Welcome to Gdańsk, a city filled with history, cobbled streets and colourful homes in the North of Poland. If you’re just stopping by for the day, or maybe even one nights, don’t worry, it’s a small area and you can easily squeeze everything in. Join me for a fun day in Gdańsk, experiencing its vibrant culture, cute cafes, and stunning views. I visited the city as a solo traveller, so this guide includes things that are enjoyable solo.
NOTE: There are a heap of amazing museums to visit in the city, that I haven’t included here, so if you’re interested in the history of Gdańsk, switch this itinerary for a day at the museums.
10am: Grab breakfast and a coffee on Długa street. This is a long street filled with gorgeous cafes and is the perfect spot for solo travellers as you can sit and watch the world go by. You’ll also find lots of souvenir shops and beautiful colourful buildings here, it’s a really beautiful area to spend the day wandering around if you have extra time.
12pm: Head to St. Mary’s Basilica to admire the architecture and get amazing views of the old town from the tower. The Basilica itself is absolutely gorgeous, and is believed to be the biggest brick church in the world. I also read that the astronomical clock created in 1464, shows the time and date, phases of the moon, the position of the moon and sun in relation to the zodiac signs, and the calendar of saints which is just incredible! You can climb 405 steps up to the top of the tower to get the most amazing views of the old town which costs around 16 PLN (around £3 at the time) and the entrance can be found inside at the back of the church. Please note that the space at the top is very small, and many of the steps are steep and narrow.
1pm: Wander around the old town and find some hidden gems! There are a lots of a pretty independent shops around the old town, as well as cute cafes and historic landmarks. I spent an hour here walking around spotting beautiful buildings, sculptures and other historic features, whilst also trying my best not to buy every pretty thing I could see. It’s also a great time to spot the MANY landmarks around the old town such as the Bread Bridge aka the ‘Bridge of Love’, Neptune’s Fountain and the Basilica of St. Bridget.
3pm: Late lunch/coffee. There are so many cute cafes and coffee shops so I will not make any recommendations. You really just have to have a little wander and peek at the menu and find a spot that looks good. Honestly everywhere that I had coffee in the old town was amazing, so you really can’t go wrong here.
4pm: Visit a museum or walk along the river. I chose to walk along the river as I prefer nature and fresh air over a museum, but if you want to get stuck in with the history and facts of the city, there are plenty of museums all close by that you can visit. I also grabbed a sandwich from the local supermarket (you’ll find these everywhere) and stopped along the way with a nice view of the water to eat. This is a great option if you want to save a little money, it cost me less than 10 PLN (£2 at the time) and I had a great view, peace and quiet. You can also take a guided cruise along the river which is an amazing way to see the beautiful city! Book here with Viator for around £15.
6pm: Head out to 100cznia, a really cool complex outside of the old town that has lots of amazing food trucks, bars and a great nightlife. It’s a very quirky, cultural place made from shipping containers and a lot of amazing creatives. Here you will find countless food trucks with every food you can think of, some great bars and each area you enter looks different form the last, so the vibes are never ending! You can stop by for some food or stay late for a fun party and some dancing!
And that’s it! That’s how I spent my day in Gdańsk and I hope it helps you plan your day in this gorgeous, colourful city. Have fun!
As always, love Elise x
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FAQ
Q: Where is Gdańsk located? Gdańsk is a port city situated on the northern coast of Poland, along the Baltic Sea. It’s very easy to get to with amazing train links between cities.
Q: How is the weather in Gdańsk throughout the year? The best times to visit weather-wise are probably early April to late October. Winters (December to February) are very cold, while summers (June to August) are mild.
Q: Is English widely spoken in Gdańsk? English is commonly spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by younger generations.
Q: What are the transportation options in Gdańsk? It’s really easy to get around in Gdańsk. Most things are accessable by walking and it’s always the best way to see the city too! But if the journey is too far, you can also use trams, buses, taxis, and water trams.
Q: Are there any day trips or excursions from Gdańsk? Yes, you can take day trips to Sopot, Gdynia, Malbork Castle, or the Kashubian region for a taste of Polish culture, history, and natural beauty. Find a tour to book via Viator, here.
Q: What are some local dishes to try in Gdańsk? Some local dishes to try in Gdańsk include pierogi (dumplings), barszcz (beet soup), ryba po grecku (Polish-style fish), and bigos (hunter’s stew). I personally LOVED the dumplings!
Q: Is Gdańsk a safe city for tourists? Yes, Gdańsk is generally considered a safe city, but as always, be cautious and look out for pickpockets.
Q: Are there any beaches in Gdańsk? Yes, Gdańsk has several beautiful beaches just a short train journey from the city centre. Everyone’s favourite seems to be Sopot!
Q: Can I use credit/debit cards in Gdańsk? Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Gdańsk, especially in urban areas. During my trip, I didn’t need to use any cash, even when I took taxis.
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