Gdańsk is a city that can charm you from the very first step along Długi Targ (Long Market). History intertwines here with modernity, and centuries-old townhouses (most of them restored) look down on strolling tourists, café regulars, and nightclub-goers.
Gdansk is a place of freedom — a symbol of the fall of communism and the beginning of change in Eastern Europe, and the home of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former president Lech Wałęsa.
You can still see his residence at ul. Polanki 54, a reminder of the city’s role in the Solidarity movement.
Before World War II, this was the Free City of Danzig — and some airlines, even today, still use that old name in their flight systems. Having lived here for more than 12 years, I’ve grown to love its rhythm: the sea air, the golden beaches, and the fact that Copenhagen is just a 30-minute flight away across the Baltic.
I’ve prepared a route for you that will let you feel the majesty of the Main Town, the energy of the former shipyard area, and the taste of local life — from morning coffee to nighttime concerts.
What to Do and See in Gdańsk – Guide to the City Where History Has Its Own Flavor and the Night Has Its Own Rhythm
1. A Slow Morning – Fikka Bar
I start the day in my little Scandinavian haven in the heart of Gdańsk. Pastel interiors and minimalist décor soothe the senses, and the smell of freshly ground coffee makes the day immediately gain momentum.
Breakfasts? Small works of art: avocado toast, granola with fruit, eggs Benedict — all so beautifully presented that it’s hard to pick up your fork. I recommend grabbing a coffee to go and taking a short walk around the Main Town. The menu also includes smørrebrød, though more in a Polish than Danish version.
2. European Solidarity Center – The Heart of Freedom
If you want to understand Gdańsk, start with the European Solidarity Center. This is not a museum you observe from a distance — it’s a journey through the times of the Polish People’s Republic, the shipyard strikes, and the birth of a movement that changed the course of history.
Industrial interiors, multimedia exhibitions, and emotionally charged stories make you leave with your head full of reflections and your heart heavier… but also proud.
3. Museum of the Second World War – A Lesson That Stays
A few minutes’ walk from the ECS is one of the most modern museums in Poland. Its monumental architecture and extensive exhibitions make a huge impression.
It’s worth reserving at least half a day — this is a journey through events that forever changed the world.
4. Gdańsk Shipyard – From Work to Play
Once closed off and wrapped in legend, today it pulses with music, art, and street food. Walking among massive cranes and brick halls, it’s impossible not to feel the unique atmosphere.
100cznia – an open-air festival of flavors: food trucks, concerts, deckchairs, and hammocks. In summer, it’s a must-visit spot for chilling out.
Elektryków Street – the city’s nighttime heart, where industrial spaces turn into dance floors:
- Plener 33 – open-air concerts
- B90 – for fans of heavy sounds
- W4 Food Squat – street food in industrial halls
- Drizzly Grizzly – a laid-back vibe and great beer
The atmosphere? A bit like Berlin, but with a Polish soul.
5. Dinner – Masło Maślane
For the evening, I choose Masło Maślane — a restaurant where Polish cuisine meets modern ideas. Dishes are seasonal, hearty, and served with finesse. The perfect place to end the day with a glass of wine.
6. For a Glass of Wine or a Drink
Flisak ’76 – hidden in the basement of a historic townhouse, this cocktail bar has the soul of a London speakeasy. A pop-up book menu, creative drinks, and staff who can match a cocktail to the guest’s mood. The bar has been operating since 1976 and is still run by the same family.
Pub Red Light – a relaxed, friendly vibe, good beer, and an LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere. Red lights, music, burgers, and pizza in the very heart of the Old Town.
7. Gdańsk Beaches – Golden Sand and the Sea
This city on the Bay of Gdańsk is famous for its wide beaches and calm waves — ideal for families with children. Water temperatures in summer reach 22–23°C (72–73°F).
- Jelitkowo – a promenade and bike paths all the way to Sopot
- Brzeźno – pier and lively boardwalk
- Stogi – wide stretch of sand and a quieter atmosphere
Sometimes you might spot seals… or wild boars. That’s the charm of a city surrounded by forests.
8. Sopot for One Day
From Gdańsk to Sopot, you can get there by SKM train in 15 minutes, or by Mevo city bike in 45 minutes along the beach.
Sopot is a seaside town in Poland, located between Gdańsk and Gdynia, known for its beautiful beaches, pier, and rich history as a resort. It began developing as a spa town in the 19th century, when the first bathing establishments and guesthouses were built. In the interwar period, Sopot was one of the most fashionable vacation spots in Europe. If you are in Gdańsk, it’s worth visiting this beautiful resort.
9. Grand Hotel and Casino
The Grand Hotel in Sopot was opened in 1927 as a luxury property for wealthy guests, including aristocrats and artists. It survived World War II and after the war became one of the city’s symbols. To this day, it attracts tourists with its elegant style and views of the Bay of Gdańsk. For many years, the hotel has operated a casino — one of the few in Poland.
10. M15 Saunas
Right next to entrance no. 15 to Sopot Beach, beside the M15 restaurant, you’ll find a unique spot on Poland’s wellness map — M15 Sauny Sopot, the only sauna complex in the country located directly on the beach. Panoramic windows offer views of the Baltic Sea and the famous Sopot pier, and guests are just a few steps away from a refreshing swim in the sea.
The sauna season lasts from October to spring, and you can choose between individual admission (from about 70 PLN for 90 minutes) or renting the entire sauna exclusively for your group (Only4U – from 269 PLN).
Getting to Gdańsk from the USA
There are no direct flights from the USA to Gdańsk, so you’ll need to connect via a European hub.
Typical route:
Fly from your nearest major US airport (JFK, Newark, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta, Miami, LAX, etc.) to a European hub like London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, or Warsaw. Connect to a short-haul flight into Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN).
Major airlines:
- LOT Polish Airlines (via Warsaw)
- Lufthansa (via Frankfurt or Munich)
- KLM (via Amsterdam)
- SAS (via Copenhagen)
- British Airways (via London)
- Norwegian Air (via Oslo)
Flight time: 7–9 hours to Europe from the East Coast, plus a 1–2 hour onward flight to Gdańsk.
Getting to Gdańsk from the UK
From the UK, you have multiple direct flight options to Gdańsk. Airlines with direct flights:
- Ryanair – from London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and more
- Wizz Air – from London Luton, Liverpool, Doncaster/Sheffield, Leeds Bradford, Aberdeen
Flight time: Around 2–2.5 hours direct. You can also fly into Warsaw or Kraków, then take a domestic flight (1 hour) or train (3–5 hours) to Gdańsk.
