Poznan is a rejuvenated, thriving city in western Poland, claimed by some to be the birthplace of the country. It has some stunning architecture and beautiful squares, making it an excellent place in which to wander. Poznan is also a city of wonderful museums and buzzing nightlife.
Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, is home to a population of monks and priests and you can visit the city cathedral and a number of other churches and museums.
Rynek is one of the most beautiful medieval town squares in Europe, and its many bars and cafes make it a great place to hang out.
Poznan has the last surviving steam passenger train service in Europe. Rail enthusiasts can even book a seat beside the driver for around zł19.00.
Poland brews some of Europe's finest beer and you can see how it is made and sample the best on a tour of the Lech Browary Wielkopolski.
Walk the Poznan Royal Imperial Route on a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating ancient city.
With a cool continental climate, Poznan can get very cold in winter, so perhaps summer, spring, and fall are better options.
Poznan is served by Poznan-Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport (POZ). It links to many European destinations and is only 5 miles from the city center. The number 59 bus will take you into the city for zł4.60. A taxi costs around zł40.
Poznan is on the main railway route from Moscow to Western Europe. The 3-hour trip from Berlin will cost around zł86.
The city has excellent connections from the west into Germany via the E30 and E65. The E30 continues east to Warsaw and road conditions are generally good.
Eurolines operates many international services to Poznan. A single fare from Amsterdam costs around zł380.
Jeżyce Poznań is a good budget hostel close to the center. If you want to splash out, book a stay at the luxury IBB Andersia Hotel, just a stone's throw from the center and with a great spa.
Stary - this is Poznan's medieval heart and is home to the main square at Rynek, many of the city's historical sights, and a great selection of bars and restaurants.
The Castle Quarter - this area dates from the 19th century and is home to the Emperor's Castle. It is a quieter district with a number of old city fortifications and monuments.
Srodka - this is an old merchants' district close to Cathedral Island. It's home to many picturesque churches and is close to the recreational area of Lake Malta.
Poznan has a good public transport network, consisting of trams and buses. Tickets are timed and start at zł3 for a 10-minute ride or zł4.60 for a 40-minute journey.
Taxis are reliable and relatively cheap. The starting fare is zł5 and then zł3 per mile.
Much of Poznan city center is pedestrianized but if you do decide to drive, car rental is available from zł450 per day.
Stary Rynek has lots of souvenirs and handicrafts stalls. Galeria Malta is the largest mall in Poznan and the Old Brewery Mall of Stary Browar sells everything from food to fashion.
A quart of milk in Poznan will cost around zł0.56 and a dozen eggs is priced at zł1.10.
For a budget meal, try out one of the local 'milk bars,' where a main course of basic stew will cost around zł13. Bażanciarnia in Stary Rynek is a local favorite, specializing in game. Main courses run from just zł22 to zł70.