Poznań is a charming city located in the center-western part of Poland. It’s known for its stunning Old Market Square (Stary Rynek), which is lined with colorful historical buildings, as well as its delicious cuisine and vibrant restaurants and cafes. The city seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity.

Once home to kings and royal families, Poznań is also home to the Imperial Castle, which sits atop a hill and offers a beautiful view of Stary Rynek. I find Poznań to be the perfect destination for a 1-2 day trip while visiting Poland. The city is full of charm and has so much to offer. I hope you enjoy this complete travel guide to Poznań, Poland, with my recommendations on the best places to eat, stay, and explore.

how to get to poznan?

There are several options on how to get to Poznań, Poland. It depends if you travel from outside of the country (like me, we flew from the United States) or you’re already in Poland and you want to do a quick city break to this wonderful town. Here are the options:

By Air (Flying)

Poznań has an international airport called Poznań–Ławica (POZ), located about 7 km (4.5 miles) from the city center. We flew to Poznań from San Francisco, with an overlay in Frankfurt, Germany. From Frankfurt it was only about 50 minutes flight. The whole trip went smoothly and it took us 13 hours to get to Poznań, Poland from California.

Direct Flights: You can fly to Poznań from many European cities, especially from Germany, the UK, and other major destinations in Europe.
Connecting Flights: If you're coming from outside Europe (like United States), you can usually connect through a major European hub like Frankfurt (FRA), or Munich (MUN)and then take a short flight to Poznań.
Transportation from the Airport: You can reach the city center from the airport by taxi or Uber.

By Train

Poznań is well-connected by rail to other major Polish cities and European destinations. Trains in Poland are operated by PKP Intercity, and tickets can be purchased online or at train stations. Here’s the website to purchase train tickets.

From Warsaw: The train ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from the Polish capital.
From Berlin: If you're coming from Germany, you can take a direct train from Berlin, which takes around 3.5 hours.
From different cities in Poland: There are also direct trains from cities like Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Kraków.

BY CAR

I highly suggest getting into Poznań via air or train, it’s quicker and easier. If you're driving, Poznań is accessible via major highways in Poland and from neighboring countries.

From Warsaw: Take the A2 motorway west, which will get you to Poznań in about 3 hours.
From Berlin: If you're coming from Germany, you can take the A2 highway east into Poland, and Poznań is around a 3.5-hour drive.
Renting a Car: Renting a car is a great option if you prefer flexibility in your travel schedule.

When is the best time to visit Poznan, Poland?

Poznań is a fantastic destination year-round, with each season offering unique vibes and experiences. We visited in February—it was cold but beautifully sunny. If you prefer mild temperatures with plenty of sunshine, the best time to visit is from May to September. However, the summer months attract more tourists, which can make accommodations a bit more expensive.

If you decide to visit Poznań in November or December, you will see all the festive lights and experience the Christmas market, which are amazing here in Poland. When it comes to autumn and winter visits, keep in mind that there will be only a few hours of daylight and it gets dark around 3-4 pm.

Summer in Poland, and in Poznań specifically, is my favorite time of year. The atmosphere is vibrant, with restaurants around the Old Town Square setting up outdoor patios. There's nothing better than sipping a glass of wine while soaking in the city's lively vibes. Exploring Poland in the summer is truly

Where to stay in Poznan, Poland?

My favorite place to stay in Poznań is definitely near the Old Town, right in the heart of the city. Staying here means you'll be within walking distance of all the best restaurants, bars, and attractions while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this historic area.

Puro Hotel Stare Miasto

During our last trip to Poznań, we stayed at the beautiful and modern Puro Hotel Stare Miasto—a boutique hotel that’s part of a Polish hotel chain known for its stylish design, delicious breakfasts, and excellent amenities (book here). These hotels are always located near Old Town squares in historic districts, seamlessly blending old architecture with a contemporary aesthetic and unique charm

I usually book my hotels through Booking.com, they have the best options are rates! Book you hotel in Poznań here. Here are my favorite hotels to stay in Poznań:

48 hours in poznan, Poland

Day 1

Explore the old market square (stary rynek)

Explore and wander in the heart of Poznań (Old Square), surrounded by colorful, historic buildings and merchant houses. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere with many cafes, restaurants and bars. Enjoy one of beautiful cafes for a morning coffee or brunch: Cafe Młynska, Restauracja Bistro Polka, Jaglana or Bardzo.

Visit the royal Castle (Zamek królewski)

The Royal Castle in Poznań, perched on a hill overlooking the Old Town, is a fascinating piece of Polish history. Originally built in the 13th century, it has been reconstructed and now houses the Museum of Applied Arts, showcasing a stunning collection of artifacts. From the castle tower, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a great viewpoint, the Royal Castle is a must-visit spot in Poznań.

Watch the famous Poznan Goats at the Town Hall clock tower at noon

The famous goats from Poznań (Koziołki Poznańskie) are located on the Town Hall Clock Tower in the center of the Old Square. It’s the most famous tradition and attraction of the city. Every day at noon, two mechanical billy goats emerge from the tower of the Town Hall and butt heads twelve times to strike the midday hour, it’s a tradition stemming from a legend about a cook, a burnt roast, and escaped goats.

Relax by Lake Malta

Lake Malta is one of Poznań’s best spots for outdoor activities and relaxation. This artificial lake, located just east of the city center, is surrounded by scenic walking and cycling paths, making it a perfect escape from the urban buzz. It’s also home to exciting attractions like the Malta Ski slope, a year-round adventure park, and Termy Maltańskie, Poland’s largest water park and spa. In the summer, you can rent kayaks or pedal boats, while winter transforms the area into a charming ice rink.The place is home to many fun events and festivals.

Experience PoznaN’s Nightlife

Poznań (especially Old Square) is packed with gourmet restaurants, craft beer bars, and stylish cocktail spots. The nightlife, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, is vibrant and full of energy. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional Polish dinner—like pierogi (dumplings), roasted duck with potatoes, beef tartar with egg, or pyry—or prefer to sip on a creative cocktail, Poznań has something for everyone

Recommended restaurants: Rynek 95, Olivio, Olio Pizza Napoletana, Vis a Vis Koziolkow,

Recommended bars: Whiskey in the Jar, Baza, Czupito

Day 2

Discover Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) is the oldest part of the city and home to Poznań Cathedral, Poland’s first cathedral (Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul). Strolling through its peaceful, cobbled streets, you’ll find beautifully preserved churches, historic buildings, and the Genius Loci Archaeological Park, which offers fascinating insights into Poznań’s medieval past. The island’s serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a quiet walk.

Try St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal SwiEtomarciNski)

St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal Świętomarciński) is Poznań’s most famous pastry, made with buttery dough and filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. This sweet treat has been a local tradition for over 150 years and even holds Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. The best time to try it is on November 11th, St. Martin’s Day, when Poznań celebrates with a festival and thousands of croissants are enjoyed across the city. For a fun experience, visit the Croissant Museum, where you can learn about its history and watch a live baking demonstration! The best place to eat St. Martin’s Croissant is HP Cukiernia Hanna Piskorska (pin here) & ROGAL Świętomarciński (pin here).

Go Shopping in Stary BrOwar, a former brewery turned into a shipping mall

Stary Browar is a famous and uniquely designed shopping center in Poznań, built within a beautifully restored former brewery. Blending history with modern architecture, it offers a mix of high-end fashion brands, local boutiques, art galleries, and luxury dining options. More than just a shopping destination, Stary Browar is also a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the year. It should be on everyone’s bucket list when coming to Poznań.

Are you ready to book your trip to poznan?

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48 hours in poznan, Poland - the complete travel guide