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Gdansk

Gdansk travel guide

City in Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland

Things to do9 experiences
Best time to visitAugust to September
Nearest airportGDN · 8 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+2
Population487,834

About Gdansk

Gdańsk, historically known in English as Danzig, is a city on the Baltic coast of northern Poland, and the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. With a population of 486,492, it is Poland's sixth-largest city and its major seaport. Gdańsk lies at the mouth of the Motława River and is situated at the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay, close to the city of Gdynia and the resort town of Sopot; these form a metropolitan area called the Tricity (Trójmiasto), with a population of approximately 1.5 million.

Places to visit in Gdansk

  1. Long Market

    Historic

    The main street of the old town, lined with colorful rebuilt merchant houses. It is home to Neptune's Fountain, the Artus Court and the Main Town Hall with its tall tower.

  2. St. Mary's Church

    St. Mary's Church

    Religious

    One of the largest brick churches in Europe, with a bright whitewashed interior and an astronomical clock. Climb the tower's many steps for views over the old town rooftops.

  3. European Solidarity Centre

    European Solidarity Centre

    Museum

    A museum at the former Lenin Shipyard telling the story of the Solidarity movement and the fall of communism in Poland. The rooftop terrace overlooks the shipyard cranes.

  4. Museum of the Second World War

    Museum of the Second World War

    Museum

    A large museum in a tilted modern building exploring the war's impact on civilians and soldiers. Its immersive exhibits, including recreated streets, need several hours to see properly.

  5. Westerplatte

    Westerplatte

    Historic · 4 mi from centre

    The peninsula where the first battle of World War II began when Polish defenders came under fire. Visit the ruined barracks, the guardhouse and the monument above the harbor entrance.

  6. Motlawa Waterfront

    Neighborhood

    The riverside promenade along the Motlawa, with restaurants, the medieval port crane and views to Granary Island. Tour boats leave from here for Westerplatte and the harbor.

  7. Oliwa Cathedral

    Oliwa Cathedral

    Religious · 6 mi from centre

    A long, narrow cathedral in the Oliwa district known for its elaborate rococo organ, demonstrated in short recitals. The adjoining Oliwa Park is lovely for a stroll.

Things to do in Gdansk by type

9 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 1
Ways to go
  • Private 7
Browse all things to do in Gdansk

Top experiences in Gdansk

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.

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Where to stay in Gdansk

Popular hotels in Gdansk, out of 327 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Gdansk

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gdansk is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 69–73°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 31° – 38° 14
Feb 32° – 41° 13
Mar 37° – 49° 7
Apr 42° – 57° 12
May 48° – 63° 11
Jun 55° – 70° 15
Jul 59° – 73° 16
Aug 58° – 73° 10
Sep 56° – 69° 10
Oct 45° – 56° 10
Nov 37° – 45° 10
Dec 36° – 42° 10

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Gdansk weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 60° 52° 18%
  • Thu 22 Oct 55° 49° 66%
  • Fri 23 Oct 56° 46° 43%
  • Sat 24 Oct 55° 45° 5%
  • Sun 25 Oct 54° 42° 25%
  • Mon 26 Oct 55° 43° 28%

Know before you go

Currency
Polish złoty (PLN)1 US dollar ≈ zł3.90
Language
Polish
Calling code
+48
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/WarsawUTC+2
Capital
Warsaw

Upcoming public holidays in Poland

  • All Saints' DayWszystkich Świętych
  • Independence DayNarodowe Święto Niepodległości
  • Christmas EveWigilia Bożego Narodzenia
  • Christmas DayBoże Narodzenie
  • St. Stephen's DayDrugi Dzień Bożego Narodzenia
  • New Year's DayNowy Rok

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Gdansk

These are the airports closest to central Gdansk. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • GDN Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Gdansk

Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego, the City Transportation Office. Easyway journey planner helps to find schedules and routes.

By train

SKM trains make 16 stops along the coast (from the first station,Gdańsk Śródmieście to Gdynia Główna. The main stops are Gdańsk Główny, Gdańsk Wrzeszcz, Gdańsk Oliwa, Sopot, and Gdynia Główna. Trains depart roughly every 15 minutes and operate from 05:00 to 23:00

By car

In general it is unwise to bring your car to Gdańsk if you plan to stay longer than a day or two. Parking is expensive, traffic is huge and road quality is quite bad compared to other cities in Poland. A car will be most useful if you wish to visit Stogi or Sobieszewo Island, though parking remains an issue.

Gdansk travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Gdansk?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gdansk is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 69–73°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

What is the weather like in Gdansk?

July is usually the warmest month in Gdansk, with average highs of 73°F (23°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 31°F (-1°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 158 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Gdansk?

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from the centre of Gdansk.

What currency is used in Gdansk?

Gdansk uses the Polish złoty (PLN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ zł3.90.

What time zone is Gdansk in?

Gdansk uses the Europe/Warsaw time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Gdansk?

Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego, the City Transportation Office. Easyway journey planner helps to find schedules and routes.

What are the best places to visit in Gdansk?

Top sights in Gdansk include Long Market, St. Mary's Church, European Solidarity Centre and Museum of the Second World War. The main street of the old town, lined with colorful rebuilt merchant houses. It is home to Neptune's Fountain, the Artus Court and the Main Town Hall with its tall tower.

What are the top things to do in Gdansk?

Popular experiences you can book in Gdansk include Gdansk Old Town Private Tour, Torun: City of Copernicus - Full-Day Private Tour and Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot - Private Tricity Tour. Destina Holidays offers 9 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Gdansk?

The most popular types of experiences in Gdansk are art & culture (7), city tours (2) and travel services (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Gdansk?

Popular areas for hotels in Gdansk include Gdansk. Well-reviewed options include Scandic Gdansk and Hilton Gdansk.

How many hotels can I book in Gdansk?

Destina Holidays currently lists 327 properties in and around Gdansk, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.