Your Ultimate Guide for Gdansk! By reading this guide you will know everything you need if you are travelling to Gdansk! Let's get started!
Welcome, fellow wanderers, to Gdansk – a hidden jewel nestled on the Baltic coast of Poland, brimming with rich history, picturesque charm, and a vibrant cultural tapestry waiting to be explored. Join me as we embark on a journey through the cobbled streets, centuries-old architecture, and local delights that define this enchanting city.
What do you think? Shall we get to the interesting stuff? OK, OK off we go!
Important General Information and what to expect
General Information about Gdansk:
Gdansk is a city on the Baltic coast of northern Poland, with a population of approximately 500.000 which makes it Poland's sixth-largest city and main seaport. Gdansk is situated close to the city of Gdynia and resort of Sopot. These three (Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot) form a metropolitan area called the Tri-city. Gdynia and Sopot are also worth visiting.
How To Get To Gdansk, Poland
Travelling to Poland in general is very convenient, straightforward and usually cheap especially if you are visiting within Europe.
Gdansk Lech Airport (GDN) is well-connected with numerous European cities. Major airlines and low-cost carriers operate regular flights. From the airport, you can reach the city center by train, bus, taxi, or a short drive.
Of course there are various other ways which you can visit Gdansk but they far more complicated, far more expensive and they require more time.
Transport: How To Get Around On Gdansk
Generally Gdansk is walkable and you will always see people around the streets whatever the temperature is.
Public transport is also very organized but if you are just staying within Gdansk, most probably you will not need to use it. The only time when I used the train is to get to Sopot which was very straightforward and inexpensive.
So as a general rule of thumb, I would say you do not require a car or public transport unless you are visiting the surrounding coastline.
How Many Days on Gdansk?
There are many things to do in Gdansk so I would say 3-4 days in general is the ideal amount of time to stay in Gdansk so you will be able to visit Sopot and Gdynia as well.
Although there is always the possibility to fall in love with the city and want to extend your itinerary for maybe a month and who knows maybe forever!
Sooo.... without any further ado lets get to the best things you can do in Gdansk
11 Best Things To Do In Gdansk, Poland
Climb St. Mary’s Basilica
Visit the towering St. Mary's Church, a Gothic masterpiece that has withstood the test of time. If you are visiting Gdansk, it is a must to visit St. Mary's Basilica church and climb to enjoy the best city views!
It is one of the largest brick churches in the world and one can clearly understand how magnificent and dominant in the heart of Gdansk. The church also gives you the opportunity to climb to the top of it. In order to do so you have to climb 400 steps which sounds a lot but it is totally worth it!
To enter the church is completely free and to to climb to the top you have to pay a price of 10 zloty (which is around 2€). As mentioned above, in order to reach the top you have to climb 400 steps in a very narrow path. If you decide to do it, do not count each step and think of something else!
2. Walk Dluga Street & Dlugi Targ
Dluga street is Gdansk's main street, which is a long pedestrian road full of beautiful, colorful townhouses. It's like stepping into a storybook with its colorful, tall buildings that look straight out of a fairy tale. The street is full of history and you can find awesome cafes, restaurants, and shops.
While walking Dluga street you will come across the Golden Gate which marks the start of the pedestrian street, the Town Hall, Artus’ Court, Neptune’s Fountain.
Town Hall: Inside the town hall, you can find the Historical Museum which has some pretty stunning ceilings, spiraling staircases and is worth taking a look at.
Artus’ Court & Neptune's Fountain: It is hard to miss the classical God Neptune as it is one of the city’s main attractions.
3. Museum of the Second World War
Whether you are a museum person or not, the Museum of the Second World War is a must visit in Gdansk. Make up some time for yourself to enjoy one of the most best museums in Poland. You will learn about events and facts leading to the war and the many effects it had on the country.
Usually a museum tour will take you around 3-4 hours depending by your pace. You can also book the tickets for museum online so you do not have to waste any time since most of the time the museum is crowded.
4. Walk Mariacka Street
Mariacka Street is one of the city's most picturesque and historic thoroughfares. The street is lined with beautifully restored townhouses that feature decorative gargoyles. It is also famous for its souvenir shops, where visitors can purchase exquisite jewelry and souvenirs made from the region's best crafters.
Believe me , buying a souvenir from Mariacka Street is the perfect keepsake to remind you of your Gdansk adventure.
5. Visit the Sea Sculptures
The sea sculptures in Gdansk are a notable aspect of the city's public art scene, often reflecting its rich maritime heritage and cultural history. These sculptures are strategically placed in various locations around the city, particularly near the waterfront.
In the shipyard, which is the largest collection you can see that, one part of the place has become an art gallery, with some brilliant sculptures made out of scrap metal. They are collectively known as the sea sculptures and were made by students of the Academy of the Fine Arts in the city.
As you step further, you will notice an open old building where you can enter it completely free. Once you enter, you can admire the beautiful creations into the different levels.
6. Climb Gradowa Hill
Gradowa Hill, is a vantage point offering panoramic views of the city, including the Old Town and the shipyards, and also enjoy a mesmerizing sunset. This hill is historically significant due to its strategic military importance and the remnants of fortifications found there.
Key features of Gradowa Hill include:
Gdansk Fortifications: The hill houses remnants of 19th-century Prussian fortifications, which add a historical dimension to the site. These fortifications were part of the city's defense system.
Millennium Cross: Erected in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, this large cross is a notable landmark visible from various parts of the city.
Hevelianum Centre: This interactive science center, located on the hill, offers educational exhibits and activities related to science and technology, making it a popular attraction for families and school groups.
Gradowa Hill is a place where history, education, and natural beauty converge, offering visitors a multifaceted experience in Gdansk.
7. Visit Sopot Pier
Sopot, known for its sandy beaches, spas, and the long wooden pier, the largest in Europe is just 10-15 minutes from Gdasnk by train or taxi. It is a must if you are in Gdasnk to take the train and make a small trip to Sopot.
Although If you are visiting in winter, Sopot is still worth a visit to witness the beautiful coastline even though since there is no coverage it can get pretty windy!
8. Hike to Orlowski Hill
While you are the Sopot pier, you can follow the natural trail to Orlowski Hill! Especially if you are a nature lover and love hiking, then this is a must for you!
Walking for about 2 hours on a natural trail full of tall trees ,very rich vegetation and also through the beach you will finally get to the Orlowski Hill which is one of the highest points in Sopot and you can admire the amazing sunsets and the sea just right in front of your eyes.
From the Sopot pier, you will require about 1.5-2 hours to reach to the top of the hill and since this is not a cyclical route and you will need the same amount of time to get back. So make sure you finish the route before it gets dark, as it can become pretty scary in the woods.
9. Try Morsowanie!
Since Covid-19 a lot of people, have inherited new habits to their routine. Many people started cycling, running, going to the gym or maybe a new sport.
Well Polish, during those difficult times they have inherited Morsowanie! What is it? This is diving into the sea's cold waters during the morning at 06:00 am. It might sound scary and very cold, but wait hold your thoughts... YES it is both scary and extremly cold! But believe me once you are in the cold water you feel refreshed and that you are free. It is a whole new experience and you will not regret it.
Since, in order to do Morsowanie you will need to be in Sopot, and it's also known as the spa city, you can combine Morsowanie with a spa as well. Feeling the cold water in the morning, followed by a relaxing spa it will take your trip to another level. And also what a better way to start your day?
10. Check Gdansk Shakespeare Theater
The Gdasnk Shakespeare Theatre is a notable cultural institution dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare and other classical and contemporary plays.
There are numerous events happening for example, theaters, concerts and many more. Personally I have visited the theater during the Hania Rani concert, a neo-classical singer, composer and pianist from Gdansk and words cannot describe how amazing it was!
11. Taste the Polish cuisine
When traveling in popular tourist cities like Gdansk I try to avoid eating close to the main attractions . The restaurants, cafes and bars in those areas are often overpriced and often of medium quality.
Since Gdansk is such a vibrant city there are so many great places to choose. Here are a few of my personal favorites.
Restaurants:
Pierogarnia Mandu ( excellent Polish traditional food - pierogi)
Pierogarnia Stary Mlyn ( excellent Polish traditional food - pierogi)
Laka Bar (delicious Asian fusion food)
Cheb i Wino Chmielna (restaurant next to the river)
Coffee places/cafes
Kawiarnia Drukarnia
Len
100cznia
Project.cafe
Caly Gawel Cantine
Las Cafe
Bars/Clubs
Crackhouse
Josef K. (my favourite)
Tiki Jungle
Pub Red Light
Best Time to visit Gdansk
The best time to visit Gdansk is definitely from spring to late autumn. This is because in the winter the temperatures in Gdansk are very low ( -20 degrees) and snow and cold can get in your way of doing the things that you want. Me personally, I visited Gdansk in early October and the temperatures were very decent.
During the spring and the summer the city hosts many festivals which will upgrade your experience!
Other Gdansk Tips
Credit Cards: In most of the places you will be able to pay with credit cards but it is always a good idea to carry with you some cash. The official currency of Poland is zloty . In smaller restaurants and cafes, you might need the cash since the credit card option might not be available.
Sockets: Gdansk and Poland in general have 2 socket connection, so remember that you might need an adapter. If you forget you can buy from the city's big mall.
Language: The local language in Gdansk is Polish, but almost everyone can speak and understand English as well. People in Gdansk there will understand that you are a tourist/foreigner and if you try to speak Polish even 1-2 words they will appreciate it a lot!
Grass: YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STEP ON THE GRASS! Yes this is true, if you step on the grass instead of the designated routes you may get fined!
Roads: YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CROSS THE ROAD IF THE INDICATOR IS NOT GREEN! If you try to cross the road even with no cars around when the sign indicator is red you may get fined!
Where to Stay/ Accommodations
There are many incredible and cheap accommodations to stay in Gdansk. When trying to book your accommodation try to find one near the main river since these areas are the safest. Here is a list of some accommodations you can book:
Novotel Gdansk Centrum
Blue Mandarin Riverside
Radisson Blu, Sopot
Comments