Szczecin, (pronounced Shchetsin, German: Stettin, Latin: Stetinum) is a maritime port city and the capital of Zachodniopomorskie in Poland. 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. Szczecin is Poland's third-largest port and much of its industrial base used to be a part of an important shipyard.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
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.
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. Szczecin has extensive public transport network covered by trams and buses. See the maps (dziennej = by day, nocnej = by night, tramwajowej = trams) and schedules. 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.
1 Pomeranian Dukes Castle (Zamek Książąt Pomorskich). Houses a museum, restaurants and cafes, and also houses tourist information office, you can get some free maps, pamphlets etc. 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. 3 Kamienica Loitzów (Loitzs Tenement). Interesting tenement near the Old Town. Go from Old Town in direction of Castle, and you'll see it after about 20–30 m on the left side. It is painted flashy orange, you can't miss it.
1 Szczecin Philharmonic (Filharmonia im. Mieczysława Karłowicza w Szczecinie), ul. Małopolska 48, ☏ +48 91 4309510. Szczecin's symphony orchestra that has its origins in 1948. Since 2014 they perform in the prominent and award-winning building designed by the Spanish Studio Barozzi Veiga. If you don't have time for a concert, the building is also worth a visit. (updated Oct 2018) Football: Pogoń Szczecin play in Ekstraklasa, Poland's top tier. Their home ground 2 Floriana Krygiera Municipal Stadium (capacity 21,163) 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.
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). 1 Turysta, Ul. Edmunda Bałuki 6a, ☏ +48 91 434 22 01. 7:30-18:30. (updated Jun 2025) 2 Zacisze Bar, Asnyka 19 (Niebuszewo district), ☏ +48 91 422 02 44. (updated Jun 2025) 3 Akademia Kulinarna, Mickiewicza 45. 9:00-17:00. (updated Jun 2025) 4 Amar, Śląska 9. M-Fr 08:00-18:00. Vegan & vegetarian.
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. 1 Alter Ego, Pl. Batorego 4 (under the red town house, near bus and rail stations), ☏ +48 505 919 501, dekusone@gmail.com. 21:00-until the last customer. Night club, live music and/or DJs on weekend nights. (updated Aug 2024) 2 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. 3 City Hall, ul. 3 maja (near the railway station). 21:00-last customer.
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.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Szczecin typically sees ~23°C daytime highs and 16 rainy days.
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