My short visit to Poland started well.
I had a great lunch on PKP Intercity’s train between Berlin and Poznań (it runs on to Warsaw) and the 2.5 hour journey was comfortable and relaxing. The PKP restaurant car was excellent – good menu, good service and delicious food (stuffed cabbage in my case) cooked to order.
My ticket cost 174zł (£34; €40) in 1st class, booked and paid for in advance with no changes allowed. My lunch cost 49zł (€11.46; £9.66), including a pleasant 0.5l of (Polish) cider.
It was my first visit to Poznań so my knowledge of the hotel scene was non-existent. I choose the B&B Hotel, mainly on the basis of location. It is reasonably close to the railway station and in a quieter section of the city centre. It turned out well. The room was comfortable, cool, and quiet. The buffet breakfast was excellent – lots of variety.
I paid 259zł (£51; €60) per night inclusive of breakfast. Excellent value for money.
I loved the city. Certainly I was there midweek, but it was pleasant and laid back. I found it ideal for relaxing and just strolling around.
One high point was dinner on the evening I arrived. With no plan in mind I ended up at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn just because I liked the look of it. I was rewarded with a fantastic cold soup and delicious pierogi stuffed with roast boar and accompanied by a cranberry sauce.
My sightseeing was a little limited by the weather. 32ºc is likely to make my thin northern blood boil. I adapted by taking a tram out to Rondo Śródka when I wanted to visit the mural and Ostrów Tumski. It cost 4zł. I could (and should) have bought the 24 hour ticket for 10zł, just for convenience. Not all tram stops have ticket machines.
Remember to validate the ticket using the machines on the trams!
Would I come back for a longer visit? You bet I would. Anytime.
Next on my itinerary this week?
ⓒ iain taylor, 2024
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