Things To Do
in Szubin

Szubin is a small historic town in north-central Poland’s Kuyavian‑Pomeranian region, known for its compact market square, green riverbanks and a relaxed small‑town atmosphere. The town blends wooden and brick architecture, a few preserved civic buildings and churches, and access to peaceful countryside ideal for cycling and short hikes. Szubin is a convenient base for exploring the Noteć River valley and nearby larger cities such as Bydgoszcz and Nakło nad Notecią.

Visitors will find a low‑key cultural scene, family‑run eateries and opportunities for outdoor recreation rather than big tourist crowds.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Szubin's historic center, where you can enjoy traditional Polish pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets to admire the well-preserved architecture and visit the town's small museum. Don't forget to capture the beauty of the town square, a perfect backdrop for your morning photos.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, indulge in a cultural experience by visiting the nearby 13th-century church, known for its stunning stained glass windows and serene atmosphere. Spend some time at a local market, where you can sample regional delicacies and perhaps purchase handmade crafts. Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the bistros offering pierogi and other local specialties.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local pub or restaurant to enjoy a hearty dinner while mingling with friendly locals. Consider joining an evening walking tour that highlights Szubin's ghost stories and folklore, a fascinating way to learn about the town's hidden history. Wind down with a nightcap at a café, reflecting on your day's discoveries.

day 2
Nature Excursion in Biskupia Góra
morning
:

Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out to Biskupia Góra, a nearby natural reserve known for its scenic trails. Spend the morning hiking through lush forests and enjoying the fresh air, soaking in the tranquility of nature. The stunning landscapes provide various opportunities for photography, so keep your camera handy.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the designated rest areas, surrounded by breathtaking views of the countryside. The afternoon is perfect for bird watching, as the area is home to numerous species, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. After your meal, continue exploring different trails that lead to some hidden viewpoints.

evening
:

Return to Szubin in the early evening and treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a restaurant featuring local cuisine. Share your day's adventures with fellow travelers, perhaps finding others who share your love for the outdoors. As night falls, take a quiet stroll along the riverside to absorb the serene atmosphere and the clear night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
Coffee (café)$1.5-3
🏨Mid‑range hotel per night$40-90
🚌Local bus ticket$0.7-1.5
🚕Taxi start / short ride$3-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic small‑town Polish atmosphere with friendly locals
  • Good access to scenic river and countryside for outdoor activities
  • Lower prices than larger Polish cities and uncrowded attractions
  • Convenient base for short trips to Bydgoszcz and regional sites
  • Limited nightlife and few tourist services compared with larger cities
  • Fewer specialized dietary or international cuisine options in town
  • Public transport links less frequent—car recommended for exploring wider area
  • Some attractions and services may have limited seasonal hours
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good day / Hello
  • "Proszę" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Przepraszam" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Gdzie jest...?" - Where is...?
  • "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Szubin

Visit one of these nice places.

Szubin Market Square (Rynek)

Picturesque civic heart of town with colourful facades, street life, and seasonal market stalls—best photographed early morning or at golden hour.

Noteć Riverbanks

Natural river scenes, reflections, small bridges and reed beds provide landscape and wildlife opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Historic Churches and Town Architecture

Exterior and detail shots of local churches, old municipal buildings and small tenements that reflect the town’s layered history.

Riverside Parks and Manor Grounds

Green spaces and remnants of manor parks in and around Szubin offer atmospheric tree‑lined avenues and seasonal colour.

Countryside Roads and Orchards

Nearby rural lanes, fields and fruit orchards create classic Polish countryside images—excellent in late spring blossom and autumn harvest.

Culinary Guide

Food in Szubin

Cuisine in Szubin reflects traditional Polish and Kujawsko‑Pomorskie regional cooking: hearty, seasonal, and based on local produce, pork, root vegetables, dairy and bread. Expect simple, comforting dishes served in family restaurants, bakeries and occasional market stalls rather than fine dining. Seasonal fruit, mushroom foraging products and homemade preserves appear frequently in local home cooking and smaller eateries. Nearby larger towns expand options for international food and specialized dietary needs.

Szubin Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with potato and cheese, meat, or seasonal fillings (mushroom, cabbage, or fruit) — widely available in local restaurants and home‑style bars.

Must-Try!

Żurek

Sour rye soup often served with sausage and egg; a classic Polish comfort soup you’ll find in traditional eateries.

Placki ziemniaczane

Crispy potato pancakes served with sour cream, goulash or sugar — a popular casual dish in small restaurants and at markets.

Regional sausages and smoked meats

Locally made kiełbasa and smoked cuts sold at butchers and markets; good to try with fresh bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Szubin Market (Rynek)

Weekly market stalls near the market square sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, honey, baked goods and occasionally prepared snacks; best in spring–autumn.

Local bakery stalls and seasonal stands

Small bakeries and seasonal street stands offer fresh bread, paczki (doughnuts) and simple savory snacks—perfect for breakfasts and picnics.

Climate Guide

Weather

Szubin has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers (June–August) are generally mild to warm with occasional hot days, spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather, and winters (December–February) can be cold with snow and freezing temperatures. Precipitation is spread through the year but slightly higher in summer months; pack layered clothing to adapt to changing conditions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite 'Dzień dobry' (good day) when entering shops, and 'Do widzenia' (goodbye) when leaving are appreciated. Handshakes are normal for initial introductions.

Respect for Quiet Hours

Small towns value quiet—avoid loud behaviour late at night and respect neighbours and local customs.

Shoes Indoors

In private homes, hosts may expect guests to remove outdoor shoes—follow cues or ask if unsure.

Politeness and Formality

Poles can be reserved initially; being polite and slightly formal (using 'Pan/Pani' titles) is appreciated until a more casual rapport is established.

Safety Guide

Safety

Szubin is generally safe for visitors—crime rates are low compared with large cities, but normal precautions apply: watch belongings in public places, lock vehicles, and avoid poorly lit isolated areas at night. Roadways and rural lanes may be narrow; take care when cycling and walking near traffic. In outdoor areas, be mindful of weather changes and bring appropriate gear; emergency services in Poland can be reached by dialing 112.

Tipping in Szubin

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is common. Round up taxi fares or add a small tip; in cafés people often round up the bill or leave small change.

Payment Methods

Cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are broadly accepted in shops and restaurants, but small vendors, market stalls and rural businesses may prefer cash (Polish złoty, PLN). Carry some cash for markets, bakeries and minor purchases.

ATMs and Currency

ATMs are available in town and nearby larger towns; avoid exchanging currency at informal outlets—use bank ATMs or official exchange offices in larger centres.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Temperatures rise and landscapes green up; ideal for cycling, birdwatching and early flower photography. Some attractions and market stalls resume after winter; pack a light waterproof jacket for occasional showers.

Summer

Warm and often sunny, with long daylight hours—best season for outdoor activities, river paddling and enjoying markets and festivals. Expect more visitors on weekends; bring sun protection and insect repellent near water and fields.

Autumn

Cooler, with colourful foliage and harvest activities—great for scenic photography and tasting seasonal produce. Evenings can be chilly; layered clothing recommended.

Winter

Cold with possible snow and freezing temperatures; quiet town atmosphere and fewer tourists. Some services may have reduced hours—pack warm layers, waterproof footwear and check transport schedules.

Nightlife Guide

Szubin at Night

Nightlife in Szubin is low‑key and community oriented: expect a few cozy bars, pubs and cafés that stay open into the evening rather than clubs. Weekend live music or small events can occur in cultural centres or inns, while most late‑night entertainment and larger venues are in nearby Bydgoszcz. Evenings are best spent enjoying local food, a beer at a tavern, or a relaxed walk along the river.

Hiking in Szubin

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Noteć River Trails

Gentle riverside walks and longer trails following the Noteć, offering birdwatching, wetlands scenery and easy terrain suitable for families.

Local Forest Tracks and Countryside Routes

Unmarked but well‑used country paths through nearby woods and farmland—great for short hikes, mushroom foraging in autumn and enjoying seasonal colours.

Orchard and Village Walks

Short circular routes connecting small villages and orchards around Szubin—ideal for relaxed walks, photography and experiencing rural life.

Airports

How to reach Szubin by plane.

Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport (BZG)

The closest major airport (around 35–50 km by road); offers domestic and international flights and good road/train links to Szubin—about 40–60 minutes by car depending on route.

Poznań Ławica Airport (POZ)

Larger regional airport roughly 110–140 km away; useful for international connections and budget airlines—approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or bus.

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)

Major international airport further north (around 150–200 km); an option for flights into northern Poland and connections to Szubin by train or car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Szubin is very walkable within the town centre: most shops, cafés and sights cluster around the market square and adjacent streets. Sidewalks and short distances make strolling easy, though exploring the surrounding countryside is best by bike or car. Expect quiet residential streets and pedestrian‑friendly routes near parks and the river.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families and older residents

Szubin’s population includes families who have lived in the area for generations and an older demographic that maintains local traditions and community life.

Commuters and regional workers

Some residents commute to nearby larger towns like Bydgoszcz for work, combining small‑town living with urban employment.

Youth and students

Younger people and students often travel to regional centers for education but remain connected to local community activities and sports clubs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport locally—community clubs and amateur matches are common, and local kids play in school and community teams.

Cycling

Cycling is popular for both transport and recreation; many locals use bikes for short trips and leisure rides along river and country lanes.

Angling

Fishing along the Noteć and surrounding waterways is a common pastime among residents and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Szubin is light compared with Polish cities—roads through town are generally calm, though narrow in parts. Peak congestion is minor and usually limited to morning and evening commutes. Public transport consists of local buses and regional connections; schedules are less frequent than in large cities, so check timetables in advance. Driving is the most flexible way to explore surrounding countryside and nearby towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Szubin.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in large cities; order pierogi with cheese/potato, vegetable soups, salads and mushroom dishes. Communicate 'jestem wegetarianinem' (I am vegetarian) and ask for no meat broth. Many cafés can adapt sandwiches and sides.

Vegan

Vegan choices are limited in small towns—plan ahead, shop at grocery stores for basics, and look for vegetable‑based pierogi or salads in larger nearby towns like Bydgoszcz.

Gluten‑free

Traditional Polish cuisine relies heavily on wheat; gluten‑free options may be scarce. Bring snacks if you require strict gluten‑free meals and check with restaurants in advance.

Allergies

Inform staff of allergies using simple Polish phrases and carry translations; most family restaurants are helpful but may lack formal allergen training.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in town—local clinics and a medical centre for primary care. For specialist treatment, hospitals and specialist clinics are in nearby Bydgoszcz (about 30–40 minutes by car). Pharmacies (apteka) operate with posted hours; after‑hours emergency services are accessed via national emergency numbers. Carry travel insurance and have prescriptions and medical information translated if needed.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide