Best Time to Visit
May to September
Currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
Language
Polish
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Discover Gdańsk
Gdańsk is a city of layered history, where every cobblestone tells a story of resilience. Stroll down the Long Market (Długi Targ) past the ornate facades of merchant houses like the Golden Gate and the iconic Neptune Fountain, symbols of the city's Hanseatic League wealth. Then, feel the weight of modern history at the monumental European Solidarity Centre, built on the site of the shipyard strikes that helped topple communism.
Beyond the textbook sights, Gdańsk's soul is found in its amber-lit Mariacka Street, lined with artisan workshops, and in the scent of fresh pierogi wafting from cellar restaurants. This is a living city where you can climb the 400 steps to the top of St. Mary's Church, the world's largest brick church, for breathtaking views, then unwind with a locally-brewed beer on the Motława River waterfront, watching historic ships pass the medieval Crane Gate.
Why Visit Gdańsk?
A Masterpiece of Reconstruction: Witness the meticulous post-WWII rebuilding of the Main Town, where every colorful facade on Ulica Długa was painstakingly recreated from historical records, creating one of Europe's most convincing and beautiful historic districts.
The Birthplace of Solidarity: Stand on the hallowed ground of the Gdańsk Shipyard (Stocznia Gdańska) at the European Solidarity Centre, an immersive museum documenting the trade union movement that changed the course of 20th-century history.
The World's Amber Capital: Hunt for 'Baltic Gold' in the countless shops and galleries, especially on Mariacka Street, and learn about its history at the Amber Museum housed in the foreboding Prison Tower.
Architectural Time Travel: Experience a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Mannerist styles in the city's landmarks, from the massive brick bulk of St. Mary's Church to the ornate Dutch-inspired mansions of the Old Town.
A Dynamic Food & Drink Scene: Dive into hearty Polish classics like pierogi and żurek soup, then explore the vibrant craft beer scene in the Wrzeszcz district or sample Goldwasser, the legendary herbal liqueur with real flakes of gold.
Gateway to the Baltic Coast: Use Gdańsk as a base to explore the sandy beaches of Sopot, the historic port of Gdynia, and the shifting dunes of the Słowiński National Park, all within easy reach.
Gdańsk is Known For
Ready to explore Gdańsk?
Gdańsk Neighborhoods
Main Town (Główne Miasto)
The historic heart and tourist epicenter of Gdańsk. This is the picture-perfect area of reconstructed merchant houses, grand squares, and major monuments, buzzing with visitors and lined with restaurants and amber shops.
Highlights:
Best for:
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Older than the Main Town but more low-key, with a lived-in, residential feel. It features charming streets, smaller churches, and green spaces, offering a quieter glimpse into local life just a short walk from the major sights.
Highlights:
Best for:
Oliwa
A northern district with a serene, park-like atmosphere, historically separate from Gdańsk. It's famed for its stunning cathedral and magnificent park, offering a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.
Highlights:
Best for:
Wrzeszcz
A vibrant, youthful district centered around its main avenue, Grunwaldzka. This is where students, artists, and locals mingle in trendy cafes, independent boutiques, and some of the city's best craft beer bars.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •For the best photos of the Long Market without the crowds, arrive before 9 AM. The morning light on the colorful facades is magical.
- •Buy a 24-hour public transport pass (bilet 24-godzinny) for about 16 PLN. It covers trams and buses across Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia, making exploring the Tri-City easy.
- •Visit St. Mary's Church on a weekday afternoon to avoid the long queues that form in the morning and on weekends.
- •Don't just stick to the Main Town. Cross the river on the footbridges to the Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów) for great views back towards the Crane Gate.
- •For authentic amber shopping with fairer prices, venture beyond Mariacka Street to shops on side streets like Świętego Ducha or visit the Amber Market (Targ Bursztynowy) on Targ Rybny.
- •Take the historic SKM commuter train to Sopot or Gdynia. It's cheap, frequent, and runs along the coast, offering scenic views.
- •In restaurants, bread and spreads (smalec, etc.) placed on the table are not free. You'll be charged a 'cover charge' (koszt nakrycia) per person, usually 2-5 PLN.
- •Climb the tower of St. Mary's Church for the view, but know there is no elevator—it's 409 steps up a narrow, steep staircase.
- •On summer evenings, join locals for a walk and a drink along the bustling Długie Pobrzeże (Long Embankment) on the Motława River.
- •If you visit the European Solidarity Centre, allocate at least 3 hours. The exhibits are extensive, powerful, and multimedia-rich.
Gdańsk Food Scene
Gdańsk's cuisine is a hearty blend of Polish classics and unique regional flavors shaped by its port history. Expect robust soups, dumplings, seafood from the Baltic, and historical specialties like the gold-flecked liqueur, Goldwasser. The city also boasts a thriving craft beer scene.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional Polish
- • Pierogi at Pierogarnia Mandu
- • Żurek in a bread bowl at Bar Pod Rybą
- • Placki ziemniaczane at Pyra Bar
Look for 'bar mleczny' (milk bars) for authentic, home-style Polish food at very low prices.
Seafood
- • Fresh śledź (herring) at Restauracja Pod Łososiem
- • Fish platter at Kubicki
- • Smoked eel from a market stall
The best and freshest fish is often found in restaurants along the Motława River or at the Hala Targowa market.
Craft Beer & Pubs
- • Local IPAs at Browar PG4
- • Beer flight at AleBrowar
- • Pub food at U Szkota Pub
The Wrzeszcz district is the epicenter of Gdańsk's craft beer scene, with numerous taprooms and brewpubs.
Cafes & Sweets
- • Pączki (doughnuts) at Cukiernia Sowa
- • Coffee at Drukarnia Café
- • Traditional krówki (fudge) from any grocery store
For a unique historical treat, try 'Gdańsk gingerbread' (Pierniki Gdańskie), a spiced honey cake.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Gdańsk
Spring
Spring sees the city awaken with blooming flowers in Oliwa Park and milder temperatures. The crowds are smaller than in summer, but the weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain.
Pros:
- + Fewer tourists
- + Pleasant temperatures for walking
- + Lower accommodation prices
Cons:
- - Unpredictable, sometimes rainy weather
- - Baltic Sea is still too cold for swimming
Summer
Summer is peak season, with long, sunny days, warm temperatures averaging 22°C, and a full calendar of festivals and events. The city and nearby beaches are vibrant and bustling.
Pros:
- + Best weather for sightseeing and beach trips
- + All attractions and tours are operating
- + Lively atmosphere with outdoor cafes and events
Cons:
- - Largest crowds and highest prices
- - Need to book accommodation and popular restaurants well in advance
Autumn
Autumn brings beautiful golden foliage, especially in Oliwa Park, and a crispness to the air. The summer crowds dissipate, creating a more relaxed atmosphere, but days grow shorter and cooler.
Pros:
- + Beautiful fall colors
- + Fewer tourists
- + Cultural season begins (theatre, concerts)
Cons:
- - Increasingly cool and wet weather
- - Some seasonal attractions or boat tours may wind down
Winter
Winter is cold (around 0°C) and often snowy, transforming the city into a festive wonderland with Christmas markets on the Long Market. It's a magical but quiet time to visit.
Pros:
- + Magical Christmas markets (late Nov-Dec)
- + Lowest prices and no crowds
- + Cozy atmosphere in cellar restaurants
Cons:
- - Very short daylight hours
- - Some outdoor attractions may be closed or have limited hours
- - Baltic winds can make it feel bitterly cold
Find cheap transport to Gdańsk
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Gdańsk
Enter your departure city to see prices
Book Activities in Gdańsk
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Day Trips from Gdańsk
Sopot
20 min by SKM train
A stylish seaside resort famed for its long, sandy beach and the iconic, crooked wooden pier (Molo) stretching into the Baltic. The Monte Cassino street is lined with boutiques, cafes, and art nouveau villas.
Malbork Castle
1 hour by regional train
Visit the largest castle in the world by land area, a stunning brick fortress built by the Teutonic Knights. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an awe-inspiring example of medieval military architecture.
Gdynia
30 min by SKM train
The modern, maritime counterpart to historic Gdańsk. Gdynia is a young city with a dynamic port, excellent museums dedicated to emigration and the navy, and a distinct 20th-century architectural style.
Gdańsk Budget Guide
Gdańsk offers excellent value compared to Western Europe. While the Main Town can be pricier, eating and staying like a local keeps costs very reasonable.
Budget
€40-60 for budget travelers (hostel, milk bars, public transport)
per day
Mid-Range
€80-120 for mid-range (3-star hotel, restaurant meals, some taxis, attraction entries)
per day
Luxury
€200+ for luxury (boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours)
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Pay in Polish Złoty (PLN), not Euros, for the best rates. Withdraw cash from ATMs (bankomat) for lower fees.
- •Eat at 'bar mleczny' (milk bars) for a full, traditional Polish meal for under €5.
- •The Gdańsk Tourist Card can offer savings if you plan to visit many museums and use public transport extensively.
- •Accommodation is cheaper in districts like Wrzeszcz or Oliwa, with excellent tram links to the center.
- •Many churches and historic exteriors are free to admire; prioritize paid entries for key interiors like St. Mary's Church and the European Solidarity Centre.
Gdańsk Hidden Gems
Uphagen's House (Dom Uphagena)
A perfectly preserved 18th-century bourgeois residence on Ulica Długa, offering an intimate glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy merchant family.
While the street outside is packed, this museum-home is often overlooked, providing a quiet, authentic counterpoint to the grand public buildings.
St. Nicholas Church (Kościół św. Mikołaja)
A Dominican church in the Old Town that miraculously survived WWII completely intact, retaining its original medieval interior.
It's a rare, untouched time capsule amidst a city of reconstructions, with a serene, spiritual atmosphere free of tourist crowds.
Wisłoujście Fortress
A unique, circular 16th-century sea fortress located at the old mouth of the Vistula River, guarding the approach to the port.
It's a fascinating piece of military history off the beaten path, accessible by a short ferry or bus ride, offering great views and few visitors.
The Great Armoury (Wielka Zbrojownia)
A stunning example of Dutch Mannerist architecture on Targ Węglowy, originally an arsenal, now part of the Academy of Fine Arts.
Its ornate facade is a masterpiece, but most tourists pass by without realizing they can often pop inside to see the grand interior courtyard and student art exhibitions.
The Shoe Shine Monument (Pomnik Pucolowicza)
A small, poignant bronze statue of a kneeling boy shining shoes, located on Szeroka Street.
It commemorates the child shoe-shiners of the communist era and is a touching, human-scale piece of social history easily missed on the busy street.
Gdańsk Culture & Customs
Gdańsk's culture is defined by its history as a proud, independent-minded merchant city and its pivotal role in Poland's 20th-century struggles. Locals are generally reserved but hospitable, with a deep respect for their city's hard-won beauty and freedom.
Cultural Etiquette
- •A firm handshake with eye contact is the standard greeting. Use formal titles (Pan for Mr., Pani for Mrs./Ms.) until invited to use first names.
- •It's polite to remove your shoes when entering someone's home. You will often be offered slippers.
- •When toasting, make eye contact with everyone at the table. Say 'Na zdrowie!' (To your health!).
- •Punctuality is highly valued for both social and business meetings.
- •Show respect at sites of historical significance, particularly the Gdańsk Shipyard and monuments related to WWII and Solidarity.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Gdańsk
Is Gdańsk safe for tourists?
Yes, Gdańsk is generally a very safe city for tourists. The main tourist areas are well-lit and patrolled. Standard precautions apply: be aware of pickpockets in crowded places like the Long Market and keep an eye on your belongings in bars and on public transport.
Do I need to speak Polish?
No. In hotels, restaurants, and major tourist attractions in the city center, English is widely spoken, especially by younger people. Learning a few basic Polish phrases (like 'dzień dobry' and 'dziękuję') is appreciated and considered polite.
Is Gdańsk expensive?
Gdańsk is very affordable compared to most Western European capitals. Eating at local milk bars, using public transport, and staying in guesthouses can make for a budget-friendly trip. Prices in the Main Town's most touristy restaurants are higher but still reasonable.
How many days do I need in Gdańsk?
We recommend a minimum of 2 full days to see the Main Town highlights, the European Solidarity Centre, and St. Mary's Church. With 3-4 days, you can explore more neighborhoods like Oliwa and Wrzeszcz and take day trips to Sopot or Malbork Castle.
What is the best way to get around the Tri-City (Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia)?
The integrated SKM commuter train is the best and most scenic way. It runs frequently along the coast. A 24-hour Tri-City public transport ticket is excellent value, covering trams, buses, and the SKM trains within the entire metropolitan zone.
Can I use Euros in Gdańsk?
Poland's currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). While some tourist shops and hotels may accept Euros, the exchange rate will be poor. It's always better to pay in Złoty. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.
What should I buy as a souvenir from Gdańsk?
Amber jewelry is the classic souvenir, available in countless designs. Also consider Goldwasser liqueur, traditional Polish pottery (ceramika), locally-made wool slippers (kapcie), or a bottle of craft beer from a Gdańsk brewery.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Gdańsk?
Yes, tap water in Gdańsk is perfectly safe and of high quality. Locals drink it regularly. This can save you money and reduce plastic waste during your visit.
Gdańsk Itineraries
Travel Guides
Compare with Other Cities
Plan your Gdańsk adventure
Let AI create the perfect itinerary for your trip to Gdańsk. Just describe what you want to experience.
Plan Gdańsk trip