Gdansk Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Gdansk

Gdansk has a cool Baltic climate.

Spring (April–June) is pleasant, with temperatures of 10–20°C and fewer crowds.

Summer (July–August) is the best time to visit, with temperatures of 20–25°C, beach days in Sopot and the St Dominic's Fair (Jarmark Dominikański), one of Europe's largest open-air markets and festivals, held from late July to mid-August.

Autumn (September–October) is cooler, around 10–17°C, with fewer tourists and golden parks.

Winter (November–March) is cold, damp and windy, around -2–4°C, but the Christmas market on Targ Węglowy adds festive charm.

Top Places to Visit in Gdansk

1. Long Market and Long Lane (Długi Targ and Ulica Długa)

The heart of the Royal Route, lined with colourful merchant houses. Highlights include the Neptune Fountain, the Artus Court and the Main Town Hall, which you can climb for views.

2. St Mary's Basilica

One of the largest brick churches in the world, with an astronomical clock. Climb more than 400 steps up the tower for panoramic views over the old town.

3. Gdansk Crane (Żuraw)

A medieval port crane on the Motława River, now part of the National Maritime Museum. Walk along the riverside Long Embankment (Długie Pobrzeże) and take a boat cruise.

4. Mariacka Street

Gdansk's most picturesque street, with stone terraces, gargoyles and shops selling Baltic amber jewellery.

5. Museum of the Second World War

One of the world's most important museums about World War II, telling the story of the conflict from a Polish and civilian perspective.

6. European Solidarity Centre

Located at the historic shipyard, this museum tells the story of Solidarity and Lech Wałęsa, and the peaceful struggle against communism. The rooftop offers views over the shipyard.

7. Westerplatte

The site where the first shots of World War II were fired. Visit the monument and ruins, or take a boat from the old town.

Also worth visiting: the Amber Museum, Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów), Oliwa Cathedral with its famous organ, the Hevelianum science centre, Gdansk Shipyard and Bursztynowy amber shops.

Beyond the City

• Sopot: A seaside resort with Europe's longest wooden pier and the Crooked House, 20 minutes away.
• Gdynia: A modernist port city with the Emigration Museum.
• Malbork Castle: The world's largest brick castle and a UNESCO site, about 40–60 minutes by train.
• Hel Peninsula: Beaches, seals and fishing villages.
• Słowiński National Park: Moving sand dunes near Łeba.
• Kashubia: Lakes and folk culture.

Suggested 3-Day Gdansk Itinerary

Day 1 – Main Town: Walk the Royal Route along Long Lane and Long Market, visit the Main Town Hall and Artus Court, climb St Mary's Basilica tower and explore Mariacka Street. In the evening, stroll along the Motława riverfront.

Day 2 – History: Visit the Museum of the Second World War, the European Solidarity Centre and the shipyard, then take a boat to Westerplatte.

Day 3 – Tricity or Malbork: Visit Sopot and its pier and beach, or take a day trip to Malbork Castle.

Gdansk Food Scene

Gdansk's cuisine reflects its Baltic and Kashubian roots. Try smoked and pickled herring, fried Baltic fish, pierogi, żurek, Kashubian strawberries in summer and Goldwasser, a traditional herbal liqueur with flakes of gold, created in Gdansk in the 16th century.

Gdansk's Remarkable History

Gdansk has changed hands many times. For centuries it was one of the richest cities in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, with a mostly German-speaking population and wide autonomy. After World War I, it became the Free City of Danzig, under the protection of the League of Nations. On 1 September 1939, the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish garrison at Westerplatte, starting World War II. By 1945, around 90% of the historic centre lay in ruins, and the city became part of Poland. The careful reconstruction of the Main Town took decades. In August 1980, strikes at the Lenin Shipyard led to the creation of Solidarity, the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc, led by electrician Lech Wałęsa, who later became Poland's president.

Baltic Amber

Gdansk calls itself the world capital of amber. This fossilised tree resin, around 40 million years old, washes up on Baltic beaches after storms. You can see spectacular pieces, including some containing ancient insects, at the Amber Museum, and shop for jewellery on Mariacka Street.

Where to Stay in Gdansk

• Main Town (Główne Miasto): Close to the main sights.
• Granary Island and the riverfront: Modern hotels with views.
• Oliwa: Quiet and green.
• Sopot: For beach holidays and nightlife.
• Near the main station: Convenient and affordable.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Gdansk here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Gdansk

Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is about 12 km west of the city, with flights from across Europe and Scandinavia. The PKM train and bus 210 connect the airport with the city centre in about 30 minutes. Search and compare cheap flights to Gdansk to find the best fares.

By Train and Ferry

High-speed trains connect Gdansk Główny with Warsaw (about 3 hours), Krakow and Poznań. Ferries sail from Gdansk to Nynäshamn (Sweden), and from Gdynia to Karlskrona.

Getting Around

• SKM trains: Connect Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia every few minutes.
• Trams and buses: Cover the city.
• Walking: The Main Town is compact.
• Water trams: Seasonal boats to Westerplatte and Hel.

Travel Costs in Gdansk

Gdansk is affordable, though prices rise in summer. Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN).

Visa & Entry Requirements

Poland is part of the Schengen Area.

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Travel freely with a valid ID card or passport.
• Visa-free visitors: Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• EES: Non-EU travellers register fingerprints and a facial image at their first Schengen entry.
• ETIAS: Officially expected in the last quarter of 2026 (expected fee €20), with reports of a possible delay to 2027. Check the official EU ETIAS website.
• Internal border checks: Poland has temporary controls on its German and Lithuanian borders, extended until March 2027.

Local Tips for Gdansk

• Amber shopping: Buy from reputable shops with certificates of authenticity.
• Weather: Pack layers; the Baltic wind can be chilly even in summer.
• Sunday shopping: Most shops are closed on Sundays.
• Pay in złoty: Choose PLN when paying by card.
• Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is customary.
• Staying connected: EU roaming applies to EU SIM cards; non-EU visitors can use a travel eSIM. Get your Poland eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Old Town walking tour: Discover Hanseatic Gdansk.
• Malbork Castle tour: Visit the Teutonic Knights' castle.
• Solidarity tour: Learn about the fall of communism.
• Pirate ship cruise to Westerplatte: A fun boat trip.
• Tricity tour: Explore Sopot and Gdynia.

Browse and book the best tours in Gdansk here.

FAQ

What is Gdansk famous for?

Its Hanseatic old town, amber, the start of World War II at Westerplatte and the Solidarity movement.

How do I get from Gdansk Airport to the old town?

By PKM train or bus 210 in about 30 minutes.

Can I visit Malbork Castle from Gdansk?

Yes. It's about 40–60 minutes by train.

When is St Dominic's Fair?

From late July to mid-August each year.

How many days do you need in Gdansk?

Three days, including Sopot or Malbork.

Conclusion

Gdansk pairs a magnificently rebuilt Hanseatic old town with some of Europe's most pivotal 20th-century history, plus easy access to Baltic beaches in Sopot and the vast Malbork Castle.

Plan ahead: book your tours and activities on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Gdansk.