosphere and creative plant-based menu immediately caught our attention.

Ziomal is known for its vegan breakfast options, with everything prepared fresh on site. Even though we didn’t get to try the food ourselves this time, it is definitely a place we would like to return to for a relaxed breakfast during another visit to Poznań.

Even if you don’t eat meat, you can still enjoy one of Poland’s most famous traditional dishes. Almost every pierogi restaurant in Poznań offers vegetarian options, making it easy to try these delicious Polish dumplings.

Our favourite was the classic Ruskie pierogi (sometimes called Ukraińskie pierogi), filled with a comforting mix of potatoes, farmer’s cheese and onions. Traditionally, they are served with melted butter and crispy fried onions on top, creating a simple but incredibly flavourful dish.

They might not be vegan because of the dairy and butter, but for vegetarians, they are an absolute must-try. Sometimes the best local food experiences come from the simplest ingredients—and Ruskie pierogi are the perfect example.

One of our favourite places to enjoy them was Pierogarnia Stary Młyn, where we shared a selection of both boiled and baked pierogi. The cosy atmosphere and the flavourful fillings made it another great stop on our Poznań food journey.

We have to admit: shopping was not really on our Poznań itinerary. But our central location, just around the corner from Stary Browar, made it almost impossible not to explore this famous shopping centre. And we are glad we did!

What makes Stary Browar (The Old Brewery) so special is that it is much more than just a shopping mall. The impressive complex was built on the site of the former Hugger Brewery, founded in 1844 by German brewer Ambrosius Hugger from Württemberg. His sons later expanded the brewery into one of the most important breweries in the region. Today, the historic brick buildings have been beautifully transformed into a modern space combining shopping, art, culture and gastronomy.

Walking through Stary Browar feels completely different from visiting a typical shopping centre. The architecture beautifully combines old industrial elements with modern design, and art installations are spread throughout the building. Besides more than 200 shops, you will find restaurants, cafés, a food court, exhibitions and even outdoor areas to relax.

For us, one of the biggest surprises was the variety of products available. From international brands to everyday essentials, there is a large Carrefour supermarket, pharmacies, and familiar drugstores like Rossmann. As travellers, we always appreciate finding stores we know, especially when they offer such a great variety of vegan, vegetarian and organic products.

Surrounded by a beautiful park, Stary Browar is not only a place to shop but also a place to spend some time, grab a coffee, enjoy good food or simply admire the unique atmosphere. Even if you are not looking for a shopping day, we would recommend stopping by—it is one of those places that shows how creatively Poznań combines history with modern life.

While Stary Browar impressed us with its architecture, art, and more upscale atmosphere, Avenida Poznań was our practical everyday shopping stop. Located just across the street from where we were staying, it was less than a 10-minute walk away and had everything we needed within easy reach.

Compared to Stary Browar, Avenida feels more down-to-earth and accessible, with popular brands like TK Maxx, H&M and many other fashion and lifestyle stores. It is a large shopping centre with almost 200 shops, restaurants and cafés, making it an easy place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day.

We especially appreciated having practical stores nearby, including a Lidl supermarket and other everyday shopping options. For travellers staying longer in Poznań, this is a very convenient place to stock up on groceries, toiletries or anything else you might need.

While it might not have the unique character of Stary Browar, Avenida Poznań is a great choice if you are looking for convenience, familiar brands and an easy shopping experience close to the city centre.

While exploring Ostrów Tumski and Cathedral Island, we passed by Posnania, one of the largest shopping centres in the region. Although we didn’t have time to visit it ourselves, it is worth mentioning for anyone who enjoys shopping or is looking for a place with plenty of options.

Opened in 2016, Posnania is a modern shopping and lifestyle centre with around 220 boutiques, numerous cafés and restaurants, entertainment options and a wide mix of international and local brands. Compared to the historic atmosphere of Stary Browar, Posnania offers a much more contemporary shopping experience with everything under one roof.

If you are looking for fashion, beauty products, dining options, or simply a place to spend a few hours away from the weather, Posnania is another great choice in Poznań.

Before arriving in Poznań, we honestly didn’t know much about the city. It was never really on our radar, and only because of our house-sit opportunity did we decide to change our route and add it to our Poland road trip. Looking back, we are so happy we did.

After spending time exploring colourful streets, historic landmarks, beautiful green spaces, creative neighbourhoods and an incredible food scene, we can confidently say that Poznań surprised us in the best possible way. The variety the city offers is impressive—from traditional Polish cuisine to amazing vegan restaurants, from centuries-old churches to modern cultural spaces.

What we loved most was that Poznań never felt overwhelming. It has the beauty and history you expect from a major European city, but at the same time it still feels relaxed, authentic and easy to explore. Add affordable prices, friendly locals, plenty of free attractions and a fantastic café culture, and you have a city that deserves much more attention.

So, is Poznań the most underrated city in Poland? We might be biased after becoming huge fans, but we definitely think it deserves to be much higher on travellers’ lists. We would return in a heartbeat—and we have a feeling there is still a lot more waiting to be discovered.

Before visiting Poznań, here are the most important things you need to know to plan your city trip. From the best time to visit and how long to stay, to where to base yourself and how easy it is to explore, these practical tips will help you make the most of your time in one of Poland’s most underrated cities.

Poznań is located in western Poland, in the Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) region, on the River Warta. With more than 500,000 inhabitants, it is one of Poland’s largest cities and one of the country’s oldest, with a history dating back over 1,000 years.

Located between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznań is a convenient stop when exploring Poland or travelling through Central Europe. The city combines a beautiful historic centre with a lively student atmosphere, modern shopping areas, green spaces and a growing food scene.

Poznań is easy to reach by plane, train or car.

• By plane: Poznań-Ławica Airport is located only about 7 km from the city centre. Public transport connects the airport with the city, making arrival quick and easy.
• By train: Poznań Główny is the city’s main railway station and has excellent connections to other Polish cities, including Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław, as well as international destinations.
• By car: Poznań is well connected by roads and motorways. If you are travelling by car, we recommend staying somewhere with parking included, as exploring the city centre by car is not necessary.

Poznań is a great destination all year round.

Spring and summer are ideal if you want to enjoy outdoor cafés, parks and longer days for exploring. The Old Market Square is especially lively during the warmer months.

Autumn brings beautiful colours, fewer crowds and the perfect excuse to enjoy Poznań’s many cafés and restaurants.

Winter can also be magical, especially around Christmas when the city is decorated and cosy. Thanks to many indoor attractions, museums and restaurants, there is no bad time to visit Poznań.

We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Poznań to experience the highlights without rushing.

With two days, you can explore the colourful Old Market Square, see the famous goats at the Town Hall, visit the Fara Church, walk through Ostrów Tumski and enjoy some of the city’s excellent food spots.

With an extra day, you can discover more of Poznań’s neighbourhoods, such as Jeżyce, relax in Citadel Park, visit additional museums or simply slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.

We stayed over a week and loved every second of it.

For a first visit, we recommend staying centrally so you can explore most attractions on foot.

The area around the Old Market Square is perfect if you want historic charm, restaurants and cafés right outside your door.

We stayed near the Imperial Castle and Poznań Główny train station, and we loved the location. Stary Browar was just a short walk away, the Old Town was easy to reach on foot, and public transport connections were excellent.

Another great option is Jeżyce, especially if you enjoy a more local atmosphere with independent cafés, restaurants and small shops.

Compared to many European city destinations, Poznań is very affordable. Accommodation, public transport, restaurants and attractions are generally much cheaper than in many Western European cities.

We were especially impressed by the food scene. From traditional Polish dishes to Michelin-recognised restaurants, you can enjoy excellent meals without spending a fortune.

Tip: Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN), not the euro. We have a credit card that covers currency exchange fees, but if yours does not, it is useful to carry some cash. For exchanging money, look for a Kantor (currency exchange office). Withdrawing cash from ATMs can sometimes result in high fees.

Poznań is a very walkable city, especially around the Old Town. Many of the main sights are close together, and we explored a large part of the city on foot.

For places a little farther away, such as Citadel Park or Ostrów Tumski, the tram and bus network is easy to use and affordable.

If you arrive by car, we recommend leaving it parked and exploring Poznań without it. The city centre is much more enjoyable on foot, and public transport makes reaching the further attractions simple.