Discover Szczecin's Charm: 5 Days on a Budget

Discover Szczecin, Poland's hidden gem, even on a tight budget.

21 June 2023

Szczecin is a budget-friendly destination where travelers can enjoy a variety of historical and cultural attractions without breaking the bank. The city boasts impressive landmarks such as the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes and the Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, both of which are free to visit. Visitors can also admire the stunning views of the Oder River and surrounding parks, or take advantage of the city's excellent shopping and dining options at affordable prices.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Check into the affordable Campanile Hotel, located in the city center.
  • Wander around the charming Old Town area, taking in the unique architecture and cobbled streets.
  • Visit the Gothic-style St. James Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century.
  • Explore the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, a beautiful Renaissance-style castle with stunning views of the city.
  • Grab a bite to eat at the popular Pierogarnia Kaszubska restaurant and indulge in some traditional Polish dumplings.
Day 2

Park Hopping

  • Start the day with a coffee and pastry from the cozy Cafe 22 in the city center.
  • Visit the beautifully manicured Kasprowicz Park, where you can take a stroll through the rose garden or paddleboat on the lake.
  • Make your way to the stunning Park Kasprowicza, home to a charming zoo and a breathtaking botanical garden.
  • Stop for a picnic lunch in the picturesque Park Żeromskiego, where you can sit by the river and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
  • End the day with dinner at Karczma Polska Zagroda, a restaurant that serves hearty Polish dishes in a rustic setting.
Day 3

Museums and Art Galleries

  • Start the day with breakfast at the trendy Bema Cafe, known for its delicious coffee and fresh pastries.
  • Visit the National Museum in Szczecin, which showcases the history of the city and its surrounding areas.
  • Explore the contemporary art exhibitions at the National Museum in Szczecin's "The Contemporary Art Department."
  • Check out the eclectic collection at the Otmar Alt Museum and admire the artist's unique style.
  • Have dinner at Zielony Roślinny, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that serves creative and flavorful dishes.
Day 4

Wandering by the Waterfront

  • Start the day with a walk along the Oder River, admiring the picturesque views of the city from the water's edge.
  • Take a boat tour of the port and learn about Szczecin's maritime history.
  • Visit the Miedzyodrze Marina and enjoy a drink at one of the many waterside bars.
  • Check out the impressive Hay Market Hall, a beautiful historic building that now houses a bustling market.
  • End the day with dinner at the cozy and authentic Yoli Pizzeria, known for its delicious handmade pizzas.
Day 5

Cultural Enrichment

  • Start the day with breakfast at the charming and cozy Simply White cafe.
  • Visit the Waly Chrobrego Promenade, which offers stunning views of the Oder River and the city skyline.
  • Spend the afternoon at The Philharmonic, which offers a range of classical music concerts and cultural events.
  • Check out the exhibitions at the Zachęta Gallery, a contemporary art gallery that showcases local and international artists.
  • Have dinner at the quirky and eclectic Bistro Szkocka, which serves up delicious Scottish-inspired dishes with a Polish twist.
  • Enjoy your time in Szczecin!

How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to Szczecin, Poland by plane is by flying into Solidarity Szczecin-Goleniów Airport, which is located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of the city center. From there, you can take a taxi, bus or train to reach your destination.

Car

If you prefer to drive, the best way to get to Szczecin, Poland by car is to take the A6 motorway, which connects Szczecin with Berlin and other major cities in the region. However, be aware that traffic may be heavy, particularly during rush hour, and that finding parking in the city can be tricky. Many hotels offer private parking facilities for their guests.

Train

To reach Szczecin, Poland by train, you can take express trains that run from Warsaw to Berlin, or from Krakow to Berlin, and get off at the Szczecin Główny station. Alternatively, you can take regional trains that run from other cities in Poland, such as Gdansk or Poznan, and connect to Szczecin at one of the smaller stations such as Szczecin Dabie, Szczecin Gumieńce or Szczecin Zdroje.

Boat

The port of Szczecin, called Port Szczecin, is located on the Oder River, near the Baltic Sea. From here, you can travel by boat to other cities and destinations such as Sweden, Denmark and even the United Kingdom. However, it should be noted that this is not a frequent method of travel, as it might take longer than other modes of transportation.

Bus

The best way to get to Szczecin, Poland by bus is to take one of the many long-distance coach services that operate throughout Eastern Europe. You can find departures from major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Warsaw, and Prague to Szczecin. The bus station in Szczecin is located only 3 kilometers away from the city center, and you can take a taxi, bus or tram to reach your destination.

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