Things to do in Szczecin, Poland – our 10 best tips

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What is there to see and do in Szczecin, Poland? The large port city in northwestern Poland surprised us with grand buildings, exciting history, restaurants, local beer and a lively area along the water. Here you will find our best tips for attractions and experiences in Szczecin.

Szczecin – a large city near the German border

Szczecin, historically also known by its German name Stettin, is located in northwestern Poland and is the capital of the West Pomerania region. Although the city is located quite a distance from the Baltic Sea coast itself, it has long been an important port city. Via the Oder River, the Oder Lagoon and Świna, there is a shipping route all the way out to the Baltic Sea.

We have visited Szczecin twice. The first time we came from the seaside, after a sailing from Świnoujście through the Oder Lagoon, in the middle of summer. The second time we came by car in the fall. Two pleasant visits that showed the city from two different sides.

Things to do in Szczecin – 10 tips

So what can you see and do in Szczecin? The city has a long and complicated history and has been ruled by different powers over the centuries. There are both Pomeranian and Prussian traces here, but also an interesting connection to Sweden.

Today, Szczecin is a modern Polish city where historic buildings coexist with bold contemporary architecture, museums, parks and a vibrant area along the Oder. Here are our top tips.

1. Scouting in Wały Chrobrego

Wały Chrobrego is one of Szczecin's most famous landmarks and a great place to start your exploration of the city. The monumental terrace sits high above the Oder and is lined with some of the city's most impressive buildings.

The area was built at the beginning of the 20th century, when Szczecin was still German Stettin, and was then called Hakenterrasse. From here you have a view of the river, the harbor area and the islands on the other side of the water. The wide stairs, fountains and large buildings make the area one of the most photographed environments in the city.

2. Be impressed by Szczecin Concert Hall

Szczecin Concert Hall, Philharmonic im. Mieczysława Karłowicza, is one of the city's most notable modern buildings. Its white, pointed facade stands out strongly among the older buildings and has become a modern landmark for Szczecin.

The building was inaugurated in 2014 and received the EU's prestigious Mies van der Rohe Prize for contemporary architecture the following year. The interior is also spectacular, including a large concert hall in gold.

3. See the monument to the victims of the 1970 protests

The statue Angel of Freedom – The Angel of Freedom – on Solidarity Square in Szczecin commemorates a tragic event that took place in the city in 1970. The population protested against the regime, and the government responded by firing into the crowd. A total of 16 people died, most of them young.

4. Visit the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes

Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, is one of the most important historical buildings in Szczecin. For several centuries, the castle was the residence of the House of Grip – the Pomeranian ducal family that ruled the area.

Szczecin also has an exciting Swedish history. After the Thirty Years' War, the city became part of Swedish Pomerania and was under Swedish rule from 1648 to 1720. The castle still has details reminiscent of the Swedish period, including the Swedish lions by the astronomical clock.

Peter managed to entice Martina, one of the PR people for the project, to pose for a photo as king and queen (yes, that's Peter in the queen photo...).

5. Discover St. James Cathedral

St. James' Cathedral, Bazylika Archikatedralna św. Jacob, is one of Szczecin's most prominent buildings. The church's history dates back to the 12th century, although the building has been altered and rebuilt many times over the centuries.

The cathedral was badly damaged during World War II but has since been restored. The tall tower is visible from much of the city and there is also a viewing platform for those who want to see Szczecin from above.

6. Strolling in the Old Town

Szczecin's historic center was largely destroyed during World War II and reconstruction was much more limited than in Warsaw and Gdansk, for example. As a result, you'll find a mix of older, reconstructed, and modern buildings here.

Around the old town hall and square Sienna Market Parts of the historic city environment have been recreated. Today, there are colorful facades, restaurants and outdoor cafes, and the area is great for a walk.

7. Try Szczecin's own pasztecik

One of Szczecin's most special local dishes is Szczecin pasty, a deep-fried dough ball that can be filled with, for example, meat, cheese or mushrooms and is often served with beetroot soup, barszcz.

We sampled the specialty at classic Pasztecik at Wojska Polskiego, a simple eatery with clear roots in the socialist era. In fact, Szczecin's pasztecik has become so associated with the city that it's considered a regional specialty.

8. Try beer at Stara Komenda

Szczecin also has a local beer culture to discover. On our first visit we tried locally produced beer at Stara Komenda, which is both a brewery and a restaurant. Along with the beer, rustic and tasty Polish side dishes such as bread, sausages and pickles were served. For us, it was a nice way to combine local food and drinks with a little break from sightseeing.

9. Eat and drink local beer at Browar Pod Zamkiem

When we returned to the city a few years after our first visit, we ate at Pod Zamkiem Brewery, a restaurant and microbrewery located just below the castle of the Dukes of Pomerania.

The beer is brewed on site and the menu includes both Polish classics and dishes that go well with the brewery's various beers. The environment itself is also part of the experience - the restaurant is located in a rebuilt house in the historic Podzamcze district and has atmospheric brick vaults in the basement.

10. Experience the festival atmosphere in Szczecin

Szczecin is a city where a lot happens during the summer, not least along the waterfront. Concerts, sailing events, festivals and other large events attract both locals and visitors.

When we were here, Pyromagic was going on and the area along the Oder was filled with people, activities, music and a festive atmosphere.

In the evening, it all ended with a big fireworks show synchronized with music – significantly more powerful than a regular fireworks display!

Video from Szczecin

Peter has put together a film from the first part of the sailing trip, which includes our visit to Szczecin.

Accommodation and motorhome in Szczecin

Szczecin is a large city with plenty of hotels, apartments and other accommodation options. Since many of the attractions are relatively centrally located, it can be convenient to stay in or near the city center and explore the city on foot and by public transport. On our first trip, we came to Szczecin by sailboat and was in the guest harbor.

The second time we visited Szczecin we stayed at the Radisson Blu – a hotel that offered both a good location and a good breakfast. For those traveling by motorhome, there are also campsites and other overnight accommodations in and around the city.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

There is of course a lot to see and do around Poland. Here you will find more tips and reports:

• Swinoujscie
• Island of Usedom which is divided between Poland and Germany