Cześć! Welcome to Poznan, a delightful city in Poland that makes a perfect destination for a short European city break, even for one day! In just a few hours you’ll be able to explore all the nooks and crannies of the beautiful old town. You will see two famous goats fighting, eat delicious local croissants (and maybe even learn how to make them), visit the oldest Polish Cathedral, and taste hearty local cuisine dominated by pyry. Doesn’t it sound great? It sure does! Keep reading and discover what to see in one day in Poznan, Poland.
We, as Poles, have visited Poznan multiple times on various occasions and we just love coming back. After Wroclaw, it’s our second favorite city in Poland!
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Poznan, Poland FAQ
Poznan is situated in the western region of Poland along the scenic Warta River. As the capital of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship, one of Poland’s 16 key administrative divisions, Poznan holds the title of the country’s fifth-largest city. This strategic location gives it cultural and historical significance within Poland and Europe.
Poznan shines with charm and history. Its colorful Old Town, iconic Town Hall featuring clockwork goats that “butt heads” every day, Poland’s oldest cathedral, and the irresistible Saint Martin’s croissants are just a few of the highlights. Poznan is also loved for local cuisine, especially dishes featuring “pyry” (potatoes), a regional favorite.
Absolutely! Poznan is a lively, welcoming Polish city with a blend of rich history and modern charm. Its vibrant atmosphere, scenic streets, and green spaces make it a fantastic destination for travelers. Here, you’ll find a mix of attractions, from the architectural treasures of the Old Town to the culinary delights of local dishes and plenty of interactive museums. Whether you’re seeking history, culture, or just a warm, friendly vibe, Poznan has something to please every visitor.
While you can get a taste of Poznan’s main attractions in a single day, it’s the kind of city that might leave you wanting more! Thanks to its compact layout, you’ll find it easy to explore key sites within a few hours. From strolling the colorful Old Town to seeing the famous clock goats and sampling local cuisine, even a short visit gives you a memorable experience of Poznan’s essence.
Poznan is highly walkable, with most major landmarks within easy reach. When you need to venture a bit further, the city’s public transport system, including buses and trams, is reliable and efficient. The Jakdojade app is a helpful tool to quickly find routes. For convenience, consider the Poznan City Card, which offers free public transport and discounts or free entry to many museums and attractions. This card is a great way to explore Poznan hassle-free.
What to see in one day in Poznan?
Old Market Square
Old Market Square (pl. Stary Rynek) is one of the most beautiful squares you’ll see in Poland. And it has been the heart of the city since 1253! Back then buildings were made out of wood, and narrow brick houses started to appear around the 16th century. Famous colorful Merchant Houses once used to be wooden stalls selling items like fish, candles, or salt. During World War II buildings around the market square were badly damaged but later they were carefully rebuilt to the look we can admire today. Thankfully!
Nowadays, Poznan Old Market Square is vibrant, colorful, and full of life. There, you’ll marvel at beautiful Renaissance-style townhouses (every single one is unique!), take a photo with a row of picturesque Merchant Houses, watch the goats clattering their heads on the top of Town Hall, and eat traditional Saint Martin’s croissant. You’ll also find many restaurants and cafes, and a few museums there.
Points of interest in Poznan Old Market Square: Town Hall, medieval pillory, Merchant Houses, Croissant Museum, and four mythological fountains (featuring Mars, Proserpina, Neptune, and Apollo). If you’re into history and have some spare time, you can also check out Museum of the Wielkopolska Uprising of 1918-1919 or Archaeological Museum.
In Old Market Square you’ll also find the Poznan Tourist Office (Stary Rynek 59/60) where you’ll be able to get free materials and comprehensive information about Poznan attractions.
Town Hall & famous goats
Town Hall (pl. Ratusz) is the most impressive building in Old Market Square, a pearl from the Renaissance time. It dates back to the 16th century, but its first version was there already in the late 13th century! Town Hall used to serve as the seat of the local government until 1939. Currently, it houses the Poznan Museum with exhibitions showcasing the history of the city from the 13th century to 1954.
But it’s not just the compelling appearance of the Town Hall that interests visitors… They come here to see two goats fighting! Yes, every day at noon and 3 pm two goats appear on its tower (door above the main clock) and clatter 12 times, accompanied by the sounds of the trumpet call. It’s a must-see attraction during your one day in Poznan so be sure to find a good spot.
Where exactly did these two fighting goats come from? Of course, there’s a whole legend behind them and here you can read it.
If you want to take a closer look at the goats, inside the Poznan Museum you can find figures of original ones from 1913, from the old clock mechanism.
Also, not far from the Town Hall, on Plac Kolegiacki square, you will find Poznań Goats Sculpture of two life-size goats, engaged in their favorite activity – head butting. Want to see even more goats? Look for a mural called “Dzień Dobry w Poznaniu” (Good Morning in Poznan) on Piekary Street, also close to the Old Market Square.
Interesting fact. Pyrek and Tyrek – these are the names of Poznan goats. The name Pyrek refers to the dialectal name for potato – pyra, and Tyrek comes from the Polish word “tyrać” which means working hard.
Book now: Poznan Old Town Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour
Poznan Fara
Poznan Fara (pl. Fara Poznańska) is a Catholic minor basilica located within Poznan Old Town. Its full name is quite long and hard to remember – Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Mary Magdalene, and Saint Stanislaus. No wonder they made it shorter! Fara was built in only 50 years, between 1651 and 1701. It’s one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Poland.
From the outside, it’s characterized by a beautiful pink and white facade. But be sure to enter inside as its interior is equally beautiful, if not even more. Take a good look at monumental Corinthian columns, 19th-century Friedrich Ladegast’s organs, and all the frescoes and decorations. Entrance to Poznan Fara is free.
While there, you can also visit the beautiful courtyard of the Poznań City Hall, located on the side of the church. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful break during sightseeing.
Discover: Accommodation options in Poznan
Croissant Museum
Croissant Museum (pl. Rogalowe Muzeum) is located in one of the townhouses in Old Market Square. It’s a place dedicated to St. Martin’s croissant (pl. Rogal Świętomarciński), Poznan’s traditional croissant with white poppy-seed filling whose recipe and name are protected under EU law.
But Croissant Museum isn’t really a museum, at least not in the traditional sense of this word. It’s more of a mix of baking demonstrations and storytelling. If you want to learn how to create a croissant according to the original recipe and also get to know the history and traditions behind it – it’s a place for you.
The museum hosts shows in Polish and English and they last only 1 hour – perfect when you have only one day in Poznan! What’s more, the show in English at 2 PM and the show in Polish at 11 AM include the view of Poznan goats fighting from museum windows!
Remember to book your spot in advance online. Normal ticket to Croissant Museum for an English show costs 39zł, and only 1zł for children under 3 years old (November 2024). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets visit rogalowemuzeum.pl website.
Royal Castle
Royal Castle (pl. Zamek Królewski) is located just a few steps from Old Market Square, on a small hill called Góra Przemysława. It dates back to the 13th century but unfortunately was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history. Last time it was badly damaged during World War II and since then was partly rebuilt.
Nowadays, you can admire a modern reconstruction that is home to the Museum of Applied Arts (pl. Muzeum Sztuk Użytkowych) with a collection of 2000+ utility items from the Middle Ages until modern times. The ticket price also includes an entrance to the 43-meter-high tower from which you can take a look at the old town and its surroundings.
Entrance to Royal Castle costs 20zł for a normal ticket, 13zł for a reduced one, and is free on Tuesdays (November 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit mnp.art.pl website.
Freedom Square
Freedom Square (pl. Plac Wolności) is a beautiful square located close to Old Market Square and Royal Castle. It’s a popular meeting place for locals, and an area with some impressive 19th century buildings – especially take a look at Raczyński Library. Freedom Square also features a marvelous Fountain of Freedom, perfect for taking unique photos.
Another building worth a mention is one named Okrąglak. It’s not directly located on the square but we are sure it won’t escape your attention. It’s an example of modern architecture and a symbol of Poznań from the communist days. Once it was a commercial facility, today is an office building with an extraordinary staircase.
Book now: Poznań Experience 2-Hours Guided Walking Tour
Imperial Castle
Imperial Castle (pl. Zamek Cesarski) is a magnificent building built under German rule between 1905 and 1910 for Wilhelm II – German Emperor and King of Prussia. Its name is actually quite deceiving as it’s more of a palace than a castle. Imperial Castle is Europe’s youngest monarchical residence, and seeing it (even only from the outside) is one of the best things to do in Poznan in one day.
Since its construction, its purpose changed a few times – until 1918 it housed German government offices, in the interwar period (1918-1945) university lectures were held in its halls, during World War II it was adapted to serve as Hitler’s headquarters, and since the 1960s it has functioned as a cultural center.
Nowadays, inside Imperial Castle, there are places like a cinema, concert hall, library, exhibition spaces, and cafes. Among its walls, you’ll also find Poznań Uprising Museum – June 1956 – a museum devoted to Poznan’s anti-communist protests of 1956.
But what might be the most interesting to you is exploring the castle’s historical rooms. You can do that with a map, an audio guide, or a castle guide. The entrance to Imperial Castle is paid and the cost depends on the sightseeing way you choose. For more information, prices, and opening hours visitckzamek.pl website.
Adam Mickiewicz Square
Right next to Imperial Castle there is Adam Mickiewicz Square. In the area, you’ll find points of interest like monument to Adam Mickiewicz, the enormous Monument to the Victims of June 1956, Adam Mickiewicz University, Park Mickiewicza with a beautiful fountain, Grand Theater, and a small model of the Castle District. Just a few steps from the square, you can also find Enigma Cipher Center, an amazing place in Poznan for fans of riddles.
Discover: Accommodation options in Poznan
Cathedral Island: Ostrów Tumski
Ostrow Tumski is an island between two branches of the Warta River. It’s the oldest area of Poznan where in the 10th century a fortified stronghold and residences of Mieszko I, the first recorded ruler of Poland, were located. It was one of the main political centers of the Piast domains which was the hub of the early Polish state. It’s also a highly probable place of Mieszko’s baptism in 966, which was a defining moment in the Christianization of the Polish state.
Nowadays, Ostrow Tumski is home to Poznań Cathedral (pl. Katedra Poznańska), the oldest cathedral in Poland. Its construction followed Mieszko I baptism in the 10th century. It’s also a place of burial of the first rulers of Poland, like Mieszko I or his son, Bolesław Chrobry.
Entrance to Poznan Cathedral is free, although entrance to the crypts is paid – 6zł for a normal ticket and 5zł for a reduced one (November 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit katedra.archpoznan.pl website.
If you want to learn more about the beginnings of the Polish state and the Cathedral Island, you can also visit Porta Posnania (pl. Brama Poznania), an interactive museum presenting history with multimedia and light, located just a few steps from the Cathedral.
Book now: Poznan Old Town, Srodka District, & Cathedral Private Tour
Food in Poznan
Food lovers will love Poznan even more. No matter what you like, you’ll find it here! From typical local and Polish dishes to a wide choice of international cuisine. We already tried several restaurants and none of them have disappointed us. We can safely say that they are as good as our favorites from Wroclaw!
But we recommend checking out some options and reviews earlier – to avoid falling into some tourist traps. And don’t forget to try a dish with a local specialty – pyry (potatoes). For that, we recommend heading to Pyra Bar. Oh, and we hope you still remember about St. Martin’s croissant. Just look for a place that has a certificate of authenticity for the best quality, like Fawor bakery.
Book now: Poznan Private Traditional Polish Food Tour
Take advantage of a guided tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. During your one day in Poznan, you can for example take part in this Poznań 2-Hours Guided Walking Tour, or if you want to include some exercise this 3-Hour Bike Tour might be a great choice for you too.
For a wide selection and many more well-reviewed tour options visit GetYourGuide or Viator website.
Explore local attractions
How to get to Poznan, Poland?
Poznan is located about 180km from Wroclaw, 250km from Berlin, and 300km from Warsaw or Gdansk. The most convenient way to get to Poznan is by plane, car, train, or bus.
Airports near Poznan
Poznan has its own airport and it’s quite easy to get there from other European cities. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is to take a bus (line 159, 148, or 222). You can also take a taxi or rent a car. To learn more about connections visit poznanairport.pl.
Where to park in Poznan?
If you choose to travel by car, either from the airport or another city, you can leave a car in one of the underground parking lots, like MTP Parking or Interparking Plac Wolności, or try to find a place along the streets and pay by parking meter or via app.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
To Poznan by bus
You can easily get to Poznan by bus, especially from other big Polish cities. For example, the trip from Wroclaw will take 2.5h (€16-23), 3.5h from Warsaw (€55-70), and 3.5h from Berlin (€23-35). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com or Flixbus website.
To Poznan by train
You can also get to Poznan by train. For example, a trip from Wroclaw will take about 1h50min (€6-16), 2.5h from Warsaw (€10-18), and 3h10min from Gdańsk (€11-19). To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rozklad-pkp.pl website.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
One day in Poznan, Poland – Summing up
Poznan is a delightful city, isn’t it? It’s colorful, charming, interesting, and tasty. Poznan is one of the best Polish cities, and we hope that now you understand why it should be visited along with other popular names like Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, or Warsaw. It’s a cool city and it deserves at least one full day of your time! We hope that now, with our guide, you’re ready to explore Poznan in the best possible way. Enjoy your time!
Pss. Do you have more time to spare or are already planning your second trip to Poznan? Awesome! Be sure to check out our post with all things to do in Poznan!
Our video from Poznan
Our opinion about Poznan
We love Poznan. Over the last few years, we’ve visited it a couple of times on many different occasions and for sure we’ll visit it many more times! Out of all the big Polish cities, after Wrocław and Kraków it’s the next one we know best.
We like its vibe, colors, uniqueness, green spaces, and of course the food. Also, at least for now, it’s a much less crowded city to explore – which for us is a huge advantage. What we don’t like? To be honest, nothing particular comes to mind!
Book now: Undercover City Games - Poznan
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in 1 Day in Poznan?
Here are your best, high-rated options in 1 Day in Poznan:
Where to sleep in 1 Day in Poznan?
Hotel Mercure
Hotel Mercure offers a modern and comfortable stay in the heart of Poznan. It's ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features spacious, well-appointed rooms with contemporary amenities, along with an on-site restaurant serving Polish and international cuisine. Located near Poznan's main attractions it provides a convenient base for exploring the city.
Apartamenty Stare Zoo
Apartamenty Stare Zoo provides stylish and comfortable apartments located near the historic Old Zoo in Poznan. Each unit is well-equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchenette, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi, perfect for both short and extended stays. The property’s central location offers easy access to Poznań’s main attractions making it ideal for travelers looking to explore the city.
Poznań Apartments Towarowa
Apartments Towarowa offers modern and spacious apartments in the heart of Poznań, just a short walk from the city’s main attractions and business district. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, stylish decor, and amenities like free Wi-Fi, ideal for both business travelers and tourists. The convenient location near Poznań’s Old Town, Stary Browar shopping center, and the main train station makes it an excellent base.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
