We've now said goodbye to Halloween and Bonfire Night for another year and as Christmas edges closer, many will be looking for a festive trip to look forward to before we embark on 2025. And one European city, that you can fly to from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, boasts one of the best Christmas markets - as well as an incredible ice rink for visitors to enjoy.
Poznań in Poland attracts thousands of visitors every year and is known for its old town and Renaissance-style buildings. Located closer to Berlin than to Warsaw, on the Warta River, there is plenty to do and see in this city, which is one of the largest and oldest in the country.
A great place to visit all year round, Poznan was previously named among the best Christmas markets in Europe by Forbes, as well as having "the most beautiful Christmas ice rink." So we've taken another look at what Poznan in Poland was to offer, especially during the festive season.
Last year, Forbes reported: "The Poznań Christmas Market, also voted as the Best Christmas Market in Poland and awarded this year’s distinction as Best Christmas Ice Skating Rink in Europe, is located in the centre of the city opposite Dworzec Zachodni Railway Station on the historic Plac Powszechnej Wystawy Krajowej Square, and is surrounded by the most representative buildings of the MTP Poznań Expo. The unique atmosphere of the Christmas Market at the Fair is created by luminous holiday decorations and lights (more than 43,000), a 16-meter Christmas tree, a traditional Ferris wheel (topping 30 meters), the city's only outdoor ice rink and a rich selection of more than 70 shopping and gastronomic options.
"The festive scene of this Christmas market invites all guests to free concerts, performances and rides for children." You can fly from Liverpool to Poznan at 3.05pm on December 6 and returning on December 9 at 2.15pm with Ryanair for £84 - find out more below.
What are the best attractions in Poznan?
There is so much to see and do in Poznan. To start, the Old Town in Poznań is an absolute must-see.
From its stunning architecture to its historic sculptures, it's a picture-perfect area to explore and also have a drink or grab a bite to eat. If you have a sweet tooth and fancy doing something different, you can also head to Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania.
Translated as the museum of St. Martin's croissants, it is dedicated to the tradition of baking croissants. Nearby to the square, you can also find a bridge that leads to the the quiet island of Ostrów Tumski.
It houses Poland’s oldest cathedral, Cathedral of St John the Baptist and is a beautiful spot to photograph. Poznan is also home to the Parish Church of St Stanislaus, which is an impressive sight to see.
Strolling round, you can head to Lake Malta, known also as the Maltański Reservoir, that was formed in the 1950s. You can also walk around the large park of The Citadel Park, known as Park Cytadela.
What is the flight time from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Poznan?
The average flight from Liverpool to Poznan takes around two hours and 15 minutes. You can fly directly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with Ryanair.
At the time of writing, we found flights from from Liverpool to Poznan at 3.05pm on December 6 and returning on December 9 at 2.15pm with Ryanair for £84 You can find the flights here.
Is Poznan good for tourists?
Poznan is a place you can travel to all year round, according to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with many choosing to travel to Poznań between May and September.
On the LJLA website, it reads: "As one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, Poznań is the perfect place for a weekend break, whether you’re travelling as a family, with friends or on your own. A city that has a bit of everything, Poznań is a cultural and economic hub with mediaeval architecture, trade fairs and a thriving cultural scene."
It continues: "The most popular area of Poznań to stay is Stare Miasto, where the historical Old Town is located. This is a very convenient and picturesque area to stay in, with easy access to major landmarks such as Old Market Square. You can walk the cobblestone streets, visit the Town Hall and try a range of dining options, from international dishes to traditional Polish cuisine.
"For something a little different, check out Poznań’s trendiest neighbourhood, Jeżyce, which has a range of aesthetic coffee shops, as well as cool bars and restaurants and offers a greener, calmer experience. You can stroll through the Botanical Gardens or around Lake Rusałka for an escape from the buzz of city life.
"Łazarz has a rich architectural heritage with beautiful villas and palaces dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. You can also enjoy Wilson Park here, which has fountains, rare plants and an impressive palm house. An oasis not far from the centre of Poznań, Łazarz is a great place to stay.
"Poznań is a city filled with affordable B&Bs, chic boutique apartments and luxury hotels. No matter where you want to stay, you can find somewhere on Booking.com to suit your style and budget."
