Poznań: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Poznań

Poznań is one of the five largest cities in Poland, located in the western part of the country. This city was the first capital of the state in the Middle Ages, and today it impresses with its unique attractions, some of which have retained their original appearance even after World War II destructions.

Poznań is renowned for its hospitality and extraordinary charm where medieval architecture harmoniously blends with modern buildings. The city is populated with many young people, as it hosts numerous universities and colleges.

Almost every tourist visiting Poznań first heads to the Old Market Square, surrounded by beautiful mansions and numerous interesting monuments. In the center stands the Renaissance-style Town Hall building, which houses the Poznań History Museum. The main feature of the Town Hall is the clock tower. Every day precisely at noon, tin goats emerge from it and butt heads 12 times after the chimes and fanfare. The goats are a symbol of Poznań; according to legend, they warned of approaching enemies to the city. In their honor, murals and several monuments have been erected.

The square also hosts other notable sites of the city, including the Municipal Weight Chamber, the Arsenal Gallery, the Guardhouse, and the Polish Military Museum.

Other notable attractions in Poznań include the Royal Castle, the beautiful Cytadela Park spanning 100 hectares located on the grounds of Fort Winiary, and the Botanical Garden, which houses at least 7000 plant species.

What to buy?

Most souvenir shops are located in or near Market Square. As a gift from your trip to Poznań, you can buy the usual magnets with images of the city, decorative items with traditional regional patterns, or socks with funny goats from the Town Hall.

Thanks to its proximity to Germany and affordable prices, shopping in Poznań is thriving. Near Lake Malta is the largest shopping center in the city, Posnania (Pleszewska 1), which houses numerous stores of international brands, as well as cafes, coffee shops, and an entertainment center. For more unique and high-quality items, you can head to the Tutu concept store, where local designers sell clothing and various accessories. In addition to shops, Tutu concept store also features art spaces, food courts, and a cinema.

What to try?

Local cafes and restaurants offer a variety of traditional Poznań cuisine. The city's signature dish is pike-perch Poznań-style with mushrooms, cooked in puff pastry with a touch of meat.

Another popular dish in these establishments is Polish sour rye soup, Żurek. It is prepared using a mixture of rye flour, and often includes egg, meat, sausage, or sour cream. Interestingly, Żurek is also an excellent remedy for a hangover.

And how could we forget pierogi (dumplings) with cabbage and mushrooms. In general, Poznań locals, like most Poles, love cabbage dishes, including stuffed cabbage rolls with buckwheat and solyanka – stewed cabbage with meat. Among the traditional dishes of Poznań, be sure to try duck marinated in mead with apples, and goose roulade with nuts and dried fruits. The poultry is served with a special sauce made from brandy, plums, and blackberries.

Finish your meal with Cremówka – a popular Poznań dessert similar in taste to a Napoleon pastry. And if you just want a snack while walking around, grab a bagel – these delicious but high-calorie buns are made with jam or chocolate and deep-fried.

Finally, we cannot fail to mention St. Martin’s croissants, whose taste has no equal. These are unique puff pastry croissants with a secret filling of white poppy seeds, vanilla, sugar, nuts, and raisins.

Poznań, Poland

Poznań

What to buy?

What to try?