If you’re looking for a city break in Europe, look no further than Poznan, Poland! With its picturesque architecture, lively cultural scene, and welcoming locals, Poznan is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you an itinerary for a perfect weekend in Poznan, including the best things to do and see. Additionally, I’ll be recommending some fantastic hotels with top-notch facilities and telling you which cities in Europe have direct flights to Poznan.
Finally, I’ll be giving you tips on how to get from the airport to your hotel in the city centre. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover all that Poznan has to offer on a Poznan weekend getaway.
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A weekend in Poznan itinerary
Here’s an itinerary for things to do in Poznan on a Saturday and Sunday, a two-day Poznan itinerary. Although we have said this is for a weekend in Poznan trip you can really do any of these Poznan activities during the week too.
Saturday itinerary:
9:00 AM: Start your day by heading to the Old Town Square, where you’ll find colourful merchant houses, the Town Hall, and the famous Poznan goats. These mechanical goats come out of the clock tower at noon every day, so if you’re interested in seeing the show, make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
11:00 AM: Next, head over to the Imperial Castle, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. Take a tour of the castle to learn about its history and admire its beautiful interiors.
1:00 PM: After working up an appetite, stop for lunch at Restauracja Ratuszova, a popular restaurant located in a historic building near the Town Hall. They serve traditional Polish cuisine, including pierogi, kielbasa, and bigos.
3:00 PM: Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum, which is located in a beautiful Renaissance-style building. The museum has a vast collection of art, including works by Polish artists such as Jozef Chełmoński and Olga Boznańska.
7:00 PM: For dinner, head to Stary Browar, a shopping mall turned cultural centre with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Try out some Polish craft beer and traditional dishes at Browar Pub.
Weekend in Poznan Sunday itinerary:
10:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to Cathedral Island, a historic district with beautiful churches, charming alleys, and lush greenery. Take a walk around the area to admire its beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
12:00 PM: Next, head to the Palm House, a stunning botanical garden located in the heart of the city. The Palm House has a vast collection of exotic plants from all around the world and is an excellent place to relax and enjoy nature.
2:00 PM: Stop for lunch at Bazylia, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves delicious and healthy food in a cozy atmosphere.
4:00 PM: Spend the rest of your day at the Poznan Zoo, one of the best zoos in Poland. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, including rare and endangered species. Make sure to catch the daily shows and feedings to get up close and personal with the animals.
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Tours in Poznan
If you’re looking for something a little different to our suggested itinerary above, you might want to consider doing a tour. There are many half-day tours you can do during your weekend getaway in Poznan, here are a few suggestions that you may find interesting:
Private walking tour of Poznan’s Old Town, guided by a local expert. The tour covers popular landmarks such as the Town Hall, the Old Market Square with its colourful houses, and the Imperial Castle built by German Emperor, William II. The guide provides historical and cultural context for each location, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present. This 3-hour tour can be customised to suit individual preferences and interests when visiting Poznan. Reserve your spot today and do not miss out.
The pub crawl experience in Poznan, Poland, is led by a local guide. The tour takes guests to three different bars, the first stop includes discounted drinks and drinking games, traditional Polish vodka shots on arrival at the second place and hot the dance floor at the final place on the tour. The guide provides insight into the local drinking culture and recommendations for drinks to try. The tour is intended for adults aged 18 and over. For information and booking, click here.
The Poznan 3-Hour Traditional Polish Food Walking Tour is a guided food tour that takes participants on a culinary journey through the city of Poznan, Poland. The tour lasts for three hours and takes the food lover to introduce participants to the traditional food of Poland. The tour guide takes participants to several different locations where they can try a variety of traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi, kielbasa, and local pastries.
Participants will also learn about the history and culture of Poznan as they walk through the city’s historic streets. Overall, the tour is a great opportunity for food lovers to discover the local cuisine and experience the culture of Poznan. Book your food tour today.
The Birthplace of Poland Self-Guided Audio Tour covers various historical and cultural sites in Poznan, including the Old Market Square, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the Imperial Castle. The tour also provides information about the city’s history and its role in the development of Poland as a country.
The tour can be downloaded to a smartphone or other device, and visitors can explore the city at their own pace while listening to the audio guide. The tour is available in several languages, including English, German, and Spanish. Overall, the downloadable self-guided audio tour is a convenient and informative way to explore the birthplace of Poland.
You can also explore the Royal Imperial Route, which takes you through the charming city and shows you some of the most important landmarks of the city, including the Old Market Square, the Imperial Castle, and the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. Call the Poznan Tourist Information Centre and grab a map.
Shopping in Poznan
If you’re looking for a weekend shopping break in Poznań, there are plenty of options for you to explore. Here are some of the best places to shop in Poznań:
- Stary Browar – This is one of the most popular shopping centres in Poznań. Located in an old brewery building, Stary Browar has a variety of high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes. The building itself is worth seeing, as it has been renovated with an artistic flair
- Galeria Malta – Another large shopping mall in Poznań, Galeria Malta is located near Lake Malta. It has a range of shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a bowling alley
- Poznań City Center – This is another popular shopping centre in Poznań, with a mix of mid-range and high-end stores, as well as cafes and restaurants
- Aleja Marcinkowskiego – This is a popular shopping street in Poznań, with a range of shops selling clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Rynek Jeżycki – If you’re looking for market experience, Rynek Jeżycki is a good choice. It’s a large outdoor market that sells everything from fresh produce to clothing and household goods
- Plac Bernardyński – This is another outdoor market that’s worth checking out. It’s located in the old town of Poznań and sells a variety of goods, including antiques and vintage items.
Overall, Poznań has plenty of options for shoppers, whether you’re looking for high-end stores or outdoor markets. Enjoy your shopping weekend in Poznań!
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Eating in Poznan
Poznan is known for its hearty and flavourful Polish food, influenced by Polish, German, and Jewish traditions. Here are some traditional foods that are specific to the region and that you may want to try during your weekend break:
- Rogale świętomarcińskie: A sweet pastry that’s traditionally baked in Poznan for St. Martin’s Day. It’s made from a yeast-based dough, filled with a mixture of nuts, poppy seeds, and sometimes jam, and shaped into a crescent
- Pyry z gzikiem: A dish made with boiled potatoes and a mixture of quark cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s often served as a side dish or a light meal
- Kaczka po poznańsku: Roasted duck stuffed with apples and served with red cabbage, dumplings, and gravy
- Zrazy: A type of beef roulade filled with bacon, onions, and pickles. It’s typically served with boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Poznański ser smażony: A type of fried cheese that’s popular in Poznan. It’s made from a mixture of quark cheese, egg, flour, and breadcrumbs, and is often served with cranberry sauce
- Kalmary po poznańsku: Fried calamari that’s seasoned with paprika and served with garlic mayonnaise
- Grzyby po polsku: A dish made with wild mushrooms sautéed with onions and served with boiled potatoes.
These are just a few examples of the delicious and traditional foods that Poznan has to offer. Enjoy your trip and happy eating!
When is the best time to visit Poznan?
The best time to visit Poznan is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city’s attractions and enjoying outdoor activities. The city also hosts several festivals and events during this time, such as the Malta Festival, which is one of the largest art and culture festivals in Poland.
However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). These seasons offer milder temperatures and fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds without the crowds.
Winters (December to February) can be very cold with snow and ice, but the festive holiday markets and decorations can make for a charming winter vacation.
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Places to stay in Poznan
When it comes to accommodation, there is no shortage of options in Poznan. From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, there’s something for every budget and taste.
Some of the best places to stay in Poznan include the Park Inn by Radisson, City Solei Boutique Hotel and PURO Poznan Stare Miasto. These centrally located hotels allow you to hit the ground running to explore Poznan.
PURO Poznan Stare Miasto in Poznan is a great base for your weekend away, with its location in close vicinity to the best Poznan has to offer. The hotel has a modern and stylish design, an impressive range of amenities including a fitness centre, sauna, and rooftop terrace, state-of-the-art technology such as free high-speed Wi-Fi and a virtual concierge, and a commitment to sustainability with environmentally-friendly practices.
The Park Inn by Radisson in Poznan is an excellent choice for your stay, thanks to its convenient location in the city centre near many top attractions, well-appointed and comfortable rooms, great dining options, fitness centre and wellness area. This hotel provides you with a touch of class and luxury making it one of the best Poznan weekend hotels.
After landing in Poznan head to The City Solei Boutique Hotel, with its, unique and stylish boutique design, and comfortable and well-appointed rooms. The hotel offers excellent dining options and personalised service including welcome drinks and a 24-hour front desk service. This hotel is sure to provide you with a memorable and enjoyable experience. Perfect for a weekend getaway in Poland.
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How to get to Poznan
There are several cities in Europe with direct flights to Poznan. Poznań–Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport makes it easy for a Poznan weekend break. Here are some of the most popular European Cities to fly from, and airlines that will help you visit Poznan:
- London – Ryanair, Wizz Air
- Dublin – Ryanair
- Frankfurt – Lufthansa, Ryanair
- Munich – Lufthansa
- Barcelona – Ryanair
- Milan – Ryanair
- Copenhagen – Ryanair
- Oslo – Ryanair
- Stockholm – Ryanair
These are just a few of the many cities in Europe that have flights to Poznan, making it easy to plan a weekend getaway in this beautiful city. Poznan can also be reached by train and bus from other European countries.
The central train station and central bus station are located close to the old town square, You can drive a car from many Polish cities and spots in Europe. If you want to stay connected easily then get a sim card so you can check your train schedules on the go.
Please note that this information is correct at the time of writing this article, airline routes move and change regularly and may not stay the same. Check with websites such as Expedia for the latest routes to Poznan.
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Getting from the Airport to the city hotels
The easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel in the city centre is by taking a private transfer to your hotel. You can grab a taxi or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Bolt. The ride from Poznan Airport to the city centre takes approximately 20-30 minutes, and the cost is around 40-50 PLN (10-12 USD).
Alternatively, you can take the L or 59 bus from the airport to the city centre, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 4 PLN (1 USD).
In conclusion, Poznan is a charming and exciting destination for a weekend city break. From historic landmarks and cultural attractions to delicious food and luxurious hotels, Poznan has something for everyone.
Follow this itinerary to make the most of your time in the city, and don’t forget to try out some of the fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafés that Poznan has to offer. Enjoy your trip and use our Poznan Weekend Guide. Poznan is a great place to see in Poland.
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Author Bio: Mark Wyld
Mark Wyld is a Father, husband, traveller, and writer at Poland Travel Expert and other blogs. I have accumulated a wealth of experience over multiple visits to Poland. Thanks to our friends in Poland, we stay connected to the nation’s pulse, ensuring that our content is up to date with our first-hand experience. The information on this website is backed by genuine expertise.