Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Poznań, Poland

A city with its own distinct identity, dialect, and customs, Poznań in the Greater Poland region is recognized as the site where Catholicism first established a foothold in Poland. The first diocese of Poland was founded here on Cathedral Island in the 10th century by the country’s inaugural monarch.

This river island is situated adjacent to the Renaissance Old Town, which encompasses an Old Market Square featuring one of the most remarkable Town Halls to behold. In addition to its rich historical heritage, Poznań offers numerous attractions suitable for families, including two zoos, a botanical palm house, and a superb interactive museum dedicated to the history of Cathedral Island.

Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Poznań:

1. Old Market Square

This central plaza was established in 1253, coinciding with the year Poznań was granted town privileges under the Holy Roman Magdeburg Law.

Encompassing an almost perfect square of 141 x 141 meters, the square endured the loss of 60% of its buildings in 1945 but underwent rapid restoration post-war.

Many pastel-colored tenement houses feature restaurant and bar terraces on their ground levels, encouraging repeat visits.

In the middle of the square, adjacent to the magnificent Town Hall, is a row of 16th-century merchants’ houses situated over an arcade. Notably, at no. 17, the coat of arms of the merchants’ guild can be observed.

As you stroll through, remain attuned to the Medieval pillory and the fountains illustrating Persephone, Apollo, Neptune, and Mars.

If you are visiting in June, do not miss the Jarmark Świętojański (St John’s Fair), a three-day street fair with a historical theme.

2. Poznań Town Hall

The crowning achievement of the Old Market Square is a late-Renaissance marvel constructed between 1550 and 1560. The eastern facade displays a beautiful loggia adorned with three tiers and paintings in the spandrels and friezes between its arches.

Above, portraits of the Kings of the Jagiellonian Line flank a gilded cartouche bearing the initials “SAR,” representing Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland.

Every hour, from 07:00 to 21:00, a carillon performs the traditional bugle call.

However, at noon, this is executed by a live trumpeter, accompanied by two mechanical goats, which serve as symbols of Poznań, butting heads 12 times.

This pair of goats has been engaged in this friendly confrontation since 1551.

3. Historical Museum of Poznań

The interior of the Town Hall has functioned as a museum since 1956 and deserves distinct recognition.

The focal point is the Grand Vestibule, which retains much of its appearance from the mid-16th century.

The coffered ceiling features elaborate stucco patterns surrounding paintings of heraldic animals and coats of arms.

In the galleries, you can find a mantel clock showcasing the city’s coat of arms from 1575 and a drinking vessel representing the shoemakers’ guild from 1651. Notably, there is also a remarkable crosier (bishop’s staff) crafted in Limoges in the 18th century, adorned with enamel and gold-plating.

Lastly, in the ceremonious Court Room on the first floor are two globes, one depicting the sky and the other the Earth, dating back to 1790 and 1792.

4. Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)

It is no exaggeration to assert that Poland’s origins can be traced back to this island located at the confluence of the Warta River.

Today, the island presents itself as a tranquil enclave of cobblestone streets and squares bordered by trees and historic religious edifices.

This location offers a much-appreciated sanctuary from the bustling tourist activity around the Market Square.

One of the first aspects to notice is the abundance of greenery, ranging from the high Medieval embankments along the riverside to the numerous fruit trees, which are especially beautiful when in bloom during the spring.

Not only did Catholicism take root here in the 10th century, but it also served as the residence for Poland’s first king, Mieszko I, who founded the cathedral. This narrative is presented by the Brama Poznania ICHOT, a modern high-tech interpretation center.

5. Poznań Cathedral

Following significant damage from the Battle of Poznań, Poland’s oldest cathedral now exhibits a Late Gothic design grounded in Medieval architectural plans.

This does not diminish the brilliance of the star vaults in the nave and the groin vaults in the chancel.

Preserved treasures within include Flemish tapestries from the 1600s, choir stalls from the 1500s, and a Late Gothic altarpiece featuring sculpted panels of Mary and the Passion dating to 1512. The numerous Gothic and Renaissance tomb monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries are also worthy of attention, some having been looted by the German army but recovered post-war.

6. Brama Poznania ICHOT

This interpretation center, focused on the history of Ostrów Tumski, is situated by the Cybina River in the city’s oldest quarter.

What sets Brama Poznania apart is the absence of physical artifacts; instead, all exhibits utilize multimedia technology.

The center features a state-of-the-art building that opened in 2014 alongside the preserved remnants of Prussian-era fortifications.

As you approach via the footbridge spanning the river, you will notice the building is strategically positioned to highlight the cathedral in the background to the left.

The center’s interactive audiovisual displays provide in-depth insights into the origins of Poland’s first cathedral, daily life and culture in early Poznań, as well as the castle of Mieszko I.

7. Church of St Stanislaus

As you pass the southeast corner of the Market Square on Świętosławska, the magnificent facade of this Baroque church will immediately capture your attention.

The Church of St Stanislaus, once a Jesuit college, is regarded as one of Poland’s finest examples of Baroque religious architecture.

The niches, scrolls, and pilasters give a glimpse of what awaits inside through the portal: the awe-inspiring triple nave that stretches 55 meters in length and rises 27 meters high, exuding grandeur with its 16 marble-effect Corinthian columns.

This venue is a paradise for art history enthusiasts, with 18th-century frescoes adorning the ceiling panels and 13 altars throughout the space.

The high altar, constructed in 1756, is flanked by life-sized sculptures of the two patron saints, Stanislaus of Szczepanów and Stanislaus Kostka.

8. Imperial Castle

Kaiser Wilhelm II significantly influenced the design of this Neo-Romanesque palace, constructed for him from 1904 to 1910. The Imperial Castle reflects the grand residences of the Medieval Holy Roman Emperors located in cities such as Goslar in Germany.

In the patio gardens of the northern wing, Wilhelm drew inspiration from the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada.

During World War II, the upper echelon of Nazi power operated from this palace, and due to its associations, there were subsequent efforts to demolish the structure following the war.

However, in 1962, it was repurposed as a cultural center and now hosts the 1956 Uprising Museum in the basement, converts the former throne room into a cinema, and features a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

9. Park Cytadela

Situated north of the Old Town on an elevated area is Fort Winiary, part of a system comprising 18 defenses erected to protect the city during Prussian rule.

A glance at the map reveals the outline of the historic ravelins to the north of the park.

The area still exhibits extensive earthworks, while remnants of ravelins and bastions serve as clues to its historical significance.

Ravelin IV hosts a currently inactive amphitheater, and in the southwest corner of the park are military cemeteries featuring graves from both World Wars.

The surviving buildings contain the Poznań Army Museum and the Museum of Armaments, in case you wish to delve deeper into this aspect of the park’s heritage.

If you would rather, you can stroll through the rosarium and enjoy a meal at one of the three restaurants located within the park.

10. National Museum in Poznań

This museum features several branches in Poznań dedicated to applied arts, musical instruments, and ethnography.

Nonetheless, its main headquarters is the Gallery of Painting and Sculpture on Aleje Marcinkowskiego.

This sandstone Historicist building, constructed in 1904, houses one of Poland’s largest collections of foreign art alongside renowned Polish paintings ranging from the 1500s to the 1900s.

Among the featured masters in the gallery are Lucas Cranach the Elder, Anthony van Dyck, Bellini, Velázquez, Zurbarán, Tintoretto, and Monet.

Furthermore, as an excellent introduction to Polish art, there are works by Stanisław Wyspiański, Olga Boznańska, Jacek Malczewski, and Leon Wyczółkowski, encompassing styles from Impressionism to Realism, including the influential Young Poland movement.

11. Croissant Museum

Among Poznań’s signature delicacies is the St Martin’s Croissant, a tradition that has persisted since the 19th century.

It originated with a baker donating three batches of croissants to the impoverished citizens of the city on November 11, St Martin’s Day.

These pastries feature a sweet filling derived from white poppy seeds and are frequently topped with icing.

In a Renaissance-style townhouse directly opposite the Town Hall, there exists a museum that hosts guided baking demonstrations at 11:00, 12:30, 13:45, and 15:00, alongside tours of the premises.

Of course, visitors have the opportunity to sample these delightful treats while learning about the history behind them.

12. Lech Browary Wielkopolski

Located in the eastern outskirts of the city, not far south of Lake Malta, is the brewery for Lech, one of Poland’s top-selling beers.

A keen interest in the brewing process, which operates at an impressive scale of 7.5 million hectoliters annually, can be appreciated without requiring prior expertise.

During the tour, you may be surprised at the amount of technology involved in mashing, boiling, fermentation, maturation, and filtration processes.

The latter part of the two-hour tour includes a visit to an exhibition hall focused on Lech, culminating in a stop at the bar for a well-deserved glass of freshly tapped beer.

13. Palmiarnia Poznańska

Located on the opposite side of the main train station from the Old Town, Poznań’s Palm House encompasses a complex of 12 pavilions that cultivate 1,100 species of plants across 4,600 square meters.

This facility is the largest attraction of its kind in Poland, with most of its pavilions accessible to visitors.

One pavilion, dedicated to aquatics, is home to 170 species of fish and 50 varieties of aquatic plants.

However, the most striking features are the towering greenhouses, which invite exploration through a humid tropical jungle housing snakes and iguanas in terrariums.

Additionally, there are areas dedicated to temperate flora, savannah species, and cacti from the Americas, along with a café nestled within the lush greenery of Pavilion no. 3.

14. Maltanka Miniature Railway

Located along the northern shore of Lake Malta, a 600mm narrow gauge railway has been in operation since 1956. The railway’s origins are intertwined with its designation as a “Children’s Railway,” initially run by youth organizations in the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc to prepare young individuals for careers in railway operations.

The train, powered by a Borsig steam locomotive from 1925, departs from the station near Rondo Śródka hourly, seven days a week from April to September.

Children enjoy a delightful experience, but the train can also serve as a practical means of visiting both Lake Malta and the New Zoo, located at the eastern terminus.

15. Poznań New Zoo

The day of enjoyment for children can continue at the New Zoo, the second-largest zoological garden in Poland.

Spanning 120 hectares, the zoo is well-known for its aviaries, which host a diverse spectrum of owls and participate in breeding programs for golden eagles.

Among the zoo’s main attractions are the African elephants, giraffes, zebras, and Siberian tigers, in addition to the European bison, native to eastern Poland.

Given the substantial size of the New Zoo, visitors will appreciate the convenience of another miniature railway encircling the premises, allowing for easy access to each exhibit.