Poznan for a few days?

Question

Hi All

I'm going to Poznan for work and am considering staying over for a few extra days to get a taste of Poland and hopefully have a few beers / vodkas. Does anyone know:

- If it's worth staying on in Poznan - if yes where are the good places to go and is it easy to get some cheap accommodation?
- If it's not worth staying in Poznan is it cheap and easy to get somewhere else that is nice?
- What are the Polish like with the English, generally pretty friendly?

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi. I study in Poznań so hopefully I can help you. First for the accomodation - I'd advise Hotel Park near Malta - from what I know it's not too expensive and it's located in a recreational area. If you are looking for something closer to the city center I'd recoment Hotel Royal. It's on the main street of Poznań (Św. Marcin), has pretty good standard and additionaly, if history is your thing, it's the place where HQ of Wielkopolska uprising was - the only Polish uprising ever to be won.

If you want to do a bit of sightseeing on weekends there is a possibility to ride around the most interesting part of the city in an old-timer tram. Apart from that of course there are always Old Square and citadel. If you are planning on having some fun there is a number of clubs here - there are two universities and a number of academies in Poznań after all so the number of students triggers coniuncture - you can be almost sure that you'll find something for you.

In case you wouldn't want to stay in Poznań (though I wouldn't advise that one, biased as I am) I'd recommend Kraków or, if you have a plane booked to and from Poznań and don't want to go that far - Gniezno. Both are former Polish capitals by the way.

As for interactions with the Polish - generally people here have positive attitude to foreigners. And quite a few people speak at least basic English. So stating where you are from shouldn't get worse effects than you having to listen to people who were to England and feel obliged to tell you about it. But of course there are, as anywhere people you'd rather stay away from. That's pretty much universal though so I don't doubt you know to avoid them already.

The Polish don't generally have anything particular against the English, so you should be fine. But I would really advise you not to venture in historical discussions and if you do for some reason - avoid mentioning the following:Abelsville, Jalta, Postdam. That's probably not enough to make yourself enemies but we do tend to make the recent history discussions very heated and you'd be outnumbered trying to defend yourself ;).

An by the way - if you'd like to taste Polish beer or vodka you might also consider trying Polish mead - it's the most traditional drink for poland even though it's not as popular anymore, and it's not the effect from the influence from behinf our western or Eastern border.

One thing you may like to remember is that we really enjoy complaining at times. So if you ask "How are you?" be fully prepared to recieve the answer.

Answer 2

I'm an Australian who travelled to Poznan last year. As Poznan is centrally located, its a great place to stay-it will surprise you by giving you a taste of what Poland is really like. Places like Krakow and Warsaw are much larger "touristy" cities while Poznan has about 60,000 people it has many historical and cultural places to see.One of the best places to stay is the "Brovaria" (www.brovaria.pl) in the old square (Stary Rynek) which is slightly upmarket, or Domina Prestige (www.dominahotels.com), or cheaper is HP Park (www.hotel-park.com.pl) near Lake Malta. Cheaper still you can try "Campanile" (www.campanile.com.pl), or "Lech" (www.hotel-lech.poznan.pl) which is right in the middle of Poznan, you don't need to walk far. The Stary Rynek or old town square has plenty of hotels, bars and good places to eat. The Brovaria, the Londener Pub and Harry's Pub in the Stary Rynek are good choices (although some do close down every couple of years). Avanti (Pod Koziolkami) in the old square has great Polish food, or there's a McDonalds on one of the side streets. (ul 27 Grudnia) if you feel homesick or like me, just wanted a clean toilet and the taste of a big mac!

Most young people-Poznan has a lot of Uni students as Poznan University is world renowned-will speak English and everytime I had a question like which tram to catch or where you can have good meal or good beer-always ask a student-they always know and are very friendly and helpful. Stay away from the drunks who you may come across though!
Get a map before you go and have a look at www.inyourpocket.com for a pocket guide to Poznan.
Good Luck and happy travelling!

Answer 3

I was in Warsaw last month and found it to be a very nice city where people were friendly and went out of their way to help me and my friends find places. I'm an American but I suppose that would apply to English people too. Many young people spoke English and the country is developing much quicker than other Eastern Block countries. I think you would enjoy a little extra time in Poznan. Here are two links that might help you find some things to do.

Answer 4

I'm from Poznan and it's ok over there and people are friendly and there are some nice ladies and if you know Polish then you will do good.

Answer 5

don't know about Poznan itself but Warsaw, Gdansk and Krakow are great.
the poles are a bit reserved but actually very warm and friendly...the beer cheap (as is everything) the food great and the nightlife jumping!

Answer 6

What you need is a travel guide book you can buy it at any good book store. or look up youth hostels on the internet or backpackers on the net as they are the cheepest places to stay

Answer 7

i aint ever been to poland but we had a polish girl in our year at school she was lovely and so were all her family