Things To Do
in Stargard Szczeciński

Stargard Szczeciński is a historic town in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland, just east of Szczecin. It retains a rich medieval heritage with brick Gothic architecture and remnants of old fortifications. The town sits by rolling rivers and green spaces, offering a relaxed base for exploring the Pomeranian lakeland region.

Visitors will find welcoming locals, a calm city center, and easy access to nearby lakes and forests ready for outdoor adventures.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Old Town Exploration
morning
:

Begin with a leisurely breakfast at a café near the Great Mill Gate, absorbing the charm of Gothic brick architecture. Wander through the ancient city walls, admiring the defensive towers and the slender Nasturzová gatehouse. Sense the living history as you stroll past half-timbered townhouses and cobblestone lanes.

afternoon
:

Visit the Stargard Museum housed in a medieval granary to uncover exhibits on local archaeology and medieval life. Pause for lunch at a bistro serving Polish pierogi stuffed with mushrooms and cheese. Follow up with a guided walk to the Church of St. Mary, marveling at its soaring nave and Renaissance pulpit.

evening
:

Dine riverside along the Ina River, sampling regional trout and seasonal vegetables. Enjoy a twilight canal cruise that offers peaceful views of illuminated bridges and parklands. Cap the night with a tasting flight of Polish craft beers at a lively pub near the Old Town square.

day 2
Medieval Walls and Gate Nebo
morning
:

Start your day at Gate Nebo, exploring its defensive rooms and winding staircases. Snap photos of the panoramic views over Stargard’s rooftops from the ramparts. Warm up with a cup of steaming coffee and a freshly baked kolacz at an artisanal bakery.

afternoon
:

Head to the White Eagle Brewery for a behind-the-scenes tour and traditional Polish lunch pairing smokey sausages with local lagers. Then cycle along the Groen Canal path, discovering hidden gardens and reclaimed industrial sites. Pause at Lehmann Rapids to watch kayakers navigating the gentle rapids.

evening
:

Return to the city center for a cozy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, tasting beetroot salad and slow-roasted pork knuckle. Take an atmospheric evening stroll under softly lit arches of the city gates. Finish with a rooftop cocktail overlooking the quiet medieval skyline.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-4
🚆Public transport 1-month pass$25-40
🧺Groceries (basic groceries)$40-60
🎟️Museum or attraction ticket$5-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich medieval heritage and brick architecture
  • Relaxed pace and affordable prices compared to bigger cities
  • Strong local hospitality and easy access to nature
  • Limited nightlife compared to major urban centers
  • Some services can be modest and English-speaking staff may vary
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good day / Hello
  • "Proszę" - Please
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Stargard Szczeciński

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Market Square

Colorful townhouses, lively squares, and seasonal markets provide vibrant street photography opportunities, especially in the golden hours.

Riverside and Brick Gothic Architecture

Brick-built churches and riverside paths make for atmospheric river photos and moody architectural shots.

Medieval Town Walls and Gate (historic fortifications)

Remnants of the old fortifications offer textures and lines ideal for architectural photography.

Church of St. Mary (Gothic church exterior and interior)

Tower views and detailing inside the church provide classic European church photography moments.

Culinary Guide

Food in Stargard Szczeciński

Polish cuisine in Stargard draws on hearty, comforting dishes featuring meats, dairy, potatoes, and seasonal produce. Expect plenty of fresh bakery items, soups, pierogi, and grilled specialties, with welcoming eateries across the town center.

Stargard Szczeciński Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pierogi

Filled dumplings that can be savory or sweet; try potato and cheese, mushroom, or meat fillings at local eateries.

Must-Try!

Żurek

A tangy rye soup typically served with sausage and a boiled egg; a warming starter in cooler months.

Bigos

Hunter’s stew with sauerkraut, meat, and mushrooms; a classic hearty dish to share.

Kiełbasa

Grilled or fried Polish sausage often enjoyed with mustard, bread, and pickles.

Ryba po polsku

Polish-style fish prepared with vegetables; a common choice near rivers and lakes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Market

Traditional stalls offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, regional specialties, and seasonal treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Stargard has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters, and spring/autumn transitional periods. Precipitation is spread fairly evenly through the year, with occasional heavy rain and snow in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and modesty

Greet with a polite 'Dzień dobry' or 'Dzień dobry, proszę' and maintain a respectful demeanor in churches and historic sites.

Queuing and personal space

Politeness and orderly queues are expected; avoid loud conversations in sacred spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stargard is generally safe for visitors; standard city precautions apply. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas and use reputable transport options at night.

Tipping in Stargard Szczeciński

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In sit-down restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is common if service is good. In cafes, a small tip or rounding up is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash and card are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; carry some cash for small vendors and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh greenery; occasional rain. Great for walking tours and blossom photography.

Summer

Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; many outdoor events and markets—stay hydrated and pace outdoor activity.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and cooler temperatures; good light for photography and comfortable exploring.

Winter

Cold, with possible snow and frosty mornings; festive lights in December and a quieter city center.

Nightlife Guide

Stargard Szczeciński at Night

The nightlife in Stargard is modest compared to larger cities, with a handful of bars and pubs in or near the town center. On weekends, some venues host live music or DJ sets, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere suitable for a low-key evening.

Hiking in Stargard Szczeciński

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Puszcza Goleniowska (Goleniowo Forest)

Extensive forested area north of Stargard with well-marked trails, wildlife, and tranquil scenery.

Airports

How to reach Stargard Szczeciński by plane.

Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ)

Main international airport serving the region; about an hour's drive from Stargard; good road and rail connections.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Nearby international hub accessible by rail or road; longer travel time but convenient for long-haul flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is compact and walkable, with most sights within a short stroll. Some outlying neighborhoods and forests are best reached by bike or short local transit ride.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Polish, with a mix of age groups; a growing but small international presence in surrounding areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely followed; local clubs and matches provide community gathering moments when available.

Basketball

Common recreational activity with local teams and community courts.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Stargard is typical for a mid-size town. Public buses connect the town with nearby towns; driving is straightforward with well-maintained local roads, though peak hours can bring busier streets near the center.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Stargard Szczeciński.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in most places; look for mushroom dishes, dumplings with cheese, salads, and vegetable-forward plates; ask for stocks prepared without meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics and a regional hospital provide care; international visitors should have travel health insurance and carry essential documents. In an emergency, Poland’s emergency number is 112.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide