The main square of any city is usually considered the heart of the city. You are guaranteed to find an array of museums, grand architecture, street performers and a mixture of bars and restaurants. Stary Rynek, the main square of Poznan, is no exception.
As far as first impressions go, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Poznan’s Stary Rynek.
Marvel at the whimsical architecture
The most spectacular aspect of Poznan’s main square is, of course, the strikingly colourful buildings which any photograph reveals.
It’s one of those places that transports you to somewhere magical that has that certain quality to revive childhood wonder.
Stary Rynek is no ordinary city centre. It’s a place that feels like it could only be dreamed up within the pages of a fantasy children’s novel or a Walt Disney film.
No two buildings are completed with the same design or painted in the same colour. It’s easy to whittle away the hours simply by admiring each one from the next.
Whether it’s a mural or elaborate portico over a doorway there is something to enjoy. The Mannerist style façade of the Old Town Hall which is also home to the Historical Museum of Poznan should not be missed, as well as the Merchant houses which are as charming as they are colourful and fanciful.
Others places surrounding the square which should not be missed are the National Museum with an impressive art collection, the Parish Church of Poznan, and the Archaeological Museum is worth a visit too.
It's not touristy
One of the best things about this main square is it doesn’t feel very touristy, which is hard to believe when you see it, but it’s distinctly devoid of people trying to sell things or take you to places. Instead it has a laid-back atmosphere filled with people enjoying themselves, the sound of music, kids having fun, people talking, and revelling in their colourful surrounding.
I guess tourism in Poland is still trying to gain momentum outside of Krakow, Gdansk and Warsaw so this makes Poznan a perfect place to go without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
Also notable is the ‘young’ vibe of the city, not only in the vibrancy of the buildings and modern retail shops, but in the people. This makes sense when you find out that 1 in 4 people living in Poznan are students.
You might be wondering about places to eat in Stary Rynek? Well, as you probably know, as a general rule, most main squares in Europe are also tourist traps. Dining at any of the restaurant in a main square usually comes with a price tag, and most often it’s not even the best food you’ll find in town so it hardly feels worth it.
You only need to look at the cost of afternoon tea in St. Mark’s Square in Venice and it’s enough to make your jaw drop to the floor. But if you have something to eat in Stary Rynek, this is thankfully not the case.
More affordable than you expect
My decision to have dinner in the main square was only due to having little other options after losing track of time and finding my stomach crying out to be fed at 11pm.
Initially, I was annoyed with myself at the thought of parting with money in such a wasteful way, but as I walked up to a restaurant to look at the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the prices. I found many dishes on the menu very affordable. And by affordable, I mean for the average person on a budget.
Poland is one of Europe’s most pocket-friendly countries, and it doesn’t compromise on quality either. The standard of food that you’ll find in a typical restaurant ranges from good to impressive – you also get more than what you pay for which can’t always be said for big cities like London and Paris.
I ordered a delicious seafood soup for about 25zl (£5) and a main course of baked duck with red-wine stewed cabbage and puff dumplings for approximately 40zl (£8).
Places to eat in Stary Rynek
There are many cafes and restaurants in and around Stary Rynek, but these are the ones I recommend:
Lavender: Located on a cool street, not far from the main square. Arrive for breakfast or lunch and you won’t be disappointed.
Address: Ul. Wodna 3/4, Poznan 61-781 Poland. Website: www.lavender-cafelunch.pl
Bistro Szarlotta: A great restaurant with delicious food. Make sure to try the pierogi with mushrooms and truffle. It’s one of the best restaurants in town if you want to experience high-quality Polish food.
Address: Świętosławska 12, 61-840 Poznań. Website: www.szarlotta.pl
Ratuszova Restaurant: Located in one of the beautiful buildings of Stary Rynek, if you’re looking to treat yourself, look not further. The head chef, Adam, is young but already winning awards for his contemporary take on Polish cuisine.
Address: Stary Rynek 55, 61-772 Poznań. Website: www.ratuszova.pl
Where to stay in Poznan
Apartamenty NEPTUN is located in the heart of Stary Rynek and offers a super convenient and comfortable stay.
Want more inspiration? Read my earlier post titled Picturesque postcards from Poznan.
19 Responses
No fair posting about duck on a Saturday night when I have an apple and a casserole to eat, Shing! Your photos are out of sight as always and yes the colors and contrasts are amazing. That one with the little girl mesmerized by the bubble made my day! Sign me up for Poznan! 🙂
Mmmm casseroles are one of my favourite dishes, they’re so tasty and hearty! Awww I know, the little girl was so cute, I love to see childhood expressions of wonder like that.
I love those bright and detailed buildings. I would definitely visit.
I’m a sucker for bright buildings Colleen (maybe that’s why I love Copenhagen and Reykjavik so much too!). Good, good, whack it on your bucketlist!
This town is so cute, I didn’t know about it…
Hi Stefania, I didn’t know about it until I began researching Poland. However, because it’s so striking looking, I would have expected to have stumbled across it in a print or online travel mag!
Looks like a fine place to go for a stroll and grab a bite. Poland’s got to be on the top of my ‘To-Go-In-Euro’ list.
Mike, I’m glad to hear that Poland is on the top of your ‘To-Go-In-Euro list. You’ll find this country fascinating, also, I’ve heard Wrocław is supposed to be a very cultural city (as well as having another colourful main square) so if you make it to Poland before I take another trip back, then take a visit there! Approx. 150km
I live in Poznan since 4 years, I agree that prices are ok, but very often I miss quality on Stary Rynek – infact one of the few restaurants on the square I can truely recommend is “Ratuszowa”. Where did you eat your soup and roasted duck ? Do you remember the name ?
Thank you so much for the restaurant recommendation, it really helps people who are looking for more information. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name which is quite annoying but I did also eat at another restaurant on Paderewskiego Street called Bazar 1838 which I really enjoyed (and should therefore mention it in the body of this post).
If I return to Poznan I will definitely try Ratuszowa. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, and feel free to share more recommendations!
I’d second those low prices – I was there on a stag do in 2009 and remember it was £9 for 7 pints at a bar on that square, not much more than bars in the side streets. Great clock tower too!
£9 for 7 pints – that’s amazing! In London, the most you can get is 2 pints for that price!
It is true that the main square was significantly destroyed during the war and the same fate shared many Polish cities, especially Warsaw that was once compared in its beauty to Paris. The sad thing is that those cities were rebuilt by already communist authorities and without proper research or references (as these were often lacking). Communist ideology could be seen in eg. erasing post-Prussian architecture or erecting buildings in contemprorary style 🙂
I have just found your blog and I really think it is interestingly written and filled with worth reading information 🙂
Firstly, thanks for your in-depth insight Ola, and secondly, although the rebuilding of Warsaw and other cities such as Poznan has to be congratulated, especially the Old Town which is architecturally very rich and striking, I must hold my hand up to knowing little about the authenticity it has to its former appearance or identity.
When people need shelter and communities need to be built then perhaps the question of authenticity and who is in fact building it comes secondary. This makes me wish time travel existed, I would love to walk through Warsaw at the turn of the 20th Century.
Thanks for your comment, I’m going to go and research more about this now….
I can’t wait to hit Poznan…I’m loving the town centers of the Polish cities…so colorful.
This is my favourite square, you’ll love it!
Hi Shing. What a great article and photos. I am in Poznan now and I agree – the Old Town square is magnificent! Safe travels. Jonny
Ahh glad you love the Old Town too Jonny! I bet it must look spectacular with all the Christmas decorations too!!