Weekend in Szczecin

Does the capital of West Pomerania still seem like undiscovered land? Would you like to see its most interesting places in 48 hours? It surely looks like too little time but definitely enough to feel the atmosphere of the city and see what it has to offer. Let that weekend be a foretaste which will make you come back and stay in Szczecin longer.

Friday

Good morning (in) Szczecin! (5h)

Have you just arrived in the capital of West Pomerania? It’s time to explore the city and taste the local specialities. The map of Szczecin’s gastronomy is quite extensive, but at the top of the culinary hit list for over 50 years reigns... the pasztecik. You can find it in a small bar on Wojska Polskiego Avenue. This iconic dish is a true legend and symbol of the city. Despite the passing years, the recipe remains unchanged, which led to Szczecin’s pasztecik being added to the prestigious List of Traditional Products protected by EU law in 2010.

On the first day, treat yourself to a bit of relaxation and visit our new Water Factory Aquapark. Apart from many pools, twisting slides, and one of the largest saunas in Poland, there is also an extensive educational area. Follow the ‘spiral of knowledge’ and discover the secrets of physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy. It’s the only place in the country where you can see firsthand how the sub-basin works, which is a complex water supply system. On-site, there are also a bowling alley, a climbing wall, a restaurant, and in winter – an ice rink. A visit to The Water Factory is worth dedicating several hours. It’s probably already late, so it’s time to get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we’ll continue exploring the city, which will surely surprise you with even more interesting facts.

Saturday

Let’s meet at Jasne Błonia (2h)

Good morning... starts with a good cup of coffee. If you agree with this and also like to be surrounded by greenery, then your stay in Szczecin must begin with a visit to Jasne Błonia Square. Sip coffee from one of Szczecin’s roasters, listen to the birdsong and, in early spring, see the carpet of crocuses. After a solid dose of caffeine at the bike cafe, it’s time to stroll through Kasprowicz Park.
 

The narrow paths will take you to the Helena Majdaniec Summer Theater. It is one of the largest amphitheatres in Poland. Recently modernised, it was named the country’s Best Public Space in the Property Design Awards competition. In the 1960s, its stage hosted the Young Talents Festival, and it was here that the Polish Big Beat began. Nearby is the Rose Garden, signposted in the park. In summer, on Saturdays and Sundays, there are concerts, children’ workshops and dance parties. 

Architectural gems and a bit of history (2h)

As you head back towards the city centre, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to visit the Lentz Villa – a prime example of bourgeois architecture in Szczecin. The beautiful interiors of this historic building now house a cultural institution that seamlessly blends the city’s past and present bourgeois culture. The Lentz Villa can be explored individually and with a guide. Now it’s time for a sip of history.

Take a stroll down John Paul II Avenue and Aleja Kwiatowa (Flower Street) to reach Solidarity Square. Below you is the Upheavals Dialogue Centre. The museum tells the story of Szczecin from the end of the Second World War to the fall of communism. Before leaving the Upheavals Dialogue Centre, it’s worth trying a sandwich with herring or Szczecin-style paprika paste called paprykarz szczeciński, served at the café by the exit.

Across the street, you’ll find the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic. The building resembles a cross between an iceberg with Hanseatic townhouses. See if the white lobby impresses you even more than the exterior structure. Not to mention the Sun Hall. Both places –
due to their brief presence here – have recently joined the list of the city’s characteristic ‚must-sees’.

However, the most recognizable place in Szczecin has always been the Chrobry Embankment. It is just a short walk along Małopolska Street from the Philharmonic. The creation of this unique viewing terrace was initiated by Herman Haken (hence its original name, Hakenterrasse – Haken’s Terrace). The central building on the Chrobry Embankment is the National Museum, with an open-air viewing terrace open during the summer season.

The Oder River Boulevards - The Meeting Place (5h)

While you’re at the Chrobry Embankment, take a stroll along the nearby boulevards. Start with Piastowski Boulevard, home to the famous Sailors’ Alley. Here, you’ll find many elements highlighting the maritime character of the city, including sculptures of captains and a sailor-cat. The charm of the boulevards is further enhanced by three historic cranes, affectionately nicknamed ‚Cranosauruses’ by the locals. Nearby stands the Maritime Science Centre and Planetarium, where through various experiments, you’ll gain a better understanding of different aspects of life and work at sea. Plan to spend at least 3 hours exploring the building.

Visiting Szczecin in the summer? Be sure to take a ride on the Poland’s largest Ferris wheel. The Wheel of Szczecin offers an unforgettable view of the Szczecin panorama. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, enjoy the attractions of Holiday Park in Łasztownia. After returning from a walk along the Oder River, treat yourself to a small cruise on one of the motorboats waiting at the quays.

It has surely been an exciting day, perhaps it’s time to round it off with a good dinner. The boulevards are certainly not lacking in culinary inspiration. You can dine in the food court in Łasztownia or in one of the restaurants in the pavilions along the quays.

Sunday

The Old Town and a trip into the past (5h

This is your last day in Szczecin. It’s worth spending it exploring the history of our city.

Did you know that Szczecin has the largest cemetery in Poland and the third largest in Europe? The Central Cemetery is one of the favourite places for Szczecin residents... to take walks. Within the necropolis, you’ll find plenty of greenery, water, and examples of outstanding architecture. You can explore the most interesting places in the cemetery through two routes: historical and botanical.

To start the day, visit the Museum of Technology and Communication. It’s a former tram depot, that has become a paradise for automobile history enthusiasts. Besides interesting facts about the exhibits, you can also listen to the roar of old engines. Thanks to the simulator, feel like a tram driver for a moment. A new attraction is the‚ Motoexperimentarium’, which invites visitors to experience and experiment. See if you can change a tyre in the Smyk car! Following your automotive adventure, take a stroll back to the Old Town, nestled alongside the Szczecin boulevards. This charming place is famous for its restaurants serving dishes from around the world. And for dessert, here’s an interesting fact: the Old Town isn’t actually that old. This part of Szczecin was levelled during the war. Only the Old Town Hall and a few townhouses were rebuilt to their original appearance. While exploring the Old Town, make sure to visit the atmospheric Kuśnierska Street, leading to the courtyard and the viewing tower of the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle – you can see the whole of Szczecin from up there! If your adventure in Szczecin ends at the main railway station, you can still visit the largest civilian shelter in Poland, which can be accessed from the first platform level.

The third day in the capital of West Pomerania is about to an end and you still haven’t walked around the Emerald Lake, haven’t seen and open-air Arkonka aquapark, haven’t jumped from the Europe’s highest dream jump platform.

Szczecin has much more to offer, so cosider booking the next visit in our city.

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