10 must-see things in Szczecin
Welcome to Szczecin – Poland's maritime gateway where the Oder River meets ambition, where German heritage meets Polish resilience, and where locals claim they live in Poland's most livable city (and they might be right). As an international student, you're about to discover a port city that was 85% destroyed in WWII and rebuilt with bold modernist architecture that's only now getting the respect it deserves. Szczecin (SHCHE-cheen, not "set-sin") is close to Germany, full of waterways, surprisingly green, and refreshingly uncrowded. Here are 10 must-see spots that'll show you why this underrated city is worth your attention!
1. Pomeranian Dukes' Castle (Zamek Książąt Pomorskich)
This Renaissance castle has seen everything: Pomeranian dukes, Swedish occupation, Prussian rule, Nazi destruction, and Polish reconstruction. Now it's a cultural center hosting exhibitions, concerts, and events. The castle courtyard, with its distinctive clock tower, is Szczecin's most recognizable landmark.
Reconstruction story: The castle was completely destroyed in WWII. What you see is a faithful reconstruction from the 1980s. Poles rebuilt it as a statement: this is our city now.
Cultural events: Check the schedule – concerts, exhibitions, festivals. The castle is alive with activity, not just a historical monument.
Courtyard concerts: Summer brings outdoor concerts in the courtyard. The acoustics and atmosphere are magical.
2. Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment)
This monumental terrace overlooking the Oder River is Szczecin's showpiece. The grand staircases, fountains, and imposing buildings create a vista that screams "we built an empire" (even if that empire was German and this is now Poland). At sunset, with the river glowing gold, it's genuinely stunning.
Architectural statement: Built in the early 1900s when Szczecin was Stettin (German city). The Prussians knew how to make grand statements in stone.
River views: The panorama over the Oder, the port, and the city is worth the climb. Multiple levels offer different perspectives.
Evening strolls: This is where Szczecin comes to walk, especially on warm evenings. Join the parade.
3. Philharmonic Hall (Filharmonia im. Mieczysława Karłowicza)
Winner of the Mies van der Rohe Award (architecture's highest honor in Europe), this building looks like crystalline origami made of white concrete and glass. Inside, the acoustics are world-class. Whether you love classical music or just appreciate bold design, this is essential.
Architectural achievement: Completed in 2014, it's become Szczecin's modern symbol. The geometric white structure stands out dramatically.
Concerts: Student tickets are affordable. Even if classical music isn't your thing, experiencing the space during a performance is worth it.
Tours available: The building itself is art. Sometimes they offer guided tours explaining the design and acoustics.
4. Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Here's the thing about Szczecin's Old Town: it's not old. The original was obliterated in WWII. What exists now is 1950s-2000s reconstruction mixed with modernist planning. It's not Kraków's medieval fantasy, but it has its own character – and that honesty is refreshing.
Honest reconstruction: Unlike some cities that pretend to be medieval, Szczecin's Old Town acknowledges it's new. The mix of styles reflects post-war Poland figuring itself out.
Market Square: Smaller than other Polish cities, but functional and surrounded by colorful buildings that photograph well.
Cathedral: The Gothic cathedral tower survived the war. The rest was rebuilt. Climb it for city views.
5. Kasprowicz Park (Park Kasprowicza)
One of Poland's most beautiful parks, and locals will fight you if you disagree. Szczecin is incredibly green (44% green space!), and Kasprowicz Park is the crown jewel. In spring, the rhododendrons and azaleas create a color explosion that's almost absurd.
Rose garden: Over 100 rose varieties. When they bloom, the scent and colors are overwhelming in the best way.
Rusałka Lake: Small lake perfect for walking around, feeding ducks, or contemplating life while sitting on a bench.
Student favorite: Free, beautiful, and peaceful. Perfect for studying outside, dates, or recovering from last night.
6. Szczecin Maritime University Campus and Harbor Area
As a port city, Szczecin's identity is inseparable from maritime life. The Maritime University campus, the working port, and the harbor area give you that authentic sea-city vibe. Ships, cranes, seagulls – it's not sanitized tourism; it's real port life.
Active port: This is a working port, one of the largest on the Baltic. You'll see cargo ships, containers, industrial activity. It's not pretty; it's real.
Maritime Museum: Ships you can board, maritime history, and context for understanding why Szczecin exists (hint: it's all about the port).
Waterfront walks: The developing waterfront areas mix port industry with new developments. The contrast is striking.
7. Szczecin Lagoon and Beaches (Dąbie Lake)
Szczecin has beaches! Well, freshwater beaches on Dąbie Lake (which is technically a lagoon of the Oder River). In summer, locals flock here for swimming, sailing, and pretending they're at the seaside (the actual Baltic is close, but why travel when you have water here?).
Summer escape: Multiple beaches around the lagoon. Some are organized with facilities, others are wild and free.
Water sports: Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking. The lagoon is perfect for water activities, and rental equipment is affordable.
Sunset spot: Evening light over the lagoon, with sailboats silhouetted against golden water – it's beautiful.
8. Floating Garden (Pływający Ogród)
This floating platform on the Oder River is covered with grass, bushes, and public art. It's quirky, unexpected, and very Szczecin – a city that likes unconventional solutions. You can walk on it, sit on the grass, and watch the river flow by.
Unique concept: A floating garden in the middle of a river. Why? Because Szczecin thought it would be cool. And it is.
Public art: Rotating installations and sculptures. The garden doubles as an outdoor gallery.
Meeting spot: Popular with students and locals. It's become an iconic Szczecin feature.
9. Underground Tourist Route
Beneath Szczecin's streets lie medieval cellars, WWII bunkers, and post-war shelters. The underground route takes you through this subterranean world, explaining the city's layered history. It's atmospheric, slightly eerie, and fascinating.
Historical layers: You'll see medieval merchant cellars, Nazi bunkers, and Cold War shelters. Szczecin's history literally piled on top of itself.
Guided tours: Tours are in Polish, but usually have English materials or audio guides. The spaces speak for themselves.
Cool refuge: Like most underground tours, it's naturally cool. Strategic summer planning makes this doubly pleasant.
10. Oder River Boulevards and Waterfront Development
Szczecin is transforming its waterfront from industrial port to mixed-use public space. The boulevards along the Oder are being developed with walking paths, parks, cafes, and that "modern European city" aesthetic. It's transformation in progress.
Work in progress: Some areas are finished, others are construction sites. You're witnessing urban renewal in real-time.
Bike paths: Extensive cycling infrastructure along the river. Rent a bike and explore for kilometers.
Future vision: Szczecin is betting on its waterfront being a major attraction. In a decade, this might be Poland's best urban waterfront.
Bonus Tips for Students in Szczecin
Border City Reality
Szczecin is 15 minutes from Germany. You can literally bike to the German border. Many students make weekend trips to Berlin (2 hours by train). This proximity influences everything – prices, mentality, and opportunities.
Cost of Living
Affordable. Cheaper than Warsaw, Kraków, or Gdańsk. Your budget will stretch comfortably. Housing, food, entertainment – all reasonable for a student budget.
Transport
Trams: Extensive tram network covering the city. Monthly student pass around 50 PLN.
Bikes: Szczecin is very bike-friendly. Flat terrain, bike lanes, bike-sharing systems. Many students bike everywhere.
To Germany: Buses and trains to German cities. Berlin is closer than Warsaw.
Language
English: More common than smaller Polish cities, partly due to proximity to Germany and international students.
German influence: Some older residents speak German. The city was German until 1945, and that history lingers.
Universities
University of Szczecin: Major university with diverse programs.
West Pomeranian University of Technology: Engineering and technical focus.
Maritime University: Specialized maritime education, strong international presence.
Pomeranian Medical University: International medical students.
Food Scene
Fish: You're in a port city. Fresh fish, smoked fish, fish restaurants. Embrace it.
Polish-German mix: The cuisine shows influences. Good pierogi and good schnitzel coexist.
Milk bars: Traditional cheap Polish food.
International: Growing diversity as student population expands.
Student Life
Night life: Concentrated around the Old Town and Wyszyńskiego Street. Clubs, bars, live music venues. Prices are student-friendly.
Cultural events: The Philharmonic, castle events, outdoor concerts. Student discounts widely available.
International community: Strong presence due to multiple universities. You'll find your people.
Weather
Maritime climate: Milder than central Poland. Winters are less harsh, summers less scorching. More wind and rain than inland cities.
Pack layers: Weather changes quickly. Windproof jacket is essential.
Day Trips
German border towns: Easy day trips or shopping runs.
Baltic beaches: Świnoujście (45 min), Międzyzdroje – proper seaside with beaches and resorts.
Berlin: 2 hours by train. Major city excitement within weekend-trip distance.
Wolin National Park: Nature, forests, Baltic coast. Easy escape.
Safety
Very safe. Low crime rates, well-maintained infrastructure, good public transport even at night. Standard city awareness applies.
What Makes Szczecin Special
Underrated and Uncrowded
Szczecin doesn't appear on tourist radars. That's exactly why it's great for students. You're living in a real city, not performing for tourists.
Greenest City
44% green space. Dozens of parks. Trees everywhere. For a city of 400,000, the amount of nature is exceptional. You're never far from a park.
Water Everywhere
Seven islands, two rivers (Oder and Regalica), the lagoon, and proximity to the Baltic. Szczecin is defined by water. That maritime character shapes everything.
Bold Architecture
Post-war modernism that's finally getting respect. The Philharmonic, the university library, residential blocks – Szczecin embraced bold design when other cities played it safe.
German-Polish History
This layered history is fascinating. The city was Stettin (German) for centuries, then became Szczecin (Polish) in 1945. That transition shaped modern identity. Understanding this complexity enriches your experience.
Proximity to Europe
Being near Germany means European connections are easier. Weekend trips to Berlin, Hamburg, Copenhagen – Szczecin is a gateway to Northern Europe.
Livability
Polls consistently rank Szczecin as one of Poland's most livable cities. Good public services, green space, reasonable prices, manageable size – the quality of life is high.
Seasonal Szczecin
Spring: Parks explode with color. Rhododendrons in Kasprowicz Park are legendary. Perfect exploration weather.
Summer: Beach season at Dąbie Lake, outdoor concerts, waterfront life. The city comes alive.
Autumn: Golden leaves, maritime winds, cozy cafe season. Beautiful but increasingly rainy.
Winter: Mild compared to eastern Poland but gray and windy. Christmas markets brighten the short days.
Final Thoughts
Szczecin won't seduce you instantly. It's not Kraków's romantic beauty or Warsaw's energy. It's something quieter, more subtle. This is a city that grew up fast – from German Stettin destroyed in 1945 to Polish Szczecin rebuilt with determination. The scars and success are both visible.
As an international student, you're discovering a city that most Poles underrate and tourists ignore. You'll explain where Szczecin is (northwest corner, near Germany). You'll defend its modernist architecture against people who think old is automatically better. You'll appreciate that you can bike to class through parks, afford rent without three roommates, and reach Berlin for a weekend without breaking the bank.
Szczecin won't overwhelm you with attractions. But it'll give you something better: a comfortable, livable city where you can actually focus on studying (and living) without constant tourist chaos or financial stress. The maritime air, the green spaces, the proximity to Europe – these aren't flashy, but they matter for daily life.
By the end of your semester, you'll have favorite spots in Kasprowicz Park, preferred seats on the Chrobry Embankment, go-to cafes near campus. You'll understand why locals insist Szczecin is underrated. You might even make that bike trip to Germany just because you can.
Szczecin is Poland's maritime secret – green, affordable, connected, and entirely unbothered by its lack of fame. Sometimes the best experiences come from places that aren't trying to impress anyone.
Powodzenia (good luck) and welcome to Poland's port city!