poznań - Tour Salon

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poznań
November 2009 - February 2010
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POZNAŃ
“In Your Pocket: A cheeky, wellwritten series of guidebooks.”
The New York Times
November 2009 - February 2010
Made of Stone
Poznań’s Statue Trail
Inner City
Zamek
Inside the Imperial
Castle
N°24 - 5zł (w tym 7% VAT)
poznan.inyourpocket.com
Introducing Poznań
While Poznań is not the first city on the travellers itinerary,
it does have a habit of surprising all who end here. Crowded
with churches and cobbles and colourful burgher houses, the
old town is a collage of architectural styles and stuffed with
delicate looking churches and esoteric museums. A major
cultural and economic centre, it’s during this period when the
city earns its reputation as a city of trade fairs. Its success
as a fair centre stems partly from its location on a road that
starts in Paris, ends in Moscow, and hits all the major cities in
between. If you’re arriving during a trade fair then we sincerely
hope you’ve booked your hotel in advance, else start getting
used to sleeping under park benches.
But it’s not all business. Over 60,000 people, some 10% of the
population, purport to study at some institute or another, lending
a defiantly young and vibrant atmosphere to the streets. Whether
you’re here for business or leisure, you’ll find everything you
need to the enjoy this city whether it be bars, clubs, restaurants
or museums.
ISSN 1642-2902
This mini-guide is designed to highlight the very best Poznan
has to offer, with map references included where applicable.
This is by no means a definitive guide to the city, but a scaled down version of our print publication Poznan
In Your Pocket - pick up a copy of our 84-page guidebook to the city from points from tourist information
points listed overleaf. All map references used in our guidebook are the same as those used on this miniguide to give you the most complete package of information to Poznan. And for the most up-to-date and
comprehensive listings of events and what’s on in Poznan please check www.inyourpocket.com, where
you will also find full contents of all our guides.
Restaurants
Bars
Clubs
Sights
Hotels
Transport
Map
and a whole host of other useful information
2
arrival & transport
As a trade centre, Poznań has always been well connected
with the rest of the world - its airport was the first in
Poland. Travel within the city using buses and trams is efficient, fast and cheap; driving a car through the Old Town’s
maze of one-way streets can be an ordeal however.
By bus
PKS Poznań Bus Station is found on ul. Towarowa directly to
the South West of the old town. There are no 24hr exchange
bureaus (kantors) though one operates from between 09:00
and 18:00 - it’s just outside the main building. You’ll find a
PKO ATM (bankomat) right next to here. A Tourist Info point is
located next to the ticket booths and they provide information
and maps alone. Left luggage can be found in the main building
with lockers costing 4 and 8zł per day, depending on the size
you opt for. If you don’t trust the electronic lockers then leave
your bags with the porter close to the toilet.
Phone booths are found outside and phone cards can be
bought from the newsagents. They’ll also be able to sell you
SIM cards and Pre-Paid cards for your mobile.
A few taxis will usually stand outside the main hall and
a trip to the centre will cost around 10zł. If none are
waiting then give a reliable operator like MPT a call (061
19191). Trams 6, 11 and 12 also run to the centre, as
does bus 71. A 15 minute ticket costing 2.00zł is all that
is needed. Validate it on boarding. Tickets are available
from all kiosks.
Main Bus Station (Główny Dworzec Autobusowy)
F-4, ul. Towarowa 17/19, tel. (+48) 61 664 25 25, www.
pks.poznan.pl. Q Ticket office Open 05:30 - 19:30, Sat
06:30-19:30, Sun 06:30-19:30.
By car
Driving to Poznań is fairly easy as it’s on the main E30 highway
between Warsaw and Berlin. Driving around Poznań’s one way
streets can be trying and as the Market Square is closed to
traffic you may have to drive half way around the city to get
from one side to the other.
Most parking spaces in Poznań are paid and use either chip
cards or coins. Chip cards are sold in some shops, cafés and
from the parking authority SOP, and price paid depends on
which parking zone you find yourself in. A combination of traffic
jams and car crime make it advisable to leave your car in one
of the guarded car parks dotted around the city and use the
local transport system to get around.
Guarded Parking E-3, ul. Roosvelta (Hotel Mercure).
Guarded Parking G-2, Al. Niepodległości 36.
By plane
Poznań Ławica Airport (Port Lotniczy Poznań Ławica) is
7km west of central Poznan. On arrival there are two
exchange bureaus (kantors) to swap cash up, find them
on the left hand side of the exit. If you’ve got your card on
you then there are two PKO and one WBK cash machines
(bankomats) found on the ground floor. A Tourist Info point
can be found on the ground floor to the left of the check-in
desk, and aside from stocking Poznań’s best guidebook,
you can also purchase SIM cards as well as the usual array of tourist services. As with all sensible airports there
is absolutely no left luggage facility. Calling home is no
problem; find phone booths on either side of passport
control - chip cards to operate them are available from
every newsagent. They’ll also be able to sell you SIM cards
and pre-pay cards for your mobile phone.
Instant Poznań
arrival & transport
Getting to town is a cinch. Taxis stand right outside the
entrance, though if none should be waiting call a reputable
operator like MPT (tel. 061 19191) or Radio Lux Taxi for something more flashy (tel. 061 19662). On the whole you’ll pay
around 25zł to get to town. Do be on the look out for cowboy
drivers though, and only use taxis that are clearly marked with
their company name and a list of prices. Cut costs by getting
a bus. There is a stop right outside the entrance with two
buses running from it: Line 59 (Airport-Bałtyk) heads to Rondo
Kaponiera with journey time taking 30 minutes. It leaves
every half an hour from around 05:00, the last one departing
at approximately half past ten in the evening. Alternatively
catch the Express Line L (Airport - Central Station). Journey
time takes 20 minutes though there’s only one bus per hour
(from 05:00 to 21:45). At other times the airport is connected
to the central train station by a night bus (line 242), with one
an hour from 23:29 till 03:29. Journey time should take 30
minutes. Single tickets valid for the 30 minute journey can be
bought for 3.60zł to any kiosk or from the driver. Remember
to validate your ticket on boarding.
sells guides, maps and organises apartment rental. GlobTour also exchanges currency. If you are only staying for a
couple of hours leave your luggage in the left luggage room
(przechowalnia bagażu). It costs 2zł per item per day plus
1.5% of value in your bag; Open 06:00 to 22:30, Sat/Sun
06:00 to 19:00. Tram and bus tickets can be bought from
the MPK kiosk on the right when leaving the train station
building, open 06:00 - 20:00.
sonal lines for up to ten stops (4.20zł/2.10zł), and over ten
stops (7.00zł/3.50zł).
Tickets for domestic trains can be bought at windows N°2-14
in the main hall and while most are open 24hrs you will find
queues. Do allow yourself time to get your ticket although it
is now possible to purchase tickets on board the train for a
small fee. International tickets are sold at windows N°1 and
7 (open 08:00 - 19:00). You can return tickets at all windows,
but talk to the information office first.
Long term visitors can also buy a KOMkarta, an electronic card
that is valid for 30 days. These can be purchased from one
of the eleven MPK ticket points in the city, and then topped
up in the same place, or at one of the Ruch kiosks you see
around the town.
Poznań Ławica Airport (Port Lotniczy Poznań
Ławica) ul. Bukowska 285, tel. (+48) 61 849 23 43,
Taxis to the main square will cost around 10-15zł, and there’s
always a constant line standing outside. Bus 51 also runs to the
city centre with buses leaving every 15 minutes. The service runs
from 04:51 to 23:16. Buy a 15 minute ticket for the journey. They’ll
set you back 2.00zł and can be purchased from newsagents.
www.airport-poznan.com.pl. Poznań Ławica Airport (Port
Lotniczy Poznań Ławica) is 7km west of central Poznan. There
are two exchange bureaus (kantors) to swap cash up, find
them on the left hand side of the exit. If you’ve got your card
on you then there are two PKO and one WBK cash machines
(bankomats) found on the ground floor. A Tourist Info point can
be found on the ground floor to the left of the check-in desk,
and aside from stocking Poznań’s best guidebook, you can
also purchase SIM cards as well as the usual array of tourist
services. As with all sensible airports there is absolutely no left
luggage facility. Calling home is no problem; find phone booths
on either side of passport control - chip cards to operate them
are available from every newsagent. They’ll also be able to
sell you SIM cards and pre-pay cards for your mobile phone.
Getting to there from town is a cinch. On the whole you’ll pay
around 25zł to get there from town by taxi. Only use taxis
that are clearly marked with their company name and a list
of prices. Cut costs by getting a bus. From Rondo Kaponiera
catch the number 59, or from the train station catch the express line L. At other times the airport is connected from the
central train station by a night bus (line 242). Single tickets
valid for the 30 minute journey can be bought for 3.60zł from
any newsagent. Remember to validate your ticket on boarding.QOpen 24hrs.
Airlines
Trains are reached by heading into the tunnel under the
Relay newsagents where you will see signs for the different
platforms (peron).
Main Train Station (Dworzec Główny) E-4, ul.
Dworcowa 1, tel. (+48) 61 633 39 92, www.pkp.pl. Buy
domestic tickets at windows N°2-14 in the main hall, most are
open 24hrs. International tickets are sold at windows N°1 and
7 (open 08:00 - 19:00). You can return tickets at all windows,
but talk to the information office first.
Public transport
Poznań is crisscrossed by 20 tram
routes (of which one
runs at night), and 56
bus lines (21 at night).
During the day these
run from around 05:00
to 23:00 with trams
running approximately
every ten minutes, and
buses every twelve.
When buying a ticket travellers are presented with a galaxy
of options. Fares are as follows:
Airlines Service ul. Bukowska 285 (Ławica Airport),
tel. (+48) 61 849 21 64, www.airlinesservice.pl. A business airline, connecting Poznan with Warsaw, Kraków and Szczecin as well as acting as agents for a number of internation
routes. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
LOT ul. Bukowska 285 (Ławica Airport), tel. (+48) 61
849 22 61, www.lot.com. QOpen 05:00 - 19:00, Sat
05:00 - 18:00, Sun 06:00 - 19:00.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines ul. Bukowska 285 (Ławica
Airport), tel. (+48) 61 847 50 36, www.flysas.pl. QOpen
09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Tram/bus tickets:
Journeys of up to fifteen minutes:
2.00zł (concessions 1.00zł)
Up to 30 minutes: 3.60zł (1.80zł)
Up to 60 minutes: 5.80zł (2.90zł)
There are also express lines which run to the airport amongst
other places and whose numbers are prefixed with either
‘A’, ‘P’ or ‘L’.
Express lines for up to 15 minutes: 4.00zł (2.00zł)
Express lines for up to 30 minutes: 7.20zł (3.60zł)
Express lines for up to 60 minutes: 11.60zł (5.80zł)
By train
Tickets valid for 24 hours are also available (13.20zł/6.60zł),
as are weekly passes (32zł/16zł).
The main train station (Dworzec Poznań Główny) is opposite
the fairgrounds and about 10 minutes by taxi from the Market Square. There is a Poznań City Information (Informacja
Miejska Poznan) counter in the station, however your best
bet is Glob-Tour, a private tourist office-cum-bookshop that
If you thought it couldn’t get anymore complicated you’d be
wrong. Those using the bus (and bus only), can also choose
from one ride tickets for up to ten stops (2.20zł/1.10zł), for
over ten stops (3.60zł/1.80zł), as well as express and sea-
Children under four and adults over 70 travel for free, and discounts are available for students aged under 26 and youths
in possession of an ISIC card. Tickets can be purchased from
the newsagent kiosks around town and the Polish word for
ticket is ‘bilet’.
Our advice if you are here for a few days is to pick up the
Poznan City Card which gives you free unlimited use of the
public transport system as part of the price. It’ll save an
awful lot of headaches.
I t i s ex t rem el y imp or tan t t h a t you rem em b er to
validate your ticket by punchin g i t in th e ‘kasowniks’
found by th e bus/tram exi t as soon as you b oard. I f
you don’t have a valid ticket and find yoursel f nicked
by a plain cloth es inspector you’ll b e fined 100zł on
the spot. Many don’t look ver y official so you are wi thin
your rights to ask for their ID. You can opt to pay wi thin
seven days (in which case th e fine rises to 140zł), or
wi thin 14 days (200zł).
Foreigners thinking they can slip out of the country without paying up are in for a nasty surprise. You’re passport
details will have been noted, and border guards will gleefully place you in custody - it’s not worth the trouble, trust
us. Finally, although crime is rare be on guard against
pickpockets, par ticularly if making the journey to and
from the airport.
Taxis
Most taxis these days are reliable and use their metres but
be aware of rogue taxis which hang around train stations and
certain hotels. Make sure that your cab as a sign on the roof
marked with the name of the company rather than just a simple
‘taxi’ sign. Once inside make sure the driver turns on the metre
and you should be fine. Under Polish law the driver should now
have a cash register in the cab and is obliged to give you a printed
receipt for your fare. You should expect to pay 5zl for entering
the taxi followed by 2zl per kilometre. Prices rise at weekends
and late at night and for travel outside of the city limits. Taxis
are obliged to display their prices in the windows of the cab so
you can compare and check prices. Note that many firms offer a discount to their published prices if you phone and book
one in advance.
Express Taxi, tel. (+48) 61 196 24, www.taxiexpress.
pl. Also vans and microbuses.
Hallo Taxi, tel. (+48) 61 196 23.
M1 taxi, tel. (+48) 61 196 69/(+48) 061 822 22 22.
MPT Taxi, tel. (+48) 61 191 91.
Radio Lux Taxi, tel. (+48) 61 196 62, www.luxtaxi.
com.pl. Poznan’s most reliable taxi firm. All taxis are Mercedes and drivers wear a collar and tie. Ordering a taxi in Poland can still be a lottery as there are no apparent standards
for how the taxi should look so if you want to make sure that
you or your guest is picked up by something that doesn’t look
like it has a dog sleeping in the back you should really give
these guys a call. They also accept credit cards.
Radio Taxi Poznań, tel. (+48) 61 196 22, www.taxi.
com.pl.
November 2009 - February 2010
3
4
basics
The facts
Territory
Poland covers an area of 312,685 square kilometers
and is the ninth biggest country in Europe. It borders the
Baltic Sea and seven countries, namely the Baltic Sea
(528km), Belarus (416km), Czech Republic (790km),
Germany (467km), Lithuania (103km), the Russian
exclave of Kaliningrad (210km),Slovakia (539km) and,
Ukraine (529km).
Longest River
The river Vistula (Wisła) is Poland’s longest river at
1,047km and flows through Krakow and Warsaw before
reaching the Bay of Gdańsk (Zatoka Gdańska). Poznań
sits on the Warta river which reaches the Baltic via the
Odra at Szczecin.
Highest Point
The highest peak is Rysy (2,499m) in the nearby Tatra
Mountains. In comparison Kraków’s landscape is flat and
the city lies 219m above sea level.
Population (2007)
Poland 38,126,000
Warsaw 1,702,139
Kraków 756,267
Łódź 755,251
Wrocław 634,630
Poznań 564,951
Gdańsk 456,658
Katowice 314,500
Sopot 40,666
Local time
Poland is in the Central European (CET) time zone
(GMT+1hr). When it’s 12:00 in Warsaw it’s 11:00 in
London, 12:00 in Paris and Berlin and 19:00 in Tokyo.
Polish summer time (GMT+2hrs) starts and ends on the
last Sundays of March and October.
Twin Towns
Assen, Brno, Hannover, Jyväskylä, Kharkiv, Nablus, Nottinghamshire, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Rennes, Shenzhen, Toledo.
City Card
The Poznan local government offer a city card for visitors which
allows you to visit the city’s attractions while enjoying either
free admission or discounted prices. Incorporating free travel
on the city’s public transport system as part of the price, you
will be given a guide along with the card explaining how to
use it and informing you of which places offer free admission
(most museums) and which offer discounts (a selection of
restaurants, theatres, cinemas and other attractions such
as the zoos). The card can also be used in selected places
outside of the city such as Kornik Castle and you can enjoy
the additional benefit of using the card there for an extra day in
addition to the number of days that the card is valid in the city.
Cards cost 30zl for 1-day, 40zl for 2-days and 45zl for
3-days and can be purchased from:
City Information Centre on ul. Ratajczaka 44,
Tourist Information Centre on the Market Square, and the
Glob-Tour office in Poznan railway station as well as at
selected hotels. Every venue in our guide which accepts
the Poznan City Card has been marked with a Y symbol.
Instant Poznań
basics
Market values
Prices in Poland are still fairly competitive despite
increases over the last couple of years particularly in
the prices of cigarettes. Here are some typical everyday
products and prices.
Market values as of 3rd November 2009 based on
€1 = 4.29zł
Product
Price (zł) Price (€)
McDonald's Big Mac
7.70 zł
€ 1.79
Snickers
1.49 zł € 0.35
0.5ltr vodka (shop)
22.00 zł
€ 5.13
0.5ltr beer (shop)
2.84 zł € 0.66
0.5ltr beer (bar)
7.00 zł € 1.63
Loaf of white bread
3.20 zł
€ 0.75
20 Marlboros
10.00 zł € 2.33
1 ltr of unleaded petrol (98)
4.21 zł € 0.98
Local transport ticket (1 journey)
2.50 zł € 0.58
Climate
Poland has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold
winters. Seasons tend to be more pronounced than in the
west and temperatures can get down as low as -20 C in winter
and as high as +30 C in summer. The coldest weather tends
to hit around February although the last couple of winters
have been fairly mild. Below is a graphic showing average
temperatures and rainfall.
Electricity
Electricity in Poland is 230V, 50Hz AC. Plug sockets are round
with two round-pin sockets. Therefore if you are coming
from the UK or Ireland you are definitely going to need a plug
convertor. The best place to pick these up is at home as our
residents Brits will testify although if you do arrive without
a covertor you can try your hotel concierge or reception. If
they don't have one the best place to pick one up is at one
of the big electrical outlets often situated on the edge of
town. Our advice is save yourself the hassle and get one in
the airport as you leave.
Money
Thinking of paying for your tram ticket with one of the 100zł
notes in your pocket? Think again. Small shops, newsagents,
public toilets, even the occasional fast food franchise and
bar, will refuse to break a large note for you. As annoying
as coins can be, do carry small change for such moments.
Notes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and
10 złotys, and there are 1, 2 and 5 złoty coins. One złoty
equals 100 groszy which come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50
groszy coins.
Currency can be exchanged at airports, hotels, banks and
anywhere with a sign proclaiming it to be a Kantor and you
will also be able to withdraw currency at a bankomat using
your ATM card. A Kantor will often provide better value than
the banks in your home country or the ATM although for
obvious reasons be very wary of Kantors in the airports,
bus stations and close to tourist sights. Shopping around
will reward you with the best rate. The Polish currency has
been exceedingly strong in recent years and the value of
the dollar has nearly halved while you will be getting 25-40%
less złoty for your euros and sterling than a couple of years
back. Having said that prices for food, drink, cultural venues
and transport still remain comparatively cheap in contrast to
Western Europe. A ticket to the theatre or cinema will rarely
cost more than 20zł while admission to most museums
costs around 5-10zł.
www.inyourpocket.com
Religion
For over one thousand years Poland has been a bulwark of
Catholicism, fighting against the horrors of pagan invasions
and looking to Catholicism for a sense of social and national
unity. When Poland was partitioned in the 19th century, many
turned to the church for solace and during the communist
era, underground resistance meetings were surreptitiously
held in churches.
The deceased Polish-born Pope John Paul II remains a
genuine source of pride for all Poles, and is beloved in a way
more profound than cynics in the West can understand. Many
Poles genuinely believe that John Paul II single-handedly
started the overthrow of Communism in Central and Eastern
Europe. Small wonder then, that your average Pole takes
Catholicism very seriously. Those used to the more easygoing habits of the West may find the Polish enthusiasm a
bit unnerving at first, particularly the solemn and opulent
processions that occur from time to time and the droves
that flock to mass.
Smoking
Smokers tired of relentless persecution in the west will
be delighted to know that few countries can boast such
a fierce commitment to the habit as Poland. Although the
number of male smokers has plunged from 70% of the
population down to 38% in recent years, this is still very
much a tobacco friendly country. Poland is fast becoming the major European production centre for leading
cigarette brands, with Phillip Morris, Imperial Tobacco
and British American Tobacco all being major investors
in the economy. Those gunning for a lung-busting taste
of a traditional local brand should keep their eyes peeled
for brands like Sobieski, Extra Mocne and Meski. Bear
in mind that it is taken as bad luck to light your snout
off a candle, especially if you are close to the coast; an
action which apparently guarantees the death of a sailor.
Non-smokers are in for a tough time, and the tobacco free
sections (dla niepalących) of restaurants are often in the
nether-regions of the venue.
Quick currency convertor
PLN
1 zł
2 zł
3 zł
4 zł
5 zł
6 zł
7 zł
8 zł
9 zł
10 zł
20 zł
50 zł
100 zł
150 zł
200 zł
250 zł
1 000 zł
US$
2.92zł = $1
$0.34
$0.68
$1.03
$1.37
$1.71
$2.05
$2.40
$2.74
$3.08
$3.42
$6.85
$17.12
$34.25
$51.37
$68.49
$85.62
$342.47
Euro
4.29zł = €1
€ 0.23
€ 0.47
€ 0.70
€ 0.93
€ 1.17
€ 1.40
€ 1.63
€ 1.86
€ 2.10
€ 2.33
€ 4.66
€ 11.66
€ 23.31
€ 34.97
€ 46.62
€ 58.28
€ 233.10
Pound
4.76zł = £1
£0.21
£0.42
£0.63
£0.84
£1.05
£1.26
£1.47
£1.68
£1.89
£2.10
£4.20
£10.50
£21.01
£31.51
£42.02
£52.52
£210.08
Language smarts
Many Poles, particularly younger people, have a fairly healthy
command of the English language. Many will also be adept at
other European languages with German being the most commonly
spoken. Older Poles will fiercely contest that they have ‘forgotten’
the Russian taught to them at school but most will still have a
reasonable understanding.
Mastering the Polish tongue can be a terrifying ordeal and will often
result in personal degradation as shop assistants laugh at your
flustered attempts. That aside, learning a few key phrases will smooth
your time in Poland and may even win you friends and admirers.
On the positive side Polish sounds as it appears. This is a great
help once you know how to pronounce each letter/combination
of letters. Many letters represent the same sounds as they do in
English. Below we have listed those particular to Polish.
Basic pronunciation of Polish vowels
‘ą’ sounds like ‘on’ in the French ‘bon’
‘ę’ sounds like ‘en’ as in the French ‘bien’
‘ó’ is an open ‘o’ sound like ‘oo’ in ‘boot’
Basic pronunciation of consonants
‘c’ like the ‘ts’ in ‘bits’
‘j’ like the ‘y’ in ‘yeah’
‘w’ is pronounced like the English ‘v’
‘ł’ like the ‘w’ in ‘win’
‘ń’ like the ‘ny’ in ‘canyon’
‘cz’ and ‘ć’ like the ‘ch’ in ‘beach’
‘dz’ like the ‘ds’ in ‘beds’
‘rz’ and ‘ż’ like the ‘su’ in ‘treasure’
‘sz’ and ‘ś’ like the ‘sh’ in ‘ship’
‘drz’ like the ‘g’ in ‘George’
r is always rolled and stress is generally always on the last but
one syllable.
Think you’ve got that? Here are some words and phrases to get
you started.
Civilities
cześć
dzień dobry
dobry wieczór
dobranoc
tak
nie
proszę
na zdrowie
dziękuje
przepraszam
kocham cię
Mam na imię
Jestem z Anglii
(cheshch)
(jen do-bri)
hi/bye
good morning/
afternoon
(do-bri vyeh-choor) good evening
(dobrah-nots)
good night
(tahk)
yes
(nyeh)
no
(prosheh)
please
(nah zdrovyeh)
cheers
(jen-koo-yeh)
thank you
(psheh-prasham)
sorry
(koham tshe)
I love you
(mam nah ee-myeh) My name is
(yehstem zanglee)
I am from England
Necessities
Gdzie są toalety? (gdjeh song toalety)
Czy mówi pan/pani (che moovee
po angielsku?
pan/panee po
angyelskoo?)
Nie mówię po
(nyeh moovyeh po
polsku
polskoo)
Proszę to napisać (prosheh toh
napeesatch)
Czy można tu palić (che mohzhnah too
paleech?)
Jedno piwo
(yedno peevo pohpoproszę
prosheh)
Numbers
1
2
3
10
jeden
dwa
trzy
dziesięć
General
Airport
Train station
Bus station
Right/left
One ticket to
First/second class
lotnisko
dworzec pkp
dworzec pks
prawo/lewo
jeden bilet do
pierwsza/druga klasa
Where are the toilets?
Do you (male/female)
speak English?
I don’t speak Polish
Please write it down
Can I smoke here?
One beer please
yehden
dva
tshi
jayshench
November 2009 - February 2010
5
6
where to stay
Cream of the crop
Blow Up Hall G-4, ul. Kościuszki 42, tel. (+48) 61 657
99 80, www.blowuphall5050.com. If you want wow factor
then look no further, the Blow Up Hall is the most exciting hotel
development Poznan, maybe even Poland, has ever seen. Attached to the Stary Browar building this is little less than a work
of art. Designed by Tadao Ando, and based on a project by
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, the aim of this hotel is to allow guests to
‘experience and participate in the creation of art’. Pretentious?
You bet. But who cares, if there’s one place you should scrimp
and save to stay in, it’s this one. Perks include in house spa,
butler service, Bang & Olufsen equipment, DVDs on request
and iphones for guests. There’s little point in describing the
individually designed rooms, suffice to say they make use of
the latest fads, trends and techno gimmickery; you really have
to see it to believe it. Q22 rooms (22 singles €256 - 374, 22
doubles €256 - 374). Breakfast 80zł. PALGW
Upmarket
Brovaria C-2, Stary Rynek 73-74, tel. (+48) 61 858 68 68,
www.brovaria.pl. The lower floors are home to one of Poland’s
only micro-breweries, and if that doesn’t convince you to stay,
then a quick look around the rooms will. Furnished with taste
rooms bridge the gap between contemporary styles and the
classic touches their old town location deserves. Cream coloured
accommodation includes cable TV, dataports and complicated
flower arrangements, and some have views overlooking the main
square. Q21 rooms (3 singles 250 - 430zł, 17 doubles 290 490zł, 1 apartment 430 - 600zł). PTJHARKW hhh
City Park Residence ul. Wyspiańskiego 26 (Grunwald),
tel. (+48) 61 221 84 00, www.cityparkresidence.com.pl.
An oasis of opulence and class the Notus offers luxury accommodation in a low-level fin de siècle building, whose exterior
makes use of sandblasted brickwork and plenty of glass. Rooms
are nothing less than the final word in designer living and sport
32 inch flatscreen TVs, king size beds, safe and work desk,
while the bathrooms come dripping with generous bathtubs.
But there is bad news - there’s no mini-bar, bar or restaurant,
while the skylights desperately need the addition of curtains.
Still, kitchenettes and a nearby sushi restaurant and wine bar
paper over these cracks, while the swimming pool - set under a
curvy glass roof - is one of the seven wonders of Poznań. Q88
rooms (88 apartments 285 - 800zł). PTHARLGDC
Don Prestige C-2, ul. Św. Marcin 2, tel. (+48) 61 859
05 90. Luxury serviced apartments packed with designer
trappings and hi-tech gadgets. Top class lodgings feature
sound system, lounge and kitchen areas as well as some
great views overlooking Poznań. Q40 rooms (40 apartments
€69 - 99). PTHRW
Hotel Twardowski ul. Głogowska 358a, tel. (+48) 61
83 99 800, www.hoteltwardowski.pl. Opening in November
details on the Twardowski are thin on the ground, though we’re
promised an upmarket four star effort inside a low-lying three
storey building. Full review next issue. Q62 rooms (58 singles
330 - 590zł, 58 doubles 280 - 540zł, 3 suites 360 - 640zł,
1 apartment 480 - 740zł). PTHARUFDCW
HP Park K-4, ul. Baraniaka 77, tel. (+48) 61 874 11
00, fax (+48) 061 874 12 00, [email protected], www.
hotelepark.pl. Tidy rooms a stone’s throw from Lake Malta.
Pastel coloured rooms come with uniform three star accessories: telephone, cable TV and minibar, with all accommodation bearing the benefit of a recent refurb. Q98 rooms (97
singles 240 - 420zł, 97 doubles 300 - 480zł, 1 apartment
600 - 800zł). PTHAUKW hhh
Instant Poznań
where to stay
IBB Andersia Hotel G-4, Pl. Andersa 3, tel. (+48)
61 667 80 00, fax (+48) 061 667 80 01, rezerwacja@
andersiahotel.pl, www.andersiahotel.pl. The location
is unbeatable, with the Stary Browar shopping centre next
door and the old town a shot away. Included in the deal are
an indoor pool, air-conditioning throughout, and top-band
conference facilities. Fitted with plasma screens and heated
bathroom floors this is a choice pampering experience,
with window side sofas proving a great spot to enjoy your
complimentary morning paper. Long term guests have the
choice of three luxury apartments located on the upper
floors. Q171 rooms (105 singles 460 - 820zł, 42 doubles
525 - 885zł, 24 apartments 545 - 2700zł). PTHA�
RUFLKDCW hhhh
Mat’s ul. Bułgarska 115 (Grunwald), tel. (+48) 61
868 78 31, fax (+48) 061 861 41 78, [email protected], www.hotelmats.pl. An engaging combination
of classic and modern; antique clocks and rococo-style
armchairs next to shining glass and tennis courts. This is
not your standard three star venture, and as such is well
worth the taxi ride from the city centre. Rooms have had a
thorough refit in the last few months, cementing the status
of Mat’s as one of Poznań’s premier choices. Q35 rooms
(3 singles 219 - 449zł, 21 doubles 269 - 549zł, 9 suites
309 - 599zł, 2 apartments 369 - 629zł). PTHAR�
ULKDW hhh
NH Poznań A-2, ul. Św. Marcin 67, tel. (+48) 61 624
88 00, www.nh-hotels.com. The NH wins our favour for
the fully restored art nouveau frontage, behind which guests
will find an upscale four star endeavour that fully warrants
the slightly steep prices. Check-in is conducted in a sleek
room walled with dark woods, while sleeping is reserved
for stylishly simple bedrooms, kitted out with puffy beds,
rich colours, hardwood floors and a chic ‘less is more’
fashion. Little details count, and here you’ll find a book of
short stories next to the bed, gummy bears in the mini-bar
and proper blackout curtains that guarantee a peaceful
rest. This is where Radiohead lodged during their recent
Poznań visit, and if it’s good enough for them, it’s certainly
good enough for you. Q93 rooms (93 singles €79 - 249,
93 doubles €79 - 249). Breakfast €17. PTHARU�
FLGKDW hhhh
Royal A-2, ul. Św. Marcin 71, tel. (+48) 61 858 23
00, www.hotel-royal.com.pl. Plenty of character and history inside this courtyard hotel. Having served as army HQ
during the 1918 Wielkopolska Uprising, Royal is decorated
with wood panelling, floral-patterned duvets and plum colour
schemes. The Mr Fix-It staff can organize everything from
car rentals to sightseeing tours, while guests can also enjoy
a 24hr bar. Q31 rooms (9 singles 224 - 465zł, 14 doubles
294 - 545zł, 7 suites 315 - 575zł, 1 apartment 350 - 750zł).
HALGW hhh
Symbol key
P Air conditioning
A Credit cards accepted
O Casino
H Conference facilities
T Child friendly
U Facilities for the disabled
R Internet
L Guarded parking
F Fitness centre
G Non-smoking rooms
K Restaurant
C Swimming pool
D Sauna
W Wi-Fi
Sheraton Poznań Hotel E-3, ul. Bukowska 3/9, tel.
(+48) 61 655 20 00, www.sheraton.pl/poznan/. Just
steps away from the Trade Fair, though this is more than
the business travellers choice. The Sheraton Poznan is
the number one hotel in town, with a chic modern style
that covers every inch of the hotel. Accommodation comes
with flat screen TVs, walk-in showers, top-notch sound
proofing and the most comfortable beds in the country.
Head to the upper floors to enjoy facilities like the swimming pool and fitness room, or check out the executive
lounge for video games, magazines and beverages. It’s
very impressive, but what really stands out here are the
staff; experts in hospitality. Q 180 rooms (167 singles
300 - 1000zł, 167 doubles 300 - 1000zł, 13 apartments
615 - 4220zł). Breakfast 90zł. Tax 7%. PTHARU�
FLKDCW hhhhh
Stare Miasto (The Old Town) C-3, ul. Rybaki 36,
tel. (+48) 61 659 00 43, www.hotelstaremiasto.pl.
Prim rooms fully deserving the three stars they have been
granted. All come with ensuite bathrooms and internet access, and given the old town location are surprisingly large.
The studio and apartment are also open for business and
are fully air-conditioned.A conference room is available for
up to 40 people, air-conditioned with a screen, projector
and sound system. Note that not all rooms have air conditioning. Q23 rooms (3 singles 195 - 345zł, 18 doubles
255 - 475zł, 1 suite 275 - 530zł, 1 apartment 350 - 690zł).
PTJHARGW hhh
Mid-range
Campanile E-2, ul. Św. Wawrzyńca 96, tel. (+48) 61
845 66 00, www.campanile.com.pl. The Poznań Campanile is everything we’ve come to expect from such a good
value chain; high standard modern rooms furnished with a
colourful flourish. Bathtubs, net connection and cable TV
come as standard. Q80 rooms (76 singles 179 - 279zł, 76
doubles 179 - 279zł, 4 apartments 240 - 339zł). Breakfast
32zł. PTHAULKXW hh
Lech A-2, ul. Św. Marcin 74, tel. (+48) 61 853 01 51,
www.hotel-lech.poznan.pl. Lech presents large, spotless
rooms complete with satellite TV, dataports and bathrooms.
Planted in the middle of Poznań, so no need for taxis. Q79
rooms (34 singles 142 - 310zł, 44 doubles 234 - 430zł, 4 triples 346 - 530zł, 1 apartment 254 - 580zł). JAKW hh
Polonez G-2, Al. Niepodległości 36, tel. (+48) 61
864 71 00, fax (+48) 061 852 37 62, rez.polonez@
orbis.pl, www.accorhotels.com. Brownish rooms in an
enormous block on the northern edges of the centre. While
the unimaginative accommodation does little to feed the
creative spirit, all rooms have telephone, satellite TV and
dataports. There’s a surprisingly good gift shop on the ground
floor. Q369 rooms (167 singles 120 - 480zł, 191 doubles
120 - 480zł, 11 apartments 190 - 480zł). Breakfast 39zł.
OTYHAULKDW hhh
Rezydencja Solei D-1, ul. Szewska 2, tel. (+48) 61 855
73 51, www.hotel-solei.pl. Squirreled away just beyond Old
Town Square Solei present compact rooms decorated with
floral patterns, IKEA water colours and wood furniture. It’s
on a quiet street, but close to all the action, though prices
sky-rocket during trade fairs. A sister hotel, Rezydencja Solei
(ul. Wałecka 2, tel. 061 847 58 38) offers much the same
though is usually fully booked with groups using the conference facilities. Note that not all rooms have air conditioning.
Q11 rooms (7 singles 179 - 369zł, 2 doubles 249 - 489zł, 2
apartments 330 - 589zł). PAGW
Rzymski C-2, Al. Marcinkowskiego 22, tel. (+48) 61 852
81 21, www.hotelrzymski.pl. Right in the city centre, so do
ask for a room facing away from the street if you don’t wish
to be woken by a dawn chorus of trams and refuse trucks. A
decent three star standard with rooms pleasantly decorated
in neutral looking brownish colours. Q87 rooms (28 singles
200 - 330zł, 53 doubles 250 - 470zł, 1 suite 375 - 660zł, 5
apartments 330 - 570zł). TJHARUKW hhh
Budget
Gold E-4, ul. Bukowska 127a, tel. (+48) 61 842 07
74, www.goldhotel.pl. A small suburban hotel with boxy
modern rooms complete with sliding bathroom doors and a
vase of sweets on the reception desk. A very decent, budget
option. Close to the airport, so expect to be travelling to and
from town by chariot. Q11 rooms (11 singles 150 - 170zł,
11 doubles 190 - 210zł). TAXW hh
Apartments
Fancy House E-4, ul. Śniadeckich 18/4, tel. (+48)
660 750 916, www.fancyhouse.pl. So it's the Blow Up
Hall that's been grabbing the headlines, but that's not to say
it's the only design hotel in town. Fancy House is a star in its
own right, with a selection of accommodation that's both
fun and stylish. Choose the Pop room for pics of Marilyn and
wedding white colours, or go for Orient for svelte wood finishes
and eastern flavour. Think you can do better than the local
chefs? Prove so by cooking up in the fully-equipped kitchen.
Q3 rooms (3 singles 195 - 270zł, 3 doubles 220 - 295zł, 1
apartment 660 - 885zł). TALGW
Hostels
Cinnamon A-2, ul. Gwarna 10/2, tel. (+48) 61 851 57
57, www.cinnamonhostel.com. Enter via a shabby-looking
barred gateway to find a rather spiffy choice of budget lodgings.
The common room is right out of studentsville, what with all the
band and movie posters, while the rooms are neat and simple
and themed on colours. Everything from beds to kitchens to
bathrooms are fresh, clean and pleasant, while those hoping
for a little more privacy can now rent a separate apartment
named Spice. Q9 rooms (4 singles 100zł, 4 doubles 135zł,
2 quads 240zł, 2 Eight-person rooms 400zł, 1 Nine-person
rooms 405zł). 43 dorm beds 45-60zł per person. TAGW
Frolic Goats Hostel C-2, ul. Wrocławska 16/6 (entrance from ul. Jaskółcza), tel. (+48) 61 852 44 11,
www.frolicgoatshostel.com. Accommodation ranges
from private rooms to 12 man dorms with beds being of the
sturdy pine type. Everything smells and feels brand new here,
which is exactly what it is, and details include a kitchen with
a preserved stone chimney as well as bicycle hire and the
promise of round-the-clock hot water. If mingling with backpackers washing their socks is beneath you then ask about
their private apartments on ul. Krysiewicza 6. Q8 rooms (3
doubles 170 - 200zł, 2 quads 240 - 260zł, 2 Eight-person
rooms 440 - 464zł, 1 Twelve-person rooms 600zł). 45 dorm
beds 50-65zł per person. ARGW
Fusion Hostel F-3, ul. Św. Marcin 66/72, tel. (+48) 61
852 12 30, www.fusionhostel.pl. We've seen many hostels, but few to rival Fusion. Could this be the best in Poland?
The design here is positively futuristic, with an excellent common room decked out with low-slung sofas and a separate
area holding a bank of flatscreen computers. Everything
shines and sparkles here, while a maximum of six to a room
minimizes the risk of being woken by a snoring Ozzie. Q 88
dorm beds 55-120zł per person. AGW
November 2009 - February 2010
7
8
restaurants
Poznań might have a reputation as an international centre
of commerce but its restaurant scene is still very much
in its infancy. You will find a scattering of world-class
restaurants, but you're ethnic options are limited in both
number and quality. The opening hours we list are flexible,
and most will stay open past their closing times if customers are still lingering. The prices we list in brackets denote
the cost of the cheapest and dearest dish on the menu. As
with most of the city's bars and clubs, restaurants tend to
remain open past their official closing times if customers
are lingering.
American
Rodeo Drive C-3, ul. Półwiejska 42 (Stary Browar),
tel. (+48) 61 853 72 48, www.rodeodrive.pl. Aspiring
rednecks could do a lot worse than showing up to Rodeo Drive, a spacey venue which combines bare bricks,
steel pipes and sk ylights wi th saloon-style touches
like cacti, cattle horns and hussies in cowgal hats. The
menu includes wings and ribs, but most people are here
for the steaks - among the best in town. There's a few
to choose from, with the filet mignon winning our vote
ever y time; pair it up with bacon branded beans and
some loaded jacket potatoes. Q Open 11:00 - 22:00.
(20-80zł). PTAXSW
Cafes
Cafe Bordo D-1, ul. Żydowska 28/3, tel. (+48) 61 851
00 81, www.cafebordo.com. The garden is one of the
best in town; stuffed with flower pots, vines and a fountain.
Alternatively head indoors where the aroma of herbal tea
hangs thick in the air, and a middle-aged crowd whisper amid
flickering candles and bottles of wine. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00,
Sun 12:00 - 22:00. TAX
French
Le Palais du Jardin C-2, Stary Rynek 37, tel. (+48) 61
665 85 85, www.lepalais.poznan.pl. Nouvelle cuisine in
a modern, cream coloured setting. The menu is considered
one of the best in the city, and comes comprised of dishes
like monk fish and lamb. There's also an impressive wine list
to gargle through, and it's clearly a favourite with suit and ties
on expense count fiddles. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. (29-99zł).
PTAXSW
L' Heroine C-2, ul. Wrocławska 10, tel. (+48) 61 853
43 92, www.lheroine.pl. So here's the newbie of the
issue, a fabulous French spot which a design conscious
interior featuring pieces of paper dangling from light fittings, and gleaming cutlery sat amid clean vanilla colours.
The settings perfect, the food even more so, with dishes
like rabbit in red wine sauce cooked by a clearly confident
chef. QOpen 12:00 - 22:30, Sun 12:00 - 21:00. (19-81zł).
TAUXW
Symbol key
P Air conditioning
A Credit cards accepted
E Live music
S Take away
T Child friendly
U Facilities for the disabled
J Old Town location
6 Animal friendly
W Wi-Fi
Instant Poznań
restaurants
Fusion
Fusion Restaurant E-3, ul. Bukowska 3/9 (Sheraton
Poznań Hotel), tel. (+48) 61 655 20 00, www.sheraton.
pl/poznan. Top class dining in the Sheraton's showpiece restaurant. Chic and sexy this is designer dining the way it's meant
to be with inventive dishes like chicken marinated in coconut
milk appearing from out of the open kitchen. Floor to ceiling
windows allow for plenty of light, as well as views of the proletariat scurrying to work. Check out their Mediterranean menu
each Thursday. Q Open 06:30 - 10:30, 12:00 - 22:30, Sun
07:00 - 10:30, 12:30 - 17:00. (58-86zł). PTAUXSW
Indian
Buddha Bar C-2, ul. Sieroca 10, tel. (+48) 61 852 33
99, www.buddhabar-poznan.pl. At last, Poznan gets the
Indian restaurant it deserves. Accessed by a red carpet this
place looks like it cost a fortune, with every inch covered with
wood-carved panels, gold braided drapes and intricate ironwork. Presiding over it all, a smarmy looking giant Buddha. But
while the food is decent (as opposed to excellent like it was
but a few months back) it's with a token of concern you may
notice the revamped menu - gone are the list of Indian staples,
replaced instead by a cut-down, ‘best of India' selection. Even
more disturbing is the addition of sides like nuggets and fries.
Worse still the owners appear keen to promote this place as
a club first, restaurant second, so don't be surprised to find
your dining interrupted by ditzy twenty something's twirling to
REALLY LOUD Bollywood tunes. QOpen 14:00 - 23:00, Sat,
Sun 12:00 - 23:00. (25-50zł). PTAS
Indonesian
Warung Bali C-1, ul. Żydowska 1, tel. (+48) 61 853
23 11, www.warungbali.pl. Poznań's best Indonesian
restaurant. So it's Poznań's only Indonesian restaurant, but
even if there was competition this place would still draw the
punters. Set around Balinese icons and carvings Warung
impresses with authentic dishes like spicy beef coconut
soup and shrimps with black pepper sauce. A real highlight
in a city still largely suspicious of ethnic cuisine. QOpen
14:00 - 22:00, Mon 15:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 13:00 - 23:00,
Sun 13:00 - 21:00. (18-49zł). PAGS
International
Brovaria C-2, Stary Rynek 73-74 (Brovaria Hotel), tel.
(+48) 61 858 68 68, www.brovaria.pl. You might be here
with the lads, in which case point your nose to the left, order
some beer snacks and get stuck into their range of microbrews.
Alternately, sophisticates are going to be picking the right door,
through which they'll find a cream dining room where dapper business types dine alongside gushing personal assistants dressed
like Lois Lane. The menu is a bit of a juggling act, with influences
from the Mediterranean, Germany and Poland, but the results
hit double six every time. Save space for dessert - the choccy
buns are a death by chocolate affair, and feel pleasingly sinful.
QOpen 07:00 - 24:00. (16-54zł). PTJASW
Dom Vikingów C-2, Stary Rynek 62, tel. (+48) 61 852
71 53, www.domvikingow.pl. The Viking's House isn't half
as primitive as it sounds. On the contrary, this Danish owned
spot has a crisp urban look and a client base that at times
feels overwhelmingly cashed-up and foreign. And yes, while
there are Danish dishes on show, there's plenty of alternative options for the non-Scandic visitor. There's a few places
claiming Poznan's best steak, and the one in DV is certainly
up there on the leader board. QOpen 10:00 - 22:30. (3986zł). PTAXSW
Mosaica G-4, Pl. Andersa 3, tel. (+48) 61 667 80 00,
www.mosaica.pl. This has emerged as one of the top
eateries in town, with a modern international menu which
includes Spanish tapas and pan Asian offerings. Of note is
the sorbet, which comes prepared in front of your eyes. As the
name suggests, mosaics are the central decorative theme
here, and the interior comes topped off with a 1925 piano
imported from Berlin - hearing it in action is worth the trip in
itself. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (29-99zł). PTAEXSW
Panorama K-4, ul. Baraniaka 77 (HP Park Hotel), tel.
(+48) 61 874 11 56, www.hotelepark.pl. Views of Lake
Malta are the main selling point here, and come sunset it really
does get quite romantic. An inoffensive, play-it-safe interior
reflects the hotel location, but the chefs do well in creating
good value dinners that really do merit the taxi trek out here.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (38-61zł). PTAUXSW
Restaurant de Rome C-2, Al. Marcinkowskiego 22
(Rzymski Hotel), tel. (+48) 61 852 81 21, www.hotelrzymski.pl. Don't let the name fool you, the menu here is
Polish and European with standards like zurek and pierogi
alongside a few game dishes. It's right at the back of a three
star hotel, with no windows and a tame interior that proves
instantly forgettable. Q Open 07:00 - 22:00. (23-48zł).
PTAUGSW
Rzymianka C-2, Al. Marcinkowskiego 22 (Rzymski
Hotel), tel. (+48) 61 852 81 21, www.hotelrzymski.pl.
This bright, informal, cafeteria-style restaurant in the Hotel
Rzymski is a popular breakfast spot. The continental breakfast is a fair deal and they also do omelettes and sausages
from dawn. Lunch and dinner options include gyros, cutlets,
fried salmon, grilled pork, ribs, pasta and salads. The menu
has crystal-clear colour photos of the dishes so you know
exactly what you`re getting. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Sun
12:00 - 21:00. (23-48zł). PTAUGSW
U Mnie Czy u Ciebie A-2, ul. Gwarna 3, tel. (+48) 61
852 58 82, www.umnieczyuciebie.pl. Lots of bare brick,
clever lighting and sepia photos give this place a lifestyle mag
look, and its already done a fair job on roping the customers
in. The menu - comprising of salads and good mains like
chicken fillet - isn't the most adventurous you'll find, but that's
by no means a handicap; what they do, they do well. QOpen
10:00 - 22:30, Sun 11:00 - 21:30. (12-50zł). PTASW
Italian
Bernardino Ristorante B-2, ul. Św. Marcin 40, tel.
(+48) 61 855 12 17, www.bernardino.pl. A light and bright
modern venue with a clean and crisp design that could have
fallen from the pages of a design mag. Street-level views of
Sw. Marcin allow for plenty of pedestrian watching, while the
kitchen gives plenty of reason to return. Find the full gamut
of Italian offerings on display, including a superior choice of
pizza that knocks most of the competition out of the water.
QOpen 10:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 02:00. (20-70zł).
PTGSW
La Scala C-1, ul. Zamkowa 7, tel. (+48) 61 853 04 89,
www.lascala.com.pl. One of the priciest meals in Poznań,
served inside a fantasia of shimmery fabrics, stucco mouldings and murals depicting Venice in its full glory. Furnished with
a flourish not a single inch has been left undecorated, with
the overall effect leaving your eyes spinning in their sockets. In
exchange for a peel of banknotes expect to be treated to outstanding renditions of Italian dishes from the updated menu.
QOpen 14:00 - 23:00, Fri 14:00 - 24:00, Sat 12:00 - 24:00,
Sun 12:00 - 21:00. (19-130zł). PTAUEXSW
Piano Bar Restaurant & Cafe C-3, ul. Półwiejska
42 (Stary Browar Shopping Mall),, tel. (+48) 61 859
65 70, www.pianobar.poznan.pl. Attached to the side
of the Stary Browar Shopping Mall Piano Bar rates as one
of the top options in Poz. The background aesthetics are
fantastic, with cream shades paired with moody lighting
and striking art exhibitions. Although you'll find all the
expected pasta and meat meals it's the fish that tends
to steal the show here, which is something of a result in
landlocked Poznań. Q Open 12:00 - 24:00. (30-110zł).
PTAUEXW
Valpolicella C-2, ul. Wrocławska 7, tel. (+48) 61 855
71 91, www.valpolicella.poznan.pl. This place hasn't
changed since our debut issue; find 21 types of antipasti, the
usual meat and pasta dishes and wines from Veneto inside
a crazily asymmetrical decor painted in cartoon colours.
Certainly reliable if nothing else. QOpen 13:00 - 23:00. (2267zł). PTJAXS
Japanese
Hanami Sushi C-2, ul. Wrocławska 21, tel. (+48) 61
855 13 09. Decorated with sails and canvases the rather
plain looking Hanami doesn't look too special, but this place is
catching on big style - the sushi here is fantastic, made using
the freshest ingredients you'd wish for. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00.
(9-45zł). PTAUGSW
Kyokai Sushi Bar ul. Wojskowa 4 (Grunwald), tel. (+48)
519 37 61 82, www.kyokai.pl. Poznan's appetite for sushi
keeps growing, and Kyokai is the latest contender in the battle
of the chopsticks. Sushi sets revolve around a circular bar,
Tokyo-style, while a sushi sensei multitasks in the thick of it
all. The surroundings, set in a series of converted red brick
buildings, look chic and industrial, while the location - amid
a high class shopping centre and hotel - mean no shortage
of well heeled fans of the Rising Sun. Definitely one to check
out. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. (35-55zł).
PTAUGSW
Sakana Sushi Bar D-2, ul. Wodna 7/1, tel. (+48)
61 853 16 39, www.sakana.pl. Five star sushi served
inside a pale vanilla coloured interior equipped with all
the necessary rice paper panels and bamboo extras.
Raw fish circles the bar in small wooden boats, ready to
be snapped up by wasp-waisted fashionista revelling in
the chance to showoff deftly executed chopstick moves.
Q Open 12:00 - 23:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:00. (50-80zł).
PTJAGSW
Sushi 77 D-2, ul. Woźna 10, tel. (+48) 61 853 33 86,
www.sushi77.com. A narrow restaurant serving fresh cuts
of sushi to Poznan's growing band of Japanistas. Complimenting the fine raw fish are import beer and sake, as well as an
international wine card to go with your choice. You could visit in
daytime, and indeed many people do, but our suggestion is to
wait till dusk when the lights dim and the atmosphere steps up
a notch. QOpen 12:00 - 22:30. (29-54zł). PTAGSW
Polish
Bamberka C-2, Stary Rynek 2, tel. (+48) 61 852 99 17.
A long-standing restaurant squirreled away in the complex
of buildings at the centre of the town square. Tiffany lamps,
stained glass panels and other classic touches add an awkwardly formal feel to the restaurant, though that does nothing
to detract from a strong European menu that includes several
local dishes. The pierogi are excellent. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00.
(20-50zł). PTJAXS
November 2009 - February 2010
9
10
restaurants
Markowa Knajpka C-1, ul. Kramarska 15, tel. (+48) 61
853 01 78. The village meets the city in Makowa Knajpka, a
whitewashed room featuring dark timber fittings and some valium
grooves. Excellent value local dishes are presented to a thirty
something crowd by a team of friendly bargirls whose looks make
the heart go ‘ping'. We've always settled for the ‘classic steak',
and have yet to be disappointed. QOpen 13:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat
13:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. (24-58zł). PAEXS
Pod Koziołkami C-2, Stary Rynek 95, tel. (+48) 61 851
78 68, www.podkoziolkami.pl. A long standing restaurant
that has been delighting both carnivores and vegetarians for
years. Upstairs you'll find a huge pantry with the daily salads and
pierogi on the menu. Head downstairs to the grill cellar for your
daily protein quota. The interiors in this section are authentically shadowy with a medieval flavour, while the menu is a good
range of meaty choices like sirloin steak. QOpen 11:00 - 22:00,
Fri, Sat 11:00 - 23:00. (18-87zł). PTYJAXSW
Pod Złotą Jabłonią (Under The Gold Appletree) D-1, ul.
Garbary 48, tel. (+48) 61 852 91 70, www.podzlotajablonia.
com.pl. There's something a little covert about dining here; lavish
fittings and expensive looking artwork lend something of a private
club atmosphere to this place. The menu is Polish influenced, though
that does nothing to stop the chefs from letting their imaginations
caper free - check out the duck in aniseed and honey. QOpen 12:00
- 22:00, Sun 12:00 - 20:00. (44-118zł). PTAEXSW
Ratuszova C-2, Stary Rynek 55, tel. (+48) 61 851 05 13, www.
ratuszova.eu. Either dine on the ground floor or descend the stairs and
into a sprawling cellar complete with vaulted ceilings and knightly murals.
Ribs, steak, duck and other meaty meals come served by an efficient
staff, and serious meat eaters can satisfy their bloodlust by ordering
the Ratuszova plate; it includes three types of meat and feeds a tiger.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (30-69zł). PTJAXSW
nightlife
Quick Eats
Bars & Pubs
Sphinx A-2, ul. Św. Marcin 66/72, tel. (+48) 61 852
Blow Up Hall G-4, ul. Kościuszki 42, tel. (+48) 61 657
07 02, www.sphinx.poznan.pl. The Sphinx chain have
cornered the quick and simple, budget dinner market,
with fans of all ages squishing between coloured lamps
and plastic trees to dine on burgers, kebabs and pizzas.
QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 03:00. (14-46zł).
PTAUXSW
Spanish
Tapas Bar D-2, Stary Rynek 60, tel. (+48) 61 852 85 32,
www.tapas.pl. Right on the corner of the Rynek this Spanish spot has long been popular with a cashed up local crowd.
Service is stone faced but everything else wins gold stars;
from a warm interior littered with wrought iron and Hispanic
paintings to the steaks, which we rate as some of the best
we've tried. The kitchen is right at the entrance, allowing diners
the opportunity to hear their food sizzle and chefs clattering
around cursing less competent colleagues. Always a good
night, and sometimes excellent. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat 12:00 - 02:00, Sun 10:00 - 24:00. (15-67zł). PJAS
Taste Barcelona C-3, ul. Półwiejska 42 (Stary Browar II
floor), tel. (+48) 61 278 76 86. Stary Browar keeps surprising us. Every shopping centre now claims to be ‘more than a
mall', but here's one that actually justifies the hyperbole. Part
of the reason is the endless stream of top notch eateries, and
Taste Barcelona is one of the latest. The open plan design
leaves diners open to peering eyes, but there's no faulting
the aesthetics; clean, blond woods and coloured bottles set
behind an illuminated bar. On the menu good quickie tapas
bites cooked with confidence and presented with flair. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 20:00. (15-30zł). PAXSW
CAR HIRE & TRANSPORT SERVICES IN POZNAŃ
We can help you to arrange all kinds of transport in Poznań and
within the whole of Poland and Europe, starting with a wide range
of 42 car models. Flexibility, competitive prices and simple
rental conditions are combined with professional and helpful
assistance to guarantee that we fully fulfill your needs.
Our vast car rental database in Poznań enables you to hire
the perfect car for your stay in Poland. We are able to offer a
number of different cars at optimal rates. Even if your chosen
model is unavailable, we will find you a similar option at a comparable price. What’s more, the offer covers both automatic
and manual transmission models. Your car can be delivered
to the airport, your hotel or to any other place in Poznań
which is extremely convenient, especially if you are visiting
the city for the first time. We are also flexible with regards to
the drop-off point once you are finished with the vehicle. To
ensure peace of mind we, we provide you with transparent
rental conditions and co-operate only with trustworthy car
rental suppliers in Poznań and other Polish towns.
TYPICAL CAR RENTAL PRICES/ DAY:
Chevrolet Spark:
30 – 36 EUR
Citroen C5: 53 – 98 EUR
Land Rover Freelander: 78 – 98 EUR
Pick-up/drop-off fee in Poznań: 10 EUR (office hours)
20 EUR (after hours)
If you do not wish to be a driver of your rented car, you could
consider the offer of transfers and chauffeured limousines at a
range of prices. These offer particular comfort and convenience
Instant Poznań
if you need transportation to and
from the airport to the hotel or any
other destination in Poznań, Poland
or abroad. Among the models offered
are economy and business options as
well as beautiful, classic cars. Englishspeaking drivers are available to add to the comfort of service
and we also can accommodate special requests.
Cars are a convenient form of transport, but we know
that sometimes other forms are more appropriate. If you
need to travel with a larger group, you can take coaches
and mini-buses into consideration. We provide luxury, airconditioned models and safe budget options if you want
to find the lowest possible cost.
If you need really fast travel in Poland or Europe, we have
a very special offer where we can organise private air taxi
flights tailored to your needs.
Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you
with any of your transportation arrangements in Poznań or
throughout Poland. Don’t hesitate to ask about particular
details and requirements – we are here to find the best offer
for you. To contact us email us at [email protected] or
call our reservation centre on +48 - 22 351 22 35.
99 91, www.blowuphall5050.com. Woah, if there's one
place that's left an impact this issue it's the Blow Up. The bar
is the final word in industrial chic, with metal floors, exposed
brickwork and ceilings that stretch to the clouds. The artwork
is mad, and deliberately messes with your head, as do the
cocktails, truly the work of a scientific hand. As for the bar
itself, that's a multi-angled, zinc plated masterpiece that has
no rival. It's not often we attach the words unmissable to a
venue, so take note and visit. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat
12:00 - 24:00. PAUEW
Brogans Irish Pub D-1, ul. Szewska 20a, tel. (+48)
61 852 50 73, w w w.brogans.pl. Loud, smok y and
slightly murky, Brogan's is everything you expect from an
Irish pub, with a cracking atmosphere that brings to mind
the hazy air of your neighborhood local. Visual diversions
come courtesy of tankards, chess boards and street signs,
while a regular rotation of international guest beers keep
the crowd clinking glasses way into the night. Q Open
14:00 - 05:00. AE
SomePlace Else E-3, ul. Bukowska 3/9 (Sheraton Poznań
Hotel), tel. (+48) 61 655 20 00, www.sheraton.pl/poznan.
The quintessential expat bar and a lifeline to your parallel life
abroad. The layout here is simple, diner décor featuring all the
Route 66 extras and rock'n'roll pics. Setting it aside are Sky
Sports, Poznań's best burger and a line up of live music acts that
lead the party to its inevitably blurry conclusion. Blame your amnesia on the bar staff, some of the best in the business, and while
SPE is not a cheap night a trip here is just the medicine if you've
had one of those days where you're tempted to book the next
ticket out of Poland. QOpen 17:00 - 01:00, Mon 17:00 - 24:00,
Fri, Sat 17:00 - 02:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. PAUEXW
Sports Bar C-2, Stary Rynek 62 (Dom Vikingów), tel.
(+48) 61 852 71 53, www.domvikingow.pl. A subterranean tunnel shaped space is home to the new look Dom
Vikingów Sports Bar. If you thought DV was already an expat
magnet, then just watch it go come Champions League night.
Just reopened at press time, so we'll be back next issue for
a full snoop. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00. PAXW
Clubs
(+48) 61 858 68 68, www.brovaria.pl. Drink Poznań's best
beer alongside business travelers talking contracts and native high-fliers courting the attentions of the local sex sirens.
Out in the back a large room crammed with copper vats and
dials produces the three house beers, while in the front find
a modern design that combines steel and glass in tasteful
style. Never a quiet night, and definitely a nominee for bar of
the year. QOpen 10:00 - 01:00. PAW
Bee D-2, ul. Wielka 18, tel. (+48) 507 06 80 84, www.
beeclub.pl. A great looking bar which morphs into a club
the moment the calendar flicks to Friday. Honey colours and
rounded circular shapes lend a mildly retro tone, and the
seats are among the most comfortable in town; enjoy them
while you can, it's odds on they'll be scarred with lager stains
and cigarette burns by the time the year is out. House, funk
and lounge sounds fit into the background, while an over 21
door policy does the job of freezing the riff raff out. QOpen
11:00 - 01:00, Sat 16:00 - 03:00. Closed Sun. PAW
Celtic C-2, ul. Murna 3, tel. (+48) 505 613 719, www.
celticirishpub.com. Two types of Guinness here; the first
sort comes tipped from tins before being zapped into shape
under some sort of space age laser. Granted, it's a process
that cuts out human error, but it's not exactly a method that
would win approval back in Eire. So instead put faith into the
patient bar girl and check out their newly added draft Guinness - ten out of ten. Touting a couple of Irish flags and Celtic
posters it's a pleasant experience, and while not exactly your
signature expat pub it's emerged as a very decent addition
to local nightlife. QOpen 18:00 - 03:00, Sun 18:00 - 24:00.
PAW
Cuba Libre C-2, ul. Wrocławska 21, tel. (+48) 61 852
31 57, www.cuba-libre.pl. Set down a shadowy courtyard
basement the newly expanded Cuba Libre is a bouncy Latin
venue replete with whitewashed walls, pics of Che and wall space
dedicated to an assortment of Cuban goodies. This place goes for
detail, so much so drinkers can even take a seat in one of those
clapped out vintage bangers you see pootling round the streets
of Havana. The disco Latino nights on Friday and Saturday prove
seriously popular, though if you've got two left feet then consider
brushing up on your dance jiggles at one of their salsa and samba
classes held earlier in the week. QOpen 20:00 - 03:00, Thu 20:00
- 04:00, Fri 20:00 - 05:00, Sat 20:00 - 06:00. P
Post Dali B-2, ul. Św. Marcin 40, tel. (+48) 61 852 40
00, www.postdali.pl. Open till late, very late, Post Dali is
the final word in Poznań by night, and frequently the undoing
of those who visit; our notes are little more than scribbles, a
suggestion that a belting good time was had. There's a few
points to set it aside from the competition, the first being
it's sky high location - find it occupying a chunk of the tenth
and eleventh floors of a Poznań office block, with views that
stretch across the city. Typical clubby sounds keep the party
going till memory fades, with a committed crowd lapping up
the shenanigans. QOpen , Wed 20:00 - 03:00, Fri, Sat 21:00
- 05:00, Sun 20:00 - 24:00. Closed Mon, Tue. PUEW
Cute H-3, ul. Wielka 27/29, tel. (+48) 61 851 91 37, www.
Post Dali Plaża F-3, ul. Skośna 1, tel. (+48) 512 04
29 09, www.postdali.pl. QOpen 16:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat
16:00 - 05:00. UEBX
Qube Vodka Bar and Cafe E-3, ul. Bukowska 3/9
(Sheraton Poznań Hotel), tel. (+48) 61 655 20 00, www.
sheraton.pl/poznan. Qube is the lobby bar of the Sheraton,
and the perfect primer for pre-restaurant cocktails or while
counting down the minutes before Someplace Else opens.
The staff are top drawer, proved by the creation of the best
mojito we've found in town, while the low bar side seats refuse to let you leave until you've tried one too many of their
lethal vodkas. QOpen 09:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 09:00 - 01:00.
PAUXW
SQ C-3, ul. Półwiejska 42, tel. (+48) 61 859 65 78,
www.sqklub.pl. Poznan's most famous club, and packed with
enough pin-up girls to have your head spinning like a periscope.
An expensive wardrobe and silly haircut are essential, and while
the design is nothing special the nights here most certainly are.
DJs arrive from across Poland to play here, sometimes even
further, and it's certainly the premier place in town to puff the
chest out and strut about like a big time Bertie. Find it in the
basement of the Stary Browar shopping centre. QOpen 22:00
- 03:00, Fri, Sat 22:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. PAE
Brovaria C-2, Stary Rynek 73-74 (Brovaria Hotel), tel.
cuteklub.pl. Found inside the guts of an old town cellar Cute plays
the best nu-house sounds in Poznań, which to the rank and prole
translates as dance tracks that are way too cool to chart. Watch
the hourglass figures take to the dance floor while reclining inside a
white, post industrialist interior. Strange shapes and sounds aplenty,
adding to the feeling that the pills are about to hit. QOpen 20:00 03:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 20:00 - 06:00. Closed Sun. PJAEW
November 2009 - February 2010
11
12
what to see
A city of churches and
cobbles par t of the
beauty of Poznań lies in
aimlessly wondering the
network of streets and
alleyways, making chance
discoveries of from one
turn to the next. That
said there are a number
of must-see sights that
s h ou l d n ot b e l e f t to
chance. As a visitor your
natural start point should
by the main square, the
glorious Rynek. Taking
centre stage is the Old
Town Hall (C-2, Star y
Rynek 1). First built at the
beginning of the 14th century, the seat of Poznań’s municipal
authorities was rebuilt following the great fire of 1536. Italian
architect, Giovanni Quadro of Lugano, was commissioned to
oversee the reconstruction, and a renaissance loggia and
attic were added, offset by a classical tower. Once revered
as the most beautiful building north of the Alps, the town hall
has been beset by a catalogue of disasters. A fire in 1675,
a hurricane in 1725 and then bomb damage during WWII
mean that little of the original structure remains. The oldest
surviving parts are the cellars with their early-Gothic crossvaulted ceilings. Today it houses the Historical Museum
of Poznań, whose collection encompasses exhibits from
the 10th century till the present day. The biggest draw is
the Great Entrance Hall with its elaborately decorated vault,
supported by two huge pillars. The tableaux are inspired by
the bible, astrology and figures from mythology. The crowds
you’ll see gathering outside the building at noon are waiting
for the two mechanical billy goats to emerge. Directly outside
the town hall is a whipping post, dating from 1535. It was
here that miscreants were whipped, executed or led to the
city boundaries before being banished from Poznań. The
figure standing on top depicts the executioner of Poznań,
and funds for the statue were raised from fines levied on
maids who would dress above their station. The Old Town
Square was the centre of old Poznań, and to this day is rich in
historic architecture, museums and restaurants. Around 60
per cent of the old town was flattened during WWII, though
most of the houses were meticulously rebuilt in the 1950s
following Baroque and Renaissance styles. Aside from the
two concrete carbuncles planted needlessly in the middle, the
town square remains one of the most picturesque in Central
Europe. Behind the town hall lies the City Scales building
that once housed the hardware for weighing merchandise
on its way to the market. Museums you’ll find in the square
include the Literary Museum of Henryk Sienkiewicz (D-2,
Stary Rynek 84), which honours one of Poland’s best known
authors, the Musical Instruments Museum (D-2, Stary
Rynek 45-47), the Military Museum (D-2, Stary Rynek
9), stocked with a collection of weaponry from scythes
and halberds, to the uniforms of winged hussars, and the
Wielkopolska Uprising Museum (C-2, Stary Rynek 3) which
chronicles the 1918 Uprising which culminated in Poznań
switching from German to Polish hands.
Other museums of note in the city include the excellent
Archeological Museum (D-2, ul. Wodna 27) whose collection
includes Egyptian mummies and obelisks and charts life in
Ancient Egypt and prehistoric Poland. Art fans should head
to the National Museum (C-2, al. Marcinkowskiego 9), an
excellent museum with a rich collection of modern Polish
art (including interesting impressionistic works) in the new
wing, and medieval art, impressive Italian, Dutch and Flemish
Instant Poznań
street register
paintings in the connected old building. The museum also
holds the largest collection of Spanish art (including Zurbaran
and Ribera) in Poland. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Poznań
Model (C-2, ul. Franciszkańska 2), a huge model that shows
Poznań in its form as presented in Brau-Hogenburg’s picture
sketched in 1618. Constructed over a period of six years the
model takes up a space of 50m2 and is built on a scale of
1:150. The decorative details are impressive, and you can
expect lots of kids as well as anoraked model enthusiasts
pulling up the school seats around it as they wait for the
show to begin.
To avoid churches in Poznań would take a serious case of
river blindness. They’re everywhere, no more so than on
Ostrów Tumski. The island is dominated by the Cathedral
(Ostrów Tumski 17) with its twin towers and surrounding
chapels. The oldest remains are in the cathedral crypt, where
you can see sections of excavated walls that date back to
the founding of Poland. Trek back to the old town though to
find Poznań’s most impressive church: that of St Stanislaus
(C/D-2, ul. Gołębia 1). Created as a Jesuit temple in the 17th
century it boasts an interior by a veritable who’s who of
Roman Baroque artists as well as a beautiful pink exterior.
Poznań was also affected deeply by the war, and a visit to
the former Gestapo penal camp (Wielkopolska Martyrs
Museum, Al. Polska) is a disturbing daytrip. Hardly more
uplifting is the Poznań Army Museum (G-1, Poznań Citadel),
which aside from boasting displays of modern military
hardware documents the defence of Poznań in 1939.
You’ll find more about
Poznań’s sights, fully
up to date prices and
opening hours in the
print edition of Poznań
I n Yo u r P o c k e t , a s
well as information on
stacks of things we’ve
left out here: including
castles, meteors, The
Great Escape and more.
Guides can be picked up
by asking your concierge
or by visiting one of the
outlets listed within the
pages of this mini-guide.
Tourist information
City Information Centre (Centrum Informacji
Miejskiej) B-2, ul. Ratajczaka 44, tel. (+48) 61 851
96 45, www.cim.poznan.pl. Tourist office with detailed
tourist and business information. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00,
Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Glob-Tour E-4, Dworzec Główny (Main Train Station), tel. (+48) 61 866 06 67. This round-the-clock
office in the train station offers a large selection of maps,
guidebooks and videos. They also arrange tours and accommodation. Open 24hrs.
Tourist Information Centre C-2, Stary Rynek
59/60, tel. (+48) 61 852 61 56. Maps and guides
in Polish and English. German, French and some English
spoken. Q Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00-17:00,
Closed Sun.
23 Lutego 27 Grudnia 3 Maja Al. Marcinkowskiego Al. Niepodległości Długa Dominikańska Działyńskich Franciszkańska Fredry Garbary Garncarska Gołębia Góra Przemysła Grobla Gwarna Jaskółcza Kantaka Klasztorna Kościuszki Kozia Kramarska Krysiewicza Kurza Noga Libelta B/C-1
B-2
B-1/2
C-1/2
A-1/3
C/D-3
D-1
B-1
C-2
A-1/2
D-1/2
A-2
C/D-2
C-1/2
D-2
A-2
C-2
B-2
D-2
A/B-1/2/3
C/D-2
C/D-1
C-3
C-2
A/B-1
Ludgardy C-2
Małe Garbary D-1
Masztalarska C-1
Mielżyńskiego B-1
Młyńska B-1
Mokra D-1
Mostowa D-2
Murna C-2
Muśnickiego D-3
Nowowiejskiego B-1/2
Ogrodowa C-3
Paderewskiego C-2
Piekary B-3
Pl. Wolności
B/C-2
Podgórna C/D-2/3
Półwiejska C-3
Powstańców Wielkopolskich
A-3
Ratajczaka B-2/3
Ratuszowa C-2
Rybaki C-3
Rynkowa C-1/2
Sieroca C-2
Składowa A-3
Ślusarska D-2
Stary Rynek C/D-2
Stawna Strzałowa Strzelecka św. Marcin św. Marii Magdaleny Świętosławska Szewska Szkolna Szymańskiego Taczaka Taylora Wielka Wieniawskiego Wodna Wolnica Woźna Wrocławska Wroniecka Wszystkich Świętych Wysoka Za Bramką Zamkowa Zielona Żydowska D-1
C-3
C-3
A/B-2/3
D-3
D-2
D-1
C-2
C-3
A/B-3
A-2/3
D-2
A-1
D-2
C-1
D-2
C-2
D-1
D-3
B/C-3
D-3
C-1
D-3
D-1
City Tours
A city with a dramatic history and full of striking contrasts,
Warsaw leaves its mark on all who visit it. Guided tours
prove very helpful in discovering the hidden attractions and
with 15 tours within or starting in the capital, you will easily
find the programme that suits you best.
Warsaw City Walk is a perfect introduction to explore
the Old Town area with prices starting from €8 per person,
alternatively a wider programme is available with the Coach
City Tour, which takes 3 hours, costs €34-36 and which
visits the Old Town with its Royal Castle, St John’s Cathedral
and Barbican, areas of former Jewish Ghetto, the Royal
Route, Łazienki Royal Park and other highlights of Warsaw.
Warsaw Fairy Tales Tour is designed especially for children who will love to hear tales and legends of this historic
city. Tours start from €8 per person. Fans of music can try
Chopin Piano Concerts (prices from €28) while those who
are interested in history should consider Jewish Heritage
Tour (prices from €22). A great alternative to traditional
sightseeing is EnigmaWarsaw, an original outdoor game
for groups and companies, revealing the Warsaw that has
been lost during its stormy history.
Warsaw offers several nearby attractions. Our Chopin Tour
is a trip to the home town of the famous Polish composer
in Żelazowa Wola. Prices, including transport and guide,
start from €46. Alternatively, you can visit the region’s
most beautiful and romantic palaces and parks during the
Romantic Masovia tour (prices from €49). Gems of the
East is a fascinating trip to the more distant areas of Lu-
blin, including a visit to the
charming Kazimierz Dolny,
unforget table Majdanek
and the unique museum in
Kozłówka. The one-day tour
costs from €43 per person.
During th e Treblinka &
Tykocin tour you will explore
beautiful towns and countryside and visit the site of the Nazi concentration camp
in Treblinka. Prices start at €36. The Land of Wilderness
is a longer, two-day trip to Białowieża Primeval Forest, one
of the last oases of wild nature in Europe. Prices start from
€210 per person.
Warsaw is the city where 3 of our all-inclusive escorted
tours start. Consider our most popular tour, Poland in
One Go which covers the major highlights of Poland. During the 7-day tour you will visit Warsaw, Krakow, Wieliczka,
Auschwitz and Zakopane. If you feel like spending more
time here, we recommend our Grand Tour of Poland, a
12-day excursion. If you are interested in Jewish culture,
you shouldn’t miss our Jewish Heritage Tour. All these
tours start in Warsaw.
If you have any individual enquiries or specific interests concerning your visit please ask our staff which is experienced
in creating customised travel arrangements in Warsaw
and other Polish cities. Contact us at
[email protected].
November 2009 - February 2010
13
NH Poznań
Fusion
Cinnamon
Don
Prestige
Brovaria
Stare Miasto
Frolic
Goats
Cameleon