14 Best Things to Do in Poznań, Poland (By People Who Actually Went)

Intro

Poznań is one of Poland’s most underrated cities and that’s exactly why we loved it. It's just a short and affordable train or bus ride from Berlin, yet it offers a completely different vibe. Nestled on the Warta River, Poznań is a buzzing university city with a youthful energy, a growing gay scene, and deep historical roots. In fact, it's considered the birthplace of Poland and Christianity in the country. That’s quite a mix, right?

Whether you’re into culture, cool cafés, or discovering Poland’s queer-friendly spots, Poznań is worth a visit. Compared to bigger cities like Warsaw, Poznań just feels cozy, and you'll want to stick around to soak it all in.

Where to Stay in Poznań

Where we stayed in Poznań

We wanted a place that felt like home, so we could work a bit and cook for ourselves, so this cute studio in Stare Miasto was perfect. It had self check-in and even a small balcony for morning coffee (see Instagram post below to show the reality of how often we used it 😆). Just beware: walls in these old buildings can be thin, but we got lucky with quiet neighbors. You’ll find plenty like it on Booking.com.

Where we recommend to stay in Poznań

If you want something comfy and modern, the Novotel Poznań Centrum is a solid pick. It’s just outside the Old Town—close enough to walk everywhere, but quiet enough to relax. We loved the chill vibe in the lobby, with a cool café and bar where we even got some work done.

14 Things to Do in Poznań

1. Try the Famous Rogal Świętomarciński 🥐

No trip to Poznań is complete without tasting the iconic Rogal Świętomarciński, the city’s most beloved sweet. This croissant-like pastry is packed with white poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruit — a true bomba calorica that can easily replace a full meal (apparently there is 1,200 calories in one of these)!

You’ll find it all over town, but we got ours at the official Rogal Świętomarciński pastry shop in the main square, which is a perfect spot with great views and even better sugar rush. Another good place to try one is Cukiernia Royal, which is also right on the main square.

Recognized by the European Union with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, this pastry can only be called "Rogal Świętomarciński" if it's made in the Poznań region, following the traditional recipe.

Want to go deeper? Visit the Croissant Museum (Rogalowe Muzeum Poznańia) where you can learn its legends and even try baking your own!

If you visit in November, don’t miss the Saint Martin festivities...it’s the best time to eat the croissant and experience local parades and traditions.

2. Watch the Billy Goats at the Town Hall Tower

Every day at noon in Stary Rynek (Old Market Square), the billy goats (koziołki) pop out from the clock tower of the beautiful Ratusz (Poznań Town Hall) and butt heads 12 times. It’s quirky and fun and the whole crowd counts along!

We caught it on a sunny day, and it felt like a little slice of Polish tradition. There's a charming legend behind it too about a failed banquet preparation for the Mayor!

3. Admire the Fara Church (St. Stanislaus Parish Church)

Just steps away from the market square, you’ll find the stunning pink-and-white Fara Church, also known as the Church of St. Stanislaus the Bishop.

It seriously feels like stepping into Rome! Fun fact: many Italians worked on its Baroque interiors. It's one of the most beautiful churches we saw in Poland.

4. Shop and Chill at Stary Browar

Stary Browar means "Old Brewery" after its past as a...well...old brewery, but today it’s one of the coolest revamped shopping centers in Poznań. It's also part art gallery and creative space. If you go on a sunny day, grab a beer or lie in the adjoining Park Dąbrowskiego—it has deck chairs for sunbathing.

5. Eat Potatoes Like a Local at Pyra Bar

"Pyra" means potato in the local dialect, and this casual restaurant called Pyra Bar is all about turning the seemingly boring root vegetable into miracles! We tried the potato cake (baba od rzeznika) with bacon inside and honestly, it was legendary.

Cheap, comforting, and very Polish. Perfect after a long walk through the city.

6. Visit Ostrów Tumski and Brama Poznańia (ICHOT)

Ostrów Tumski is the historical heart of Poland, literally. It's where King Mieszko I was baptized, marking the start of Christianity in Poland. Cross the bridge to explore Ostrów Tumski island and the Brama Poznańia heritage center (ICHOT). You'll also see what’s considered the oldest cathedral in Poland (rebuilt but still impressive).

7. Relax at Lake Malta (Maltańskie Lake)

This artificial lake got its name from the Knights of Malta and is now one of the locals' favorite recreational areas. You can walk, bike, watch the rowing races, or hop on the mini train that circles the lake. They host many festivals and sports events, so check what’s on when you visit.

8. Take a Dip at Termy Maltańskie

While at Lake Malta, maybe you get the urge for a bit of spa and sauna time. Termy Maltańskie is a huge complex with thermal pools, saunas, and water slides on the northern side of the lake—perfect on a rainy day.

9. Wander in Citadel Park (Park Cytadela)

This huge park in northern Poznań is a green escape filled with sculptures and war memorials. If you're visiting in August, don’t miss the Bittersweet Festival.

This year (2025) they're hosting among the others, Post Malone and Nelly Furtado—crazy lineup for Poznań, right?

10. Explore Poznań’s Gay Life

Poznań has a small but lively queer scene. We loved Nowe Lokum Stonewall, a cool spot located behind The Imperial Castle in Poznań. It offers affordable beer, chill vibes, and surprisingly good food (we recommend the nachos or bruschetta as a snackity snack). You can enjoy a cocktail in their courtyard while watching the Fontanna Lwów. They also host karaoke and other events.

For more places and details, be sure to check out our dedicated Gay Poznań Guide.

11. Eat at a Milk Bar (Bar Mleczny) in Poznań

While Warsaw might be more famous for its milk bars, it’s still fun to try one in Poznań, especially if you’ve never been. They're old-school canteens from communist times with cheap, home-style Polish food. Don’t expect a menu in English, but half the fun is guessing what you’re about to eat.

12. Try Georgian Cuisine in Poznań

Poland is full of Georgian restaurants (thanks to the large number of Georgians moving to Poland), and Poznań is no exception. We’re big fans of Georgian food thanks to our 3 months of traveling around Georgia, so we had to try one, and it didn’t disappoint. Think khachapuri, dumplings (khinkali), and lots of seasoning and cheese (all washed down with a Georgian beer, of course).

13. Soak in the Old Town’s Architecture

Even if you’ve ticked all the main sights, take time to walk aimlessly around the Old Town. The colorful, restored buildings—mostly Baroque and Art Nouveau feel authentic and not overly "theme park-ish." We loved the cobblestone streets, the small details, and the feeling that the city is alive but still holds onto its history.

14. Discover Italian Restaurants in Poznań

Being from Italy (and with Ryan being Italian-American), we have a soft spot for eating Italian when we need a break from the local cuisine.

We were surprised find many great Italian restaurants we found in Poznań! We tried Amici Miei and loved it, with proper Italian vibes, Italian host, friendly staff, and a delicious pizza (not exactly Neapolitan, but still a winner). Prices were great too!

Poznań Travel Logistics

Is Poznań worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! Between its rich culture, vibrant food scene, and genuinely kind locals, Poznań is a hidden gem in western Poland. If you're exploring this part of the country or just love discovering underrated European cities, don't skip it!

Why is Poznań famous?

Poznań is known as one of the oldest and most important cities in Poland. It's where Christianity began (literally—King Mieszko I was baptized here), and it played a big role in Poland’s early history. Today, it’s famous for its charming Old Town, the billy goats show, and for being a cool university city with a youthful vibe.

What does "Poznań" mean?

"Poznań" comes from the old Slavic word for "to get to know" or "to recognize." Fitting name, right? It's a place that really grows on you the more you explore it.

Can you survive in Poznań without cash?

Totally! We paid for everything using our phone's contactless cards...restaurants, public transport, even small shops. Poland is one of the most cashless-friendly countries we’ve been to. Wish we could say the same about Berlin...

Is Poznań easy to get around?

Yes! Most of the city center is walkable, and the tram network is super efficient (and really cute). Trams often run and are on time, and Google Maps works perfectly with them. You’ll be fine even without speaking Polish. You can use apps to travel on public transportation, or pay in cash at the kiosks (however, these are not everywhere).

Is Poland still cheap to visit?

Honestly, it is not as cheap as it used to be, but still a good deal compared to Western Europe. You can eat well, sleep comfortably, and move around affordably, especially outside peak season. Poznań offers great value for what you get.

How’s the weather in Poznań?

It’s getting warmer every year. A Polish guy told us he noticed a big change after 20 years abroad! If you want sunshine and outdoor vibes, visit between May and September. Spring and early autumn are ideal, not too hot, not too cold.

Is Poznań inclusive?

Very much so. It’s a young city with a large student population, and many people speak English. We felt safe and welcome everywhere we went. Whether you’re traveling solo, queer, or just curious, you’ll have no problem feeling at home.