Gdansk

Gdansk, located on Poland’s Baltic coast, is a historic seaport known for its maritime heritage, charming Old Town, and role in pivotal 20th-century events. Cruise passengers will find this destination rich in cultural landmarks, striking architecture, and opportunities to explore both vibrant city life and peaceful natural surroundings, all within a manageable timeframe ashore.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Gdynia, which services the Tricity area (Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot). Gdynia Cruise Terminal is approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) from Gdansk Old Town and offers shuttle buses, taxis, and tours. The terminal has modern facilities including tourist information points, restrooms, and souvenir shops. Travel time to central Gdansk is about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Transportation Options

• Taxi: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal and can reach Gdansk in about 30 minutes.
• Train: The SKM urban rail connects Gdynia to Gdansk; journey takes about 40 minutes.
• Shuttles and Tours: Organized excursions and shuttle buses are commonly offered by cruise lines.

Nearby cities include Sopot (14 km / 9 miles – 20 min), Malbork (60 km / 37 miles – 1 hr), and Elblag (60 km / 37 miles – 1.5 hrs).

Main Attractions in Gdansk

• Old Town – Cobbled streets, colorful facades, and Gothic churches define this beautifully restored area.
• St. Mary’s Church – One of Europe’s largest brick churches with panoramic views from its tower.
• Neptune Fountain and Long Market – Iconic symbols of the city’s Hanseatic past.
• European Solidarity Centre – A museum and cultural space celebrating Poland’s peaceful resistance movement.
• Motlawa River Promenade – Ideal for scenic strolls, lined with cafes, museums, and historic buildings.

Nearby touristic destinations

• Malbork Castle – Europe’s largest castle by land area, a UNESCO site (1 hr drive).
• Sopot – A coastal town famous for its long wooden pier, beaches, and spa culture (20 min drive).
• Westerplatte – Historic site of WWII’s first battle, with monuments and an open-air museum (25 min drive).
• Oliwa Park and Cathedral – Peaceful gardens and an organ hall with regular recitals (20 min drive).

Interesting Facts

• Gdansk was a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trade network.
• The Solidarity movement, which began in Gdansk, helped lead to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
• Amber, known as "Baltic gold," has been traded and crafted in Gdansk for centuries.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Gdansk sits on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea, forming part of the Tricity metropolitan area along with Sopot and Gdynia. The region features flat coastal plains, river estuaries, and maritime landscapes. The climate is temperate with mild summers, cool winters, and occasional sea breezes that influence the weather year-round.

Local Foods

• Pierogi – Dumplings filled with savory or sweet fillings, such as meat, cheese, or berries.
• Zurek – A sour rye soup with sausage and egg, traditionally served in a bread bowl.
• Smoked Fish – Baltic herring or mackerel smoked and served fresh at local markets.
• Bigos – A hearty stew of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and meat.
• Amber Liqueur – A unique regional drink made with herbs and amber essence.

Destination ‘secrets’

• Amber Museum – A lesser-known but fascinating museum in the old prison tower, showcasing ancient amber art.
• Ulica Mariacka – A quiet, picturesque street with boutiques and artisan amber shops, often overlooked by larger tour groups.
• Góra Gradowa – A small hill offering panoramic views and a science center, hidden near the city center.

Local Customs and Culture

Polish culture values hospitality, tradition, and family. In Gdansk, visitors will notice a mix of medieval, renaissance, and communist-era influences in architecture and culture. Respect for history and national pride is strong, especially around sites related to WWII and the Solidarity movement. Greetings are typically formal, and tipping (around 10%) is appreciated in restaurants.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Children up to 6 years old – Playgrounds in Old Town and swan boat rides on the park pond near the National Museum.
• Children between 7 and 12 – Visit the interactive exhibits at the Hevelianum science center or take a pirate-themed boat cruise.
• Teenagers aged 13 to 18 – Tour WWII sites, climb church towers, or take part in amber polishing workshops.

Notice: Port information is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this destination. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information such as visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app. Please note that distances, travel times and pricing may have some inaccuracies or may be outdated. Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. *