Founded in the 9th century, this historic Polish city sits on the Warta River. Its Old Town Square, Gothic churches, and lively cultural scene make it a popular destination.
Poznań, Poland's fifth-largest city, is home to the Renaissance Old Market Square, where mechanical goats perform a daily show atop the Town Hall. You can explore architectural landmarks like the Baroque St. Stanislaus Church and the ancient Cathedral on Ostrów Tumski island. The city is known for its St. Martin's croissants, and you can enjoy outdoor activities at Malta Lake.
Exploring the Old Market Square
The Old Market Square is the center of Poznań, with its Renaissance Town Hall as a focal point. At noon each day, you can join the crowd to watch two mechanical goats emerge from the clock tower and butt heads 12 times. This tradition started in 1551. The square is surrounded by colorful townhouses that now house cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can spend time walking the narrow streets and taking in the atmosphere.
St. Stanislaus Church
A short distance from the Old Market Square, you'll find St. Stanislaus Church, a significant Baroque structure in Poland. Built in the early 18th century, it has an ornate facade and a lavish interior. Inside, you can see the three-story altar and detailed frescoes that represent Baroque artistry. After your visit, take a walk down Świętosławska Street and stop at Weranda Café.
Poznań's Imperial Castle
West of the Old Town, you'll find the Imperial Castle, which reflects Poznań's complex history. German Emperor Wilhelm II had this neo-Romanesque building constructed in the early 20th century. Today, it houses the Museum of Applied Arts. The castle's mix of architectural styles shows the city's changing past, from its time in the German Empire through World War II and the communist era.
Cathedral Island
Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, is considered the birthplace of Polish history. The Poznań Cathedral, dating to the 10th century, contains the graves of Poland's first rulers. As you cross the Bishop Jordan Bridge to the island, you'll see a modern glass-covered walkway that contrasts with the old surroundings. The calm atmosphere of the island makes it a good place for a reflective walk through Polish history.
Malta Lake
For a change from city exploration, visit Malta Lake. This man-made reservoir has options for jogging, cycling, and even skiing on an artificial slope. Near the lake, you'll find a zoo that's home to many rescued animals. You can also try the "Walk Among The Treetops" trail, a wooden structure that gives you a different view of the surrounding forest.
Local Food
St. Martin's croissants are a Poznań specialty. These horseshoe-shaped pastries are filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, and raisins, and are protected as a regional food. You can learn about their history and try making them at the Poznań Croissant Museum. To taste more local dishes, try restaurants like A Nóż Widelec, which focuses on regional flavors.
Street Art
As you walk around Poznań, you'll see many murals and street art pieces. You can take a self-guided tour to find these colorful works that decorate the city's walls. The street art in Poznań ranges from large murals to small, hidden pieces, adding a modern touch to the city's older buildings.
Getting Around
You can easily walk around Poznań, especially in the Old Town. For longer trips, the city has a good tram and bus system. Bikes are also popular, with many rental stations throughout the city. If you arrive by train, the main station, Poznań Główny, connects well to other major Polish cities and international destinations.
