The city of Szczecin is situated on the Baltic Sea, a strategic and highly coveted territory that has changed hands quite frequently over the years. During the Middle Ages the port of Szczecin, Poland, one of the most important in the country, enriched the city with trade, which is why there are several impressive buildings and richly decorated facades.
Szczecin has a lot to offer, a city of majestic architecture and history: from a Cold War bunker to technology museums. It is a city that definitely will surprise you.
What are the best places to see in Szczecin Poland?
Szczecin is the capital of the West Pomerania region, and one of the largest cities in Poland. Its streets tell the city’s eventful history through the different architectural styles of its buildings, which in turn house the main sights to see in Szczecin. These are some of the essential stops to make in Szczecin.
1. Stare Miasto, the Old City of Szczecin
Surrounding the castle of the Pomeranian Dukes is the old town of Szczecin known as Stare Miasto. This quarter was destroyed during World War II but unlike other cities such as Warsaw, it was not immediately rebuilt. It was not until the end of the 20th century that some of the monuments were restored. The square is quite spectacular and always lively.
2. Kasprowicza Park
Kasprowicza Park, located next to Btonia Square, is one of the most popular tourist attractions. With a size of 50 hectares, this park is home to Lake Rusalka, an amphitheatre, and a large playground where the city’s families gather at the weekend. Both the park and the square are characterized by the number of old plane trees, which are considered a natural monument. In the centre of the square is a statue of the Pope that was erected after his visit.
Within the park is an amazing rose garden that was rebuilt in the early 21st century after its abandonment during the communist era. The garden brings together more than 99 varieties of roses and other fruit trees. It is definitely a must-see in Szczecin Poland.
3. Szczecin Museums
The Museum of Contemporary Art “Trafostacja Sztuk” or TRAFO, founded in 2013, is the youngest museum in the country. Within its walls there is plenty of space for all kinds of exhibitions, whether audiovisual or more traditional. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00 and exhibits both Polish artists and touring exhibitions.
Another museum worth visiting, if only for the views of the building, is the National Museum. Inside you’ll find both artistic and historical elements. There are exhibitions of art, sculpture, nautical artefacts and architectural features.
4. Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes
With an unmistakable Renaissance style, this castle founded in the 14th century surprises by its size and majesty in the heart of the city. After the Second World War the castle was restored, and today the building houses an art gallery which continually renews exhibitions throughout the year, a theatre, a concert hall and a cinema.
The visit to the castle includes the rooms and a collection of objects that were rescued during the restoration. Admission to the exhibitions is very affordable, costing €1.5.
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What to see around Szczecin
Szczecin Polonia is very close to the Wolin National Park, which means that there are several excursions available in the area. The closest is Puszcza Bukowa, in a charming little forest just outside the city. On the coast, in the middle of the national park, there are many more hiking and biking trails and villages worth visiting.
1. Puszcza Bukowa
Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre is Puszcza Bukowa, a small beech forest in the Bukowe hills. It is a very pleasant walk, perfect to disconnect from the city. Mossy soils, slender, leafy trees and light filtering through the leaves of the trees will make you feel like you’re in a movie.
In the forest is a small lake, named Emerald Lake for the colour of its water. Around it are World War II German bunkers and a small cafe where you can rest and enjoy the view.
2. Wolin National Park
Wolin National Park is both a nature park and a marine park as it covers the land and the Baltic coast. Within the park there are landscapes as diverse as glacial lakes, hills, forests and beaches, and a wide biodiversity with over 1300 plant species and numerous animal species, mainly birds. It’s also possible to see grey seals with a bit of luck.
There are hiking and biking trails in the park, and a wartime bunker has been converted into a museum. There’s also a farm for the little ones. The park is a 1-hour drive from Szczecin, Poland, and is accessible from Miedzyzdroje.
3. Miedzyzdroje
Miedzyzdroje is the gateway village to the nature park. The village is only 10km from the German border and is a popular holiday destination for both Poles and Germans. Especially in summer the village is very touristy, and there are plenty of things to do. From relaxing on the beach, to hiking along the coast or visiting the Walk of Fame. There you will also find the famous house built upside down.
From Szczecin there is a direct train to Miedzyzdroje which takes about 1h15. It’s a quick and direct option if you don’t want to take the car.
What to see in Szczecin, Poland, in 1 day
The city of Szczecin is easily visited in one day. In fact, it’s a common day trip from Berlin, as it’s only a 2-hour train ride away. If you only have one day to visit Szczecin, Poland, we recommend you follow this itinerary.
The must-see sights in Szczecin are the Pomeranian Dukes’ castle, the surrounding old town and the square. It is highly recommended to book a guided tour to learn about the history of this part of the city. You should also visit the museum of contemporary art, or you can opt for the national museum if you are interested in history. To end the day before nightfall, the best thing to do is to visit Kasprowicza Park and discover all the secrets it has to offer.
How to get to Szczecin Poland?
The city of Szczecin is strategically located between Germany and Poland, which means that there are several alternatives for getting there, either by plane, train, bus or car.
Szczecin Goleniów is the nearest airport, however, not all airlines fly there, and we will most likely have to make a stopover in Dublin, Warsaw or London. Poznan Lawica airport is the next closest and slightly larger airport, which means there are more flights. From there a bus will take you to the central station where you can catch a train to Szczecin. You can also go by train from Warsaw, but the journey takes between 5 and 6 hours.
But the best option is to fly to Berlin, where flights are much more frequent and affordable. There’s a direct bus to Szczecin several times a day for around €15. And there’s always the option of renting a car, which is an interesting option if you’re visiting Wolin National Park.
Where and what to eat in Szczecin
The most interesting thing about Szczecin’s gastronomy is that due to its location, it combines the best of German and Polish cuisine. If you are looking for a good place to eat, you will find the best restaurants on Piast boulevard, next to the river. However, here is a list of some of our favourites.
- Colombus: is a riverside restaurant characterised by its nautical décor with wooden finishes. It is a very large restaurant with two floors and a garden that serves mainly Polish food at affordable prices.
- Ladoga:is a restaurant specialising in Russian cuisine. Its speciality is palmieni, but most notably, it is located on a boat.
- Karczma Polska Pod Kogutem: This is a typical Polish restaurant with a lot of charm. Its specialities are sausages in wine with bacon and salmon with butter and herbs. It is located right in the centre of town and the prices are very affordable.
Where to sleep in Szczecin
Despite the fact that Szczecin is not one of the most touristy places in Poland, it does receive quite a few tourists every year, so there is a wide range of hotels to choose from. Here are some options for accommodation in different price ranges.
- Hotel Zamek Centrum: is a four-star hotel located in the city centre. It is a perfect place to explore the city and includes a fitness room and breakfast. The room costs around €80 per night.
- Hotel Rycerski: this is a much more affordable hotel (€40 per night) which offers flats as well as rooms. It is centrally located and offers its guests a sauna for relaxation.
- Hostel Annamarie is a very affordable hostel (€30 per night) and ideal for backpackers. It has a kitchen, common area and garden, perfect for meeting people. It also offers breakfast service.
Travel Tips for Visiting Szczecin
- The currency in Szczecin, Poland, is the Polish zloty (PLN).
- If you are travelling from a country with a different currency, we recommend that you exchange your currency in advance.
- The best time to visit Szczecin is from May to September, when temperatures are milder.
- There is no Roaming in Poland, you can use the internet on your mobile phone without any problems.
- The city is safe, but as with any tourist destination, it’s best to be careful with your belongings.
- Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
- It’s frowned upon not to tip in restaurants.
- Don’t drink in the street.
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Frequently asked questions when travelling to Szczecin, Poland
The best time is from May to September, when the weather is warmest. In winter it is very cold and even snowing, however, there are fewer tourists and the Christmas markets are nice to visit.
The Polish zloty is used throughout Poland. At the exchange rate, 1 euro is equivalent to 4.6 zloty. Euro payments are not accepted in shops and restaurants but can be exchanged in many places in the city.
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