tourist attractions in szczecin poland

Home » Travel Guides » Poland » 15 Best Things to Do in Szczecin (Poland)

15 Best Things to Do in Szczecin (Poland)

In West Pomerania, the city of Szczecin is a major seaport that first grew rich from trade on the Baltic in the Middle Ages. Known as Stettin in German, it’s a city that has passed between opposing powers for hundreds of years. The Dukes of Pomerania were replaced by the Swedes, followed by the Prussian Empire.

For visitors, Szczecin’s charm is in its Haussmann-style avenues and the majestic embankment that was constructed on the Oder at the start of the 20th century. Some things to keep on your agenda are subterranean tunnels used as a Cold War bunker, museums on technology and contemporary history and a state-of-the-art concert hall that looks like something from another planet.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Szczecin :

1. Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

Founded in the 14th century, the castle for the Dukes of Pomerania got its marvellous Late Renaissance architecture in the 1570s.

After the Peace of Westphalia it was the seat of Szczecin’s Swedish governor, before the Queen of Poland moved in at the start of the 18th century.

A lot of the Renaissance elements were lost during Prussian rule in the 1800s, but these have been restored since the Second World War by referring to an engraving of the property from 1653. The interior is a museum, guiding you around the loggia and restored state rooms and apartments, and revealing the artefacts discovered in excavations during the reconstruction after the war.

There are as many as 40 temporary exhibitions in the “Big Gallery” each year, dipping into another aspect of the castle’s turbulent history and roll-call of eminent owners.

2. Szczecin Philharmonic

You don’t have to be an expert on classical music to enjoy this concert hall, which won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2015. The Barcelona firm Barozzi Veiga came up with the design, which is quite unlike any other cultural venue in the world.

This translucent, white glass building has a mass of jagged peaks that look a little like townhouse gables.

The whole building has an icy glow at night, and has quickly become a modern symbol for Szczecin.

The main hall has a capacity of 1,000 and puts on a busy cycle of performances by the Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra, which was founded in 1948.

3. Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment)

Raised almost 20 metres over the Oder River, this monumental embankment is more than half a kilometre in length.

The promenade, laid out just before the First World War, follows the riverside course of Szczecin’s Medieval fortifications, which were pulled down in the 18th century.

Solemn edifices stand high above the river atop grand stairways and terraces.

One building that turns heads is the Szczecin Voivodeship Office, built in the Neo-Renaissance style for the former Stettin Regency in 1911. If there’s a time to wander by the Oder it’s after sunset when the city is in lights and there’s a big choice of restaurants vying for your business.

4. Stare Miasto (Old Town)

The oldest quarter in Szczecin, below the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, was completely levelled during the Second World War.

And unlike in cities like Warsaw, Poznań and Gdańsk there was no immediate reconstruction.

The project was delayed until 1994 and only a few monuments have been reconstructed so far, concentrated around the Rynek (Old Market Square) and built according to their original plans.

But even knowing that these aren’t originals, the cobblestone square deserves to be seen for its colourful Baroque gabled townhouses and the reconstructed town hall, which has a museum about the tempestuous history of Szczecin.

5. Szczecin Cathedral

The largest place of worship in the Szczecin, the cathedral was founded in the 1100s and can hold 10,000 people.

The design we see today is from the end of the 19th century, after a storm in 1456 and then the Scanian War in 1677 razed the previous buildings.

This current version was also badly damaged in the Second World War and the restoration is ongoing.

Another big change was the denomination, as Stettin’s cathedral had been Lutheran since the Reformation and naturally became Catholic after the war.

On the east side of the chancel is a triptych made in 1981 but composed of fragments of destroyed altarpieces going back to the 1400s.

And in the cathedral’s 15 chapels are paintings, altarpieces, sculptures and architectural fragments from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

6. Szczecin Underground

In the Second World War Stettin’s German residents took refuge from bombing raids in this subterranean complex adapted from pre-existing 19th-century catacombs.

The tunnels have five levels, descending 17 metres underground and with a total area of 2,500 square metres.

After the war the shelter was turned into a nuclear bunker, which was finally decommissioned in 1990. You can take two separate themed routes through this thrilling and enigmatic network of tunnels.

The first deals with the Second World War and has reconstructed living quarters, and photos and artefacts from the time.

There’s also a Cold War route, detailing how the shelter was reinforced against a nuclear attack and showing Polish Civil Defence gear. Both tours last an hour.

7. Park Kasprowicza

Opening out to the north of the City Council Building, Szczecin’s main urban park covers more than 27 hectares, but also joins up with the neighbouring Rose and Botanical Gardens.

Planted with rare and exotic trees, the park is situated in an idyllic valley sloping down to the Rusalka Lake.

This body of water was created more than 300 years ago when the Osówka Stream was dammed.

The amphitheatre in the park can seat 4,500 and stages concerts in summer, while the most imposing monument rises to more than 22 metres and is topped with three eagles to commemorate the rehabilitation of Szczecin after the Second World War.

Try to come to the park in early spring when the lawns are carpeted with bright crocus flowers.

8. National Museum

With six locations across Szczecin, this museum was founded in 1945, picking up from the defunct German institutions before the war.

The main building is at Ulica Wały Chrobrego 3 and has a Historicist design from the 1910s.

This holds nautical collections, and also Poland’s most significant ethnography exhibition.

If we had to pick one branch of the museum to see it would be the Old Art Gallery at Ulica Staromłyńska 27. This has paintings by Max Slevogt, Lucas Cranach the Younger and Lovis Corinth, as well as liturgical art including column capitals and altarpieces.

Worthy of special mention is the 15th-century St John’s Polyptych, with sculpted and painted elements showing scenes from the Life of Christ.

9. “Upheavals” Dialogue Centre

Another location for the National Museum to seek out is this exhibition about Szczecin and Western Pomerania’s contemporary history.

“Upheavals” opened to the public in early 2016 and looks at the key moments from the last 70 or so years that changed history in this region and Poland.

That could be the inclusion of Szczecin into the Polish state after the Potsdam agreement in 1945, as well as the social unrest in 1970, 1981 and 1989 and Solidarity that eventually saw Poland regain its sovereignty.

The building is partly underground on Solidarity Square and has lots of interactive displays and multimedia from the time or showing the recollections of eyewitnesses.

The location of the museum is full of meaning as it was here in 1970 that the first shots were fired against protestors during anti-communist revolts that left 45 dead.

10. Museum of Technology and Transport

Established in 2006 in an old tram depot, the Museum of Technology and Transport is one of the largest museums of its kind in the country.

You can find out how people got around in the post war years via an array of Polish-built cars, motorcycles, trams and buses.

And as Szczecin was a bike and car manufacturing town for most of the 20th century the automotive displays are especially interesting.

Among the cars and trucks are models like the FDO Warszawa, FSC Żuk, ZSD Nysa, Star 25, Syrena, Mikrus, but also a Polski Fiat 125p and 126p, which were manufactured during communist times under a licence agreement from the Italian brand.

There’s also a tram driving simulator putting you behind the wheel of one of a Konstal 105Na, the most common tram model in Poland.

11. Puszcza Bukowa

To escape the city without leaving its boundaries you can make the 10-minute drive southeast, across the West Oder to this tract of beech woodland in the Bukowe Hills.

Keep your phone or camera ready because these woods are almost magical, with high, slender beeches and the mossy forest floor giving off a captivating green light.

At the centre is the appropriately named Jezioro Szmaragdowe (Emerald Lake), taken for the vivid green colour of its water.

The lake is actually a flooded chalk mine that dates back to the 1860s, and there’s a cafe today on the water’s edge.

Also by the lake are the remnants of German bunkers from the Second World War and an artificial grotto from 1880, designed to make the entrance to the chalk mine look more natural.

12. Kamienica Loitzów

There’s no missing this Late Gothic burgher house at Kurowa 1 between the Old Town and the Dukes’ Castle.

Painted in an arresting bright orange, this palatial townhouse went up in the 1540s and its first occupants were the Loitz banking family.

After they went bankrupt it was taken over by the Pomeranian dukes, and after the Peace of Westphalia it was the seat of Szczecin’s Swedish councillor.

The building was burned out in a bombing raid in the 1944, but the external decoration remained.

There’s a bas-relief of the Conversion of St Paul, sculpted in the mid-16th century, ornate tracery above the windows and beautiful angled windows on the staircase in the tower.

13. Różanka Rose Garden

A decade ago the rose garden in the western corner of Park Kasprowica was brought back to life after a period disrepair.

Set in two hectares, it was first planted in 1928 for the World Gardening Exhibition and came through the Second World War unharmed.

But an absence of funding at the end of the Communist era brought about a decline.

This was reversed in the second half of the 2000s when, with the help of photographs from the 1930s, landscape architect Małgorzata Haas-Nogal was able to recapture the garden’s former beauty.

There are 9,000 roses from 99 varieties, and trees like apple, hornbeam, maple, chestnut and Serbian spruce planted when the garden was first created 90 years ago.

Check in with the tourist office for details about summer classical concerts in the garden.

14. Central Cemetery

Szczecin has the largest cemetery in Poland and the third largest in Europe.

And although that may not sound like cause for celebration it’s a calm and fascinating space that rolls out like a park in the middle of the city.

The Central Cemetery is a Polish national monument, 116 years old and almost 170 hectares in size.

The landscaping and many stone monuments are what bring casual visitors to the cemetery, to spend a peaceful hour or two on leafy paths admiring the fountains, colonnades, yew tree hedges and formal flowerbeds.

The most striking sight is Pomnik Braterstwa Broni (Monument of Brothers in Arms), a military memorial from 1967 with two elements shaped like the wings the Polish hussars used to wear.

15. Tram Line 0

If you’re stuck for ideas on a Sunday in summer you could ride through the centre of Szczecin on a vintage tram.

This departs at 14:35 and 15:59 from the Dworzec Główny stop at the main train station and tickets cost 3,5zł for adults and 2,5zł for children.

The tram zigzags past sights you might otherwise have missed, like the Harbour Gate, Anchor Monument, Diet’s Palace, Żeromski Park, Grunwaldzki Square and Pomorzany (communist era housing estates from the 1970s and 80s). After completing a loop, the tour finishes on Ulica by the Oder, a short walk from the station.

15 Best Things to Do in Szczecin (Poland):

• Pomeranian Dukes' Castle
• Szczecin Philharmonic
• Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment)
• Stare Miasto (Old Town)
• Szczecin Cathedral
• Szczecin Underground
• Park Kasprowicza
• National Museum
• "Upheavals" Dialogue Centre
• Museum of Technology and Transport
• Puszcza Bukowa
• Kamienica Loitzów
• Różanka Rose Garden
• Central Cemetery
• Tram Line 0

• South Africa
• El Salvador
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Czech Republic
• Transnistria
• Liechtenstein
• North Cyprus
• New Zealand
• Map with posts
• Alternative Guides
• Architecture Guides
• Cafe Guides
• Itineraries
• Neighborhood Guides
• Travel Guides
• Travel Tips
• Photo Galleries
• Photo Locations
• Solo female travel
• Train Travels
• Work with me
• Privacy Policy

17 Great Things to Do in Szczecin, Poland

Last Updated on 26/04/2024 by kami

Even if Szczecin, Poland, is one of the largest cities in the country, only a few tourists decide to visit Szczecin. And those who do usually come here as one of the day trips from Berlin. But despite the massive destruction during World War 2, the city has much to offer. There are plenty of things to do in Szczecin that I’m more than happy to share with you today.

In the past, every time I visited Szczecin, it was in the passing, on the way somewhere else (mostly Berlin or the seaside). Recently I finally focused on the city only and decided to spend a weekend in Szczecin. I enjoyed it more than I expected, and as it turned out, I didn’t have enough to see and experience Szczecin attractions. That only proves what an underrated city it is.

Whether you only have one day in Szczecin or more, you are certainly in for a good time. With this Szczecin guide, you can plan your trip to Szczecin easily. And if you still have more questions about visiting Poland, join my Facebook group about traveling in Eastern Europe .

Table of Contents

Where is Szczecin, Poland

Szczecin, a city of around 400.000 inhabitants, is located in the very northwest corner of Poland. Warsaw , the capital of Poland, is about 550 km away from Szczecin, while Berlin , the capital of Germany, is only 150 km away. The Baltic Sea is less than 100 km north of Szczecin.

Why visit Szczecin

Even if at first Szczecin might not seem like a very appealing place to visit, the city actually offers plenty of attractions.

The place has a long and turbulent history. It was first mentioned in the 1st century. It was incorporated into Poland in the 11th century, only to change its affiliation eight years later. Eventually, Szczecin returned to the Polish state after World War 2 (although the first years after the war were still uncertain), and for most of the time over the centuries, the city was part of Germany. This is why in today’s Szczecin, you will still find numerous German remnants, and some parts of the city might feel more like Berlin than any other place in Poland.

During World War 2, Szczecin was severely destroyed, and so the big part of the center is a peculiar mix of architecture that altogether might be hard to appreciate. But there are still numerous attractions that either survived the war or were rebuilt afterward, and that’s where you can see and feel the real beauty and charm of the city.

Since Szczecin is located not too far from the seaside, it is also known for its maritime industry, and you can clearly feel and enjoy its industrial vibe too. There are just so many layers to Szczecin, and it’s a pleasure to discover them all.

How to get to Szczecin

The funny thing is, it’s easier to get to Szczecin from Berlin than from many places in Poland. There are numerous regular daily connections between the capital of Germany and Szczecin, both by train and bus.

Arriving from any other place in Poland, the train is the best option. The main train station is located in the central part of the city, only a short walk away from some of the main attractions of Szczecin.

Szczecin also has its own airport, with flights to/from Warsaw and Krakow and a few cities in Norway, Ireland, and England.

Where to stay in Szczecin

Since this is a big city, there are plenty of accommodation options in Szczecin to choose from. Choose somewhere in the center to visit all the Szczecin highlights easily.

During my trip to Szczecin, I stayed in Moxy Szczecin City (9.1/10) and I can definitely recommend it. Here are a few other good places to stay in Szczecin:

• Hotel Zamek Centrum (8.9/10)
• Grand Focus Hotel Szczecin (9.0/10)
• Courtyard by Marriott Szczecin City (9.1/10)

How to get around Szczecin

While many attractions are in the center and you can easily walk there, you must use public transport to get to a few interesting places (like the central cemetery or Jasne Błonia).

During my trip, I got Szczecin Tourist Card that provided free public transport and discounts in numerous places (such as the castle). It’s cheap, 20 PLN (less than €5) for 24 hours or 30 PLN (less than €7) for 72 hours. You can get it online or in the tourist information offices – that’s where I got mine.

With the Szczecin Tourist Card, you can explore the city using trams and buses. I used Google Maps to figure out where which tram I needed to get to my destination.

• Are you planning a trip to Poland? Be sure to join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and be part of the amazing community of like-minded travelers. Click here for the access!
• Don’t want to miss new articles? Sign up to the monthly newsletter to receive all the updates to your mailbox!

Things to do in Szczecin

And finally, without any further ado, here are the best things to do in Szczecin, in no particular order.

Find Szczecin’s Venice

One of the (literally) hidden gems of Szczecin is the so-called Venice, located conveniently only a few steps from the central railway station. You need to enter the random gate at 88/89 Kolumba Street, and you will be immediately transferred into a different world. The picturesque spot with the bridge leading to one of the islands on the Odra River is known as one of the seven wonders of Szczecin.

Along the waterfront, you will see rows of red brick buildings from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries: factory buildings and townhouses. It was a bustling area in the past, often visited by ships that loaded the goods directly from the factory buildings.

Today the place is a bit neglected, but you can’t deny its charm. Be sure to stop here when you are in the area.

Explore the city center

Even if a big part of Szczecin was destroyed during World War 2, and you can clearly see that, especially in the center of the city, it’s still worth exploring the central part of Szczecin to find some real gems and interesting places. This area is a peculiar mix of architecture, where buildings that survived WW2 stand next to those dating back to modern times.

Some of the spots you can’t miss are two remaining city gates: a port one and a royal one, both built in the Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century in place of the former city walls. Still today, they are an impressive addition to the Szczecin’s scenery, and it’s worth paying them some extra attention to admire all the fine details.

Other remarkable buildings you might stumble across include the Art Academy, the main Post Office, or the Palace of the Pomeranian Land.

It’s also worth stepping into the yards, as those can hide some real gems, such as the townhouse at 1 Św. Wojciecha Street – if you are lucky and the gate is open, you are in for a real treat!

See the Szczecin Philharmonic building

The building of the Szczecin Philharmonic is a new addition to the city’s scenery, dating back only to 2014. Nevertheless, it has already won numerous local and international architectural awards and was named the most beautiful modern building in Europe in 2015.

The structure is impressive, albeit in contrast to the surrounding scenery. You either love or hate it (I’m definitely in the first group), but you can’t deny its unique shape either way.

It is possible to join the guided tour of the Szczecin Philharmonic building (in Polish, German, or English); however, they don’t run daily. Be sure to check the official website of the Philharmonic and get your ticket online, as their number is limited too.

Unfortunately, during my trip to Szczecin, there were no tours. Still, I’m ready to go there again to see this masterpiece inside and learn more about it.

Admire Chrobry Embankment

Chrobry Embankment is one of the most popular attractions of Szczecin and is well-known for a reason. The impressive observation deck was built in the early 20th century. It was previously known as Haken Terrace (the name was changed to commemorate Boleslaw Chrobry, the first king of Poland, once the city returned to Poland after World War 2).

Despite the extensive war destruction of Szczecin, Chrobry Embarkment survived the difficult times mostly untouched. Today we can admire this one of the most interesting and monumental urban and architectural complexes from the beginning of the 20th century in this part of Europe.

The observation terrace is around 500 meters long, located high above the Odra River, and offers excellent views across the river and beyond. You can admire Szczecin’s grandest buildings along the embankment – the National Museum, the Maritime University, and the Provincial Office.

Chrobry Embankment is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Szczecin, so don’t miss it during your trip!

Enjoy the Łasztownia island

Across the Odra River from Chrobry Embankment, you will find the Łasztownia island, which is quickly becoming a new hotspot to hang out in Szczecin. It was a mysterious closed port island in the past, but it has changed in recent years, and now it’s a popular place for locals and visitors.

You can still find numerous industrial remnants that give the site a unique look and feel, the most popular ones being port cranes that sparkle in different colors in the evening. There is a small marina, numerous food trucks serving food from all over the world, a small beach, and an amusement park, and these are only a few of the attractions that Łasztownia offers.

This is also where you can get one of the best views in Szczecin over the majestic Chrobry Embankment.

Wander along the waterfront

Once you are near the Odra River (either on the Łasztownia or Chrobry Embankment side), stroll along the waterfront. It’s such a pleasant area, with great views over the cityscape and numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants. You might even go for a boat tour from here to see Szczecin from another perspective.

Visit Podzamcze district

After World War 2, 90% of Szczecin’s Old Town was destroyed. Today you can get a glimpse into the past in the Podzamcze district that covers the area of the former Old Town.

Even if this part of the city was mostly reinvented and is a peculiar mix of architecture, some buildings were rebuilt to resemble those from the past. The street grid also remained in its pre-war shape.

The center of Podzamcze is Sienny Market, originally dating back to medieval times. Even if it also didn’t survive the war, this is where you can mostly feel the old times charm as some of the townhouses and the Old Town Hall were restored.

Visit the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

One of the biggest attractions of Szczecin and the whole region is the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle. Its origins date back to the 14th century, but the current look in the Gothic and Pomeranian mannerism architectural styles came at the end of the 16th century.

Over the years, the structure was rebuilt a few times, but the past two centuries were also unlucky for the castle. First, during the Prussian rule in the 19th century, many of the valuable elements of the decor and interior were destroyed; it was also heavily damaged during the World War 2 Allied air raids. After the war, the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle was rebuilt based on 17th-century paintings.

While this is not one of the most beautiful castles in Poland, it’s still an interesting place to visit. There is a good museum with some unique artifacts (like old maps or the witches’ chamber); you can also climb to one of the towers for the great panorama of Szczecin. Numerous details on the castle’s facade are worth paying more attention too.

An interesting fact about Szczecin Castle is that Catherine the Great, the famous 18th-century empress of Russia, was born and grew up here.

Admire the view from the Cathedral

Another great viewpoint to admire the panorama of Szczecin is the cathedral. This is Poland’s second-tallest church, so that you can expect some great views from the top. You only need to take the elevator to the upper part of the cathedral tower, and you can enjoy the panorama of the whole city.

This is also one of the oldest and most important churches in the region, dating back to the 12th century, with relics of a few saints inside, so besides going up to the tower, be sure to visit the cathedral inside too.

Visit the Central Cemetery

This might sound like a bit of a morbid attraction, but Central Cemetery is a must-place when visiting Szczecin. It is the largest cemetery in Poland and the third largest in Europe, with over 300 thousand burials since its opening at the very beginning of the 20th century.

But despite its sad function, it is a truly beautiful place, more like a park or garden than a cemetery, and a visit here will be an interesting addition to your Szczecin itinerary. Even if most graves are Polish, you can still find numerous German remnants around, showing the city’s complicated past.

The central cemetery is a bit far from the center, but you can quickly get there by tram.

Admire beautiful townhouses

One of the greatest testimony of Szczecin’s rich past is the beautiful townhouses lining the streets in the central part of the city. They mostly date to the late 19th and early 20th century and are a great example of the grand city architecture from that period.

The quarters where they were built survived the war (although not always in the best shape), and today, after major renovations, you can admire the beauty of the buildings around you. Take a closer look when wandering around, as some of the townhouses are really rich in detail. This whole part of the city reminded me a lot of Berlin actually, especially districts like Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg .

One of the streets, Księcia Bogusława X, was turned into a pedestrians-only zone, and that’s where, besides the lovely surrounding, you can also enjoy numerous bars and restaurants.

Relax at Jasne Błonia park

Even if the park is located a bit away from the center, it’s worth taking the tram to visit this green oasis and relax in the beautiful surrounding. The Jasne Błonia Park was designed and created in the 1920s and is known primarily for the picturesque alley lined with the plane tree. There are 213 of them here, the largest number of trees of that kind in one place in Poland.

The whole park is a charming place, perfect for some lazy time. But there are a few spots here you don’t want to miss too (besides the plane trees), such as the beautiful building of the town hall or the interesting Monument to the Deed of Poles.

Visit Lentz Villa

Located near the Jasne Błonia Park, Lentz Villa has one of the most beautiful interiors in Szczecin (and it’s not too shabby from the outside too). Built between 1888 and 1889, this is one of the best examples of the Prussian eclectic style. Before World War 2, it was owned by local high society representatives who spared no expense on decor.

Even if the place was mostly renovated, you still can see and feel the vibe of the pre-war Szczecin here.

Explore the underground

Literally hidden at the train station, you will find one of the most exciting attractions in Szczecin – the underground. This is, in fact, the largest non-military shelter in Poland, dating back to WW2 times (although 18th-century underground corridors were used to create it).

At first, it was used as an anti-aircraft shelter, but after the war, it was transformed into the nuclear one. Around five thousand people could hide here, in the five underground levels. Today you can visit the place to explore the maze of underground corridors and learn more about 20th-century history on three dedicated routes.

You can access the underground from the train station, either from the street or the platform.

Try Szczecin pasztecik

Pasztecik is a legendary local delicacy from Szczecin that you must try. It’s a deep-fried dough (crispy on the outside but soft inside) with various stuffing, either meat or vegetarian. Pasztecik is best served with red borscht. It’s a very simple dish that was very popular during the communist times and still works as a great snack now.

There are a few places dedicated to serving pasztecik in central Szczecin (some of the addresses are: al. Wojska Polskiego 46, Księdza Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego 10, Aleja Bohaterów Warszawy 42), you can also get it at the train station.

Learn more about Szczecin’s recent history

Once Szczecin was incorporated into Poland after World War 2, its history wasn’t always easy. Among other events, this is where three massive social unrest took place in 1970, 1981, and 1989, eventually leading to the fall of communism in 1989.

Centrum Dialogu „Przełomy,” hidden neatly under the square that was the scene of the biggest protests (next to the philharmonic), tells the story of the 20th century in Szczecin, starting from the incorporation of Szczecin into the Polish state as a result of the Potsdam Agreements in 1945. If you want to learn more about the city and its turbulent past, this is the place to visit!

Go for day trips

While Szczecin is often visited as one of the day trips from Berlin, you can plan your trip differently and use the city as a base to explore the surrounding area, both in Poland and Germany.

The Baltic Sea coast is pretty close; you can easily reach it by public transport from Szczecin. Places like Międzyzdroje or Świnoujście are just a short train trip away. If you have a car, you can also hop across the border and see German seaside towns.

The Wolin island in the past was an important pagan and Slavic center, and you can still find remnants of the past around. This is also where you will find Wolin National Park.

Another unique attraction is the crooked forest near Gryfino, only 30 km south of Szczecin. Nearby you can also visit Stargard, one of the oldest cities in Poland, packed with monuments and attractions.

Or you can go to the German capital, only 2 hours away, and spend an exciting day in Berlin. There are many options, and everyone should find something interesting for their taste.

Final thoughts on visiting Szczecin

As you can see above, Szczecin has plenty to offer and can be a great destination both as a day trip from Berlin and a city break. It might not be as popular as other cities in Poland: Krakow , Wroclaw , or Gdansk , but it will surely keep you busy with all its attractions. I’m already planning my next trip to Szczecin to catch up on things I had to miss this time!

Further reading

I published many articles about Poland that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
• 20 Great Places to Visit As Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland
• Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Lublin, Poland
• The Complete Guide to Visiting Slownski National Park, Poland
• Visit Grudziadz – One of the Hidden Gems of Poland
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
• Visit Sandomierz, Poland – One of the Prettiest Towns in the Country
• Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World
• 25 Amazing Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Poland
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Poland here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Poland check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Poland too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin !

No Comments

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Let’s become friends!

Join me on Facebook for even more travel updates!

Kami and the rest of the world

• The Top 10 Things To...

Top 10 Things To See And Do In Szczecin, Poland

Szczecin, nowadays the capital of the West Pomerania Province and one of Poland ’s biggest cities, has a complex history, marked by its architectural make-up. When visiting, we recommend these attractions.

1. wały chrobrego.

2. The Pomeranian Ducal Castle And Tower of Seven Mantles

3. Bulwar Piastowski

4. the old town hall and historical museum of szczecin.

Building, Cinema, Museum

5. Szczecin Philharmonic

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,665 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

6. Jasne Błonia And Park Kasprowicza

7. Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle

Cathedral, Church

8. Central Cemetery

9. Center for Contemporary Art ‘Trafostacja Sztuki’

Art Gallery

10. Café 22

Cafe, Polish

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Bars & Cafes

The best bars in zabrze, poland.

Guides & Tips

10 facts you didn't know about warsaw's palace of culture and science.

7 Secret Bars in Warsaw's Old Town

Food & Drink

The best things to do in poland if you love vodka.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in zakopane, poland.

The Best Craft Beer Bars in Gdańsk

Restaurants

The best polish restaurants in gdańsk.

The 10 Most Difficult Polish Towns to Pronounce

See & Do

The best things to see and do in zakrzewo.

The Best 24-Hour Bars in Warsaw

The Best Burgers in Gdańsk

The Best Polish Desserts You Need To Try

Culture trip summer sale, save up to $1,665 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 373132
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

16 Fun Things to Do in Szczecin, Poland

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 3, 2024

Both the capital and largest city of West Pomerania, Szczecin is a fascinating place to visit with a rich history to uncover. Often overlooked by visitors to Poland , the important seaport has lots of lovely green spaces, scenic streets and striking architecture to check out.

Since its rise in the Middle Ages, everyone from the Dukes of Pomerania to the Swedes and Prussians has ruled the strategic Baltic port. While much of its old town was unfortunately destroyed in WWII, its many museums and landmarks shine a light on its interesting past.

Besides strolling along its riverside promenade, taking in its sights, there are tons of shows and concerts to enjoy at its Philharmonic Hall or Ducal Castle. Offering the perfect mix of history, nature and art, Szczecin certainly makes for a great weekend getaway.

16. Royal Gate

Once an important part of the city’s extensive fortifications, the elegant yet imposing Royal Gate is now home to a cosy chocolate cafe. While stopping for some coffee or cake, you can admire both of its impressive old arches that overlook the Solidarity and Żołnierza Polskiego squares.

Built between 1725 and 1727, the grand gate features some beautiful Baroque architecture with elaborate emblems, carvings and statues adorning its immense stone walls. In addition to a Prussian eagle and golden royal crown, these include the mythological figures Mars and Hercules.

After snapping some photos, you can always head to either the National Museum or Philharmonic Hall right next to it.

15. National Museum Main Building

The largest cultural institute in West Pomerania, the National Museum in Szczecin has six different sites to visit. One of the best is its massive Main Building that lies along the iconic Waly Chrobrego Promenade. Overlooking the Oder River, it contains lots of incredible artefacts and artworks from Africa, Asia and Oceania.

One of the city’s most distinctive landmarks, the hulking great Historicist-style building has two sprawling floors to wander about. As well as interesting ethnographic exhibits, there are plenty of paintings and sculptures to see by Pomeranian artists. Other parts instead focus on religious art or Szczecin’s relationship to the Baltic Sea.

14. Galeria Kaskada

If after all the art, history and architecture you’d like a bit of retail therapy, Galeria Kaskada is a great place to go. Located right in the centre, the colourful, contemporary mall has tons of cool clothing shops and designer boutiques to peruse. Numerous cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets are also dotted about its sleek, stylish complex.

First opened to the public in 2011, it now has around 140 establishments for visitors to explore, set across five enormous floors. Very modern, the mall’s layout consists of three sparkling rotundas, each with dome roofs. Once you’ve shopped til you drop, you can easily visit the Be Happy Museum or Royal Gate alongside it.

13. Puszcza Bukowa

Covering a huge area directly east of the Oder River is the picturesque Puszcza Bukowa (Beech Forest). Amidst all its towering beech trees, you can hike and bike along its woodland trails or forage for mushrooms on the forest floor. Very quiet and peaceful, its scenic confines are also home to loads of little local animals and birds.

Particularly pretty in spring and autumn, the vast forest is now protected as one of Poland’s Landscape Parks. Other than hiking along all its winding paths, many people head to see its vivid green Emerald Lake . Known as Jezioro Szmaragdowe, its reflective waters and woody shores make for some fabulous photos. Various viewpoints and a rather eerie underground bunker from WWII can also be found right beside it.

12. Central Cemetery

Another attractive and atmospheric spot to stroll around is the city’s Central Cemetery. One of the largest in Europe, its lush green grounds contain thousands of graves with striking monuments and moving sculptures scattered throughout. Lying just a ten-minute tram ride southwest of the centre, its tree-lined paths are a treat to amble along.

Now recognized as a national monument, the ginormous cemetery was established in 1901 with it still expanding today. Thought to house over 300,000 graves, it is most known for its charming neo-Romanesque chapel and elongated entrance gate. Its eye-catching Monument of Brother in Arms which is shaped like jagged hussar wings also attracts lots of attention.

11. Underground City Trails

For those interested in history, Szczecin’s Underground City Trails right beneath Stettin train station are an absolute must. Now home to countless artefacts and exhibits, the humongous bunker was once used to shelter citizens from air raids. Its superb museum has three routes to choose from, focusing on WWII, the Cold War or Communist times in Poland.

Remarkably descending five floors underground, its maze of long, low corridors and gloomy, claustrophobic rooms were largely built during the Second World War. Roughly 5,000 people could hide here with its reinforced concrete tunnels also later serving as a nuclear bunker. A fascinating place, it provides an invaluable look at the country’s twentieth-century history.

10. Jasne Blonia Square

Lying alongside the gigantic Kasprowicz Park is the gorgeous Jasne Blonia Square. A popular spot to relax and unwind, its green grassy spaces and cheery flowerbeds are overlooked by Szczecin’s colourful City Hall which is itself painted a distinctive dark green. Besides walking about, taking in its ambience, architecture and nature, you can examine the various statues dotted about.

Often known as the ‘Bright Meadows’, the immaculately maintained lawns are lined by long alleys of trees on either side. Laid out in 1925, the square now also has a fine fountain and the fantastic Monument of John Paul II for visitors to admire. Just before you reach the adjacent park, you’ll also come across the majestic Memorial of the Poles’ Feat which honors three generations of the city’s citizens.

9. Szczecin Philharmonic

Even if you don’t manage to catch one of its world-class concerts, it’s still well worth visiting the Szczecin Philharmonic for its striking architecture. Very unique, its bright white, jagged exterior is designed to look like all the old Hanseatic townhouses around it. In the evenings, its glass facade is magically illuminated, standing out delightfully against the dark sky.

Since being unveiled in 2015, the concert hall has won numerous awards for its imaginative design and excellent acoustics. While sensuous curves, sharp angles and various shades of white decorate most of its interior, its main auditorium is decked in glittering gold and black. Aside from watching an orchestra performance or electronic music show, you can take tours around the building and learn all about its unusual architectural features.

8. Be Happy Museum

While you’re certain to get some lovely shots in Szczecin, the Be Happy Museum’s colourful, quirky scenes provide yet more memorable photo ops. Guaranteed fun for all the family, its themed rooms have everything from magic unicorns and banana swings to giant donuts and ice cream cones for you to strike poses with.

Located not far from both the Royal Gate and Galeria Kaskada, the museum has a couple of dozen, brightly-colored sets where you can snap some pics and selfies. While some feature foam pools and ball pits, others have cool light installations or create weird optical illusions. Perfect for couples, friend groups and Instagrammers, the Be Happy Museum certainly lives up to its name!

7. Galaxy Shopping Center

Another great spot to head if you want to pick up some gifts, souvenirs or new clothes is the enormous Galaxy shopping center. Just a short walk from the Waly Chrobrego Promenade, the mall also has a large food court, cinema and bowling alley to check out. After days spent sightseeing, trawling its stores and entertainment options makes for a nice change of pace.

Now boasting roughly 200 shops, restaurants and cafes, its sprawling, three-storey complex first opened its doors in 2003. Thanks to recent renovations, it still looks very shiny and new with big brands like Calzedonia, H&M and Puma found alongside more local businesses. The mall also has a tall, twinkling fountain for you to see in its central atrium.

6. Szczecin Cathedral

Not to be missed, the stunning Szczecin Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. One of the tallest churches in Poland, its lofty spire can be seen for miles around. Other than enjoying phenomenal views of the Old Town from its tower, there are amazing altarpieces, paintings and stained-glass windows to see inside.

While the Archcathedral Basilica of Saint James the Apostle (to give it its full title) was first built in 1187, its current design dates to the nineteenth century. This is because fires, storms and various wars have either damaged or destroyed it over the years. After taking in its vast facade and 110 meter-tall tower, its cavernous interior has elegant arches, organs and old relics to amble past.

5. Stare Miasto

Jokingly referred to as the ‘Brand New Old Town’ by locals, Szczecin’s Stare Miasto was only rebuilt in the nineties after almost all of the area was levelled during WWII. Set below the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, right by the Oder River, it still acts as the lively heart of the city.

While most of its buildings are modern, a handful of cheery Hanseatic-style townhouses now line its cobblestone squares. The best photos can be taken at Hay Market Square where Polish bars lie next to Brazilian, Thai and Japanese restaurants. Aside from enjoying the ambience, make sure to visit the Szczecin History Museum in its attractive Old Town Hall.

4. Park Kasprowicza

A must for nature lovers, the picturesque Park Kasprowicza covers a massive part of Szczecin. Starting at Jasne Blonia Square and the City Hall, its lawns, lakes and gardens stretch away endlessly before you. Besides walking and cycling, you can always picnic or watch shows at its outdoor amphitheater in summer.

Now named after the famous poet and playwright, its scenic woods and sparkling waterways were turned into a park in 1900. Scattered about countless statues and sculptures with cute cafes and restaurants also found here and there. As well as a fragrant rose garden and fun water park, its large lake has a small beach and playground for visitors to make use of.

3. Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

Also occupying a huge area is the immense Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in the Old Town. For many centuries, it was home to the city and region’s rulers with a concert hall, museum and cinema now instead dotted about its complex. Its shady courtyards also host various shows, markets and cultural events throughout the year.

While the origins of the castle date to the fourteenth century, most of its gigantic walls and wings were reconstructed after WWII. It now displays an eclectic mix of architectural styles with epic views on offer from its sturdy tower. In addition to attending one of its events, you can learn more about its history and the important figures who lived here in its museum.

2. Museum of Technology and Transport

Along with its castle and cathedral, the Museum of Technology and Transport is certainly one of the top places to visit in Szczecin. Lying along the north side of Park Kasprowicza, the old tram depot contains loads of classic cars and vintage vehicles. Informative plaques explain everything about the collection which was mostly made in Central and Eastern Europe.

One of the largest museums of its kind in the country, it was established back in 2006 with hundreds of old cars, motorcycles and trams now studding its humongous exhibition hall. As you wander around, you’ll find buses, ambulances and fire engines, all dating to Communist times too. The museum also has some exciting simulators to try which are sure to entertain young and old alike.

1. Waly Chrobrego Promenade

The highlight of most people’s time in town though has to be slowly strolling along the iconic Waly Chrobrego Promenade. Overlooking the Oder River, its elevated embankment offers outstanding views over its waters and all the architectural marvels alongside it. You can also watch boats coming and going from its port or take a sightseeing cruise yourself.

Stretching more than 500 meters in total, the pretty, peaceful promenade was designed and constructed between 1902 and 1921. Now named after Boleslaw I the Brave, the first King of Poland, it takes you past the majestic National Museum and equally impressive Szczecin Voivodeship Office. Amidst its grand terraces and gardens, there are plenty of cafes where you can stop off for a drink as you take in its vivid sunsets.

Where to Stay in Szczecin

As most of its main tourist sights are located nearby, you’re best off staying in or around its Old Town. You can then walk everywhere or take short tram or bus journeys to ones a bit further away like the Beech Forest or Central Cemetery.

A fantastic option is the four-star Hotel Zamek Centrum which lies right by the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle and Waly Chrobrego Promenade. Aside from its central setting, it has comfy, modern air-conditioned rooms with a fitness center and sauna also on offer. The quiet hotel has an international restaurant and wine bar with buffet breakfasts also available.

Just a few minutes’ walk up the river is the three-star Focus Hotel Szczecin which promises a relaxing stay. Very comfy and clean, its simple rooms each come with flatscreen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Many also offer views over the Oder River below. Breakfasts are included with guests also benefiting from its gym and sauna facilities.

How to get there

Tucked away right in the very northwest of Poland, Szczecin lies just inland from the Baltic Sea, on the border with Germany. While it has its own airport – Szczecin Goleniow – Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport has many more connections. Regular buses and trains can whisk you to the German capital in around 2.5 hours.

Other options are to land at either Warsaw or Poznan. While the former is around 5 hours away by train, the latter can be reached in roughly 2.5 hours. Gdansk is also a bit quicker to get to than the capital.

Once you arrive, almost all the city’s sights are within walking distance of the center. If not, it has a well-developed public transport system with trams and buses going to most places.

Share this post:

16 Most Beautiful Regions in Poland

The Hidden World Beneath a Small Polish Town: Wieliczka Salt Mine

Where to Stay in Krakow: 6 Best Neighborhoods

17 Best Things to do in Katowice, Poland

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Warsaw, Poland

Europe’s Last Wilderness: The Ancient Forest of Bialowieza That Time Forgot

14 Best Things to Do in Torun, Poland

16 Best Places to Visit in Poland

15 Best Cities to Visit in Poland

17 Fun Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Visit Szczecin

Discover Szczecin

Food & Drinks

Off the beaten track

10 Top Things to Do In Szczecin

Szczecin is one of those cities that you rarely hear about. It’s not popular with visitors as Krakow or Gdansk , but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. Szczecin is a lovely port city, located on the Oder River. This polish city is steeped in history, which can be seen while taking a leisure stroll around. Szczecin is known for its top-notch landmarks, and attractions include the St. James Cathedral, 19th-century Chobry Embankment, and the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle. Home to nearly half a million people, Szczecin is surprisingly one of Poland’s biggest cities. Calmness and serenity fill the air in its city center and old town. However, the atmosphere at the city’s water’s edge is the exact opposite – busy, full of life and home to lots of things to do and see!

1. Pomeranian Duke’s Castle

2. Szczecin Cathedral

3. Old Town

4. Szczecin Beach

5. Szczecin Philharmonic Hall

6. Odra River

7. Puszcza Bukowa

8. Park Kasprowicza

9. National Museum

10. Chobry Embankment

Bartosz is a travel writer, photographer & founder/editor of theuniquepoland who tells stories of adventure, history and current affairs. He writes mainly about travel, with special focus on Poland. He loves travelling, discover new unknown and inspire others.

You May Also Like

The Best Places to Stay in Warsaw: Top Neighborhoods & Hotels

Bieszczady Mountains: Poland’s Hidden Gem, Where Adventure Awaits

The Majestic Gdansk Crane: A Journey into Poland’s Rich Maritime History

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The vibrant capital of the Zachodniopomorskie, or West Pomeranian province, is a large port city with a fascinating history. Built where the River Oder flows into the Szczecin Lagoon, it offers a captivating combination of old and new for visitors to discover…

The Paris of the North 

The city’s three main squares, connected via a radial pattern of streets, are modelled after those in the beloved French capital. Their layout reflects the position of the pyramids of Giza in relation to the Nile and the Orion constellation in relation to the Milky Way. And that’s just the start of the city’s many attractions… 

Many visitors fairly assume that Szczecin lies on the sea – a reasonable expectation for the capital of a province that boasts an incredible 185 kilometres of coastline – but no, it does not. It does, however, lie on the River Oder, a river whose beauty in all fairness can only be described as majestic. Stand on the terraces of the Chrobry Embankment to appreciate it for yourself, or even better set off on a cruise, perhaps visiting the wreck of a 90-metre reinforced concrete German tanker on your way. You may have to look twice to realise what the Ulrich Finsterwalder actually is, but the tanker sank in Lake Dąbie during World War II. This serene, photogenic lake is the fourth-largest inland reservoir in Poland, boasting beaches and a bathing area. Lakes Głębokie, Dziewoklicz and Miedwie, also located within the city, also offer beaches (but no tanker!). 

Water, Water, Everywhere… 

The romantics among you should head to the Szczecin Venice, which you can reach either by water, using the services of the Municipal Kayak Tours or simply on foot, crossing a little bridge from Kolumba Street onto Jaskółcza Island. Reflected in the Oder, the characterful brick façades of tenements and 19th-Century buildings of the former distillery and yeast factory bear more than a passing resemblance to the iconic Italian city. 

The vastly renovated Łasztownia Island, whose name refers to the place where goods are loaded or unloaded in port cities, is now more dynamic than ever and positively bursting with life. Historical cranes on the Old Quay are a constant reminder and poignant symbol of the olden days; illuminated at night, there’s more than just an air of prehistoric creatures about them, which has led to their unofficial title of “craneosaurs” (you can see why, right?). In the distance you can make out the mast of the SS Kapitan K. Maciejewicz , a general cargo carrier that was named after the “captain of captains” of oceanic sailing, Konstanty Matyjewicz-Maciejewicz, before it was eventually scrapped in 1985, having sailed under other names and flags. Pedestrians, runners, cyclists and even anglers are drawn to the attractive, spacious new boulevards, packed with atmospheric cafés, ships moored at the wharf, and the gorgeous red-brick Euroregion’s Culture Centre, which also goes by the less-appealing name of the Old Slaughterhouse (for obvious reasons).  

The striking colour of Lake Szmaragdowe, located in Zdroje district, is given away by the translation of its name: The Emerald Lake. Lying within the lush, enchanting Beech Woods Landscape Park in the Bukowe Hills, it was formed during the excavations of an old chalk mine; there are actually still pieces of mining machinery at the bottom. The area around the lake is a veritable sanctuary for many protected animal species, including bats wintering in the nearby bunkers. Breathe in the air, the magic, and the silence. And for goodness sake, do not forget your camera.  

Brush Up on Some History 

One excellent way to see Szczecin in a nutshell is the City Tourist Route, marked by a host of sites such as: the iceberg-like Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic; the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle; Solidarity Square – a reminder that Szczecin was the first city to sign the 1980 August Accords (even before Gdańsk); the Breakthroughs Dialogue Centre with an exhibition on the city’s post-war history; St. James’ Church; the Royal Gate; the Port Gate and the birthplaces of two women who went on to become Russian tsarinas: Catherine the Great and Maria Feodorovna. 

The mission to “build the regional, national and European identity of Western Pomerania and its residents in the spirit of multicultural, cross-border dialogue and collaboration” is pursued by the National Museum in Szczecin through its many divisions, among them the Museum of Regional Traditions. 

Car lover? To find out what the vehicles made in Szczecin looked like and how they moved, the exhibition at the Museum of Technology and Transport is one for you. Spoiler alert: they include pre-war Stoewer bicycles and cars, the unforgettable Junak motorbikes and the prototype of the Smyk passenger car. 

A Green Paradise for Leisure and Sports  

Often – and very understandably – called the city of greenery, Szczecin boasts over 500 hectares of municipal green areas, including 15 parks with a total area of 142 hectares, 90 green squares with a total area of 55.2 hectares, and cemeteries occupying an incredible 193.87 hectares. And that’s not even including the city’s woodlands! They’re all worth a visit, but if we had to choose a few then Jasne Błonia Square near the Municipal Office and Kasprowicza Park, the largest in the city, are not to be missed. At the edge of the park, you’ll come to the incredible Różanka botanical garden, with 9,000 fragrant roses of 99 varieties as well as several types of trees and a striking brick bird fountain. 

Occupying a massive 170 hectares, Szczecin’s Central Cemetery is the largest necropolis in Poland, and is really a remembrance “garden of the deceased”. Gravestones, of which many are the work of great artists, stand amidst a few hundred species of trees, many of them exotic. It really makes quite an impression. The second-largest housing estate in Szczecin, Osiedle Pogodno, may not sound like the kind of place you fall in love with, and yet that’s exactly what it is. The park-like greenery is dominated by former German villas with distinctive turrets. 

After so much sightseeing, it’s time to treat your taste buds. Be sure to try the local speciality – pasztecik (a type of deep-fried pasty or pie) at the cult-status Pasztecik bar in Wojska Polskiego Street, the oldest place selling these delicious treats. You can’t miss its huge red letters! 

As for the cultural calendar of events, the most interesting include Oder Days, Sea Days, the Tall Ships Races, St. James’ Fair, the Pyromagic International Fireworks Festival, Spoiwa Kultury (Bonds of Culture), Szczecin Jazz, the Szczecin Music Fest and the Kontrapunkt Review of Small Form Theatres. 

See more articles about cities from Poland:

20 Best Things to do in Szczecin Poland 2024

If you’re looking for a vibrant, exciting, and lesser-known city to explore in Poland, look no further than Szczecin. Located on the Oder River in northwestern Poland, this dynamic city has history, culture, and entertainment options. From exploring its centuries-old architecture to tasting delicious regional dishes and enjoying the nightlife scene, there are many answers to the question, “What to do in Szczecin Poland?”

In this blog post, we will cover the top things to do in Szczecin so that you can make the most of your trip. We’ll discuss everything from exploring World War II monuments to visiting its excellent museums and enjoying a beautiful walk along the Oder River. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best things to do in Szczecin! 

The Places Where We Go contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you when you purchase using one of these Amazon links.  Read our disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Table of Contents

The best things to do in szczecin – history and exploration, the best things to do in szczecin – outdoors, the best things to do in szczecin – churches, castles, and museums, the best things to do in szczecin – arts & entertainment, why visit szczecin, how to get around in szczecin, listen to our szczecin podcast, getting to szczecin, where to stay in szczecin, is szczecin worth visiting, take a tour in szczecin, what to eat in szczecin, know before you go – szczecin, frequently asked questions – faq, stare miasto.

No visit to Szczecin is complete without a trip to the city’s Old Town or Stare Miasto. This charming district is full of life, with its cobblestone streets lined with lively cafes and restaurants. It’s the oldest quarter in the city, and reconstruction after the war did not occur until the late 1990s. Explore the area’s unique buildings and reconstructed town hall, including a museum featuring Szczecin’s history.

Szczecin Walking Tour

Szczecin Walking Tour  – See 42 marked stations on a 7-kilometer route. You’ll see important historical buildings. Just follow the red line on the ground.  

Or take a Guided Walking Tour in Szczecin.

Solidarity Square

Solidarity Square – Memorial to the victims of December 1970   – A prominent feature here is the Angel of Freedom monument, commemorating the December 1970 events in the city.

Szczecin Underground City Trails

Szczecin Underground City Trails is a unique attraction located beneath Szczecin’s city center. This underground maze of tunnels and chambers was initially used as air-raid shelters during World War II, but it has since been transformed into a fascinating cultural venue. The biggest civilian shelter in the country was transformed into a nuclear bunker after WWII. Visitors can explore five levels of passages, admiring artwork created by local artists along their way. Szczecin Underground is a great way to discover an unseen side of the city and learn about its history simultaneously.  It is accessible from the train station.

Kamienica Loitzów

The Kamienica Loitzów is an iconic building located in the heart of Szczecin. This late Gothic burgher house near the Pomeranian Dukes Castle is a townhouse from the mid-1500s.  Initially occupied by the Loitz banking family, the old structure has been used for various purposes, including as a school, hospital, and prison. The building has retained its original architectural features throughout the centuries, making it an interesting sight. 

When considering what to see in Szczecin, many choices are offered from the great outdoors.

Waly Chrobrego Promenade

This beautiful Waly Chrobrego Promenade borders the Odra River. It’s a nice place to spend the afternoon and see historic buildings. It’s also home to the Maritime Museum (Muzeum Morskie). You’ll find a stunning view of the river and its surrounding landscape here. You can also stroll around Waly Chrobrego along its nearly half-kilometer stretch, admiring impressive architecture from centuries past. Take time to explore the historic monuments, statues, and fountains – all adding to Szczecin’s unique charm. When you’re tired from your walk, stop for a break at one of the many bars and restaurants located along Waly Chrobrego. Enjoy some traditional Polish cuisine or take in the beautiful views of the river.

This promenade was developed before World War I, following the historic location of Szczecin’s medieval fortifications, most of which were destroyed in the 18 th  century.

Jasne Błonia Square

Developed in the 1920s, this is Szczecin’s largest park at 50 hectares. This public park is near the city center and features lush greenery, peaceful walking paths, and a small lake. It’s a perfect spot for those who love nature and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are more than 200 Plane Trees in this park, Poland’s largest concentration of this variety. You can also see the 22.5 meters high Monument of Poles’ Action monument, celebrating three generations of Szczecin residents.

Kasprowicz Park

Park Kasprowicza was created in the 1950s and named after the Polish poet Jan Kasprowicz. It’s the central urban park in the city, covering over 27 hectares. Visitors will find lush green spaces with exotic trees, ponds, and a large playground perfect for families with children. The impressive monument in the park boasts three eagles as a commemoration of Szczecin’s rehabilitation after WWII.

Kasprowicz Park also hosts concerts throughout the summer months in its 4,500-seat amphitheater. Be sure to check what’s on when you’re in town. 

Różanka Rose Garden

Różanka Rose Garden (Ogród Różany Różanka) is the perfect place for a romantic stroll in Szczecin. This beautiful garden in the western corner of Park Kasprowica features thousands of roses of different colors, shapes, and sizes. The aroma of the blooms will fill the air as you wander through two hectares of this enchanting oasis. The garden boasts nearly 100 varieties of roses, plus apple, chestnut, maple, and Serbian spruce trees. It’s a great spot to relax, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The garden also hosts various events throughout the year, from flower festivals to concerts.

Puszcza Bukowa

Located on the outskirts of Szczecin, Puszcza Bukowa or Beech Forest , is one of Poland’s largest nature reserves. This stunning reserve in the Bukowe Hills covers over 2,000 hectares and features a variety of landscapes – from dense forests to open meadows and natural lakes. A great spot to visit is Jezioro Szmaragdowe (Emerald Lake), which is a flooded chalk mine from the 1860s.  There are also the remains of German bunkers from WWII. Visitors can explore the area by foot or bicycle, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of this idyllic spot.

Wolin National Park

This is one of Poland’s smaller National Parks. About one hour from Szczecin, you’ll find hiking trails and lakes, and this park borders the sea. If you’re looking for a great day trip from Szczecin, consider Wolin National Park.

Camino de Santiago – The Pomeranian Way segment

In 2003, the Camino de Santiago European network reached the border between Germany and Poland in Zgorzelec.  The following year, the idea to demarcate the first section of the Way of St. James in Poland commenced. The Camino Polaco took several years to complete.  Today, Camino de Santiago enthusiasts can log more footsteps towards their pilgrimage by including Poland as part of their trail.

Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle

The Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle (Bazylika Archikatedralna pw. sw. Jakuba Apostoła) is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of the most impressive landmarks in Szczecin. It’s the largest church in the West Pomerania region, featuring 19 chapels, a fantastic pipe organ, and room for nearly 10,000 people.

This church took 500 years to complete, with construction beginning in the 13th century and ending in the 18th century. Visitors will find a breathtaking interior featuring stained glass windows, ornate columns, and an intricately decorated altar. And as the second tallest church in Poland, you can see spectacular views from the top of the church.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle is integral to Szczecin’s cultural heritage and a reminder of the city’s long and varied history.

Szczecin Central Cemetary

The Szczecin Central Cemetery (Cmentarz Centralny) is the largest cemetery in Poland and the third largest in Europe. This cemetery is located just outside the city center and dates back to the 19th century. The setting is reminiscent of a large park and spans nearly 170 hectares. Here, you can see a variety of monuments and sculptures from different eras, such as an obelisk dedicated to Polish soldiers who died during World War II.

The Central Cemetary has many gravesites, as over 300,000 burials have occurred here. Among the graves are famous local figures, such as writers, scientists, and politicians. It’s a great place to learn more about the history and culture of Szczecin and its inhabitants.

Pomeranian Ducal Castle and Tower of Seven Mantles

One of the most iconic places to visit in Szczecin is the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle . This Renaissance-style castle, dating back to the 14th, underwent several renovations over the centuries, making it one of the most impressive monuments in Poland. It was once the seat of Pomeranian Dukes between the 12 th  and 17 th  centuries. It was the seat of Szczecin’s Swedish governor before the Queen of Poland moved in during the early 18 th  century.

The castle is now open for visitors and offers a variety of attractions, including historical exhibits, stunning gardens, and an outdoor café. Take time to explore the castle’s impressive architecture and grand interiors.

The Royal Gate

The Royal Gate, or Plac Brama Portowa , is one of the most impressive landmarks in Szczecin. Erected in 1609 to commemorate Polish King Sigismund III Vasa’s coronation in Szczecin, it is perhaps the most outstanding baroque fortress gate in West Pomerania. The fortification was intended to defend the city from the north and was built in 1725.  It symbolizes the city’s past as an important trading hub. The gate is made of sandstone and features sculptures depicting scenes from the city’s history. It is also adorned with a giant statue of King Sigismund III Vasa, which adds to its grandeur.

Museum of Technology and Transport

The Museum of Technology and Transport in Szczecin is recommended for anyone interested in history and engineering. This museum showcases some of Poland’s most iconic pieces of technology, such as steam engines, vintage automobiles, and early telephones. You can try your hand at directing a tram using a simulator of a Konstal 105Na tram. The museum offers guided tours that allow you to explore the displays in detail and learn more about Szczecin’s fascinating history. It’s one of the largest museums of its kind in Poland.

Be Happy Museum

The Be Happy Museum in Szczecin promotes a mission of cultivating happiness, sharing good memories, and making the world a sweet place. This interactive museum focuses on the science of happiness, featuring exhibits exploring emotions, relationships, and positive psychology. You’ll find plenty of activities, from games to hands-on experiments. Some workshops and seminars allow you to learn more about the science behind happiness and how to live a more joyous lifestyle. 

National Museum in Szczecin

The National Museum in Szczecin is a must-see attraction for any art lover. This museum has six locations in the city and has an extensive collection of Polish and international artworks, showcasing some of the country’s best pieces from different eras.  The collection features nautical displays, an ethnography exhibit, liturgical art, and more. The National Museum in Szczecin is the perfect place to explore the visual arts, with something everyone can enjoy. 

Szczecin Philarmonic

The Szczecin Philharmonic (Filharmonia im. Mieczysława Karłowicza w Szczecinie) building dates is a newer addition to the city and hosts fantastic classical music performances.  This Philharmonic Hall accommodates a symphony hall and a chamber music hall.  Guided tours are available in Polish, English, and German, though they are not offered daily.  The building won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2015.  Designed by the Spanish firm Barozzi Veiga, the architecture of the translucent, white-glass building is unique.

Szczecin is not among the first cities people consider when planning a visit to Poland. But, it is a vibrant destination offering much to see and do for tourists. With many historic monuments, a lively nightlife scene, and an abundance of great restaurants – there are many reasons why you should visit Szczecin. From exploring the World War II sites to taking in the views along the Odra riverbank – you’ll always be energized in Szczecin. 

Szczecin’s population is nearly 400,000.  Today, Szczecin is a cultural center of western Poland with several theaters, a philharmonic orchestra, and a National Museum. It’s also an important shipbuilding center, and its proximity to the Baltic Sea makes it possible to get a ferry to Sweden and Denmark from nearby.  The landscape of rivers, lakes, woods, and parks makes up half of the city area.

For those looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path destination – Szczecin is the perfect choice! 

Szczecin is straightforward to navigate and explore as a tourist. We found the city extremely walkable and got to most destinations by walking.

The city has many public transit options, including buses and trams connecting the main attractions. There are also plenty of rental bike companies in Szczecin which offer great rates for tourists wanting to explore on two wheels. Taxis are also widely available throughout the city center, making it easy to get around. For travelers wanting a more leisurely exploration of Szczecin, guided tours are available! 

Visitors can look into the  Szczecin Tourist Card  for transportation services and discounts on several attractions. It’s an affordable option that will cover you for several days.  The tourist card is available online and in tourist information offices.  With the card, you can easily explore Szczecin via trams and buses.

In episode 78, we check out what to do in Szczecin, Poland.  This is the first episode in a multi-part series where we’ll take you to multiple cities in Poland.  We spent 23 days traveling through western Poland and can’t wait to share our adventures with our listeners. Click the podcast player link below to listen to this episode.

We flew from the United States to the Berlin Airport (BER) in Germany.  The drive to Szczecin is about 90 minutes. We arranged for travel on FlixxBus for our journey. If you have time on your itinerary, consider spending a day or two in Berlin before traveling to Poland.

You’ll find lots of lodging options in Szczecin. Our accommodation was at the Luksus Apartamenty Mariaca . We would easily stay here again.

Here are three more top rated places to stay if you visit Szczecin

Hotel Zamek Centrum – The 4-star Zamek Centrum Hotel is located in the centre of Szczecin, right by the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle.

Hotel Focus Szczecin – Conveniently located near the city center and landmarks.

Park Hotel – Great location in the Stefan Żeromski Park.

Search for more lodging options through our Expedia or VRBO links below:

Absolutely. The city offers a wealth of history and culture. It is relatively affordable, especially compared to other popular European destinations.  And did you know Szczecin has been called the Paris of the north?

The heart of the city is a star-shaped square with diverging avenues.  The gentleman who created the town-planning project for the French capital also designed Szczecin. 

Szczecin Underground Routes and Old Town Private Walking Tour

Learn about the history of Szczecin with a private tour. See the underground route showcasing unique WWII inspired acoustics, lights, and exhibits. You’ll also see medieval ruins in Old Town.

Click to book Szczecin Underground Routes and Old Town Private Walking Tour

You can still eat at the first bar that served pasztecik szczecińsk.  The Bar Pasztecik was founded in 1969, and you’ll find it on Wojska Polskiego Avenue in the center of Szczecin. The dish is typically served with clear borscht.  And it’s a super affordable dish.

An American type of breakfast is hard to find in Szczecin. But you’ll find options for coffee and bakery items to get you started for the day.

• ✈️  Airport:  Berlin Brandenburg (code: BER)
• ⏰  Time Zone:  Central European Time (UTC+2)
• 💰  Currency:  Polish Złoty
•  🗣  Language:  Polish 
•  🔌  Electricity Socket:  Poland uses types C and E plugs. Plug type C has two round pins, and plug type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. Poland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. For visitors from other countries, Use this universal travel adaptor .

Szczecin, Poland, is the historic capital of West Pomerania, its major seaport, and many historical and cultural sites. For nearly 1,000 years, Szczecin was known as Stettin.

Szczecin is currently Polish. However, the city has a complex historical background due to its location near the German border and its strategic importance as a seaport. Known as Stettin in German, the town has been controlled by various nations, including Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany.

Books to plan your trip to Poland

Check out our other posts about Poland

Two Days in Torun, Poland Best Places in Wrocław Poland

 #szczecin

Pin it for later!

Fuel your wanderlust with weekly travel updates – It’s 100% FREE!

Get inspiration for your wanderlust with our weekly curated travel news..

Subscribe to get our latest content by email. It’s 100% FREE!

Art Dobrucki is a travel writer and podcast host for The Places Where We Go. With his wife Julie, they bring their travel stories to curious travelers to inspire adventures. Art is also a composer and keyboardist with several albums to his credit. Check out more information on our About Us page.

• Pingback: Two Days in Toruń Poland - The Places Where We Go
• Pingback: 18 best places in Wroclaw Poland in 2023 - The Places Where We Go
• Pingback: 11+ Best Places You Must See in Krakow Market Square - The Places Where We Go
• Pingback: 18 best places in Wroclaw Poland in 2023

Comments are closed.

How To Save Money On Your Summer Vacation – 10 Top Tips

14 best italian landmarks to visit during each month of summer, gas vs. diesel vs. ev – truck options for towing your airstream, upcoming places.

• London, England
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Riga, Latvia
• Gdansk, Poland
• Copenhagen, Denmark

© 2024 The Places Where We Go

• More Networks

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Well off any track non-German tourists tread, the western port city of Szczecin (shcheh-cheen) is a lively city awash with students and a muddle of architecture inherited from wildly different ages. Crumbly German-era art-nouveau tenements and mansions, some now undergoing renovation, echo a past splendour but historical style is patchy. The authorities seem to have given up on the idea of rebuilding, choosing instead to fill the gaps in the city centre with glass-and-steel malls, sacrificing entire streets in the name of retail. Many of the main thoroughfares have been spruced up, but derelict buildings and overgrown plots are easy to find in the very heart of the city.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes

This castle is the mother of all Szczecin monuments. This vast, blocky building looms over the Old Town, but the square central courtyard and simple…

Museum of Technology & Transport

This surprisingly good museum 2.5km north of the centre has a fascinating collection of vehicles, mostly of Polish origin – interesting as today Poland…

Cathedral Basilica of St James

Head downhill from the city centre to explore Szczecin’s 12th-century cathedral, partially destroyed by Red Army shells in 1945 and reconstructed in 1972…

Historical Museum of Szczecin

Szczecin's 15th-century Gothic Town Hall, one of the most architecturally fascinating buildings in the city with its monster red-brick gable, is the only…

National Museum's Department of Art

The National Museum’s Art Gallery resides in an 18th-century palace that formerly served as the Pomeranian parliament. It displays a collection of…

Szczecin's huge former town hall is a red-brick colossus dating from the late 19th century. It now houses various obscure maritime institutions.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Szczecin

• Szczecin Tourism
• Szczecin Itineraries
• Szczecin Hotels

Top Tourist Attractions in Szczecin

• West Pomeranian Voivodeship
• Things To Do In Szczecin

Best Things To Do in Szczecin, Poland

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Szczecin.

Szczecin may not be as popular as other cities in Poland, but don’t let that fool you. Szczecin is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Szczecin.

If you have plans to visit Poland and are not sure if Szczecin should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Szczecin and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

• Leisure Activities in Szczecin

Tourist Attractions in Szczecin

Here is the list of things to do in Szczecin and tourist attractions in city.

Solidarity Szczecin-Goleniow Airport

Address: ul. Solidarności 1, 72-100 Goleniów, Poland

Pracownia Przyrodnicza Urszula Banaś Stankiewicz

Address: Antoniego Kaliny 15/21

Göbel Hans Garten Bau Polen

Address: ul. Kujawska 5 lok. 6

Rezerwat Przyrody Piekielko Szkuckie

Szczecin landscape park, parafia rzymskokatolicka pw. sw. siostry faustyny kowalskiej, parafia rzymskokatolicka sw. antoniego z padwy, kosciol ewangelicznych chrzescijan. zbor betel.

• Things to do in Potsdam
• Things to do in Berlin
• Things to do in Oranienburg
• Things to do in Warsaw
• Things to do in Krakow
• Things to do in Zakopane
• What to do in Szczecin in 1 day
• What to do in Szczecin in 2 days

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.5 By boat
• 3.1.1 Railway
• 3.2 By foot
• 3.4 By bicycle
• 3.5 By taxi
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Local beer, local vodka
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 13 Stay safe
• 14.1 Consulates

Szczecin , (pronounced Shchetsin , German: Stettin , Latin: Stetinum ) is a maritime port city and the capital of Zachodniopomorskie in Poland . The city has a population of over 400,000, with almost 780,000 living in its metro area (2019). It is one of the seven largest metropoles in the country. It lies in the northwestern corner of Poland, very close to the German border. It is easier to get to Szczecin from some parts of Germany, notable from Berlin , than it is from much of Poland. For a significant part of its history, Szczecin was a part of Germany, and in other periods, of Denmark and Sweden.

Szczecin is Poland's third-largest port and much of its industrial base used to be a part of an important shipyard. But the city is not on a seaside, but rather on the river Odra (German: Oder ), some 20 kilometres south of the Baltic Sea as the crow flies, and many more by road. Many visitors to Poland are also unaware of Szczecin's architectural attractiveness, as the large parts of the city were designed by Baron Haussmann, the same man who designed the boulevards of Paris .

The place now known as Szczecin was first mentioned in written history in 1st century when West-Roman historian Tacitus located East Germanic tribe of Rugians somewhere in the area; the Rugians left in the 5th century during the Great Migration. Sometime in the 8th century Western Slavic tribe of Pomeranians built their stronghold here. In 10th century the town was mentioned as "one of major in Pomerania" in Abraham ben Jacob's chronicle. In approximately 1080 its area was incorporated into Poland, but within eight years, the town was controlled by the Dukedom of Pomerania, and five years later, Denmark. In 12th century when its competitor, Wolin (also known as Veneta in medieval chronicles) declined Szczecin began to prosper from trade and became one of the major Baltic sea harbours. Its name was first recorded in 1133 as "Stetin".

In 1181 Pomeranian dukes joined Holy Roman Empire. In 1243 Szczecin got city rights before it became member of the Hanseatic League in 1278. Until early 17th century the city was the capital of Pomeranian Dukedom, then in 1630 when local dukes died out it became part of Sweden , then Kingdom of Prussia , then for a brief period, due to Napoleon's conquests, the French Empire. Beginning in the 18th century, the city was a part of Germany and served as the "port of Berlin". During World War II the city was hit hard by Allied bombers; city centre, Old Town and industrial areas were destroyed. After the Soviet forces invaded Nazi Germany in 1945, according to Potsdam Conference agreements, Poland annexed all lands up to the Oder river, expelling the native German population and extending the border to include Stettin: Poland thus gained control of the city.

In the 1980s, the city was (with Gdańsk ) one of the birthplaces of Solidarity movement.

An unusual feature of Szczecin is its urban planning, with many roundabouts and wide avenues. Stettin was rebuilt in 1880s using designs by Georges-Eugene Haussmann, who also did the urban planning for Paris. His design style is still being used for newly built (or modified) city areas.

The maritime industry is still strong with a busy port and repair shipyard, and it is a center of service industries in Poland. Szczecin is sometimes considered one of the most liberal Polish cities.

You can reach the airport by car (the journey may take up to 1 hour, depending on traffic), by taxi (about 120 zł), or by minibus – LOT operates a minibus to and from the airport for all LOT's flights (free of charge for passengers), leaving from LOT's office (al. Wyzwolenia 17) about 90 minutes before departure, and Interglobus has minibuses for all international flights. A railway service links the airport's terminal directly with Szczecin's main railway station and with Kołobrzeg .

Due to Szczecin's proximity to Berlin , the latter's airport is a viable option to get to Szczecin. From Berlin, you can get to Szczecin by minibus (numerous Szczecin-based companies, including Atlastransfer and Interglobus , operate regular services to Berlin Brandenburg International airport at attractive prices), by car or by train in 2–3 hours.

Polish State Railways (PKP) has connections to and from all major Polish cities. There are several trains daily to and from Warsaw – travel time on express or Intercity trains is less than 6 hours, but minor delays are not uncommon. To Poznań , travel time is about 2½ hours (from 40 zł), with frequent trains running throughout the day. There are also frequent trains to Świnoujście (2 hours).

Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) has train connections from Berlin , Amsterdam , Prague and many cities in neighboring Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania .

Due to the construction works of the rail tracks between Berlin and Szczecin, there are no direct trains between the cities until some time in 2025; coming from Berlin, you'll have to change to a replacement bus service or different train in Angermünde. Upon completion, travel time between the cities will supposedly be reduced to 90 minutes.

The Deutschland-Ticket is only valid on the German side here. In the trains or rail replacements buses you get a border crossing ticket from Grambow to Szczecin for €2.50 or from Tantow/Angermünde to Szczecin for €3.60 from the ticket inspector or bus driver . ( updated Feb 2024 )

Valid German tickets from and to Szczecin including the entire public transport system in Szczecin are (prices as of Feb 2024): • Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket (day-ticket for 5 people for €33) • Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket Nacht (night ticket for 5 people for €25 valid 18:00-7:00) • Berlin-Stettin-Ticket (€14.70 one-way, €29.60 day-ticket) • Mecklenburg-Vorpommern-Ticket (day ticket for 1-5 persons for €23-44)

A cheap way is the Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket , which is valid from 09:00 (from 0:00 on the weekend and on bank holidays) until 03:00 on the following day. It's for travel on all local and regional German trains and on local public transport systems in all cities and towns in Berlin, Brandenburg and Szczecin. The €33 divided by 5 persons, one person can travel for about €6.60 (€5 if using the night ticket). The groups often form spontaneously before departure or on the train.

You even can get from or to the Danish border via Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket, valid in the regional trains of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein until Padborg or Tonder (DK) with a surcharge of €2.50 for the ride from the Polish border to Szczecin.

You can reach Szczecin by car from major Polish cities, including Warsaw , Poznań , Gdańsk , Wrocław , and also from Berlin . Thanks to its location close to the border and direct link with the German motorway system, Szczecin has the best road connection with Western Europe of all Polish cities.

The main route to Szczecin from Berlin is the E28 (German: A11, Polish: A6). The journey takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic. Note that the German A11 motorway is undergoing continuous improvements, resulting in some disturbances in certain sections.

Travelling by car to and from other parts of Poland can be troublesome – the traffic is pretty heavy, the distances are large and there is a general shortage of motorways. It also takes quite some time – for example, the trip to Gdańsk (350 km) usually takes 4–5 hours, and to Warsaw (520 km along national road no. 10) you need at least 6–7 hours, even if you don't follow the speed limits too strictly.

You can also reach Szczecin from Sweden ( Ystad ) and Denmark ( Copenhagen ) using the ferry connections to and from Świnoujście . From there, the journey takes about 1½ hours, although this road gets completely jammed on summer weekends. To avoid traffic jams in high season, follow the yellow "tourist route" ("Trasa turystyczna") signs. These will take you along B-roads, bypassing the most crowded section of national road no. 3.

Many international and domestic connections (see Poland#By bus ).

There are multiple stops for long-distance buses in Szczecin:

• 53.417641 14.549065 3 Szczecin bus station . Main stop for Flixbus. The rail replacement buses to Angermünde also depart here.  
• 53.420459 14.55249 4 Szczecin DA PKS bus station . A few Flixbus rides depart here. PKS Szczecin operates daily connection with Schwedt in Germany . Also Sindbad departs here.  
• 53.386288 14.481815 5 Szczecin Warzymice Osiedle Kresy . An additional Flixbus stop at the south-western city border.  

There are also dozens of minibus operators driving to and from Berlin

Szczecin is on the banks of the Odra (German: Oder ) and Regalica (branch of the Odra) rivers and Lake Dąbie, near the Szczecin Lagoon. There are some marinas, most of them in the northern districts and on the shores of Lake Dąbie.

Since the discontinuation of the hydrofoil service from and to Świnoujście in 2015, the only way of reaching Szczecin by boat is using your own vessel.

Szczecin is split in two parts (Lewobrzeże and Prawobrzeże) named after their location on banks of Oder (Lewobrzeże = left bank) and Regalica (Prawobrzeże = right bank) rivers. The port is in between. City centre and most of attractions are situated in Lewobrzeże.

Public transport

Szczecin has extensive public transport network covered by trams and buses. See the maps [dead link] ( dziennej = by day, nocnej = by night, tramwajowej = trams) and schedules [dead link] . You can also install the timetables on your mobile phone: for J2ME compatible phones and Symbian: MPK Mobile , for Android and Windows Phone: Transportoid .

Tickets are randomly checked by plain clothed inspectors; fines are severe and can be a major hassle. Tickets are available at all newspaper stands and you can buy them from the driver after 18:00. If you have an account in Polish bank you can also use your mobile phone . Rush hours are 07:00-08:00 and 16:00-17:00, night hours are between 23:00 and 05:00. Tickets for express buses are twice as expensive. You can change between lines freely as long you stay within time limit (the exception is changing from "normal" bus or tram to express bus). Remember to stamp your ticket immediately after you board the tram/bus.

Prices : 15 minutes 2.00 zł, 30 minutes 3.00 zł, 1 hour 4.00 zł, 2 hours 5.00 zł, 24 hours 12 zł, 5 days 35 zł. A family weekend ticket, for 14 zł, is valid on weekends for one or two adults with at least one child up to 16 years old. There are also tickets valid for 10 days, a month and a quarter.

Brandenburg-Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, Schönes Wochenende and Brandenburg-Berlin Nacht tickets issued by Deutsche Bahn are valid for public transport operated by ZDiTM (trams and buses) in Szczecin. Monthly/quarterly tickets issued by ZDiTM are valid for DB trains within the city (Szczecin Główny-Szczecin Gumieńce).

• 0 - tourist tram line
• 1-12 - trams
• 50, 100 - tourist bus lines
• 51-244 - buses
• B, C - express buses
• 521-536 - night buses
• 7xx - free buses (to and from shopping malls)
• Tourist lines (vintage trams and buses) operate in July and August on Saturdays and Sundays. The fare costs 3 zł (paid to the driver). Line numbers: 0 (tram), 50 and 100 (buses).

If you want to go to or from the city centre (station name: Szczecin Główny) to districts of Dąbie, Gumieńce, Podjuchy, Zdroje, Zdunowo or Załom (or nearby suburban towns of Goleniów, Gryfino or Stargard), the fastest way might be the train. Check times with PKP [dead link] ; you have to buy separate ticket (6 zł, one way, no matter how many stops), the exception are trains operated by DB (see above).

City centre can be covered by foot (depending on your fitness, etc.). Look for the red line on the pavements - so called "red walk" which connects nearly all the attractions within the centre. This is by far the best way to discover the centre on foot, as all attractions are marked by a number (there are about 40) on the pavement, so you won't miss one. At each of them there is a sign explaining some details about the sight.

The red line starts and ends at the train station. When you exit through the main entrance, turn left on the sidewalk and look for it, some of the paint may have already vanished. Close to the start is also a map showing the route and the attractions. You can get a similar map that also includes the red line at the tourist information center.

Streets in Szczecin are (compared to other Polish cities) easy to navigate and not congested.

Parking within the centre during business hours (08:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Friday - after 17:00 and on weekends it is free) is paid; the pay depends on the zone and parking time. You can buy tickets from vending machines. Most of malls have free parking, and no one will check if you visited the mall or just used free parking opportunity.

Drunk driving is a serious criminal offence (up to 3 years in prison) and the police have no mercy for drunk drivers. Many of the "zero tolerance for drunk drivers" programs ongoing in Poland have started in Szczecin.

There is network of bicycle paths connecting the city center with the suburbs. You can take your bike on public transport for free (outside rush hours). If you want to see Szczecin from the bicycle but don't have one you can rent it using the Bike S Szczecin system, which is a system of city bikes available for everyone to rent. They have several hire and drop off stations over the center of the city. If you happen to be present in Szczecin on any last Friday of the month, feel free to join the Critical Mass - the start point is Plac Lotników square, 18:00.

Hail a taxi from the street or stand only in emergency or if very tired or drunk as it is much cheaper to call for one: ask locals for numbers or see taxi advertisements, they are nearly everywhere. When you call, ask the operator when the taxi will arrive and then look for car plastered with number of company you called.

There is taxi "mafia" operating from stands near railway station, popular clubs, hotels etc. Avoid these rip-offs, they are very expensive.

Fares within the centre shouldn't be more than about 12-15 zł. Fare from left side of the river (Lewobrzeże) to the right side (Prawobrzeże) or the other way is about 40-50 zł. Fares during the night are slightly more expensive. All officially registered taxis have meters, the driver should turn them on just after you enter. For payment have cash ready, only the minority of taxi drivers have necessary equipment for payments with debit or credit cards. Ask if in doubt.

Some of taxi companies operating in the city:

• Auto Taxi: +48 91 4535555
• City Taxi: +48 91 4335335
• Express Taxi: +48 91 4261038
• Euro Taxi: +48 91 4343434
• Gold Taxi: +48 91 8122222
• Granada Taxi: +48 91 4554554
• Szczecin Taxi: +48 91 4835835

• 53.42415 14.55972 2 Old Town ( Stare Miasto ). Jokingly referred to by locals as "Brand New Old Town" (its reconstruction only started in late 1990s and is ongoing), it has some nice houses rebuilt to original plans. Many shops, restaurants and cafes. There is a museum situated in the Old Town Hall.  
• 53.4336 14.5624 7 Park Żeromskiego . Another city park, situated in the center of the city between Waly Chrobrego and Pazim/Galaxy.  
• S-1 blast & fallout shelter . Largest in Poland. Two tours to choose: World War II or Cold War. entry 15 zł .  
• Parisienne Sub-Urb: many historistic and art nouveau boulevards in Prussian pseudo-Parisienne style around Plac Grunwaldzki, Jagiellońska and Wielkopolska streets.
• Football: Pogoń Szczecin play in Ekstraklasa, Poland's top tier. Their home ground Floriana Krygiera Municipal Stadium (capacity 21,163) is 2 km northwest of city centre.
• See the panorama of Szczecin - from the cafe on top of Pazim building, just by Galaxy shopping center (admission free), from St. Jacob's Cathedral tower (paid admission) or from one of the towers of Pomeranian Dukes Castle.
• Take a trip through Szczecin's waterways and port - many boats go from the river bank near Wały Chrobrego.
• Kayak through the city and lower Oder valley.You can borrow one at Kąpielisko Dziewoklicz (ul. Autostrada Poznańska, public transport - bus No. 61, stop "Dziewoklicz") or any of the neighbouring towns situated by the Oder river - look for wypożyczalnia kajaków (kayak rentals) or kajaki (kayaks).
• See dancing fountain near Teatr Pleciuga (ul. Wielkopolska). It might not be the most impressive fountain show in the world but it's nice eyecandy and it's free. The show lasts 30 minutes and starts every summer day at 21:30.
• Juwenalia 16–20 May
• Baltic Rock Meeting 25 May - 3 June
• Dni Morza / Days of the Sea June
• Boogie Brain Festival October
• Maritime University of Szczecin
• University of Szczecin [dead link]
• West Pomeranian University of Technology
• Pomeranian Medical University
• Academy of Arts
• West Pomeranian Business School

English teachers and IT developers/engineers are in high demand.

Szczecin has many shopping malls:

• Auchan - in Ustowo. Don't consider it if you don't have a car as the place is pedestrian unfriendly.
• Carrefour - near Media Markt (mall with electronics) in Pomorzany district. Open 08:00-21:00.
• CH Ster - near Castorama (big shop for DIY builders) in Gumience district, nearest mall from the German border. Open 08:00-21:00.
• CH Turzyn - another mall in the center. Open 08:00-21:00.
• Kaskada - the newest and the biggest shopping mall in Szczecin, best brands and spacious foodcourt. Open 09:00-21:00.
• Galaxy shopping mall. Many outlets of major brands. In the center, near Kaskada. Open 08:00-21:00.
• Outlet Park Szczecin - in Prawobrzeże. Connected by 2 bus lines and 5 other a short walk away. Open 10:00-21:00.

You will easily find fast food such as hamburgers, hot dogs, kebabs, pizza, etc., but for unique Szczecin snack try paszteciki (plural, singular is pasztecik ), which are type of deep fried cake with meat or cheese and mushrooms filling. They taste best hot and combined with a cup of barszcz czerwony (red beetroot soup).

• Turysta Milk Bar , Obrońców Stalingradu 6a (open 07:30-18:30)
• Zacisze Bar , Asnyka 19 (Niebuszewo district)
• Akademia Kulinarna , Mickiewicza 45 (open 09:00-17:00)
• Amar , Śląska 9 (open Monday-Friday 11:00-19:00, Saturday & Sunday 12:00-17:00) Vegan & vegetarian. If you are on limited budget, order their "danie dnia" (dish of a day) and/or "zupa dnia" (soup of a day) which are always very affordable.
• 53.42173 14.55102 1 Browar Stara Komenda , plac Stefana Batorego 3 , ☏ +48 91 423 44 45 , [email protected] . Su-M 13:00–22:00 (kitchen until 20:45), Tu–W 13:00–23:00 (kitchen until 21:45), Th–Sa 13:00–00:00 (kitchen until 22:45) . Brewery/bar that is popular with young locals for a drink, but also a great place for Polish food: Excellent żurek (sourdough soup) and pork neck with pickled cucumbers are to be found here, among other dishes. From 42 zł (mains) . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• Camarillo , Mściwoja 8 - fusion
• Green Way , Krzywoustego 16 (open Monday-Friday 10:00-21:00, weekends 11:00-19:00) - vegetarian
• 53.43165 14.54885 2 Public Fontanny , al. Jana Pawła II 43 , ☏ +48 91 489 48 99 , [email protected] . M–Th 11:00–23:00, F–Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 11:00–22:00 . Hip restaurant with a cosy atmosphere and modern European cuisine, more akin to what one would find in Berlin. The food is tasty and the staff friendly – a good choice if you're craving for something different. From 19 zł (bagels) . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.4238 14.55026 3 Bombay , Partyzantów 1 . Indian food.  
• Chief , Rayskiego 16 - all kinds of sea food
• Ładoga , Jana z Kolna - Russian
• Sake , Piastów 1 - Japanese
• Columbus - On Waly Chrobrego by Marine Academy
• [formerly dead link] Chrobry , Waly Chrobrego 1B ( by Provincial Government building ), ☏ +48 914880163 , [email protected] . Good Polish food. Chrobry is located under a dome supported by pillars. There is a bar and a two-story restaurant below ground and also serving upstairs between the columns with a view over the Oder. 40 zł for a main course .  
• Colorado - on Waly Chrobrego by Polski Theatre
• Karczma Polska - Lotnikow Square

The majority of pubs and bars can be found in the old town ( Stary Rynek ) or around ul. Bogusława in the middle town area. Expect to pay between 6 zł and 8 zł for a large beer and around 6 zł for a 50-ml shot of vodka.

• [dead link] Alter Ego , Pl. Batorego 4 ( under the red town house, near bus and rail stations ). 11:00-until the last customer . Restaurant during the day, live music and/or DJs on weekend nights.  
• Boston Pub & Club , Niepodległości 22 ( city centre ). Every day parties! Music: 1970s, 80s & 90s. Karaoke Nights, Student Nights, every weekend parties & afterparty till 06:00.  
• City Hall , ul. 3 maja ( near the railway station ). 21:00-last customer . Funk, hip-hop, house, etc.  
• Free Blues Club , Powstańców Wielkopolskich 20 ( Pomorzany District, trams 4, 11, 12 ), ☏ +48914853161 . 19:30-until the last customer . Something for blues (and rock) fans - live music, jam sessions, etc.  
• Hormon , ul. Piłsudskiego ( middle town area ), ☏ +48914341303 . 19:00-until the last customer . Very popular among the students; rock/alternative party every day, live music from time to time.  
• Mezzoforte , ul. Bogusława ( pedestrian area ). Italian food restaurant during the day, DJ parties on weekends.  
• Piwnica Kany , Plac Piotra i Pawła 4/5 ( across the main street from Pomeranian Dukes Castle, near Wały Chrobrego ). 15:00-last customer . Pub belonging to Kana alternative theatre, popular among students and artists (and theatre visitors). Has free wireless Internet; ask the bar staff for the password.  
• Rocker Club , Partyzantów 2 ( The very city centre ). 19:00-last customer . Live rock music, karaoke, you name it.  
• [dead link] Royal Jazz Club , Mariacka 26 ( near the Pomeranian Dukes Castle ). 12:00-until the last customer . jazz, all that jazz. Often live.  
• [dead link] Tiger Club , Felczaka 9 ( under the City Council Building, near the city park ). Restaurant during the day, disco on weekends, live jazz every Monday.  

Local beer, local vodka

• Bosman beer is made by local brewery. There are variants with red ( czerwony ) and green ( zielony ) label, both are lager. You can buy it at most of general stores and some pubs.
• Taverna pub has its own microbrewery making lager and porter type beers.
• 53.42386 14.54988 1 Nowy Browar , ul. Partyzantów 2 ( above the Rocker Club ), ☏ +48 91 4335484 . Nice beer hall with good beer and cheap food. TVs on the wall show sports. ( updated Oct 2018 )
• Starka is a seasoned vodka made by Polmos Szczecin distillery. There are variants which are 10, 18, 25 and 50 years old. You can buy them at Polmos store (corner of Jagiellońska and Bohaterów Warszawy streets); as you can guess, Starka is rather expensive (especially the 50-year-old one) and only available in limited amounts. You can also tour the factory [dead link] , which is quite interesting, tasting Starka is included with the tour (email them for booking and information).
• CUMA youth hostel ( Szkolne Schronisko Młodzieżowe ), Ul. Monte Cassino 19a , ☏ +48 91 4224761 .  
• [dead link] HoHo Hostel , Ul. Wyszyńskiego 39 , ☏ +48 790 490 824 .  
• Hotel Albert , Piesza 11 , ☏ +48 91 4623137 .  
• Hotel Migrand , Robotnicza 28/29 , ☏ +48 914420960 .  
• Campanile Hotel Szczecin , Ul. Wyszyńskiego 30 , ☏ +48 91 4817700 .  
• ibis . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• Hotel Park , Ul. Plantowa 1 , ☏ +48 91 4340050 .  
• Atrium Hotel , Al. Wojska Polskiego 75 , ☏ +48 91 4243532 .  
• Radisson BLU . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• Novotel . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 53.4383 14.5533 1 Hotel Dana , Aleja Wyzwolenia 50 , ☏ +48 91 820 7711 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . ( updated Sep 2017 )

As of Aug 2022, the city and its approach roads have 4G from Orange, Play and T-Mobile, and 5G from Plus. You might also pick up the German carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Szczecin used to be infamous in Poland for its organized crime, but these days are long gone; nearly all the gangsters are dead or in prison. Now it is a very safe city. However, you should stay away from some of its "bad" suburbs, like Gocław, especially after dark.

Be careful when crossing streets as jaywalking is a crime in Poland and the police often lie in wait for tourists crossing streets when the pedestrian crossing is on red. If stopped, claim that your money and passport are in your hotel, and you may get away with it.

• Cyprus, ul. Śląska 7, +48 91 4330766
• Czech Republic, ul. Monte Cassino 27, +48 91 4237980
• Denmark, ul. Piłsudskiego 1a, +48 91 4330930
• Estonia, ul. Kurza Stopka 5/cd, +48 91 8123827
• France, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 4, +48 91 4761546
• Germany, ul. Chodkiewicza 2a, +48 91 4850657
• Kazakhstan, ul. Grodzka 14/14, +48 91 3264011
• Mexico, ul. Energetyków 3/4, +48 91 4624371
• Norway, ul. Niepodległości 17, +48 91 8121430
• Slovakia, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 4, +48 91 4890661
• Sweden, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 4, +48 91 4862673
• United Kingdom, ul. Starego Wiarusa 32, +48 91 4870302

On the mainland:

• Police and its Jasienica district. Monuments from the Middle Ages, small marina in the Old Town on the Łarpia (Oder) River and World War II ruins of Hydrierwerke synthetic petroleum factory. Szczecin shares its public transport with Police and borders the town. You can go to Police by taking a public bus.
• Kamień Pomorski — sea resort and medieval town
• Kołobrzeg — sea resort and medieval town
• Trzęsacz — for Gothic church ruins
• Stargard Szczeciński — medieval town with a cathedral over a hundred metres high
• Świdwie — for the birds reservation
• Międzyodrze ( Lower Oder valley ) — picturesque marsh area full of wildlife
• Nowe Warpno — quiet medieval town
• Trzebież — resort with big marina

On the Wolin island:

• Woliński National Park
• Game reserve of wisents
• 93-metres high Gosan cliff
• Kawcza Góra Mountain
• sea resort and port Świnoujście
• sea resort Dziwnów
• sea resort Międzyzdroje
• ancient town of Wolin (town)

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Go listing with no coordinates
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Articles with dead external links
• See listing with no coordinates
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Articles with formerly dead external links
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Zachodniopomorskie
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Szczecin Sights – The best things to see in Szczecin Poland

• Gepostet am 4. January 2022
• last updated 31. October 2023
• , in: Poland

Table of content

Szczecin has a rich history as one of the most important cities of old Pomerania. Szczecin impresses visitors with wide parks, great Wilhelminian architecture, a beautiful harbour promenade with one of the best terraces in Europe, interesting museums, cool pubs and delicious food. Szczecin offers you a wonderful short trip to get to know the culture of Poland . Here you can learn all about the city’s eventful past, get to know the most beautiful Szczecin sights and find out what you absolutely have to see and try.

This is Szczecin

Szczecin is the most northwestern major city in Poland and is located at the mouth of the Oder River into the Szczecin Lagoon. It is just 10 km from the center to the German border and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern . The city experienced a real boom after the Second World War and today has 400,000 inhabitants, which makes it the seventh largest city in the country (behind Gdańsk and ahead of Bydgoszcz). The city is best known for the spectacular Philharmonic Hall, the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes and the Wały Chrobrego. Economically, the port is of particular importance, and there are three universities in Szczecin. Incidentally, the inhabitants of the city are jokingly called paprykarzy after a dish of herring, rice, tomatoes and onions, which is often available in canned food.

The History of Szczecin

Szczecin’s roots date back to the early Middle Ages, when Slavic tribes settled here. In the 13th century, several local communities were united under the Pomeranian Duke Barnim I. and were granted city rights; the actual city was born. Due to its favorable location at the northern end of the Odra River, Szczecin quickly developed into an important trade center and joined the Hanseatic League as early as 1278. Otto I of the House of the Griffins, the Pomeranian dukes, made the city his residence in 1309.

Szczecin was under Swedish rule for 80 years

In the 16th century, the Reformation was introduced in Szczecin, as in the whole of Pomerania. At that time, the already existing castle was also rebuilt into a Renaissance-style complex, which after the destruction of the Second World War today shines again in its former glory. In 1630 the city was then taken by Swedish troops. It was to remain under Swedish control for over 80 years before falling to Prussia under Frederick William I. Under the ruler known as the Soldier King, Szczecin was then developed into a modern fortress city, which can still be seen in parts of the cityscape today.

In 1815, Szczecin then underwent a significant upgrade, as it was declared the capital of the province of Pomerania within Prussia and thus the administrative seat of an area that reached as far west as just before Rostock and as far east as just before Gdańsk, as well as encompassing large parts of the Baltic hinterland. The following decades were characterized by industrialization, with the port in particular playing an increasingly important role. Due to its location not far from the Baltic Sea, the city was an easy target for air raids during World War II and over 90 percent of the old town was destroyed.

After World War II, it was initially unclear what would happen to Szczecin. After all, the city’s territory extended on both sides of the Odra River, which was to form the border between the newly founded GDR and the People’s Republic of Poland. Initially, therefore, the city west of the Odra was still administered by German communists after the war, before it was handed over to Poland and the German population was expelled.

The years 1970 and 1980 showed how critical the newly settled Polish residents were towards the communist rulers, when there were riots and strikes that were very important for the emergence of Solidarność and thus for the later downfall of communism in Poland. Szczecin has been the capital of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999. Despite the general decline of shipyards, the city’s economic prospects look very good and its proximity to the Baltic Sea and the German border make Szczecin attractive for investors.

These are the most beautiful Szczecin sights

Szczecin can therefore look back on a rather eventful German-Polish past. And you can still feel it today in many places in the city centre and on the outskirts of the city. So it’s high time we took a closer look at the most beautiful sights in Szczecin!

Castle of the Dukes of Pomerania

When one thinks of Szczecin in Poland, the first thing that comes to mind for many is the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, also known as the Griffin Castle. No wonder, it is one of the most magnificent Renaissance castles in the country! The castle is not the first of its kind in the city, because already in the 14th century the representative seat of the Griffin dukes stood here. Due to disputes with the local residents, the construction of the castle dragged on for a long time, and then under the Italian Renaissance specialist Antonio Wilhelmi it was given more or less its present form. In Prussian times, the future King Frederick William IV lived here for a time.

Today, the castle, which was extensively rebuilt after the Second World War, is home to various institutions, such as a registry office and a theatre. It is also home to the excellent Na Kuncu Korytarza restaurant (see restaurant tips). You can easily visit the inner courtyard. Be sure to take a look at the strange 17th-century tower clock. Here you can see a bizarre mask that turns its eyes in the direction of the hand and shows the exact date. Also, don’t miss a climb up the bell tower for a great view of the city! All this makes the Griffin Castle the most historically significant of all Szczecin sights.

Via ulica Grodzka you can walk from the castle directly to St James’ Cathedral. It is dedicated to St. James and is the most important church in the city. Together with the Cammin Cathedral in Kamień Pomorski, the church is the seat of the Archbishop of Szczecin-Cammin and was built in the Gothic style from the 13th century onwards. Also due to the Reformation, only a few of the church’s former 52(!) altars remain, but they are well worth seeing.

The building with its unusually long choir has a great lighting atmosphere and appears bright and open. An interesting detail for music fans: the first performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy took place here in 1735. Two lifts take you comfortably to a viewing platform from where you have a great view of the city! However, the view is less suitable for photos, as everything is glazed and the windows are unfortunately not always clean.

White Eagle Square/Horse Market

Immediately north of the cathedral is a small square dominated by the so-called Globus Palace. The neo-baroque magnificent building was erected in 1890 for the “Allgemeine Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft National” and today serves as the seat of the Szczecin Academy of Arts. In front of the building stands the magnificent White Eagle Fountain, which gave the square its name. It was created by Berlin architect Johann Friedrich Grael in the 18th century and was the first part of the city’s modern water supply system. After the Second World War, many German fountains and statues were destroyed. However, the fountain-eagle was fortunate that the bald eagle also adorns the Polish national coat of arms, so it is still allowed to spread its wings today.

Wały Chrobrego

The dispute as to which of the many historic Szczecin sights is the most magnificent must be settled between the Wały Chrobrego and the castle. But the long, 500-metre-long complex certainly has good arguments. But anyone who thought that the place that in German is called Hakenterrasse is called that because it has a hook will be disappointed. It was named after the former German mayor Hermann Haken. The street is home to some of the most magnificent buildings from around 1900.

As you can see in the picture, it is in fact a terrace that sits above an artificial grotto. On either side of the magnificent staircase is a stylised lighthouse pavilion. The huge building on the right is the Voivodeship Office and thus the most important administrative building in West Pomerania. On the left, on the other hand, you can see the impressive building of the National Museum, to which the staircase leads directly. Right next to it is the Maritime Academy, which you can see in the photo above. It offers a variety of courses on seafaring, freighters and electrical engineering. From the terrace, you have a great view across the Odra to the city’s modern port.

Harbour promenade

Speaking of the harbour! The entire promenade along the Odra river is a sight in itself. You can walk along the promenade for several kilometres on either side of the Odra. Ships are anchored at several places. These are not only inland waterway vessels that sail on the Odra and the local canals. There are also ocean-going vessels to be seen here. A special highlight every year is the “Żagle” sailing festival, to which many ships come from all over.

On the eastern side of the harbour, opposite the old town, you will also find the two islands of Łasztownia and Grodzka. Grodzka has a marina where you can hire motorboats without a licence. The beach club next to it hosts many concerts and parties. But you can also chill out on a beach lounger in the sand and drink cocktails.

Maritime Science Centre and Cranosaurs

In Łasztownia you’ll find the super cool Maritime Science Centre. There are interesting exhibitions on all aspects of marine science. The interactive museum is a real highlight, especially for children, as you can touch and try things out everywhere. In the evening, the building is often beautifully illuminated. This looks especially good with the cranosaurs, three decommissioned and painted cargo cranes.

Wheel of Szczecin

In summer, you’ll also find the Wheel of Szczecin Summer Festival in Łasztownia. The Wheel of Szczecin offers a great view of the harbour and is always better than the glass tower of the cathedral. However, the Ferris wheel in Szczecin also costs 40 zloty, almost 10 euros. But you can take better photos from here, the windows are quite clean and if you like, you can hold your camera out without the glass on top.

National Museum

The National Museum was founded shortly before the outbreak of World War I as the Szczecin City Museum and has been in operation ever since. But those who expect a mere narration of the city’s history here are mistaken. Rather, there is almost nothing in the National Museum that does not exist: medieval Pomeranian art, 16th- and 17th-century paintings, copies of ancient bronze sculptures, and a huge ethnological collection that even includes entire replica African villages! It’s also home to the Modern Theater , where you can see many Polish plays. However, these special performance spaces are eclipsed by another venue, the Modern Philharmonic Hall, located just a stone’s throw from the museum.

Philharmonic Hall

Inaugurated in 2014, the building designed by architects Alberto Veiga and Fabrizio Barozzi was even awarded the Mies van der Rohe Prize in 2014, the most important European architecture award. If there is no performance, you can visit the impressive foyer with its curved staircase and have a snack in the museum café. The performances are really worthwhile and are also very inexpensive. You can also find tickets in German on the Philharmonic’s website . There are also guided tours in English once a month on a Friday.

Dialogue Centre “Upheavals”

What might be behind the strange name Umbrüche? During our visit to Szczecin, we didn’t know exactly what to expect either. A spectacular entrance next to the Philharmonic Hall leads into the underground, where a dark, fascinating and varied exhibition is on display that focuses on life after the upheaval that the end of the Second World War marked for Szczecin. Special emphasis is placed on Szczecin’s importance in the context of the workers’ unrest and the emergence of the Solidaność movement. A cool feature of the National Museum’s subsection is that you can make a 3D visit here if the exhibition is currently closed. Just click on the play button and then on “Wejdź do środka”. By the way, the small bistro in the foyer of the centre offers sandwiches with paprykarz – the delicacy from Szczecin (more on that later).

Monument to the insurgents

Above the museum is the Solidaność Square (plac Solidarności). Here stands an impressive bronze angel, weighing almost 10 tons, holding a stylized inscription with the word “December” (Polish: grudzień), which with a little imagination can also be interpreted for a crown of thorns, a symbol of the historical suffering of Poles. The angel commemorates the workers’ strike, which claimed numerous victims and was bloodily put down by the communist rulers. The monument was inaugurated in 2005, just in time for the 25th anniversary of the August Agreements. These were several treaties concluded between the communists and opposition leaders. The Szczecin Agreement was the first of them, and thus the first in the entire Eastern Bloc at that time, in which an opposition movement was recognized by the state power.

Rynek Sienny

Today’s Rynek Sienny (Hay Market) is a good example of how historical buildings were treated in Poland after the Second World War and why Polish restorers enjoy an excellent reputation worldwide. Just like large parts of the rest of the Old Town, the Haymarket was almost completely destroyed by bombing. Here, more than anywhere else, you can feel what life must have been like in the city before the war. In summer, the Haymarket is also a popular meeting place, because in almost every house on the square is a café or restaurant. A special eye-catcher is the Old Town Hall (also rebuilt). The impressive brick building houses, among other things, the brewery restaurant Wyszak in its beautiful vault (see below).

Kamienica Loitzów

The Kamienica Loitzów is a listed late Gothic building and was built in the 1540s. The building is closely associated with the Loitz merchant family. The collapse of the family’s empire after the Polish rulers failed to repay loans granted to them, the family fled to Krakow. This had long-lasting effects on the economy of Szczecin. Badly damaged in the Second World War, it now houses the city’s art academy. Particularly remarkable about the Kamienica Loitzów is the relief depicting the conversion of Saul.

Brama Portowa

The Port Gate (Polish: Brama Portowa) is special in several respects. Namely, on the one hand, it is the old city gate that marked the entrance to the Szczecin fortress. On the other hand, somehow it seems to be the only place in the area that has not moved with the times, because around the gate roars traffic and there are numerous modern post-war buildings.

The magnificent baroque facade is intended to remind us that Szczecin, like other parts of Western Pomerania, was acquired by Prussia in 1720. Especially with the buildings in the surrounding area, this makes for an interesting contrast. Today, the gate houses a small theater. There is a second historic city gate in Szczecin, the King’s Gate, located further north, also on a crossroads.

Main post office

Post office buildings are not usually among the places we introduce to you in our blog. But here we are happy to make an exception, because the huge brick building not far from the main station is one of the most beautiful post offices in the country. Externally, it resembles a kind of castle, inside the building presents itself in the style of the Neo-Renaissance filigree, especially the light-flooded hall with its glass roof is a real eye-catcher. If you have come by train, you can not only change money here at better conditions than at the main station, but also buy some of the beautiful Polish stamps as souvenirs.

Szczecin Undergound

Hardly any of the sights in Szczecin impressed us as much as the so-called Underground City Trails. To find them, you first have to search a bit, because the entrance is not in a building, but directly on platform 1 of the main station. From here you can embark on an exciting journey of discovery into the Szczecin Underground. The underground facility is the largest civilian air raid shelter in Szczecin. It was built by the Nazis and was one of the reasons why comparatively few residents lost their lives in bombing raids during the Second World War, as it could hold thousands of people.

Here you can also learn about the exciting history of the facility in English. After the war, it continued to be used as an air-raid shelter, which is why information is also provided here about the Cold War, the period of socialism in Poland and everyday life at the time. The varied visit is rounded off by art installations that correspond well with the premises.

Jasne Błonia

Jasne Błonia is an impressive square in the heart of Szczecin, located directly behind the city administration building. With its extensive green spaces and old trees, it is a popular place for locals and tourists to relax and marvel at the fountains and flowerbeds. But the highlight of the park is undoubtedly the Monument to the Deed of the Poles. This monumental memorial was unveiled in 1979 to mark the 40th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland. The sculpture, consisting of three soaring eagles, symbolises the tireless spirit and sacrifice of the Polish people. The eagles stand for the Poles who shaped Poland, for those who shape it now and for those who will shape it in the future.

On the spacious square at the entrance to Kasprowicza Park, another monument also commemorates the Polish Pope John Paul II, who appeared here twice.

Central Cemetery

There are also some really beautiful Szczecin sights outside the city centre. With an area of almost 179 hectares, the Central Cemetery (Cmentarz Centralny) is the third-largest cemetery in Europe today and yet almost unknown! The area was laid out around 1900 and more than 300,000 people have been buried here. From the very beginning, it was planned to use it as a place for strolling, which is why there are a large number of different trees from different regions of the world, there are said to be over 500 different species. Particularly impressive is the Monument to the Brotherhood of Arms, which you can see above. It was unveiled during the communist era and stands in the centre of the military part of the burial ground.

In addition, there are many other exciting places to discover, literally at every corner surprising perspectives open up. You should therefore take more than two hours to explore the fountains, memorials, graves, chapels and tree species, which are conveniently explained on information boards.

Museum of Technology and Communication

In the north of the city, you will find an exciting museum for technology fans in an old streetcar depot. Here you can see, among other things, numerous exhibits from the field of communication (the term is very broad), but especially many cars in excellent condition. The most significant of them come from the Stoewer factory. The company existed in Szczecin between 1858 and 1945 and produced, among other things, numerous luxury cars. The many exhibits you can admire here make up the largest Stoewer collection in the world! The car bodies are the new star in the Stettin exhibition sky, because until 2019 they were on display in Wald-Michelbach in Hesse.

Recommendations for eating and drinking in Szczecin

After all the sightseeing in Szczecin, you’re bound to get hungry. At any time of day or night, ulica Księcia Bogusława X should be a tip. There’s always a restaurant or bar open for you. But we have put together a few tips for you!

• Na Kuncu Korytarza , in the castle of the Pomeranian Dukes. One of the best restaurants in the city is located in the beautiful rooms of the castle. From Thursday to Saturday, you can enjoy not only the finest Polish jazz, but above all delicious Polish cuisine. The speciality of the house is the herring dishes – after all, the people of Szczecin are not called Paprikarzy for nothing, as mentioned at the beginning.

• Nowy Browar, ul. Partyzantów 2. The “New Brewery” is known far beyond the borders of the city and we have already discovered its products in other parts of Poland. Here you can get good Polish home cooking and pizzas, but above all several beers on tap, of which we found the wheat beers especially excellent.

• Wyszak , ul. Księcia Mściwoja II 8. Similarly beautiful to Na Kuncu Korytarza is the Wyszak Brewery, housed in the vaults of the Old Town Hall on Heumarkt. Here you can get various beers (including a tasting set) and multi-award-winning Polish cuisine of a high standard. And if you want to think of your loved ones at home, why not bring them a beer gift set from here?

• Karczma Polska Pod Kogutem , plac Lotników 3. Set up in the style of a Polish farmhouse, there is really great Polish cuisine here. Everything we ate here was excellent. We especially recommend the Lithuanian-style cold borscht, the pierogi and the black pudding. Smacznego!

• Bar Mleczny Turysta , Edmunda Bałuki 6A. What would a visit to Poland be without a meal in a milk bar ? A visit to these canteens of the people is always an experience. All of Poland eats here. In Szczecin, we particularly liked the Turysta milk bar. The food was rich and tasty, the prices reasonable. The queue was short for us, but only a little later it was much longer.

Guided tours of Szczecin

A guided tour in Szczecin allows you to explore some of the city’s hidden treasures, learn more about life in the city and in Poland, and hear the stories behind the historic buildings. A food tour will also introduce you to the authentic flavours of Polish cuisine. Here is a small selection of tours you can book through our partner GetYourGuide.

• Szczecin: Old Town Highlights – Private Tour * Fall in love with the history and culture of Szczecin’s Old Town on this private guided tour. You’ll visit highlights such as St Wojciech’s Church, the Cathedral, the Philharmonic Hall and the Hook Terrace. The tour offers you the opportunity to experience the city’s rich history and impressive architecture up close.
• Szczecin Craft Beer Tour * This craft beer tour in Szczecin is a great way to quickly get to know the best beer pubs in Szczecin. Discover the local beer culture and try different Polish beers in selected pubs and breweries. Experienced guides will tell you interesting facts about beer production and traditions in Poland. The tour also offers the opportunity to try local snacks that go perfectly with the beers.
• Szczecin Underground and Old Town Private City Tour * Dive into the mysterious world of Szczecin’s underground and explore the Old Town on this private guided tour. The tour will take you through the underground bunkers and tunnels built during the Second World War. Your guide will tell you fascinating stories about the history of the city and how these underground structures were used. Afterwards, you will explore the Old Town and learn more about Szczecin’s architecture and culture.

These three tours offer a diverse mix of history, culture and enjoyment that will enrich your stay in Szczecin.

Recommendations for staying in Szczecin

Szczecin has plenty of great hotels and accommodation. To make your search a little easier, we have listed a few recommendations here.

• Radisson Blu Szczecin * The Radisson Blu Szczecin is a modern hotel with elegant rooms and suites, restaurants, a spa and free breakfast. It is located in the heart of the city, close to all major attractions. The Radisson probably has the most comfortable beds in the city. The hotel is not cheap but you get what you pay for.
• Moxy Szczecin City * The Moxy Szczecin City is a relaxed hotel with stylish rooms, a hip bar and good free Wi-Fi. It is located right next to the Brama Portowa, close to bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel is super modern, but always offers reasonable prices. The staff are friendly and the hotel has a lively atmosphere. Great breakfast!
• Kamienica 1899 * The small, cosy Aparthotel Kamienica 1899 is located directly in the fin de district around plac Grundwaldski. The rooms are modern, offer all comforts, but exude the charm of the fin de siècle. There is no breakfast, but there are excellent restaurants in the area and in the evening you can also get to all the cool bars in less than ten minutes on foot. We had a great stay here.
• Studencki Dom Marynarza Pasat * The Marynarza Pazat student house offers simple rooms for a small fee. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, and there is a private bathroom. There is no breakfast, but there are many restaurants nearby.

Save money with the Szczecin Tourist Card

Last but not least, we would like to give you a tip on how you can explore the many beautiful sights of Szczecin comfortably and cheaply. Simply buy the Szczecin Tourist Card . It is available for either 24 or 72 hours and costs only 20 or 30 złoty, i.e. less than four or six euros. With it, you can use public transport for free, get a 50% discount in all museums and discounts in numerous other attractions, hotels and restaurants. For the low price, this is definitely an unbeatable offer!

The best place to buy it is at the tourist information office in Szczecin. You can also buy the card in the GoPay app . Unfortunately, the developers didn’t take into account that tourists in particular don’t have a Polish phone number. I couldn’t even register with a German number.

We hope you enjoyed our little trip to West Pomerania to see the Szczecin sights . Feel free to leave a comment and tell us how you like the city.

Szczecin Book Recommendations

There are also several books about the beautiful city of Szczecin and its sights. Here is a selection for you.

• Kling, Wolfgang (Author)

• Kissling, Ute (Author)

• Bloch, Dirk (Author)

This article was written thanks to the generous support of the Polish Tourism Office.

* – this link is an affiliate link. If you buy or order something here, we will receive a small commission. It won’t cost you a cent extra and we can continue to write new articles for you. Thank you for your support!

Markus Bingel

Other interesting articles.

Has anything changed in the information? Do you have any tips or questions? We look forward to your comment!

Share this post

Für Echte Fans

Unser wöchentlicher newsletter für echte osteuropafans, for real fans, our weekly newsletter for real eastern europe fans.