10 Best Things To Do in Poznan

Poznań is located in central-western Poland. It is the eighth largest city in the country. Poznan is a provincial city and the capital of the Wielkopolska voivodeship. Historical and cultural traditions attract numerous visitors every year. It is best to find out for yourself what Poznań has to offer. See our list of 10 best things to do in Poznan.

1. Ostrow Tumski

Absolute must see in Poznań is Ostrów Tumski. This is the only island in the area of the city and undoubtedly one of the most charming places in Poznań. Locals emphasize that the history of Poland began here and it is reflected in numerous perfectly preserved monuments. Tourists are waiting for the cathedral of St. Apostles Peter and Paul which is one of the oldest temples in Poland. The temple’s body is surrounded by 12 historic chapels. It is also worth visiting the 15th-century Gothic church of the Blessed Virgin Mary or perfectly preserved Psalters. Passing the footbridge between Ostrow Tumski and Śródka, we will get to the Poznań Gate, the interactive center of the Ostrów Tumski history. This is one of the best museums in the area. You can get to know the history of Ostrów Tumski through multimedia presentations, film projections, interactive mock-ups, visualizations and games for the youngest.

2. Stary Browar

A shopping center but at the same time it is one of the most interesting, revitalized places in Poland. It was awarded many times and it’s worthy of attention due to the architecture skillfully combining modernity with old brewing factory buildings. Stary Browar is one of the city’s landmarks. We find here over 200 different trade outlets, various exhibition expositions, contemporary art galleries, restaurants, cafes and movie theaters. Many tourists in their sightseeing plan take into account Stary Browar as a place to be seen.

3. Malta

Malta is a recreational area around over 2 km2 of the Maltańskie Lake. A sports and recreation center was established here for the residents of Poznań and their guests. An unquestionable attraction of Malta are Maltese Therms which are open all year around.

photo credit: Radomil

4. Town Hall

Known as the pearl of the Renaissance or the most beautiful example of the Italian Renaissance north of the Alp. Until 1939, the Town Hall was the seat of the city authorities – the mayor, town councilors, the head of the commune and his judges’ bench. The Museum of the History of the City of Poznań has been located in the Town Hall since 1954. The tourist attraction of the city are Goats from the town hall tower which appear over the clock from 1782. The mechanical goats’ butting display is performed daily at noon, preceded by the striking of the clock and the playing of a traditional bugle call .

5. Zamek Cesarki

Built on the request of German Emperor Wilhelm II, it is an impressive gray-brick building. The Wilhelm Castle was the main object of the so-called castle district (imperial) which was to become a showcase of the city with an allegedly Germanic origin. Although the building was built relatively recently, its appearance resembles medieval castles, powerful and fortified. Currently, the Castle Culture Center is located here. The throne room has a cinema, in some apartments there are art galleries. There is also an Animation Theater and in the basement there are music clubs and restaurants. In the inner courtyard there is a small pleasant square where concerts and film screenings are often held in the summer.

6. Park Cytadela

Cytadela Park was created in the place of the former Citadel – something for history buffs, but also for cyclists, rollerbladers or lovers of walks in the green areas. The Citadel was one of the most important defense points of the city. Today, the former fort has been transformed into a beautiful park but among its alleys we can see preserved military constructions. Not only nineteenth century military buildings are noteworthy in the park but also the museum exhibits that are part of the Museum of Armaments and the Army Museum Poznań. On the slope of the Citadel, there are 7 different cemeteries, as well as graves of the Wielkopolska Insurgents, Polish Heroes, soldiers of the Red Army, victims of June 1956 and others.

photo credit: Wolf 52

7. June 1956 Event Monument

In 1956, this square witnessed a significant historical event.
On Thursday, June 28, 1956, a crowd of thousands of workers came to Mickiewicz Square (former Stalin) from various parts of the city. They were mostly employees of the J. Stalin – later H. Cegielski. By chanting, the workers demanded improvement of living conditions, freedom, changing labor standards, bread and religious freedoms. No one listened to the workers and in response to the demands made, the protest was bloodily suppressed. On this day and in the following days about 70 people were killed. It was the first in Europe revolt against the communist dictatorship. On the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of Black Thursday, a Monument to the Poznań June 1956 Memorial was built and it is solemnly commemorating the fallen and striking Poznań workers.

photo credit: MOs810

8. Old Market Square

Stary Rynek is one of the most interesting and most visited places in Poznań. The Old Market Square in Poznan is the third largest Old Town market in Poland – after Krakow and Wroclaw. The dominant accent here is of course the unique Renaissance town hall but also around it there are manyhistorical objects that give this interesting place a specific atmosphere. It is worth taking a close look at the local tenement houses representing various architectural styles, and also stop at one of the fountains. Shops, cafes and pubs encourage them to visit. At night, of course, the charms of the Market Square acquire colors. It offers a wide range of interesting entertainment for people of all ages, but also doesn’t lack intimate and chatty corners.

9. National Museum in Poznan

The Poznan museum exists from 1857. It was renamed to National Museum in Poznan in 1950. The Poznań National Museum has one of the most interesting collections of art in Poland. It is a must for all lovers of art – here we can find a painting of Monet, Sofonisby, Malczewski, and Wyspiański but also works of ancient and medieval artists. Perfect to immerse yourself into the thick atmosphere of art on a rainy day.

photo credit: A.Savin

10. Fara Poznan

Located in medieval Poznań and a few dozen meters from the Old Market, the parish church is the most beautiful baroque church in Poland. The interior of the church is full of gilding, magnificent stucco, monumental sculptures and paintings placed on and at the 15th altars. The 140-year-old organ, the work of Friedrich Ladegast, arouses great admiration among tourists. Probably the most beautiful church in Poland.