Abstract: The review covers the main stages in the development and achievements of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), the fiftieth anniversary of which we celebrate in 2024. Modern theoretical views on the SERS effect, a retrospective of the substrates and materials used, and expansion of the range of studied compounds and objects are presented. Using the example of the most important and interesting applications of SERS spectroscopy, the achievements of the last decade are considered; its role in modern surface chemistry, nanotechnology, bioanalysis and bioimaging methods is shown.