Old town in Poznan, Poland | Photo by Maciej Błędowski ()
If you’ve been searching for the perfect city to visit that won’t break the bank, look no further. Poznan, Poland is full of colorful buildings, 16th-century houses and incredibly inexpensive food. The towering churches, stunning palace and modern zoo are sure to hold your attention. Take the whole family and explore everything this beautiful city has to offer, all while staying on a budget.
Start your adventure in Old Market Square. The plaza itself was planned in 1253 and features a row of colorful merchant’s houses. You’ll find purple, green and blue buildings, all melded together to create picturesque surroundings. The town hall is a stunning Renaissance building. Inside you’ll find a museum, featuring a Grand Vestibule with a coffered ceiling. Entry into the museum is less than two euros.
On the corner of Market Square is the Church of St. Stanislaus, featuring a lovely Baroque facade. This structure was a former Jesuit college and features 18th-century frescoes and 13 altars. Work on the church started in 1649, but it wasn’t finished for over 50 years. Entry is a contribution to the Poznan Fara, but guided tours start at less than one euro. Other beautiful religious structures can be found on Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island). The Poznan cathedral sits here and is Poland’s oldest Gothic designed cathedral featuring medieval plans. Admission with crypt access is less than one euro.
For a look at Europe’s youngest castle, head to the Imperial Castle. This Neo-Romanesque palace was built from 1905 - 1910 and has a colorful history. The castle once held Nazi soldiers and reflected the style of the Third Reich. Inside features a Byzantine-style throne room with statues of Holy Roman Emperors gracing the space. Admission free without tour.
Children will love the New Zoo. Spread out over almost 300 acres, here you will find owls, golden eagles, elephants, giraffes and more. There is a mini railway running around the perimeter, so you can hop on and off as you like. Admission is 5.33 euros on weekdays and 6.95 on weekends.
If you think the attractions in Poznan are inexpensive, wait until you see the food prices! For breakfast head to Bo Poznan. This fusion restaurant slings traditional family recipes with a twist. The menu is constantly changing, but expect to eat for under 5 euros.
For lunch or dinner, consider Schaboszczak od Dziadka. You can get a plate-sized pork chop with potatoes and cabbage salad for under 4 euros. If you want a sweet treat, Lodziarnia Kolorowa ice cream shop is perhaps the best in the city. Expect to wait in line, but it’s worth it. You can get two scoops for under 2 euros.
Last, but not least, is the Lech Beer Brewery. Established in 1629, this is the oldest brewery in Poland. Schedule a two-hour tour of the brewery itself, which is from the 1980s. Beginning at 10 a.m. tours start every two hours and are 3.94 euros.
From the amazing sights to the delicious food, Poznan is certainly a place that will steal your heart. Spend a few days visiting the sites and eating too much food, all while staying within a reasonable budget. The Polish zloty is equivalent to approximately .23 euros, making your money go even further. Here’s to reasonably priced vacations!
