Szczecin: The Hidden Gem of Poland's West Coast

• HelloCześć
  [cheshch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [do veedzenya]
• YesTak
  [tak]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [prosheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [dzyen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [psheh-prah-sham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yak sh-eh masz]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [dob-zheh. ah ti]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chi moovish po ahn-gyel-skoo]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nye roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [khyal-bim zobach-chich menu, prosheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nye yem myen-sa]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [na zdrov-yeh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [khyal-bim zap-wa-cheech, prosheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [po-mo-tsi]
• Go away!Idź sobie!
  [eedzh soh-bye]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zadz-vohn po po-lit-syeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [zadz-vohn po leh-kar-za]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-bee-wem shyeh]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [yeh-stem hoh-ri]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [khyal-bim koo-pich]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [til-ko shyeh rohz-gwam]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh to kosh-too-ye]
• That's too expensiveTo za drogie
  [toh za dro-ghyeh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [chi mo-zhesz ob-nee-zhich tseh-neh]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [ktoo-rah yest goh-dzee-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yest pyer-vsheh]
• Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej
  [poo do djyeh-shont-ey]
• MorningRano
  [rah-no]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [po-po-woo-dnyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyech-oohr]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-choh-rye]
• TodayDziś
  [dzhish]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-tro]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [dvah]
• 3Trzy
  [tshi]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-ter-ih]
• 5Pięć
  [pyen-ch]
• 6Sześć
  [sheshch]
• 7Siedem
  [shyeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [oshyem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [dzyev-nyeh-ch]
• 10Dziesięć
  [djyeh-shontch]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [g-dzhe yest]
• What's the address?Jaka jest adres?
  [yah-kah yest ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chi mo-zhesz mee poh-kah-zach (na mah-pee-eh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-dee yest nas-tem-neh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ...)
  [bee-let (do)]

Szczecin's history dates back to the 8th century when it was a Slavic settlement. It became the capital of the Duchy of Pomerania in the 12th century, ruled by the Griffins dynasty. During this period, it flourished as a center of trade and culture.

In the 13th century, Szczecin became a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds. This connection significantly boosted its economy, turning it into a bustling trade hub. The city's wealth during this period is reflected in its magnificent Gothic architecture.

The Thirty Years' War had a profound impact on Szczecin. In 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia awarded the city to Sweden. This period saw the construction of new fortifications and the introduction of Swedish administrative practices. Despite the turmoil of war, the city's strategic importance grew.

In 1720, Szczecin was transferred to Prussia as a result of the Treaty of Stockholm. The Prussian period brought industrial development and modernization. The establishment of shipyards and the construction of the Oder-Danube Canal were significant milestones that turned Szczecin into a major industrial center.

World War II brought extensive damage to Szczecin. The city was subjected to heavy bombing by the Allied forces, leading to the destruction of many historic buildings and infrastructure. After the war, Szczecin, initially seized by Soviet forces, was handed over to Poland as part of the Potsdam Agreement.

Post-war Szczecin underwent significant rebuilding efforts. The population, which had been predominantly German, saw a dramatic shift due to the forced migration policies. Polish settlers from various regions, including those displaced from the eastern territories annexed by the Soviet Union, formed the new demographic fabric of the city.

Today, Szczecin is a vibrant city that blends its rich history with modern developments. It is known for its maritime economy, cultural festivals, and educational institutions. The regeneration projects, including the revitalization of the waterfront and the construction of the Philharmonic Hall, symbolize its dynamic transformation.

Szczecin is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest airport is Szczecin-Goleniów 'Solidarność' Airport (SZZ), located about 45 km northeast of the city center. Regular flights connect Szczecin with major European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or train to reach the city center. Additionally, Szczecin is accessible by train from major Polish cities like Warsaw, Poznań, and Gdańsk, as well as from Berlin in Germany. Long-distance buses also serve the city, and the A6 motorway provides a convenient route for those traveling by car.

Public transportation in Szczecin includes trams, buses, and regional trains, operated by ZDiTM. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or via mobile apps, and must be validated upon boarding. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. Biking is a popular mode of transport, with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing services like 'Bike_S'. For those preferring to drive, car rentals are available, and parking zones are clearly marked with various payment options.

The official currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in places that may not accept cards. ATMs are plentiful throughout Szczecin, and currency exchange offices (Kantor) offer competitive rates. Mobile payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay are increasingly accepted.

Szczecin is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas and parks at night, and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Specific neighborhoods to be extra cautious in include Niebuszewo and Pomorzany, particularly after dark. It's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital in Szczecin is the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 1 PUM, located at Unii Lubelskiej 1. Pharmacies (Apteka) are widely available, and some operate 24/7. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out, and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for sightseeing. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially in churches. Men should remove hats, and both men and women should dress modestly. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Poles appreciate a polite greeting like 'Dzień dobry' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food or drink offerings graciously. Don’t leave food on your plate, as it is considered wasteful.

To experience Szczecin like a local, visit the Central Cemetery, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful, which also serves as a park. Enjoy a stroll or a bike ride along the scenic Odra River boulevards. Check out the local food markets like 'Bazar Smakoszy' for fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with locals at cafes and pubs; they are generally friendly and open to conversation. Don’t miss the chance to explore the underground WWII bunkers, which offer a unique glimpse into the city’s history.