How to Travel to Szczecin, Poland

If you're headed to Poland, consider visiting the 1,000-year-old city of Szczecin. Situation in the country's far northwest, right on the coast of the mighty Baltic Sea, Szczecin is Poland's largest sea port, rich in history and culture, and home to several sports teams and universities. It offers a variety of lodging options and its cuisine ranges from delicious street vendor treats to high-class restaurants.

Instructions

1. Arrive in Warsaw, Poland. Round-trip, economy flights from New York to Warsaw typically cost between $650 and $950 (most of which is fees and taxes).

2. Catch a cab for a few dollars to Warsaw's central train station (Warszawa Centralna, located on 54 Jerozolimskie Street). There are two other major train stations in the city, an eastern station and a western station, but the central station is the best place to find a train to any other city in the country--including Szczecin.

3. Proceed to the main ticket line and purchase a ticket for Szczecin. There are several options available to you, from the slow, local trains to the faster, more expensive express trains. Though they cost more, the latter is by far the most practical option, since it will get you to Szczecin in a matter of hours.

4. Board the train and enjoy the ride. Polish trains are generally well-maintained, clean and comfortable and the Polish countryside is beautiful, especially in the spring and summer.

5. Arrive in Szczecin. Enjoy the city. Don't miss out on a stroll through Old Town (including the city's own history museum; most of Old Town was completely destroyed during World War II, but some of its buildings have been rebuilt to look like they once did). Walks along the harbor are also pleasant. In June, the city celebrates Sea Days with maritime festivities, and in July, artists from all over the country converge on the town for the Street Artists' Festival. Several good theater options also exist.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider changing your money in the airport--this way you are ready to pay your cab driver and purchase your ticket without having to find another money changer.

• Avoid groups of young men wearing soccer scarves or other soccer-themed paraphernalia. These groups are called "hooligani" and are often simply looking for a fight.