What To Do And See In Szczecin

Local Szczecin: Poland’s Finest City Shines For You

Szczecin is one of the best places in Poland to visit and not just because it is located near the Baltic Sea. This 8^th century stronghold offers a number of historical tourist opportunities to visit, but that’s just the beginning of what your journey of exploration through this fantastic city could be.

If you’re ready to truly experience Szczecin, then you’re ready to see it through the eyes of those who live there! Here are some of the essential experiences you’ll want to include with your next adventure in this urban center.

#1. Kaukaski

If you want an authentic taste of Polish cuisine that doesn’t have any hint of fusion confusion, then this is the place that you’re going to want to go. There never seems to be more than a 5 minute wait to get a table and the menu is filled with some of the best home-based dishes that you’ll find potentially in the entire country! The prices are nice and friendly as well and the portions will remind you of the meals that your grandmother used to encourage you to eat because you were so “skinny.”

You’ll find Kaukaski right in the center of Szczecin and as an added benefit, you’ll also get to see what the old Polish milk bars used to look like back in the day. The raw bricks lend to a rustic atmosphere and our recommendation is to try the rzeberka zieminiakami with the pickled cucumbers for an outstanding culinary experience.

#2. The Underground

Poland arguably had it worse than any other country in World War II. Szczecin was along the initial German front lines and that led to an extensive underground network within the city. As the years progressed, the threats of the Cold War also made the underground a viable place to be in this city when times were tough. There are a couple museum routes to enjoy during a visit that encompass both eras and there are guided tours on the weekend to help enjoy the exhibits even more.

#3. Tarzania Park

Who doesn’t like to swing from tree to tree every once and awhile? This family friendly park will give you plenty of things to do so that you can fill up your entire day. There are three different levels of difficulty to master with the ropes course and the safety equipment is kept up to date and is well maintained. You’re given safety training before beginning the courses and then you’re given the chance to get up into the trees!

Once you’re done with the ropes course for the day, the adjoining lake is available for other watersports, like wakeboarding or water skiing. There’s a small playground right out on the beach for the kids to enjoy and altogether, this is a great place for everyone to be able to relax and have fun. The prices are highly affordable and when zip lines are involved, how can you deny yourself this level of fun?

#4. The Old Market

Although many cities in Poland experienced 95% or more in devastation from all of the bombing, one of the few places that didn’t experience damage was the old market area in Szczecin. During the day, you can explore the old Town Hall and the National Museum that are located here in the square while grabbing a coffee or a quick bite to eat at one of the outdoor cafes. In the evening, you can then join the locals who enjoy the nightlife in the area.

The square is open around the clock and you can literally spend an entire day in the Old Market, finding new hidden gems to enjoy. If nothing else, you can just sit back in a chair and enjoy the ambiance that is offered on a sunny day. There’s a good chance someone will strike up a conversation with you while you do!

#5. Jasne Blonia

If you are trying to stretch out your time around the Old Market and want a quiet place to just relax, then you’re going to want to find a bench in Jasne Blonia. It’s located right next to the Town Hall and could very well become your favorite place in all of Szczecin! It’s a popular place for everyone to take a leisurely walk, although in the morning you’ll find plenty of joggers occupying the paths as well.

There are a couple of monuments that are worth seeing in Jasne Blonia as well. The first is a monument to Pope John Paul II and the second is often just referred to as the “Three Eagles.” It’s a monument that is dedicated to the three generations of town residents that have dedicated their lives to maintaining the authenticity of the city. The park is open around the clock and there are no visiting restrictions that are enforced, though at night you may wish to stick to the lighted trails.

#6. Garrison Church

One of the newest public spaces in Szczecin is at Garrison Church and you won’t be disappointed by the experience you receive. Make your way here near the end of the day, just before sunset, to get the best view possible. As the sun turns into oranges and pinks in the sky, the light shines down on the fountain that is present and creates a rainbow of colors that is supplemented by the lighting that has been installed within the water. You can even walk on the pathway that stretches between the arcing sprays of water!

Inside the church, be sure to look up and see the blue star spanned ceiling and the rest of its undiscovered beauty. If you’ve made your way to Garrison Church during the day, you can also make a stop at the nearby Kaskada shopping mall to get whatever supplies you may need in this multilevel center that is colorful in its own right.

#7. Glebokie Lake

Szczecin doesn’t have the coastal beaches along the Baltic like other Polish communities, but it still has a few inland beaches that you can enjoy when the weather is warm and sunny. The best of the best is out at Glebokie Lake, which is just a short trip from the city. Even though it is close by, you’ll really get a feel of what Polish country life is like and it is a great place to go out on the dock and sunbathe or enjoy a quick swim in the cool, refreshing water.

Unlike other beach areas, fires are allowed on this inland beach. Build a bonfire or join a group who has already done so, but you may wish to keep the fires to the areas that have already been prepared for it. Take along some sausages to roast in your fire and you’re certain to have a great time! The beach is open all night and there are ramps in the water for you to enjoy your favorite watersports to the extreme too!

#8. Central Cemetery

This cemetery is one of the largest in all of Europe and it is one of the most beautiful walks available in the city when Summer begins to turn into Autumn. The leaves begin turning a golden yellow and depending on the day, the only sounds you’ll hear are the birds in the trees and the flow of water from the fountain. There are thematic walks available here too so that you can get a glimpse of what life was like in the city before the war.

#9. Waly Chrobrego

Almost all of the postcards that you can find in Szczecin have at least a partial view of this area. There are plenty of tail sailing ships that are parked in the harbor that you can tour and the area is terraced so that there are multiple level views of the river available. You’ll also be able to see the main street that enters the city center and have easy access to the location with just a brief walk.

One of the highlights to Waly Chrobrego is the recently renovated fountain that is lighted at night. In many ways, life centers around this spot, so to truly experience Szczecin as a local, you’ll want to come here for a visit.

#10. A Show At the Summer Theatre

The Summer Theatre is one of the largest outdoor amphitheaters in Poland, having over 4,500 seats available. It’s situated next to a large pond and is open even when there aren’t any shows going on, so you’ll often find people sitting and relaxing on the grounds during a beautiful day. Bring a blanket, pack a lunch, and enjoy the free surroundings. In the evening, you may wish to see one of the shows as well, but you’ll need a ticket to get in at that point.

Szczecin is a beautiful city that becomes even more amazing when you see it through local eyes. Experience the hidden gems that are around every corner and down every street and you may just find that you’ll want to extend your stay the next time you get away!

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