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My wife and I know Poland well, as she was born there. However, besides the usual cities we visit, we thought Gdansk, on the Baltic Sea, would be a good addition. Why? When you go on a lengthy trip and visit a number of different cities, you generally return home, and people ask, “What was one of the highlights of the trip?” Well, Gdansk had many.

Gdansk is a great destination for a stopover or a longer stay. It offers a blend of historical charm, vibrant culture, and plenty of nearby attractions. It’s easily accessible as a stopover point between other major Polish cities like Warsaw and offers a variety of activities for a longer visit.

Ulica Mariacka

Gdansk as a Stopover:

Central Location:

Gdansk is a convenient stopover point between Warsaw and other parts of northern Poland or the Baltic coast.

Day Trip Potential:

Gdansk’s charming Old Town, with its colourful buildings and waterfront, can be explored in a day, making it ideal for a quick visit.

Easy Access to Attractions:

Gdansk’s main attractions are grouped around the Old Town, making it easy to navigate and see the highlights briefly.

Transportation Hub:

Gdansk has excellent transport links, including an airport, train station, and bus connections, making getting to and from many other destinations easy.

St Mary’s Church, Gdansk

Gdansk is indeed a Destination:

Rich History:

Gdansk’s Old Town, including the Neptune Fountain and St. Mary’s Church, showcases the city’s historical significance, among many more.

Amber Capital of the World:

Gdansk is known for its amber, with Mariacka Street being a prime location for finding unique amber pieces. This is due to the city’s long history and strong connection to amber, a fossilised tree resin found along the Baltic Sea. Gdańsk is a major centre for amber collection, processing, and trade.

Tri-City Exploration:

Gdansk is part of the Tri-City area (including Gdynia and Sopot), which offers opportunities to explore the nearby and different coastal cities.

Day Trips:
Gdansk Waterfront

The surrounding areas offer attractions like Malbork Castle, the Hel Peninsula, and Kashubia, which can be explored on day trips.

Family-Friendly Activities:

Gdansk provides a mix of educational and outdoor activities, making it suitable for families.

Culinary Scene:

Gdansk boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, including traditional milk bars (Bar mleczny) and restaurants.

Variety of Accommodation:

Gdansk offers a range of accommodations, particularly in the Old Town area, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels.

I was told an interesting idea is to visit the district of Gdańsk—Oliwa, where there is a beautiful park with the Archcathedral, the Pachołek viewing point, and the Zoo. You can get to these places by tram or the Fast Urban Railway (SKM).

You can also take a bus to the Westerplatte Peninsula, the place/symbol of the outbreak of World War II, which has an extremely interesting history. The peninsula’s area and purpose have undergone numerous transformations over the years.

In the city centre, a wonderful place called Hewelianum, located on Gradowa Hill, a great viewpoint, is worth visiting. It is the area of a medieval fortress and later forts associated with Napoleon.

The value of the Tourist Card cannot be underestimated.

These Gdansk series of articles are meant to create awareness of this fantastic destination, but visit the official sites for detailed information.