Custom Trip Plan

Gdansk

Gdansk's strategic position has made it a city in demand. It sits on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the Vistula River, which also passes through Krakow and Warsaw. Founded in the 10th century by Poland's first ruler, Gdansk ("Danzig" to Germans), it has always been an important port. Gdansk had periods of Polish, Teutonic, Polish-Lithuanian, Prussian, Napoleonic, and German rule, and was even an independent "free city" between the world wars. Poland took it back after WWII. The city has long been a melting pot, inhabited by merchants from many countries. These influences are clear to see in the architecture of Gdansk. Narrow merchant houses call to mind Amsterdam and other Northern European port cities. Indeed, Gdansk is quite different in style to other Polish cities.

Poland's Tug-of-War City.
Gdansk is an historic port city with a multicultural atmosphere.

Gdansk's popularity with travelers is on the rise. The city is an ideal stop on a multi-city tour of Poland. That's because it contrasts so much with other major destinations like Warsaw and Krakow. Take a pleasure cruise upriver or just relax at a dockside beer garden, restaurant, or cafe. Maritime enthusiasts will enjoy the museums of Gdansk and museum ships of nearby Gdynia. Souvenir hunters will find plenty to catch the eye among the cobbled streets of Old Town and the central Long Market square. Local amber plays a significant role in many items on offer. Visiting Gdansk, you're ideally placed to explore the wider Tricity area, which includes the port city of Gdynia and the traditional resort town of Sopot. Gdansk has played a role in two defining events of the last century. World War II broke out here, and the Gdansk shipyards were the birthplace of the Solidarity movement. This movement led to the end of Communism in Poland and neighboring countries.

Video about Gdansk

Things to do in Gdansk

Historic Gdansk is a joy to wander around snapping photos, imagining times gone by, but to gain a true understanding we advise taking a tour with a private guide. The nearby Westerplatte Peninsula is where WWII broke out, and history buffs will find much to occupy them here. If visiting in summer, we highly recommend a short train ride to Sopot, one of the other Tri-cities, where you'll find sandy beaches and a traditional resort atmosphere. Foodies should opt for a food tour in workaday Gdynia, a little further along the coastal railroad. You'll get a true taste for Northern Polish cuisine, both traditional and modern. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.

Stutthof Concentration Camp Private Tour

Stutthof Concentration Camp Private Tour

Gdansk by Kayak Group Tour

Gdansk by Kayak Group Tour

Kashubian Switzerland Private Tour

Kashubian Switzerland Private Tour

World War II in Gdansk Private Tour

World War II in Gdansk Private Tour

Malbork Castle Private Tour

Malbork Castle Private Tour

Elblag Canal Group Tour with Private Transportation

Elblag Canal Group Tour with Private Transportation

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Gdansk

Spend some time in Gdansk on a tour that takes in other cities in Poland and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Gdansk and other destinations throughout Poland and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

Poland's Tantalizing Trio Custom Itinerary

Poland's Tantalizing Trio

Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk

from$2,550 pp^*

Luxury Tour of Poland Custom Itinerary

Luxury Tour of Poland

Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk

from$5,575 pp^*

Poland's Delightful Christmas Markets Custom Itinerary

Poland's Delightful Christmas Markets

Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk

from$2,800 pp^*

Poland Off The Beaten Path Custom Itinerary

Poland Off The Beaten Path

Gdansk, Torun, Mikolajki, Bialowieza, Kazimierz Dolny, Warsaw

from$4,875 pp^*

WWII Tour of Poland Custom Itinerary

WWII Tour of Poland

Gdansk, Warsaw, Lublin, Krakow

from$4,350 pp^*

The Polish Grand Tour Custom Itinerary

The Polish Grand Tour

Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk, Warsaw

from$3,125 pp^*

Nature & National Parks of Poland Custom Itinerary

Nature & National Parks of Poland

Gdansk, Mikolajki, Kiermusy, Bialowieza, Warsaw, Kazimierz Dolny, Krak...

from$7,400 pp^*

Prolonged Polish Peregrination Custom Itinerary

Prolonged Polish Peregrination

Warsaw, Bialowieza, Gdansk, Torun, Poznan, Wroclaw, Zakopane, Krakow, ...

from$7,225 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Where to stay in Gdansk

We have concentrated our hotel research in the historic center of Gdansk and the selection of hotels we offer there is second to none, with options in the three, four and five star categories. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Modern Design Hotel in Gdansk

Modern Design Hotel

A lovely four-star hotel right on the river, this is a great choice for simple elegance in the heart of the city.

Boutique Historical Hotel in Gdansk

Boutique Historical Hotel

Boutique hotel with charming five-star luxury rooms with an artistic 18th century ambience. It's situated on the river with views of Old Town.

Traditional Central Hotel in Gdansk

Traditional Central Hotel

Charming place in the Old Town, next to the Golden Gate with a view on one of the most beautiful streets in Gdansk. Cozy and clean rooms with amazing breakfast and hospitable personnel.

What we love about Gdansk

Team Leader for Central Europe & Baltic Region

An ideal place to explore the northern area of Poland. Gdańsk itself is very compact and you will find that it is very pleasant to walk and admire all the monuments. This region represents many important historical events in Poland, including the birth of the Solidarity movement and, as a consequence, the coming to power of the first democratically elected President of Poland, Lech Wałęsa. After crossing off all the important sights from the list of places to see, don't forget to check the coast with its wide sandy beaches.

Operations Executive

Gdansk is the pearl of Poland, I fell in love with it at first sight. It has a typical Hanseatic town vibe, the buildings are so beautifully restored. I wish I could have stayed for longer and explore more and more of it. I was impressed with The Museum of the Second World War which is probably one of the best museums I have ever visited in my life. You will learn and understand so much about Poland and Europe from these times, definitely worth the visit.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

5.0 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Gdansk, based on 23 reviews

Review by Cheryl, Christine, Carin & Amy

Cheryl, Christine, Carin & Amy

Illinois

JayWay Travel's preparation with all the tours, transfers, guides, restaurant suggestions made this trip so stress free! Every detail of the plans were perfect.

Year : 2024
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Krakow, Poznan, Gdansk
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Adalie, Ray, Anne & Andy

Adalie, Ray, Anne & Andy

Ohio

JayWay will work with you to create the trip of your dreams! From Zakopane to Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk - and the many small towns in between - we had a wonderful time!

Year : 2024
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Zakopane, Krakow, Warsaw, Kazimierz Dolny, Bialowieza, Mikolajki, Torun, Gdansk
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Andrew & Rosalie

Andrew & Rosalie

Arizona

The planning of such a big trip was so easy from start to finish. I will be recommending JayWay Travel to friends and family. Thank you for our dream trip.

Year : 2024
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Warsaw, Bialowieza, Gdansk, Torun, Poznan, Wroclaw, Zakopane, Krakow
Rating :

5 / 5

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Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Gdansk

How can I get around Gdansk?

Most of Gdansk's landmarks are in the Old Town, within walking distance of the accommodations we offer. If you'd like to go a bit further out, such as to Sopot's beaches, you can hop on a streetcar to get there, or even take a train from Gdansk's main station to Sopot or Gdynia. The local taxis are also reliable and affordable.

How long should I stay in Gdansk?

Gdansk may seem small and compact at first glance, but it offers plenty to see and do, so we recommend spending three nights (and sometimes four) there. Beyond the Old Town, you can visit the shipyard where the Solidarity movement began, or the Westerplatte, where World War II's first shots were fired. You can get to know the other Tricities, such as Sopot's beaches or Gdynia's museum ships, or head to Malbork, home to the world's largest castle, the brick wonder that served as the capital for the Teutonic Knights.

How can I take out local currency in Gdansk?

We recommend using one of the city's many bank ATMs.