Cruise Port Stop Guide: Gdańsk, Poland
Updated January 28, 2026
Originally Published June 21, 2025
Gdańsk is one of Poland’s most beautiful and historically rich cities, located along the Baltic Sea. As a popular Baltic cruise destination, Gdańsk offers cruise passengers colorful architecture, medieval streets, amber shopping, and a powerful World War II and Solidarity movement history. Here’s all you need to know about the port Gydnia and how to plan your cruise stop including how to get to Gdańsk and what to see, do and eat!
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Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is absolutely free for you/does not cost you anything extra! There’s no sponsored content nor do I run ads here so this helps so much in reducing the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active.Thanks! Rosemary
- book activities via GetYourGuide(GYG) or Viator & day/spa/pool passes with ResortPass
- combine that with using a shopping portal to earn cashback or miles
- Stay connected/informed with T-Mobile or Airalo
- Read this for info on GYG and this for why I use Viator and this for more on ResortPass
- Details on using Rakuten for cashback and here’s for AA eShopping
- Here’s why I love T-Mobile & the deets on using Airalo
Want to save 5% on a GetYourGuide activity or excursion? Book via app with discount code: BEAUTLIFEWORLD5.
For more on the discount code specifically, read this and on GetYourGuide in general, read this
LOGISTICS
PORT: Gdynia | CURRENCY: Polish Zloty (ZŁ/PLN)
DOCK | Arrival: 10:00 | Departure 19:00 1 USD = 4.02 ZŁ/PLN (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE)
LANGUAGE: Polish
Cześć – hello (cheshch) | Do widzenia – good bye (doh vee-DZEN-ya)
Proszę – please (PROH-sheh) | Dziękuję – thank you (jen-KOO-yeh)
MONEY MATTERS
Credit cards were widely accepted (other than the bus). I had read that in Poland, tipping is seen as a gesture of appreciation rather than a requirement, and has become more common especially in touristy areas. Rounding taxi fares up to the nearest 10%, adding a couple of zloty onto your bar bill, up to 20% on a food bill for good service, small daily tip for hotel housekeepers of 5- 15 ZŁ, 1-2 zloty/piece of luggage from bell persons(luggage attendants), around 10% for a great tour guide.
COMMUNICATION
English is spoken in touristic parts of Poland
PORT INFO
Trójmiasto (TRI-CITY)
This was an interesting stop as the first decision would be where to spend our day as the boat docked in Gdynia (guh-DIN-yah) which along with Sopot and Gdansk (guh-DAYNSK) makes up the Trójmiasto (Tri-city) area (as seen in the map below)
Gdynia is the youngest of the three cities as it was established in 1926 and is a developing harbor city with a long and accessible coastline. Sopot is the smallest of the three and is best know as a resort town with sandy beaches along its shore. Gdańsk is the largest of the trio with a long and quite storied history.
BEAUTIFUL TIP: Reminder that arrival times for port days are estimates for when the ship will be docked and may not be when the port has given approval to the ship to allow passengers to get off. IF the activity start time is close to arrival times, I will always reach out the activity/tour provider and find out exactly what their policy is if I am not able to be there on time. I have found that many operators are flexible especially if the majority/all of the participants are from the cruise ship but some may not be able to accommodate late arrivals with no refund given. Whilst both scenarios are valid business practices, don’t make the mistake of finding out it’s the latter when you aren’t able to join!
CRUISE TERMINAL LOGISTICS
When I was on my MSC Baltics Cruise, we ultimately decided to focus our port day in Gdańsk with its historical importance. It is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from Gdynia with the following options to get from our ship to the city.
- Train: Take the SKM (Fast City Rail) from Central Station (Gdynia Główna). The ride to Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) takes about 30 minutes and costs around 10 ZŁ. BUT you also need to include time to get from the port to the Central station and from Main Station to the Old town which can bring the travel time to 60-75 mins and costs up depending if you walk or use other transportation. Note that you must pay cash for the bus that takes you from the cruise port to Gdynia Główna
- Ride Services/Taxi/Private Transfer: Taxis are available at the port. A one-way trip to Gdańsk takes about 30-40 minutes and costs approximately 120-150 ZŁ. FYI: I downloaded the BOLT app so we opted to share an XL Bolt with three others into town that costs 120 ZŁ/$30.04 and the Bolt for our return trip to port was 75.08ZŁ/$18.81 to maximize our time.
- Cruise Ship Excursion/Transport Option: When I sailed with MSC, they had this option – I think it was 25 Euros(?)
TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS/TOURS/ACTIVITIES
Main Town Gdańsk Walking Tour
My favorite way to learn about a place is to join a walking tour as they always give so much great information and helps me get a bearing on a place and also helps hone in on what other things/activities I should do whilst in town. This top rated two and half hour tour will show around the beautiful Old Town Area and also put the buildings and citizens into perspective especially the big role Gdańsk has played repeatedly in history.
Gdańsk: City Sightseeing Tour by Buggy/Golf Cart
This highly rated, small group tour is perfect for those with limited mobility or needing/wanting a shorter tour as it is 1 hour long – and because you will be traveling in a golf cart/electric buggy, you will be able to see more of Gdańsk than by walking!
Gdansk Highlights Bicycle 3 Hour Tour
If you want to stay active but cover more ground than you would on a walking tour, then you’ll want to take this three hour biking tour whilst in Gdańsk
Segway Tour Gdańsk: Old Town 1.5 Hour Tour
Learn about and see Gdańsk from the comfort of a Segway on this 1.5 hour tour.
Gdansk City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat
See Gdańsk as many did for centuries on a small (12 seater) based on a model used on Polish rivers for centuries, reaches parts taller ships simply can’t reach, with live commentary from your guide on this highly rated 1 hour boat tour
Gdańsk Sightseeing Kayak Tour at Gdansk
This 5* rated two and half hour tour will give you the opportunity to explore Gdańsk from the water with access to canals that ferries cannot enter.
PIEROGI classes with Masterchef
I love learning how to make local specialities which is one of the best souvenirs: learning the art of making pierogi dumpling in this fun Gdansk masterclass, held in a restaurant that specializes in them. Over the evening, you’ll prepare two different types of pierogi alongside a specialist chef, enjoy a local appetizer with rye bread, and wash it all down with Gdańsk craft beer and two shots of regional liqueurs.
Gdansk Food and Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
For those that want to eat your way through Gdańsk, take this 5* rated food tour in which you will sample a variety of Polish delights, paired with exceptional local vodka and beer
Gdansk Sopot and Gdynia 3 Cities Private Full-Day Tour
For those wanting to see the entire Tri-City area, you will want to book this private tour that includes pickup and drop off, including from the cruise port.
Stutthof Concentration Camp English Tour with Gdansk Hotel pickup
No need to figure out transportation on your own as you will have transportation to the first concentration camp in Poland which you will visit with a tour guide on this tour
GDAŃSK, POLAND
To say that Gdańsk has a rich and turbulent history would be a bit of an understatement. Established over a thousand years ago with records referring to it as a settlement from as early as 997 AD. Due to it’s position on the coast of the Baltic Sea, it became a vital port and trading hub for the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. It was the wealthiest city in Poland during the 16th and 17th centuries.
In the last 1,000 years, the city has been independent for 700 years but due to its strategic location, it has often also been a contested and foreign ruled territory. Throughout its history, Gdańsk has been part of Poland, Prussia, and Germany, and has also existed as the Free City of Danzig under the League of Nations.
Gdańsk continues to have an outsized role in modern day history as with the Germans invading Poland at Westerplatte in 1939 which was the symbolic start of World War II. And then in the 1980’s, the anti-communist Solidarity movement emerged from Gdańsk’s shipyards, contributing to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
But Gdańsk cannot or should not be defined only by its past, it is a vibrant city that blends its storied past with modern culture. I found that mix and the city to be quite charming especially with its colorful facades and beautiful architecture.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Walking
Very walkable city as many sites are within short/medium walking distance of Main Station (Gdańsk Główny); here are some of the attractions/main sights within Gdańsk with walking distance/time info from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny)
- Muzeum Bursztynu. Oddział Muzeum Gdańska (Amber Museum): 600 meters / 9-12 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny)
- European Solidarity Centre: 850 meters / 12-15 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny)
- Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary’s Church): 1.2 kilometers / 17-21 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny)
- Muzeum II Wojny Światowej (Museum of the Second World War): 1.2 kilometers / 18-22 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny)
- Długi Targ (Long Market): 1.4 kilometers / 19-24 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny)
Public Transport: Trams + City Buses + SKM (Fast City Rail)
Single use tickets can be bought from vending machines at stops, or at kiosks and from tram drivers – validate the tickets inside the vehicle
Electric Scooters
Rent an electric scooter to quickly zoom around town.
Bolt / Uber / Taxi
I used Bolt when we were in town.
TOP ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTEREST
Długi Targ (Long Market) + Old Town
Walk through this iconic street filled with colorful, historic townhouses. Stop at the Main Town Hall for panoramic views from the tower.
- Must-see landmarks
- Neptune Fountain: A symbol of Gdańsk’s maritime history.
- Artus Court: Once a meeting place for merchants, it’s now a museum showcasing Gdańsk’s history.
- Golden Gate and Green Gate: Architectural gems that mark the boundaries of the historic city center.
- Mariacka Street: A charming cobblestone street lined with amber shops and historic facades.
Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary’s Church)
Within Gdańsk: 1.2 kilometers / 17-21 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Also known as the Crown of Gdańsk, it is one of the world’s largest brick churches and is large enough to accommodate a staggering 25.000 people! To put that into perspective, the National Cathedral in Washington DC can seat 4,000! Besides being able to admire the beautiful Gothic architecture (more exterior and interior) there are many other noteworthy things to see:
- Art works such as the Gdańsk Pietà or the (still in process of being finished!) Amber Altar
- The massive astronomical clock standing 46 feet (14 meters) high . A unique feature for this clock is that each day, at 11:57 to be precise, a procession of wooden figures of the apostles goes past, followed by death, culminating in Adam and Eve tolling the noon hour which we were not able to see.
- The 256 feet (78 meters) tower -climbing the 405 steps leads to what I have been told is one of the best views of the city! Unfortunately we had come when storms and fog had rolled in as seen in the photos above
- Beautiful tip: visiting the church is not allowed during Holy Mass but the tower and viewpoint remain accessible unless there’s bad weather (we started the day in sunshine and ended in clouds and rainstorms!)
Muzeum II Wojny Światowej (Museum of the Second World War)
Within Gdańsk: 1.2 kilometers / 18-22 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) I will admit that I could spend days on end in museums but I have talked with others that don’t typically venture to them but agreed that this should be high on your list to visit. Plan for at least 2.5–4 hours to fully engage with the exhibits. Here’s my post on the exhibits and my experience
Motława River + The Crane
Within Gdańsk: 1.7 kilometers / 24-31 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Take a stroll along the waterfront and admire the historic crane, which once served as a port crane and is now considered one of the symbols of the city of Gdańsk
Westerplatte
Outside Gdańsk: 12 kilometers away (Bus + walking or SKM + Bus + Walking/Scooters / Ride Service): On 1 September 1939 the Germans attacked the Westerplatte peninsula in the port of Gdańsk. This assault marks the beginning of the Second World War. There’s a memorial and remnants of fortifications. If you want to go here but don’t want to have to figure out how to get there, book this:
Europejskie Centrum Solidarności (European Solidarity Center)
Within Gdańsk: 850 meters / 12-15 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Museum & Library dedicated to modern Polish history & prominent trade union movement. Learn about the Solidarity movement and its impact on European history
OTHER ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Muzeum Bursztynu. Oddział Muzeum Gdańska (Amber Museum)
Within Gdańsk: 600 meters / 9-12 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Gdańsk is famous for its amber craftsmanship. This museum showcases exquisite amber artifacts
Muzeum Gdańska – Ratusz Głównego Miasta (Museum of Gdańsk – Main Town Hall)
Within town: 1.3 kilometers / 18-22 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Gothic-Renaissance town Hall with highlight being tower’s observation deck for view over Gdańsk
Gdańsk Shipyard
Within town: 2.1 kilometers / 29-38 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Historic shipyard known for the 1980 Solidarity trade union movement with tours of landmarks today
Narodowe Muzeum Morskie w Gdańsku (National Maritime Museum)
Within Gdańsk: 1.7 kilometers / 24-31 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Dockyard setting for reconstructed 17th-century granaries, housing modern national maritime museum.
Muzeum Narodowe w Gdańsku. Oddział Sztuki Dawnej (National Art Museum)
Within town: 1.5 kilometers / 23-30 min walk from Main Station (Gdańsk Główny) Fine art showcase best known for its massive, 15th-century Last Judgment triptych by Hans Memling.t for how the town became the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Through its exhibits, visitors can learn about the early settlers and Akureyri’s evolution over time.
Stutthof Concentration Camp / Museum
Outside of Gdańsk: 55 kilometers First concentration camp in Poland
SEASONAL TIPS FOR VISITING GDAŃSK + HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Choosing the best time to visit Gdańsk, Poland depends on weather, cruise schedules, and local events. As a Baltic Sea city, Gdańsk experiences distinct seasons, each offering a different cruise port experience.
- Spring in Gdańsk (April–May)
- Best for: Sightseeing, fewer crowds, comfortable walking weather
- Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit Gdańsk on a cruise. The city begins to bloom, temperatures rise, and tourist numbers remain manageable.
- Daytime temperatures: 50–65°F (10–18°C)
- Spring Highlights & Events
- Easter (March/April): Beautiful church services and traditional Polish Easter markets
- St. Dominic’s Fair preparations: Early setup for summer’s biggest event
- Local cafés reopen outdoor seating
- Beautiful Tip: Pack a light jacket and waterproof layer as spring showers are common but brief.
- Summer in Gdańsk (June–August) – Peak Cruise Season
- Best for: Festivals, warm weather, extended port days
- Summer is the most popular time to visit Gdańsk, Poland cruise port, with frequent ship arrivals and vibrant street life.
- Daytime temperatures: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Major Summer Festivals
- St. Dominic’s Fair (Jarmark Dominikański – July/August): One of Europe’s largest outdoor fairs with crafts, amber jewelry, food stalls, and live music
- Shanties Sea Songs Festival (July): Maritime folk music celebrating Gdańsk’s seafaring history
- Baltic Sail Gdańsk (July): Tall ships, sailing parades, and waterfront events
- Beautiful Tip: Book tours and restaurants in advance. Start sightseeing early to avoid midday crowds.
- Fall in Gdańsk (September–October)
- Best for: Cultural visits, fewer tourists, mild temperatures
- Fall is a fantastic shoulder season for visiting Gdańsk during a cruise stop, offering cooler air and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Daytime temperatures: 50–65°F (10–18°C)
- Fall Events
- All Saints’ Day (November 1 – preparations in late October): A significant Polish holiday with candle-lit cemeteries
- Cultural festivals and concerts at the European Solidarity Centre
- Beautiful Tips: Bring layers and plan indoor attractions like museums in case of rain. Autumn is a great time to visit + make time to check out the fall colors along the Motława River
- Winter in Gdańsk (November–March)
- Best for: Christmas markets, festive atmosphere, fewer tourists
- Winter cruise calls are limited, but Gdańsk transforms into a cozy, festive destination during the holiday season.
- Daytime temperatures: 25–40°F (-4–4°C)
- Winter Highlights
- Gdańsk Christmas Market (late November–December): One of Poland’s best, featuring mulled wine, crafts, and local food
- New Year’s celebrations along Long Market
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUNDAY PORT CALLS
- Sunday visits in Gdańsk require a bit of planning due to Polish trade laws.
- Shops & Stores:
- Large shops and malls are usually closed on Sundays
- Small souvenir shops, amber stores, cafés, and restaurants remain open
- Tourist areas like Long Market and Mariacka Street stay lively
- Attractions & Museums:
- Most major attractions remain open
- Some museums offer free or reduced admission on Sundays
- Restaurants are often busier—reservations recommended
- Public Transport runs normally but on a reduced schedule
- Sunday Cruise Tip: Plan museum visits, walking tours, and dining rather than shopping malls.
EAT / DRINK
- Where & What I Ate
- IYKYK but for those new here, I eat a LOT of ice cream/gelato and always try to check out a local shop when I travel. And this would be the start of one of the weirdest trends for the trip; my inability to get a triple scoop cone – it was hard enough convincing the worker that I did indeed want two scoops for myself that I considered this to be a win! I can’t remember where we went for this….nor can I say with certainty now what flavors I had
- Dobra Paczkarnia: snickers donut
- Pierogarnia U Dzika :We split an order of the traditional boiled dumplings and a baked variety.
Or consider trying one of these top rated restaurants / bar
- Restauracja Pod Łososiem: historic dining & vodka tasting
- Goldwasser Restaurant: classic Polish dishes by the river
- Drukarnia Café: coffee and desserts
- Chleb i Wino: pizza and modern Polish food
- Gdański Bowke: quick local meals
Must-try dishes: Pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), zurek soup, smoked fish
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
Best Shopping Areas
- Long Market & Old Town streets
- Mariacka Street: famous for amber
- Forum Gdańsk Mall: modern shopping near the Old Town
What to Buy in Gdańsk
- Baltic amber jewelry
- Hand-painted ceramics
- Polish vodka or local honey and chocolates
- Linen textiles
- Wooden folk crafts
Beautiful Tip: Buy amber only from reputable shops with certificates.
FAQ + GOOD TO KNOW FOR VISITING GDAŃSK ON A CRUISE
- How far is the Gdańsk cruise port from the Old Town?
- Approximately 10–15 kilometers or 20–30 minutes by car or shuttle.
- Is Gdańsk walkable?
- Yes. Once you reach the Old Town, Gdańsk is very walkable, with flat streets and pedestrian zones. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to cobblestones.
- What is Gdańsk best known for?
- Amber, medieval architecture, Solidarity history, and its beautiful Old Town.
- What time zone is Gdańsk in?
- Gdańsk follows Central European Time (CET) and does observe daylight savings. Be sure to double-check your ship’s time before returning to the port!
Not sure what to pack for a cruise? Here’s the essentials you will need in the ultimate cruise packing guide & here’s all of my packing guide and lists
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About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
