Poznań might not be the first place you think of, but that’s exactly what makes this Polish city such a great surprise. Over the past few years, I’ve visited several cities across Poland and discovered how incredibly fun they are for a city break. So when I was invited to explore Poznań, I was immediately excited.
As the city has its own international airport, you can fly there directly from many European countries and dive into one of Poland’s most enjoyable city break destinations. No crowds, no long lines, just a lively central square, a cathedral with a thousand years of history, eye-catching street art, and the scent of freshly baked Poznań croissants wafting through the streets.
Poznań is compact, colorful, and full of atmosphere. You can stroll with ease from medieval squares to modern coffee bars and art spaces inside old industrial buildings. And then there’s that town hall, where every day two mechanical goats knock heads in a quirky little show. It’s honestly one of the most curious sights in the city, and one you won’t forget anytime soon.
In this blog, I’ll take you through the best things to do in Poznań: from iconic highlights to local surprises that are off the beaten track.
City Break in Poznań
Poznań is a fantastic destination, whether you’re including it in a longer trip through Poland or planning a stand-alone weekend getaway. From the Netherlands, you can be there in just an hour and a half. Many other European airports offer direct flights to Poznań, so you’re on the ground in no time. On other trips, I’ve travelled through Poland by train and car as well, which are also very doable options.
With over half a million residents, Poznań is one of the larger cities in Poland and has played a major role in the country’s history. It’s a friendly university town and the historical capital of the Greater Poland region. But despite its size and status, it never feels overwhelming. The compact city center is easy to explore on foot and offers plenty to see, without being packed with big-name landmarks. Think colorful squares, historic churches, creative cafés, and interesting museums, all within walking distance.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Poznań turned out to be an original, welcoming, and surprisingly versatile city where you can easily spend a few days without running out of things to enjoy.
Hotel Tips: During my stay in Poznań, I split my nights between two great hotels: City Solei Boutique Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson, both excellent options. City Solei features stylish themed rooms with a boutique feel and a delicious à la carte breakfast. Park Inn offers modern, spacious rooms and a generous breakfast buffet. I’d also recommend Hotel Kolegiacki, if only for its prime location and lovely rooftop terrace with great views over the city.
What Is Poznań Known For?
Poznań is known as the birthplace of Poland, for its pastel-colored market square and town hall goats, for being a hip university city, and for its legendary Saint Martin’s croissants. Add to that street art, lively festivals, and unexpectedly fun sights, and you’ll start to see why this city made such an impression on me.
Anyone curious about where Poland truly began will quickly end up in Poznań and its surrounding area. The roots of the Polish state were laid right here on Ostrów Tumski, Cathedral Island. It was home to Poland’s earliest rulers, the place where Christianity was first introduced, and it still houses the oldest cathedral in the country. You’re literally walking on the foundations of Polish history here, and there are more places like this to explore in the Poznań region.
The heart of the city is without a doubt Stary Rynek, the Old Market Square. It’s lined with pastel townhouses, historic fountains, sunny terraces, and in the middle, the iconic town hall. Every day at noon and 3 p.m., a small crowd gathers to watch the famous goat show: two mechanical billy goats emerge from the clock tower and butt heads. It’s as strange as it sounds, and just as charming.
But Poznań isn’t stuck in the past. It’s a vibrant student city, full of fresh energy and creative ideas. You’ll find bold street art, photogenic cafés, and even container bars along the riverbank. The city is full of innovative entrepreneurs, unique food spots, and modern sights that give it a cool, contemporary edge.
And I can’t end without mentioning Poznań’s most iconic pastry. The rogal świętomarciński, or Saint Martin’s croissant, isn’t your everyday croissant. It’s a rich, sweet treat filled with poppy seeds, nuts, and raisins. Originally tied to Saint Martin’s Day on November 11, it’s now available year-round. Every bakery needs an official certificate to make it, using a traditional recipe that’s taken very seriously here. And yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Things to Do in Poznań: From Historic Highlights to Trendy Hotspots
Explore the Classic Sights of Poznań
#1 Stary Rynek (Old Market Square)
Stary Rynek is hands down the best place to start your visit to Poznań. Since the 13th century, this perfectly square plaza, about 140 meters on each side, has been the heart of the city. It’s a visual treat from every angle, surrounded by rows of pastel-colored merchant houses. Each building is slightly different, with stepped gables and details ranging from Renaissance flourishes to Baroque decorations.
What you see today isn’t the original, though. The square was almost completely destroyed during World War II and has been lovingly rebuilt. Reconstruction took place in the 1950s and 60s, using old drawings and records as references. The result is incredible: today, Stary Rynek is considered one of the most beautifully restored market squares in Poland, and maybe even in all of Europe.
To me, this is easily the most photogenic spot in the old town. There’s always a lively buzz here, with full terraces and people enjoying the atmosphere. The restaurants around the square may lean a bit more toward tourist-friendly menus than authentic local food, but I’d still recommend sitting down for a drink. It would be a shame to just walk a quick lap around the square and miss the chance to relax, take in the views, and enjoy the vibrant energy of this historic place.
#2 Poznań Town Hall (Ratusz Poznański) and the Goats
Standing proudly at the center of the square is the city’s most eye-catching building: Poznań’s old town hall. Originally built as a modest Gothic structure in the 13th century, it got a major makeover in the 1500s. Italian architect Giovanni Battista di Quadro transformed it between 1550 and 1560 into the grand Renaissance palace you see today, with elegant loggias, a richly decorated façade, and a tall, striking tower.
But what really draws the crowd isn’t the architecture, it’s the clock. Or more specifically, what happens above the clock. Every day at exactly noon, two small doors open and two wooden goats pop out, butting heads. It’s a charmingly odd little show that’s just as popular with locals as it is with tourists. The story behind it? Legend has it that a young cook saved two goats from being slaughtered. They escaped, climbed the tower, and ended up becoming permanent stars of this daily ritual. The goat show has been part of Poznań ever since.
Inside the town hall, you’ll find the Museum of the History of Poznań. It takes you through the city’s long and fascinating past, from medieval rights and trade guilds to post-war apartment blocks. The Great Hall on the first floor is especially impressive, with its high ceilings, carved wooden beams, and colorful heraldic emblems.
#3 Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)
If you want to understand how Poland came to be, you need to visit Ostrów Tumski. This island, set between the Warta and Cybina rivers, is not just the oldest part of Poznań. It’s the place where the Polish state was quite literally born. An early settlement was already established here centuries ago, and by the 10th century, Poland’s first ruler made it his home. It was here that his baptism took place, marking the beginning of Christian Poland.
At the heart of the island stands Poznań Cathedral, officially known as the Archcathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. This is the oldest cathedral in the country. The original structure dates back to the 10th century, though the building has been altered many times throughout the centuries, from Romanesque and Gothic to Baroque. After suffering heavy damage during World War II, it was restored in the Gothic style, believed to reflect its appearance in the 14th century. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of Poland’s first rulers and the impressive Golden Chapel, a beautiful space honoring the country’s early monarchs.
But there’s more to see here than just the cathedral. The island is also home to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in several spots you’ll come across remnants of the early city walls, traces of the first settlements that once stood here. At the edge of the island, you’ll find Porta Posnania, a sleek, modern heritage center that brings the story of Ostrów Tumski to life through interactive exhibits and immersive displays.
#4 Zamek Cesarski (Imperial Castle)
The moment you see the Imperial Castle in Poznań, you can tell it’s not a medieval fortress. It may look historic, with its thick stone walls and tall tower, but it’s actually just over a hundred years old. Between 1905 and 1910, German Emperor Wilhelm II had this castle built as a residence for his visits to the region, which was still part of the German Empire at the time. The architect designed it to be imposing, using heavy stone, arches, and towers. The goal was to impress, and even today it still does.
Ironically, the emperor only visited three times before the First World War broke out. After that, the castle passed into Polish hands. It served various purposes, including as a government building and a university, until the Second World War changed everything. The Nazis took over the building and transformed it into their Polish headquarters. The chapel was converted into Adolf Hitler’s private office, built as an exact copy of his study in Berlin, although it was never actually used.
Today the castle has a completely different role. Now known as Zamek Centrum Kultury, it functions as a cultural center. It hosts exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and festivals. Visitors can explore the former throne room, see Hitler’s unused office, or wander through the gardens. Audioguides are available to help guide you through the castle and explain its background. The contrast between the building’s imperial and wartime history and its current creative energy makes it one of the most unique and fascinating places in the city.
#5 Zamek Królewski (Royal Castle)
Perched on a hill at the edge of the old town, the Royal Castle of Poznań is hard to miss. Its bright white walls and high tower rise above the rooftops, making it one of the most visible landmarks in the city. A royal fortress once stood here in the Middle Ages, and this was where Polish kings were once crowned.
But for much of its history, the castle looked far from royal. It suffered repeated destruction over the centuries, from fires, wars, and invasions. During the Second World War, it was almost completely reduced to rubble. It wasn’t until 2010 that a large-scale reconstruction began. That project took six years, and what stands today is a modern interpretation of a historic castle.
Inside, you won’t find grand halls filled with antique furniture, but rather the Museum of Applied Arts. Its collection includes furniture, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, spanning from the medieval period to contemporary design. One of my personal highlights is the castle tower. From the top, you get a fantastic panoramic view over the old town of Poznań. Best of all, you don’t have to climb a narrow spiral staircase to get there. The tower has a modern elevator.
Dive Into Poznan’s Museums
#6 Centrum Szyfrów Enigma (Enigma Codebreaking Center)
Close to the central train station and right next to the Imperial Castle, you’ll find one of Poznań’s most modern and surprising museums. The Centrum Szyfrów Enigma shows that codebreaking is far from boring or too technical for everyday visitors.
This interactive museum tells the incredible story of three Polish mathematicians who achieved something extraordinary in the 1930s. Right here in Poznań, they cracked the German army’s Enigma code. Their breakthrough would later prove vital to the outcome of the Second World War. I had always assumed, thanks to the film The Imitation Game, that the code was first cracked by the British mathematician Alan Turing. But as I learned here, Turing actually built on the earlier work done by these brilliant students from Poznań.
The permanent exhibition takes you through how the Enigma machine worked, what its weaknesses were, and how the Polish team discovered them. You can try out codebreaking machines, solve puzzles, and explore simulations. What stayed with me most was the story of the three students who quietly changed the course of history.
#7 Porta Posnania (Interactive Heritage Centre)
Porta Posnania is a sleek and modern heritage center located on the edge of Cathedral Island. It is the perfect place to learn how the Polish state began. The building itself stands out immediately, with clean concrete lines, large glass panels, and a minimalist design that contrasts beautifully with the historic surroundings. A glass bridge connects the main center with a 19th-century fortification on Ostrów Tumski.
Inside, this is not your typical museum filled with display cases and long texts. Instead, it offers an immersive experience that uses images, sound, and light to tell the story of Poland’s early history. Through multimedia exhibits, you learn about the origins of the country, daily life in the early Middle Ages, and Poznań’s role as a religious center. An audio guide leads you through the entire exhibition in a clear and engaging way.
#8 Genius Loci Archaeological Reserve
Right next to Porta Posnania is a hidden gem for history lovers. The Genius Loci Archaeological Reserve lets you walk above the original foundations of 10th-century Poznań. And you take that quite literally. The museum features glass walkways suspended over ancient stone walls and wooden fortifications that formed the city’s earliest defences. You can clearly see the remains of palisades and stone structures built by Poznań’s first settlers.
This small museum is the perfect complement to a walk through Cathedral Island. It offers a deeper look at the city’s roots and tells the story in a quiet, atmospheric setting.
Tip: just outside the museum, look up and you’ll see a strange sculpture stretching across the path. It marks the shape and position of Poznań’s medieval city walls. It’s a clever and subtle way of helping you imagine the ancient layout of the city.
#9 More Museums in Poznań
In addition to the city’s more famous attractions, Poznań is home to a number of surprising museums that are absolutely worth your time. A great example is the National Museum, where you’ll find a diverse mix of Polish masters, modern art, and well-known European works.
If you’re more drawn to history, the Archaeological Museum is a fantastic choice. Tucked inside an old city palace, it’s filled with fascinating artifacts from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and even the Roman period. One of the highlights is a real Egyptian mummy, complete with its sarcophagus.
Want to learn more about Poznań itself? Then step inside the Museum of the History of Poznań, located in the old town hall. Here you can browse scale models, vintage photographs, and historical maps that show how the city has grown and changed over time. My guide also pointed out the original mechanical goats, now kept in this museum. When they were replaced by the current pair on the clock tower, the originals found a new home here.
Discover Poznan’s Modern Highlights
#10 Stary Browar (Old Brewery)
Stary Browar is far more than just a shopping center. You can browse dozens of shops, from big name brands to small independent boutiques, but for me, what really makes it special is the building itself. Designed inside and around a former nineteenth-century brewery, the entire space still carries that industrial charm. Think red brick walls, wrought iron details, and wide open halls that feel more like a gallery than a mall.
As you move through the building, you’ll come across various pieces of art. Between one store and the next, you might suddenly see a contemporary sculpture or a striking installation. Stary Browar doesn’t feel like a commercial space. It feels like a place where creativity lives, and shopping just happens to be part of the experience.
In the summer, the park outside is the perfect spot to rest with a coffee or an ice cream. Personally, I’m not much of a shopper, but even if you’re just there to admire the building or take in the art, it’s a place worth visiting.
#11 Mural Śródka (The Trumpeter and the Cat)
On the eastern side of the city center, in the neighborhood of Śródka, you’ll find one of the most impressive murals in Poznań. At the corner of Śródka Street 3, a huge painting covers the entire side of a building. It shows a trumpeter standing on a rooftop, a watchful cat in the background, and a parade of colorful figures from the neighborhood’s past. The full (translated) title of the piece is The Śródka Story with a Trumpeter on the Roof and a Cat in the Background.
The mural was completed in 2015 and is based on a black and white photo from the 1920s. Local characters like a butcher, an innkeeper, and even a duke have all been brought back to life in vivid color. But it’s more than just a pretty wall. Thanks to the artist’s clever use of perspective, it looks like the figures are stepping right out of the building. If you stand at an angle, the illusion of depth is truly impressive.
It’s an easy walk from Cathedral Island, just across the Cybina River. Locals also told us that Śródka is one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, with great restaurants and a laid-back feel. It’s definitely worth spending a little extra time here.
Tip: While Poznań isn’t usually considered a street art destination, there’s more to see if you know where to look. Keep an eye out for the black eye symbol, known as Pan Persykop, created by local artist Noriaki. His work appears all over the city, often in the most unexpected places.
#12 KontenerART
When the weather warms up and spring begins, one of Poznań’s most creative places comes to life along the Warta River. KontenerART is a pop-up cultural space made from shipping containers, with art, music, and a relaxed outdoor vibe. What started as a temporary project by local artists has become one of the city’s most loved summer spots.
The site features more than twenty containers used as bars, studios, and stages. In the middle, a large tree is surrounded by wooden platforms, benches, cushions, and string lights. You can sip a drink by the water, catch a DJ set, or do what I did and join a free beginner salsa class.
Some of the containers even have rooftop terraces, offering views of the river, the cathedral, and the city skyline. The season runs from May through September, and the program changes every week. You might find yoga sessions in the morning and live electronic music in the evening. I found this to be one of the most fun and lively places to spend time in Poznań, and I highly recommend checking it out if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
Immerse yourself in culinary Poznan
#13 Rogal świętomarciński (Saint Martin’s Croissant)
You simply can’t leave Poznań without tasting a rogal świętomarciński. This giant croissant, about the size of your hand, is filled with white poppy seeds, crushed nuts, and raisins, then topped with a thick glaze and even more nuts. Is it heavy? Definitely. One of these rich treats contains between 1,000 and 1,200 calories.
The origins of the pastry go back to the nineteenth century and are closely tied to the celebration of Saint Martin. I heard the story several times during my visit, and each version had a slightly different twist. In one, Saint Martin appears in a baker’s dream and tells him to make the croissants. In another, a baker chooses to give them away to the poor in the saint’s honor. Yet another version says that a baker used the proceeds from selling them to support people in need. Whichever version you believe, the tradition is still very much alive today. Every year on November 11, Saint Martin’s Day, Poznań is filled with people buying and eating these croissants.
Today, the pastry is a protected regional product. Only certified bakers in the Poznań area who follow the original recipe are allowed to sell it under the name rogal świętomarciński.
While you can now find them all year round, they are especially popular in November, when they are sold everywhere in the city. Poznań also hosts a large festival to celebrate, with parades and street markets. Want to hear the full story and watch the croissants being made? Visit the Rogalowe Museum just off the Old Market Square. There you can learn about the ingredients, the history, and of course, enjoy a delicious sample at the end.
#14 Rooftop Terrace at Hotel Kolegiacki
If you feel like taking a break from the bustle of Stary Rynek, make your way to Hotel Kolegiacki. This charming boutique hotel is tucked away on a peaceful and picture-perfect square in the old town. What really sets it apart is its rooftop terrace. From here, you can look out over the rooftops of Poznań, with a beautiful view of the colorful facades around the main square and the towers of the old town hall.
On a sunny day, this is one of the most relaxing spots in the city to enjoy a coffee or a cocktail. You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to go up. Just walk in, take the elevator to the top floor, and enjoy the view.
#15 Local Potato Dishes
In Poznań, the humble potato is much more than just a side dish. It is comfort food, tradition, and part of the region’s identity. Wielkopolska, the region where Poznań is located, is known for its love of pyry, the local word for potatoes. The most iconic dish is pyry z gzikiem. It features warm, skin-on potatoes served with a creamy topping of quark, sour cream, chives, and onion.
You will find this dish on many menus across the city. It is not fancy, but it is truly local. If you want to dive deeper into the potato-loving spirit of the region, visit Pyra Bar. This casual eatery offers every kind of potato dish you can imagine, all at affordable prices. The best seats are at the back, where you can sit in the quiet garden and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
#16 Trendy Coffee Bars in Poznań
Poznań has quickly become a favourite among coffee lovers. Whether you are into pour-over, AeroPress, or a classic flat white, the city is full of cafés where good coffee and a great atmosphere go hand in hand. I received some great recommendations from locals and fellow coffee fans, and each spot had its own unique charm.
One local favourite is Lagacca, a modern coffee bar where quality comes first. The owner has won several barista competitions, and it shows. The interior is raw and minimal, with a relaxed and slightly alternative vibe. It is located just a short walk from the central square.
Piece of Cake offers a completely different experience. This cosy patisserie combines specialty coffee with homemade cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. The décor is colourful and vintage, creating a warm and welcoming space. It is the kind of place where you come in for one coffee and end up staying for lunch and dessert.
Kaferdam has a hip and minimalist feel. The coffee is excellent and the vibe is relaxed and friendly. On warm days, the terrace is a great place to sit and watch the world go by.
At Bardzo, the focus is on simplicity, good coffee, and a peaceful setting. It is perfect for starting your day with a strong flat white in the morning sun, or for tucking yourself away in the leafy backyard with breakfast and a book.
Another great spot is Kahawa, a café and bookstore in one. You sit surrounded by shelves of books, with a view of the square, sipping coffee roasted in-house. It is a calm, inviting place where you can easily lose track of time.
#17 Ptasie Radio
Alongside its stylish coffee bars, Poznań is also home to a number of creative and characterful restaurants. One of the most delightful is Ptasie Radio. Located just outside the city centre, this colourful and imaginative restaurant is named after a beloved Polish children’s poem by Julian Tuwim.
Inside, everything is themed around birds and radios, and the concept has been brought to life in some truly fun and surprising ways. One room is styled like a giant birdcage, with metal bars and hanging plants, while another is decorated with bird-patterned wallpaper and a bar shaped like an old-fashioned radio. It is playful and full of personality, without ever feeling over the top.
The menu is just as appealing. It offers a mix of Polish and international dishes, with plenty of choices for vegetarians like myself. Everything is freshly made, nicely presented, and full of flavour. One extra highlight is the wine list, which features bottles from Polish vineyards. It is a perfect spot for a laid-back lunch or a relaxed evening meal with a bit of creative flair.
Take a Day Trip Through Wielkopolska (Greater Poland)
#18 A Historical Day Trip: Gniezno, Ostrów Lednicki and the Wielkopolska Open-Air Museum
If you want to go beyond exploring just the city of Poznań and truly dive into Poland’s early history, a day trip to Gniezno, Ostrów Lednicki and the open-air museum in Dziekanowice is a wonderful combination. This is not your average sightseeing tour but an in-depth journey into the origins of the Polish nation. You will need a rental car to make the most of it, since only Gniezno is easily reachable by train. The rest is tucked away in the countryside, surrounded by quiet villages, fields and lakes in the region of Wielkopolska.
Begin your trip in Gniezno, a city that proudly presents itself as Poland’s first capital. That title is still the subject of historical debate, but there is no doubt that the city holds an important place in the country’s past. The cathedral in Gniezno rises high above the town and is filled with atmosphere and significance. This is where Poland’s early kings were crowned. It is also the burial place of Saint Adalbert and home to the famous bronze Gniezno Doors, covered with reliefs that tell the story of the saint’s life. One fun detail to look for in the old town is the collection of small bronze rabbit statues hidden in the streets. Each one tells a different story related to Gniezno’s history.
From Gniezno, it is a short drive to Ostrów Lednicki, a small island in Lake Lednica. A ferry will take you across the water, and once you step onto the island, you are standing at one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. This was once the residence of Poland’s first ruler. You can explore the ruins of a palace, strong defensive walls, and reconstructed wooden houses. Inside one of them, a woman in traditional dress shows visitors how fabric was woven in medieval times. It brings the past to life in a quiet, authentic way.
Just next to the island is the eye-catching restaurant Karczma na Lednicy. Built entirely in wooden chalet style, it has a rustic look but is surprisingly modern inside. I stopped here for a coffee break and found it a lovely and relaxing place to pause during the trip.
A few minutes further down the road is the Wielkopolska Open-Air Museum. This museum recreates the feel of a nineteenth-century Polish village, complete with wooden cottages surrounded by flower gardens, an authentic church, a stately manor house and old windmills. The staff walk around in period clothing, which adds to the experience and gives the place a living, breathing character. In the summer months, the museum becomes even livelier, with craft demonstrations and traditional Polish folk music. Even if you are not usually drawn to historical museums, this one is easy to enjoy.
Nearby, I also stopped for lunch at the small and authentic restaurant Lednickie Wrota. It has a local feel, serves good food, and was the perfect way to end the day.
I visited Poznań and the surrounding region at the invitation of the Polish Tourism Organisation.
