In West Pomerania, the city of Szczecin is a major seaport that first grew rich from trade on the Baltic in the Middle Ages. Known as Stettin in German, it’s a city that has passed between opposing powers for hundreds of years. The Dukes of Pomerania were replaced by the Swedes, followed by the Prussian Empire.
For visitors, Szczecin’s charm is in its Haussmann-style avenues and the majestic embankment that was constructed on the Oder at the start of the 20th century. Some things to keep on your agenda are subterranean tunnels used as a Cold War bunker, museums on technology and contemporary history and a state-of-the-art concert hall that looks like something from another planet.
Here are 3 of the best (IMO) things to check out while you wait for the bars to open!
1.Szczecin Cathedral, The largest place of worship in the Szczecin, the cathedral was founded in the 1100s and can hold 10,000 people.The design we see today is from the end of the 19th century, after a storm in 1456 and then the Scanian War in 1677 razed the previous buildings. This current version was also badly damaged in the Second World War and the restoration is ongoing. Another big change was the denomination, as Stettin’s cathedral had been Lutheran since the Reformation and naturally became Catholic after the war. On the east side of the chancel is a triptych made in 1981 but composed of fragments of destroyed altarpieces going back to the 1400s. And in the cathedral’s 15 chapels are paintings, altarpieces, sculptures and architectural fragments from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
2.Szczecin Underground, In the Second World War Stettin’s German residents took refuge from bombing raids in this subterranean complex adapted from pre-existing 19th-century catacombs.The tunnels have five levels, descending 17 metres underground and with a total area of 2,500 square metres. After the war the shelter was turned into a nuclear bunker, which was finally decommissioned in 1990. You can take two separate themed routes through this thrilling and enigmatic network of tunnels. The first deals with the Second World War and has reconstructed living quarters, and photos and artefacts from the time.
3. Stare Miasto (Old Town),The oldest quarter in Szczecin, below the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, was completely levelled during the Second World War, and unlike in cities like Warsaw, Poznań and Gdańsk there was no immediate reconstruction. The project was delayed until 1994 and only a few monuments have been reconstructed so far, concentrated around the Rynek (Old Market Square) and built according to their original plans. But even knowing that these aren’t originals, the cobblestone square deserves to be seen for its colourful Baroque gabled townhouses and the reconstructed town hall, which has a museum about the tempestuous history of Szczecin.
Enough "rambling" now on with the beer scene; [updated May 2022]
Nowy Browar Szczecin, ul.Partyzantow 2
Open: Mon-Thu 9-24, Fri 9-2, Sat 11-2, Sun 11-24
A really nice brewpub that have top quality beers. You can observe whole process of brewing, because you seat next to all of these devices. There is also a big room with monitors, so you can watch all latest sport events. Extra room for smokers. What is most relevant that their beer would probably beat that you considered as a best one!
Browar Stara Komenda, Plac Batorego 3
Open: Sun-Thu 13:00-00:00, Fri-Sat 13:00-01:00
Located in the centre of the city, a short walk from the Old Town, this venue is placed in what was formerly a building belonging to military administration, this brewpub offers a lot of atmosphere with copper kettles on display, and bar/restaurant on two floors. The menu still comes enveloped in a grey dossier folder. The selection of beers is rather limited, three regular beers and a seasonal special, all brewed on location and of medium quality. The staff are helpful but it may take time to attract their attention and receive the items ordered. Good food. Reasonable prices. Might be back again one day?
Browar Wyszak, Ul. Msciwoja 8
Open: 13:00 - 23:00 Daily
Beautifully situated on a Nice square in center of the old town, in the cellar of a historical building. A really great vibe to the place from the brickwork arches and tunnel like setting. The copper brew kit is visible and you might be lucky and see them brewing. They have 5 brews on tap and some additional bottles. The food is simply excellent, the price level is affordable. Big recommendation when you visit Szscecin.
Bosman Browar Szczecin S.A (Carlsberg Polska), ul. Chmielewskiego 16,
Open: Uncertain if it's open for visits?
Český film, aleja Papieża Jana Pawła II 3
Open: Daily 16:00-02:00
Located a few stops by tram from the Old Town, this bar is in the cellar of some commercial building. It is styled as a cinema, guests ordering at the bar and sitting in small groups of row's of chairs and watching whatever is on screen - a real cinema one; classic movies. Decent selection of Polish craft beers on tap and more in the fridge. The staff are polite. Reasonable but not low prices. A must do bar.
pub EXP, ul. Mariacka 26
Open: Daily 17.00 - 00.00
Located in an old brick arched cellar with impressive ceilings this is a great place to meet with friends and play one of the hundreds board games available! There is modern seating and a few cosy booths. They have some nice regional beers and alternative soft drinks. In summer it is pleasant and cool.
Fabryka Szczecińska, Księcia Bogusława X 4/1
Open: Mon-Thu 8-24, Fri 8-3, Sat 9-3, Sun 10-24
A post industrial resturant with modern decaration and seating. Craft beers range is not a bad selection. AleBrowar, Pinta, Stu Mostów and others. The food is the thing in here and its "Awesome" artisanal made food, the desserts are magic, plus great prices and nice staff. A must do visit.
The Office - Craft Beer Pub, Osiek 10
Open: Mon-Thu: 16:00-23:00, Fri-Sat: 16:00-2:00, Sun: 14:00-22:00
This place looks so fresh and inviting. Price naybe are on average level but for people who came drink something new (craft beer) might be too high. Service is good, the bartender is also a brewer and has a lot of knowledge. My general impressions: just a good place to drink a draft craft beer in Szczecin
Free Blues Club, aleja Powstańców Wielkopolskich 20
Open: Thurs - Sat 19.00 - 02.00 Closed Sun - Wed
A vast modern bar with a stage for live music, basic wooden cairs and plush orange upolstery. Blues and Jazz music are played. Full selection of Grupa ¯ywiec and Browar Cieszyn beers. No food and very high prices.
Słody - Multitap & Bistro, pl. Stefana Batorego 4
Open Daily 16.00 - 23.00?
A great place in the gothic style with modern decoration. A good selection of different Polish craft beer styles. Didn't try food but their menu looks very promising. Definitely one of the better beer bars in town.
Cafe Hormon, ul. Monte Cassino 6
A fairly large bar with an eclectic mix of furnature, old couches to bench tables and chairs. The selection of beers is normally just regenial stuff but with a few cheaky bottles if you look for them, There is a cool vibe to the place though.