This Szczecin travel guide shares the best things to do in Szczecin.
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How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com
Recommended Tours in Szczecin:
Szczecin: Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/szczecin-old-town-highlights-walking-tour-t161742/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin
Szczecin: cruise around the port: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/cruise-around-szczecin-port-t759609/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin
Szczecin Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle Exterior Private Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/szczecin-pomeranian-dukes-castle-private-walking-tour-t339646/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin
Szczecin: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/szczecin-traditional-polish-food-walking-tour-t161844/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin
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Welcome to Szczecin, Poland, a historic port city in the country’s northwest, near the German border. Known for its unique layout, green parks, and mix of Gothic and modern architecture, Szczecin, Poland is one of the country’s hidden gems. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to enjoy a relaxed city vibe, there are plenty of things to do and see in Szczecin, Poland.
Start your visit at Wały Chrobrego, also known as the Chrobry Embankment. This scenic riverside promenade is one of the most famous spots in Szczecin, Poland, offering great views of the Oder River and the city’s port. The area is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the National Museum and the Maritime Academy, and is perfect for a peaceful walk.
In the heart of Szczecin, Poland, you’ll find the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, a beautiful Renaissance structure that once served as the seat of the local rulers. Today, it houses museums, art exhibitions, and a café with a terrace overlooking the city.
The Old Town of Szczecin, Poland has been carefully restored after World War II and now features colorful facades, charming streets, and cozy restaurants. Be sure to visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, one of the tallest churches in Poland, offering panoramic views from its tower. Nearby, you’ll also find the modern Philharmonic Hall, an architectural landmark known for its striking white design and world-class concerts.
Szczecin, Poland is also a green city, filled with parks and open spaces. Kasprowicza Park and Jan Kasprowicz Park are great places to relax, walk, or enjoy a picnic. The Różanka Rose Garden is another peaceful spot, especially in summer when thousands of roses are in bloom.
For a unique experience, visit the Szczecin Underground Routes — a network of tunnels built under the city during World War II. Guided tours take you through the history of these tunnels, offering a fascinating look into the city’s past.
Food lovers will enjoy the growing restaurant scene in Szczecin, Poland. Local dishes feature fresh fish from nearby lakes, pierogi, and traditional Polish comfort food, along with modern cafes and craft breweries.
In the evening, head back to the Chrobry Embankment or one of the riverside bars to watch the sunset over the Oder. With its mix of history, culture, and relaxed atmosphere, Szczecin, Poland is a city that’s both authentic and full of character.
Keep watching to see the top things to do in Szczecin, top attractions in Szczecin, places to visit in Szczecin and Poland travel guides.
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So you want to know what are the best
things to do in Szczecin, Poland? Great, you’re in the right place. In this video we’re gonna discuss
the top things to do in Szczecin. Number 18: Stare Miasto (Old Town)
Stare Miasto is perfect to start your visit to Szczecin.
This Old Town sits below the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle and is the oldest part of the city.
Most of the area was destroyed during the Second World War, and reconstruction
did not begin until the 1990s. Around the Rynek, you will
see colourful Baroque-style townhouses and the rebuilt town hall.
Inside the town hall, a museum shows Szczecin’s history, including its wartime past.
The cobblestone streets are lined with lively cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy local
food and drinks while walking through a district that combines historic charm with modern life.
Number 17: Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle is
one of Szczecin’s main landmarks. This Renaissance castle has
five wings and two courtyards, with a mix of historic and cultural spaces.
Inside, you will find restored state rooms, a vault with sarcophaguses of six princes, and
the Duke Boguslaw X Hall, now a concert hall with a colorful Renaissance ceiling.
A 17th-century astronomical clock, the Witches’ Cell, and a room dedicated
to Eilhard Lubinus add unique touches. The northern wing has a panoramic terrace
where you can see the city from above. The castle also hosts exhibitions, theatre
performances, concerts, and conferences, giving you a chance to experience both
the history and culture of this city. Number 16: Archcathedral Basilica of Saint James
Built in the 1100s, the Archcathedral Basilica of Saint James is one of the city’s largest religious
buildings and the second tallest church in Poland. The current Gothic design dates from
the late 19th century after storms, war, and damage in the Second World War.
Inside, you will see 15 chapels filled with paintings, sculptures, altarpieces,
and architectural fragments from the 16th to 18th centuries, along with a triptych
made from fragments of older altarpieces. The cathedral also features ornate columns,
stained glass windows, and a decorated altar. From the tower, you can enjoy 360-degree
views of the city, accessed by lifts. Number 15: Szczecin Philharmonic
(Karlowicz Philharmonic) For lovers of music and modern
architecture, Szczecin Philharmonic is an impressive place to visit.
The building, often called “the iceberg,” is made of translucent white glass with jagged peaks,
giving it a unique, glowing presence at night. Inside, the main hall holds 1,000 people
and hosts performances by the Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra, while the smaller
chamber hall offers more intimate concerts. You can take guided tours in English, Polish,
or German to see the concert halls and the top-level gallery with changing exhibitions.
Another highlight is the white spiral staircase, which adds a striking touch
to the modern interior. You can also relax at Café
Symfonia on the ground floor. Number 14: Wały Chrobrego
This raised embankment stretches along the Odra River for nearly 0.3 mi (0.5 km), offering
wide views over the river and surrounding areas. It follows the path of the city’s former medieval
fortifications, with grand stairways, terraces, and statues adding character to the riverside.
You will notice impressive buildings like the Neo-Renaissance Szczecin Voivodeship Office, the
Maritime University, and the National Museum. The area is also lined with fountains and
historic monuments, creating a striking setting. As you walk along the terrace, you can pause at
bars or restaurants, enjoy traditional Polish dishes, and watch the city lights reflect
on the river, especially after sunset. Number 13: Kasprowicz Park
Covering over 67 acres (27 ha), Kasprowicz Park is the city’s main urban green
space, filled with rare and exotic trees like pines, spruces, yews, and Japanese poplars.
The park slopes down to Lake Rusałka, a dammed lake lined with greenery,
bridges, Swan Island, and a fountain. You will notice the 72-ft (22-m) Monument to
the Deed of Poles topped with three eagles, and the “Firebirds” sculpture by
Wojciech Hasior on a concrete pedestal. The park also has a 4,500-seat
amphitheater hosting summer concerts and a large playground for children.
In early spring, the lawns are bright with crocuses, adding color to the walking paths.
Number 12: Różanka Rose Garden You will find this garden in the
western corner of Park Kasprowica, about 15 minutes from the city center.
It covers 5 acres (2 ha) and features 9,000 roses from 99 different varieties,
filling the air with their scent. Alongside the roses, you’ll see apple, chestnut,
maple, hornbeam, and Serbian spruce trees. The garden was originally planted in
1928 and restored in the 2000s using old photographs to bring back its original design.
You can walk along its paths, enjoy the colors and fragrances, and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.
The garden also hosts events like flower festivals and summer classical concerts.
Number 11: Central Cemetery Visiting a cemetery might not be a typical tourist
activity, but this Central Cemetery is different. It is the largest cemetery in Poland and the
third largest in Europe, covering nearly 420 acres (170 ha) just outside the city center.
The grounds are laid out like a park, with leafy paths, yew hedges,
fountains, and formal flowerbeds. You will notice many monuments and
sculptures from different eras, including the Monument of Brothers in Arms
shaped like the wings of Polish hussars. The cemetery holds over 300,000 graves,
including writers, scientists, and politicians. You can stroll along the paths, see
the pavilion and water fountain, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Number 10: Museum of Technology and Transport Housed in an old tram depot, the Museum of
Technology and Transport opened in 2006 and is one of Poland’s largest technical museums.
You will see historic cars, motorcycles, buses, and trams, including models like FSO Warszawa,
Syrena, Mikrus, and the Polski Fiat 125p and 126p. The museum highlights Szczecin’s
automotive and transport history, with exhibitions on vehicles from 1919 to the
communist era, prototypes, and service vehicles. You can try a tram simulator
for the Konstal 105Na. The building itself, dating back to 1907, has
a gable roof with a glass front and clock, and the museum includes an elevator and a café.
By the way, check the links in the description for the ultimate guide on saving money
while traveling, plus recommended tour operators in Szczecin.
Number 9: Beech Forest Locally known as Puszcza Bukowa, the Beech Forest
lies southeast of Szczecin across the West Oder. This large nature reserve spreads over 4,940
acres (2,000 ha), with high beech trees, mossy floors, and rolling hills.
At the centre is Jezioro Szmaragdowe, a flooded chalk mine from the 1860s
with a café by its green waters. The forest has around 124 mi (200 km) of marked
trails, winding past the Wrymouth Oaks, View Hill, Swedish Mill, and Morowce stones.
You will find old German bunkers, underground tunnels, and St. Otto’s Linden Tree.
Birds like black storks, white-tailed eagles, and red kites live here, along with
butterflies, small mammals, and reptiles, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Number 8: National Museum The National Museum in Szczecin has six
locations across the city and is the largest cultural institution in West Pomerania.
It holds over 150,000 items, including old and modern art, archaeological finds, nautical
objects, ethnography pieces, and coins. The main building at Ulica Wały
Chrobrego 3 shows nautical collections and Poland’s biggest ethnography display.
The Old Art Gallery at Ulica Staromłyńska 27 features paintings by Max Slevogt, Lucas
Cranach the Younger, and Lovis Corinth, along with religious art such as
altarpieces and carved columns. A special highlight is the
15th-century St John’s Polyptych. The museum also has a large collection of
objects from Africa, America, and Oceania. Number 7: House of Loitzs
The House of Loitzs, or Kamienica Loitzów, is a striking late Gothic
townhouse built in 1547, located between the Old Town and the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle.
Its bright orange facade and slanted staircase windows draw attention, while the façade features
intricate tracery and a copy of a sandstone relief showing the Conversion of St Paul.
Originally home to the Loitz banking family, the house later served as a
school, hospital, and prison. During the 1944 bombing, the building was
destroyed but its decorative features survived. After post-war reconstruction, it became
part of the Secondary School of Fine Arts, maintaining its historic charm and
architectural details for you to admire. Number 6: Szczecin Underground City
Trails (Underground Stettin Routes) Szczecin attractions are not limited to
the streets and squares above ground. Beneath the city center lies the
Szczecin Underground City Trails, a network of tunnels and chambers that once
served as air-raid shelters during World War II. The network goes five levels deep,
reaching 56 ft (17 m) below ground and covering 26,910 sq ft (2,500 sq m).
One route shows living areas, photos, and objects from the war, while another
focuses on the Cold War, including how the tunnels were strengthened against nuclear
attacks and Polish Civil Defence equipment. Along the passages, you will
also see art by local artists. The main entrance is at platform 1 of
the train station near the tram stop. Number 5: Łasztownia Island
Łasztownia Island sits across the Odra River from Chrobry Embankment.
Historically, it was a busy trading port with granaries, warehouses, and shipyards, and the old
cranes from the 1930s still perform light shows at night, showing the city’s maritime past.
Today, you will find food trucks, a small amusement park, open-air bars, and a summer beach.
You can walk along the river, reach the marina at the far end, and see the large Szczecin sign.
Street art adds color to the area, and the mix of historic buildings with modern leisure
spaces makes it a lively place to visit. Number 4: Hay Market Square (rynek Sienny)
To see the oldest part of this city, start at Hay Market Square.
You will find a cobbled square surrounded by pastel-colored buildings with detailed
facades, giving a glimpse of the city’s charm. The Old Town Hall stands at one corner
with Gothic and Baroque features, while townhouses and shops line the edges.
During World War II, much of the square was destroyed, but it was carefully
rebuilt, keeping its historic charm. You can sit outside at cafés or
breweries and watch people pass by. The Museum of Szczecin History is also here,
where you can learn about the city’s past. Number 3: Jasne Błonia Park
Jasne Błonia Park is a large green space next to Szczecin City Hall where
you can walk, ride a bike, or sit on the grass. The park is lined with 213 London plane trees,
the largest group of this kind in Poland. In early March, thousands of crocuses bloom
here, turning the lawns into a purple carpet. You will find the Monument to the Deed
of Poles with three eagles symbolizing generations rebuilding Szczecin, a monument
to Pope John Paul II marking his 1987 visit, and the Hungarian Boy Monument showing
friendship between Poland and Hungary. Around noon, you can hear the Szczecin
Bugle Call from the City Hall balcony. Number 2: Wolin National Park Located about 90 km (56 mi) from
Szczecin, Wolin National Park is known for its cliffs, forests, and lakes.
You will see steep sea cliffs that rise up to 305 feet (93 m) and stretch for
9 mi (15 km) along the Baltic coast. The park covers over 24,711 acres (10,000
hectares), with forests filled with pines, beeches, and oaks that are around 130 years old.
It’s a good place for hiking and biking, with scenic trails leading to viewpoints
like Gosań and Kawcza Mountain. You can also visit the Wisent Enclosure to
see bison, deer, and eagles or go canoeing through the Świna River delta to spot birds
such as oystercatchers and sea eagles. Number 1: Port Gate and Royal Gate
Before leaving Szczecin, you should see the two remaining gates from the city’s old
fortifications — the Port Gate and the Royal Gate. The Port Gate (Brama Portowa) stands in
a busy part of the city and currently serves as a community theatre venue.
The Royal Gate (Brama Królewska), built between 1725 and 1727, is known for its
Baroque design and rich decorations, including figures of Mars and Hercules, the
Prussian royal coat of arms, and a golden crown. Inside, you will notice a vaulted passage
once used by soldiers guarding the city. Today, the gate also holds a chocolate
café where you can take a short break. Click here to watch this video.
1 Comment
How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com // Recommended Tours in Szczecin:
Szczecin: Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/szczecin-old-town-highlights-walking-tour-t161742/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin
Szczecin: cruise around the port: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/cruise-around-szczecin-port-t759609/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin
Szczecin Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle Exterior Private Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/szczecin-pomeranian-dukes-castle-private-walking-tour-t339646/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin
Szczecin: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/szczecin-l2405/szczecin-traditional-polish-food-walking-tour-t161844/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Szczecin