A quick guide to Poznan, Poland

Poznan is everything you expect from a Polish city break. Its adorable Old Town with colorful buildings and cozy bistros servicing local delicacies at rock bottom prices is everything you would expect to find from a journey through Poland. What makes Poznan different from the more popular tourist cities in Poland is its lack of foreign tourists. Because of this, anyone who visits gets to experience the real flavors and encounter the true lifestyle of this great nation and its locals.

When to visit

High Season: (May – Aug) Sunny skies, chances of thunderstorms, and large crowds.
Shoulder Season: (Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct) Cool to warm with smaller crowds.
Low Season: (Nov – Feb) Cold air with chances of snow, cheaper accommodation.

Arriving in Poznan

Anyone arriving in Poznan by plane will land at Poznań–Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport. It is located 5 km west of Poznań city center. Bus 159 goes to and from the airport from the main bus station (Poznan Glowny) in just 20 minutes. A 45-minute ticket costs 5 PLN and can be purchased from ticket machines outside the terminal or onboard. Remember to validate your ticket when you enter the bus.

If you’re traveling in a group or with a lot of luggage, you might prefer to take a taxi. The taxi rank is located just outside the main terminal. The journey to the old town takes around 20 minutes and costs around 40 PLN.

Poznan’s highlights

1: Old Market Square – Just like in every Polish city, you should begin at its heart. Poznan’s Old Town Square is arguably the most beautiful in Poland. Situated in the middle of the square are the city’s Old Town Hall and quirky buildings bursting with character and vivid colors. They’re surrounded by picture-perfect baroque-style buildings and are home to restaurants, bars, and cafés, bringing the city to life.

2: Lake Malta – This is an unmissable experience for anyone arriving in Poznan during the Spring or Summer months. The lake itself is almost 2.5 km long where numerous rowing competitions have taken place or where locals decide to take a dip to cool off in the year’s hotter months. There are also many activities surrounding the lake, such as a water park, a ski slope, a zipline park, and much more. You can find more information about the lake on our website here.

3: Park Cytadela – This large park is on the site of Fort Winiary, a 19th-century fortified area, north of the city center. Not only is this a pleasant park where you can lay on the grass and have a picnic, but it also contains a military museum, military cemeteries, and the remains of some of the fortifications. This park is perfect for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, or those on a budget.

Eating

1: Un Pot Café & Lunch – This is by far the best setting for a meal or a coffee in Poznan. Its rustic vibe will draw you in, and its delicious cuisine will keep you sitting at your table for a substantial period of time.
Price Range: $$$$$
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Un-Pot-1415773758659542/

2: Wiejskie Jadło – This is the place to be if you want to enjoy Polish cuisine in a Polish setting. We highly recommend their dumplings or any of their soups. In the summer months, they have outdoor seating facing towards the Old Town Square.
Price Range: $$$$$
Website: https://wiejskie-jadlo.pl/english/

3: Pyra Bar – If you stretch your legs a bit further than Poznan’s charming old town, you will be rewarded with this amazing dining outlet. This is one of the cheapest places to eat across all of Poznan and probably the best value for money in the city.
Price Range: $$$$$
Website: http://www.pyrabar.pl/

Drinking

1: Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa – This retro pub is located right in the corner of the Old Market Square. The bar is lined with old-fashioned black and white photos and behind it, there’s a wide range of drinks at low prices.
Price Range: $$$$$
Website: http://pwip.com.pl/

2: Hola Hola Bar – If cocktails are more you thing, look no further. This modern and stylish bar offers customers the best-tasting drinks in town. Not to mention its amazing interior and upbeat atmosphere.
Price Range: $$$$$
Website: None.

3: NaPiwek PUB: This snug underground pub is one of the coziest bars in town. This is especially true in the winter months when you need to kick your way through the snow to get down to this cave-like bar. Beers start at just 8 PLN.
Price Range: $$$$$
Website: https://napiwekpub.pl/

Money saving tips

1: Eating – If you’re on a budget make lunch your main meal of the day. Most cafes and restaurants offer great deals from 11-14. If you want a really cheap snack, head over to one of the many Zabka’s dotted around the city and pick up a delicious hotdog for just 4 PLN!

2: Drinking – Although there are some cheap bars and restaurants around the Old Town Square, you should avoid them if you’re on a budget, as the majority are more expensive here. If you want to save even more money, buy alcoholic drinks from the supermarkets. They are extremely cheap!

3: Transport: If you want to spend as little as possible, skip taxis and public transport. Poznan is not a large city and can easily be explored on foot. If you do want to use public transport, be sure to validate your ticket when you enter a bus or tram, otherwise, you will be hit with a hefty fine.

4. Accommodation: There is no shortage of apartments for holiday letting in the city, and this is by far your cheapest option. Not only is the price cheaper than a hotel or a hostel, but you will also have a fully equipped kitchen, where you make breakfast or any other meals.

Venture beyond Poznan

If you finished exploring the amazing city of Poznan, it would be worth taking a day trip. There’s plenty of cities in Poland you can visit, but considering the bustling city of Berlin is just 3 hours from Poznan, it would be a shame to miss out on exploring the German capital. There is a direct train line between the two cities. The journey takes around 3 hours and costs 40 EUR for a return trip. If you’re on a budget, you can take the bus for just 20 EUR return.

More information

Tourism in Poznan: https://www.poznan.travel/en/
Tourism in Poland: https://www.poland.travel/en
Trains in Poland: https://www.polrail.com/en
Travel in general: https://diggingforgems.org/