The lesser-known European city with £34 return flights, potato beers and an unusual croissant museum12
POLAND’S fifth largest city is bursting with history and a burgeoning foodie scene that won’t hurt your pocket.
Dive into the fascinating world of code-breaking, drink a beer made from potatoes and eat a croissant that’s protected by EU law.
The city of some half a million people lies halfway between Warsaw and Berlin, straddling the Warta river, and it’s surrounded on all sides by lush green farmland.
Here are some top tips for Poznan.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
Poznan is a great place to explore Poland’s fascinating history and, as a lesser-known tourist destination, it’s free from the throngs of holidaymakers that clog the streets and museums of other popular European hotspots.
The city has just been added to the Michelin Guide, alongside Warsaw and Krakow.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
IT’S a compact and easily walkable city.
The Old Town and central city can be strolled from end to end in thirty minutes.
But if you need to rest your feet, there are trams and buses.
Alternatively, you can hire an e-scooter to zip about the city.
Or why not take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage?
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?
For fans of history, a trip to the Enigma Cipher Centre is a must.
Here, in the former headquarters of Polish military intelligence, you can uncover how brainiacs throughout the ages have sought to conceal and reveal hidden messages.
Plus, learn about the little-known story of three Polish mathematicians who broke the German Enigma code a decade before the Brit boffins at Bletchley Park
Just across the road from the Cipher Museum is Europe’s youngest castle — a gigantic red brick fortress built in 1910 by German Emperor Wilhelm the Second.
During World War Two it was taken over by the Nazis and the interior was redecorated with the wood panelling favoured by the fascist regime.
The castle has the only preserved office inhabited by Hitler in Europe.
Head to the City Hall at midday for a ringside seat to a fight that first kicked off in 1551.
As the clock tower rings out for noon, two mechanical goats slide out to butt heads.
The spectacle has been running for 471 years and always draws a crowd, so get there 15 minutes early to nab a good spot.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
For cheap eats, try Pyra Bar, a cute, low-key restaurant with a small garden serving traditional potato-based delights.
And sample one of Poznan’s speciality dishes: pyry z gzikiem.
This hearty dish is made from boiled or baked potatoes, lathered in cottage cheese and sour cream, topped with spices and finely chopped onions and radishes.
A main and a large beer comes in at less than £10.
If you fancy splashing out, make a beeline for Muga.
This stylish restaurant and wine shop has just been awarded Poznan’s first and only Michelin star.
A multi-course, two to three hour tasting menu with wine pairing comes in at between £90 and £120 per person.
Poznan has ten more restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide.
Head to their website and search Poznan to check out the other entries.
No trip to Poznan is complete without trying the region’s famous St Martin croissant.
The exact recipe and traditional method of making Poznan’s signature sweet treat is of such cultural significance that it’s protected by EU law.
So if you want to make your own, you’d be wise to do it at the Poznan Croissant Museum, which is less of a museum and more of an interactive cooking class.
I FANCY A DRINK…
Head to Dom Piwa (House of Beer), a trendy pub on a quiet, cobbled side street serving craft beers by the tap and bottle.
Try the Penerskie, a local beer brewed from potatoes — it’s much better than you would think!
Piwna Stopa, a microbrewery on the outskirts of the Old Town, has more than 200 bottled beers available, and 16 on draught, as well as a beer garden to enjoy them in.
For an upmarket tipple, visit Młynska 12 in the heart of Poznan for cocktails in a sky bar over- looking the city.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
The Park Inn by Radisson is a comfortable and convenient option.
This four-star hotel is in the centre of the city and has a restaurant, bar and small gym to work off those cheap potato beers.
The small, centrally-located City Solei Boutique hotel has 22 rooms each inspired by a different city.
And the City Kitchen restaurant in the hotel serves a breakfast menu which changes with the seasons.
GO: Poznan
GETTING THERE: Return flights from Luton Airport with Wizz Air start from £34.
See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: The Park Inn by Radisson has rooms starting at £54.53 per night.
See radissonhotels.com.
For more info, see poznan.travel.