Must-Sees in Gdańsk: Solidarity, Amber, Shipyard

November 2024

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Gdańsk - Amber Capital of the World

We are in Gdansk! This is my third time in Poland—we always love how affordable everything is here.

Gdańsk, a historic port city in Poland, is renowned for its stunning architecture and maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the picturesque Old Town, highlighted by the iconic Neptune Fountain and the impressive St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world. The city is also famous for its role in the Solidarity Movement, marking a significant chapter in Poland’s history.

25 places in Gdańsk

St. Catherine's Church
Basilica of st. Bridget (entrance fee: 6 zł)
Hala Targowa Kupców Dominikańskich (local market)
Church of St. John

A must-visit! The staff were so nice, and the church was beautifully lit even in the evening. It’s free to enter; we wanted to donate but didn’t have any cash since we had just arrived.

Nowa Motława (river)—there are lots of restaurants around here
Black Pearl Ship—offers cruises of 30 and 80 minutes
Gdańsk Carousel
Restauracja Bazar (Polish restaurant)

The herring starter was really good, but I wouldn’t recommend the tri-meat soup—it was basically just broth. The salad leaves also didn’t seem to be properly washed; I get that pre-packaged greens might not need washing, but we always wash ours at home, even if they’re packaged. Unfortunately, one of the leaves had a bit of hair and some dirt on it.

We also noticed they use a microwave for some of their food. We only heard it once, so it might just be for thawing ingredients, but it was a bit disappointing. When we were there, we were the only ones in the restaurant. The service was great, and the location was nice. My husband thought the duck was a bit too sweet, but still tasty, while my tagliatelle was good, though the truffle flavor was pretty mild.

The total came to 217 PLN for two people on a Thursday evening, which included two drinks, a starter, soup, bread, and two mains.

European Solidarity Centre (museum) (entrance fee: 35 zł)
Hebe (drugstore)
VIVE Profit (used clothing store)
Biedronka (discount supermarket)

I bought some souvenirs here: Wawel chocolates and Bonitki peanut butter (didn't like it as much), etc. My must-buy items whenever I’m in a different country are tea, chocolates, and cookies/biscuits. I also bought a chocolate here that tasted like Hany chocolate.

Church of St. Joseph—with an underground coffee shop named Herbaciarnia u Oblatów
Miau Miau - Kawiarnia w Kocie (coffee shop)

The apple pie would have been nicer if they had heated it up a bit. The coffee is not hot at all, just lukewarm. The raspberry cake is good. The ambience of the place is nice. We ordered two drinks and two cakes here and paid 70 zl for both.

Forum Gdańsk (shopping mall)—it has a SEPHORA FORUM GDANSK store inside
Brama Wyżynna
Wybrzeze Theatre
Katownia
Długa (notable street)—a must-visit
Museum of Gdańsk - Main Town Hall
Neptune's Fountain
Bazylika Mariacka Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny w Gdańsku

If there’s one church you need to visit, it’s this one. I love that they don’t charge an entrance fee like other churches. We gladly donated, however.

Manna 68 (vegan restaurant)

We paid 146 zl for two on a Saturday evening, and everything was delicious. Although we were tired and not in the best mood upon arrival, the food truly energized us. One suggestion: we waited over 10 minutes to be seated, so I’d recommend making a reservation. Additionally, there was no place to hang our coats, which felt a bit inconsiderate, as providing one would show more care for diners’ comfort. Overall, we highly recommend this restaurant.

Eklerownia (pastry shop)

19-23 zł per éclair. The interior feels cheaply decorated, but the staff are very nice and speak English, which is helpful for tourists like us.

Muzeum Bursztynu

12 places in Sopot

Bohaterów Monte Cassino (notable street)
Cukiernia Pawłowicz—7 zł for each pastry, so affordable and looks so good!
Kościół św. Jerzego w Sopocie (church)
Ceramika Sopocka (very lovely ceramics)
Wojtek ‘the Soldier Bear’ Statue
Pijana Wiśnia (must-have cherry liqueur here) – 42.80 zł for two glasses, plus a small bite-sized chocolate.
Krzywy Domek
Skwer Kuracyjny (so many small local stores around here)."
Molo w Sopocie (pier)
Sopot beach
Sopot Museum (entrance fee: 15 zł)
Tawerna Molo (restaurant)

This place is so underrated and way better than we expected. From the autumn tea to the herring tasting set—everything was amazing! And the view? Absolutely gorgeous! You get a great view of the pier and beach, but it’s not overpriced. The restaurant’s design is really well thought out. The soup with potatoes and eggs was delicious, and I shared it with my husband. We ordered two mains, two drinks, and the herring tasting—everything was great. The staff were so friendly; both our waitress and the guy who invited us in while we were walking outside were really warm and welcoming.

8 places in Gdynia

Outlet vintage (secondhand store)
Avocado Vegan Store&More (love this vegan store)—amazing options!
Bejgl Gdynia (bakery)
Pasjonat Antyki (antique store)
Southern Pier

– ORP Błyskawica (museum ship)
– Museum Ship "Dar Pomorza" (entrance fee: 28 zł)
– Ustka-Tour a.i. Dragon ship (which has a restaurant inside: Restauracja Dragon)

Gdynia Aquarium (entrance fee: 36 zł)
Gdynia City Beach– Don’t expect much from this
Kamienna Góra: Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej

Our accommodation: Willa Albatros

Our stay in Gdansk was unfortunately marred by several issues with our accommodation, making it less than ideal for the price.

The most significant problem was the lack of soundproofing. Despite being listed as a "2-star hotel" on Google Maps, the building seemed to be a converted Airbnb with paper-thin walls. We were constantly disturbed by noise from other guests and the street, especially late at night and early in the morning. On one occasion, next-door guests were laughing and talking loudly with their door open past midnight, disrupting our sleep. While I attempted to contact the owner/manager about this and other concerns, they were unresponsive to messages. I had to resort to calling to get any response, which wasn't ideal.

This lack of communication was a recurring theme. Upon arrival at 7:40 pm, we found no one to check us in and no instructions provided. My prior message informing them of our arrival went unanswered, forcing us to call for assistance. This raises concerns about how guests without phone access would manage.

Furthermore, the room itself left much to be desired. A strong chlorine smell greeted us upon entry, and the bed and pillows were basic and uncomfortable, leading to poor sleep on the first two nights of our three-night stay. The shower faucet was also broken and required holding to use.

While these issues significantly impacted our trip, I must acknowledge the one bright spot: the breakfast. It was truly enjoyable, and we had it each day. I can't understand the complaints mentioned in other reviews; it was easily the best part of our stay, and I commend the breakfast staff for their efforts.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this accommodation, especially if you value a peaceful and comfortable environment. The lack of soundproofing, unresponsive management, and room deficiencies detracted significantly from our experience.

Public transportation in Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia

Overall, I feel like we spent too much money on the 68 zł 3-day Tricity pass from the Jakdojade app. However, it was convenient since we didn't have to worry about which ticket to buy or rush to get one.

7 of Gdańsk's must-visit places

1. Long Market (Długi Targ) – A beautiful street with colorful facades and historical buildings, including the iconic Neptune Fountain and Artus Court.

2. St. Mary’s Church – One of the largest brick churches in the world, offering panoramic views from its tower.

3. Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw) – A medieval port crane that symbolizes the city’s maritime history.

4. European Solidarity Centre – A museum dedicated to the Solidarity movement and Poland’s struggle for independence.

5. Westerplatte – The site where World War II began, with memorials and an open-air museum.

6. Oliwa Park – A peaceful park with gardens, a cathedral, and organ concerts.

7. Museum of the Second World War – A comprehensive and immersive experience of WWII history.

6 Day trips from Gdańsk

1. Sopot (20-30 minutes by train)
• Famous for its beaches, the longest wooden pier in Europe, and the Crooked House.
• Transport: SKM commuter train (frequent and cheap).

2. Gdynia (30-40 minutes by train)
• A modern city with beaches, a port, and museums like the Emigration Museum.
• Transport: SKM commuter train.

3. Malbork Castle (45-60 minutes by train)
• The largest brick castle in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Transport: Train from Gdańsk Główny to Malbork.

4. Hel Peninsula (1.5–2 hours by train or ferry)
• A narrow strip of land with beaches, a seal sanctuary, and water sports.
• Transport: Train or seasonal ferry.

5. Łeba and the Słowiński National Park (2 hours by train or car)
• Known for its shifting sand dunes, a unique natural phenomenon.

6. Kashubia (1–1.5 hours by car)
• A scenic region of lakes, forests, and small villages, ideal for nature lovers.
• Transport: Best reached by car for flexibility.

6 Must-visit places in Sopot

1. Sopot Pier (Molo) – The longest wooden pier in Europe, offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the Sopot shoreline.

2. Monte Cassino Street (Ulica Bohaterów Monte Cassino) – The main pedestrian street filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops, perfect for strolling and people-watching.

3. Crooked House (Krzywy Domek) – A quirky, surreal building along Monte Cassino Street, known for its unique architecture and a great photo opportunity.

4. Sopot Beach – A long, sandy beach popular for relaxing, swimming, and beachside cafes.

5. Forest Opera (Opera Leśna) – An open-air amphitheater in the woods, hosting concerts and events in a scenic natural setting.

6. Sopot Museum – A small museum housed in a historic villa, showcasing the history of Sopot as a resort town.

7 Must-visit places in Gdynia

1. Orłowo Cliff (Klif Orłowski) – A scenic natural cliff offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, perfect for hiking and photography.

2. Gdynia Aquarium (Akwarium Gdyńskie) – A popular family attraction with a variety of marine life exhibits, located right by the harbor.

3. Kosciuszko Square (Skwer Kościuszki) – A central square leading to the harbor, lined with shops, cafes, and attractions.

4. Dar Pomorza – A historic tall ship museum moored in Gdynia’s harbor, offering a glimpse into Poland’s maritime history.

5. Gdynia Beach – A clean and calm beach close to the city center, ideal for relaxing or enjoying water sports.

6. Emigration Museum (Muzeum Emigracji) – A fascinating museum about the history of Polish emigration, located in a former maritime station.

7. Kamienna Góra – A small hill offering panoramic views of Gdynia and the sea, accessible by foot or a funicular.

Must-eat dishes, drinks, and desserts

In Gdańsk and Poland in general, you’ll find a variety of delicious foods, drinks, and treats to try. Here are some must-try items:

Must-Eat Dishes

1. Pierogi – Polish dumplings filled with ingredients like meat, cheese, mushrooms, or fruit (sweet versions).
2. Bigos – Hunter’s stew made of sauerkraut, cabbage, meat, and sausages.
3. Żurek – A sour rye soup, often served with sausage, egg, and bread.
4. Kaszubian Herring (Śledź) – Traditional pickled herring, often served with onions and sour cream.
5. Kaszanka – Blood sausage made with buckwheat or barley, popular in Kashubian cuisine, a local specialty.

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Must-Drink Beverages

1. Piwo – Polish beer, with local brands like Żywiec, Tyskie, and craft brews from the Tricity region.
2. Miód Pitny – Mead, a traditional Polish alcoholic drink made from honey.
3. Krupnik – A sweet Polish vodka made with honey and spices, great for a warming drink.
4. Herbata z cytryną – Tea with lemon, a classic Polish drink, especially in cooler weather.

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Must-Try Desserts

1. Sernik – Polish-style cheesecake, often made with twaróg (fresh curd cheese).
2. Pączki – Polish donuts, usually filled with rose jam or other sweet fillings.
3. Makowiec – A poppy seed roll, sweet bread filled with poppy seed paste.
4. Szarlotka – A Polish apple pie, often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or whipped cream.

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Must-Try Tea

• Malinowa Herbata – Raspberry tea, often served warm and perfect for chilly days.

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Biscuit & Chocolates

1. Delicje Szampańskie – Biscuits with a layer of jelly and coated in chocolate, a popular Polish snack.
2. Prince Polo – A famous Polish chocolate-covered wafer, often considered a local favorite.
3. Wedel Chocolates – E. Wedel is Poland’s most famous chocolate brand, offering a wide range of chocolates and truffles.
4. Pierniki Toruńskie – Gingerbread from Toruń (near Gdańsk), often coated in chocolate and filled with jam or other sweets.

12 Must-Learn Basic Polish phrases

1. Dzień dobry – Good day / Hello
Pronunciation: “Jen dob-ri”
2. Cześć – Hi / Hello (informal)
Pronunciation: “Cheshch”
3. Proszę – Please / Here you go
Pronunciation: “Pro-sheh”
4. Dziękuję – Thank you
Pronunciation: “Jen-koo-yeh”
5. Tak – Yes
Pronunciation: “Tahk”
6. Nie – No
Pronunciation: “Nyeh”
7. Przepraszam – Excuse me / I’m sorry
Pronunciation: “Pshe-prah-shahm”
8. Jak się masz? – How are you? (informal)
Pronunciation: “Yak sheh mash?”
9. Gdzie jest… – Where is…?
Pronunciation: “G-jye yest…”
10. Ile to kosztuje? – How much does it cost?
Pronunciation: “Ee-leh toh koh-sh-too-yeh?”
11. Toaleta – Toilet
Pronunciation: “Toh-ah-leh-tah”
12. Pomocy! – Help!
Pronunciation: “Poh-mo-tsee”

10 Interesting facts about Gdańsk

1. Birthplace of Solidarity – Gdańsk is known as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which played a crucial role in ending communist rule in Poland. The movement began in the Gdańsk Shipyard in 1980, led by Lech Wałęsa, who later became Poland’s president.

2. Part of the “Tricity” – Gdańsk, along with Sopot and Gdynia, forms the Tricity (Trójmiasto) area, a metropolitan region on the Baltic coast that blends history, nature, and modernity.

3. A Major Hanseatic City – During the Middle Ages, Gdańsk was a major trading hub as part of the Hanseatic League, an important network of port cities in Northern Europe. This is why the city has a rich architectural and cultural heritage.

4. World War II Began Here – The first shots of World War II were fired on September 1, 1939, at Westerplatte, a military outpost just outside Gdańsk. Today, Westerplatte is a memorial site.

5. A Blend of Cultures – Gdańsk has historically been a melting pot of different cultures, with Polish, German, and Dutch influences visible in its architecture, food, and traditions. The city was known as Danzig when it was under German rule.

6. The Amber Capital – Gdańsk is known as the world’s capital of amber. The city’s Amber Museum and numerous shops showcase its long tradition of amber craftsmanship, with amber being referred to as “the gold of the Baltic.”

7. Largest Brick Church in the World – St. Mary’s Church in Gdańsk is the largest brick church in the world. It can hold up to 25,000 people and features a stunning astronomical clock.

8. The Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw) – One of the oldest port cranes in Europe, built in the 14th century, it was used for loading cargo onto ships and symbolized Gdańsk’s maritime power.

9. Neptune Fountain – Located in the Long Market (Długi Targ), this iconic statue of Neptune symbolizes the city’s connection to the sea and was erected in 1633.

10. A Resilient City – Gdańsk was heavily bombed during World War II, and nearly 90% of the city was destroyed. However, it has been meticulously rebuilt, restoring much of its historical character.