Gdansk Holidays

Located on the Baltic coast in northern Poland, Gdańsk sits along the Motława River and serves as a hub for maritime history, colourful architecture, and coastal city breaks.

Holidays To Gdańsk 2026 Highlights 

• Jaw-dropping Old Town - Meticulously rebuilt after WWII, it's like stepping into a fairytale

• Amber capital of the world - Seriously, the stuff is everywhere (in a good way)

• Incredible value - Five-star experiences at three-star prices

• Baltic beaches nearby - Sandy stretches just a tram ride away

• Brilliant beer and pierogi - Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you

• Solidarity history - Where Polish democracy was born

Good to Know

• Gdańsk gets a mix of mild summers and chilly winters, with summer highs around 20–25°C and winter often dropping close to freezing. Pack layers and a waterproof, baltic breezes can be fresh!

• Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN), and your money goes a long way. Expect around £2–4 for a beer, £6–12 for a meal, and cheap, reliable public transport across the city

• Gdańsk is famous for its amber trade, often called “Baltic gold”, so you’ll spot jewellery shops everywhere. It’s also a city steeped in history, from medieval trading routes to its role in modern European events

Local Lingo – Talk Like a Gdańsk Local

In Gdańsk, you’ll hear Polish, and while it might look a bit tricky at first, a few phrases will go a long way (and locals will definitely appreciate the effort).

• “Cześć” (chesh-ch) – hello / goodbye. Casual and super handy

• “Dziękuję” (jen-koo-yeh) – thank you! A must-know and always appreciated

• “Proszę” (pro-sheh) – please / you’re welcome. Your go-to all-rounder

• “Jedno piwo, proszę” (yed-no pee-vo pro-sheh) – one beer, please. You’ll probably need this one

• “Na zdrowie!” (nah zdro-vee-eh) – cheers! Perfect for toasting with a cold drink

Best Day Trips From Gdańsk

Gdańsk is perfectly placed for exploring the Baltic coast. These are all easy half-day or full-day trips.

Sopot | 20 mins by train - The glamorous beach resort next door. Sopot has the longest wooden pier in Europe (511 metres!), a gorgeous sandy beach, and a buzzing promenade packed with restaurants and bars. In summer, this place goes off, think Polish Riviera vibes. Don't miss Monte Cassino street for shopping and people-watching.

Malbork Castle | 45 mins by train - The jaw-dropping Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world by land area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Teutonic Knights, it's absolutely massive and brilliantly preserved. Allow at least half a day. There's even a medieval restaurant if you fancy eating like a knight.

Hel Peninsula | 1.5 hours by train (or boat in summer) - A quirky 35km sand spit sticking out into the Baltic. The town of Hel at the end has beaches, a seal sanctuary, and some of the best fish restaurants in the region. In summer, you can take a boat from Gdańsk for a scenic trip. Yes, you can tell everyone you went to Hel and back.

Gdańsk Oliwa | 20 mins by tram - Technically still Gdańsk, but worth a dedicated trip. The Oliwa Cathedral has one of the finest baroque organs in Europe, catch a free organ recital if you can. The surrounding park is gorgeous for a wander.

Where to Stay on your Gdańsk holidays

For Couples

Old Town Gdańsk – the postcard-perfect heart of the city. Think colourful merchant houses, riverside strolls along the Motława, and cosy restaurants for candlelit dinners.

For Families

Wrzeszcz – a more modern, residential area with shopping centres, parks, and great transport links. Ideal for a quieter base with everything you need nearby.

For Groups

Sopot – beach by day, bars by night. This lively coastal spot is famous for its pier, nightlife, and party vibes, perfect for a fun group getaway.

Best Hotels In Gdańsk

Gdańsk's hotels punch well above their weight, you'll get serious bang for your buck here. Most of the best spots are in or near the Old Town, putting you within stumbling distance of the sights (and the bars).

Hampton by Hilton Gdańsk Old Town | Old Town Modern comfort meets historic charm, right on Old Town Square. You're a two-minute wander from Neptune Fountain and St. Mary's Basilica, with a cracking breakfast to set you up for exploring.

Hotel Admiral | Old Town A cosy boutique number right on the Motława River, with the Medieval Crane practically outside your window. There's a wellness area with sauna, and the breakfast buffet is properly solid.

Hotel Number One by Grano | Old Town Stylish interiors, indoor pool, spa, and a gym — this place feels fancier than its price tag. Just 500 metres from the Green Gate and surrounded by restaurants.

Holland House Residence Old Town | Old Town Boutique vibes right on Długi Targ, the main square. Arthur's Court and Neptune Fountain are literally 100 metres away. The on-site restaurant is excellent, and there's bike hire for exploring further afield.

Q Hotel Grand Cru Gdańsk | Old Town A converted brick granary with bags of character. Modern rooms, great restaurant, and a sauna for post-sightseeing unwinding. The Amber Museum is a 10-minute stroll.

More Gdańsk hotels

Gdańsk Holidays 2026/2027 Travel Guide

Things To Do For Families

Gdańsk is brilliant for kids, interactive museums, beaches, and enough ice cream to keep everyone happy.

• Gdańsk Zoo (Zoo Gdańsk Oliwa) - A mahoosive animal park in the Oliwa district with creatures from all over the world

• Hit the beach - Brzeźno and Jelitkowo beaches have soft sand, shallow water, and plenty of space for sandcastle engineering

• Hevelianum Science Centre - Hands-on experiments and interactive exhibits in a converted hilltop fort

• Maritime Museum boat trip - Take a ferry across the Motława and explore historic ships

• Day trip to Sopot - The pier, the beach, and Aquapark Sopot for waterslide action

• Długie Pobrzeże stroll - The riverside promenade with boats to spot and ice cream to devour

Things To Do For Couples

Gdańsk is ridiculously romantic, cobbled streets, candlelit restaurants, and sunsets over the harbour. Perfect for a long weekend away.

• Sunset drinks on Mariacka Street - Find a terrace spot on the prettiest street in town and watch the light change

• Motława River cruise - See the city from the water as the sun goes down

• Amber shopping together - Pick out matching pieces (or something sparkly just for one of you)

• Candlelit dinner in the Old Town - Restaurants like Kubicki and Goldwasser ooze old-world romance

• Day trip to Malbork Castle - Europe's largest Gothic castle, properly impressive for a shared adventure

• Spa afternoon - Several hotels offer couples' treatments if you need to recharge

Things To Do For Groups

Whether it's a mates' trip, a hen do, or a birthday blowout, Gdańsk delivers, great nightlife, cheap drinks, and loads of activities.

• Craft beer crawl - Gdańsk's craft beer scene is thriving. PiwPaw and Browar Piwna are top starting points

• Kayaking on the Motława - Paddle past the Old Town landmarks and feel cultured while exercising

• Stadion Energa Gdańsk - Catch a match at this impressive stadium with a proper buzzing atmosphere

• Escape rooms - Room of Plenty and others around town for competitive team bonding

• Club night in Sopot - The neighbouring beach town goes OFF in summer, think beach bars and clubs til dawn

• Trabant tours - Yes, they do them here too. Drive a communist-era car around the sights

Things To Do For Foodies

Polish food has come a long way from "just pierogi" (though the pierogi here are excellent). Gdańsk's food scene is proper good.

• Pierogi hunting - Try them at Pierogarnia Mandu or Pierogarnia u Dzika for the real deal

• Fresh Baltic fish - Śledź (pickled herring) is the local specialty. Don't knock it til you've tried it

• Hala Targowa Market - Fresh produce, street food, and local delicacies all under one roof

• Sernik (Polish cheesecake) - Denser and less sweet than the American version. Absolutely addictive

• Craft beer scene - Local breweries like Brovarnia have their own restaurants. Beer and food pairings sorted

• Piwna 47 - Modern Polish cuisine with international flair. Proper special-occasion vibes

• Café culture - Gdańsk's coffee shops are excellent. Drukarnia and Śniadaniownia are local favourites

More Destinations to Explore

Kraków – medieval charm, a stunning main square, and a buzzing food scene

Warsaw – a mix of modern skyscrapers and rebuilt old town history

Wrocław – colourful buildings, cute market squares, and its famous dwarf statues

Sopot – sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and the longest wooden pier in Europe

Gdynia – modern coastal vibes, waterfront walks, and maritime museums

Malbork Castle – the world’s largest brick castle and a must-see for history lovers

Hel Peninsula – a unique strip of land with beaches on both sides and chilled seaside vibes