Gdańsk Travel Guide

Discover the historic city of Gdańsk, Poland with our comprehensive travel guide. From must-visit attractions to delicious food and nearby excursions, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Gdańsk

Gdańsk is a city located in the Pomorskie region of Poland, in Central Europe. Once an important port city of the Hanseatic League, Gdańsk is known for its rich maritime history and stunning architecture. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, this city has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Gdańsk

Here is a list of must-visit attractions in Gdańsk:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The European Solidarity Center: The museum showcases the history of the Solidarity movement and its role in the downfall of communism in Poland.
  • St. Mary’s Church: The largest brick church in the world, this stunning piece of Gothic architecture is a must-visit.
  • Museum of the Second World War: Learn about how the Second World War impacted Gdańsk and Europe as a whole in this award-winning museum.
  • Artus Court: This historic Renaissance-style building was once a gathering place for merchants and politicians of the Hanseatic League.
  • Royal Way: Take a stroll down this historic route to see some of Gdańsk’s most beautiful sites, including the Neptune Fountain and the Golden Gate.

Natural Attractions of Gdańsk: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Westerplatte Peninsula: Site of the first battle of World War II, this beautiful peninsula is now a nature reserve and open-air museum.
  • Oliwa Park and Cathedral: This picturesque park features a stunning cathedral and peaceful walking paths.
  • Motława River: Take a boat tour on this river to see some of Gdańsk’s most beautiful architecture from a different angle.
  • Gdańsk Bay: Head to the beach to enjoy the sun and sand while taking in views of the bay.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gdańsk

Gdańsk offers a variety of hiking and biking routes for those who love the outdoors. Some of the most popular include:

  • Góra Gradowa: This hill overlooking Gdańsk offers beautiful views of the city and is an easy hike accessible even for beginners.
  • Tricity Landscape Park: A network of over 45 hiking and biking routes, this park offers stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
  • Sobieszewska Island: Accessible by ferry, this island offers scenic trails through forests and along the beach.

Best Things to Do in Gdańsk: Activities and Tours

  • Craft beer tour: Explore Gdańsk’s exploding craft beer scene with a guided tour of local breweries.
  • Water sports: Take a paddleboarding or windsurfing lesson on the Motława River or Gdańsk Bay.
  • Amber jewelry workshop: Gdańsk is famous for its amber, and you can learn how to create your own amber jewelry at a local workshop.
  • Ghost tour: Explore the creepier side of Gdańsk’s history with a guided ghost tour of the city’s most haunted sites.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gdańsk

Day Activities
1 Walking tour of Old Town and St. Mary’s Church
2 Visit European Solidarity Center and Artus Court
3 Explore Museum of the Second World War and Westerplatte Peninsula
4 Take a boat tour on Motława River and enjoy the beach at Gdańsk Bay
5 Hike to Góra Gradowa and visit Oliwa Park and Cathedral
6 Craft beer tour and amber jewelry workshop
7 Ghost tour and farewell dinner

Food and Drink Scene of Gdańsk

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pierogi: Polish dumplings, available in a variety of flavors.
  • Bigos: A hearty stew with pork, cabbage, and sausage.
  • Sernik: A traditional Polish cheesecake dessert.

Local Beverages

  • Vodka: Poland is famous for its vodka, and Gdańsk has a number of local distilleries.
  • Piwo: Polish beer, including many local craft brews.
  • Kawa: Polish coffee, often served with traditional pastries.

Where to Stay in Gdańsk: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gdańsk offers a variety of accommodations to suit any budget. Some options include:

  • Hotel Hanza: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Old Town.
  • WaterLane Island Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located on a picturesque island in the Motława River.
  • Villa Pica Paca: A charming guesthouse with affordable prices and friendly staff.

What to Buy in Gdańsk: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Amber jewelry: Gdańsk is known for its high-quality amber jewelry, which makes for a unique and beautiful souvenir.
  • Pierniki: Traditional Polish gingerbread, perfect for sweet-toothed travelers.
  • Kashubian embroidery: Beautiful hand-embroidered linens and textiles made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Gdańsk

Poland has a rich and distinct cultural heritage, and Gdańsk is no exception. Some customs to be aware of include:

  • Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake hands.
  • Dining: It is polite to wait for the host or hostess to begin eating before starting yourself.
  • Religion: Poland is a largely Catholic country, and it is important to respect religious traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Gdańsk

The best time to visit Gdańsk is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, be prepared for larger crowds during this time. Spring and fall are also wonderful times to visit when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gdańsk

Do:

  • Explore the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Take advantage of Gdańsk’s outdoor activities and beautiful natural landscapes.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious traditions and customs.
  • Leave without trying some amber or gingerbread.
  • Forget to take a guided ghost tour.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gdańsk

Gdańsk is a relatively safe city, but it is always important to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. As with any city, it is best to avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Health in Gdańsk

Poland has a good healthcare system, but it is always best to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Tap water in Gdańsk is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available for those who prefer it.

Getting to Gdańsk: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gdańsk

The Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport is located just outside of the city and offers connections to many European cities.

Bus Stations Near Gdańsk

Gdańsk has a number of bus stations, including the Gdańsk Station, which offers both national and international connections.

Other Options

Gdańsk is also well-connected by train, with connections to many major cities throughout Poland and Europe.

How to Get Around in Gdańsk

Gdańsk is a very walkable city, with most major attractions located close together in Old Town. Public transportation options also include buses and trams, with affordable fares and frequent service.

Where to Go Next from Gdańsk: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations worth visiting from Gdańsk, including:

  • Sopot: This seaside resort town is located just a short train ride from Gdańsk and is known for its beautiful beaches and historic wooden pier.
  • Malbork: Home to the largest castle in the world by land area, a visit to this historic city is a must for any history buff.
  • Hel Peninsula: An 18-mile long piece of land stretching out into the Baltic Sea, Hel Peninsula offers stunning views and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, Gdańsk has something for everyone. From its rich maritime history to its beautiful natural landscapes, this city is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

Długa Street with the Main Town Hall in the background Długa Street with the Main Town Hall in the background Lech Wałęsa Airport Lech Wałęsa Airport Gdańsk Główny station, completed in 1900 Gdańsk Główny station, completed in 1900 Polish Baltic Philharmonic on the Motława river Polish Baltic Philharmonic on the Motława river Hall of the Main City (Ratusz) Hall of the Main City (Ratusz) The huge St. Mary's Church The huge St. Mary's Church Market hall Market hall Great Armoury Great Armoury