12 Things to Do in Szczecin – From Wały Chrobrego to the Underground

Szczecin is often left off weekend-break lists – unfairly. You can see the port from the city centre, monumental terraces rise above the Oder, and the architecture wins international awards. If you’re wondering which things to do in Szczecin are worth a one- or two-day visit, this list will save you plenty of searching.

We’ve picked 12 places, from Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment) and the Philharmonic to the shelter beneath the main station, plus a sample day plan and answers to common questions.

How to explore Szczecin

Most attractions are in the centre, within walking distance of each other – from the main station through the Old Town and the castle to Wały Chrobrego and the Philharmonic. The Miejski Szlak Turystyczny (City Tourist Trail) links the station, Most Długi (the Long Bridge), the Old Town Hall and the Embankment, among other places. For the Central Cemetery and the museum in the former tram depot, take public transport.

12 things to do in Szczecin you shouldn’t miss

1. Wały Chrobrego

The city’s most recognisable view. This monumental terrace above the Oder was built in the early 20th century as the Hakenterrasse, named after mayor Hermann Haken. It’s lined with the National Museum (with the Teatr Współczesny, or Contemporary Theatre), the regional government offices and the Maritime University, and the balustrade overlooks the port and Łasztownia. Boats for harbour cruises moor below.

2. Zamek Książąt Pomorskich (the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle)

The former seat of the Griffin dynasty is now a cultural centre with exhibitions, a cinema and Opera na Zamku (the Opera at the Castle). Climb the 200-plus steps of the Bell Tower for a panorama of the Old Town and the Oder – the terrace holds ten people at most, so larger groups go up in turns. The north wing houses the Ducal Crypt with the sarcophagi of the Griffin dukes.

3. The Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic

The white building with its sharp gables evokes an iceberg and Hanseatic townhouses. In 2015 it became the first building in Poland to win the EU Mies van der Rohe Award. Come for a concert in the golden symphony hall or a guided tour on selected days. In the evening, the facade can glow in different colours.

4. Centrum Dialogu Przełomy (Przełomy Dialogue Centre)

Next to the Philharmonic, partly beneath plac Solidarności (Solidarity Square), this branch of the National Museum covers the city’s recent history. The interactive exhibition runs from the war to the turning point of 1989, focusing on the events of 1970–1971, 1980–1981 and 1988–1989. The building has been named Europe’s best public space and World Building of the Year.

5. Podziemne Trasy Szczecina (Szczecin Underground Routes)

Beneath the main station lies what is often described as the largest civilian shelter in Poland, entered from platform 1 through a glass pavilion. One ticket covers three routes: the Second World War, the Cold War and the humorous “Selfie z PRL-em” (a selfie with communist-era Poland). Allow about an hour and bring a hoodie – it’s only around 14°C inside.

6. The boulevards along the Oder

Bulwar Piastowski (Piast Boulevard) with Aleja Żeglarzy (Sailors’ Avenue) is the locals’ favourite stroll, lined with monuments and sculptures celebrating the city’s maritime traditions. Waterside restaurants are ideal for lunch or dinner, and in the evening it’s the natural starting point for a night out.

7. Łasztownia and the dźwigozaury

The former port island across the Oder is now a place for walks and summer relaxation. Its symbol is a trio of historic port cranes nicknamed dźwigozaury (“crane-dinosaurs”), lit up after dark. It’s also home to the ship-shaped Morskie Centrum Nauki (Maritime Science Centre), with an interactive exhibition and a planetarium. In summer, neighbouring Wyspa Grodzka (Grodzka Island) has a city beach.

8. The Old Town and Podzamcze

Szczecin’s Old Town was badly damaged in the war, but don’t miss the Gothic Old Town Hall, the Loitz House (Kamienica Loitzów) and Baszta Panieńska (the Maiden’s Tower), linked to the legend of the seven cloaks. The town hall cellars house a restaurant with its own brewery, and Rynek Sienny (Hay Market) has cafés for a break. Fun fact: Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, was born in Szczecin.

9. St James’s Cathedral

The Gothic Bazylika archikatedralna św. Jakuba (Archcathedral Basilica of St James) has a tower of around 110 metres with a viewing terrace open all year, overlooking the Old Town, the Oder and the port. Inside, look out for the medieval triptych and the organ suspended above the nave. In summer the cathedral hosts an international organ festival.

10. Jasne Błonia, Park Kasprowicza and Różanka

The green heart of the city. Jasne Błonia is a vast meadow lined with plane trees and carpeted with crocuses in early spring. Next door, Park Kasprowicza has Lake Rusałka and the Helena Majdaniec Summer Theatre, one of the largest amphitheatres in Poland. A few minutes away is Różanka, a rose garden with thousands of roses and concerts on summer weekends.

11. Cmentarz Centralny (Central Cemetery)

It may sound odd, but this is one of the most interesting places in the city. Opened in 1901, the park-like necropolis is the largest cemetery in Poland and the third largest in Europe, with historical and botanical routes past avenues, chapels and monuments. Come on a quiet morning.

12. Muzeum Techniki i Komunikacji (Museum of Technology and Transport)

Housed in a former tram depot – a treat for any tram fan – the museum displays historic vehicles, including Stoewer cars made in Szczecin before 1945, and a simulator lets you try driving a tram. A great option for a rainy afternoon.

Sample day plan in Szczecin

• 10:00 – Podziemne Trasy Szczecina under the main station
• 11:30 – a walk through the Old Town and Podzamcze
• 12:30 – the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle and the Bell Tower
• 14:00 – lunch by Rynek Sienny
• 15:30 – Wały Chrobrego and the National Museum
• 17:00 – the Philharmonic and the Przełomy Dialogue Centre
• 19:00 – dinner on the boulevards with a view of Łasztownia
• 20:30 – two hours on a private tram with music and club lighting

Opening hours of the museums and the shelter vary by day and season, so check before you travel and give advance notice of larger group visits.

Szczecin from the windows of a party tram

End the day by seeing the city again from a private TramParty tram. The carriage is reserved for your group, with music, club lighting and a route we plan together – for example past the baroque Brama Portowa (Harbour Gate), through plac Rodła (Rodła Square) and over Most Długi, right by Bulwary Nadodrzańskie (the Oder Boulevards). The ride can start from almost any tram stop, and Deptak Bogusława (Bogusław Promenade) is an easy walk afterwards. See our Szczecin tram party page for details, and our stag do and birthday offers for special occasions.

Frequently asked questions

How much time do you need to see Szczecin?

One busy day covers the main sights in the centre. To add the parks, the Central Cemetery, Łasztownia and a relaxed evening by the Oder, plan two or three days.

What are the best things to do in Szczecin when it rains?

Try Podziemne Trasy Szczecina, the Przełomy Dialogue Centre, the National Museum, the Museum of Technology and Transport and the Maritime Science Centre. In the evening, catch a concert at the Philharmonic or a performance at Opera na Zamku.

Can a group of friends book a party tram in Szczecin?

Yes. We prepare offers for smaller groups of up to 30 people and for larger groups of over 30. Prices and details are agreed individually, from the route and start time to extras such as catering, photo coverage or an HD souvenir video.