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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

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17 Great Things to Do in Szczecin, Poland

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.

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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 .

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21 Tips to Visit Szczecin Like a Local: What to See, Do & Eat

Visit Szczecin, Poland: Discover Charming Blends of Parisian Chic & Berlin Cool

Planning to visit Szczecin, Poland? Good choice. This lesser-known Polish city has it all: maritime ambiance, award-winning architecture, and plenty of free cultural events in open spaces. Plus, third-wave coffee culture has hit hard, so if you’re a caffeine fan(atic) like me , you’ll be in heaven!

I’d even go as far as to say that Szczecin is a blend of Berlin and Paris – a fusion of street art and contemporary trends, Hausmann architecture and manicured parks.

One thing that definitely struck me right away was the passion locals have for Szczecin, from people working at the tourism agency to strangers I had quick chats with during my stay.

In this blog post, I’m sharing 21 local-approved things to see, do and eat in Szczecin, plus FAQs to help you plan your trip.

Locating Szczecin in Space and Time

Szczecin is set close to the German border in the Polish province of West Pomerania. Located on the banks of the Oder River,  this is Poland’s third-largest city.

A town with a long history, Szczecin was first settled by the Vikings back in the 8th century, before falling under Polish, Swedish, French, German and, once more, Polish, rule.

During the 19th century, Szczecin boasted one of the most important ports in the Prussian Empire – and industrialization and trade helped make the city very rich. German was the predominant language between 1871 and 1945, before the city was officially transferred back to Poland.

Trapped behind the iron curtain, Szczecin suffered greatly and was relegated to a third-rate city. But since the fall of communism in 1989, Szczecin has sprung back to life. Today, you’ll discover a bustling hub where past and present artfully collide and residents optimistically look towards the future.

Where to Stay in Szczecin

Hotels in Szczecin are relatively affordable, especially if you’re coming from a country with a stronger currency like the Euro.

I stayed at Hotel Dana, which is set in an absolutely beautiful, century-old building. While the exterior has retained its 19th-century appearance, the inside has been refurbished to offer sleek rooms. Breakfast is also an experience at Hotel Dana – a buffet spread awaits in a luxurious restaurant with gold & black details and marble floors.

You can walk from Hotel Dana to the central business district in about 10 minutes, the iconic philharmonic orchestra in 15, and the waterfront and Westend Villa Colony in 20.

21 Things to See, Do, and Eat While You Visit Szczecin: Approved By Locals

As you can now tell, a city as rich in history as Szczecin definitely has some stories to tell – and plenty of places to discover. The below 21 spots are my top recommendations, approved by locals.

Szczecin Sights & Activities

Wander along the waterfront.

I had the chance to experience Szczecin during Zagle, a major sailing event that drove half the city – and many visitors – down to the docks along the Oder River!

This waterside event aimed to bring the public closer to the maritime world. Ships travelled to Szczecin from across the seven seas and people could climb aboard to get a little glimpse into a sailor’s life.

While Zagle, hosted by Sail Szczecin, is now over for the year, you can keep tabs on their next events via Instagram.  And, event or not, I’m pretty sure that Szczecin’s waterfront is a great place for a stroll and drink. On one side of the Oder, you’ll find little cafes and restaurants. On the other, the Wheel of Szczecin beckons.

See Szczecin From Up High

If you like taking in city views from above, make sure to purchase tickets to the Wheel of Szczecin. 80 meters high, this is the tallest Ferris wheel in Poland. Although offering panoramic rides during the day, the Wheel of Szczecin truly comes to life after dark, with its bright neon colours adding a little bit of magic to the skyline.

Get Waterfront Views from Castle Bridge

I discovered the best spot to get waterfront views in Szczecin quite by accident, as I was walking across the romantically named Castle Bridge to access the Ferris wheel.

Standing in the middle of this bridge will grant you practically a bird’s eye view of the Szczecin waterfront and both banks.

Pro tip : it gets very windy up here, so make sure you wear appropriate clothing!

Tour the Philharmonic Orchestra

When you visit Szczecin, you will likely end up in front of the iconic Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic at some point. This is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The building has won many awards, including the prestigious EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2015.

The exterior is a modern take on traditional Hanseatic homes (Szczecin was part of the Hanseatic  League – a trade group of over 200 Baltic cities across 7 countries in the Middle Ages). During the Second World War, many of Szczecin’s Hanseatic structures were destroyed. Today’s philharmonic pays homage to them.

Inside, the Philarmonic is an ode to minimalism: the only colours are (predominantly) white, followed by tones of grey and black. The spacious foyer and the upper levels are connected by a spiral staircase.

There is, however, one room that is an exception to the Philharmonic’s minimalist rule. The lavish main concert hall stuns with its gold and black tones. If you visit Szczecin during concert season (aka not during the summer break), you might even be able to catch a performance here.

If you’d like to go behind the scenes at the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic while you visit Szczecin, you’ll be able to do so by booking a tour conducted in English, German and Polish.

Explore the Lentz Villa

The many villas in Szczecin testify to the city’s wealthy industrial past. Perhaps the most prominent of these stately homes is the Lentz Villa.

August Lentz, the villa’s first owner, was a self-made man and wanted a home that reflected his hard-earned success. So he commissioned the best construction companies in Prussia to design the most ostentatious villa in the city, at the heart of the prestigious Westend Villa Colony.

Lentz moved in with his family in 1890 but unfortunately died in 1895. The villa was passed on to his daughter, then to a variety of wealthy merchants, before being sold to the city, occupied by the Nazis and, later on, the Red Army. Today, Villa Lentz hosts a wide range of art exhibits, both indoors and on the spacious grounds.

It was so much fun to wander around, imagining what life must have been like for the bourgeois who once walked these same halls. My personal highlight was the Oriental Room, instantly transporting me miles away from Western Pomerania.

If you’re interested in history, art, and architecture, make sure you fit in some time at the Lentz Villa while you visit Szczecin!

Walk the Westend to Discover More Villas in Szczecin

Although potentially the most impressive, the Lentz mansion is only one of many villas in Szczecin dotting the streets of the Westend. This part of town was named after the famous eponymous neighbourhood in London.

If you don’t have time to visit Willa Lentza, a stroll through the Westend will give you a good idea of what life was like for Szczecin’s wealthy merchants of the last centuries. You’ll find plenty of lovely old homes; some are private residences and others are now businesses.

Admire Szczecin’s Churches

Church of the holy family.

Irrespective of religious beliefs, Szczecin’s churches are fascinating spots where you can enjoy a moment of tranquillity while diving deeper into the city’s history.

Take the Church of the Holy Family, for example. This red-bricked Catholic parish at the heart of the Westend is the oldest in Szczecin.

The current church was built in 1936, but nuns have been operating an orphanage and hospital on the premises since the middle of the 19th century. Today, sisters still inhabit the property.

Visitors are welcome to walk around the grounds, where you’ll also find a small outdoor exhibit that goes into details about the church’s history.

Orthodox Church of Szczecin

With its golden dome, the Orthodox Church of Szczecin is definitely eye-catching.

This temple is the first Orthodox church in Western Pomerania. And, it has an incredible support system: this parish is almost 100% funded by local parishioners and the international Orthodox community.

Pro tip : to get the best shots of the Orthodox Church, make sure to look out the “Instagram window” at the Philharmonic during your tour. Just ask your guide – he or she will know what I’m talking about!

Snap Away at the City Hall

When you visit Sczcecin, you’ll soon notice just how colourful the city’s buildings are. Especially if, like me, you are coming from Berlin, where bright colours do not always dominate the streets.

One of my favourite buildings in Szczecin is the City Hall, built in neo-Baroque style in the 1920s and affectionately called “Spinach Palace” by residents of the time. Indeed, the stately property is a deep green and looks more like a palace than your typical city hall!

Stroll Along Ksiecia Boguslawa X

Sticking to the theme of colourful architecture, let me now introduce you to the beautiful Ksiecia Boguslawa X, a cobblestoned pedestrian street with serious Parisian flair.

This lovely avenue is flanked by pastel apartment buildings on both sides, the ground floors of which are occupied by bars and restaurants. Even if you’re not hungry, this is a fabulous spot to simply wander around and take your next Instagram shots.

Don’t Skip the Street Art

As you visit Szczecin, you’re likely to notice a number of artful murals – on building facades, schoolyard walls and even underpass pillars. Close the station, down by the docks or watching over the old town – you never know when you might stumble upon one!

Some murals remain from the communist era, where they were used as means of propaganda or for advertising purposes. Today, many new murals have been added by local artists, often inspired by the city’s maritime heritage.

You’ll be able to find out more about Szczecin’s murals and their whereabouts on the official tourism website .

Search for Mosaics in Szczecin

Just as it is a hub for street art, Szczecin has a mosaics trail – visitors can wander around the central part of town to uncover a series of mosaics, many of which are tucked away just out of sight.

While on the hunt for these works of art, you might find yourself walking to the back of a parking lot or insider a popular local diner (more on that in our food section)!

Step Back in Time in Stare Miasto

If this is your first trip to Szczecin, make sure you stop by the Old Town, or Stare Miasto. Sadly, much of this area was destroyed during World War II bombings, but like the impressive Altstadt in Dresden, Germany , everything got rebuilt as an exact replica of the original.

Stare Miasto is quite small, so you can definitely see everything in a couple of hours when you visit Szczecin. Below are a couple of sights you should not miss.

Hay Market Square

Hay Market Square is the colourful hub of Szczecin’s Old Town. On one side, you’ll find blue, pink, and yellow houses built in traditional Hanseatic style. On the other, you’ll see the Old Town Hall, Szczecin’s first city hall turned local history museum. The Old Town Hall was first built in the 15th century and almost entirely renovated in the 1970s.

Szczecin’s Ducal Palace

The Ducal Palace has always reminded me a bit of a wedding cake, with its white exterior topped by ornate embellishments. But like the city, the castle has changed hands – and appearance – many times throughout history.

It was first built by Pomeranian dukes in the 14th century. As the Swedes and Prussians took control of Szczecin, the castle was frequently renovated, with new wings and features added.

Fun fact: Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia and one of the most powerful women in history, was born and raised in the castle.

Today, visitors and locals can take part in castle life: the palace hosts free cultural events in the courtyard, and the grounds are open to all.

In Contrast: Discover Modern Szczecin

Szczecin may be a historic city, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find seriously modern spots, like the new Hansa Tower.

As the name suggests, this skyscraper, shaped like a sail, also pays tribute to Szczecin’s maritime heritage. Boasting 28 floors (although 3 are underground) the Hansa tower is the tallest building in Szczecin.

Stroll Through Parks & Gardens

Did you know that Szczecin consists of 40% water and green space? For all of the city’s urbanness, you’ll find plenty of spots to reconnect with nature.

Leafy squares and parks with water features pop up where you least expect them, blending perfectly into the scenery. Locals love spending time in their parks – be it to sunbathe, play with the kids, or just chill with a book or coffee.

I stumbled upon Plac Jasne Błonia im. Jana Pawła II after walking around the Villa Colony. This expansive green square leads up to the City Hall. There’s a little train to take the visitors around – yes, it’s actually big enough to be worth grabbing a ride!

Cafes and ice cream parlours are only steps away, so you can grab whatever suits your fancy and enjoy it in the shade of the tall oak trees bordering the park.

Plac Jasne Błonia im. Jana Pawła II actually backs into the much larger Kasprowicz Park (which I, unfortunately, did not have the time to visit), crisscrossed with walking trails and housing a small lake.

Top Spots to Eat in Szczecin

As you visit Szczecin, you’re bound to be hungry! Another way I could describe my time in Szczecin is “I walked and ate” – which is my favourite way to discover a destination! So without further ado, here is my little Szczecin foodie list. It’s a mix of places I stumbled upon on my wanders and spots locals recommended to me.

Traditional Savoury Dishes

Paprykarz szczeciński

One of the first things I learned about food culture in Szczecin is Paprikarz szczeciński. This traditional Szczecin dish is a little bit like risotto, but with canned fish ground and mixed into rice and tomato paste.

Restaurants serve Paprikarz as an appetizer or entire meal. You can also purchase cans at the supermarket, but I’ve heard these don’t have the same flavour.

There’s an interesting story behind Paprikarz. During the communist era, Szczecin’s fishermen were away at sea for months on end. A group of them got bored and started playing around with ingredients onboard the ship. That’s how the first Paprikarz was created. Back at home, the dish spread like wildfire and soon become a pillar of Szczecin’s culture and even identity.

I sampled Paprikarz in two restaurants and must say it was delicious! I might even try making it at home.

Another Szczecin foodie tip is Pasztecik – a diner serving, well, Pasztecik (deep-fried rolls with a variety of fillings), since 1969.  

The one I tried after cluelessly ordering was cheese and spinach – and definitely a hit!  

Perhaps the best sign of all is that I arrived at 10:05 AM on a Saturday, a few minutes after opening, and local families were already lining up to order.

In terms of aesthetics, the diner is also very interesting: it has not be altered since the 1960s, so stepping inside gives you the impression of having jumped back five decades.  

What’s more, the walls are covered in beautiful mosaics. So if you stop at Pasztecik, it’s like killing two birds with one stone. You’ll be able to try a local specialty and tick another mosaic artwork off the list.  

Coffee and Sweets

#alternatywnie.

Google Maps actually pointed #Alternatywnie out to me as I was exploring that part of town, indicating that this was a highly rated coffee shop in my vicinity.  

Although this was slightly creepy of Google, I’m so glad I stopped by #Alternatywnie – a cafe that locals confirmed was a top spot in Szczecin.

If you’ve been following Berlin & Around for a while, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of flat whites, so of course that was my drink of choice. And it definitely met my expectations!

Cafe Castemila

Cafe Castemila looks out on Plac Jasne Błonia im. Jana Pawła II, mentioned a bit higher up in our “Parks & Gardens” section.  

This pink-themed coffee shop doubles up as an ice cream parlour and offers a very inventive selection of drinks. I tried a rose petal latte, which I highly recommend if you like a bit of sweetness in your coffee.

Lody Marczak

This is a delicious, artisanal ice cream parlour with two locations in the city. Lody Marczak offers an array of rich and creamy flavours, as well as sorbets. To add a unique touch, their little spoons are made out of waffle material and 100% edible!

While enjoying our treats outside, we were privy to a band playing in front of the cafe across the street, with people were clapping and dancing to the music. I’m not sure if this is a regular occurrence on Saturday evenings, so you’ll just have to go see for yourself!

Practical Q&As for When You Visit Szczecin

Is szczecin worth visiting.

If you haven’t heard of Poland’s third-largest city, you might ask yourself, “is Szczecin worth visiting?”. Well, if you’re a foodie and coffee lover with a penchant for grand architecture and accessible culture, the answer is a resounding yes! Szczecin is definitely worth visiting, and not just for a day trip from Berlin .

Do They Speak English in Szczecin?

Everyone in Szczecin learns English in school, with German being optional. But that doesn’t mean that everyone speaks English in Szczecin. However, locals are friendly and open, and if you say “English?”, they will be quick to usher over a colleague who does master the language. From my experience, I’d say that someone in each customer-facing business does speak in English in Szczecin.  

How Can I Get Around Szczecin?

Szczecin is a very walkable city – if you enjoy walking, that is. Attractions aren’t necessarily a hop, skip and a jump away, but if you don’t mind walking 20 to 40 minutes, you’ll be able to reach most of Szczecin’s sights.

Alternately, you can take public transport to get around Szczecin. I personally did not do so, as I really enjoy walking. But if you opt for the tram or bus, it will cost you 1.50 zloty (circa 0.30€) for 15 minutes and 4 zloty (circa 0.90€) for 60 minutes on board.

As you visit Szczecin, you’ll soon realize that traffic lights are few and far between, but pedestrians have the right of way at all cross-walks. I crossed multiple major intersections not regulated by traffic lights and cars would slow down and wait for me to cross.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can just cross the street without looking both ways – please still be careful as you amble about!

How to Get a Covid Test in Szczecin (Accurate as of August 1, 2021)

In case you also need to get a Covid test while you visit Szczecin, I’ve outlined my experience below. I actually googled “how to get a Covid test in Szczecin” when the German government announced a last-minute change to re-entry requirements, meaning I would need to get an Antigen test to return home.

I couldn’t find any search results in English or German on where/how to get tested in Szczecin, but through my contacts at the tourism board and by reaching out to expats in this English-language Facebook group , I was successfully able to get my Covid test on a Saturday morning.

I went to the Medicus clinic in the center of town. While their website is in Polish only, you can easily translate it with Google Translate (like I did).

The clinic is open every day of the week, but please note that you can only get tested in the morning on Saturday and Sunday.

The Process

Upon arrival, you will first have to register at the general reception area on the 2nd floor and pay 150 zloty (30€).  They will then give you a declaration form to fill out, where you state that you do not have any Covid symptoms. Next, you’ll be sent one floor up to get tested.

As you need to sign forms, make sure to bring a pen ! I didn’t know this and had to walk around asking multiple people in the waiting room. That’s extra stress when you don’t need it!

I waited about 20 minutes to get tested and was then asked to stay at the clinic until my results were available (about 40 minutes later). All in all, everything worked out smoothly. It also helped that both the receptionist and lab employee spoke some English.

In Conclusion: If You Visit Szczecin Once, You Will Probably Be Back!

As you can tell from this novella…erm…blog post, I fell in love with Szczecin and cannot wait to return! There’s something in the city for everyone, whether you are a nature lover, history or culture buff, foodie, walker, sailor, you name it!

The only downside: it might be hard to just visit Szczecin once! Like me, you’re probably going to want to return, time and time again!

Feeling inspired to visit Szczecin? Save this post for later!

5 thoughts on “ 21 Tips to Visit Szczecin Like a Local: What to See, Do & Eat ”

Super informative guide. I’d never heard of this city before and now I’d love to visit. The Market square looks so pretty.

This is very timely as I’m planning a trip to Poland soon and looking for places to visit. Szczecin looks like an interesting blend of modern and historic with lots of cool buildings to admire.

You’ve just reminded me that this is on my list of places to visit in Poland! I’m hoping to visit Poland again by the end of this year so I’ll be sure to add Szczecin to my itinerary this time around.

Thank you for putting this gem on my Poland list! I’d never heard of it before, so I’m very happy to have come across this guide 🙂

• Pingback: 2021 Szczecin Christmas Market Guide + Top Winter Activities

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Szczecin Sights – The best things to see in Szczecin Poland

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

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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)

• Diethard H. Klein (Author)

• Schmidt, Marianne (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

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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.

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• Top 20 Attractions In Szczecin...

Top 20 Attractions in Szczecin, Poland

Szczecin is in Poland, yet sits only a few miles from the German border. It has been an important trading port through the years. It’s a city with a large harbour which acts as a pivotal link on the overland route from Russia to France. There are no shortage of attractions for the wandering tourist either, here is our top 20 countdown.

1. wały chrobrego, szczecin.

2. Pogon Szczecin Stadium

Szczecin’s beloved local football team, Pogon Szczecin, represents the city in the Polish Ekstraklasa (top flight). The team plays in blue and red colours at the impressive and old-school stadium Stadion Miejski im. Floriana Krygiera. The club has twice been runner-up in the league and three-times runner-up in the Polish Cup. Tickets are easy to come by for most matches, there is a club shop and you can visit on a non-match day if you just want to see the stadium.

3. Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra

5. Cathedral Basilica of St. Jacob, Szczecin

Cathedral, Church

6. Bulwar Piastowski, Szczecin

7. central cemetery, szczecin.

8. Café 22, Szczecin

Cafe, Polish

9. Jan Czekanowski Monument, Szczecin

A monument of Jan Czekanowski sits at General Władysław Anders Square. Jan was a Polish anthropologist, ethnographer, and linguist who played a part in saving a number of Polish-Lithuania Jews from death during the Holocaust.

10. The Old Town Hall and Historical Museum of Szczecin

Building, Cinema, Museum

11. Jasne Błonia And Park Kasprowicza, Szczecin

12. The Pomeranian Ducal Castle And Tower of Seven Mantles, Szczecin

13. Różanka Rose Garden, Szczecin

Botanical Garden

This elaborate rose garden in Szczecin , Różanka covers two-hectares and dates back to 1928. In 1935, the Bird Well was built which includes the quirky sculptures of flying geese by Kurt Schwerdtfeger. The garden has exotic trees and shrubs and makes for a pleasant stroll.

14. National Museum of Szczecin

Museum buffs will enjoy the National Museum of Szczecin , which is one of six museums in the city included in the government’s listings. Housed in an elaborate and significant building down near the Wały Chrobrego boulevard, this is mostly a maritime museum dedicated to the city’s shipping importance and history.

15. Technology and Transport Museum, Szczecin

The Technology and Transport Museum in Szczecin traces the history of Polish transport. Inside, you can see vintage cars and bicycles. The museum has been in operation since 1919 and also features wartime vehicles. There are some very rare and special vehicles inside and lots of information on the development of Polish public transport through the years.

16. Bismarck Tower, Szczecin

Bismarck Tower is living proof of the German times in this city. It was built between 1913 and 1921. It can currently only be admired from the outside because the main entry is fully sealed off. Restoration work may be happening soon; it is however an interesting building for history buffs.

17. Port of Szczecin

Szczecin is a famous city for trade. But it’s not just the train route for freight that is significant here. Szczecin’s port provides an important gateway between Poland and the rest of the world, particularly nearby Scandinavia. The port here is a deep-water harbour where a (now defunct) shipyard once was. These days, between 2,000 and 3,000 ships pass through the port every year. It is jointly managed along with the port of Świnoujście. Tourists can watch the boats come and go.

18. Dąbie Lake, Szczecin

Natural Feature

For a glorious sunset and a sign of nature in such a big, industrial city, head to Dąbie Lake. You can watch boats sail in, local fishermen at work and just escape the big city life here. Boat trips can be arranged and there are numerous nature trails that run alongside this large lake.

19. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Szczecin

Another popular church in Szczecin is the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, ( Kościół Najświętszego Serca Pana Jezusa), which has an unusual shape. It is a brown concrete church with a rectangular tower and a tilted green roof. Regular services are held in this Catholic Church, which dates back to the early 18th century.

20. Contemporary Theatre, Szczecin

Housed in the same building as the Maritime Museum is Szczecin’s Contemporary Theatre ( Teatr Współczesny ). Inside, regular shows are held, mostly Polish plays and drama. The theatre has a few different-sized rooms depending on the demand or popularity. There is a cafe inside the venue, which is also open to the public for ticket sales when there are no events on (generally, during the day).

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Visit Szczecin

Discover Szczecin

Food & Drinks

Off the beaten track

Szczecin is a lively city, an important seaport and a shipbuilding centre close to the border with Germany. Although the mediaeval centre of Szczecin was severely destroyed during wartime, there are still some remaining magnificent monuments of architecture, reminiscent of the times when Szczecin, as part of Prussia, was considered the “Paris of the North”. But Szczecin is mostly about water and lush verdure: rivers, lakes, woods and parks take up half of the city area.

Szczecin TOURISM

Apart from being a traditional junction of main European routes, Szczecin is considered to be a crucial seaport, closely connected with the nearby Swinoujscie port and a large shipbuilding centre. While Szczecin attracts mostly business travellers, it can also form an interesting tourist destination. Several enchanting sights, the many parks, and the impressive number of bars are Szczecin’s main attractions.

Its architecture is often compared with Paris, as the heart of the city is a star-shaped square, with diverging avenues. There is another reason for making the comparison with Paris – Baron G.E. Haussmann, who created a town-planning project for the French capital, also designed Szczecin.

Apart from the forests surrounding the city, there are other attractive areas in the vicinity – the seaside resorts of Miedzyzdroje and Rewal, the picturesque Wolin Island, and Swinoujscie with its ferries to Sweden and Denmark.

Szczecin is called the green city, but this is not restricted to the city itself as some local areas are very attractive, especially three vast local forests. These consist of Beech Forest (Puszcza Bukowa) with the Emerald Lake, Wkrzanska Forest and Goleniowska Forest. Lake Dabie, one of the biggest lakes in Poland, is also a great local recreational resource.

Szczecin is a city where the historical and cultural achievements are shared by more than one nationality. Its beginnings go back to the 8th century, when the Castle Height was inhabited by Slavonic settlers who established a borough there. For a long time Szczecin belonged to the dukes of Western Pomerania, a branch of Piast dynasty that ruled in Poland. They built a strong autonomous state and Szczecin became a member of the Hanseatic League. The crucial milestone in its history was the location act of 1243, which introduced town rights under the Magdeburg Law model.

The next momentous point in Szczecin’s history was 1648, when Western Pomerania found itself divided between Sweden and Brandenburg after the death of the last Pomeranian prince during the Thirty Years War (1618 – 1648). Szczecin itself passed into Swedish hands for almost a century, and this surprisingly resulted in the downfall of the town. As the Prussians wanted sea borne trade free from Swedish customs taxes, they dredged the Swina River and built a new seaport in Swinoujscie.

In 1720, after the great North War, Szczecin became part of Prussia. The new authorities transformed the city into an important military centre, strengthened with fortifications. During the Napoleonic wars it passed to the French, becoming an important fortress in the process.

In the 19th century Prussia once more stimulated the economic growth of the city, introducing several reforms that included industrial and professional freedom and the emancipation from customs barriers within the country. The Szczecin-Berlin railroad line was constructed in 1843, making Szczecin yet more attractive as a trade centre. This attracted many investors, helping to develop the shipbuilding industry. The second half of the 19th century saw the rapid development of several branches of industry partly due to the city’s close connections with the seaport. In 1913 a canal connecting Szczecin with Berlin was opened, and which guaranteed more cargo for the harbour.

In April 1945, the 65th Russian Army conquered Szczecin and it then passed to Polish administration in July 1945. The city, now on the newly established Polish western border, had survived the war with little damage. Although the former image of the city changed, its unique character was preserved with the captivating charm of its historical secessionist architecture and the beauty of its lush vegetation. more >> -->

GENERAL INFORMATION

Grand Tour of Poland

• Explore Poland’s finest
• Learn glasswork secrets
• Experience a unique water-and-grass cruise

Recommended Szczecin tours

Szczecin city walk.

• Paris-style boulevards
• Old Town at the Oder River
• Private guided tour

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• 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 .

Understand [ edit ]

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.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

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.

By train [ edit ]

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.

By car [ edit ]

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.

By bus [ edit ]

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

By boat [ edit ]

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.

Get around [ edit ]

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 [ edit ]

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
• 51-111 - buses
• A, B, C, D, E, F, G - express buses
• 521-534 - 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).

Railway [ edit ]

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).

By foot [ edit ]

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.

By bicycle [ edit ]

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.

By taxi [ edit ]

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

See [ edit ]

• 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.

Do [ edit ]

• Football: Pogoń Szczecin play in Ekstraklasa, Poland's top tier. Their home ground Floriana Krygiera Municipal Stadium (capacity 18,000) 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.

Events [ edit ]

• Juwenalia 16–20 May
• Baltic Rock Meeting 25 May - 3 June
• Dni Morza / Days of the Sea June
• Boogie Brain Festival October

Learn [ edit ]

• Maritime University of Szczecin
• University of Szczecin [dead link]
• West Pomeranian University of Technology
• Pomeranian Medical University
• Academy of Arts
• West Pomeranian Business School

Work [ edit ]

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

Buy [ edit ]

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.
• Tesco - across the street of the Carrefour mentioned above. Open 24/7.

Eat [ edit ]

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).

Budget [ edit ]

• 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)

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 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 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 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

Drink [ edit ]

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 [ edit ]

• 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).

Sleep [ edit ]

• 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 )

Connect [ edit ]

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.

Stay safe [ edit ]

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.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ].

• 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

Go next [ edit ]

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)

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5 Amazing places to visit in Türkiye, according to an American

This content was created by FOX Notable Content Studio in partnership with GoTürkiye. FOX News editorial was not involved in the creation of this content.

Galata Tower in Istanbul, Türkiye. (GoTürkiye)

People love asking travel writers like me for recommendations on where to go. It makes sense. In the last 18 months alone, I’ve touched down on all seven continents. But don’t ask me about Türkiye if you’re in a hurry. Despite being a broke 25-year-old when I first visited 10 years ago, I will sing the destination’s praises until I lose my voice. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly fun or a five-star sojourn (which I’m all about these days), Türkiye has it all. And thanks to new nonstop flights from Detroit to Istanbul, it’s never been more accessible. Ideally, you can take a month off to criss-cross the country. But if you only have a week, or two, below is where I’d begin. 

It’s hard not to fall head over heels for this seaside city that straddles two continents and was once the capital of three iconic empires. The locals are sincere, and even the street cats seem like they’re on holiday. Plus everything – from sipping your morning tea (served in a clear glass so you can enjoy the color) to bathing in an underground Turkish hammam – is an inviting experience. I learned the art of the barter in the bustling Grand Bazaar, took in 180-degree views of the Bosphorus from the Galata Tower, and house hunted in the effortlessly hip neighborhood of Karaköy because I wanted to move there so badly after just two nights. Despite being Catholic, I can’t deny that the Hagia Sophia is the most stunning house of worship I’ve ever stepped foot in. 

Pro tip: Wear socks ; shoes aren’t allowed in mosques. 

Bodrum (GoTürkiye)

A coastal city of contrasts, Bodrum is where the traditional wooden gulet I was on for an 8-night Sun Fun You cruise docked next to a multi-million dollar fiberglass yacht. This port city along the boasts Yalıkavak Marina, one of Europe’s finest marinas where you can shop in Dior and dine at Zuma. But it’s also home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While exploring on foot – everywhere in the old town is walkable – I saw remnants of Bodrum’s previous life as a quiet fishing village. In the evenings, however, I drank and danced my way up Bar Street, a mile-long strip specializing in nightlife. And forget FOMO. Thanks to the laidback Turkaegean way of life, I was fully present and even the mundane moments felt magical.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the "Anatolia show", where martial arts meet acrobats, at the city’s oldest club, Halikarnas. 

Aerial view of hot air balloons, Göreme, Cappadocia, Türkiye. (GoTürkiye)

Cappadocia is more than the hot air balloon capital of the world. It’s rich in history (take a tour of Derinkuyu, a subterranean city dating back to the 7th century BCE, or explore Göreme’s mysterious cave churches) and chock full of geographic formations. From whimsical 100-foot-tall fairy chimneys to a snow-covered 12,851-foot-tall inactive volcano, this part of Central ​​Türkiye is made for the ‘gram. Here, it’s all about perspective, hence the hundreds of hot air balloon safaris that launch daily. Still, many think this magical landscape is best enjoyed on horseback. And don’t forget to embrace your inner sommelier and sample the region’s fine wines. Cappadocia’s fertile soil produces the rare Emir grape, among other renowned varieties. 

Pro tip: Make your own ceramic souvenir at Avanos Pottery Workshop or shop for a hand-woven rug in Cappadocia’s colorful bazaars. 

Türkiye’s iconic Sümela Monastery. (GoTürkiye)

A former Silk Road hub hugging the Black Sea and surrounded by mountains, Trabzon appeals to my inner adrenaline junkie. My bucket list includes paragliding over Uzungöl Lake, a popular alpine escape for adventurers, laying first tracks at Zigana Ski Centre, one of more than 40 ski resorts in the country, and hiking to the Sumela Monastery, a Greek Orthodox engineering marvel dating back to the 4th century CE. It’s carved out of a cliff and on clear days, offers breathtaking views of the always verdant Altindere Valley National Park below. Of course, no trip to Trabzon is complete without refueling with Akçaabat köftesi (fried meatballs). 

Pro tip: If you’re not claustrophobic, go spelunking at Cal Cave, the self-proclaimed second-longest cave system in the world. 

Aerial view of Porto Ceneviz Bay, Antalya, Türkiye. (GoTürkiye)

The beating heart of the Turkish Riviera is blessed with 231 Blue Flag Beaches. For comparison, the U.S. has just two. But there’s so much more to this resort-filled region than world-class sand and surf. Just 55 miles north of the city, a crystal clear river meanders through Köprülü Canyon National Park – a natural playground for rafters, campers, and hikers. Closer to town, the dramatic Duden Waterfalls are a popular place to picnic. The Lower Falls even cascade over a cliff into the sea. Antalya, with its Roman, Ottoman Turkish, Seljuk Turkish, and Eastern Roman influences, doesn’t disappoint in the culture department either. Its 2,000-year-old Aspendos – the best preserved theater from the ancient world – still hosts concerts, operas, and ballets. And Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town, is a living, open-air museum. 

Pro tip: Embrace your inner emperor and enter Kaleiçi through the triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate, built specifically for the Roman ruler’s visit in 130 CE. 

Katie Jackson is a freelance travel writer. When she's not working, she's chasing after a Leonberger named Wilco.

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Living on the edge takes on a whole new meaning for one woman along the banks of Georgia’s Satilla River.

Meet Katie, who has the TikTok account KayakKatie, and whose mundane chore of taking out the trash is anything but ordinary — with her video documenting the long journey already racking up nearly 8 million views on the social media platform.

Katie and her husband live in complete isolation surrounded by water on all sides.

Donning her trusty “gator waders,” Katie embarks on a weekly adventure that involves navigating through swampy perils, including lurking alligators.

@southernadventurehunter Taking out the trash is a major event! #trash #chores #dailylife #river #flooded #chorelist #satilla #kayak #4wheeler #thingstodo #gatorwaders #tuesday #tuesdayvibes #backwoods #getoutside #mosquitoes #southern #southeast #georgia #dirtroads #gators #snakes #stayhome ♬ original sound – Kayak Katie

With her faithful Chihuahua companion in tow, she loads up her kayak with refuse and sets out across the murky waters.

The odyssey of taking out the trash begins with donning a heavy set of waders, not for fashion, but for survival in the swampy wilderness teeming with alligators.

“Step one: get your gator waders,” Katie narrates in her video, “Step two: get your Chihuahua,” she adds, stuffing her canine companion into her overalls for the adventure ahead.

Once the trash is loaded into the kayak, Katie sets off, navigating the waters with the ease of a seasoned adventurer.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Upon reaching land, she hops on an ATV to complete the trek to the dumpster, only to encounter a locked gate, adding yet another obstacle to overcome.

“Unfortunately, the guys locked it before they left this morning, so I have to walk the rest of the way,” she said.

Undeterred, Katie presses on.

“We made it. No neighbors that way. Neighbors that way,” she quips, surveying her isolated domain.

For Katie, this rugged lifestyle isn’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving. Despite the isolation and the daily trials of living in a flood-prone area (where Hurricane Idalia took place last summer), she finds solace in the beauty and tranquility of her surroundings.

“To me, the struggles are nothing compared to the benefits of being here for our mental and physical health,” she reflects in a separate video. “The bugs, trash runs, gators, snakes, none of that compares to the peace that we feel and serenity and just being relaxed and living an amazing life.” 

@southernadventurehunter Replying to @Its Brittney Bitch #beauty #peace #serenity #calm #relax #nature #satillariver ♬ original sound – Kayak Katie

It didn’t take long for viewers to marvel at this way of living — a house in the middle of a river, completely isolated by water.

“As soon as you said step one was getting your ‘gator waders,’ I knew we were in for a ride,” one viewer remarked, echoing the sentiments of many.

“My husband acts like this is the kind of process he has to go through when I ask him to take out the trash 😭,” another quipped.

“The way my house would just be full of trash bags,” someone else said. 

Katie said she and her husband purchased the home after their two adult kids were on their own.

The Post has reached out to Katie for comment.

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Premier League spending cap rules explained: What might clubs be allowed to spend from the 2025/26 season?

Premier League clubs voted for new spending rules from the 2025/26 season; clubs may only be able to spend a maximum of 70 to 85 per cent amount of their revenue, there may also be 'anchoring' rules in place; Man Utd, Man City and Aston Villa voted against new rules, Chelsea abstained

Sky Sports News Chief Reporter

Monday 29 April 2024 22:19, UK

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Premier League clubs have voted in principle for plans to introduce a spending cap from the 2025/26 season.

The rules, should they be approved in a final vote later this year, will replace the current Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) which have caused controversy in the Premier League this season.

Everton and Nottingham Forest were handed points deductions this season, which are still subject to appeal with a few weeks of the season to go, for breaching the current rules - causing top-flight clubs to reconsider the financial rules.

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In a central London meeting on Monday, Premier League clubs discussed proposed new rules which included a spending cap on player wages, transfer fees and agent fees.

Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol runs through the prospective new rules and what they mean for the Premier League clubs...

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What will Premier League clubs be allowed to spend from 2025/26?

The details still need to be worked on but clubs not in Europe would be allowed to spend 85 per cent of their club revenue on squad costs. That involves wages for their players, amortised transfer fees and also agent fees.

The clubs that are in Europe would be allowed to spend a maximum of 70 per cent on squad costs. That is also in line with UEFA rules.

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But what a lot of people have noticed is if you can only spend a maximum of 85 per cent of your revenue on your squad and you are a rich club, then you will always be able to spend more on your squad than the poorer clubs.

So what is the solution? There may also be 'anchoring' rules.

What is anchoring?

It's going to be something you're going to hear a lot about.

In its purest and simple form, it means all clubs would only be able to spend a maximum of the multiple of what the bottom club earns in TV revenue.

At the moment, the bottom club gets £103.6m. If the anchoring multiple, and this has been discussed, is going to be 4.5, then you would do £103.6m x 4.5, which results in £466m.

So £466m would be the spending cap in that instance. That is the maximum cap on what clubs would be allowed to spend on wages, amortised transfer fees and also agent fees.

The details are still to be ironed out, so the multiple may not necessarily be 4.5. This is what is being worked on at the moment.

Will these new rules definitely be approved?

These rules are in principle, so we haven't had the final vote yet.

What is happening now is Premier League executives, having had the green light from the clubs to do some more work on these proposals, will go away and draw up the legal rulebook, update that and then present it at the Premier League AGM next month, when there will be a final vote.

But it looks all but certain that we will have the 'anchoring' rules and the spending cap from the season after next because when an informal vote was taken on Monday, only three clubs voted against the spending cap: Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa . Chelsea abstained from voting.

Why did those clubs vote against it?

This whole concept of 'anchoring' is controversial. The Premier League has become the biggest, most exciting league in the world because clubs have been allowed to spend a lot of money on their squads, wages, agents fees and the infrastructure on their stadiums. Critics will say it will move in a different direction if you restrain how much clubs can spend on their squads.

If you tell Man City: 'you can only spend £466m on your squad', they can come back on you and say: 'Our turnover is £800m to £900m, who are you to tell us how much money we can spend on our squad?' If you've earned the money, you feel you should have the right to spend the money.

As for Manchester United, there's obviously new money there and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has bought 25 per cent of the club. They want to invest and turn things around and they feel having a spending cap in place might mean they have to operate with one hand tied behind their back.

There are also concerns it will affect how competitive the big clubs are in Europe. Other countries have their own spending rules as well, but for the Premier League to maintain its position as the most watched and most exciting football league in the world, a lot of people would say that Premier League clubs should be allowed to spend what their owners want to spend as long as there isn't the threat of clubs going out of business.

How is this different from PSR?

There's a general acceptance that the current PSR rules are not fit for purpose - that is why clubs want to change the rules.

The issue with these PSR rules is that clubs are allowed to lose a maximum of £105m over three seasons.

We have seen clubs such as Everton and Nottingham Forest lose war with that and that has led to a lot of trouble - the situations with points deductions, appeals and it affects the league table. All the independent tribunals and appeals have been a distraction and it has, I think, affected the image and integrity of the Premier League.

That is why the Premier League clubs have got together and said: 'we need to have new rules and we need them quickly.'

We are going to have the PSR rules for next season. These new financial regulations would come in the season after next.

Analysis: Winners could be Brighton, Brentford & Bournemouth

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire speaking to Sky Sports:

"It's a bit like having a credit card, just because you've got the limit to spend a huge amount of money, it doesn't mean it's a good thing. The biggest winners potentially would be clubs like Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth who have modest wage bills - they're probably paying on average £45,000 per week.

"They could double or treble that and still be within the rules. Clubs like that who have used the transfer market well, they could spend a lot more. Villa and Newcastle would love it if these rules were purely adopted and no other rules were alongside them. But I don't see an overall impact as it's the UEFA rules that will drag the clubs back."

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9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a picture with this article was published in error. The image showed the French town of Cassis, not Marseille, where several Olympic events will take place this summer. It has been replaced.

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .