Gdansk pocket guide.
In the central north of Poland, the perfectly preserved medieval city of Gdansk harbours a long and storied history within its colourful and cobbled maze. From its existence as the Free City of Danzig to the trendy hub it is today, this coastal city has played a pivotal role in European culture for centuries.
🏰 Sights, Culture + Experiences.
Steeped in rich history, Gdansk was known as the Free City of Danzig during the Second World War, the site of the battle that ignited the war. The city’s history is documented as part of an expansive exhibition at the Museum of the Second World War (📷). Complete with an intergalactic design, it has been consistently ranked amongst the best museums in Central Europe.
Formerly the bustling centre of trade and social events in Gdansk, the opulent Artus Court served as a hive of activity for merchants and their customers, crucial to the success of the city. Nowadays, the building and colourful townhouses that surround it serve as a perfect spot to snap a great picture to commemorate your visit.
The prevalence of colourful Dutch architecture aligning the quaint streets of Gdansk are a visual treat, especially on Mariacka Street (📷) — a charming lane encapsulated on both sides by beautiful townhouses.
A short 15 minute drive outside of the city centre, the suburb of Oliwa is an essential visit. Pristine Oliwski Park (📷) is a delight to wander through, with countless floral arrangements and greenhouses filled with exotic plants. The park is stunning at all times of year, maintaining blossoming greenery in all its glory during summer, whilst towering hedges are adorned with festive fairy lights during the winter.
The coastal location of Gdansk not only established the city as a major port in Northern Europe, but has also lent itself to become an unsuspecting beach getaway. During the summer months, the two main beaches of Brzeźno (📷) and Stogi are buzzing with locals who flock to the seaside to lap up the seasonal sunshine and have fun.
🍸 Bars + Nightlife.
A trip to Gdansk is sure to be unforgettable if you value diverse and lively nightlife. Definitely a hidden gem by European standards, the city has birthed its own unique after hours scene that has started to turn heads across the continent. For any and all who pride themselves at being on the cutting edge of exciting new trends, check out Gdansk soon before the word is well and truly out!
Explore multiple levels of eerie cool at Bunkier Klubogaleria, a neon-lit labyrinth of a nightclub that features eyebrow raising decor, including nude mannequin torsos nailed atop urinals to rusty jail cells. At times, it may feel as though you have stumbled on to the set of a horror movie, yet the vibe is pulled off effectively and elevates the atmosphere.
Inspired by the creative movement in Berlin, industrial hideaway Protokultura steers adventurous tourists off the beaten path. An alternative crowd attends unabashedly crazy events in this arts venue-come-club, secretively nestled inside the winding maze of an old shipyard.
Café by day, laid-back bar by night, the quirky decor of Jozef K creates an incredibly cosy ambience to relax in. Hip and friendly staff and local clientele create a combo so infectious that you might find yourself having lunch here and returning to spend the night socialising with newfound friends.
Close by, firm local favourite Cybermachina exhibits a similar carefree vibe, with varied selection of beers and retro decor paired with arcade, board and card games available to be played.
🥟 Food + Drink.
Affordability is found throughout Poland, and Gdansk is no exception. Although not drastically cheap, there is still a lot of opportunities to get incredible value for money when it comes to food and drink.
Don't be fooled by Oliwa Do Ognia — contrary to its name, this amazing pizzeria is not located in Oliwa, rather on the fringes of the central city, and it is well worth visiting if you are on a budget. Dishing up affordable and fulfilling wood-fired pizzas from its traditional brick ovens, this is a great place to grab a meal that will set you up for sightseeing.
Located directly across the road from here you will find Surfburger — an award winning burger joint that is equally as tasty as it is affordable.
Whilst in Oliwa visiting the sights, there is the chance to grab some of the best food in the city from one of the local haunts. The unassuming exterior of hip bistro Pobitegary conceals the vibrant modern interior, decorated with numerous plants and bottles housed within a wall of shelves, and whips up contemporary dishes from its budget-friendly menu.
Beautiful both inside and out, local favourite Chleb i Wino — literally "bread and wine" — boasts a swanky gastropub interior, Italian-fusion menu and expansive selection of wines, which are proudly displayed on the walls of the restaurant. If you are in Gdansk with your significant other, or simply want to treat yourself to a quality meal then this place should be on your radar.
Accommodation.
Regardless of budget, it is possible to stay in Gdansk for an affordable price at all times of year. Backpackers and young travellers looking to embrace a more social experience can bag beds in hostels for less than £10 per night, and rooms in 4+ star hotels can easily be obtained for below £100.00. Fill out a search on Skyscanner, Hostelworld or Airbnb depending upon your travel style.
Dorms from £10.42 per night.
Rooms from £73.00 per night.
Rounding off.
Gdansk is a profoundly rewarding destination to visit in Central Europe, and rivals Krakow as the perfect introduction to travelling in Poland. Although the two cities share similarities, the history of Gdansk is marinated in a feeling of independence and strong native pride.
From the Free City of Danzig, all through the trials and tribulations of the Second World War, the locals have persevered and continue to prove what makes this city so unique and special to this day. With a unique and bustling nightlife scene, trendy restaurants and perfectly preserved past, Gdansk is a destination to keep your eye on in the future.
