Poznań, with its rich history and dynamic energy, is one of Poland’s most appealing cities. As the nation’s fifth largest metropolis, Poznań offers big city attractions like world-class museums, bars and restaurants while retaining its small-town charm.
| No. | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stroll the Imperial Route |
| 2 | Explore New Museums |
| 3 | Relax at Malta Lake |
| 4 | Tour Poznań’s Courtyards |
| 5 | Attend a Festival |
| 6 | Explore Śródka District |
| 7 | Take a Street Art Tour |
| 8 | Experience Polish Design |
| 9 | Cheer on Lech Poznań |
| 10 | Tour Wielkopolska’s Historic Churches |
| 11 | Savor Pierogi |
| 12 | Shop at Stary Browar |
| 13 | Explore Wielkopolski National Park |
| 14 | Tour Greater Poland Ethnographic Park |
In 2024, visitors will discover new developments alongside familiar favorites. From sipping craft beers in rejuvenated courtyards to exploring recently renovated museums, Poznań continues to reinvent itself while celebrating its storied past. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Poznań, Poland in 2024:
Stroll the Imperial Route
Name and Location: The Imperial Route in Poznań passes historical sites in the Old Town.
History and Significance: The route connects buildings visited by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910, highlighting Poznań’s Prussian history.
What to Expect: Walking around the Old Market Square, Town Hall, and former Castle passing significant landmarks. Guided tours available.
Visitor Information: The route is marked withsigns and arrows. Free to walk on your own. Guided tours available.
Connecting the Imperial Castle with the medieval Old Town, Poznań’s Royal-Imperial Route showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks. Follow the path of kings and emperors down the grand boulevard lined with stately buildings.
Peek inside the Renaissance old Town Hall, home to the city’s mechanical fighting goats. The neo-Romanesque Imperial Castle now houses a museum of applied arts. Don’t miss the breath-taking Renaissance interiors of the Church of St. Stanislaus.
Explore New Museums
Name and Location: Poznań has several new museums including the Poznań Army Museum and Polish vodka museum.
History and Significance: Poznań’s museum offerings have expanded in recent years, providing interactive experiences.
What to Expect: Immersive exhibits using modern technology and multimedia displays. Museums cover niche topics like vodka and the military.
Visitor Information: Located in various areas of the city. Individual museum tickets must be purchased.
Poznań’s already impressive array of museums expands in 2024 with exciting new additions. The Poznań Archaeology Museum unveils the secrets of the Wielkopolska region through interactive exhibits of artifacts and ruins.
Music lovers will flock to the new Tadeusz Szeligowski Museum of Instruments showcasing over 300 traditional Polish instruments. The quirky new Museum of Gnomes presents the legend and folklore around these mythical creatures.
Relax at Malta Lake
Name and Location: Malta Lake is an artificial lake south of Poznań city center.
History and Significance: A popular recreational spot with the Imperial Regatta course since 1962. Hosts sporting events.
What to Expect: Swimming, boating, and dining along the shoreline. Walking/cycling trails circle the lake. Relaxing vibe.
Visitor Information: Free access. Lakeside restaurants and boat rentals available. Gets crowded in summer.
Covering over 100 hectares within the city, Malta Lake provides the perfect urban escape. Sign up for sailing or windsurfing lessons at the water sports center. Pedal along the lakeshore on a bike or rollerblades. Laze on the sandy beach Malta Ski.
The lake aquapark offers slides and pools for cooling off on hot days. Don’t miss the free fountain and light shows choreographed to music. Visitors will find plenty of new cafes, restaurants and nightlife venues around the lake in 2024.
Tour Poznań’s Courtyards
Name and Location: Unique courtyards within tenement houses throughout Old Town Poznań.
History and Significance: Historic interior courtyards reveal Poznań’s distinctive architecture and development.
What to Expect: Exploring charming courtyards filled with restaurants, boutiques, and artistic details hidden behind tenement facades.
Visitor Information: Free to access public courtyards. Some are private or only open during business hours.
One of Poznań’s unique architectural features is its network of hidden interior courtyards, many newly revitalized into trendy hang-outs. Once neglected spaces, these secret gardens now bustle with alfresco dining spots, craft breweries, boutique shops and pop-up art exhibits.
Wander from one courtyard to the next through picturesque archways discovering this alternative side of the city. The annual Courtyard Festival celebrates these social hubs through special events and tours.
Attend a Festival
Name and Location: Poznań hosts festivals throughout the year including music, theater, film, and food festivals.
History and Significance: Festivals showcase Poznań’s thriving arts, culture, and entertainment scenes.
What to Expect: Lively atmosphere with music, entertainment, food, and local crafts. Malta Festival is the biggest summer event.
Visitor Information: Dates vary by festival. Many are free but some require purchased tickets.
Poznańians love festivals and 2024 brings an exciting mix of new events spanning music, theater, film and more. June brings the innovative Theater Transfers festival with avant-garde stage productions in outdoor settings.
Poznań Pride in July spreads messages of tolerance and equality. September highlights up-and-coming musicians during the Emergenza Fest. Try traditional Polish food during the Pierogi Festival in late August as new Fillings War competition determines the most creative pierogi innovations.
Explore Śródka District
Name and Location: Śródka is a historical neighborhood in central Poznań.
History and Significance: One of Poznań’s oldest areas, filled with churches, museums, and unique architecture.
What to Expect: Strolling the charming streets and riverfront, discovering historic sites and artistic details. Great photo ops.
Visitor Information: Located near the main train station. Free to explore the district. Museums charge admission.
Centered around the historic Cathedral Island, the charming Śródka district retains its small-town feel despite lying in the city center. Stroll narrow cobblestone streets lined with painted townhouses in bright pastels.
Have lunch on one of Śródka’s tranquil plazas before browsing the boutique shops and galleries. Don’t miss the new Śródka heritage trail highlighting buildings of architectural significance through informative plaques and signage.
Take a Street Art Tour
Name and Location: Poznań has an array of street art throughout the city.
History and Significance: Street art exploded in Poznań in the early 2000s, making the city Poland’s street art capital.
What to Expect: Viewing large colorful murals and graffiti art by local and international artists. Tours available.
Visitor Information: Free to self-guide. Organized tours available for ~$10-15 per person.
Poznań’s streets become an open-air art gallery thanks to its extensive street art. Sign up for a guided walking tour to understand the meaning behind the bold murals and graffiti artworks splashed across building facades.
Polish artists like Mariusz Waras express social messages addressing issues like consumerism and the refugee crisis through impactful works combining bold colors and images. New street art installations will give the tours fresh material to discuss.
Experience Polish Design
Name and Location: Polish design shops and galleries around Poznań.
History and Significance: Poznań has a thriving design scene and many talented designers.
What to Expect: Browsing stylish home goods, furniture, jewelry, art, and fashion by Polish designers. Trendy aesthetic.
Visitor Information: Design shops concentrated in Old Town. Individual pricing at each shop.
Poznań embraces its reputation as a “City of Design” through exhibits and events showcasing Poland’s design culture. The Poznan Design Festival brings pop-up shops, lectures and workshops by international designers.
Exhibits at the National Museum’s new 4D Design Center highlight Polish design’s evolution using interactive technology. Find funky Polish-designed furniture, lighting, ceramics and more at shops of local upcycled arts collective Rethink Project.
Cheer on Lech Poznań
Name and Location: Lech Poznań, Poznań’s top football club playing at INEA Stadium.
History and Significance: Lech Poznań is Poznań’s beloved football team with a history dating back to 1922.
What to Expect: Catching a competitive match alongside passionate fans. Lively atmosphere and fan cheers.
Visitor Information: Tickets purchased online or at the stadium. Prices from $10-50 USD.
Get a taste of local passion for football (soccer) by catching a match at Lech Poznań’s stadium. Join cheering crowds decked out in the team’s blue and white colors. Tours visit the player locker rooms and VIP box for a behind-the-scenes look.
With Poland co-hosting the 2024 UEFA European Championship, football fever will run high. Stop at one of Old Town’s sports bars like Goal Pub to watch matches with boisterous fans over beers and pub grub.
Tour Wielkopolska’s Historic Churches
Name and Location: Significant churches throughout the Wielkopolska region.
History and Significance: Wielkopolska has many historic churches showcasing stunning Polish architecture.
What to Expect: Viewing beautiful cathedrals, frescoes, and ornate details. Some offer organ concerts.
Visitor Information: Located in cities like Poznań, Gniezno, and Kalisz. Free entry to view churches.
Just outside Poznań lies Poland’s Wielkopolska region, dotted with ornate churches and abbeys perfect for day trips. The Gothic Basilica in Licheń towers over the surrounding countryside. The elaborate sanctuary in Górka Klasztorna features the country’s largest dome.
The magnificent white and gold Rococo interior of Bnin’s parish church stuns visitors. Poznań’s tourist office provides detailed guides and tours of Wielkopolska’s ecclesiastical wonders.
Savor Pierogi
Name and Location: Pierogi available at restaurants throughout Poznań and Wielkopolska region.
History and Significance: Pierogi are a traditional Polish dumpling stuffed with meat or cheese.
What to Expect: Sampling tasty pierogi with a range of savory or sweet fillings. A quintessential Polish food experience.
Visitor Information: Look for pierogi on restaurant menus. Prices ~15-30 PLN per serving.
Poznań claims to serve Poland’s tastiest pierogi, the filled dumplings that are a national obsession. Traditional eateries like Pierogarnia Stary Młyn cook up pierogi with classic meat, potato and cheese fillings.
Contemporary spots like Pierogarnia u Fryzjera offer innovative flavors like salmon with cream cheese and strawberries with mascarpone. Time your visit for the annual Pierogi Festival in August and vote for Poznań’s best during the Pierogi King competition.
Shop at Stary Browar
Name and Location: Stary Browar shopping center in Poznań.
History and Significance: One of Poznań’s premier shopping destinations with nearly 200 shops and restaurants.
What to Expect: Multi-level, architecturally unique shopping center with international brands, local boutiques, food court.
Visitor Information: Located in city center. Open daily 10am-10pm. Free entry.
Stary Browar, meaning “old brewery,” is one of Poznań’s premiere shopping destinations housed in a beautifully restored 19th century brewery. The sleek modern interior with glass courtyard hosts both high-end international retailers and chic Polish boutiques.
Fashionistas flock to Stary Browar for the designer clothing and accessories. Dine at one of the courtyard bistros perfect for a glass of wine and people watching after shopping.
Explore Wielkopolski National Park
Name and Location: Wielkopolski National Park, about 60 km east of Poznań.
History and Significance: Poland’s third oldest national park, established in 1957, with biodiverse forest and meadows.
What to Expect: Hiking, biking, horseback riding through beautiful natural landscapes. Diverse wildlife and birds.
Visitor Information: Open year-round. Entry fee ~10 PLN. Visitor center provides maps and info.
Immerse yourself in nature just 20 minutes outside Poznań in Poland’s first national park. Hiking trails wind through Wielkopolski National Park’s forested terrain filled with lakes, rivers, and morainic hills formed during the Ice Age.
Rent a bike or boat to fully explore the lush landscape. The park’s Eco-Education Center offers interactive exhibits explaining the region’s habitat and wildlife inhabitants like deer, beavers, and over 200 species of birds.
Tour Greater Poland Ethnographic Park
Name and Location: Ethnographic Park in Dziekanowice, near Poznań.
History and Significance: Open-air museum displaying folk architecture, artifacts, and traditions of the Wielkopolska region.
What to Expect: Wandering reconstructed 18th-19th century Polish villages. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts.
Visitor Information: Open year-round. Entry fee ~15 PLN. Reached by car or organized tour.
Located on the shore of Lake Rusałka, this open-air museum recreates how Polish villagers lived in past centuries. Wander through thatched-roof cottages, barns, mills and other traditional structures relocated from around the Wielkopolska region.
Friendly staff in period dress demonstrate traditional crafts like weaving, cheesemaking and pottery. Special events like harvest festivals, folk music concerts, and craft fairs immerse visitors in Polish cultural traditions.
Conclusion
With new museums, renovated courtyards, expanding festivals, and exciting infrastructure developments underway, Poznań continues to reinforce its reputation as one of Poland’s most dynamic cities.
In 2024, visitors can experience Poznań’s unique blend of history, culture, and innovation through interactive museums, cutting-edge design, modern cuisine and energetic festivals. From cheering football fans to laid-back lake hangouts, Poznań offers appealing options for all travelers.