Warsaw, Poland in 3 Days: A true hidden Gem in Eastern Europe
Step into a city where history and modernity dance together, leaving you smiling from its buzzing energy and contagious charm.
Poznań is one of the most vibrant cities in Poland. It’s a place where culture meets new age and together they create an artsy, fun environment where all people are welcome! Begin your journey at the lively Old Market Square, the heart of the city, to see the Old Town Hall and the Poznań Goats. Delve into the past at the Imperial Castle, once inhabited by Polish kings and now housing fascinating cultural events you just cannot miss, or just stroll through vibrant city districts like Jeżyce, Wilda, and Śródka, to see the changing atmosphere and architecture of this fascinating city!
Those craving a unique shopping and dining experience should head to Stary Browar, an innovative shopping center transformed from an old brewery. Malta Lake, a serene oasis offering opportunities for boating, cycling, and jogging will enchant nature lovers. In Poznań it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from - the city will have something specifically for you to enjoy.
Before you go
Getting There
The best way to get to Poznan from different countries is the international Poznan Lawica Airport (Poznań Ławica), which works with Polish and international airlines. From the airport the easiest way to get to the city is a short public bus drive.
Apart from flying, Poznan also has a well-connected railway network, with Poznan Glowny serving as the city's principal train station. It provides both local and international train services for visitors from neighbouring countries or other Polish towns. Regular train services to Poznan are provided by the Polish State Railways (PKP).
Public Transportation
Poznan has a well-developed tram and bus system that covers the bulk of the city. Trams, which have dedicated lanes and can escape traffic congestion, are a quick and easy way to get around the city. From 6 a.m. until 1 a.m., day bus and tram services are available.
They operate every 5 minutes. You can buy tickets easily through JakDojade app, with tickets for different zones around the city and different time offers at a normal and reduced price. You don’t have to show the ticket to anyone unless there is a control, just have it activated on your phone.
Money
In Poznan, there are several choices for converting money from various currencies to Polish zloty (PLN). ATMs, which are extensively located throughout Poznan, are the most convenient way to convert money.
Currency exchange offices and banks that offer currency exchange services are also choices. Currency exchange is available at banks throughout the city, including PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, and Santander.
Day 1: Old Town
Exploring the vibrant Market Square in Poznań is a must-do on your visit to this Polish city of wonders. This lively and historic hub is the perfect place to dive into the heart of Poznań's culture and charm. Lose yourself in the colourful maze of merchant houses that surround the square, each showcasing a unique architectural style that adds to the city's character. And don't forget to check out the iconic Town Hall, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Poznań from its tower. But the real highlight of the square is the famous Poznań Goats, a mechanical clock display that never fails to attract a crowd at noon. Make sure to time your visit just right to witness this charming tradition.
After exploring the square, satisfy your taste buds with a delightful culinary experience at one of the many restaurants and cafes that line its perimeter. From traditional Polish dishes to international cuisine, there's something to please every palate. Take your time to savour the flavours and embrace the lively atmosphere. As you stroll around the square, take in the energetic ambience and enjoy some people-watching. You'll be surrounded by a bustling mix of locals, tourists, and students on their break from the university life that is always present in this city. Soak up the infectious energy and let the vibrant Market Square leave an indelible mark on your Poznań adventure.
Where to eat
Pierożak a small restaurant on Wrocławska Street where the staff makes pierogies in front of you as they cook it!
Old Town Hall and Poznań Goats
Poznan's Town Hall is another notable building in the city. It is a remarkable sample of Renaissance architecture located in the Old Market Square (Stary Rynek). The Town Hall was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style. The structure is distinguished by a clock tower embellished with elaborate embellishments and sculptures. The clock atop the tower is famous for its mechanical goats, known as the Poznan Goats (Kozioki Poznaskie). Visitors and watchers are delighted when the goats arrive at the top of the clock at noon and execute a quick "fight" or head-butting motion. It has become a city icon and a renowned tourist attraction.
The Poznan Goats legend dates back to the 16th century. During a fire, a chef, according to folklore, burned down the original Town Hall. The citizens voted to rebuild it, but they agreed to execute the cook if the clock on the rebuilt Town Hall tower didn't work properly. The clockmaker's apprentice designed the clock with a secret mechanism that forced the goats to butt their heads so that the clock would run properly. When the cook noticed the goats' movement, he mistook the clock for broken and fled, saving his life.
Wrocławska Street
Right off the Market Square, in one of its alleys, there is Wrocławska Street. It’s well-known by everyone as the party street of the city. But don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to just walk there both during the night and the day. During the day it’s bustling with restaurants and locals just living their everyday lives. At night it becomes one big meeting spot for students and locals, who want to enjoy their evening in one of the iconic pubs.
Be sure to visit “Kultowa”, a vibrant beer pub, where you just enter another dimension of the city by walking in. Don’t forget to step into “Hocus Pokus”, a Harry Potter-themed pub with famous, delicious butterbeer, and “Candy”, an adorably sweet place with candy-cane drinks and simply Instagram-worthy decor!
Pójwiejska Street
When you reach the end of Wrocławska Street, simply pass by the mall in front of it and there you are, on Półwiejska! It’s known as the most popular street in Poznań, filled with stores and restaurants that everyone enjoys! Stop for a cake in the iconic Polish bakery “Sowa”, or for a drink in the queer community pub “Lokum” known in the whole country for its friendliness and cheerful atmosphere.
Półwiejska is full of places to visit, but also perfect for a relaxing walk. Here you’ll see people just chilling, having fun during the day, eating famous colourful donuts from “Stara Pączkarnia”, or drinking coffee from “Caffe Bimba”! It’s not a regular coffee shop, it’s a tram! Or rather a wagon from an old tram, placed in the middle of the old town to serve tasty coffee and waffles, and amuse people with a unique interior! If you want to have a truly unique culinary experience, try this Private Traditional Polish Food Tour around Poznan!
Stary Browar
Stary Browar is a well-known shopping, arts, and entertainment complex that perfectly merges the old and the new. It is built on the site of a historic brewery that operated from 1844 to 2003 - Hugger Brewery. Coming in you can perfectly see the unbelievable architecture of this place, that didn't leave the past. Today, Stary Browar is a creative and cultural hotspot. It is home to a varying assortment of high-end fashion shops, exclusive designer stores, and international brands, drawing both fashion connoisseurs and customers looking for something special. Aside from shopping, Stary Browar is a host to countless artistic attractions. "Art Stations," a renowned contemporary art gallery, features alternating exhibitions of works by Polish and international artists in random places in the building.
The complex also includes a theatre, a cinema, and a performance area where concerts, theatre performances, and cultural events are held regularly. What is unique about Stary Browar is that it consists of two parts - a regular mall, and one with designer stores - that are connected by a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Here you will find a big array of culinary experiences, from "Whisky in the Jar" - an exclusive steak house, to "Weranda", where you can not only eat but also buy homemade regional products, like jams, soups, and pickles! The outside courtyard is filled with modern sculptures and rich greenery, that will simply amaze you!
Imperial Castle
The Imperial Castle, or "Zamek" was built in 1905 to serve as the provincial residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Designed in the neo-Romanesque style it was used during World War II as an office to the Fuehrer, who would never visit it after all. Its rich history comes down to becoming the vital cultural centre of the city in 1962.
It hosts hundreds of theatre performances, concerts, and film screenings each year. Be sure to check what is happening there currently, maybe you'll see the outdoor cinema, and maybe a wine-art class!
Poznań Cathedral
The Poznan Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral also known as the Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. The Poznan Cathedral is religiously and historically significant. During the medieval period, it served as the coronation location for Polish monarchs and saw several important events in Polish history.
The cathedral also serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Poznan and organises a variety of religious and cultural activities. Tourists and visitors can explore the cathedral's interior, admire its architectural intricacies, and relax in its tranquil setting. It is a well-known tourist attraction in Poznan, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Croissant Museum
For Poznan the most important day of the year is the 11th of November - St Martin’s Day. The whole city is celebrating it by baking and eating just thousands and thousands of special St Martin’s croissants with white poppy cream inside. It’s unique and delicious and only here! On that day and days around it you can buy those special croissants everywhere, but if you want a unique experience - visit the Croissant Museum!
The Croissant Museum in Poznan teaches visitors about the city's history as well as the Croissant tradition. You will be able to observe and participate in a live demonstration of how to make and bake a Croissant. The show is great fun for people of all ages. You won't want to leave. You'll also get to savor this delightful little treat at the end of the presentation. It's definitely a must-visit not only on that day but all year round! Here you can buy the Old Town and Croissant Museum Private Walking Tour.
Freedom Fountain
On the other end of Old Town in Poznan there is Freedom Square (Plac Wolności). Originally named Wilhelmsplatz (William's Square) in honour of King Frederick William III of Prussia, it was marked by the city's new Prussian authorities near the end of the 18th century, shortly after the three partitioning forces of Prussia, Russia, and Austria-Hungary wiped Poland off the map.
Freedom Fountain (Fontanna Wolności) is a beautiful glass fountain with a walk-through inside, serving as a place for a relaxing breeze in the city centre. Now Freedom Square and the fountain are mainly a place of demonstrations and art exhibitions, but also of festive events, such as Christmas Market, and events for the beginning of Spring or Summer, where you can sit in open-air restaurants and buy seasonal herbs and plants!
Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre, The Great Theatre, or Opera House of Poznan - the place with many names, symbolises over 100-year opera tradition of Poznan. The theatre's diverse repertory comprises both classical operas and modern compositions, with a special emphasis on Polish operas. A young and perfectly schooled corps de ballet performs in a variety of styles.
The theatre also regularly presents performances by students and graduates of the Poznan Music Academy! It’s a gem for high-brow culture enthusiasts, but be sure to buy tickets beforehand, as they sell quickly!
National Museum
The National Museum in Poznan is one of Poland's oldest, largest, and most important museums, housed in a building designed by Carl Hinckeldyen and erected in 1904. The museum houses a collection of Polish art from the 16th century to the present, as well as works by foreign artists.
The National Museum in Poznan has seven thematic exhibition galleries: the Gallery of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, Polish Art from the 16th to the 18th century, Polish Art from the period of foreign partitions until the end of World War II, the Gallery of European Art, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Poster and Graphic Design Gallery. The museum is open mainly in the morning and in the afternoon, apart from Fridays, when it’s open till 8 pm. The tickets are quite cheap and school and university students with a student card pay only 1.00PLN for entrance!
Old Zoo
The Old Zoo is, as the name suggests, the one of the oldest zoological parks in Europe. Its story began as an unexpected birthday gift from friends for a regular client of a railroad station café. The birthday boy acquired various animals, including a goat, a monkey, and a bear. The bundle evolved into a popular animal display before becoming a regular zoo in 1875.
Following the station's closure, parts of its grounds and buildings were put to use by the zoo. For example, the locomotive house was converted into an elephant house. As the Zoo expanded, it boosted the number of species it housed and helped to safeguard endangered species. The place is not big, but beautiful and definitely worth seeing! And the best is - the entrance is completely free! What an occasion!
Where to Stay
Budget - Moon Hostel Poznan
A cosy hostel with a spacious kitchen and fun facts about the city on the doors.
Mid-range - Hotel Altus Poznań Old Town
A 3-star hotel in the city centre.
Luxury - Hampton By Hilton Poznan Old Town
A luxury hotel in the city centre, a few steps from the old town.
Day 2: Citadel Park and Warta River
Make sure to visit Citadel Park (Park Cytadela) and the surrounding areas of the city centre. Citadel Park is situated on the grounds of the historic Citadel Fortress, and consists of approximately 88 hectares. The park itself is an important one important in the country’s history, throughout the whole area you will find many monuments that will teach you about the history of this symbolic place.
Apart from that the city itself is one big treasure! Visit the New Zoo, to see animals from all over the world in their natural habitat, and the Palm House to see various exotic plants and learn about the natural world. Then just take a relaxing walk by the Warta River, or lay down and have a picnic by Malta Lake. This city is full of surprises, so really wherever you go, there’s something interesting waiting for you!
Where to eat
Bajgle Króla Jana is a place with tasty homemade bagels with different ingredients.
Citadel Park
Citadel Park, or Park Cytadela in Poznan is historically significant since it was formerly a military structure built in the nineteenth century. During Prussian domination, the Citadel was built as a defensive fortification and then as a military barracks. The fortress's ruins can still be seen today in the park, including its bastions, and trenches. Park Cytadela is a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park has a variety of sceneries, like open green spaces, wooded areas, and gardens.
Visitors can take leisurely strolls along the winding roads, rest on the lawns, or have picnics surrounded by nature's grandeur. One significant monument is the Monument to the Victims of June 1956, which honours the labourers' demonstrations against the communist government. The park also houses the Museum of Armament, where you can see military artefacts and weaponry. Throughout the year, Park Cytadela acts as a cultural and recreational hub, holding a variety of events and activities. There are many outdoor concerts, exhibitions, and festivals, making it a lively and dynamic urban place.
Cathedral Island
It is located on an island in the Warta River, with multiple bridges connecting it to the mainland. Cathedral Island, as one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods, is rich in cultural and historical value. Cathedral Island, also known as Ostrów Tumski, is the location of Poland's oldest church. The island is distinguished by its gorgeous cobblestone streets, lovely architecture, and peaceful environment. It is home to a number of religious structures, notably the renowned Poznan Cathedral, officially known as the Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul.
With its high towers and elaborate ornamentation, this stunning Romanesque-style cathedral is a significant landmark in the neighbourhood. Cathedral Island is not only a religious centre but very also a historically significant one. It was the birthplace of the Polish state, with the establishment of the first Polish capital here. It has seen key events in Polish history and functioned as a centre of spiritual and intellectual life for centuries.
Palm House
Palmiarnia Poznańska, or Poznan Palm House in Polish, is a botanical park and greenhouse complex in Pozna, Poland. It is a well-known attraction that displays a vast range of tropical and subtropical plants. The Palm House is located near the city centre at Wilson Park (Park Wilsona). The main attraction of the Poznan Palm House is its exotic plant collection, which includes palms, cycads, ferns, orchids, and other tropical and subtropical flora. The greenhouse complex is divided into climatic zones, each of which is designed to replicate the natural environment of a single plant species. Visitors can walk around these climate-controlled settings, surrounded by lush foliage and a variety of plant life.
The Palm House also has a wonderful café where tourists may relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the tropical atmosphere. There is also a modest souvenir shop where customers can buy botanical-themed items and souvenirs. The Palm House is not only a destination for botanists, but it also provides educational opportunities. It hosts botany, ecology, and plant care exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. Visitors can learn of tropical ecosystems and the wonderful world of plants.
Brama Poznania
Brama Poznania, also known as the Brama Poznańska or the Gate of Poznań, is a modern interactive museum for everyone to enjoy! The museum focuses on displaying Poznan and its region's rich past and contributions. It engages visitors and provides an immersive experience by using interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and innovative technology.
The "History of Poznan" exhibition, which gives a thorough overview of the city's past through multimedia displays, antiques, and interactive elements, is one of the museum's highlights. Visitors can travel through time and learn about major personalities and events. Aside from the museum, the building includes a large courtyard and outdoor display areas. These spaces are frequently used for cultural events, concerts, and festivals, adding to the lively atmosphere that surrounds Brama Poznania.
Warta River
The Warta River provides a gorgeous and attractive setting for tourists visiting Poznan, adding to the city's charm. It is an important component of the city's scenery, where you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The Warta River provides a gorgeous and attractive setting for tourists visiting Poznan, adding to the city's charm.
It is an important component of the city's scenery, where you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. You can sit by the river and meet the local university students, who come here to relax in the evenings, or have a picnic or even a barbecue! The Polish Beer Tasting Tour is a perfect activity after a day by the river, try it!
Malta Lake
For more active relaxation, be sure to visit Malta Lake! It is a man-made lake located on the Warta River that is popular with both locals and tourists. Here you can rent kayaks, and enjoy some sailing and other water sports. Malta Lake's water sports opportunities are one of its key draws. The lake is well-known for its water-based sports like sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and rowing. For those who want to explore the lake's peaceful waters and take in the landscape, rental options are available.
Malta Lake is especially well-known for its rowing regattas and tournaments, which draw athletes from all over the world. The regatta course, known as the Malta Rowing Course, is a world-class site that has held a number of notable events. A number of recreational facilities can be found in the area surrounding Malta Lake. Termy Maltanskie, for example, is a big thermal water complex with indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and spa facilities. The complex is ideal for unwinding, having fun with family and friends, or enjoying a day of relaxation.
New Zoo
The New Zoo is home to a wide variety of animal species from throughout the world. It covers approximately 117 hectares and contains spacious cages designed to provide the animals with a natural and comfortable environment. Visitors to the New Zoo can explore various themed zones, each representing a different geographic region or ecology, like African Savannah, the Amazon Rainforest, the Arctic Tundra, and many others. You'll see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, tigers, monkeys, penguins, and a variety of bird species as you go through the zoo.
In addition to animal watching, the New Zoo provides a variety of educational events and possibilities. Visitors can learn about the behaviours, characteristics, and conservation efforts of many species by attending animal feedings, educational talks, and interactive shows. The zoo's mission is to increase awareness about wildlife conservation and the value of safeguarding endangered species. The New Zoo also has amenities to help visitors have a better time. It features picnic spots, playgrounds for children, and restaurants where you can get a meal or a snack while admiring the scenery. Special events and exhibitions are regularly organised by the zoo, adding to the excitement and amusement for visitors.
Maltanka Miniature Railway
The Maltanka Park Railway, often known as the Maltanka Miniature Railway, is a lovely attraction. It provides an enjoyable experience for guests, particularly families with children. The Maltanka Miniature train goes through the New Zoo and neighbouring parks on a narrow-gauge train track. The railway is roughly 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long and offers a picturesque ride through wooded areas, green spaces, and attractive scenery.
The Maltanka Miniature Railway is very popular with young families. The train trip is a highlight for children, who may experience the excitement of travelling on a train while admiring the scenery. The railway also provides a playful and engaging ambience, with stations and stops meant to capture young travellers' imaginations.
Where to Stay
Budget - Sleep in Hostel & Apartments Stare Miasto
An affordable hostel and apartment complex in the old town
Mid-range - Hotel Topaz Poznan Centrum
A good and affordable hotel just 1 kilometre away from the centre
Luxury - Hotel NH Poznan
A beautiful, luxurious hotel near the Old Town
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