Gdansk Travel Tips

Travel Tips for Tourists in Gdansk:

Getting Around:

  • Walking: Gdansk is a very walkable city, especially the charming Old Town and surrounding areas. Explore its cobblestone streets and historical landmarks on foot!
  • Public Transport: A well-connected network of trams, buses, and trains makes it easy to get around the city and even visit nearby towns like Sopot and Gdynia. Consider buying a “ZTM Gdansk” ticket for convenient travel within the city.
  • Bike Rentals: For a fun and unique way to see the city, rent a bike! Many shops offer rentals and there are dedicated bike paths in most areas.

What to See & Do:

  • Old Town (Stare Miasto): Don’t miss the stunning architecture of this historic area. Explore Long Market, Dlugi Targ, with its charming restaurants and colorful buildings, and wander through the beautiful cobblestone streets.
  • Solidarity Museum: This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Polish history. It chronicles the struggle against communism in Poland.

Planning Your Trip:

  • Best Time to Visit: Gdansk enjoys a vibrant summer season (June-August) but is charming year-round. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while the summer months are perfect for exploring the beaches of Sopot and Gdynia.
  • Accommodation: Gdansk has a variety of accommodation options available, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels in the Old Town.

Planning Your Trip:

  • Best Time to Visit: Gdansk is a beautiful city to visit year-round, but for the best weather and outdoor experiences:

    • Summer (June-August): Enjoy warm days and long evenings, perfect for exploring the city’s charming Old Town and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Sopot and Gdynia.

  • Budget: Gdansk can be enjoyed on a budget with affordable hostels and food options. For a more luxurious experience, consider boutique hotels in the Old Town or beachfront resorts in nearby towns.

Tips for Saving Money:

  • Visit during the shoulder season:
    Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer lower prices than the peak summer months.
  • Explore free activities: Many attractions in Gdansk are free, including walking around the Old Town, visiting the historical shipyards, and strolling through parks like Oliwa Park.

Food & Drink:

  • Try traditional Polish cuisine: Gdansk has a rich culinary history, so be sure to sample some local delicacies.
  • Eat like a local: Explore milk bars (bar mleczny) for affordable, authentic meals.

Things to Remember:

  • Currency: The currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). While many places accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller shops and markets.
  • Language: Polish is the official language of Gdansk. Many locals speak English, especially in the tourist areas.

Food & Drink:

  • Currency:

The Polish currency is the złoty (PLN), but it’s best to use this as a starting point for your explorations.

Respecting Local Culture:

  • Learn a few basic phrases: While many speak English, learning some “dzień dobry” (good day) and “dziękuję” (thank you) will go a long way in showing respect and connecting with the local culture.
  • Dress appropriately for religious sites: When visiting churches or cathedrals, remember to dress respectfully.

Tipping:

  • Restaurants: Tipping is customary in Gdansk, but not mandatory. Round up the bill by 5-10% as a gesture of appreciation.

Food & Drink:

  • Currency:

The currency in Poland is the złoty (PLN).

  • Tipping: A service charge is usually included in the restaurant bill.

Culture and History:

  • Learn about the region’s history: Gdansk is a historic city with a fascinating past, so take the time to visit museums, historical sites, and monuments to learn more about its rich culture and heritage.
  • Respect for history: Remember that Gdańsk’s history is deeply intertwined with its religious and cultural landmarks.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Długi Targ (Long Market), stroll along the Motława River, and admire the architecture and historical sights.
  • Visit the Baltic Sea: Enjoy the beaches, take a boat trip or ferry ride, and explore the nearby cities of Gdynia and Sopot.

Food & Drink:

  • Poland: If you’re looking for a taste of local life, be sure to try some traditional Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings) and bigos (hunter’s stew).
  • **Don’t forget: ** Gdansk is a great place to experience the history of the Solidarity movement.

Food & Drink:

  • Gdansk:

The old town has charming restaurants with delicious, traditional food at affordable prices.

Accommodation:

Stay in the heart of Gdansk for a more immersive experience.

  • Consider:

  • Budget-friendly options: Hostels and budget hotels are a great way to meet other travelers and save money.

  • Luxury accommodations: The historic shipyards now house a variety of hotels, from modern luxury hotels to boutique hotels with stunning views.

Enjoy the city’s history!

  • Enjoy: Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about Gdansk’s history and its role in the Solidarity movement.

Gdańsk:

  • Experience:

Explore the historical shipyards and the European Solidarity Centre (Europejskie Centrum Solidarności) for a fascinating glimpse into this pivotal part of Polish history.

  • Enjoy:

Beyond the Basics:

  • Stay in the Old Town: For a traditional stay, try staying in a “Bar Mleczny” (milk bar).

Enjoy the vibrant cultural scene:

  • Visit: Explore the historic shipyards and the European Solidarity Centre (ECS) and consider taking a ferry from Gdańsk to the nearby cities.
  • Consider:

Stay:

Enjoy the affordability of the city’s attractions.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Old Town: Immerse yourself in history by visiting the historic shipyards, a symbol of Poland’s fight for freedom.

  • Visit the Museum of the Second World War: Explore exhibits that detail the experiences of those who lived through the war in Poland.

  • Try:

Enjoy the historical ambiance and learn about the city’s past.

Take advantage of:

  • Visiting: Explore the Old Town, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

  • Exploring: The European Solidarity Centre (ECS) offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories from those who lived through the war.

Enjoy the historical significance of the city.

  • Consider:

Taking:

The history of Gdańsk’s role in the Solidarity movement.

  • Visit:

Explore the vibrant Old Town:

  • Explore: Gdańsk’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Enjoy: The European Solidarity Centre:

Experience the charm of the city’s historic architecture and learn about its past.

  • Don’t miss:

Visiting:

  • The Museum of the Second World War, which showcases the history of the war in Gdansk and Poland.
  • The Gdańsk Shipyard, a historical site where the Solidarity movement began.
  • Experience: The museum’s exhibits detailing the role of the shipyard in the fight against communism.

Enjoy the rich history and culture found in the museums and historic sites.

Things to enjoy:

  • Traditional Polish cuisine:

Visit the Gdańsk History Museum or the European Solidarity Centre (ECS)

  • Food & Drink:

Experience the traditional flavors of Gdańsk, a city known for its delicious food.

Travel:

  • Consider: Visiting in the spring or summer months to enjoy the outdoors and experience the historical significance of the city’s past.
  • Enjoying the “Bar Mleczny” experience:

You can also visit:

  • The European Solidarity Centre (ECS) museum, located in a historic shipyard building.