I LOVED Poznan’s Old Market Square. It’s one of the prettiest market squares I’ve seen anywhere in Europe.
It dates back to 1253 but has morphed through the ages. 60% of it was destroyed during WWII after which many of the buildings were restored to their original states, which had dramatically changed over the centuries.
Why Visit Poznan Old Market Square
It comes as no surprise the Old Market Square is ranked as Poznan’s #1 tourist attraction on Trip Advisor UK at the time of writing, but what is surprising is that I would agree. My preference is usually for the less touristy things, but I make an exception for Poznan’s Old Market Square.
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The Poznan Old Market Square is filled with colourful old houses and some of the most charming side streets. There are numerous museums, pubs and cafe’s, ensuring that there is always a bustle of activity until late in the night. Especially between spring and autumn. With all its activity, this is the place to be.
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During the warmer month’s there are usually an array of events, concerts, and performances that keep the streets full and the square a great place to hang out.
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The Town Hall
The town hall in Poznan Old Market Square is a beautiful centerpiece. This unique building is a beautiful display of architecture. The old clock puts on a show each day at 12 when two metal billy goats pop out and butt heads 12 times before retreating back in. Make sure to take a few minutes to appreciate this sight. The goats are unique and quirky.
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Despite the obvious beauty of the square, there are also some less obvious things that you may not notice at first glance:
The Different Kind in Poznan Old Market Square
There is one really ugly building in the middle of the square. Next to all the other buildings, it’s a real eyesore:
Although unattractive it might be, it does represent an important part of Poznan and Poland’s history under Communist rule. According to the locals I spoke to, nobody really knows what to do with it and there are debates as to whether it should remain, but for the time being at least, it does. For further information on the Old Market Square visit Poznan Tourism which provides a timeline of the square from 1253 through to the present day.
Where to Stay in Poznan:
I stayed at the newly opened PURO Hotel, located just a few minute’s walk from Poznan’s Old Market Square. The location was incredibly convenient and I LOVED the welcoming lobby, which felt like a really chic living room:
Getting from Poznan airport to Poznan:
The airport is located just 7km west from the city center making it very accessible. You can take a taxi, as I did which costs ~30 Złoty (~€7), or one of the four bus lines that run between Poznan airport and the city center. The most convenient of these is Line L, an express bus that runs between the airport and the main train station. The price for the regular buses and the express bus is the same – 4.60 Złoty (~€1.60). Note: Prices may vary according to exchange rates.
Polish Currency:
It’s worth noting that although Poland is part of the European Union, it does not use Euros, but Polish Złoty. It’s worth exchanging some of your money from Euros into Złoty at the airport so that you can pay for your bus or taxi ride. At the time of writing the exchange rate was 1 EUR = 4.18 Złoty.
Tours in Poznan:
Take a private walking tour through the Poznan Old Market Square and discover the history and mystery of this majestic place.
Try out a food tour in Poznan to try out the best of local cuisine. The tour will let you discover the history and culture of Poznan and will leave you wanting more local treats.
So now that you’ve had a virtual journey to Poznan’s Old Market Square, do you agree, is it one of the prettiest market squares in Europe?
Note: My trip to Poznan was made possible via the City of Poznan always all opinions expressed are my own. They did not make me fall in love with the square – I did that all on my own.
You should visit the lookout tower on Szachty, outside the center of Poznań. From here there is a view of the entire southern part of the city 🙂
I Visited Poznan in Sept 2016, u have well captured it. Its a beautiful place….i would visit it again and again.
@Alex – So glad you enjoyed your visit, and agree, it’s a place that you could keep returning to.
There are plenty of these wonderfull marketsquares I have seen in Poland, Czech Republic and eastern germany. One of the most impressive must be Wroclaw, with four sides of these historic coloured buildings and a whole block of buildings in the middle with another 4 outward sides. One of the long sides complete from start to end can be seen here: https://panoramastreetline.com/rynek-northside-wroclaw-poland-P339
Thanks for your images from Poznan! Jörg
These buildings are incredibly nice, how lovely! I really need to go to Poznan, especially now that I’m in Berlin for few more weeks, it’s not far from here at all 🙂
Very colorful and unique building structures. Must say it looks like a great place to visit.
Nice photographs. 😉
@Patrick – Thank you!