On our trip to Gdansk, Poland, we were determined to go beyond the city center and explore the broader region.
Fascinating historic sites dot the landscape surrounding the city – and the long stretch of shoreline is especially enticing during the summer months.
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With an excellent network of affordable public transportation, we easily planned our DIY Gdansk day trips. Now we’re showing you how you can do the same!
Why Plan Day Trips from Gdansk
Although organized tours are convenient, they can also be quite expensive. By planning our own outings, we kept our budget in check.
Touring places at your own pace also allows for time to wander, rather than being herded around on a tight schedule. On our self-planned excursions, we were able to linger as long as we liked!
Best DIY Gdansk Day Trips
When planning your Gdansk itinerary, we recommend squeezing in at least one adventure further afield.
After ticking off the top things to see in the Gdansk Old Town, set off to experience one of these nearby destinations!
#1 Sopot
If we only had time for one day trip from Gdansk (and the weather was nice), we would absolutely go to Sopot. The quaint seaside town is one of Poland’s top tourist destinations!
Although there are only a few ‘sights’, the top reasons to visit Sopot are the sandy beaches, fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere.
Planning a Gdansk to Sopot Day Trip
Perhaps one of the easiest day trips to plan, Sopot and Gdansk are incredibly well-connected. Getting to Sopot is as simple as hopping on a train!
From the Gdansk Main Train Station, you are whisked there in less than 20 minutes and tickets cost 6.50zl ($2) each way.
That said, a unique way of transiting between the two cities is via the Gdansk-Sopot Ferry. There’s only a few trips a day and it costs quite a bit more, but traveling by boat is just fun!
Things To Do on a Day Trip to Sopot
Planning what to do in Sopot will likely revolve around the beach and pier…but there are a few more things to see!
Walk Monciak Street
Officially named Ulica Bohaterow Monte Cassino, most locals call the main pedestrian thoroughfare Monciak.
Strolling the length of the street is a must on your Sopot to-do list. Riddled with restaurants, cafes and pubs, it leads directly to Sopot’s famous pier.
Along the way, you will surely see the Crooked House. Honestly, it really can’t be missed!
The design was inspired by a fairytale, but the building is actually part of a shopping center. Still, it’s an interesting Sopot sightseeing attraction.
Sopot Pier
Hands down, the best thing to do in Sopot is taking a walk on the pier. Dating to 1827, it ranks as the longest wooden pier in Europe and extends a quarter of a mile into the Bay of Gdansk.
At the end there is a restaurant and marina, where entertaining cruises depart. During the peak summer season, a ticket is required just to access the pier.
Fishing Harbor
Located three-quarters of a mile south of the pier on the Karlikowo Beach is the Sopot Fishing Harbor.
Fishermen sail out each day in traditional Kashubian boats and return mid-day, beaching their vessels right on the sand…hopefully with the daily catch!
If you’re hungry for lunch, order up a platter of fresh or smoked fish from the uber-popular Bar Przystań.
Sopot Beaches
Another top draw in Sopot is the beautiful beaches! To the north and south of the pier are miles of wide, sandy stands. Definitely not what we were expecting to see in Poland!
Kick off your shoes and walk with the sand between your toes, take a dip or catch some rays along the pristine shore.
Top Tip for Visiting Sopot
Want to spend longer than one day in Sopot? We get it! We ended up staying 2 nights on the seaside.
The charming Villa Sedan, which is conveniently located near the main pedestrian street and pier, offers clean and comfortable rooms – and the staff were super friendly!
#2 Oliwa
Technically a suburb of Gdansk, Oliwa has its own fascinating history that makes it well worth visiting…even for just a couple of hours!
We were drawn here for nature hikes, but ended up staying longer to see the famous cathedral and surrounding park. All that said, we still only spent a half day in Oliwa.
Planning a Gdansk to Oliwa Day Trip
Getting to Oliwa is just as simple as getting to Sopot. The short train ride from Gdansk will get you there in about 10 minutes.
Things To Do on a Day Trip to Oliwa
Oliwa doesn’t boast an abundance of sights either, but the few attractions are, admittedly, quite impressive.
Oliwa Park
With tree-canopied walkways, pristinely manicured hedges, hidden gardens and colorful flowerbeds, this is a gorgeous green space.
Situated on 10 acres, the park features exotic plants and a greenhouse – and somewhat surprisingly, it’s free to visit!
Museums in Oliwa
Two museums sit on the grounds of the Oliwa Park complex: The Department of Modern Art and the Ethnographic Museum.
Both are branches of the Gdansk National Museum and tickets are required (although, they do offer free entry on Fridays).
Oliwa Cathedral
Consecrated in 1594, the Cathedral in Oliwa is striking both inside and out. The decorative Baroque high altar, which emulates heaven and angels, is captivating.
However, it’s the ancient organ that took our breath away. Built in the 1700s (over a period of 30 years), it has more than 7,800 pipes. Every day there’s even free 20-minute concerts.
Pacholek Hill
Rising to the west of Oliwa Park is Pacholek Hill – and the lush forest that blankets its slopes is crisscrossed by multiple trails.
If you want to stretch your legs, follow the path that leads to the hilltop. Here, you will find a viewing platform that provides incredible 360-degree views of the greater Gdansk area!
Top Tip for Visiting Oliwa
With just a few attractions, you could easily make a stop in Oliwa on your way to or from Sopot – as both are on the same train line!
#3 Westerplatte
The Westerplatte Peninsula is known as the site where World War II officially began on September 1, 1939.
The dubious honor is memorialized with monuments and a museum – making it an educational day trip from Gdansk.
Whether you are a history buff or are just curious about how it played out, Westerplatte is the place to go.
Planning a Day in Westerplatte
The only way to get here without a car or organized tour is by city bus. The ride is inexpensive, but it will take about 45 minutes.
Route 106 or 138 both depart in front of Gdansk Station. You can check timetables and fares on the official website.
What To Do in Westerplatte
Once you make the trip from Gdansk to Westerplatte, there are a handful of sights you won’t want to miss.
Nowy Port Lighthouse
Although it appears to be a typical 19th century beacon with a Time Ball for navigation, this lighthouse is forever a part of history.
It marks the exact place where Nazis fired the first shots at Westerplatte, thus beginning the second World War.
Westerplatte Museums
A small museum located within Guardhouse Number 1, Wartownia 1 is a superb starting point for touring war-related sites in Westerplatte.
It details the 7-day battle that ensued when Nazis attacked the Polish military fort. Signs are in English, the staff are helpful and tickets are reasonably priced.
The Power Plant Exhibition is a new venue and is affiliated with the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk.
The displays here feature artifacts discovered during excavations – and cover a much longer timeline of history. Tickets are required.
Monument to the Defenders of Westerplatte
The 82-foot-tall Westerplatte Monument is a magnificent memorial. It consists of 236 granite blocks carved with inscriptions and bas-reliefs and stands on a 72-foot-tall hill.
Wartime Ruins
The Military Transit Depot was left in shambles after the war, but some relics still stand (although, just barely). Visitors are permitted to roam freely among the dilapidated buildings.
Westerplatte Promenade
A wide promenade follows the shoreline of the Gulf of Gdansk – and it’s wonderful place to walk, reflect and take in the views.
More Places to Visit near Gdansk
We only had time to visit Sopot, Oliwa and Westerplatte during our Gdansk trip – but there are a couple more places we are planning to see next time!
Gdynia
The northern outpost of the Tri-City Region (Gdansk and Sopot being the other two), Gdynia originated as a modest fishing village, but is now a modern seaport town.
The contemporary city boasts maritime museums, modernist architecture, beautiful beaches and a marina.
Speedy trains connect Gdynia and Gdansk – or you can join a private tour of the region and see them all in one day!
Malbork Castle
Touted as the largest castle in the world (by land area), Malbork was built by Teutonic Knights in the 13th century.
The medieval brick estate, which is comprised of a High, Middle and Outer Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tickets are a bit on the pricey side, but they do include an informative audio guide. The best way to reach Malbork from Gdansk is by train – but there are also buses and organized tours.
Gdansk Day Trip to Warsaw or Poznan
While it is possible to take a day trip to Poznan or Warsaw from Gdansk, we don’t necessarily recommend it. The one-way train journey to either exceeds two and an half hours, which we feel is slightly too long.
That said, both are great places to visit in Poland! Hopefully you can fit them into your vacation. Just be sure read our travel guides for One Day in Poznan and our complete Warsaw Itinerary!
Start planning your trip to Poland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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- What To Do in Wroclaw
- Must-Eat Polish Food (+ Best Restaurants in Wroclaw)
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