The hub of Poland’s Tricity area—which also incorporates the port city of Gdynia and Sopot beach town—Gdańsk seems a world away from the rest of Poland, even though its shipyards played a vital role in liberating the nation from Communism. With its medieval crane and gabled houses, Gdańsk’s waterfront Old Town feels more like Amsterdam than Warsaw, and it’s fun to wander around the city’s streets. Things to do in Gdańsk include visiting the Museum of the Second World War, cruising down the Motlawa River, and touring the nearby Malbork Castle, the largest in the world by land area. Gdańsk is also the setting of more enticing bachelor parties, with beer crawls, vodka tastings, and paintballing available to entertain for the weekend.
High summer (July and August) brings sun and blue skies to temperate Gdańsk. If river cruises or Sopot’s Gdańsk Bay beaches are on your itinerary, this is the time to visit—although the shoulder seasons of spring (May and June) and fall (September and October) are better for beating the crowds. From late November until just before Christmas, icy temperatures and sometimes sprinklings of snow add charisma to the Old Town’s attractive Christmas market.
Polish trains are efficient, well-priced, easy to book, and a great way to discover Poland. The Gdańsk–Gdynia route on the SKM commuter train has stops across the Tricity area. Gdańsk’s historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot, but the city also has a comprehensive bus and tram network. Download Poland’s homegrown public transport app, Jakdojade, for help getting around.
For a taste of vintage Gdańsk, head to Flisak ‘76. Once an artists’ hangout, this basement bar is now a den of creative cocktails, some served in Campbell’s soup cans. Get a fascinating art fix at the Günter Grass Gallery, dedicated to graphics by the Nobel-winning author, born in Gdańsk when it was the Free City of Danzig.
Local Currency Polish Zloty (PLN) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +48 | Language(s) Polish | Attractions 3 | Tours 354 | Reviews 2,635 |
Yes, Gdańsk is worth visiting. It has a beautiful Old Town set around the attractive Motlawa River, fascinating museums, a lively Christmas market, and good food and drink, including craft beers and Goldwasser liqueur. It’s also the jump-off point for Malbork Castle, the world’s largest castle measured by land and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
...MoreGdańsk is famous for its Old Town—which blends Hanseatic, Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque architectural influences—and for its shipyards that spawned Poland’s Solidarity movement, which led to the overthrow of Communism. It’s also Poland’s capital of amber and the home of Goldwasser, a herbal liqueur sparkling with 22-karat gold flakes.
...MoreYes, while not as cheap as Bulgaria or Albania, Gdańsk is, like the rest of Poland, an affordable destination. Hostel beds start at around US$10, and hotel rooms around US$30. Public transit, food, and beer are all easy on the wallet.
...MoreTime-pressed travelers will find three days enough for Gdańsk. Spend your first day checking out the Old Town area, including a visit to the Museum of the Second World War or National Maritime Museum and a river cruise along the Motlawa. Learn about Poland’s Solidarity Movement the following day with a walking tour of some of the city’s most important landmarks, then hit up the city’s beer scene. Round out your visit to Gdańsk with a day trip to either Malbork Castle or Sopot.
...MoreYes, Gdańsk is an increasingly popular bachelor party destination for Britons, with a vibrant bar and club scene and excellent craft beer. However, if you’re not looking to party, you’ll find many historical and cultural attractions in Gdańsk that make a visit worthwhile.
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