If you are looking for a fantastic city break in a place that combines architecture with deep history and, at the same time, brings a modern feel to everything, I know where you need to go. Poznan is one of Poland’s most important historical cities, and it has a certain atmosphere that makes it the ideal vacation spot for any tourist. This is why I’m presenting you now with this list of the essential things to do in Poznan.
I have been to the city several times since I moved from Brazil to Berlin, starting all the way back in 2014. Personally, I feel like this city shines as a way for people who have never been to Poland before to start experiencing the country’s history and culture. And I was thinking about this during a trip to the city in the fall of 2025.
My sister traveled from Brazil to Europe, and after a short stay in Berlin, we took our bags to Poznan. Before we headed there, I wondered about what I thought she would enjoy and what were the places that I needed to go back to. Based on this, I came up with my personal list of the top places to see in Poznan, and it’s a jam-packed guide with unforgettable experiences.
Here are the top 10 things you must see and do in Poznań.
1. Catch the Goats at the Old Market Square on your lunch break
Surrounded by brightly colored historical townhouses, the Old Market Square in Poznan is easily one of the most beautiful I have seen in my trips around Europe. It’s the perfect place to take what will be your best pictures in the city. But the real show happens around lunchtime, every day at noon.
In front of the Poznań Town Hall, every day at noon, you can witness a historic spectacle. Two mechanical goats emerge from a tiny door above the tower clock and butt their heads twelve times while a trumpet player performs the Poznan bugle call.
The story behind the goats is an interesting legend, and I learned about it the first time I visited the city. The legend behind the goats tells that a cook, while preparing a banquet for officials, had burnt a roast deer and tried to replace it by stealing two goats that they found nearby. But something happened, and the goats got away. They made their way up to the town hall tower, where they started butting each other. That’s when people in the town knew what was going on. Because the goats and cook provided entertainment, the officials let them off the hook and told the people making the new clock for the building to include two mechanical goats.
Believe it or not, you have to admit that this story is fascinating. It only makes the sight of small goats bumping heads in Poland’s Old Market Square even more amazing.
2. Explore the Origins on Ostrow Tumski
Poznan is considered the birthplace of the Polish nation since it was there that the first Polish king was crowned. It was in Ostrów Tumski that the Polish state and Christianity first engaged, and it’s an area with historical and spiritual importance.
Ostrów Tumski has a different feeling than the Old Market Square, but it’s more than worth the visit if you are like me and enjoy exploring all the details of churches.
Besides that, close by is where you are going to find Brama Poznania, a modern and interactive museum that tells the story of the area and the city.
3. Visit the Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul
Since I already mentioned a church in Ostrów Tumski, I have to say that the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the oldest churches in Poland. And here is where you are going to find the final resting place of the first Polish rulers: Mieszko I and Bolesław I the Brave.
This imposing cathedral is gorgeous, and pay attention to each one of the rooms around the main nave. You will be surprised with what you are going to spot.
When you leave the church, head towards the Jordan Bridge. Here you will be able to capture a different view of the cathedral together with the bridge arches, and I’m a big fan of the look.
4. Wander through Park Cytadela
If you feel like a green escape after all the historical places I mentioned already, you might enjoy Park Cytadela. This large and beautifully diverse park sits on top of what used to be the city’s main defense in the 19th century, when Poznan was occupied by Prussia.
Here you will find large lawns and walking paths, but the park is home to several important places like the Museum of Armaments and the Poznan Army Museum. If you are interested in Poland’s military past, this might be the place for you.
5. Stary Browar, a shopping center like no other
I ask you to forget everything you know about shopping centers once you cross the doors and enter Stary Browar. This award-winning architectural complex mixes an art gallery with commercial space and uses the structure of the old brewery uniquely.
During my first visit to Poznan, I even managed to book an art tour of the entire place, and it helped me see the shopping center with an absolutely different perspective. Maybe this is something you’d like to try as well.
6. Reflect at Fort VII, also known as the Konzentrationslager Posen
Now, for a crucial historical visit, you have Fort VII, which was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazis in occupied Poland during the Second World War.
The museum and memorial can be a hard place for some to visit, so be aware.
7. Discover the elegance of the Imperial Castle
The Imperial Castle in Poznan is an interesting artifact since it was the last European royal castle to be built. This monumental neo-Romanesque piece was built for Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, but it was never used as a royal palace.
But, to further complicate its history, it was used by Nazi Germany during the occupation, and you can see it in some walls inside the castle.
Today, the building is a cultural hub in the center of Poznan with a movie theater, art shows, and the offices of several cultural institutions. It’s an essential piece of modern Poznan culture.
8. Walk the Royal-Imperial Route
Now that I already mentioned the essential places for a historical tour of Poznan, I have to tell you about the Royal-Imperial Route that connects the city’s historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks.
This walking trail across town goes from Ostrów Tumski all the way to the Imperial Castle, and it’s one of the best and easiest ways to cover all the city’s highlights. Probably, this is the best answer to what to do in Poznan if you like walking around town like I do.
9. Experience the Flavors of Poznan Beer City
Poznan is a Polish city with a deep and quite active brewing culture that captured my attention since my first visit. The beer scene is incredibly diverse, with countless historical venues and new modern craft beer bars.
If you need a place to start your exploration, go to Brovaria for lunch and enjoy the only restaurant/brewery located on the Old Market Square. There you will find wheat, honey, and pils beers. After the first taste, head to Ministerstwo Browaru or Za Kulisami and continue to enjoy a taste of Poland.
If you are interested in the brewery process on a massive scale like I am, you have to book a tour of the industrial Lech Brewery. There is even a tasting session included in the tour, and I can say that I loved it.
10. Indulge in a Traditional St. Martin’s Croissant
No trip to Poznan is complete without tasting the regional delicacy called the Rogal Świętomarciński, also known as the St. Martin’s Croissant. This tasty treat is made with a puff pastry, nuts, honey, and white poppy seeds, and it’s so important to the city that it has a protected EU designation.
You can find them in most good bakeries like ROGAL Świętomarciński. Besides that, you can even learn about this local cultural heritage at the Poznan Croissant Museum, which can be an excellent stop for those who are traveling with family.
This is it. These are my favorite places and things to do in Poznan. I hope you can add them to your Poznan guide and enjoy this city as much as I did during the many times I spent time there.
