Travel Guide 02 02 04 04 Quick view Travel etiquette Health 05 05 08 08 Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants 09 10 12 Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels PjrTravel / Alamy 01/13
02 Quick view a brief overview Briefly capital of, Poznań played a key role in the creation of this now thriving state during the 10th and 11th centuries. As such, this is a city full of fascinating history, from its stunning cathedrals to its bustling market square. Take a stroll through the vibrant, pretty Old Town and be sure to indulge yourself in the evening, when the city s wide array of bars and restaurants start to buzz. Poznań s status as a growing business centre lends it an air of industry and purpose, making it one of Eastern Europe s go-to destinations. General Information Country overview One of Europe's most underrated countries, offers a huge amount for travellers of all stripes, from the wild scenery of its mountainous south, with its great skiing and hiking, to the stunning Old Towns of Cracow, Zamość and Gdańsk, and the wilderness of the Białowieża National Park and the Great Masurian Lakes in the country's north. 's scenic beauty is as varied as it is extraordinary. The Baltic coast has some excellent sandy beaches, as well as the Słowiński National Park with its ethereal forests, bogs and sand dunes. The Cracow-Wielun Upland with its limestone areas, caves and medieval castles is another highlight, while perhaps most beautiful area of all is around the Carpathian Mountains in the far south. Geography shares borders to the east and northeast with Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, to the south with the Czech Republic and Slovakia and to the west with Germany. To the north lies the Baltic Sea. The Baltic coast provides almost 525km (325 miles) of sandy beaches, bays and steep cliffs; between Gdańsk, and the port city of Szczecin to the west there are many seaside towns offering unpolluted water and some fine beaches, with sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire. These sand and gravel deposits also form the shifting dunes of Słowiński National Park, the sand bars of Hel and the Vistula Lagoon. Northern is dominated by lakes, islands and wooded hills joined by many rivers and canals. The Masurian Lake District to the northeast is a patchwork of lakes and forests with Lake Hańcza, the deepest lake in, located here. The longest river, the 1,090km (675 mile) Vistula, or Wisła, rises in the Tatra mountains and empties into the Baltic, cutting a wide valley between the capital, Warsaw in the heart of the country, to Gdańsk on the coast. The rest of the country rises slowly to the Sudety mountains, which run along the border with the Czech Republic, and the Tatra mountains, which separate from Slovakia. To the west, the River Oder, with Szczecin at its mouth, forms the northwest border with Germany. counts almost two dozen national parks, covering an area of 3,200 sq km (1,235 sq miles), and including the oldest, Białowieża National Park, east of 02/13
03 Warsaw on the border with Belarus, and one of the largest, Bieszczady National Park, part of the Carpathian mountain range. These parks are home to European bison (the largest mammal in Europe), brown bears, lynx, wolves and even some wild horses. And Białowieża contains a fragment of the forest that once covered Europe prehistoric times, with some oaks dating back half a millennium. Polish forests are largely pine though, accounting for two-thirds of the total. General knowledge Key facts Population: 38383809 Population Density (per sq km): 123 Capital: Warsaw. Language Polish is the official language. There are a few small German-speaking communities primarily in the southwest. English and, increasingly less so, Russian are also spoken. French is also popular. Currency Złoty (PLN; symbol zł) = 100 groszy. Notes are in denominations of zł200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. The coins are in denominations of zł5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy. is required under the terms of its accession to the European Union in 2004 to adopt the Euro as its national currency sometime in the future but this is not expected to happen for at least three years. Electricity 230 volts AC, 50Hz; continental plugs with two round pins. General business opening hours Most offices in major industries open Mon-Fri 0830-1700. Government offices are open Mon-Fri 0830-1630. A few independent businesses may open on Saturday morning. Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2017 - December 2018 period. 2017 Nowy Rok (New Year's Day): 1 January 2017 Pierwszy dzień Wielkanocy (Easter Sunday): 16 April 2017 Drugi dzień Wielkanocy (Easter Monday): 17 April 2017 Międzynarodowe Święto Pracy (Labour Day): 1 May 2017 Święto Narodowe Trzeciego Maja (Republic Day): 3 May 2017 Pierwszy dzień Zielonych Świątek (Whitsun): 4 June 2017 Dzień Bożego Ciała (Corpus Christi): 15 June 2017 Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny (Assumption): 15 August 2017 Wszystkich Świętych (All Saints' Day): 1 November 2017 Narodowe Święto Niepodległości (Independence Day): 11 November 2017 Pierwszy dzień Bożego Narodzenia (Christmas Day): 25 December 2017 Drugi dzień Bożego Narodzenia (Second Day of Christmas): 26 December 2017 2018 Nowy Rok (New Year's Day): 1 January 2018 Pierwszy dzień Wielkanocy (Easter Sunday): 1 April 2018 03/13
04 Drugi dzień Wielkanocy (Easter Monday): 2 April 2018 Międzynarodowe Święto Pracy (Labour Day): 1 May 2018 Święto Narodowe Trzeciego Maja (Republic Day): 3 May 2018 Pierwszy dzień Zielonych Świątek (Whitsun): 20 May 2018 Dzień Bożego Ciała (Corpus Christi): 31 May 2018 Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny (Assumption): 15 August 2018 Wszystkich Świętych (All Saints' Day): 1 November 2018 Narodowe Święto Niepodległości (Independence Day): 11 November 2018 Pierwszy dzień Bożego Narodzenia (Christmas Day): 25 December 2018 Drugi dzień Bożego Narodzenia (Second Day of Christmas): 26 December 2018 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions Poles are friendly, industrious people and foreigners are usually made very welcome. There are vast contrasts between urban and rural life and the Polish peasantry is very religious and conservative, maintaining a traditional lifestyle. Roman Catholicism plays an important role in daily life and criticism or jokes about religion are not appreciated, despite the general good humour of the people. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting; an older man will often kiss a woman's hand. Normal courtesies are observed when visiting private homes, and it is customary to bring flowers, preferably in odd numbers. Fairly conservative casual wear is the most suitable attire, but dress should be formal when specified for entertaining in the evening or in a smart restaurant. Smoking is banned in public places, including railway stations, restaurants and bars. Photography Military installations including border points should not be photographed. Health Health Main emergency number: 112 Food & Drink Mains water is normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Do not drink water from rivers or lakes even if they look pristinely clean as it may contain bacteria or viruses that can bring on diarrhoea and vomiting. Make use of the public wells for better tasting water; bottled water is available everywhere. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Two words of caution - a lot of dishes in Polish cuisine are stuffed or wrapped. Avoid them at a cafeteria or buffet if they look like they have outlasted their shelf life. Also, Poles can be big drinkers and vodka is the national drink. You definitely won't be able to keep up with your fellow drinkers for long. Go easy and either miss a few turns or sip your drink in stages. Otherwise count on the mother of all hangovers and an upset stomach the next day. 04/13
05 Other Risks Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Another one is against tick-borne encephalitis. This is spread by small insects that burrow under the skin and in recent years has become a common problem in parts of central and eastern Europe. Encephalitis is a serious infection of the brain, and vaccination is advised particularly for campers and hikers. Anyone who is considering spending a lot of time outdoors in affected areas should consider getting the jab before they leave home. Two inoculations of the vaccine will protect the recipient for a year while three doses provide protection for up to three years. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone Country code: +48 Mobile telephony and Internet Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-eu state do not benefit from the new arrangement. Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Ostrów Tumski The oldest part of Poznań, this cathedral island is the place to go to explore the city s cultural heritage. It s home to stunning churches and ecclesiastical buildings, as well as beautiful views along the Warta river. s early rulers had a palace here in the 10th century and history is never far away in this pretty spot. Ostrów Tumski Poznań Archcathedral of St Peter and St Paul Known also as Poznań Cathedral, this stunning basilica dominates Ostrów Tumski. One of s oldest churches, with a history going back to the 900s, it has been rebuilt extensively, most recently in the wake of a huge fire when the city was liberated from the Nazis in 1945. s early rulers are buried here. Ostrów Tumski 17 61-120 Poznań Tel: +48 61 852 9642 Daily 0900-1700 (except during mass) www.katedra.archpoznan.pl 05/13
06 Heritage Centre of Cathedral Island This excellent modern museum, on the eastern banks of the Warta opposite Ostrów Tumski, details the history of the island using a superb array of interactive displays and artefacts. As well as a great way to learn about the island, it also has stunning views over to the cathedral and churches. Ulica Gdańska 2 61-123 Poznań Tel: +48 61 647 7634 Tue-Fri 0900-1800 Sat-Sun 1000-1800 bramapoznania.pl Poznań Town Hall This exquisite building is the main draw on Poznań s stunning Stary Rynek, or town square. A 16th-century masterpiece with a few later additions (including its soaring tower), it s truly stunning. Visit at midday to see the clocks chime and two model goats appear and butt heads to mark the passing of morning to afternoon. Stary Rynek 1 60-772 Poznań Tel: +48 61 856 8193 Tue-Thu 1100-1700 (mid-jun to mid- Sep) Tue-Thu 0900-1500 (mid-sep to mid- Jun) Fri 1200-2100 Sat-Sun 1100-1800 www.poznan.pl Zoological Gardens (The Old Zoo) The old zoo still houses animals, although larger creatures have thankfully been shifted to the city s larger new zoo. This is more of a chance to see the pretty 19thcentury buildings and take a look at some of the smaller fauna, such as birds and otters. Ulica Zwierzyniecka 19 60-814 Poznań Tel: +48 61 848 0847 Daily 0900-1900 (Apr-Sep) Daily 0900-1700 (Oct and Mar) Daily 0900-1600 (Nov-Feb) www.zoo.poznan.pl Historical Museum of Poznań Inside the Town Hall, this excellent museum is housed in the gothic cellar (once a prison) and the building s ground floor. You can find artefacts dating back to Poznań s earliest days in the 10th century, plus some fascinating exhibits from its recent industrial development. Stary Rynek 1 60-772 Poznań Tel: +48 61 856 8193 Tue-Thu 1100-1700 (mid-jun to mid- Sep) Tue-Thu 0900-1500 (mid-sep to mid- Jun) Fri 1200-2100 06/13
07 Sat-Sun 1100-1800 www.mnp.art.pl National Museum Opened in 1857, this is one of s largest museums. It has a wide-ranging collection of Polish and European art, with a major focus on the nation s big hitters over the 19th and 20th centuries. Works by Wyspianski and Makowski are not to be missed. Aleje Marcinkowskiego 9 61-745 Poznań Tel: +48 61 856 8000 Tue-Thu 1100-1700 (mid-jun to mid- Sep) Tue-Thu 0900-1500 (mid-sep to mid- Jun) Fri 1200-2100 Sat-Sun 1100-1800 www.mnp.art.pl Church of St John of Jerusalem This is one of s oldest churches and as such offers a true insight into the Gothic style used to build places of worship. As well as its crooked, brick exterior, the pretty interior is well worth exploring. Ulica Świętojańska 1 61-113 Poznań Tel: +48 61 877 1717 Various www.archpoznan.pl Archaeological Museum Being the birthplace of, Poznań isn t short of archaeological heritage. You can find classic stone-age artefacts and pieces from throughout the area s history. There are also international collections, with some excellent Egyptian works. Ulica Wodna 27 61-781 Poznań Tel: +48 61 852 8251 Tue-Thu 1000-1600 Fri 1200-1900 Sat 1100-1900 Sun 1200-1700 www.muzarp.poznan.pl Monument to the Victims of June 1956 Commemorating the failed uprising of Poznań workers against Soviet rule, this thought-provoking monument is one of Poznań s most important sights. Close to the National Museum, it s a must-see for all visitors. Plac Mickiewicza Poznań 07/13
08 Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas Poznań is a paradise for luxury lovers, with excellent city-centre malls selling the very best designer clobber. The inner city is full of these stores, as is the out-oftown Galeria Malta. Markets Just off Stary Rynek, the main town square, is Wielkopolski Square, which hosts a vibrant produce market. Further out of the centre, Jezycki Market is a larger, more local affair. These are great for getting an insight into Poznań life. Shopping Centres Poznań s Galeria Malta (Ulica Maltańska 1) is a monster of an out-of-town mall that caters for your every shopping need; all the big global brands are here. Stary Browar (Ulica Półwiejska 32), in the city centre, is a renovated brewery which now plays home to luxury stores and excellent restaurants. Restaurants Restaurants in Poznań s standing as a place for business means that its food scene is getting ever better.there are some truly excellent places to eat here, with updated Polish favourites and international flavours to cater for those passing through for work. A Noz Widelec Impressive, modern takes on Polish classics, with a focus on the freshest ingredients. Ulica Czechosłowacka 133 60-001 Poznań Price: Expensive Vine Bridge With views over to cathedral island, Vine Bridge serves what it calls new Polish cuisine, including superb goulash. Ulica Ostrówek 6 61-122 Poznań Price: Moderate Cucina 88 Serving Mediterannean dishes, Cucina 88 has a swanky dining room and great wine list. Ulica Wyspiańskiego 26A 60-748 Poznań Price: Moderate Brovaria 08/13
09 A traditional spot with a wide selection of beers to complement the hearty food. Stary Rynek 73-74 Poznań Polen Price: Cheap Kwadrat Vegan Bistro and Cafe Dishing up beautiful healthy salads, tasty desserts and amazing value, Kwadrat is one of Poznań s real gems. Woźna 18 61-779 Poznań Polen Price: Cheap Nightlife Nightlife in Poznań has a fantastic bar scene that centres around Stary Rynek, the main town square.the university here means that a young, hip crowd have given the place a real cutting edge, with plenty of places to quaff beers and dance the night away. Slodownia Browar Pub Get your dancing shoes on and head to Browar for a night of boogieing and a few drinks. Ulica Półwiejska 42 61-888 Poznań Voyager Wine Club Duck in here to sample local tipples as well as classic bottles from across Europe and the New World. Aleja Marcinkowskiego 16/5 61-827 Poznań Basilium Poznań s best brewpub has a dazzling selection of beers in a cosy, welcoming setting. Woźna 21 61-776 Poznań Cuba Libre This Cuban-themed bar has a cool, laid-back vibe and the perfect tunes for a relaxed night out. 09/13
10 Ulica Wrocławska 21 61-838 Poznań Blue Note Jazz Club This excellent jazz venue is split over multiple levels and hosts local and global acts. Ulica Kościuszki 79 61-891 Poznań Calendar of events Calendar of events KontenerART Shipping containers are transformed into cool art and performance spaces during this summer-long festival on the banks of the River Warta. Exhibitions, installations, concerts, film screenings and workshops take place here, complete with sand and deckchair-covered rooftop bars to create a beach-like atmosphere. April - August 2018 Venue: Warta riverside Made in Chicago Poznań has partnered with the Jazz Institute of Chicago to create this terrific threeday jazz fest. Musicians travel from Chicago to perform Illinois unique style of jazz and the result is a wonderful, and at times surprising, blend of traditional and modern music. May 2018 Venue: Various Venues Poznań Triathlon After a successful inaugural event in 2014, Poznań s triathlon became a regular fixture on the city s sporting calendar. Over 2,500 amateurs and pros battle it out on a challenging course, with live music, kids activities and fireworks at the finishing line. Start Date 29 June - 1 July 2018 superleaguepoznan.com/ Venue: In and around Maltańskie Lake Poznań Baroque Festival Big names such as Bach, Vivaldi and Monteverdi draw the crowds to this early music festival, but lesser-known baroque composers feature on the programme too. As well as a superb series of concerts, there are lectures introducing the baroque era and special talks (with tunes) for kids. 10/13
11 June - September 2018 www.poznanbaroque.com/ Venue: Various Venues Transatlantyk Festival B movies, Oscar winners, Sundance films and kids flicks are among the hundreds of screenings shown during this annual summer festival. Running in tandem with the cinematic celebration is a cracking programme of concerts. Throughout the event, audiences are encouraged to explore and consider social issues. July 2018 www.transatlantyk.org Venue: Various venues Summer with Poznań International Fair A huge beach opens up at the city s major exhibition centre for around six weeks each summer. There s a large sandy area for games of volleyball, beach soccer or pétanque, a sandpit and fountain for kids, plus deckchairs for the grown-ups. Head here on Fridays for discos until midnight. July - August 2018 www.mtp.pl Venue: Poznań International Fair Poznań Fortress Days For two days in early August, visitors can discover the extensive (and partly ruined) 19th-century forts of Poznań Fortress. There are underground barracks, military and arms museums, an air-raid shelter built for the Germans in 1944, and an archaeological reserve with remains of fortifications from the 10th and 16th centuries. August 2018 www.dnitwierdzypoznan.pl Venue: Poznań Fortress Good Taste Festival Foodies can munch their way around the world at this four-day culinary fiesta. Stalls line the street dishing up Polish pierogies, smoked fish and local cheese as well as Belgian beers, French olives, Hungarian sausages and other international delicacies. Cooking demos, workshops and live music keep diners entertained. August 2018 www.ofds.pl Venue: Stary Rynek Dancing Poznań Dance troupes from and abroad present a captivating series of performances in this weeklong festival. If you fancy yourself as a salsa sensation, 11/13
12 Broadway phenomenon or hip-hop star, there s sure to be a workshop for you at the dance academy running in the same week. August 2018 www.ptt-poznan.pl/ Venue: Various venues Poznań Bethlehem (Christmas Market) A nativity scene, carol singing and stalls crammed with sausages, pastries and local crafts attract shoppers to Poznań s Christmas market each Advent season. In mid-december, artists from across the globe produce spectacular frozen creations in the city s International Ice Sculpture Festival. December 2018 Venue: Stary Rynek Hotels Hotels in Poznań has become something of a mecca for conferences and business events in recent years, meaning the hotel scene has boomed.rooms tend to be moderately priced and there are plenty of places to choose from. Budget travellers can find lots of options, but luxury is limited. Sheraton One of a few 5-star spots in the city, this international chain s outpost has superb rooms in a great location. Ulica Bukowska 3-9 60-809 Poznań Category: Expensive Platinum Palace A sharp, design-led hotel, with rates that leave you with plenty for sightseeing. Ulica Czechosłowacka 133 60-001 Poznań Category: Moderate Comm Hotel A hip place with trendy decorative flourishes; the impressive breakfast is worth the rate alone. Ulica Bukowska 348-350 60-189 Poznań Category: Moderate M9 Apartments Slick and modern self-catering places right in the heart of the action. 12/13
13 Ulica Adama Mickiewicza 9 60-833 Poznań Category: Cheap 13/13