Exploring Szczecin: The City Called the Paris of Poland

Szczecin, a port city in Poland along the border with Germany, was a city that I felt strongly that I wanted to live among the cities I visited in Poland.

Szczecin, which is also the birthplace of Empress Catherine II of Russia, went through a turbulent history with Pomerania, Sweden, and German territory, and became Poland after World War II. It is a city that has been restored by citizens based on

Szczecin is like that, but there is actually a reason why I feel that it is somewhat similar to Paris.

1.Parisian-ish streets

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Etoile Arc de Triomphe is a roundabout that even those who have never been to Paris have seen somewhere at least once. I think I'm not the only one who feels "Paris" just by looking at this scenery.

Szczecin has a roundabout that reminds me of Paris.

Furthermore, some of you may have enjoyed a picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower. There is also a landscape in Szczecin that reminds us of a grassy area. Not the Eiffel Tower, but the three eagle statues to commemorate the end of World War II.

Personally, I felt it was better than Paris because there were much fewer people than Paris. I was tired of the crowds in Paris, but here I was able to relax and enjoy the cityscape.

Is it just a coincidence that the city is reminiscent of Paris? There was actually a reason for this.

Georges-Eugène Haussmann, an urban planner who designed the city of Paris today, designed the cityscape of Szczecin.

What is even more surprising is that this beautiful townscape was rebuilt by human hands after it was once wiped out during the war.

The beautiful cityscape of Warsaw is the same, but it makes me feel the power of human beings that nothing is impossible if people work together.

It is beautiful to walk along the Oder River, the second largest river in Poland that leads to the Baltic Sea, and besides large parks like Kasrowicz Park, there are small parks everywhere, and the city is full of greenery. It was so nice to walk around with my dog.

From here, I will introduce recommended spots in Szczecin.

Szczecin is not a big city, so you can walk around all the spots introduced here.

2.Waly Chrobrego Promenade

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Probably the most romantic spot in Szczecin. As an iconic symbol of the city, you might not be able to miss it.

You can enjoy views of the Oder River, the shipyards, and the harbor. On sunny days, many people sit on the steps to take a break.

It is also decorated with statues, such as lions and Neptune. In summer, concerts and festivals are often held there.

3.Pomeranian Prince's Castle

Zamek Książąt Pomorskich w Szczecinie

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Even from a distance, the castle of the Duke of Pomerania is designed like a shortcake.

It seems that many events are held on the castle grounds.

There was a charge to enter the castle. We didn't go inside but the exterior was very impressive.

This clock tower was very unique.

4.Karlowicz Philharmonic

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A beautifully designed concert hall that could be considered a symbol of Szczecin. I've seen many postcards with this design.

Unfortunately, we couldn't go inside because we were with our dog, but it was very unique and interesting just from the outside.

It seems that it is beautifully lit up at night.

August 31 is Poland’s “Day of Solidarity and Freedom” (Dzień Solidarności i Wolności).

The Solidarity (Solidarność) movement was a worker-led pro-democracy movement in Poland during the 1980s, which ultimately played a key role in the collapse of the communist regime.

On this day, the Philharmonic Concert Hall was illuminated in red and white, and the slogan “Solidarność (Solidarity)” was also projected.

Even on ordinary days, the hall is lit up every night.

5.Solidarity Square

Plac Solidarności

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Solidarity Square is located in the square in front of the Philharmonic Concert Hall.

Solidarity Square was rebuilt on the spot where 16 people demonstrating against communism were brutally killed.

The roof of the Szczecin History Museum, where you can learn about the turbulent history of Szczecin, including World War II and the communist era, is a bold and modern design with a square where you can skateboard and roller skate.

The building has won an award in 2016 and is well worth a visit.

There is also a statue of an angel in the square to commemorate the incident that occurred in December 1970.

On the square is the Lech Wałęsa symbol sign drawn.

This is what it looks like from above.

5.Jasne Błonia Square

Plac Jasne Błonia im. Jana Pawła II

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This square reminded me of the lawn square in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Go straight through a large roundabout, and there are many street venders on holidays.

I was so glad dogs are welcome here.

6.Venice in Szczecin?

Szczecińska Wenecja

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There is a place called "Venice of Szczecin" right behind Szczecin Central Station.

The scenery that can be seen from the place where you crossed the small bridge was a destroyed yeast and alcohol factory.

It's a spot on Google Maps, but it was very quiet, probably because it's not well known.

7.Local Food : Paprykasz

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Paprykarz [pah-pryh-cash] is a mixture of cooked fish, rice, vegetables and spices and it tastes sweet, mildly fishy and aromatic.

Canned paprykarz can be bought pretty much anywhere in Poland but I personally didn't like it. Though, I really loved fresh paprykarz.

If you want to eat paprykasz, this is the place to go!

7.1.Paprykarz Fish Market

Szczecin is close to the Baltic Sea, so you can eat fresh seafood.

The customer service was also very good. Plus, dogs are welcome too :)

Here is a salmon burger. The thick piece of salmon was very satisfying, and it really filled me up.

Here is the grilled trout. The buttery flavor is perfect, and it’s wonderfully crispy and delicious!

And this is a slightly blurry shot, but it’s a dish of raw herring served on paprykasz-style rice. It was very fresh and delicious.

One thing to note about this restaurant is that the portions are more filling than expected, so don’t order too much!

8.If you want real coffee in Szczecin

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8.1.#Alternatywnie Cafe

This Alternatywnnie cafe is the one that made me the most delicious flat white I've had in the last few years.

It's not that busy, so I'm happy I can take it easy and that dogs are welcome too.

There was also a sofa where you could relax.

In addition to the flat white, the hand-drip coffee made with the Origami dripper is also very delicious, and I went there three times during my stay.

8.2.Przystań - Kawa i Wino

A small but stylish café/bar where you can literally enjoy coffee (Kawa) and wine (Wino).

Although there were many cafés nearby, it was hard to find one open from 8 a.m., so this place was the perfect choice.

They only serve espresso-based drinks (no pour-over or other hand-brewed options), but both the espresso and Americano were delicious.

Seating is limited, but on weekdays, people seem to just grab their espresso quickly, so it probably doesn’t get crowded.

Google map list of the spots introduced in this blog.