Poznan, Poland - 11 things to see and do

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: June 2026 | Poznan in Poland is a city with a fantastically beautiful square. We almost dropped our jaws when we got there and said to each other that this must be the most beautiful square we have ever seen. Besides the square, there is of course a lot more to see and do, and today we share our best tips.

Poznan in Poland

The city is known for two goats that appear on top of the clock at the Town Hall when the clock strikes 12:00, and for its St. Martin croissants.

Poznan is located on the river Warta in western Poland, about 27 miles west of the capital city of Warsaw.

11 things to do in Poznań

Poznań is a very nice city. Here are 11 things we can recommend.

1. Stroll around the old market square Stary Rynek

When you arrive in Poznan, you will quickly notice the beautiful square. The large and square Stary Rynek was built back in the 13th century and is home to a number of stunning buildings.

Many of the buildings were unfortunately destroyed during World War II, but were quickly rebuilt to their former glory. The most impressive is the beautiful Town Hall, but almost all of the buildings are worth resting your eyes for a while.

As well as beautiful buildings, there are also several fountains with statues in the square, depicting gods such as Apollo, Neptune and Mars.

2. Admire the Town Hall in Poznan

The most powerful building in the square has to get its own paragraph, because this 16th century Renaissance building is like something out of a fairy tale. Adorned with arches, paintings, pinnacles and towers, you can really stand here for a long time and be mesmerised. The beautiful building is also home to the Poznan History Museum.

3. Watch the bucks fight on the roof of the Town Hall.

If you make sure to be in front of the Town Hall at 12:00 noon, you can see two bucks emerge from the roof and clash with each other a total of 12 times. The bucks are on the Town Hall's tower clock, which was installed in 1551, and watching the twelfth hour is popular with tourists and children in the area. But why, you might ask, are the goats bumping into each other?

According to legend, a tower clock was built, which when completed would be shown to the town counsellors and the provincial governor. A big party was organised, but unfortunately the cook was a bit careless and accidentally burned the deer fiddle that was to be served at the party. To avoid punishment, he stole two bucks, but the bucks escaped and ran up to the roof of the town hall.

When the guests arrived, they could see two standing bucks on the roof. The provincial governor liked them and ordered the clockmaker to make two of them and mount them on the clock, where they can now be seen every day at 12 o'clock.

4. Go on a guided tour in Poznan

You can of course stroll around Poznan on your own, which is cosy, but if you want to know a little more about the city's history and secrets, it might be worth taking a guided tour. With the help of a guide, you see things that you otherwise miss. For example, we were alerted to the sign in the ground that showed where the city wall once went ...

5. Get devout in St Stanislav's church

St Stanislav's Church is said to be one of the most impressive Baroque churches in all of Poland. This beautiful church pops up in an alley in the centre of Poznan and from the moment you see the facade, you are intrigued.

You won't be disappointed when you enter the church either. Built between 1651 and 1701, the church is beautifully decorated. Don't miss a peek at the ceiling!

6. Check out exciting (modern) architecture

Poznan is a city full of beautiful historical buildings, but there is also some modern architecture. For example, check out Freedom Square with the Freedom Fountain.

Another interesting building is the 'Rotunda'. This round building is famous in the city and has been home to wild nightclubs, among other things.

7. Take a look around the Residence Palace

The Imperial Palace in Poznan is the youngest of the royal residences in Europe. It was built for Kaiser Wilhelm II at the beginning of the 20th century. After World War I, the palace was used instead by the University of Poznan.

During the Second World War, the castle was completely rebuilt and became one of Adolf Hitler's neighbourhoods.

The building is very grand, both inside and out, and you can see how Hitler's regime used different ways to symbolise the new powerful empire. Among other things, you can see the throne of Wilhelm 11, which is also said to have been used by Hitler.

The castle is now open to tourists and for guided tours. The rooms are grand, if in some cases empty of furniture, and a guide is good for bringing the place and its stories to life.

One of the grand balconies overlooks the beautiful garden. There is also a monument commemorating Poles who were once abducted and killed by the Russians.

8. Visit the memorial of the "Poznan Revolution"

The Poznan Uprising, also known as the "June Uprising", was a protest action against the communist government in Poland that took place on June 28, 1956. What started as a strike soon involved more and more of the population.

The authorities responded with soldiers and tanks, and the result was bloody. Many lost their lives, and even more were injured. Today, there is a memorial monument right next to the Residence Palace.

9. Learn how to make St Martin croissants

St. Martin croissants are not just any croissants, but a special variety that is made in Poznan, Poland, as well as in a few other places in the same region. The pastry has been protected by the EU since 2008 under the name “Rogal świętomarciński” and may only be made by specially certified producers in this area. At the Poznan Croissant Museum & Experience you can try it yourself, and (in a humorous way) learn more about the history of the pastry.

READ MORE: Baking St Martin croissants at a museum in Poznan

10. Enjoy restaurants and outdoor cafes

As a tourist, you shouldn't forget to have a good time and enjoy the atmosphere of a city. Poznan is a beautiful city with a great atmosphere, and if the weather is nice, it's a great place to sit down at one of the many outdoor cafes.

We sat down at a restaurant near the Residence Palace, which we unfortunately don't remember the name of. Here we had a really good salad with halloumi, strawberries and nuts, yum!

11. go to museums

There are a number of museums in Poznan that are worth visiting. We only visited the Poznan Croissant Museum & Experience, which is more of a workshop and experience than a traditional museum. Other museums include

• National Museum
• Archaeological Museum
• Musical Instrument Museum
• Porta Posnania
• Lech Tourist Center
• Poznan City Museum.

More to see and do in Poznan

There is of course much more to see and do in Poznan. Here are a few more suggestions, which we didn't have time to do ourselves but will have to save for another time:

• The "Maltanka" park train
• "Det Gamla Bryggeriet", which today offers shops, art centres and more.
• Cathedral Island
• Citadel Park
• Gorka Palace
• Stroll along the Warta River

Things to do in Poznan - on film

Where can you stay in Poznan or park your campervan?

Best areas to live in and explore

• Old Town Square (Stary Rynek) – The best area for those who want to live in the middle of the city's attractions, restaurants and historical environments.
• Centre – Perfect for shopping, culture, transportation and city life.
• Ostrow Tumski – A quieter area with a historic atmosphere and proximity to the city's most important cultural heritage.
• Jezyce – A trendy area with cafes, restaurants and a more local feel than the tourist areas.

Pitches and campsites

If you want to stay at a campsite, you will find camping Malta nearby. This time we chose to park our camper at a central parking lot that we found via the CamperContact app, Parking Chwaliszewo.

More city guides nearby

There are of course more interesting cities to discover in Poland. Here you will find more tips and reports:

• Things to do in Gdansk
• Things to do in Wrocław
• Things to do in Toruń

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Poznan

How to get to Poznań?

Poznań has an international airport and good train connections to Warsaw, Wrocław and Berlin, among others.

When is the best time to visit Poznań?

Spring, summer and early autumn offer pleasant weather and many outdoor activities, with summer being the busiest period.

What is Poznan most famous for?

Poznań is primarily known for its beautiful Stary Rynek square, the Town Hall's famous goats, and its importance in Poland's early history.

Is 2 days in Poznan enough?

Yes, two days is enough to experience the main attractions of Poznań. With additional time, you can explore more museums, parks and neighborhoods at a more leisurely pace.