From amber markets to solidarity history - experience authentic Gdańsk beyond the tourist trail with our expert tips and hidden spots
Gdańsk, Poland
In the Tricity of Poland, all three cities—Gdynia, Gdańsk, and Sopot—are closely intertwined, making it hard to notice when you cross from Sopot to Gdynia or from Gdańsk to Sopot. Over its long history, Gdańsk (Polish: Gdańsk, German: Danzig) has absorbed many influences: medieval churches stand alongside typical Soviet-era buildings, all complemented by the refreshing sea breeze. But Gdańsk is much more than just a collection of landmarks. Follow our tips on what to see and where to relax—this city will stay in your heart for a long time.
How to Get There
There are direct transportation options from Ukraine to Gdańsk, including buses, regular flights, and a train from Kyiv to Gdańsk. Direct buses from Vilnius, operated by PolskiBus or Eurolines, take about 10 hours and cost around €30 one way.
It’s much easier and cheaper to travel from Warsaw. PolskiBus runs eight times a day, taking five hours to reach Gdansk Glowny station. Tickets start at €3 if booked well in advance or around €10 for last-minute bookings. A train from Warsaw is twice as fast—just three hours for €12, or 2.5 hours for a high-speed option. Check schedules and buy tickets at intercity.pl.
For those who love flying: Ryanair recently launched flights from Warsaw to Gdańsk. Tickets start at €9, and the flight takes just 55 minutes.
Transportation
The main way to get around the Tricity is the urban commuter train, or SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska). It runs every 15 minutes during the day and hourly at night. So, if you feel like heading to the beach in Gdynia Orłowo at 2 AM, transportation won’t be an issue. A trip from Gdańsk to Gdynia costs 6.5 PLN. Inspectors check tickets frequently, so don’t risk riding without one.
Besides SKM, Gdańsk has buses, trolleys, and trams.
A scenic bike path runs along the coast from Gdynia to Gdańsk. Rent a bike at Rowerownia for 40 PLN per day.
Accommodation & Hotels
For the cheapest lodging options in or near the city center, check Airbnb. But if you prefer socializing with fellow travelers, here are some hostel recommendations:
- Hostel Universus I Apartament (ul. Podgarbary 10) is located in the city center in an old brick building that once served as royal stables. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a spacious lounge with board games. A bed in a 7-person dorm costs €10, in a 5-person dorm €12, and a private single room is €24.
- 3 City Hostel (Targ Drzewny 12/14) is also in the Old Town, just a few minutes from the train station. Besides standard rooms, it offers Japanese-style sleeping pods (€16). Each room is themed after a different city. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and board games are included, but towels cost an extra €1.5.
The Town Hall - The cozy, well-designed Grand Hostel (ul. Świętojańska 43/44) is great for groups. A triple room costs €57. The hosts can help arrange bike rentals, beach picnics, or even kitesurfing. All major attractions are within walking distance.
- Moon Hostel (ul. Długie Ogrody 6A) is housed in one of Gdańsk’s charming gingerbread-style buildings and is ideal for groups of 4-5.
- Old Town Hostel (Długa Grobla 7) is slightly farther from the center and lacks designer interiors, but beds cost just €9-12, and a double room is only €29. Breakfast is included.
Sights & Attractions
When you arrive in Gdańsk, prepare to explore the Old Town (Stare Miasto), which was heavily damaged in World War II but meticulously restored. It’s easy to find—just follow the signs from Gdańsk Główny station, and soon you’ll see whimsical cathedrals and colorful buildings over 300 years old.
For a leisurely stroll and beautiful views of the Old Town, head to ulica Długa. With countless cafés, thousands of tourists, and a cozy waterfront, this street buzzes with life. Gdańsk is sometimes called the “Northern Amsterdam,” and the resemblance is striking.
Długa Street (literally “Long Street”) is lined with Renaissance-era architectural gems. Don’t miss the 15th-century Town Hall, which was heavily damaged in the war but restored during communist rule. It now houses the city museum.
At the end of Długa Street, you’ll find the National Maritime Museum (Ołowianka 9-13), dedicated to shipbuilding and seafaring. Here, you can see historic ships, the first yachts to cross the Atlantic, and paintings by Polish marine artists.
Gdańsk has a complex history, changing hands between Poles and Germans over 1,000 years. Yet, whether under Polish kings or the Teutonic Order, the city always retained its privileges. Thanks to its prime Baltic location, Gdańsk became one of the region’s most important trading hubs.
Learn more about Gdańsk’s history at the National Museum (Toruńska 1), which also houses an excellent collection of Flemish paintings. Fans of Memling will be pleasantly surprised by his “Last Judgment.”
Turning from the waterfront, you’ll find Gdańsk’s second most photogenic street—Mariacka. It’s perfect for medieval-themed photoshoots and buying amber, sold at nearly every corner. Here, you’ll also find the Basilica of St. Mary (Podkramarska 5), Europe’s second-largest church and the world’s largest brick church. Admire the stunning stained-glass inside, then climb to the top for panoramic views.
For fresh air, visit Oliwa Park, 9 km from the center. Its beauty might lead you all the way to Sopot! Besides nature, the park features the Abbot’s Palace and a branch of Gdańsk’s National Museum of Modern Art. The Oliwa Cathedral (ul. Biskupa Edmunda Nowickiego 5) is also worth the trip for its extraordinary interior.
If you’re tired of medieval buildings and crave adventure, head to Gdańsk Stocznia (Shipyard). Bikes, street food, and all-night parties define this district.
The Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre (ul. Wojciecha Bogusławskiego 1) is also worth a visit for its plays, workshops, concerts, and even yoga sessions.
The Tricity is the cradle of Polish democracy, where Lech Wałęsa founded the Solidarity movement. The European Solidarity Centre (pl. Solidarności 1) tells the story of the movement that changed Poland—and the world. The exhibits also reflect on universal human values and rights. The center includes a garden, a library, and an observation deck with city views.
Food & Drinks
Globalization has reached Poland, and kebabs reign as the local street food king. For the best price-quality ratio, try Kebab King, a nationwide chain where a hearty kebab costs just 12 PLN. It’s no Berlin, but it’s great for Poland.
Another solid kebab spot is Kult Kebab (ul. Plac Dominikański 1), inspired by Berlin-style kebabs (but pricier at 18 PLN).
A traditional Polish dish is the zapiekanka (open-faced baguette). Locals say the best are in Gdynia, but Gdańsk has tasty options too.
For some of the city’s best zapiekanki, head toward Sopot to Kultowe Zapiekanki (al. Grunwaldzka 211). One 50 cm zapiekanka is enough for two, with prices starting at 12 PLN—higher than in Poland’s zapiekanka capital, Kraków.
Belgian waffles and fries are everywhere in Gdańsk. Try Belgijki (Kołobrzeska 2) for juicy, crispy waffles.
For fresh pastries, visit the passage near the train station. Don’t let the location fool you—the pastries are delicious.
Shopping
Poland is famous for its shopping malls (called “Galeria” by locals), where you can stock up on affordable clothes from mass-market brands like H&M, Zara, and Mango. Prices are great, and during sales, it’s hard to resist buying half the store.
The main shopping hub in the Tricity is Galeria Bałtycka (aleja Grunwaldzka 141), a massive mall with 200 stores. All major brands are here, from Bershka to MaxMara. It’s near the Gdansk Wrzeszcz stop.
Other Gdańsk malls include Metropolia (Jana Kilińskiego 4) and Manhattan (aleja Grunwaldzka 82), though they’re smaller than Galeria Bałtycka.
Gdańsk also has many second-hand stores, offering great finds at every corner.
Tips & Useful Info
In Gdańsk, the sea is farther from the center than in Gdynia or Sopot. Take trams 3, 5, or 6 to reach it. The Baltic Sea is cold even in summer, but its beauty is unforgettable.
Free Walking Tour Gdansk – free guided tours.
skm.trojmiasto.pl – SKM train schedule.
trojmiasto.pl – official Tricity tourism website.
