There’s a special kind of charm that settles over Poznań in autumn. The city slows down just enough for you to notice the details—the smell of cinnamon from corner cafés, the golden leaves swirling around Jeżyce’s old townhouses, the sound of jazz spilling from small venues on chilly nights. Whether you’re in the mood for pumpkin picking, design fairs, a walk among oaks, or an evening at the theatre, this guide will help you make the most of the season between the rush of summer and the sparkle of winter.
Poznań in autumn
Poznań in autumn is a perfect mix of colour, comfort, and culture. The city’s parks turn into natural film sets, cafés glow from the inside out, and the event calendar fills with concerts, theatre premieres, and design showcases. In this guide, you’ll find the best cafés and patisseries to warm up in, key festivals and concerts worth your time, museums and exhibitions for grey days, and picture-perfect spots for your autumn photo walk.
Food & Coffee
When the air cools, Poznań’s café scene comes alive with cinnamon, pumpkin, and nutty aromas. Whether you’re chasing the best roll in town or looking for a peaceful reading corner, these spots capture the essence of Poznań in autumn.
Local favourites for sweets:
- Bardzo — sourdough base, golden-brown pastries, neighbourhood warmth.
- Fika — Scandinavian simplicity, buttery rolls, calm interiors.
- Smażone Mleko — creative desserts, small-batch flavours, modern design.
- Cynamonki — legendary cinnamon rolls, sugar glaze, homely atmosphere.
- Ciuciupaj — quirky décor, friendly staff, always something sweet.
- Mitte — expert coffee, clean aesthetic, relaxed energy.
- Dżungla — lush greenery, great brunches, laid-back vibe.
- Tu Się Piecze — handmade bread, local butter, weekend queues.
- Dobre To To — cosy corner bakery, family-run, authentic taste.
Cafés made for slow afternoons:
- Lagacca — balanced espresso, soft lighting, peaceful flow.
- Trzecia Kawa — signature brews, friendly faces, creative crowd.
- Okruszki — homemade cakes, rainy-day hideaway, inviting smell of butter.
- Sisi — Parisian mood, delicate sweets, small tables for two.
- Miel — minimalist interiors, filter perfection, quiet playlists.
- Vandal Cafe — quick bites, central location, lively mornings.
- Kahawa Kawa i Książka — bookshop feel, silence, strong coffee.
RestaurantWeek — 7 Oct–19 Nov 2025
Autumn is also the season for Poland’s most flavourful festival. Dozens of Poznań restaurants will serve three-course tasting menus paired with drinks under this year’s theme “From Foodies For Foodies.” It’s a great opportunity to explore new spots without breaking the budget—just remember to book early.
Arts & Culture
Andy Warhol Exhibition — Stary Browar, 11 Sept 2025 – 28 Feb 2026
This season, the iconic American pop artist takes over Stary Browar with a striking collection of original works, prints, and film projections. Expect vibrant portraits, rare Polaroids, and the unmistakable energy of 1960s New York captured in Poznań’s most artistic space. It’s a must-see for art lovers and a rare chance to stand face-to-face with Warhol’s legacy.
Poznań Design Festival — 24–26 Oct 2025
This year’s theme, GO LOCAL, explores design rooted in community and everyday life. Expect creative installations, discussions, and exhibitions across Centrum Kultury ZAMEK and Stary Browar—bold ideas mixed with plenty of aesthetic inspiration.
Imieniny Ulicy Święty Marcin — 11 Nov 2025
Poznań’s biggest street celebration returns with parades, concerts, and the traditional rogale świętomarcińskie. It’s colourful, loud, and full of local charm—don’t forget your pastry.
Concert highlights (October–November):
- Eliane Elias Quartet — 8 Oct, Sala Ziemi – Warm Brazilian jazz, bossa nova, and virtuoso piano.
- Ray Brown Jr — 12 Nov, Blue Note – Jazz royalty’s son brings smooth vocals, swing standards, and stories from Ella Fitzgerald’s era.
- Cory Henry: The Solo Experience — 23 Nov, Sala Ziemi – Soul, gospel, and funk fusion from the Grammy-winning keyboard master.
Theatres and Opera
Poznań’s stages are in full bloom this season. Teatr Wielki (Grand Theatre) offers world-class opera and ballet performances, often accessible even to non-Polish speakers thanks to English surtitles or the universal language of movement and music. Teatr Nowy and Teatr Polski frequently stage modern plays, sometimes with English subtitles or strong visual narratives that transcend language barriers. For a lighter evening, Teatr Muzyczny brings uplifting musicals that blend Polish energy with Broadway sparkle.
Cinemas for rainy days
Kino Muza, the city’s oldest arthouse theatre, offers independent films, local premieres, and retrospectives in an intimate setting. Kino Pałacowe at ZAMEK hosts curated screenings and small festivals—ideal for a cultural night indoors.
Museums & Visiting
Poznań in autumn is the perfect season for museum-hopping. The city’s cultural spots offer warmth, colour, and entertaining stories!
- Brama Poznania ICHOT: A sleek, multimedia space that turns the city’s early history into an engaging narrative. Perfect for first-time visitors or locals wanting to rediscover Ostrów Tumski.
- Poznań Palm House (Palmiarnia): One of Poland’s oldest and largest glasshouses, filled with tropical and subtropical plants. Step inside to trade grey skies for lush greenery and soothing humidity.
- National Museum: A must-see for art lovers. The National Museum houses Polish masters and European classics, offering a calm and elegant break from the city’s buzz.
- Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania: Interactive, humorous, and hands-on. Learn how to bake the city’s most famous croissant and taste it straight from the oven.
- Museum of Musical Instruments: A fascinating journey through centuries of sound—from folk violins to rare lutes and ornate pianos. One of the most distinctive collections in Poland.
Scenic Walks
Pumpkin Patches
- Dyniowy Świat (ul. Głuszyna 161/1, Poznań) — orange fields, rustic charm, family-friendly vibe.
- Gospodarstwo Pankiewicz (Plewiska) — calm countryside setting, free entry, perfect for portraits.
- Farma Dyniowa Runówko (Runówko 2) — half-hour drive, seasonal workshops, wide open views.
Park Sołacki
A timeless favourite for couples, joggers, and photographers. With its ponds, bridges, and winding paths, it’s where Poznań in autumn shows its poetic side.
Rogalin Oaks (Dęby Rogalińskie)
Ancient oaks stand like sculptures in the morning mist. Just 30 minutes from the city, this area turns gold and copper in autumn, offering one of the region’s most atmospheric walks.
Day trip ideas:
- Kórnik: A small town wrapped around a fairytale castle and arboretum. The lakeside paths and tree-lined avenues glow beautifully in the low autumn light.
- Gołuchów: A quiet village with a French-style castle, a park full of deer and ponds, and peaceful walking routes—ideal for families or a relaxed Sunday trip.
- Wielkopolski National Park: Only a short drive from Poznań, this park offers forests, moraine hills, and lakes like Góreckie. Perfect for long walks, cycling, or autumn picnics surrounded by nature.
Sport & Relax
PKO Poznań Marathon — 12 Oct 2025
The city’s most energetic day of the year. Even if you’re not running, cheering along the route is an experience in itself.
Poznań Game Arena — 24–26 Oct 2025
Central Europe’s biggest gaming fair returns with esports arenas, VR demos, and family zones. Expect crowds, tech premieres, and a lot of excitement.
Termy Maltańskie
When the chill sets in, this vast thermal and spa complex by Malta Lake offers saunas, pools, and massages—the perfect post-run or post-festival recovery plan.
A simple note to wrap it up
Discovering Poznań in autumn doesn’t need much planning—just curiosity. Follow the smell of coffee, chase the colours in the parks, step into a gallery when it rains, or end your day with live music or theatre. However you spend it, you’ll find warmth, creativity, and a kind of calm that makes this city truly shine in autumn.
