There's plenty to see along the way.
Poznan is the logical choice. It's on the way, and the layout of the city means that you can see a lot in single day.
Things to see:
Koziołki- at 12:00 noon in the tower of the town hall in the square, two mechanical goats come out and butt heads. It's very popular, and my mother and brothers were so impressed that they wanted to see it again the next day. There's always a crowd gathered to see them.
Model of the old city- in the Franciscan Monastery right by the square. A model of the medieval city with a 30-min show explaining the history of the city. Headphones are available with an English translation. I've seen it at least a dozen times and I never get tired of it.
The National Museum, right next to the model. Great if you are into art. Whenever I take groups there, they always want to stay longer.
The Parish Church (Kościół farny) right off the main square. An IMPRESSIVE baroque Jesuit church that has been recently renovated. One of the architectural gems of Poland.
The musical instrument museum right on the main square. It's pretty cool.
The archeological muzeum right off the square is also worth seeing.
The Cathedral is impressive. After the war, it was restored to its original early gothic state, and the result is amazing. Make sure you see it when the sun is high, as the lighting really brings out the effect.
The Old Brewery (Stary Browar). A GIGANTIC old brewery that has been converted into a HUGE shopping mall. The architecture is impressive.
One of the best restaurants in Poland in my opinion is Warung Bali, an Indonesian restaurant just off the main square on Ulica Żydowska. If your with a group, order the group meal. My culinarally picky family loved it.
Nightlife around the square is quite good. For beer, don't miss Browaria on the Square. They make their own beer on the premises and it's excellent.
I live in Wrocław, which is also on the way for you and also worth seeing. I often take vistors and my student groups to Poznań, though, because everythig is so close together that you can see a lot in a short time.
If you rent a car, things along the way to the Czech border include Wrocław (amazing Old Town), Ksiaż Castle, and the underground Nazi city in Osówka right near the Czech border (there are several entrances, but use the MAIN one). The tour there lasts up to three hours, and it's mind-boggling. You can cross the Czech border at Kudowa Zdrój, stopping at the Chaple of Skulls right before Kudowa.
If you're travelling by train, at least stop in Wrocław. The Town Square is the best in Poland, and nearby is the Racławicka Panorama, which is also impressive (headphones with English explanation are available). Eat at Mexico Bar near the square (authentic, I lived in San Diego so I know what good Mexican food is), or have Golonka (roasted pork shank) at Piwnicka Świdnicka in the cellar of the town square; it's the oldest restaurant in Poland. Remember to eat the skin quickly before it gets cold and hard. Have beer outside at Spiż and Bierhalle on the square, too. If you stay there overnight, a visit to the zoo/Japanese garden/Centenial Hall/Pergola complex is worthwhile. The multimedia show at the fountain there is worth checking out in the evening.
Have fun!
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