Poznan In Your Pocket
Lesser Basilica of St. Stanislaus, photo: Courtesy of TRAKT Center for Cultural TourismAfter a long, dark and cold Polish winter we’re ready to get out and stretch our legs, and Poznan is one of the best cities in Poland to shake off the winter blues and get outside. Why, you ask? This city is completely walkable , affordable and filled with great recreational opportunities. But let’s start with what’s truly important: a good time. Our feature in this issue is all about Cheap Side, a district in Poznan that is making a name for itself as the place to go for an alternative night out. We wandered the area to find the best bars, restaurants and hostels so you’ll know exactly how to spend your zlotys while you’re there.
Another must-see while you’re in town, especially as the temperatures slowly climb, is
Lake Malta. This giant man-made lake can be found on the east side of the city and provides endless recreational opportunities whether you like to use a paddle (it’s a hotbed for canoeing) or prefer more of a thrill (there’s a
toboggan run, which opens when the snow disappears). There’s also a
zoo, a
complex of indoor swimming pools, and the chance to
rent bicycles to explore the area by pedal power.
But if you don’t want to stray to far afield you can easily make the bustling
Stary Rynek the focus of your visit to Poznan and you’ll still be experiencing a mix of sights and entertainment without exerting much effort. The elaborate Town Hall is home to the city’s
Historical Museum, which covers all the major events the city has experienced from like under Prussian rule to the Uprising in the 20
th century. Small streets that trail off from the Rynek will take you to sights like the bright pink
Lesser Basilica of St. Stanislaus of the curious
Pharmaceutical Museum that is slightly more interesting than it sounds. Once you’ve gotten your fill of history the Rynek is the perfect spot for a snack and some relief of the liquid variety, and you can enjoy an al fresco seat at practically any restaurant that lines the square. Some of our favourites include
Brovaria, which does a heavy trade in meat dishes and giant beers, and
Biale Wino i Owoce, where you can get shots of vodka and bowls of tripe 24 hours a day.
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A little about Poznan to get you startedWhile
Poznań is not the first city on the traveller's itinerary, it does have a habit of surprising all who end up here. Crowded with churches and cobbles and colourful burgher houses, the old town is a collage of architectural styles and stuffed with delicate looking churches and esoteric museums. A major cultural and economic centre, it’s during this period when the city earns its reputation as a city of trade fairs. Its success as a fair centre stems partly from its location on a road that starts in
Paris, ends in
Moscow, and hits all the major cities in between. If you’re arriving during a trade fair then we sincerely hope you’ve booked your hotel in advance, else start getting used to sleeping under park benches.
But it’s not all business. Over 130,000 people, some 20% of the population, purport to study at some institute or another, lending a defiantly young and vibrant atmosphere to the streets. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, you’ll find everything you need to the enjoy this city whether it be
bars, clubs,
restaurants or
museums.
Latest Poznan Comments:
Fenix
very bad reastaurant, crappy food, undercooked food...Chwirot
I find it the best place to eat out when it comes to vegetarian restaurants in Poznań. The ladies ...Amore del Tropico
3 x poor: staff, prices and interior...Shivaz
One of the best Indian restaurant in Poznan. I was in another Indian restaurant before, for example, Taj India and Buddha Bar, none of them stand near to Shivaz in terms of food taste, quality, service and hospitality....Czerwona Papryka
I was walking around The Old Square with my friends and decided to drop in for lunch to Czerwona Papryka....Bigfoot Coffee Shop
The best "Little America" in the ex-Eastern bloc! I must say that the tunes are more than ...Shivaz
Mili kelnerzy, niezłe jedzenie. W Poznaniu koszmarnie chamowata tzw menedżerka sali. Skąd ...Kriek Belgian Pub & Cafe
Yes, visit this Belgian bar while in Poznan! It's an absolute must. Great selection and excellent barman....Czerwona Papryka
I was there eating with my girlfriend last week and my impression was very bad.I am Spanish, 26, and (sadly) I have to say I tasted there the worst red wine and the worst Jamon Serrano (cured jam) in my whole life....Brovaria
This place is fantastic. Spent three days and nights there a few years back when in Poznan for a football match (Manchester City)....Warung Bali
Great ambience with excellent food! If you like it a hot of course...And big cocktails so happy days....The Mexican
Good drinks & entertainment. Food is average with strong Polish influence for Mexican cuisine......Taj India
What can I say, it's home from home. Great food, value and lovely ambience. Thank you....Pekin
Visited last year and the place is totally fake. Nothing is chinese apart from the decor & waitress outfit....1 stop Jamboree
After trying the Poznan City Walk Tour we were very impressed so we tried the The Castles of Great Poland Tour....