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Gdansk Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |


A trip to Gdansk
Known as the most beautiful city on the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is a dazzling Polish holiday destination with stunning buildings, wonderful sceneries and a bustling waterfront area. Usually referred as Tri-city, together with its neighbours Sopot and Gdynia, this exotic town has become an uber-hip hotspot where celebrities retreat on holiday. Nightlight is electrifying, with a dizzying array of clubs and pubs dotting the main square. Just close your eyes and point at any space on the city map and you will be rubbing shoulders with the young and beautiful amid the summer heat.

Flights to Gdansk
There’s an airport located about eight miles west of the city, receiving a number of low-cost flights from European destinations. Domestic flights arrive from Kraków, Warsaw and Wrocław. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Gdansk try Thomas Cook. The airport is well equipped, but changing money here isn’t recommended as the rates can be very low.

From the airport, there are buses that leave for the central station regularly. The journey to town takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. It is also possible to ask for a courtesy pick-up from your hotel. Optionally, tourists can take a train from Gdansk Glowny Station to their destination, but they should bear in mind that all train information is in Polish. Using trams and buses is the best way to get around; services are frequent and cheap.
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Sightseeing in Gdansk
The historic quarter of the Main Town is ideal for sightseeing. The main street, the Royal way, is lined with striking buildings with painted façades, with the most breathtaking one belonging to the Golden House. The Town Hall and Artus Court are also not to be missed. In front of the court is the lovely Renaissance-style Neptune’s Fountain, a popular spot for photo opportunities.

Opposite the Royal way is another remarkable street, Mariacka lane. Here you can see the beautiful St Mary’s Church dominating the skyline. Walking up the tower is recommended. You might sweat a bucket, but the views are jaw-dropping. If time permits, walk along the waterfront to check out the quaint shops and cafés. Chances are you might even spot a celebrity in hiding or sipping at a coffee under a big, stripy umbrella.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
If you plan to go on a diet during your holiday in Gdansk, think again. Polish food is heavenly and healthy. Take your pick between kielbasa, a type of sausage; cabbage rolls; stuffed eggs or hunter’s stew, while seafood is also aplenty. The Poles don’t regularly say ‘eat, drink and loosen your belt’ for nothing.

After a sumptuous meal, it’s time hit the Polish nightlife scene. If you are here during the summer, make sure you have your shades in hand even at night. The sun doesn’t set until 22:00, but it doesn’t make nightlife in Gdansk less thriving. Clubs, pubs and bars dot the city, so expect to mingle with party-goers from all around the world. If you are into relaxing venues, head to the historic part of town where you can cock your ears to classical music at the opera or in an old church.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Digging for local treasure is a fun pastime in Gdansk. There are many little shops to explore if you have the time. Whether you want to find yourself a unique piece of Polish jewellery or buy an elaborate chess set to put on display at home, Gdansk has everything imaginable. Sopot is also bustling with souvenir shops boasting hard-to-find keepsakes.

If you can’t be bothered to hog for local goodies, head to the waterfront where a number of cafés are located. Relaxing here is a good way to while away the hours and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this upcoming city.


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