Poznań Backpacking Travel Guide

Hostels

Tey Hostel

The location of the hostel is great. Not only because of its location in the center near the Old Market, but also because of the historic Świętosławska street where the hostel is located, one of the most beautiful streets in Poznan. The hostel is also very close to bars and to the city center and the staff are friendly and helpful and are happy to give you directions around the city.

Poco Loco Hostel

Great little hostel. Clean, comfy and has everything you need. Atmosphere a bit lacking mostly because there is no bar and no emphasis on guests getting to know each other. The staff were pleasant enough and happy to help if you ask. Great place if you want to chill and explore Poznan alone. About 10 minute walk to town square.

Sights and Highlights

Free Walking Tour

Joining a free walking tour is always a great first activity in a new city. Freewalkingtour.com run a tour of the Old Town of Poznań. The tour is run every day of the week at 11:45am in summer but only on weekends in winter. They also run a Freedom Tour on weekends, but only during summer. The meeting point for the tours is in front of the old Poznan town hall.

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)

There are a plethora of beautiful churches to check out in Poznan. The gem of the Old Town is the Fara Church (St. Stanislaus’ Church) however the Cathedral Basilica of St Peter and Paul is the beating heart of Poznan. This site is connected not only with the founding of the city of Poznań, but with the very birth of the Polish nation. The island has a couple of interesting museums. A decent guide to visiting the area can be found at inyourpocket.com/poznan/Ostrow-Tumski.

To Eat

Polish Milk Bars

Polish milk bars (Bar mleczny in polish) are cafeterias that offer cheap meals. They are historically very popular with students as they offer very affordable yet fulfilling meals. You have the following options in Poznan; Apetyt, Pod Arkadami, Przysmak and Bar Caritas. All are located centrally. I wouldn't worry about being too selective, the service and quality of food is going to be similar at all of them. Just find the closest one to wherever your accommodation is.

For Drinking

Basilium

With more than 150 different brands of Polish beer, Basilium is an amazing bar located in one of the small streets that leading out of the town centre. There is a phenomenal variety of beers availalbe here with traditional polish styles, some trendy fruity IPA's and, also, some really unique flavours like garlic and pepper beer.

Brovaria

The beer in Brovaria comes from the only restaurant-brewery in Poznań, and it is made in three unpasteurised variants: wheat, honey and pils. The best place to sit is in the spacious beer hall. There, with an atmosphere resembling the best Oktoberfest, you will find bright lights, plenty of space and copper gleam of the beer vats. If you would like to enjoy your cold one in more relaxed space, you are welcome to explore the brick cellars, with their dimmed lights and quieter music, allowing you the perfect getaway from the daily bustle. In the summer, Brovaria also offers a spacious beer garden.

Pivna Stopa Craft Beer Pub

My favourite place in Poznan. If you like beer than this is the bar for you. They have very knowledgeable staff to guide you through their beer menu. Choose from a dozen beers on tap plus and the well stocked bottle fridge containing approx 200 bottled beer varieties. Best craft beer pub in Poznan by far. Try some of their hotdogs as well!