Poland · Pomerania
Gdańsk travel guide
Colourful merchant houses, amber and Baltic beaches
The Long Market in Gdańsk. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gdańsk is a handsome port on the Baltic, with tall, colourful merchant houses, the medieval crane on the river and amber shops along Mariacka Street.
The Second World War began on its doorstep and the Solidarity movement started in its shipyards. Sopot's long beach and wooden pier are 20 minutes away by train.
What Gdańsk is known for
- The Long Market
Merchant houses and Neptune.
- Solidarity
Where the movement began.
- Sopot
A long pier and sandy beach.
- Amber
Jewellery on Mariacka Street.
Top things to do in Gdańsk
Where to stay in Gdańsk
Best time to visit Gdańsk
Best value: Apr–May, Sep. June to September: warm for the beaches, with the Dominican Fair in August.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 2h from London to GDN, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Walk the centre. SKM trains run to Sopot and Gdynia.
Good to know
- The Baltic is cool, even in summer: expect 18 to 20°C.
- Buy amber from proper shops with certificates.
- Visit Malbork early to beat tour groups.
Gdańsk FAQ
Is Gdańsk worth visiting?
Yes, it's one of Poland's prettiest cities.
Can you swim in the Baltic?
Yes, in summer, at Sopot and Gdańsk beaches.
More places in Poland
KrakówCity · Lesser Poland
WarsawCity · Masovia- WrocławCity · Lower Silesia
ZakopaneMountains · Tatra Mountains
Back to the Poland travel guide + Add Gdańsk to your bucket list