2-day Gdańsk itinerary: perfect for first-time visitors

If you’re looking for an unforgettable European city break, Gdańsk should be high on your list.  I visited recently with friends, and this Gdańsk itinerary is based on everything we packed into a fun and affordable weekend away. This historic port city on Poland’s Baltic coast is full of stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural charm, making it one of the best destinations for a short break in Europe.

What makes Gdańsk extra special is its coastal setting.  Just 20 minutes from the beach, you can easily combine a city break with some downtime at the seaside.  Whether you’re into medieval landmarks, bars, sightseeing or history, there’s something for everyone. This guide shows you how to spend two nights in the city, including a day trip to the beach at nearby Sopot and all the top things to do in Gdańsk.

Gdańsk is one of Poland’s most underrated cities and that’s exactly what makes it so special. With its colourful Old Town, fascinating history, and access to the beautiful Baltic coast, Gdańsk offers a little bit of everything: culture, charm, and seaside relaxation.  It’s a compact city, so ideal for a weekend getaway.

Two days in Gdańsk is the perfect amount of time to soak up the city’s highlights, explore the beautifully preserved Old Town, and even squeeze in a trip to the beachside resort town of Sopot. You really can fit a lot into a 48-hour Gdańsk itinerary and have a lot of fun too!  However, that said, you could easily spend more time, as Gdańsk offers plenty of extra attractions, including some of Poland’s top museums and the historical shipyards.

So come with us to discover the perfect 2-day itinerary for first-timers in Gdańsk and some top tips on how to make the most of your weekend getaway.

Day one of this Gdańsk itinerary is all about finding your feet and exploring Gdańsk’s beautiful Old Town.

One of the best things about a weekend break in Gdańsk is that it’s so easy to travel to.  Take an early flight into Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, and within half an hour, you’ll be checking into your apartment or hotel in the Old Town.

Drop off your bags and you’ll be ready to explore.  We found a stylish, affordable apartment just 10 minutes’ walk from the Old Town – the location couldn’t have been better!

Start your first morning exploring the beautiful Old Town of Gdańsk.  Begin at the Golden Gate on Dlugi Targ (Long Market), the main pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with colourful façades and cafés.

It’s home to some of Gdańsk’s most famous attractions, such as Artus Court, the Torture Museum, the Town Hall, and the famous pastel merchant houses.  These are not the original buildings but were lovingly restored after the Second World War.

Don’t miss a selfie at Neptune’s Fountain, one of the city’s most photographed spots and a nod to Gdańsk’s maritime heritage.

With help from our itinerary, it’s easy to do a self-guided tour, but if you want to find out about the history of the city, sign up for a guided walking tour.  Dlugi Targ is an excellent place to start your visit to Gdańsk but it is a popular tourist area, so expect it to be busy.  Another way to see the top sights in Gdańsk is with a bike tour led by a local.

At the end of the Dluga Street, head through the Green Gate to the area by the Motlowa Embankment.

Next, cross the bridge to Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów). This area has been totally revitalised with modern bars, restaurants, and stunning river views. It’s a good place to stop for lunch.

From this side of the river, you’ll get a perfect view of the medieval Gdańsk Crane.  It remains one of oldest port cranes in Europe, a reminder of when Gdańsk was a busy trade port.

From there, you can continue over to Olowianka Island to see the Amber Sky Ferris Wheel and the big GDAŃSK sign—another classic photo opportunity!

You’ll want to explore both sides of the river, so loop back across the river and stroll across the opposite bank.

Whilst you’re here, make a stop at Goldwasser Restaurant to try its signature Goldwasser liqueur, a spirit flecked with real gold flakes!  I’m not sure how healthy it is to drink gold.  However, this is a beautiful restaurant and also one of the most recommended places to eat in Gdańsk.

After your pit stop, head to Mariacka Street, one of Gdańsk’s most charming streets, filled with amber shops and amazing architecture.  Look out for the Spewers, Gothic gargoyle rain gutters which spit out water on a wet day.

End your afternoon at St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world.  Admission to the church is free, and if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 400 steps in the tower for some of the best views over the Old Town.

On our first evening, we dined at Literacka, a cosy restaurant tucked beside St Mary’s Church.  It has a warm vibe and offers a good choice of Polish cuisine.

After dinner, head to Flisak 76 on Chlebnicka Street, a quirky basement bar that serves some of the imaginative cocktails we’ve ever seen!  The whole place has a circus theme, including all the drinks.  Imagine cocktails with popcorn, candyfloss and even mini merry-go rounds.  We absolutely LOVED it!

If you’re looking for one of the most unique cocktail bars in Gdańsk, this is it.

On day two, catch a quick 20-minute train from Gdańsk to the pretty seaside town of Sopot.  It’s part of the Tricity area along with Gdańsk and Gdynia and feels like a mini seaside holiday within your city break.

On arrival, make a beeline for the Sopot Pier, the longest wooden pier in Europe. You can enjoy brunch in Meridian Restauracja, located at the entrance to the pier, before walking to the end to look round the marina.  There’s a small entrance fee to get onto the pier.

In the afternoon, you could sign up for a cruise around the bay or spend your it simply relaxing on the beach.  Sopot has a long beach, with soft golden sand.  Even if you don’t fancy a swim, you can enjoy a paddle in the calm Baltic waters.  There are also several bars along the beach, so you can stop for food and drink.

Before heading back to Gdańsk, take a wander down Monte Cassino Street, Sopot’s main pedestrian thoroughfare.  This is a lively street with shops, and cafés .

Keep an eye out for the Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), and take the opportunity to try a Twister ice-cream, a local speciality.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants if you want to spend the evening in Sopot,  but we chose to return to Gdańsk.

For your second evening in Gdańsk, we recommend Restauracja Bazar, a cosy spot near Granary Island that’s perfect for trying authentic Polish cuisine, especially the pierogi (dumplings), which are a must-try.  That said, the riverside area is full of great options, so feel free to just wander and pick a place that catches your eye.  This part of the city really comes alive at night and has a great atmosphere.

If you didn’t get a chance to walk along the Motława River at night on your first evening, this is the perfect time.  The waterfront is beautifully illuminated, and the lights reflecting on the water look amazing.

Before heading home, make a quick stop at one of Gdańsk’s traditional vodka bars to sample Poland’s national drink.  It’s super cheap and there’s plenty of flavours to choose from.

Try to book your return flight for the afternoon or evening, so you can squeeze in more sights on your last day.  After breakfast (we went to the Kaiser Café), head back to the Motlowa Embankment to take a boat to Westerplatte.

Westerplatte is the historic peninsula where WWII began, making it one of the most significant landmarks in Gdańsk.  It’s somewhere you should visit if you’re interested in Polish history or just fancy a trip out of the Old Town.

We booked the pirate-themed boat tour, which turned out to be a lot of fun.  Along the way, you’ll pass the old docks whilst listening to an audio guide explaining the importance of Westerplatte in Gdańsk’s WWII history.  On the return journey, our pirate even sang sea shanties, albeit in Polish.

It’s a great option if you want a boat with a bar or something a bit quirky, but there are also more traditional boat tours in Gdańsk if you prefer a quieter trip.  The boat trips usually start on the riverside near the Hilton Hotel.

After the boat trip, return for a quick lunch at the Slony Spichlerz Foodhall, before collecting your bags and returning to the airport.

If you want to spend more than 2 days in Gdańsk, consider these top Gdańsk attractions:

Museum of the Second World War – An immersive museum dedicated to the events and aftermath of WWII.

European Solidarity Centre – A museum focused on the history of Solidarity, the Polish trade union, and its role in the fall of communism.

Gdańsk Shipyard – The birthplace of the Solidarity movement and still an active hub for art, history, and culture today.

The nearest airport is Gdańsk Lech Walesa Airport.  From here her can take the train or Bus 210 into the city centre.  As we were travelling in a group, we took a taxi.  Once you’re there, it’s easy to get around without a car.

• Luxury Accommodation:  Radison Blu Hotel is a luxury, 5-star hotel in the centre of Gdańsk
• Mid-budget Accommodation:  Gotyk House is located in a stunning old building, in the heart of Gdańsk
• Budget Accommodation:  Liberum Residence has an excellent location in Dluga Street

With so much to see, you might prefer to take a guided tour in Gdańsk.

• City cruise on a historical polish boat
• Guided walking tour in English
• Highlights bike tour

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