While weekend crowds flock to Krakow or Gdansk, western Poland’s port city of Szczecin (pronounced Shche-cheen) flies completely under the radar. Known for its Parisian-style roundabouts, grand riverside embankments, and dramatic Gothic castles, it offers incredible food and culture at genuine local prices.
By unbundling direct flights and booking a top-rated river-view studio directly, you can lock in a 4-day DIY trip for £91.50 per person (£183 total for two).
The Cost Breakdown (Based on 2 Sharing)
| Item | Total Cost (2 People) | Cost Per Person | Notes |
| Return Direct Flights | £76.00 | £38.00 | London Stansted ➔ Szczecin with Ryanair |
| River-View Studio Stay | £107.00 | £53.50 | 3 nights at Kolna Apartments in the city centre |
| Fixed Baseline Total | £183.00 | £91.50 | Flights + accommodation secured |
| Est. Daily Spending | ~£100.00 | ~£50.00 | Pierogi dinners, craft beer, artisan bakeries & local trams |
| Realistic Trip Total | ~£283.00 | ~£141.50 | All-in for 4 full days away |
1. The Flights: London Stansted to Szczecin
- Airline: Ryanair
- Route: London Stansted (STN) ➔ Szczecin-Goleniów (SZZ)
- Price: £38 return per person (£76 total for two)
- Outbound: 13:20 (STN) ➔ 16:10 (SZZ) – 1h 50m direct
- Inbound: 22:20 (SZZ) ➔ 23:15 (STN) – 1h 55m direct
Why this flight timing is huge: The return flight doesn’t leave Poland until 22:20 on Thursday night. That means you get 4 full days to explore while only needing to book 3 nights of accommodation.
Getting from Szczecin Airport to the City Centre
- Airport Express Bus (PKS / Follow Me!): Scheduled to meet arriving flights, running directly from the terminal to Szczecin Central in around 40–45 minutes for ~25–30 PLN (£5–£6).
- Regional Train: A direct rail link connects the airport station to Szczecin Główny for ~18 PLN (£3.50).
2. The Stay: Kolna Apartments
Skip generic hotel rooms—this booking secures a modern, high-ceiling studio situated right along the waterfront in Śródmieście.
- Property: Kolna Apartments
- Location: Jana z Kolna 19, Śródmieście, Szczecin (Rated 8.2 Very Good with a 9.1 Location Score)
- Total Cost: £107 for 3 nights (£53.50 per person based on two sharing)
- Layout: Private split-level modern studio featuring an elevated loft double bed, sofa bed, private ensuite bathroom, and street/river views.
- Amenities: Private kitchenette with stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, flat-screen TV with streaming, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
The apartment sits right opposite the Oder River waterfront and just below the iconic Wały Chrobrego terraces, putting you within walking distance of all central landmarks.
What to Do in Szczecin
- Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment): A 500-metre elevated architectural terrace overlooking the Oder River, lined with grand government halls, museums, and waterfront bars.
- Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle: A restored Renaissance palace once home to the rulers of the Duchy of Pomerania, featuring courtyards, Gothic cellar vaults, and a panoramic bell tower.
- Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic: A striking, award-winning piece of contemporary European architecture designed to resemble a glowing, translucent iceberg in the middle of the city.
- Szczecin Underground Route: A massive complex of subterranean tunnels and bomb shelters dating from WWII and the Cold War hidden beneath the central railway station.
- Try the Local Icon (Pasztecik Szczeciński): A deep-fried yeast dough turnover filled with minced meat or cheese and mushrooms, traditionally served with a steaming cup of hot clear beetroot borscht for around £2.