10 Amazing Year-Round Things to Do in Szczecin Poland

Key Takeaways:

• Szczecin offers a unique blend of Hanseatic history, modern architecture, and waterfront charm for visitors in every season.

• From castle views and jazz festivals to riverside parks and art spaces, the city invites exploration beyond Poland’s better-known tourist hubs.

• Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, Szczecin delivers beauty, history, and fun that’s easy to enjoy year-round.

Szczecin is one of Poland’s most underrated cities, nestled near the German border and full of maritime charm, cultural landmarks, and wide-open green spaces. Though it’s not as talked about as Warsaw or Kraków, Szczecin surprises visitors with its mix of Gothic architecture, Art Nouveau buildings, modern waterfronts, and relaxed atmosphere. Once part of the Hanseatic League, the city has a complex past shaped by shifting borders and diverse influences.

Today, Szczecin is a university town with a vibrant arts scene, scenic parks, and easy access to nature. Locals love their city’s laid-back pace, the Oder River views, and the cultural events that roll in every season. Whether you’re into jazz festivals, castle tours, or simply wandering tree-lined boulevards, Szczecin has something for you—rain, snow, or sunshine.

Table of Contents

1. Explore the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

2. Walk the Boulevards by the Oder River

3. Discover Art at the Philharmonic Hall and its Light Shows

4. Visit the Szczecin Underground Tunnels

5. Relax in Kasprowicz Park

6. Stroll the Rose Garden in Różanka

7. Tour the National Museum in the Chrobry Embankment

8. Experience the Floating Garden and Marina Area

9. Attend the Szczecin Music Fest or Sea Days Festival

10. Take a Day Trip to Wolin National Park or the Szczecin Lagoon

1. Explore the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle is the historical heart of Szczecin and a must-see for architecture lovers and history buffs alike. Originally built in the 14th century, the Renaissance-style structure has been beautifully restored and now houses museums, concert halls, and cultural institutions. You can explore the castle’s towers, courtyards, and exhibitions while learning about the region’s complex past under Polish, Swedish, and Prussian rule.

The castle also hosts seasonal festivals, art exhibitions, and outdoor performances that bring the square to life. In winter, it’s elegantly lit for the holidays, while summer invites open-air jazz concerts in the courtyard. The view from the bell tower is especially stunning, offering panoramic views of Szczecin’s skyline and riverbanks. It’s a year-round attraction that blends elegance, education, and atmosphere.

2. Walk the Boulevards by the Oder River

Szczecin’s riverfront boulevards are the perfect place for a slow stroll, morning jog, or riverside picnic. Lined with modern cafes, public art, and docked boats, the promenades along the Oder River offer a great introduction to the city’s rhythm. You’ll pass historical buildings, ships-turned-restaurants, and often spot locals cycling or relaxing with ice cream in hand.

During warmer months, floating bars and food trucks pop up, adding a festive feel to the area. Sunset over the river is a local favorite, often accompanied by street music or open-air events. In colder seasons, the wide views and occasional snow-dusted paths still make it a peaceful and picturesque walk. It’s the perfect place to start or end your day in Szczecin.

3. Discover Art at the Philharmonic Hall and its Light Shows

One of Szczecin’s most iconic buildings is the award-winning Philharmonic Hall, known for its sharp, ice-like structure that glows at night. Inside, the venue hosts world-class orchestras, jazz concerts, and multimedia exhibitions that appeal to all tastes. It’s a must-visit for music lovers, but even if you don’t catch a show, the architecture alone is worth the visit.

After dark, the building lights up in ever-changing colors, making it a popular photo spot and cultural landmark. The surrounding square often hosts seasonal art installations and winter light festivals. Even outside concert hours, walking around this modern masterpiece is a highlight of any Szczecin visit. It’s where tradition and modernity blend beautifully.

4. Visit the Szczecin Underground Tunnels

For a completely different experience, head underground to explore the World War II-era bomb shelters and tunnels beneath Szczecin’s main train station. The Szczecin Underground is the largest civil defense shelter in Poland, with over 3,000 square meters of tunnels and bunkers. Guided tours walk you through dimly lit chambers, historical exhibits, and wartime artifacts that paint a vivid picture of life during and after the war.

There are themed tours including a Cold War trail and an immersive sound-and-light show, which makes the experience feel cinematic. It’s both eerie and fascinating, and offers a completely different perspective on the city’s past. This hidden network beneath the streets is open year-round and offers a break from the usual tourist path.

5. Relax in Kasprowicz Park

Kasprowicz Park is one of the largest green spaces in Szczecin and a favorite spot for locals to jog, picnic, or simply enjoy nature. The park features winding paths, tranquil ponds, and large grassy areas perfect for lounging. In spring and summer, it bursts with color from blooming flowers and trees, while autumn brings vibrant foliage that makes for beautiful walks.

It’s also home to the Rose Garden (Różanka), a peaceful space with over 100 varieties of roses that reach peak bloom in early summer. Sculptures, fountains, and scenic bridges give the park a romantic, old-world feel. Whether you want to relax with a book or stretch your legs after a day of sightseeing, Kasprowicz Park is a calm and inviting escape in any season.

6. Stroll the Rose Garden in Różanka

Tucked within Kasprowicz Park, the Różanka Rose Garden is one of Szczecin’s most beautiful and peaceful corners. With more than 100 types of roses arranged in neat rows and colorful patterns, the garden feels like stepping into a living painting. Benches, pergolas, and fountains offer perfect places to relax and enjoy the fragrant air, especially during the bloom-heavy months of May through July.

But even outside of peak flower season, the Różanka is worth visiting for its tranquility. Locals use it for morning walks, romantic strolls, or simply to sit and journal. The garden also occasionally hosts classical music concerts and open-air yoga classes, giving it a quiet but cultural charm. It’s a romantic and meditative spot that feels far from the bustle of the city.

7. Tour the National Museum in the Chrobry Embankment

The National Museum of Szczecin, located along the scenic Chrobry Embankment, is one of the city’s cultural cornerstones. Its stately facade overlooks the river and houses exhibits that span archaeology, maritime history, fine arts, and ethnography. The collection includes everything from ancient Slavic artifacts to 20th-century Polish paintings, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s evolution.

The museum also includes a modern underground section, which hosts rotating exhibitions on contemporary issues and digital art. Outside, the terrace provides one of the best views in Szczecin — especially stunning at golden hour. It’s a rewarding indoor activity, perfect for rainy days or curious minds. Whether you’re into art, history, or photography, this museum is a must-stop.

8. Experience the Floating Garden and Marina Area

Szczecin brands itself as the “Floating Garden,” and nowhere is that more evident than the marina district and Lasztownia Island. This revitalized area is lined with modern pedestrian walkways, restaurants, and event spaces — all right on the water. In summer, it comes alive with open-air movie nights, regattas, and pop-up art displays.

Even outside of peak season, the modern waterfront is a fantastic place to walk, dine, or relax with a view of the city skyline across the river. It’s also where many locals come to jog or cycle along the piers. For a fresh, modern experience of Szczecin that blends nature with design, the Floating Garden area is a perfect destination.

9. Attend the Szczecin Music Fest or Sea Days Festival

Szczecin may feel quiet at times, but the city knows how to throw a great event. Two of the biggest year-round highlights are Szczecin Music Fest and Sea Days Festival. The former brings world music, jazz, and fusion artists to various venues across the city, while the latter celebrates Szczecin’s maritime identity with boat parades, fireworks, and live concerts by the river.

Both festivals draw a mix of locals and international visitors and create a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Sea Days, typically in June, is especially family-friendly with food stalls, kids’ zones, and games. Music Fest takes place in different seasons and keeps the cultural calendar full throughout the year. If your visit overlaps with either, consider it a lucky bonus to your trip.

10. Take a Day Trip to Wolin National Park or the Szczecin Lagoon

Just an hour away from the city, Wolin National Park offers forest hikes, Baltic Sea beaches, and bison reserves. It’s a popular weekend destination for locals, and easy to reach by train or car. You can explore the scenic cliffs at Kawcza Góra, stroll the seaside town of Międzyzdroje, or rent bikes for a ride through lush pine forests.

Alternatively, the Szczecin Lagoon offers calmer waters, fishing villages, and birdwatching spots ideal for a slower, nature-focused outing. Both options showcase the region’s natural diversity and make great year-round getaways. Whether you want an active adventure or a laid-back afternoon in nature, a day trip out of Szczecin rounds out your visit perfectly.

What to do if you have kids?

Szczecin is surprisingly family-friendly and offers plenty of ways to keep kids engaged and happy. The underground tunnels and castle tours turn history into an adventure, while the city’s many parks provide space to run, climb, and play. The National Museum has interactive exhibits, and Kasprowicz Park features a large playground and open lawns. During summer, events like Sea Days and waterfront performances include entertainment specifically for children. Just be sure to check weather forecasts, pack snacks, and have extra layers handy — Szczecin is walkable and welcoming for all ages.

Where can I find free events in Szczecin Poland taking place this weekend?

To find free concerts, street festivals, markets, and cultural happenings in Szczecin this weekend, check out PlanMyWeekend.ai. It’s an easy way to discover real-time events like local art walks, open-air movie nights, pop-up markets, and seasonal fairs — all curated for your city. Whether you’re exploring solo or with a group, it helps you enjoy the best of Szczecin without spending a dime. Events update weekly, so you’re always in the know.

Final thoughts

Szczecin isn’t just a stopover — it’s a destination full of surprises, where medieval castles meet modern art, and riverside cafés blend into green parks and historical landmarks. It’s a place for curiosity, connection, and calm — ideal for travelers who enjoy uncovering hidden gems. Whether you come for a weekend or a week, this city in northwestern Poland offers a peaceful, culture-rich escape that reveals more the longer you stay. Add Szczecin to your list, and let it surprise you with its heart and beauty.