The Top Things to Do and See in Poznań, Poland

Architecture of Poznan, Poland old town | Alexandra / Unsplash

Old Town of Poznan, Poland | Alexandra / Unsplash

Despite its name, Cathedral Island is not actually an island; it was the starting point of Poznań as a city. Poznań Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Poland, dates back to the 10th century and is the area’s centrepiece. Around it, you’ll find galleries, cafes and museums. Think of it as the hipster part of town. Tip: Rent a Lime scooter from the city centre and glide your way across the Bolesław Chrobry Bridge towards the cathedral.

One of the largest zoological parks in Europe, Poznań’s New Zoo provides a ginormous abode for its exotic residents. Its forest-like habitat is perfect for many of its larger animals, like elephants and giraffes, who roam more freely than those in standard-sized zoos. For little legs, a land train is on hand to zoom you around exhibits including the hall of nocturnal animals – home to sloths, armadillos, lorises and more.

The Holy and Noble Quran in different sizes | Ashkan Forouzani / unsplash

Kupala Night is a Slavic summer solstice event that takes place from the 23rd to the 24th of June each year, with celebrations including many Pagan rituals and traditions. On the night preceding the holiday, younger citizens are encouraged to partake in good-humoured mischief, with children partaking in pranks and water fights on Kupala Day itself. In previous Poznań Kupala celebrations, up to 11,000 lanterns have illuminated the night sky.

Croissants stacked up | Kavita Joshi Rai / Unsplash

Lake Malta, Poznań, Poland | Andrzej Szymański / Unsplash

Music instruments playing together | Jens Thekkeveettil / Unsplash

Now a cultural hub with a museum, cinema and theatre, Poznań’s Imperial Castle has a lot of tales to tell. It was built in 1910 for German emperor William II, before being taken back by Poland in 1918 and lost once again in 1939 during Nazi Germany’s invasion, when it became Adolf Hitler’s residence. The city’s university took control of it after the war, and since 1962 it has been a thriving cultural centre. Entry is free, with bookable guided tours available.