Things To Do
in Koszalin

Koszalin is a mid-sized city in north-western Poland, within the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, known for its compact historic center and green surroundings. The city blends a walkable Old Town with modern cafés, museums, and easy access to Baltic coast nature. Its skyline features a Gothic church, a charming market square, and well-tended parks that invite afternoon strolls.

Visitors appreciate affordable cuisine, friendly locals, and straightforward rail links to Szczecin and Gdańsk.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Old Town
morning
:

Begin your adventure by strolling through the charming streets of Koszalin's Old Town. Admire the well-preserved architecture, including the iconic Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Don't forget to stop by local cafes for a traditional Polish breakfast.

afternoon
:

Visit the Koszalin Museum to learn more about the city's rich history and culture. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local delicacies. Spend some time in the nearby park, soaking in the serene surroundings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to one of the many local breweries to taste some craft beer. The vibrant atmosphere will draw you into conversation with locals and fellow travelers alike. Conclude your day with dinner at a cozy restaurant featuring live music.

day 2
Visiting the Koszalin Galaxy Shopping Mall
morning
:

Kickstart your day with breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to the Koszalin Galaxy Shopping Mall. Enjoy the array of shops, from local boutiques to international brands. It's a good opportunity to pick up some unique souvenirs.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring the mall's entertainment options, such as the cinema or arcade. Treat yourself to lunch at one of the diverse food courts, where you can try different cuisines. Check out local crafts and artisanal products sold at special market events that often take place.

evening
:

As the evening approaches, unwind at a stylish café inside the mall, sipping on coffee or tea. Observe the lively crowd and enjoy some people-watching. Take a friendly stroll around the mall's surroundings as the lights begin to twinkle.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Cup of coffee$2-4
🥗Three-course meal for two$25-40
🚆Local transit ticket$0.80-1.50
🛏️Budget hotel room per night$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable city center with historic charm
  • Good value for money and delicious regional cuisine
  • Easy rail links to Szczecin and Gdańsk
  • Parks and lakes nearby for outdoor lovers
  • Limited direct international flights
  • Smaller nightlife compared to bigger Polish cities
  • Weather can be maritime and changeable
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good morning/Hello
  • "Proszę" - Please / Here you go
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Przepraszam" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Koszalin

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Market Square (Rynek Koszaliński)

Colorful 18th–19th century townhouses surrounding a lively square—great for street photography and golden-hour shots.

Koszalin Cathedral and surrounding square

Gothic-style cathedral with its tower and surrounding green space, ideal for architectural photography.

City Hall and historic façades

Renaissance-style town hall and decorative façades along the market street.

Park im. Tadeusza Kościuszki

A scenic city park with ponds, bridges, and seasonal blossoms.

Riverside viewpoints

Pathways along the city’s riverside offer picturesque sunset and dusk shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Koszalin

Koszalin’s cuisine blends hearty Polish classics with Kashubian influences and seasonal Baltic seafood options.

Koszalin Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Żurek

A tangy sour rye soup with sausage and a hard-boiled egg; a comforting starter in many local eateries.

Must-Try!

Pierogi ruskie

Potato and cheese dumplings, often served with fried onions or sour cream.

Ryba po kaszubsku

Fish Kaszubian style, usually baked with onions, tomatoes, and herbs.

Kaszubska babka

A light, slightly sweet local cake that pairs well with coffee or tea.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Koszaliński Rynek Market

The central market square where you can sample fresh breads, pastries, pierogi, smoked fish, and other regional products from morning stalls.

Climate Guide

Weather

Koszalin experiences a temperate maritime climate with relatively mild winters and cool summers influenced by the Baltic Sea. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Bring layers and an umbrella for shoulder seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and etiquette

Polite greetings such as Dzień dobry in the morning; a handshake when meeting; queuing is expected; politeness and basic phrases are appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

The city is generally safe for travelers. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, use licensed transportation, and call emergency services at 112 if needed.

Tipping in Koszalin

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Poland, tips in restaurants and taxis are common; 5-10% is typical for good service, or rounding up the bill is acceptable.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings blooming parks and markets; expect mild temperatures with occasional rain—great for walking and photography.

Summer

Warm days and long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor cafes, lake trips, and coastal excursions; showers can occur.

Autumn

Autumn colors in parks provide warm photo palettes; cooler, crisp days—good for longer outdoor walks.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; festive lights in town; cozy cafes and indoor attractions are popular; bring a warm coat.

Nightlife Guide

Koszalin at Night

Koszalin has a modest nightlife with bars, pubs, and some live music venues. Most spots concentrate around the Old Town and university areas; weekends see more activity, but the scene remains relaxed compared to bigger Polish cities.

Hiking in Koszalin

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lake Jamno Shore Trail

Flat, scenic path along Lake Jamno—great for easy hikes and birdwatching.

Koszaliński Forest Loop

Forest trails on the city’s edge offering shade, wildlife, and peaceful scenery.

Pomeranian Countryside Trails

Rural trails in the surrounding countryside with gentle elevation and scenic views.

Airports

How to reach Koszalin by plane.

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)

Major international gateway about 180-200 km from Koszalin; reachable by train or bus.

Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ)

Regional airport around 150-180 km away; convenient for connections to Western Europe.

Getting Around

Walkability

Koszalin's core is compact and walkable, with most sights in or near the Old Town. For exploring the outskirts or the coast, a bike or short bus ride helps.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families with children due to parks, schools, and affordable housing.

Students and young professionals

A growing student presence and coworking spaces around the city center.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and casual leagues are popular; many parks host pickup games.

Basketball and volleyball

Common in schools and community centers; local teams compete regionally.

Transportation

Traffic

Koszalin has a straightforward urban road layout with a mix of ring routes and central streets. Public transport is primarily bus-based; car traffic is moderate in the city center and parking is available in designated zones.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Koszalin.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer vegetarian options or can adapt dishes; look for pierogi with potato and cheese, mushroom dishes, salads, and veggie soups; many soups can be prepared with vegetable broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public hospitals and private clinics serve residents; emergency services operate 112; English-speaking staff available at some facilities; pharmacies are widely available in town centers.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide