Stary Browar, Poznań

Historic Building and Shopping Centre in Poznań

Poznań, Browar
Poznań, Browar
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pluszooowa

Stary Browar is the rare kind of city landmark that feels genuinely Poznań: confident, design-led, and rooted in history without being stuck in it. Set inside the former Hugger Brewery buildings, it keeps the red-brick industrial character-arches, staircases, and old signage-while adding modern glass and clean-lined interiors that make the whole place feel like a carefully curated urban experience rather than “just a mall.”

Even if shopping is not your main travel goal, this is one of the things to do in Poznań because you can spend an hour browsing art and architecture details, pause for coffee, and then stay longer if the food hall or exhibitions pull you in. It also fits naturally as a highlight of any walking tour of Poznań thanks to its location at the southern end of Półwiejska Street, where the city's everyday life and modern culture collide.

History and Significance of the Stary Browar

Stary Browar’s story begins as a 19th-century brewery complex, and the real magic is how much of that industrial identity still shows through. Instead of flattening the past, the redevelopment preserved the neo-Romanesque brickwork and distinctive structural features, then layered in contemporary volumes that keep the space bright and modern without feeling generic.

When it opened in 2003, it quickly became a case study in adaptive reuse: a place where design is not decoration but the core experience. You notice it in the way corridors frame old materials, how original textures sit beside glass, and how the building feels intentionally “Poznań” rather than interchangeable with any other European retail centre.

Equally important is the 50-50 concept, which treats culture and commerce as equal partners. That idea gives Stary Browar a different rhythm from typical shopping centres: it is designed to be lingered in, returned to, and used as a social hub, not simply passed through with a purchase list.

Things to See and Do in the Stary Browar

Start with the architecture itself. Walk slowly and look for the preserved brewery details-arched windows, brick textures, iron stair elements, and the small traces that make the place feel like it has a memory. The best visits usually happen when you treat the building as a destination, not a container.

Then seek out the cultural layer. The Art Stations Gallery and related exhibition spaces are where Stary Browar shifts from retail to creative venue, and it's often the most surprising part for first-time visitors. Depending on what's on, you might find contemporary art, pop-culture events, or installations that change the feel of the courtyards and corridors.

Food is the other anchor. The newer food hall concept adds a market-hall energy-more social, more spontaneous, and perfect for travellers who want to taste widely without committing to a full sit-down meal. If you time it well, it can be one of those easy, high-reward stops where you end up staying longer than planned.

Finally, step outside. The surrounding park gives the complex breathing space and makes it easy to turn a city-shopping stop into a relaxed urban break, especially if you’ve been walking all day and want greenery without leaving the centre.

How to Get to the Stary Browar

Poznań-Ławica Airport is the nearest airport for visiting Poznań. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Poznań on Booking.com.

From Poznań Główny (the main railway station), you can reach the city centre quickly by tram or on foot, then continue to Stary Browar along central streets. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

If you’re travelling by car, aim for city-centre parking and walk the final stretch along Półwiejska Street to keep things simple. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Stary Browar

  • Suggested tips: Treat it like a mini-neighbourhood: do a slow architecture loop first, then decide whether you’re staying for art, food, or shopping.
  • Best time to visit: Weekday late morning for calmer browsing; early evening for the liveliest food and social atmosphere.
  • Entrance fee: Free (entry to the complex).
  • Opening hours: Monday -Saturday: 09:00 - 22:00
  • Official website: https://starybrowar5050.com/
  • How long to spend: 1-2 hours for architecture, art spaces, and a quick meal; 3+ hours if you add shopping and exhibitions.
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible with modern facilities, though some historic transitions may involve ramps or longer routes.
  • Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, and plenty of seating; the food hall setup is ideal for groups with different tastes.
  • Photography tip: Shoot upward for arches and brickwork, then step back to capture the contrast between old façades and modern glass.
  • Guided tours: If a cultural or architectural tour is available, it can help you notice details you’d otherwise walk past.
  • Nearby food options: The food hall is the obvious choice, but the surrounding streets also have plenty of casual options if you want to avoid peak crowds.

Where to Stay close to the Stary Browar

Staying near Stary Browar works well if you want a modern, central base with easy access to shopping, dining, and the Old Town on foot. IBB Andersia Hotel & Spa is a strong option nearby and fits well for travellers who like comfort and a central location.

For a dependable, walkable city-centre stay with straightforward connections, Mercure Poznań Centrum is a practical choice for mixing the Imperial District, Old Town, and Stary Browar in one itinerary.

If you want a polished hotel experience close to major venues and transport, Sheraton Poznań Hotel also works well, especially if you’re combining cultural evenings with daytime city exploring.

Is the Stary Browar Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you appreciate places that show how a city reinvents itself without erasing what came before. Stary Browar is not only visually impressive; it's also functional in the best way, giving you an easy place to eat, browse, and pause while still feeling like you're experiencing something uniquely Poznań.

It’s also an efficient stop. You can drop in for a quick look and coffee, or build a longer visit around art spaces and the food hall, making it easy to scale depending on your time, weather, and energy.

FAQs for Visiting Stary Browar

It’s known for its adaptive reuse of a former brewery into a combined shopping, culture, and dining destination with standout architecture.
No, it also includes exhibition spaces and cultural programming, alongside shops and restaurants.
No, entry is free; you only pay for what you buy and for any ticketed exhibitions or events.
It’s in central Poznań at the southern end of Półwiejska Street.
Plan 1-2 hours for a relaxed walk-through and food; longer if you add exhibitions and shopping.
Yes, there is a food hall-style zone with multiple vendors and communal seating.
Yes, it’s easy with kids because it has space to move, casual dining, and frequent seating areas.
Yes, many visitors come primarily for architecture, art spaces, and food.
Yes, it’s one of the easiest indoor “reset” spots in the city with enough to do without feeling trapped indoors.
Yes, there is a park area around the complex that works well for a break after time indoors.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (29,356)

Stary Browar at Półwiejska 42 in Poznań is a shopping and dining complex set in a restored 19th‑century brick brewery, featuring around 200 shops and restaurants woven into the original architecture and sculptures, with a neighbouring park; visitors praise the tasteful, respectful renovation, relaxed atmosphere and varied mix of eateries (including a food court and a restaurant on higher floors), while some note the stores can be pricier than expected.

G.J. van den Toorn
a month ago
"Very nice restauration of an old brewery to shopping mall and exposition center. Very tastful and with much respect for the original design. A gem,including the park next to it!..."
Tracey Prudden
a week ago
"Spectacular shopping centre.n30 mins walk from the old town square. Restaurant. On the 3rd floor and food court on the second floor. Well worth avisit even if your not shopping...."
Paul Albrecht
a month ago
"Very relaxed. Great integrated architecture are top end shops, mixed with ones you've never seen before!"

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Stary Browar is a useful family stop because it's flexible. You can keep it simple-snack, restroom break, quick wander-or make it a longer visit if the food hall and open spaces match your pace for the day.

For the smoothest experience, aim for earlier hours, choose a few food hall options, and then reset in the park area outside. It keeps everyone moving without the pressure of a formal meal or a strict schedule.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Stary Browar works as a modern counterpoint to the Old Town. The design details, the art spaces, and the “linger-friendly” atmosphere make it feel more like an urban cultural venue than a retail stop.

A good plan is to arrive late afternoon, browse exhibitions if something catches your eye, then stay for a casual shared meal in the food hall before heading onward for evening drinks elsewhere.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong budget-friendly stop because the architecture and general experience cost nothing. You can enjoy it as a free design-and-city-life visit and only spend on a small snack if you want.

If you’re managing costs, treat the food hall as a place to sample one affordable item rather than a full multi-stop feast, then use the surrounding streets and Old Town for free walking time.

Nearby Attractions to the Stary Browar

  • Old Market Square (Stary Rynek): Poznań's historic centre with colourful façades, the Town Hall, and a lively café scene.
  • Imperial Castle (Zamek Cesarski): A monumental landmark turned cultural centre with exhibitions, cinema, and events.
  • Freedom Square (Plac Wolności): A central civic square framed by key cultural institutions and a modern fountain.
  • Poznań Fara Church: A Baroque masterpiece with a dramatic interior and a strong organ-music tradition.
  • Royal Castle in Poznań: A hilltop landmark with the Museum of Applied Arts and panoramic Old Town views.

The Stary Browar appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poznań!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday -Saturday: 09:00 – 22:00

Price:

Free (entry to the complex).

Address: Stary Browar, Półwiejska, Poznań, Poland
Poznań: 1 km
Telephone: +48 61 859 60 50
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs