Is Gdansk a good city break? A short travel guide [2023 update]

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Updated February 2023

Gdansk is a city that is still up and coming with travellers. Often left off itineraries when people visit Poland, it makes for an amazing European city break. A year-round destination, summer is a particularly popular season thanks to the nearby resort towns of Sopot and Gydnia in the local Tri-city area.

As an easily walkable city, visitors will quickly fall in love with everything that Gdansk has to offer. A bright colour palette of traditional narrow Flemish and Dutch-inspired buildings line the cobbled streets of Gdansk Old Town. From Long Market to the Motlawa River, Gdansk is exceptionally beautiful at every turn.

Gdansk has been under Polish and German occupation over the years and was the first place to be bombed by Germany during World War II on 1st September 1939. All but completely destroyed, the city known as Danzig in Deutsch, has been rebuilt and shown its resilience against adversity.

Whether you are planning a weekend city break in Poland or a larger trip throughout the country, spending two or three days in Gdansk is absolutely worth it. Stroll along the famous promenade of Polish kings, marvel at historic cathedrals and medieval ports, and unwind among clusters of cool cafes and buzzing bars.

Read on for everything you need to know to make the most of a city break in Gdansk.

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN GDANSK

Two days in Gdansk will give you enough time to see the best of the city, making it an ideal weekend city break. However, if you plan on exploring beyond the city centre, including day trips to other towns in the tri-city area, then three days would be the best way to enjoy your time in Gdansk without rushing.

If you are travelling from other cities in Europe, there is a wide choice of flight and train journeys available, making it easy to visit for just a few days. You can also easily add a short jaunt in Gdansk as part of a bigger trip to Poland, adding on other destinations including Wroclaw, Poznan, Warsaw, or Krakow.

WHERE IS GDANSK LOCATED?

Gdansk can be found on the Baltic Coast in northern Poland, set on the banks of the Motlawa River. As the capital city of Pomeranian Voivodeship, Gdansk is also the fourth largest city in Poland.

HOW TO PRONOUNCE GDANSK

If you’ve been wondering how to pronounce Gdansk, it’s easy to assume there might be a trick - perhaps the ‘G’ is silent. Fortunately, this one sounds just as it looks. The correct pronunciation of Gdansk sounds similar to "guh-DANSK". Starting with a hard "g" sound, like in the word "go", the "d" is a soft "d" sound, similar to the "d" in the word "d0". The stress is on the second syllable, "DANSK".

IS GDANSK WORTH VISITING?

Is it worth taking a city break in Gdansk? If you enjoy history, great food, beautiful architecture, and are looking for a budget destination, then Gdansk is absolutely worth visiting.

Often overlooked for other Polish cities such as Warsaw or Krakow, Gdansk still flies under the radar of many travellers. Gdansk still remains one of my favourite destinations in Poland and is a place I often recommend when people ask me for budget-friendly city breaks.

IS GDANSK, POLAND CHEAP?

Compared to other European cities, Gdansk is generally considered to be inexpensive, making it ideal for an affordable city break. For a weekend in Gdansk, we spent approximately £130 per person, which covered flights, accommodation, eating out, and activities/sightseeing.

Accommodation in Gdansk is super affordable by European standards, with prices for mid-range options setting you back approximately £40-60 per night in the city centre. Gdansk is also a very walkable city which means you can keep transport costs to a minimum. If you plan on using public transport, a 24-hour ticket costs around 18 PLN.

Eating out in Gdansk can be cheap, especially if you stick to local cuisine. A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 30-40 PLN, while a mid-range meal costs around 70-100 PLN. A coffee costs around 7-12 PLN and many cafes offer breakfast sets.

Overall, Gdansk can be considered an affordable destination, with prices lower than other European cities across western Europe.

WHERE TO EAT IN GDANSK, POLAND?

Pierogi

You can’t go to Poland and not eat pierogi. We tried a few but our recommendation is by far Pierogarnia Mandu Centrum. Boasting a huge menu of both savoury and sweet, as well as traditional and fried Polish dumplings, they prepare them freshly at the front of the restaurant for you to watch. It can get busy, so either make a reservation or arrive early.

Breakfast

My favourite meal of the day is easily enjoyed for a fraction of the price here. We enjoyed breakfast for meals coming to around £7.00 per person. My top breakfast cafe recommendations are Pomelo Bistro, Len, and Drukarnia Cafe for good coffee and tasty meals to start your day.

Dinner

I am always pleasantly delighted by how incredible the food is in Poland and at such an affordable price point too. Gdanski Bowke was our favourite restaurant in Gdansk and is an absolute culinary delight. Delectable cocktails and dishes featuring flavour combinations we’ve not had anywhere else greatly impacted our dining experience in Gdansk. The menu was extensive, and the service was fantastic.

MUST-DO THINGS IN GDANSK

Visit the Old Town

The Old Town of Gdansk is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. It is filled with incredible architecture after being bombed during WWII, and much of the city was rebuilt to replicate its former glory. Explore the colourful facades of the Long Market, the stunning St. Mary's Church, and the towering Town Hall.

The Museum of the Second World War

The Museum of the Second World War is the most well-presented museum I have ever visited. We visited in the afternoon and remained there until closing time, around four hours in total. The museum is designed in an interactive format with a mix of media from movie-theatre-style videos to walk-through recreations of the city. I highly recommend hiring the audio guide as well to fully immerse yourself in the exhibitions that explore the various aspects of World War II.

St Mary’s Church and Tower

Head to the highest possible vantage point to take the city in from all angles by climbing the tower at Mt Mary’s Church. After visiting the church, you can make your way up the 408 steps to the top of the tower to admire views of the main pedestrian street, Dlugi Targ. Take in views of the

Tri-city visits

Visit the other towns in the tri-city area, Gdynia and Sopot. Located on the Baltic coast, both Gdynia and Sopot attract holiday-makers from Poland in the summer months, where families make the most of the warmer weather by the sea. Don’t miss the pier or lighthouse in Sopot when you visit.

HOW TO GET TO GDANSK

Gdansk airport is just 16km away from the city centre and transport options are both quick and convenient. There are several options whether you prefer public transport or ride-sharing, all of which are affordable.

Train

There is a train station located right outside the terminal that connects with Gdansk Glowny, the central railway station in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes, and the train fare is around 3-4 PLN. If you’re staying in the Old Town, then it’s approximately a 20-minute walk.

Bus

There are several bus routes that connect the airport with the city centre, including Bus 210, Bus 110, and Bus N3 (night bus). The journey time is approximately 30-40 minutes, and the bus fare is around 3-4 PLN.

Taxi or Uber

There are taxi ranks outside the airport terminal, and a taxi ride to the city centre will take approximately 20-30 minutes. You can also use rideshare apps such as Uber which are very affordable in Poland. The cost will vary, but it is usually around 50-80 PLN.

WHERE TO STAY IN GDANSK

Gdansk Old Town is the best area for travellers to stay. Centrally located, you’ll be within walking distance of all key activities and sightseeing in the city, with access to plenty of great restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Radisson RED Gdansk | If boutique interiors with a quickie finish are your thing, then this is the stay for you. Centrally located right in the heart of the city, rooms feature exposed bricks, modern amenities, and the slightest hint of medieval detailing making this an ideal stay. Prices from €60/night, check pricing and availability here.

PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto | I love this brand which has hotels throughout many of Poland’s biggest cities. The ultra-stylish finishings, eclectic interiors, and small touches make this stay feel more premium than the price tag suggests. Price from €69/night, check prices and availability here.

Old Town - Tobiasz Residence by Welcome Apartment | Perfect for those planning time away with friends or family, these two and three-bedroom apartments are airy with a pop of bright colour detailing. Just a short walk from St Nicholas Roman Catholic Church and the Museum of the Second World War, it provides a super convenient base. Prices from €145/night, check pricing and availability here.

Forrest Apartments & Hostel | Budget-conscious travellers will love this trendy stay in the city centre, giving you access to all the major attractions and dining options. Both apartment and dormitory accommodation is available with modern fit-outs for a comfortable stay. Prices from €38/night, check pricing and availability here.