10 Must-Do Experiences in Poznań
1. Witness the Poznań Billy Goats
The Poznań billy goats stand as an iconic tourist attraction, a must-see spectacle that encapsulates centuries-old tradition. These playful animals make their daily appearance at noon atop the town hall tower, engaging in their ritual of bumping horns twelve times. Accompanied by a live rendition of the historic Poznań trumpet call performed by a trumpeter, this event draws crowds to the Old Market Square, eager to capture the moment on their cameras and phones. While the spectacle may not rival the grandeur of some performances, its significance lies in its historical roots, with the first mechanism featuring billy goats installed over 500 years ago. If you miss the noon display, don’t get upset; you can explore the former mechanism at the City Museum in Poznań City Hall, or admire a beautiful statue of the billy goats on Kolegiacki Square. For a deeper understanding of their symbolism and origin, contact us for a guided tour of the Old Market Square and its environs. Our professional guides would be happy to share with you the legend of the billy goats and unveil hidden gems that may elude independent exploration.
2. Eat “pyry z gzikiem”
Pyra z gzikiem is a famous dish from the region that’s loved for its simple yet delicious taste. It used to be eaten on Fridays as a fasting meal. It’s made of boiled potatoes with the skin on, topped with a mixture called “gzik.” Gzik is made of quark, onions or fresh green onions, herbs, and cream, sometimes with a bit of butter added for extra flavor. The name “pyra” comes from the local dialect of Greater Poland. Potatoes originally came from South America, so they were called “perka” at first, then it changed to “pyrka” and eventually “pyra.” Pyra z gzikiem is easy to make, nutritious, and was a popular dish during important historical events like the Greater Poland Uprising. Today, it’s still enjoyed by locals and visitors alike as a tasty reminder of tradition.
Interested in delving deeper into Poznań’s cuisine, dialect, and customs? Consider joining a guided tour led by our knowledgeable guides. Explore the enchanting sights of the Old Town while uncovering the city’s hidden secrets. Alternatively, embark on a culinary adventure with a curated tour that takes you to various restaurants, each offering a unique Poznań dish. Whatever your preference, feel free to reach out to us to tailor your perfect Poznań experience!
3. Take a ride on the Maltanka narrow-gauge railroad
The Maltanka narrow-gauge railroad runs along Lake Malta in spring and summer. The starting station is located at the Śródka traffic circle and the terminus – at the New Zoo. You can also get off at one of the stations along the route, e.g. at the Malta Thermal Baths. This is a leisure and sports complex that uses geothermal water. Visitors can relax in the numerous pools, play on the slides and playgrounds or unwind in the sauna world and spa zone. But back to the Maltanka!
The train runs on 60 cm wide tracks over a distance of almost 4 km. On some journeys, the carriages are coupled to a century-old steam locomotive (a Borsig Bn2t 11458 from 1925 to be precise)!
A ride on the Maltanka and a stay in the thermal baths or a visit to the New Zoo are a wonderful way to round off a stay in Poznań. And what other attractions are there to see? We will be happy to help you put together your excursion program and show you the city’s most interesting sights! Please contact us!
4. Do your shopping in the Old Brewery
If you like shopping, Poznań has no less than 20 shopping centers to offer! The Old Brewery stands out among them and has been awarded by the International Council of Shopping Centers as the best of its kind in Europe and the world! It’s worth a visit, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. The Old Brewery impresses with its architecture and the numerous works of contemporary art inside. The most impressive are Igor Mitoraj’s “Moonlight” and the giant “Beer Mug”, which has even made it into the Guinness Book of Records! If you would like to find out more about the sculptures and the Old Brewery itself, you can hire an audio guide on site – or make use of a local guide. We will be happy to let you in on some of the Old Brewery’s secrets. Did you know, for example, that the mayor of Poznan was put on trial in connection with the brewery? You will find out how the case ended during the tour. Get in touch with us, we look forward to seeing you!
5. Visit the Enigma Cipher Center
The Enigma was an encryption machine used by Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The Enigma code was thought to be impossible to crack – but three Polish scientists succeeded! The achievement of Marian Rejewski, Henryk Zygalski and Jerzy Różycki was Poland’s greatest contribution to the victory over the Third Reich – but unfortunately few people know about it today. The Cipher Center tells the story of Enigma and the three cryptologists in a very interesting way. The exhibition is interactive, and the tour (accompanied by an audio guide) is an intellectual challenge. During the tour, you will take part in a course in cryptology and learn how people have kept information secret since ancient times. You will get to know the most interesting ciphers and learn how to crack them. In short, you will be able to feel like a cryptologist yourself!
It’s worth booking an entrance ticket online. And after visiting the exhibition, we recommend you to get to know its surroundings with a local guide who entertains you with funny anecdotes about Poznań and its inhabitants!
6. Head to the Warta River
If you’re looking to unwind after exploring the city, take a stroll along the river! There are plenty of attractions to enjoy, especially during the summer months. You can opt for a boat trip (with one of the harbors conveniently located near the cathedral), relax at one of the city beaches with white sand, explore playgrounds and sun loungers, or rent motorboats and canoes. Regular concerts are held on the beaches, often free of charge. KontenerART, an art and cultural center by the river, hosts summer cinemas, workshops, performances, and other events. Even on quieter days, you can simply relax in a deckchair with a refreshing drink by the banks of the Warta. Alternatively, bring your own barbecue and enjoy a riverside picnic! For the more active, consider a bike ride along the river on the popular “Wartostrada” (Warta – Warta, autostrada – highway) cycle and pedestrian path, which continues to expand each year.
If you’re interested in not only cycling but also learning fascinating facts about Poznań, consider booking a guided bike tour of the city. It’s the perfect way to explore the capital of Wielkopolska in an engaging and informative manner. Feel free to contact us!
7. Discover the only painting by Claude Monet in Poland
The National Museum in Poznań proudly houses “Pourville Beach,” the only masterpiece by the renowned French Impressionist in Poland. This painting gained international attention in 2000 when it was stolen in a daring daylight heist, earning the title of the “theft of the century.” The media coverage spanned the globe, but it took a decade for the painting to be recovered, and only by chance. The thief cut it from its frame, leaving visible traces of the crime despite careful preservation.
Though the painting’s value diminished due to the damage to Monet’s signature, it became a celebrity in its own right, drawing crowds to the painting and sculpture gallery of the National Museum in Poznań.
Yet, Monet’s work is not the sole treasure within the gallery. Visitors can also admire works by Polish and European masters such as Jacek Malczewski, Stanisław Wyspiański, Józef Chełmoński, Witkacy, and many others.
If you’re not typically interested in art or museums, we would be happy to convince you that art is truly fascinating. During a tour we’ll share the captivating story behind the theft of “Pourville Beach” and many others.