Poznań

Day 1: Old Town essentials and your first pours

Poznań’s compact Old Town makes an easy first day: cobbles, colourful merchant houses, and plenty of places to duck in for a brilliant pint. Pace yourself and get your bearings while learning the local etiquette that makes the beer scene so welcoming.

• Morning: Wander the Old Market Square and its side streets; pop into the tourist information point for maps and tram tips. If you fancy something sweet, try a rogal świętomarciński with coffee to fuel the morning.
• Midday: Be in front of the Town Hall clock for the famous mechanical goats at noon, then grab lunch nearby. Begin your craft journey at Dom Piwa just off the square—study the tap board, order by name or style, and don’t hesitate to ask for a small próbka if you’re unsure.
• Afternoon: Walk to Stary Browar (the arts-and-shopping centre in a former brewery) for a dose of design and a breather. If it’s warm, claim an ogródek piwny table outdoors; in winter, consider a Baltic Porter or even a piwo grzane to warm up.
• Evening: Do a relaxed mini-crawl: Piwna Stopa for something adventurous, then Ministerstwo Browaru on ul. Ratajczaka for a curated line-up (ask about Grodziskie for a regional classic). Tip: say na zdrowie with eye contact, and expect smaller measures (0.2–0.3 l) for stronger styles.

Day 2: Industrial legacy, Jeżyce vibes, and brewpub comfort

Today mixes old industry with creative neighbourhood life. You’ll see how mass-market and craft coexist, then settle into a brewpub for hearty food and lager excellence.

• Morning: Tram to Jeżyce for a local start around Rynek Jeżycki; grab breakfast and browse indie spots. Pop into Wściekły Chmiel (bottle shop with a few taps) to chat about new releases or pick up takeaways for later.

By Air

• Poznań–Ławica Airport (POZ) sits about 7 km west of the city centre.
  • City bus links run to/from the centre and Poznań Główny railway station in roughly 20–30 minutes.
  • Taxis and ride‑hailing take about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Direct flights typically connect with Warsaw, London, Dublin and major hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich (routes vary seasonally).
• Alternative airports:
  • Berlin Brandenburg (BER): around 3–3.5 hours to Poznań by train (S‑Bahn to Berlin Hbf + direct EuroCity to Poznań) or 2.5–3 hours by car.
  • Wrocław (WRO): about 2–2.5 hours by car; 2.5–3 hours by public transport (airport bus/tram to Wrocław Główny, then train).
  • Warsaw Chopin (WAW): roughly 3–3.5 hours by train to Poznań with an easy connection in Warsaw.

By Train

• Main station: Poznań Główny (central, integrated with the bus station and shopping centre).
• Operators: PKP Intercity (IC/EIC/TLK) for long‑distance; Koleje Wielkopolskie and Polregio for regional services. Long‑distance tickets include seat reservations.
• Typical journey times (fast services):
  • Warsaw: 2 h 30–3 h (frequent direct IC/EIC).
  • Berlin: 2 h 45–3 h (direct EuroCity).

Crowd-light yet experience-rich, Poznań blends Renaissance beauty and a pioneering beer culture with genuine local warmth and wallet-friendly prices.

• Vibe: A lived-in, creative city where students, artisans and brewers set the pace; think grand squares and evening buzz without the shoulder-to-shoulder shuffle, from Stary Rynek’s pastels to Jeżyce’s café-and-bar streets.
• Culture & landmarks: Renaissance Town Hall and the noon “butting goats” on the Old Market Square, Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski) — cradle of the Polish state — the Imperial Castle, and art-filled Stary Browar in a former brewery, all walkable and unhurried.
• Flavour & beer: Authentic Wielkopolska tastes meet top-tier craft: try pyry z gzikiem and St Martin’s croissants between pours at Ministerstwo Browaru, Dom Piwa or Piwna Stopa; tour the Lech brewery or raise a regional Grodziskie.
• Value & ease: Fair prices, space to sit, and friendly service; a compact centre, fast trams and card-ready venues make exploring smooth — all the substance of bigger-name cities, minus the queues and mark-ups.

Poznań is perfect for travellers who love authentic beer culture, blending centuries of tradition with modern craft innovation. It suits curious city-breakers and value-seekers who want big experiences in a compact, walkable centre. Even non-drinkers will find inventive 0.0% options and welcoming venues that double as social hubs.

• Craft beer aficionados: Dive into one of Poland’s most mature craft scenes, with multitaps like Ministerstwo Browaru, Dom Piwa and Piwna Stopa pouring fresh NEIPAs, sours and Baltic porters.
• History lovers: Trace brewing from medieval cellars to the industrial might of Lech and the revival of regional icon Grodziskie.
• Event seekers: Time your trip for the Poznań Beer Expo, Poland’s flagship festival with hundreds of breweries, tastings and talks each November.
• City‑breakers: Tap-hop effortlessly around the Old Town and Jeżyce thanks to a compact, tram-linked centre ideal for a weekend.
• Lager purists: Savour the craft Pilsner and Helles renaissance that rivals macro lagers for finesse and drinkability.
• Alcohol‑free explorers: Join in with excellent NA IPAs and sours that appear on most serious tap lists.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Poznań—handpicked from the city’s rich brewing heritage and vibrant craft scene. Use them as a compact checklist for a first-time visit or a focused beer-led weekend.

• Walk the cobbled lanes around Stary Rynek, ducking into Dom Piwa and Piwna Stopa for top Polish and international craft pours.
• Explore the Jeżyce district’s indie scene at Wściekły Chmiel and nearby locals’ hangouts for fresh releases to drink in or take away.
• Visit Lech Browary Wielkopolski’s visitor centre for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting of the city’s iconic green-bottled lager.
• Take the tram-friendly craft crawl linking Ministerstwo Browaru, Browar Szałpiw and Kolejka to sample NEIPAs, sours and Baltic porters.
• Hike through Citadel Park and reward yourself at Ułan Browar with house-brewed classics and warming Polish food.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Poznań—handpicked from the city’s rich brewing heritage and vibrant craft scene. Use them as a compact checklist for a first-time visit or a focused beer-led weekend.

• Walk the cobbled lanes around Stary Rynek, ducking into Dom Piwa and Piwna Stopa for top Polish and international craft pours.
• Explore the Jeżyce district’s indie scene at Wściekły Chmiel and nearby locals’ hangouts for fresh releases to drink in or take away.
• Visit Lech Browary Wielkopolski’s visitor centre for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting of the city’s iconic green-bottled lager.
• Take the tram-friendly craft crawl linking Ministerstwo Browaru, Browar Szałpiw and Kolejka to sample NEIPAs, sours and Baltic porters.
• Hike through Citadel Park and reward yourself at Ułan Browar with house-brewed classics and warming Polish food.

Poznań blends hearty Wielkopolska comfort food with one of Poland’s liveliest craft‑beer scenes. Historic bakeries, neighbourhood markets and modern bistros sit alongside relaxed multitap bars and beer gardens in the Old Town and Jeżyce.

• Pyry z gzikiem – Warm potatoes with herbed cottage cheese and chives; homely plates in casual bistros and old‑school milk bars.
• Rogale świętomarcińskie – Flaky, almond‑white poppy seed croissants, a local icon; best from traditional bakeries and cosy cafés near Stary Rynek.
• Grodziskie – Light, gently smoky wheat ale from nearby Grodzisk, the “Champagne of Polish beers”; perfect for easy sipping in taprooms and summer beer gardens.
• Craft beer crawl – Sample hazy IPAs, Baltic porters and crisp lagers across top multitap bars; a lively yet laid‑back bar scene around the Old Town and Jeżyce.

Poznań blends hearty Wielkopolska comfort food with one of Poland’s liveliest craft‑beer scenes. Historic bakeries, neighbourhood markets and modern bistros sit alongside relaxed multitap bars and beer gardens in the Old Town and Jeżyce.

• Pyry z gzikiem – Warm potatoes with herbed cottage cheese and chives; homely plates in casual bistros and old‑school milk bars.
• Rogale świętomarcińskie – Flaky, almond‑white poppy seed croissants, a local icon; best from traditional bakeries and cosy cafés near Stary Rynek.
• Grodziskie – Light, gently smoky wheat ale from nearby Grodzisk, the “Champagne of Polish beers”; perfect for easy sipping in taprooms and summer beer gardens.
• Craft beer crawl – Sample hazy IPAs, Baltic porters and crisp lagers across top multitap bars; a lively yet laid‑back bar scene around the Old Town and Jeżyce.

Choosing the right area in Poznań shapes your whole visit—each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace, vibe, and access to sights. Decide whether you want doorstep landmarks and nightlife, a creative café scene with great beer, or leafy calm near parks and museums.

• Stare Miasto (Old Town) — Medieval square and cobbled lanes by Stary Rynek; best for first‑timers and night owls wanting landmarks, museums, and lively bars on your doorstep.
• Jeżyce — Hip, Art Nouveau streets with indie cafés, bakeries, and top craft‑beer multitaps; suits foodies and creatives seeking a local vibe within 10–15 minutes by tram.
• Łazarz — Leafy, residential feel around Wilson Park and the Palm House; ideal for families or light sleepers, with quick tram links to the station and MTP Fair.
• Śródka & Ostrów Tumski — Historic, riverside enclave by the cathedral and Porta Posnania; perfect for history lovers and a quieter base with scenic walks and cosy eateries.

Choosing the right area in Poznań shapes your whole visit—each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace, vibe, and access to sights. Decide whether you want doorstep landmarks and nightlife, a creative café scene with great beer, or leafy calm near parks and museums.

• Stare Miasto (Old Town) — Medieval square and cobbled lanes by Stary Rynek; best for first‑timers and night owls wanting landmarks, museums, and lively bars on your doorstep.
• Jeżyce — Hip, Art Nouveau streets with indie cafés, bakeries, and top craft‑beer multitaps; suits foodies and creatives seeking a local vibe within 10–15 minutes by tram.
• Łazarz — Leafy, residential feel around Wilson Park and the Palm House; ideal for families or light sleepers, with quick tram links to the station and MTP Fair.
• Śródka & Ostrów Tumski — Historic, riverside enclave by the cathedral and Porta Posnania; perfect for history lovers and a quieter base with scenic walks and cosy eateries.

Travel in Poznań is straightforward: the centre is compact, public transport is efficient, and the airport is close to town. A few local tips on costs, getting around, language and timing will help you plan smoothly.

• Affordability: Poznań is good value—casual meals 35–60 PLN, mid‑range mains 45–85 PLN, beer 12–24 PLN, and rooms roughly 250–450 PLN per night (hostels 80–180 PLN, upscale 500+ PLN).
• Transport: The Old Town and Jeżyce are walkable; fast trams/buses and rideshares cover the rest, POZ airport is 20–25 minutes by bus or taxi, and regional trains make easy day trips to Gniezno, Grodzisk Wielkopolski or Wolsztyn, with a car handy for countryside lakes.
• Language: Polish is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, bars and among younger locals; a few basic Polish phrases are appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers—use normal city sense around the Old Market Square at night, watch for pickpockets on busy trams, and mind fast-moving trams at crossings (winters can be cold and slippery).
• Crowds: May–September is the busiest (especially weekends and during trade fairs), November spikes around St. Martin’s Day and the Beer Expo, December is lively with Christmas markets, and January–March are the quietest months.

Travel in Poznań is straightforward: the centre is compact, public transport is efficient, and the airport is close to town. A few local tips on costs, getting around, language and timing will help you plan smoothly.

• Affordability: Poznań is good value—casual meals 35–60 PLN, mid‑range mains 45–85 PLN, beer 12–24 PLN, and rooms roughly 250–450 PLN per night (hostels 80–180 PLN, upscale 500+ PLN).
• Transport: The Old Town and Jeżyce are walkable; fast trams/buses and rideshares cover the rest, POZ airport is 20–25 minutes by bus or taxi, and regional trains make easy day trips to Gniezno, Grodzisk Wielkopolski or Wolsztyn, with a car handy for countryside lakes.
• Language: Polish is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, bars and among younger locals; a few basic Polish phrases are appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers—use normal city sense around the Old Market Square at night, watch for pickpockets on busy trams, and mind fast-moving trams at crossings (winters can be cold and slippery).
• Crowds: May–September is the busiest (especially weekends and during trade fairs), November spikes around St. Martin’s Day and the Beer Expo, December is lively with Christmas markets, and January–March are the quietest months.

Seasonality in Poznań swings from lively, sun-soaked summers with bustling beer gardens to cosy, contemplative winters perfect for strong, warming brews. Autumn is prime for craft aficionados thanks to the Poznań Beer Expo, while spring and autumn shoulder months bring mild weather and smaller crowds.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild and pleasant; fewer tourists and relaxed vibes as terraces reopen and taps start turning over fresh seasonal releases.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot and the busiest period; the Old Town teems with visitors, beer gardens buzz late, and light, refreshing styles dominate.
• Autumn & Expo (Sep–Nov): Cooler with thinning crowds—until the November Beer Expo spikes demand; a cosy atmosphere, fresh‑hop specials, and the start of darker, richer pours.

Seasonality in Poznań swings from lively, sun-soaked summers with bustling beer gardens to cosy, contemplative winters perfect for strong, warming brews. Autumn is prime for craft aficionados thanks to the Poznań Beer Expo, while spring and autumn shoulder months bring mild weather and smaller crowds.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild and pleasant; fewer tourists and relaxed vibes as terraces reopen and taps start turning over fresh seasonal releases.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot and the busiest period; the Old Town teems with visitors, beer gardens buzz late, and light, refreshing styles dominate.
• Autumn & Expo (Sep–Nov): Cooler with thinning crowds—until the November Beer Expo spikes demand; a cosy atmosphere, fresh‑hop specials, and the start of darker, richer pours.

Day 3: Cathedral Island calm and a locals’ night out

Ease into the day with river views and history before leaning into what’s new on the taps. If you’re visiting in late autumn, today is perfect for festival energy.

• Morning: Explore Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) and the interactive Porta Posnania museum, then stroll the Wartostrada riverside path. It’s peaceful in the morning, and cafés nearby make for an easy coffee stop.
• Midday: Head to Lake Malta for a walk or bike loop and a casual lunch; in summer, many lakeside places pour light, refreshing styles like wheat beers or fruited sours. In colder months, opt for robust porters and stouts with dessert or chocolate.
• Afternoon: If it’s November, dive into the Poznań Beer Expo at the fairgrounds—tastings, talks, and the country’s best breweries in one place. Otherwise, check bars’ social feeds for premieres or tap takeovers (Pinta, Funky Fluid, Nepomucen are frequent headliners); ask staff about ABV, IBU, and Blg to match body and sweetness to your taste.
• Evening: Slip into hidden gems: start with a quiet pint at Kolejka, catch a match at Podanie without sacrificing beer quality, and finish at Łazęga Poznańska for a bohemian vibe. Tip: trams run late and rideshares are cheap; consider a non-alcoholic craft option for the last round to keep pace comfortably.

By Bus

• Main station: Poznań Główny PKS (adjacent to the railway station).
• Operators: FlixBus and regional carriers offer frequent services.
• Typical journey times:
  • Berlin: 3.5–4.5 h.
  • Warsaw: 4.5–6 h.
  • Wrocław: 2.5–3 h.
  • Gdańsk: 4.5–5.5 h.
  • Kraków: 6–7 h.

By Car

• Key routes:
  • A2 motorway (tolled) east–west to Warsaw and the German border (Berlin via Świecko).
  • S5 to Wrocław and Bydgoszcz (links towards Gdańsk via A1).
  • S11 towards Piła and (in stages) south towards Upper Silesia.
• Approximate driving times (normal traffic):
  • Berlin: 2.5–3 h via A2 (tolls apply).
  • Warsaw: 3–3.5 h via A2 (tolls apply).
  • Wrocław: 2–2.5 h via S5.
  • Gdańsk: 3.5–4 h via S5/A1.
  • Kraków: 4.5–5 h via A2/A1/A4.
  • Szczecin: 2.5–3 h via S3/S11.
• Parking: paid zones around the centre/Old Town; consider park‑and‑ride with trams for central visits.

Who should go to Poznań?

Poznań is perfect for travellers who love authentic beer culture, blending centuries of tradition with modern craft innovation. It suits curious city-breakers and value-seekers who want big experiences in a compact, walkable centre. Even non-drinkers will find inventive 0.0% options and welcoming venues that double as social hubs.

• Craft beer aficionados: Dive into one of Poland’s most mature craft scenes, with multitaps like Ministerstwo Browaru, Dom Piwa and Piwna Stopa pouring fresh NEIPAs, sours and Baltic porters.
• History lovers: Trace brewing from medieval cellars to the industrial might of Lech and the revival of regional icon Grodziskie.
• Event seekers: Time your trip for the Poznań Beer Expo, Poland’s flagship festival with hundreds of breweries, tastings and talks each November.
• City‑breakers: Tap-hop effortlessly around the Old Town and Jeżyce thanks to a compact, tram-linked centre ideal for a weekend.
• Lager purists: Savour the craft Pilsner and Helles renaissance that rivals macro lagers for finesse and drinkability.
• Alcohol‑free explorers: Join in with excellent NA IPAs and sours that appear on most serious tap lists.