Gdansk holidays

Popular holidays

Gdansk city breaks tick off all the essentials, from pretty architecture and interactive museums to buzzy bars and beaches.

City breaks to Gdansk

You’ll find Gdansk on the Baltic Coast, in the northern part of Poland. It’s an easy-on-the-eye destination that may be familiar to history buffs – World War Two technically began here when Germany attacked the city’s military depot. Now, this place is popular with both beach bums and city breakers alike, thanks to its coastal location and attraction-packed historic centre.

Old Town landmarks

Stroll through Gdansk Old Town, and you’ll pass by pastel-coloured buildings and must-see monuments. There’s the Golden Gate and the Green Gate, which mark the pathway – also known as the Royal Route – that kings once walked during their visits. Poland’s oldest secular statue, Neptune’s Fountain, is right by the Old Town Tower, and there’s a river flowing right through the middle of it all.

Museum mooching

You can’t miss Gdansk’s Museum of the Second World War or European Solidarity Centre if you’re into your history. The former flaunts interactive exhibitions all about the city’s role in World War Two, while the latter focuses on Poland’s anti-authoritarian movement. You can also visit Stutthof Concentration Camp and the world’s biggest castle, Malbork Castle – both are around an hour’s drive away from the city centre.

Beer or vodka?

Lots of European cities have a big drinking culture, and Gdansk is no exception. Pints of Polish beer are pulled in breweries all along the Old Town streets, while quirky cocktail bars and cafés mix up classic cocktails under neon lights. If you’re after something stronger, try Poland’s national drink at a vodka-tasting session. One particularly special variety comes with 22-carat-gold flakes.

Popular hotels in Gdansk

Top things to see and do in Gdansk

Beaches

The Polish Riviera

Gdansk is perched on the Baltic Coast, just a 15-minute drive from the seaside. It forms part of the Polish Riveria, along with neighbouring Gdynia and Sopot, where you’ll find long sandy beaches and ice-cream trucks serving sweet, crunchy waffles topped with whipped ice cream.

The big beach

Brzezno Beach is a firm fave among tourists and locals alike. In the warmer months, people flock to this place to top up their tans and go for a dip, while the famous pier welcomes visitors all year round. It’s 140-metres long and faces out to Gdansk Bay, where you can watch the sunset with a tipple from one of the nearby bars.

The secret beach

The clue’s in the name with this one – Sobieszewo Island is an island in the Baltic Sea. Its off-the-beaten-track location means it’s got a secluded shoreline that’s much quieter than some of the beaches closer to Gdansk, so you won’t have to fight for a sunbathing spot. It’s not hard to get to, either – this hidden gem’s just a 30-minute drive from the Old Town.

Shopping

Bargain buys

If you like a market trip on your city breaks, it’s worth adding the Gdanski Bazar Natury to your itinerary. It sees stalls set up shop just outside the city’s historic centre to sell local produce like cheese and honey, fresh fish and cakes. It’s open on Thursdays and Saturdays, so you can swing by if you’re in town for a long weekend.

Mid-range buys

Forum Gdansk – known by locals as the Forum – lines up over 200 shops, eateries and a cinema right in the modern part of the city centre. Swing by to splash your cash on high-street favourites like H&M, Mango and Zara. It’s open every day, but most shops will be closed on Sundays – that’s the case for most places in Poland.

Designer buys

Anyone who likes their labels mustn’t miss a trip to the Designer Outlet Gdansk. This place sells big-name brands like Calvin Klein, Levi’s and Nike for up to 70% of the usual retail price, and it’s only a 20-minute drive away from the city centre. Just make sure you’ve got room in your suitcase to make the most of all the discounts on offer…

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Gdansk is home to heaps of quirky places to grab a drink and watch the world go by. If you’re into your beer, pop by one of the city’s cool dimly lit breweries. Or, if sipping cocktails while the sun sets is more your thing – and the weather’s warm enough – head to a rooftop bar in the city centre or by the beach.

Lively evenings

You’re not short of places to go if you’re after a big night out in Gdansk – the city’s full of nightclubs that keep the party going from dusk ‘til dawn. You’ve got multi-level spots in the Old Town, which play different music on every floor, plus swanky live music venues around the shipyard.

Food & drink

Pierogi

These pillowy dough balls, which look like a mix between a dumpling and a gyoza, are a staple in Polish cuisine. They’re typically stuffed with meat, cheese and veggies, then boiled, fried, baked or steamed. Enjoy them with a slab of melted butter, or alongside a traditional dollop of sour cream.

Paczki

This one’s for sweet-toothed city-trippers. Paczki is essentially a Polish donut, with all the hallmarks of the bakery classic us Brits know and love. Think rich dough fried until golden brown, fruity jam fillings – often flavoured with roses or plums – and a powdered sugar topping.

Polish beer

You’ve got plenty of brews to pick from when it’s time to crack open a cold one in Gdansk. Poland’s famous for its beer, thanks to a thousand-year-long history of producing pints flavoured with local hops like the spicy, citrussy Lubelski. Zywiec and Tyskie are two of the most popular brands, and there are loads of independent craft brews to try, too.

Golabki

Boiled cabbage leaves and a mixture of rice and minced pork or beef come together to make hearty stuffed rolls in this popular dish, often served in a rich tomato sauce. Add a healthy serving of onion, garlic, paprika and Worcestershire sauce, and you’ve got a flavour-packed main course.

Danzig Goldwasser

This one’s as fancy as it sounds. Danzig Goldwasser – which translates to ‘gold water of Gdansk’ – is a vodka-based liqueur filled with 22-carat gold flakes. It’s flavoured with roots and herbs, like cardamom and cinnamon, and was invented all the way back in 1598.

Facts about Gdansk

Currency

Zloty

(PLN)

Language

Polish

Time zone

GMT +2

Flight duration

2 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

What should I pack for Gdansk?

For Gdansk, pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the historic streets. Bring layers for changeable weather, including a light waterproof jacket. Don't forget your camera to capture the beautiful architecture, and pack a day bag for sightseeing adventures.

What are the best beaches in Gdansk?

Gdansk offers sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea at Jelitkowo and Brzezno, both easily accessible from the city centre. For a quieter atmosphere, head to Sobieszewo Island with its natural dunes and peaceful coastline, ideal for relaxed seaside walks.

What's the nightlife like in Gdansk?

Gdansk offers a lively nightlife scene. You'll find a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues in the Old Town and along Dluga Street. For a unique experience, visit some of the craft beer pubs in the Wrzeszcz district. Many resorts also offer evening entertainment options.

Where are the best places to shop in Gdansk?

Shopping in Gdansk features the historic Long Market with amber jewellery and handcrafted items. Head to Forum Gdansk, a large shopping centre with international brands, or explore Mariacka Street for local artisans and traditional Polish crafts in a charming cobbled setting.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Gdansk?

When visiting Gdansk, greet locals with dzien dobry for good day and use prosze for please and dziekuje for thank you. Politeness is valued, and it is customary to remove shoes when entering someone's home. Dress modestly when visiting churches.

Where can I try local food in Gdansk?

To experience traditional Gdansk cuisine, we recommend visiting local restaurants in the Old Town. Try regional specialties like Goldwasser liqueur, pierogi, and fresh seafood dishes. Many resorts also offer Polish nights where you can sample local delicacies.

Should I tip in Gdansk?

Tipping in Gdansk is appreciated but not obligatory. It is common to leave 10 to 15% of the bill for good service at restaurants, and hotel staff and taxi drivers typically receive a small amount. Leaving a small tip is a nice gesture to show appreciation for good service.

What travel adapter do I need for Gdansk?

When visiting Gdansk, you'll need a Type C or Type E adapter, both featuring two round pins. Poland operates on 230V electricity, which is compatible with most UK devices, though high-powered appliances like hairdryers should be checked for voltage compatibility. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter if you're travelling with devices that have different plug types.