A major port city, Szczecin enjoys a strategic location in Poland on account of its proximity to Germany, the Baltic Sea and the Oder River.
The best place to start exploring Szczecin is the Stare Miasto, or Old Town. Here, you’ll find the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, which was built in the 14th century before it was destroyed and then restored to its former glory. You can marvel at the Renaissance design, tour the museum and finish off with splendid views from its tower. A short walk away lies the Szczecin Cathedral, which features beautifully detailed stained-glass windows and a remodelled baroque spire. After soaking up the city’s history, head to the 500-metre-long riverside promenade, Wały Chrobrego, for a scenic stroll by the Oder.
The Szczecin Philharmonic should be on your itinerary even if you don’t attend a concert there. Winner of several architectural awards, the futuristic white building takes on an icy hue at night and is well worth the trip. Another unique cultural experience in Szczecin is catching a movie at the Pionier Cinema that opened in 1909, making it one of the oldest in the world. Alternatively, if you’d rather spend time amidst nature, Kasprowicz Park is stunning year round, with spring blooms, fall foliage or wintry snow surrounding its lake.