Poznań: The hidden gem for your next city break
Anyone who wants to experience authentic, vibrant, and at the same time historic Poland should turn their attention to Poznań (Posen). Poznań is a city of short distances, where historic eras intersect on every square meter.
The Old Market Square (Stary Rynek) in Poznań is breathtaking and easily stands comparison with Prague or Kraków. The colorful merchant houses, adorned with elaborate ornaments, exude an incredibly cozy charm. In the center thrones the majestic Renaissance Town Hall. When the famous mechanical billy goats emerge from the tower at exactly 12 o’clock noon and butt their heads together, you can feel the city’s tradition-rich pulse.
On the Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), the city’s over a thousand-year-old history is even more palpable. This is the birthplace of the city, and you can learn all about its history on a walking tour.
Another highlight is the former brewery grounds of Stary Browar (Old Brewery), which has been converted into one of the most beautiful shopping and art centers in the world.
Poznań is a city for foodies. The city offers a mix of hearty Polish traditions and ultra-modern, international gastronomy. Away from the classic pierogi restaurants, you will find countless hip cafés, vegan bistros, and first-rate craft beer bars in Poznań. The famous St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal świętomarciński) is so unique that it is even protected by an EU certificate. This massive, nutty-sweet pastry alone makes the trip worthwhile.
City trips can be exhausting, but not in Poznań. If you need a break from sightseeing, the city offers fantastic local recreation areas right on its doorstep:
- The Warta River: In the summer, half the city meets on the riverbanks to wind down the evening with a drink by the water.
- Citadel Park (Park Cytadela): This huge park invites you to a picnic with its expansive meadows, art installations, and rose gardens.
- Lake Malta: A great place to go for a walk, ride a bike, or relax in the thermal baths.
Poznań has long ceased to be a complete insider secret, but it remains an undiscovered treasure for the broad masses. Anyone looking for a perfect blend of splendid architecture, excellent food, urban flair, and a relaxed atmosphere will feel right at home in Poznań.
Sights in Poznań
Poznań is known for a very special culinary tradition: the St. Martin's Croissant (Rogal świętomarciński). Especially around November 11th, the name day of St. Martin, the entire city smells of this rich pastry made of Danish pastry dough, filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, and candied orange peel.
Book Your Experience in the City
Eating and Drinking in Poznań
Accommodation Tips
Old House Apartments Poznań
Sheraton Poznan Hotel
Hotel Blow Up Hall
Hotel Liberté 33
Novotel Poznan Centrum
Travel Information
How to get there
By train
This is by far the most relaxed option from the DACH region. The EuroCity (EC) departs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof and travels directly to Poznań Główny station in just under 3 hours without any changes.
By car
Via the well-developed A2 motorway, you can reach Poznań in around two hours from the German border (Frankfurt/Oder). Important: The A2 is a toll motorway in Poland. You can pay the tolls at the toll stations in cash (including in euros) or by card.
By plane
Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ) is served by direct flights from various German cities (e.g. Frankfurt, Munich). From the terminal, bus route 159 takes you directly to the city centre in about 20 minutes at a reasonable price.
Tolls
From the west (from the German border / Frankfurt/Oder)
The A2 motorway from the border to Poznań is operated by a private concessionaire and is subject to tolls throughout. The route is divided into two toll sections:
• Świecko (border) to Nowy Tomyśl: 18 PLN
• Nowy Tomyśl to Poznań: 40 PLN (following the latest tariff adjustment in March 2026)
• Total cost: 58 PLN (approx. 13.50 euros) each way. (For motorbikes, the total price is 38 PLN).
From the south (from Wrocław)
There are no tolls for travelling on the S5 expressway. In Poland, all expressways (marked with an ‘S’) are completely free of charge for cars and motorbikes. This means you can travel freely all the way from Wrocław to Poznań.
From the east (from Warsaw)
Here, you also take the A2, but you benefit from state-imposed toll exemptions on some sections. The state-managed section between Stryków and Konin is toll-free for cars. Tolls are only charged on the privately operated section between Konin and Poznań. This consists of two sections at 40 PLN each, amounting to a total cost of 80 PLN.
How do you pay at the toll stations (Bramki)?
Paying on the A2 is very straightforward. You drive straight up to the toll booths and select one of the barriers (look out for the symbols above the lanes).
• Bank card: Credit or debit cards are accepted contactlessly everywhere without any problems. This is by far the quickest method.
• Cash: You can pay in Polish zloty (PLN), euros (EUR) or US dollars (USD). Important: Only banknotes are accepted; no foreign currency coins. Change is also almost always given in zloty.
• Video tolling (app): If you wish to use the lane where the barrier opens automatically without having to wind down your window, you can download an app such as Autopay in advance. You enter your number plate and credit card details once, and the system scans your number plate as you drive past.
Getting around Poznań
On foot
The historic old town is very compact – most places around the Old Market Square, the Town Hall and the Stary Browar shopping centre are best reached on foot.
Tram (Tramwaj) & Bus
Trams form the backbone of Poznań’s transport network. They run frequently, are punctual and take you quickly to destinations a little further afield, such as Cathedral Island or Lake Malta. On most trams and buses, simply hold your debit or credit card up to a terminal when boarding to pay contactless (Open Payment System).
Ridesharing & E-scooters
E-scooters (Tier, Lime, Bolt) are available everywhere for short journeys. If you need a taxi, it’s best to use the Uber or Bolt apps.
Parking
On-street parking: The parking zones (Strefa)
Poznań is divided into various paid parking zones. Charges usually apply from Monday to Friday (08:00 – 18:00), and in the innermost core zone often on Saturdays as well.
Close to the city centre (Zones A & B – red signs): Charges here are around 5 to 7 PLN per hour.
Payment: At the on-site parking ticket machine (cash in złoty or by card). Important: You must enter your number plate at the machine. Place the ticket clearly visible behind the windscreen.
Convenient alternative: Use apps such as EasyPark, moBiLET or SkyCash. These allow you to start and stop your parking session to the minute from your mobile phone, without having to search for change.
Guarded multi-storey car parks and underground car parks
If you want to park your car for several hours or overnight, you should avoid on-street parking and head for a multi-storey car park. This is safer and often less stressful.
Underground car park beneath Wolności Square (Parking pod Placem Wolności)
• Location: Right in the centre. It’s only about a 5-minute walk to the Old Market Square (Town Hall).
• Advantages: Modern, open round the clock (24/7), CCTV-monitored and very clean.
• Cost: Approx. 6 to 8 PLN per hour. There are also reasonable daily rates for hotel guests who wish to leave their car for longer.
Stary Browar
• Location: Right inside the award-winning shopping centre, south of the Old Town.
• Advantage: Very large and well-lit car park.
Park & Ride (P+R)
If you want to save money, you can use the official P+R car parks on the outskirts of the city.
How it works: Park your car at one of the secure P+R car parks (e.g. P+R Szymanowskiego in the north or P+R Górczyn in the south).
• If you have a valid public transport ticket (e.g. a 24-hour ticket from the ZTM transport authority), parking at these car parks is completely free for that period.
In Poznań, parking in the city centre is strictly regulated and can quickly become expensive if you are unaware of the rules. The city is making every effort to keep car traffic out of the immediate city centre.