Our trip to Poznan, Poland was a means to an end…and, in the end, it was a happy surprise! We were headed to Wroclaw for the epic Christmas Market – but their airport was closed for renovations.
We scrambled to find the cheapest flight to somewhere nearby and landed on Poznan, which is just a 1.5-hour train ride from Wroclaw.
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Always up for discovering a new destination, we used our detour to our advantage and booked a 2-night stay – leaving us a full day to explore.
With our one day in Poznan, we wandered the historic Old Town, dipped our toes into adjacent districts, experienced a little of the culture and feasted on the local food.
Our one-day itinerary in Poznan provided the perfect introduction to this positively charming little slice of Poland.
One Day in Poznan Itinerary
In this itinerary, we outline what to do in Poznan for a day – from morning until night. Later, we share logistical tips – like where to stay – and a map marked with our recommended activities!
Morning: St. Martin Croissant
We kicked off our one-day Poznan itinerary with a local culinary treat: Rogal Świętomarciński (or St. Martin’s Croissant).
The decadent (and substantial) pastry is filled with a sweet mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. To finish it off, it’s glazed with icing and sprinkled with chopped nuts.
We were a little hesitant to try one – we don’t typically like fruity breads – but it was phenomenal and worth every single calorie!
The legendary pastries date to 1891 when they were produced for the less fortunate on St. Martin’s Day. Today, they are a symbol of Poland.
That said, as they hold the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, only the ones made in Poznan using the traditional recipe can be called St. Martin Croissants.
We loved the still-warm croissants from the namesake ROGAL Świętomarciński on Stary Rynek – but the ones from Cukiernia Hanna Piskorska were nearly as good (and a little less expensive).
Mid-Morning: Historic Center
The Old Town – or Stare Miasto – is the historic center of Poznan. We spent the rest of the morning navigating its sensational squares and historic buildings.
Founded in 1253, Poznan flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries. In subsequent years, it suffered both wars and uprisings.
World War II left Poznan in shambles, but the center was meticulously put back together.
Things To See in Poznan City Center
The main square (Stary Rynek) is not to be missed. The colorful facades boast an array of styles.
Standing at the center of the square are faithfully reconstructed merchant houses and the ornate Town Hall.
The Town Hall tower hosts a top tourist attraction: Two head-butting goats. Every day at noon, the goats emerge and battle in front of crowds of onlookers.
In fact, the goats have become a symbol of city – and you will likely spot replicas during your exploration.
The Collegiate Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Stanislaus the Bishop – better known as the ‘Pink Church’ – is another top sight. The interior is beautifully Baroque.
An overlooked gem is the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. While the yellow exterior is less striking than the Pink Church, we believe the interior is even more enchanting.
Just a stone’s throw from St. Anthony’s is a replica of the city’s 13th century Royal Castle. The grounds are free, but a ticket is required to go to the museum and observation deck.
As time is of the essence during your 1 day in Poznan, it could be beneficial to join an organized tour. This 2.5-hour tour gets excellent reviews and departs multiple times a day!
Midday: Pierogies for Lunch
We can’t imagine spending a day in Poznan and not eating at Na Winklu. Their version of baked pierogies shine a whole new light on Polish dumplings.
Located in the Srodka neighborhood, the corner eatery is casual and small; it’s best to make a reservation or arrive right when they open at noon.
We ordered a 5-portion mix of baked dumplings to share – and every single bite was divine!
Afternoon: Srodka District
Srodka has a distinct artistic vibe and feels far away from the bustle of the Old Town. After lunch, we meandered the picturesque lanes that are lined with cafes and dazzling architecture.
In this corner of town, street art is prevalent. While it’s fun to roam aimlessly in search of artsy corners, make it a point to seek out Mural Srodka.
The street art mural covers the entire side of a building – and the 3D effects are impressive.
Mid-Afternoon: Cathedral Island
When you are ready, cross Bishop Jordan Bridge to Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island).
Considered to be the Birthplace of Poland, the island is where the first Polish state was formed under Duke Mieszko I in the 10th century.
At the same time, he established the country’s first church – marking a new era of Christianization. The landmark Gothic Poznan Cathedral that stands today is on the very spot of the earliest church.
Officially called the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, the cathedral is a must-see in Poznan – and it’s free to visit!
We stepped inside to marvel at the glittering Golden Chapel (but skipped descending into the crypt, which requires a cash-only ticket).
Late-Afternoon: Culture or Event
Round out the rest of your afternoon with a cultural activity, like visiting a museum, experiencing an event or taking a class.
Our wintertime visit coincided with the Poznan Christmas Market (but we just missed the outstanding ice sculpting event), so we perused the holiday huts, admired the decorations and laughed at the talking goats.
Quite a few museums piqued our interest, but we simply didn’t have time!
On a future Poznan trip, we hope to visit the Museum of the History of Poznan (located in Poznan City Hall), the National Museum (with Polish art), the Potato Museum (where history and gastronomy collide) and Muzeum PRL-u (a glimpse into life during the Soviet-era).
Another fun thing to do in Poznan in 1 day is to learn more about the city’s famous croissants. At the Croissant Museum, the information is presented in the form of an entertaining workshop.
Early Evening: Poznan Craft Beer
The day might be coming to a close, but there is still more to see and do! Poznan has a solid craft beer scene, with a concentration of multi-taps just north of Stary Rynek.
These fun venues pour hoppy IPAs and fruit-forward sours, along with a range of seasonal and experimental brews.
Piwna Stopa boasts a homey ambiance with more than 15 brews on tap – and if we were staying in Poznan longer, we likely would have become regulars!
Lot Chmiela (with a hip atmosphere), Wsciekly Chmiel (with a subterranean space), Dom Piwa (with multiple levels) and Ministerstwo Browaru Pub (with knowledgeable bartenders) also hit the mark with excellent offerings and jovial patrons.
Evening: Dinner
When we got hungry, rather than tucking into a hearty Polish meal, we were swayed to sample the city’s more modern fare…and it didn’t disappoint!
Meat Us is a sandwich shop, but it’s far from humble. Stacked with ingredients that are bursting with flavor, the sandwiches are utterly delicious.
Night: Stary Rynek
End your day in Poznan, Poland with a walk through the main square after dark.
We strolled around the entire space, taking in the peaceful calm while admiring the four corner fountains and Town Hall that are especially striking in the glow of lights!
Map of Poznan Attractions
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Poznan map below.
Travel Tips for your One Day Itinerary Poznan
Our itinerary of what to see in Poznan in 1 day highlights how you can spend your time in the city, but we have a few logistical tips for trip planning, too!
Is One Day in Poznan Enough?
If visiting Poznan is part of a longer Poland trip, then we think spending a day here is sufficient to see the sights, learn a bit about the history and sample the cuisine.
That said, if you are already based in Europe, the city makes a great weekend destination, as well. We could easily spend 3 days in Poznan – or longer – and not run out of things to do!
How To Get to Poznan
The Poznan Airport, which is located about 5 miles to the west of the center, welcomes flights from several European destinations and is mainly served by low-cost carriers.
Start your search for the best-priced flights on Skyscanner – but read our Tips for Finding Cheap Flights first!
Buses connect the airport to the city center – and both Uber and Bolt are available. (On our evening arrival, however, we had to wait well over 30 minutes for a driver.)
The Poznan Main Train Station is just west of the Old Town, making it a convenient mode of transit for day trips from other Polish cities – like Wroclaw.
You can also let someone else plan your 1 day in Poznan itinerary by joining an organized tour. You can find highly rated excursions – like the one from Warsaw to Poznan – on Get Your Guide.
Getting Around
In our outline of how to spend a day in Poznan, we feature places that can simply be reached on foot.
That said, trams are easy to use and cheap. Tickets can be purchased onboard by contactless payments – and you can buy fares for multiple people in one transaction.
Where To Stay in Poznan
If you are spending a full 24 hours in Poznan, then you will need to find a place to sleep!
We believe it’s best to book right in the heart of the city – and our accommodation far exceeded our expectations.
Located just steps from Stary Rynek and the Pink Church, our Cocorico Apartment was incredibly spacious with a kitchenette, comfortable bed and heaps of character!
What You Will Need
Before you travel to Poznan, make sure you are prepared with the essentials!
Durable Shoes: Wear your best travel shoes with good soles for the cobbled streets!
Quality Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel – it’s a great budget camera for travelers.
Day Bag: Carry a zippered travel day pack, like these small backpacks that we use.
Wi-Fi: Stay connected with a Pocket WiFi device, like GlocalMe.
Portable Charger: Don’t forget your power bank for a mid-day boost!
Start planning your trip to Poland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top Poland Destinations
- The Best of Warsaw in 3 Days
- What To Do in Krakow
- Things To See in Gdansk
- Self-Guided Wroclaw Walking Tour
- Wroclaw For Foodies
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