Explore Szczecin

Szczecin is a city on the Oder River in northwest Poland. It’s known for its 19th-century Wały Chrobrego, or Chobry Embankment, and the renovated Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, now a cultural center. The vast St. James Cathedral has a 14th-century triptych, stained-glass windows and a tower with city views. Nearby is the Gothic Old Town Hall, hosting The National Museum’s exhibitions on Szczecin’s history and culture. ― Google

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Szczecin

  • May to September ☀️

    • Best weather for walking tours, river cruises, and open-air events

    • Warm but not too hot, perfect for parks and boat trips

  • October to April ❄️

    • Fewer crowds; great for museums and indoor sightseeing

    • Winter is quiet but festive during Christmas with charming lights

✈️ How to Get to Szczecin

✈️ By Air

  • Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ) – small airport with flights from Warsaw, London, Oslo, etc.

  • ~40 minutes to the city center by shuttle or taxi

🚆 By Train

  • Szczecin Główny (Main Station) has routes to Warsaw, Poznań, Berlin (~2.5 hours), and other regional cities

🚗 By Car

  • Close to the German border; easily accessible via A6 and S3 expressways

  • Good for road trips along the Baltic coast

📍 Top Attractions in Szczecin

🏰 Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

  • Historic castle with exhibitions, tower views, and concerts

  • A central piece of Szczecin’s Old Town

🌳 Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment)

  • A riverside promenade with beautiful views of the Oder River and harbor

  • Great place for photos, walking, or sitting with a coffee

St. James Cathedral Basilica

  • Impressive Gothic church with an observation deck and beautiful stained glass

🛥️ Szczecin Philharmonic Hall

  • Award-winning architecture; catch a performance or admire its glowing facade at night

🌆 Galaxy Shopping Centre & Old Town

  • The Old Town is small but growing in charm; newer squares, restaurants, and street art add to the city’s appeal

🎯 Activities To Do

  • Take a river cruise or boat tour on the Oder and Dąbie Lakes

  • Explore Jasne Błonia Park and the Rose Garden (Różanka)

  • Visit the National Museum in Szczecin for art, archaeology, and maritime exhibits

  • Discover the Underground Bunkers of Szczecin, once used in WWII and the Cold War

  • Day trip to Wolin National Park or the Baltic coast (Świnoujście)

🏨 Accommodation

Luxury

  • Radisson Blu Szczecin – full-service hotel with spa and views

  • Park Hotel – boutique luxury in a quiet park setting

Mid-Range

  • Hotel Focus Szczecin – river views, clean, and central

  • Hotel Atrium – modern comfort with good amenities

Budget

  • City Hostel – budget-friendly with private rooms

  • Hotel Campanile Szczecin – affordable, central, and functional

🍽️ Food & Restaurant Recommendations

Must-Try Local Foods

  • Herring dishes and Baltic seafood

  • Szczecińska pasztecik – deep-fried savory pastry (try it at Pasztecik bar!)

  • German-influenced meats and potatoes

Recommended Restaurants

  • Wyszak Family Brewery – beer brewed onsite, Polish-German menu

  • Paprykarz Fish Market Bistro – casual seafood with a Szczecin twist

  • Z Drugiej Strony Lustra – eclectic Polish cuisine in a cozy space

  • Stara Komenda – hearty regional meals in a historical building

  • Bajgle Krola Jana – breakfast/brunch spot with delicious bagels

🧿 Local Culture

  • Szczecin is deeply influenced by German, Swedish, and Polish heritage

  • Maritime culture is central — the port, shipyards, and sea trade shape the city

  • Home to many students and creatives, especially in music, design, and architecture

  • Jazz, organ music, and philharmonic concerts are major cultural offerings

  • Known for its green spaces, Szczecin has more than 20 parks and forests around the city