Activity	Description
Old Town	Explore Market Square, pastel-hued buildings, Gothic St. James’ Cathedral, National Museum.
Szczecin Castle and Museum	Visit the 14th-century castle with Gothic-style interior and river views.
Jasne Błonia Park	Enjoy this green space with gardens, lakes, and cafes.
Punctus Contra Punctum	Ride a double-decker carousel in Jasne Błonia Park.
Maritime Traders Route	Follow a path connecting maritime landmarks with historical significance.
Old Cemetery	Stroll through a picturesque cemetery with a forest-like setting.
Left Bank Sky Tower	Get panoramic city views from this 31-story skyscraper.
Philharmonic Hall	Explore the architectural marvel and enjoy concerts.
Kasprowicza Park	Visit this scenic park with flower-lined paths and monuments.
Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle	Admire the architecture of this mid-1300s castle.
Szczecin History Museum	Discover the city’s history with interactive exhibits.
Embankment Beaches	Relax on urban beaches along the Oder River.
Maritime Museum and Floating Museum	Learn about shipbuilding heritage with model ships and artifacts.
Bunker Museum	Visit a Cold War museum in a former nuclear bunker.
Hołd Market Hall	Explore a market hall with various local foods and goods.
Street Wave Festival	Attend a music festival with concerts, street theatre, and food stalls.

From exploring its Prussian landmarks and Gothic architecture to relaxing in gardens and urban beaches, here are the 15 best things to do in Szczecin, Poland in 2024:

Wander Through the Charming Old Town

Name and Location: Old Town Szczecin, centrally located

History and Significance: Szczecin’s historic center features architecture spanning Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras around charming cobblestone streets.

What to Expect: Stroll picturesque alleys lined with burgher houses, ornate churches, and cafes. Don’t miss St. James’s Cathedral, Castle Square, and scenic river views.

Visitor Information: Compact and walkable. Guided tours available. Accessible by tram, bus and walking.

The historic heart of Szczecin centers around the vibrant Market Square lined with pastel-hued buildings that house restaurants and cafes with al fresco dining. The cobblestone streets and alleys throughout the Old Town beckon for walking between sights like Gothic St. James’ Cathedral, the National Museum, and 15th century Town Hall.

Tour the Szczecin Castle and Museum

Name and Location: Szczecin Castle, centrally located

History and Significance: This medieval castle dates to the 8th century. It now houses the Szczecin History Museum exhibiting the city’s 1000+ year history.

What to Expect: See artifacts from ancient settlements, through Prussian and Polish eras. Climb the tower for panoramic views. Don’t miss the castle dungeons.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Guided tours available. Admission prices vary.

Dominating Castle Square, this massive castle was constructed by the Dukes of Pomerania in the 14th century and expanded through the centuries. Visitors can explore the Gothic-styled interior and view artifacts from the castle’s various eras. The castle hilltop also provides beautiful vistas overlooking the Oder River.

Relax at Jasne Błonia Park

Name and Location: Jasne Błonia Park, centrally located in Szczecin

History and Significance: Jasne Błonia is Szczecin’s largest park featuring meadows, forests, gardens and lakes for recreation.

What to Expect: Stroll, jog or bike the paths and bridges. Relax on the grass or benches. Don’t miss rose garden blooms and lake views. A green oasis in the city.

Visitor Information: Always open. Free entry. Walk, bike, drive, or take tram/bus to nearby stops.

Converted from an old airstrip, this expansive open green space is a beloved place for locals to unwind amidst gardens, lakes, and walking paths. Rent a boat, enjoy a picnic, exercise at the outdoor gym, catch an open-air concert, or relax with city views at one of the many cafes and bistros within the park.

Ride the Unique Punctus Contra Punctum

Name and Location: Punctus Contra Punctum in Szczecin

History and Significance: This scenic rail bike allows you to pedal along disused tracks along the Oder River for unique views of the city. Introduced in 2015.

What to Expect: Pedal-powered ride along 5km of tracks. Photograph passing scenery. Ends at the historic Oder River embankment. Fun activity for all ages.

Visitor Information: Runs on weekends and holidays. Tickets bookable via website. Start point at Staszica Str.

This whimsical double-decker carousel located in Jasne Błonia park is modeled after the city’s famous landmarks. As the carousel turns, lights illuminate the intricate 3D models to provide a magical mini tour of Szczecin. Kids and adults will delight in this wonderfully inventive merry-go-round.

Explore the Maritime Traders Route

Name and Location: Along the Oder River, Szczecin

History and Significance: This route follows centuries-old trading paths along the Oder River. Informational signs tell the city’s maritime history.

What to Expect: Walk or bike while learning about Szczecin’s shipbuilding, seafaring and river trade legacy. See relics like cranes, warehouses, and locks.

Visitor Information: Covered route spans both sides of the Oder River. Detailed maps at Tourist Office.

Following a marked path from the Old Town to the nearby Wały Chrobrego embankment, this route connects the key landmarks related to Szczecin’s maritime trading history. Significant sights include the Crosses of Sailors and Explorers, remains of old mooring points, the Port Gate, Monument to Shipyard Workers, and more. Informational signs explain their histories.

Wander Through the Atmospheric Old Cemetery

Name and Location: Old Cemetery, ul. Kwiatowa, Szczecin

History and Significance: Established in 1834, this historic cemetery contains elaborate Prussian tombs, statuary and mausoleums. A hauntingly beautiful place to wander.

What to Expect: Stroll past elaborate memorial stones and sculptures from the 1800s-1900s. Discover the stories behind the monuments. A serene, romantic atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Located in north Szczecin, 30 minute walk from city center. Open daily. Free admission.

Established in the early 1800s, this is one of the oldest and most picturesque cemeteries in Szczecin. The small graveyard has a deep forest atmosphere with wild ivy and vegetation reclaiming the crumbling headstones. An evocative place for a pensive stroll, it feels hauntingly romantic and provides welcome solitude in the city.

See Szczecin From the Left Bank Sky Tower

Name and Location: Sky Tower, Wały Chrobrego 1, Szczecin

History and Significance: At 166m high, this tower offers stunning panoramic views over Szczecin from its observation deck.

What to Expect: Ride the elevator up and gaze out at city landmarks, river views, and beyond. Photograph the landscape. Visit the rooftop cafe.

Visitor Information: Open 10am-10pm daily. Admission ~10 PLN. Left Bank area, access via tram/bus.

For panoramic views of Szczecin, cross over to the Left Bank of the Oder River to visit this 31-story skyscraper. Take the quick elevator ride up to the publicly accessible rooftop viewing platform for sweeping vistas of the Old Town, river, harbor, beaches, and beyond. Visit at sunset for the most magical perspective.

Explore the Philharmonic Hall

Name and Location: Szczecin Philharmonic, ul. Małopolska 48

History and Significance: Home of the Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra since 2014, the hall hosts regular classical music performances in a striking modernist setting.

What to Expect: Attend concerts in the soaring Concert Hall. Admire contemporary architecture and acoustic design. Don’t miss this cultural highlight.

Visitor Information: View calendar and buy tickets online. Located in Left Bank area, tram accessible. Guided tours available.

Home of the Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra, this architectural wonder designed by Italian architect Guido Canella was completed in 2014. Beyond concerts, visitors can admire the dazzling geometric hallways, appreciate soaring views of Castle Square from its rooftop, and enjoy exhibits in the arts center.

Stroll Through Kasprowicza Park

Name and Location: Kasprowicza Park, Szczecin

History and Significance: Laid out in the early 1800s, this historic park spans over 20 acres and contains a planetarium, rose garden, and architecture from Prussian times.

What to Expect: Wander shaded alleys. Relax on benches. Don’t miss beautiful flowers at the Rosarium. A peaceful spot.

Visitor Information: In central Szczecin, just west of the castle. Open daily without charge.

Originally laid out in the late 18th century, this scenic park stretching along the eastern bank of the Oder River provides a popular green retreat. Paths lined with flowers, fountains, and monuments invite relaxed strolling and lounging on sunny days. Don’t miss the Chopin monument and whimsical kissing students statue.

Wander Through Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

Name and Location: Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

History and Significance: Ruins of this medieval ducal castle are surrounded by later Baroque gardens and pavilions. Once a powerful stronghold.

What to Expect: Explore partially reconstructed walls and towers. Stroll through ornate gardens. Don’t miss hilltop views of the Oder River.

Visitor Information: Located on a hilltop park west of the city center. Open daily. Admission is free.

This striking orange castle built in the mid-1300s has served as the residence of the Dukes of Pomerania and the Hohenzollern dynasty. While the interior remains closed for renovation, visitors can still explore the outer ramparts and admire the dramatic castle architecture that looms over the riverfront park.

Visit the Szczecin History Museum

Name and Location: Szczecin History Museum, ul. Ks. Koziołka 1

History and Significance: This branch of the museum covers Szczecin’s history through the lens of culture, traditions, arts, and everyday life. Housed in a 15th century granary.

What to Expect: View exhibits on local lifestyle, guilds, photography and more. Experience the medieval interior. Don’t miss the huge historic wine press.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission ~5 PLN. In the Old Town area.

Occupying a 19th century mansion, this excellent city museum uses interactive multimedia exhibits to showcase Szczecin’s evolving history from the Middle Ages to modern times. Artifacts, films, and recreated settings transport visitors through the city’s Prussian, Polish, German, and Swedish eras. Helpful for understanding Szczecin’s complex past.

Relax on Embankment Beaches

Name and Location: Szczecin embankments along the Oder River

History and Significance: In summer, sections of Szczecin’s scenic river embankments become lively urban beaches for sunbathing and recreation.

What to Expect: Stretch out on sandy beach areas. Take a dip in the river pools. Enjoy cold drinks at beach bars. A fun local summer tradition. Don’t forget your swimsuit!

Visitor Information: Lifeguarded in July-August. Accessible by foot, bike, tram, or bus.

During summer, Szczecin’s waterfront areas along the Oder River transform into sandy urban beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Postomia features beach chairs, volleyball, and a chill vibe. Jasne Błonia has lake swimming near cafes. People watch with a cold drink in hand as boats and ferries cruise by.

Explore the Maritime Museum and Floating Museum

To learn about Szczecin’s shipbuilding heritage, these two museums showcase model ships, nautical items, and artifacts within former vessels. The Maritime Museum occupies a historic grain warehouse, while the Floating Museum is appropriately housed in the 1959 passenger ship named Odra.

Take a Day Trip to Bunker Museum

Name and Location: Bunker Museum, 40km north of Szczecin

History and Significance: This forest museum complex contains a system of historic Nazi bunkers and tunnels from WWII perfect for a day trip from Szczecin.

What to Expect: Descend into the depths to view fortified rooms and passageways. Learn the history through exhibits and multimedia. An illuminating and eerie experience.

Visitor Information: Reachable via tour, rental car, or transit. Open daily. Admission~10 PLN. Flashlight recommended.

Just outside Szczecin, this fascinating underground Cold War museum is housed in a vast former nuclear bunker built for Polish military command in the 1960s.

Visitors can walk through control rooms, map areas, living quarters, and 100-meter tunnels while learning about its secret past. An intriguing relic of Soviet era Poland.

Browse through Hołd Market Hall

Name and Location: Hołd Market Hall, ul. Małopolska in Szczecin

History and Significance: Szczecin’s covered central market hall has operated since 1900, selling fresh produce, breads, meats, and unique Baltic seafood.

What to Expect: Shop stalls packed with local cheeses, flowers, handicrafts and more. Sample fresh fish sandwiches and pastries. Lively local atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday 7am-6pm. In the Left Bank area, close to hotels and trams.

This thriving market hall in downtown Szczecin is filled with mouthwatering aromas of breads, meats, cheeses, pastries, and cured hams.

Locals flock here to pick up fresh groceries and ready-to-eat foods at the butcher shops, bakeries, cheese counters, fruit stands, delis, cafes, and flower carts throughout the hall. A great spot for grabbing picnic items.

Attend the Street Wave Festival

Name and Location: Along the Oder River, Szczecin

History and Significance: Street Wave is Szczecin’s massive summer music festival featuring concerts, DJs, and parties along the scenic riverfront.

What to Expect: Hear international and Polish acts perform on outdoor stages and boats. Joyful crowds and energy. Don’t miss the firework shows over the water.

Visitor Information: Mid-July, Multiple venues including embankments. Check website for tickets and schedules.

For four days every August, this massive free music festival transforms much of the city center into outdoor concert grounds with multiple stages hosting local and international artists.

In addition to the concerts rocking each night, visitors can enjoy street theatre, acrobats, food stalls, visual arts, and general revelry at one of Poland’s biggest music events.

Conclusion

With laidback riverfront ambiance and just enough historic attractions, Szczecin provides a great low-key getaway where visitors can recharge. Use this list of top things to do in the port city to fully experience its maritime character, nature, architecture, and culture in 2024.

From exploring the Gothic Old Town to chilling on urban beaches to learning its storied past, Szczecin has much to reward travelers who add this underrated city to their Poland itinerary.