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15 Best Things to Do in Gdynia (Poland)

On Gdańsk Bay, Gdynia is a port city that sprouted in the interwar years of the 20th century. With white sandy beaches and coastal forest it quickly became a holiday resort, but was also Poland’s embarkation point for emigrants to America.

A new museum on this delicate topic and the Polish diaspora opened in 2015, and is joined by a few other attractions with maritime themes, like one of Poland’s top aquariums and a naval museum.

Having been built in the 1920s and 30s, Gdynia is endowed with more than its fair share of Modernist and early Functionalist architecture, and its apartment blocks, city amenities and museums bring a certain style to the city.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Gdynia:

1. Emigration Museum

In the interwar period this Modernist maritime terminal at Nabrzeże Francuskie (French Quay) was the point of departure for thousands of poles permanently leaving their homeland.

So at the beginning of the 2010s it was the obvious choice for a swish new museum about the phenomenon of emigration, opening to the public in 2015. The Emigration Museum has gathered lots of archive footage and photography, as well as sound recordings, firsthand testimony and personal items to paint a clear picture of why and how people departed for destinations like Brazil, Australia and the USA.

2. ORP Błyskawica

“Lightning” in English, this “Grom-class” destroyer is the oldest preserved ship of its kind in the world, having been commissioned in November 1937. ORP Błyskawica was built by the J. Samuel White shipyard on the Isle of Wight, and to save it from destruction was manoeuvred out of the Baltic on the eve of the Second World War.

After this it had a busy war, taking part in the evacuation at Dunkirk in 1940 and various battles in Europe and the North Atlantic.

The ORP Błyskawica became a museum ship in the 1970s, with a visitor trail that takes you over the deck to inspect a cross section of a torpedo, anti-aircraft guns, depth charges and naval mines.

Then you’ll go below, into the radio room, engine rooms and officers’ mess, with plaques explaining each area.

3. Dar Pomorza

Maintained by the Polish National Maritime Museum, this fully-rigged sailing ship is on the waterfront next to ORP Błyskawica and has had a career that has taken it around Europe.

Launched in Hamburg at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in 1909, she was sent to Great Britain in 1920 for war reparations.

After that Dar Pomorzia (Gift of Pomerania) became a training ship in France and then for the Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia.

In 1935 she was the first ship to sail around the world flying Polish colours.

And in the 1970s she was entered into tall ship races before retiring as a museum ship in 1983. You can go aboard to see the ship’s inner workings and read about its story on information panels.

4. Skwer Kościuszki (Kościuszko Square)

Named for Tadeuz Kościuszko Poland’s national hero who led the 1794 uprising against Russia, Skwer Kościuszki is somewhere you’ll keep returning to in Gdynia.

The city’s main square is more like a very broad promenade that leads onto the South Pier where the museum ships are docked.

Overlooking the square are Modernist tenement houses from the 1930s, as well as the Polish Navy’s command building, which was only decommissioned in 2014. A very cosmopolitan array of restaurants is at your fingertips in the square, and the marina, cinema, theatre aquarium and main museums are moments on foot.

5. Naval Museum

This institution looks after the ORP Błyskawica on the South Pier, but also has an indoor gallery at the building that it shares with the Gdynia City Museum.

The most valuable exhibit of all is waiting on the left wall just inside the entrance.

The Westerplatte Eagle is a bas relief of an eagle that used to adorn the entrance to the barracks at the Westerplatte Transit Depot.

This was found in a heap of rubble after the Second World War, as Westerplatte was the first land target in the German Invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939. The museum’s collections have been assembled since 1953 and feature uniforms and equipment, indoor and outdoor weaponry, medals, models, paintings and photography, mostly from the Second World War.

6. Kamienna Góra

Just south of the marina and South Pier is the most upscale neighbourhood in Gdynia.

An illustrious array of entrepreneurs and cultural figures have chosen this area for their villas over the last 80 years.

One of the reasons is its elevation, 50 metres over the rest of the city on an abrupt clay hill composed of till (glacial sediment). From the observation terrace, crowned with a monumental cross, you can trace the outline of Gdańsk Bay, see the yacht harbour and all of Gdynia’s northern districts.

7. Kamienna Góra Gdynia Funicular

The free funicular shuttling up and down the slope at Kamienna Góra is another new addition to the city, making its first trip in July 2015. The lower station is at the newly revitalised Plac Grunwaldzki, and both this and the upper station were designed to chime with Gdynia’s Modernist architecture.

The track is 115 metres long and there’s a single unmanned carriage that can take as many as 12 people up and down the slope between 10:00 and 22:00. The system is passenger operated, with buttons to call the train and start the journey.

8. Gdynia Beach

The main beach in Gdynia isn’t massive, but the location couldn’t be better, just down from the Marina and at the sitting below Kamienna Góra.

The fine white sandy beach curls around the bay for about 300 metres and is everything you could need on sunny days.

Although the water temperature is more than a little brisk, the beach is low-shelving and has ankle -high waves on calm days.

The sand is also hemmed by a long promenade that winds off into the Kępa Redłowska natural park to the south.

At its northern starting point are cafes and restaurants with outdoor tables giving way to a long grassy strip.

9. Orłowo Pier

Opened during the First World War, this pleasure pier serves the village and seaside resort of Orłowo a few short kilometres down the coast.

At one time, when Orłowo was competing with the neighbouring resort of Sopot, the pier was 430 metres long.

But after being swept away in a storm in 1949 it is now at 180 metres.

People love the pier today for the simple elegance of its whitewashed timbers and benches, and its views to the north of the Orłowski Cliffs.

For early risers there’s no better place to watch the sunrise, and within a couple of minutes you’ll come across a few cafes and restaurants.

10. Motor Museum

Stepping into this private automotive museum, you can tell that the owner has put a lot of love into the attraction.

There are 200 historic vehicles a hall with a vintage theme; even the floor is laid with Gdynia’s cobblestones from the 1920s.

The exhibition has 50 cars, which are outnumbered by by a collection 150 motorcycles from the first half of the 20th century, made by Indian, Harley-Davidson, Zündapp, Royal Enfield, BMW and the Polish Sokół brand.

Some special vehicles to seek out include the sleek WFM Osa moped, a Škoda Tudor, a Model T Ford and a Buick Master Six from the mid-1920s.

This last car still has its original coat of paint, upholstery and holds American air in its tyres.

11. Museum of Gdynia

Gdynia may be a new city, but its rapid development in the interwar period is well worth looking into.

This museum has lots of artefacts detailing those early years, with archive photography documenting the construction of the port and then its destruction during the Second World War.

There’s also a miscellany of documents from that time, like posters, driving licences, school certificates, passports, tickets, restaurant menus, maps and marriage certificates, shedding light on daily life in interwar Gdynia.

At the time of writing there were two short term exhibitions, for the history of Gdynia’s Protestant community, and the photography of Tadeusz Wański who photographed the city’s architecture in the 1920s.

12. Kępa Redłowska

Between Gdynia and Orłowo is a 118-hectare nature reserve created in 1938 to protect coastal beech forest and rare swathes of Swedish whitebeam.

The park is within the city’s boundaries but civilisation will feel a long way away in this unspoiled woodland and by the sea on deserted beaches.

And if you want to make a day of it you could walk on a seafront trail all the way to Sopot.

Things get very scenic at the park’s headland where the Orłowski Cliffs create a natural balcony for 650 metres.

These are made from glacial sediment and climb above narrow beaches clustered with rocks.

13. Torpedownia Babie Doły

This eerie disused torpedo station is a sight for people interested in military installations, as well as those who see the beauty in dilapidated buildings.

The station is inaccessible, a few hundred metres offshore, some ten kilometres north of Gdynia.

It was built as a research centre by the Wehrmacht at the start of the Second World War and back then was connected to the shore via a pier that was finally dismantled in the 1990s.

Now the facility is a shell easily visible from the beach and being slowly taken apart by the sea and severe winters.

14. Centrum Nauki Experyment

A joint initiative by the city and the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park, Centrum Nauki Experyment is one of Poland’s top interactive science museums.

There are 200 interactive stations and learning is guided by a large team of enthusiastic attendants.

One of the best bits is Hydroworld, where kids can get to grips with the basics of hydrological engineering, creating a whirlpool, building a sluice dam and an Archimedes screw.

They can also perform surgery (virtual, thankfully), experiment with magnetism, experience an earthquake and find out how the human senses can be deceived with tricks and illusions.

15. Gdynia Aquarium

This immensely popular visitor attraction on the South Pier opened its doors in 1971 and is in a Modernist ferry terminal from 1938. In aquarium’s tanks are some 215 species of fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, from Chinese turtles to garden eels, exhibited in more than 900 square metres.

Among the variety of habitats are coral reef, the Baltic Sea, seagrass beds and the Amazon.

The tanks are combined with static displays about oceanography and hydrobiology, and there’s also a movie theatre that opened in 2005 and screens underwater films.

The Baltic Hall deserves special attention, on the top floor with great vistas over Gdańsk Bay.

15 Best Things to Do in Gdynia (Poland):

• Emigration Museum
• ORP Błyskawica
• Dar Pomorza
• Skwer Kościuszki (Kościuszko Square)
• Naval Museum
• Kamienna Góra
• Kamienna Góra Gdynia Funicular
• Gdynia Beach
• Orłowo Pier
• Motor Museum
• Museum of Gdynia
• Kępa Redłowska
• Torpedownia Babie Doły
• Centrum Nauki Experyment
• Gdynia Aquarium

17 Best Things to do in Gdynia: Museums, History and Travel Guide

December 30, 2023 | Posted in: Poland

Gdynia is a city in northern Poland on the Baltic Sea coast in the Pomerania region. It is part of the Tricity metropolitan area near Gdansk and Sopot. Geographically, Gdynia sits at the mouth of Gdansk Bay and is surrounded by the Kashubian Lake District landscape. It is 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the regional capital, Gdansk and 402 kilometers (250 miles) north of Warsaw. Gdynia is northern Poland's major transportation hub and industrial center, with a population of 759,751 as of 2023.

Gdynia was a small fishing village that grew into a popular tourist resort town in the early 20th century. After Poland regained independence following World War I, the country chose Gdynia to develop as a major port city and economic hub. Construction of Gdynia's modern port and city began in 1921. Gdynia rapidly expanded and gained city rights. Its central district showcases the 1920s-30s modernist architecture. Gdynia is northern Poland's major transportation hub and industrial center. It is most famous for being Poland's second-largest seaport, as a cargo, naval and passenger ship hub on the Baltic Sea. Gdynia is also known for its Emigration Museum, highlighting the city’s history of passenger travel and its modernist buildings like the PLO Headquarters.

Gdynia is a popular seaside destination, especially for its modernist central districts, sandy beaches, waterfront neighborhoods and mixed museums and attractions related to its maritime heritage. Key things to do include visiting the Emigration Museum housed in the historic port station, exploring preserved ships like Dar Pomorza and ORP Błyskawica that serve as floating nautical museums, learning about the Polish Navy's history at the Naval Museum, strolling the Southern Pier and simply enjoying Gdynia's seaside cafés, promenades and architecture along the Feliks Nowowiejski Seafront. Gdynia is located in the Central European Time Zone, UTC+1, one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in winter. Gdynia observes daylight saving time in summer, shifting clocks forward by one hour to UTC+2.

Listed below are things to do in Gdynia.

• Orlowo Pier. Orłowo Pier is a 115-meter-long scenic wooden pier in the Orłowo district of Gdynia, Poland. It was built in 1914 and expanded in the 1920s as Orłowo became a popular beach destination. The pier features beautiful views of the sandy beaches, harbor, Orłowski Cliff and Baltic Sea. Visitors can take relaxing seaside walks, sit on benches, dine at food stands and photograph the coastal landscape. The surrounding area offers sandy beaches popular with families and hiking trails up the cliffs.
• Gdynia Beach. Gdynia Beach is a sandy public beach stretching over 200 meters along the Feliks Nowowiejski Seafront Promenade in Gdynia, Poland. Established in the early 20th century as Gdynia became a modern port city, the beach has amenities like showers, wheelchair access, lifeguard stations, volleyball courts, playgrounds and workout equipment, allowing visitors to swim, sunbathe and do beach activities year-round. The scenic coastline, seaside promenade and nearby attractions appeal to people of all ages and interests.
• Emigration Museum in Gdynia. The Emigration Museum in Gdynia, Poland, opened in 2015 to showcase the history of Polish mass economic migration abroad over 150 years. Cutting-edge interactive multimedia exhibits reconstruct environments like an ocean liner cabin and a Chicago neighborhood. The museum appeals to those interested in Polish diaspora history, cultural heritage and the universal immigrant experience, especially visitors with Polish immigrant ancestors.
• Dar Pomorza (Central Maritime Museum). The Dar Pomorza is a 1909 German-built sailing ship that served as a Polish naval training vessel from 1929-1981, taking cadets on international voyages and evacuating refugees in WWII. It is now a floating nautical museum in Gdynia, Poland, where visitors can come aboard and tour the ship to learn about its history and equipment, such as masts, sails and crew quarters. The elegant ship appeals to sailing enthusiasts, maritime history buffs and tourists seeking unique Gdynia attractions.
• Polish Naval Museum. The Polish Naval Museum in Gdynia houses over 20,000 artifacts and interactive displays chronicling Poland’s naval history over 1,000 years. Exhibitions cover naval battles, famous ships and commanders and Poland’s cooperation with Allied forces. The museum appeals to maritime and military history enthusiasts interested in learning about Poland’s naval heritage and national identity.
• Kamienna Góra (Stone Mountain). Kamienna Góra (Stone Mountain) is a 54-meter high cliff with panoramic views of Gdynia and the Baltic Sea coastline in the Kamienna Góra district of Gdynia, envisioned as an upscale resort area in the 1920s. Visitors can walk winding pathways to the hilltop observation deck, view the 25-meter cross sculpture, ride the funicular railway and enjoy scenic lookouts and eateries. The activities cater to sightseers, nature lovers, families, youth groups and photographers seeking elevated coastal perspectives.
• Kościuszki Square. Kościuszki Square is a waterfront square along Gdynia’s Southern Pier housing landmarks showcasing Gdynia’s maritime heritage like the ORP Błyskawica Museum Ship, Dar Pomorza sailing ship, Gdynia Aquarium, Polish Naval Museum and monuments honoring Pope John Paul II and port workers. Visitors can explore the ships, aquarium and museum, walk the scenic promenade, dine at seaside restaurants and access the hillside Kamienna Góra Park. The square appeals to maritime enthusiasts, families, tourists and photographers seeking sightseeing combined with seaside relaxation.
• Gdynia Aquarium. The modern Gdynia Aquarium opened in 2014 and houses over 250 aquatic species and 4,000 creatures in state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits that recreate habitats like coral reefs, kelp forests and Amazon-flooded wetlands. Visitors can get hands-on touching sharks and rays in touch pools. Interactive features like a 36-meter wall aquarium, animal feeding sessions and fishing activities provide an exciting marine life learning experience catering to visitors of all ages.

1. Orłowo Pier

Orłowo Pier (Polish. Molo w Gdyni Orłowie) is located in the coastal district of Orłowo in Gdynia, Poland, Orłowska, 81-980 Gdynia, Poland. The history of Orłowo Pier dates back to World War I when the first small pier was built in 1914-1918 to serve as both a port and seaside promenade for the nearby resort village of Orłowo. The pier was expanded in 1920 to 115 meters in length as the popularity of Orłowo grew as a beach destination.

Orłowo Pier features a seaside location tucked between the cliffs of the Orłowski Cliff and the sandy beaches of Orłowo. It is a scenic viewpoint where visitors can take in the beautiful natural landscape of mountains, sea and sky. The pier is an iconic wood structure that evokes nostalgia for the early 20th-century Baltic Coast resorts. It is also special for being more low-key than the lively commercial pier in nearby Sopot, offering a peaceful atmosphere for seaside strolls. Visitors to Orłowo Pier can take relaxing walks along the 180-meter wooden platform over the sea to view the beach, harbor and cliff. Some food and drink stands are nearby and benches to sit and gaze out over the Baltic Sea. It's an ideal spot for photography of the panoramic coastal scenery. The surrounding area also has forest hiking trails up the Orłowski Cliff. During summer, the nearby outdoor stage hosts performances and events. The activities at Orłowo Pier are suitable for all ages but especially appealing for nature lovers, photographers, older adults, couples and those seeking tranquility by the sea. The sandy beach is also popular with families and children.

To get to Orłowo Pier, take the SKM commuter train to the Orłowo station, then walk about 1 kilometer (0,6 miles) downhill along Orłowska Street toward the sea. Orłowo district is 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from the famous Sopot pier, making walking along the beach between the two piers possible. Entry to Orłowo Pier is free with no admission cost. It is publicly accessible to pedestrians year-round. The pier and surrounding area offer a delightful glimpse into Poland's Baltic coast for a refreshing seaside getaway without the bigger crowds.

2. Gdynia Beach

Gdynia Beach (Polish. Plaża Gdynia) is located in the city of Gdynia along Poland's Baltic Sea coast, Bulwar Nadmorski, 81-374 Gdynia, Poland. The history of Gdynia Beach dates back to the early 20th century when Gdynia transformed from a small fishing village into a modern port city. As the city grew into a popular seaside destination in the 1920s and 1930s, the coastline was developed into an attractive public beach stretching over 200 meters long just steps from the city center. Gdynia Beach is considered one of Poland's most beautiful and well-equipped beaches.

Gdynia Beach features a city-center location coupled with a scenic natural landscape. It lies right along the Feliks Nowowiejski Seafront Promenade, with views across the Gulf of Gdańsk showcasing the harbor, marina and seaside cliffs. The golden sandy beach has modern amenities like showers, changing rooms and wheelchair accessibility while retaining a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Visitors to Gdynia Beach can swim, sunbathe, do beach sports and take seaside walks at any time of year. There is a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty in summer. Beach volleyball courts, play areas for children and outdoor workout equipment allow for active recreation. The nearby promenade is excellent for picturesque strolls and cycling, with benches for the coastal scenery. When hunger strikes, there are a few seasonal snack bars and Port Browar Gdynia, a beachfront brewpub restaurant.

The activities at Gdynia Beach cater to people of all ages and interests, families, couples, groups of friends and solo travelers. It offers just enough to keep kids entertained between swimming and sandcastle building without being overcrowded.

Getting to Gdynia Beach is convenient by public transportation or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, #147 or #517 directly to the Przystanek Muzeum Emigracji bus stop next to the beach. If driving, parking lots are found along the Seafront Promenade. The beach is also within walking distance of downtown Gdynia accommodations and attractions.

Entry and access to Gdynia Beach are free and open to the public year-round. Its sandy shoreline and seaside location offer visitors an enjoyable getaway during any season while highlighting Gdynia's natural coastal beauty.

3. Emigration Museum in Gdynia

The Emigration Museum (Polish. Muzeum Emigracji) is located at ul. Polska 1 in Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Emigration Museum dates back to the interwar period when Gdynia was a major port for Polish emigrants leaving for America. An Emigration Bureau was established in Gdynia in the 1930s to assist emigrants. This history inspired the creation of a museum dedicated to the Polish diaspora and emigration experience. The Emigration Museum opened on September 28, 2015, in a modern waterfront building designed to resemble a ship.

The Emigration Museum is an interactive, cutting-edge approach to presenting the history of Polish emigration and the immigrant experience. State-of-the-art multimedia technology brings to life over 150 years of mass economic migration from Poland to destinations like America, Brazil, France and Germany. The museum's core exhibition spans three floors with visual effects, ambient sounds, archival film footage, oral histories and nearly 1,500 artifacts chronicling Polish emigrants' hopes, struggles and cultural contributions abroad.

Visitors to the Emigration Museum can explore room-sized multimedia installations that reconstruct environments like an ocean liner cabin, immigrant train car, Latin American hacienda, French metro station and a Chicago neighborhood. The interactive exhibits and immersive environments at the Emigration Museum appeal most to adults and youth interested in Polish history, cultural heritage and the universal immigrant experience. It is also worthwhile for those with Polish immigrant ancestry seeking to reconnect with their roots. The museum experience sparks intergenerational conversations between children, parents and grandparents around family migration stories.

The Emigration Museum is easily accessible by public transportation or car. From the Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147, or 517 directly to the Muzeum Emigracji stop. Entry tickets to the permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Emigration Museum cost 25 PLN (10€, $11, £8) per adult. Free admission every Monday is offered between October and May. Guided tours in foreign languages require advanced reservations for groups.

4. Dar Pomorza (Central Maritime Museum)

The Dar Pomorza is a historic Polish sailing ship and museum located at Al. Jana Pawła II 1 in Gdynia, Poland. The history of Dar Pomorza dates back to 1909, when it was built in Hamburg, Germany, as a German sailing ship called Prinzess Eitel Friedrich. It was used as a training ship by the German Navy. After World War I ended, the ship was taken by France as war reparations and renamed Duchesse Anne. In 1929, Poland purchased and rechristened the ship Dar Pomorza, which means “Gift of Pomerania”.

Dar Pomorza served as a Polish naval training ship. It took cadets on long international voyages to countries like Australia, India and America. During World War II, the ship evacuated Polish refugees to Britain. After the war, Dar Pomorza resumed its original role as a training vessel until the 1980s, when it became a floating branch of Gdynia's Central Maritime Museum. Dar Pomorza stands as one of the oldest preserved sailing ships in the world. As a museum, visitors can come aboard Dar Pomorza to experience sailing history firsthand and admire the elegant beauty of a bygone Age of Sail. Visitors to Dar Pomorza can tour the entire ship to view and learn about its construction and equipment. It has three tall masts, 15 sails, wooden decks, officers' quarters, cadet dormitories, an engine room and more. The Dar Pomorza appeals most to maritime history and sailing enthusiasts, adults and youth interested in 20th-century Polish and World War II history, nautical architecture buffs, photographers and tourists seeking unique attractions in Gdynia beyond the beach. The ship has accessibility options for visitors with disabilities.

Dar Pomorza is located along Gdynia's attractive waterfront downtown area, surrounded by shops, restaurants and hotels. It is easily accessible by public transportation or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147 or 517 directly to the Dar Pomorza bus stop.

Entry tickets to tour the Dar Pomorza cost 10 PLN (2€, $2, £1) per adult. Discounted tickets are available for youth under 26, students, seniors over 60, and families. Guided tours are offered in Polish, though informational displays have English translations. The option to sail on Dar Pomorza must be reserved in advance.

5. Polish Naval Museum

The Polish Naval Museum (Polish. Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej) is located at ul. Zawiszy Czarnego 1B in Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Polish Naval Museum dates back to the interwar period after Poland regained independence in 1918. The Polish Navy was re-established with its main base in Gdynia and then a new seaport was under construction. In 1921, an Exhibition of the Navy and Merchant Fleet was organized in Gdynia. This modest display of Polish maritime history laid the early foundations of the Naval Museum. Its current modern building opened on September 15, 1977.

Polish Naval Museum artifacts, photos, documents and naval equipment bring to life Poland's rich maritime legacy over 1,000 years, showcasing famous naval battles, ships, commanders and Allied cooperation. The impressive museum collection counts over 20,000 items. Visitors to the Polish Naval Museum can explore several permanent interactive exhibitions spanning two floors. The displays chronologically cover Poland's naval history, including the Medieval ships that ruled the Baltic Sea, the Polish-Lithuanian Navy, the establishment of the Polish Navy in the Second Republic, World War II naval warfare and Poland's postwar People's Navy. The Polish Naval Museum appeals to maritime history buffs and military enthusiasts of all ages interested in learning about Poland's naval heritage. It is worthwhile for tourists to delve deeper into Polish history beyond the well-known sites. The museum experience sparks multi-generational conversations around national identity.

The Polish Naval Museum is easily accessible by public transportation or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147, or 517 directly to the Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej bus stop by the museum entrance. Entry tickets to the Polish Naval Museum cost 10 PLN (2€, $2, £1) per adult. Guided tour reservations must be made in advance for groups. Free admission is offered on Sundays.

6. Kamienna Góra (Stone Mountain)

Kamienna Góra (Stone Mountain) is in the Kamienna Góra district of Gdynia at 10 Lutego 24, 81-547 Poland. The history of Kamienna Góra dates back to the early 20th century when it was envisioned as an upscale resort area in the new city of Gdynia. Its name, “Stone Mountain”, comes from the steep 54-meter high cliff overlooking the sea. An upper-class villa district and seaside promenade were developed at the foot of the hill in the 1920s and 30s. During World War II, Kamienna Góra was the site of fighting to defend the city. It is considered one of Gdynia's most exclusive neighborhoods and a popular lookout point.

Kamienna Góra features panoramic views of Gdynia, the Gulf of Gdańsk and the Baltic Sea coastline. The hill is an iconic landmark with winding pathways, gardens and a 25-meter-high steel cross sculpture built in 1976. The nearby funicular railway and quaint villas add old-world charm. Visitors to Kamienna Góra can take relaxing walks along the pathways to enjoy the scenery, picnic on the hillside lawns and take photos of the panorama and giant cross. The observation deck offers scenic lookouts over the city through telescopes. There are also a few eateries and souvenir shops near the top. The funicular train provides easy access up and down the cliff for sightseeing. The park areas at the base of the hill offer pleasant strolls and events in summer. The activities at Kamienna Góra cater to all ages but have special appeal for sightseers, nature lovers, photographers, families, youth groups and religious visitors who come to see the monumental cross. The hilltop vantage point and funicular train make it easily accessible for seniors and those with limited mobility.

Getting to Kamienna Góra is convenient by public transport or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #147, 168, or 519 directly to the Kamienna Góra bus stop at the funicular lower station. Entry and access to Kamienna Góra Park are free and open to the public year-round. Riding the funicular train to the top costs 4 PLN (1€, $1, £0.86) per person. The natural scenery and views from Stone Mountain offer visitors a beautiful elevated perspective on Gdynia and the Baltic coast.

7. Kościuszki Square

Kościuszki Square (Polish. Skwer Kościuszki) is located in downtown Gdynia, Poland, along the city's waterfront. The history of Kościuszki Square dates back to the interwar period when Gdynia was rapidly developing into a modern port city and seaside resort. The square was named after Polish and American revolutionary hero Tadeusz Kościuszko.

Kościuszki Square features a waterfront setting and a collection of landmarks exemplifying Gdynia's maritime heritage. The ORP Błyskawica Museum Ship and Dar Pomorza sailing ship are docked along the Southern Pier jutting from the square. There is also the Gdynia Aquarium, the Polish Naval Museum and monuments honoring Pope John Paul II, the Polish sailor and the Gdynia port workers. Visitors to Kościuszki Square can explore the historic ships, Gdynia Aquarium and Naval Museum. The Southern Pier offers a scenic seaside promenade out to the marina breakwater. There are places to eat and drink around the square, with benches, lawns and a musical fountain. The hillside park leading to Kamienna Góra has wooded walking paths overlooking the harbor. The square surroundings tempt visitors with shops, restaurants and attractions. The activities at Kościuszki Square have broad appeal but especially cater to maritime enthusiasts, families, tourists, photography buffs and those looking for sightseeing combined with seaside relaxation.

Getting to Kościuszki Square is convenient by public transportation or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147 or 517 directly to the Skwer Kościuszki bus stop by the ORP Błyskawica ship. Entry and access to Kościuszki Square is free and open 24/7. The square offers visitors an enjoyable hub to experience Gdynia's rich maritime atmosphere and relaxing seaside location.

8. Gdynia Aquarium (Akwarium Gdyńskie MIR)

The Gdynia Aquarium (Polish. Akwarium Gdyńskie MIR) is located at al. Jana Pawła II 1 in Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Gdynia Aquarium dates back to 1971 when a small 25-tank exhibit first opened near the Southern Pier as the Seaside Aquarium. After renovations and expansions over the years, the aquarium moved to its current modern location along the waterfront in Gdynia city center in 2014. The new eco-friendly building was designed to showcase freshwater and marine life from Poland and worldwide.

Gdynia Aquarium features a cutting-edge interactive approach, bringing visitors face-to-face with over 250 species and 4,000 animal specimens. State-of-the-art multimedia displays recreate diverse aquatic habitats from tropical coral reefs to Antarctic waters to Amazon-flooded forests. The aquarium features the world's longest interactive wall aquarium at 36 meters long. Visitors can touch sharks, rays, sea stars and anemones in the touch pools. The oceanarium even offers fishing opportunities with sharks or feeding penguins and otters. Visitors to the Gdynia Aquarium can explore over a dozen tanks and terrariums showcasing creatures like sharks, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, octopuses, crocodiles, giant snakes, tiny poison dart frogs and piranhas. The Gdynia Aquarium appeals to visitors of all ages, especially families with kids, school groups, animal lovers, photographers and tourists seeking indoor attractions. Its interactive approach makes learning about the marine world exciting. The nearby Southern Pier, beach and Science Discovery Centre appeal to families.

The aquarium's convenient downtown location allows easy public transport or car access. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147, or 517 directly to the Akwareum Gdyńskie MIR bus stop by the entrance. Entry tickets to the Gdynia Aquarium exhibit cost 35 PLN (8€, $8, £6)  for adults and 25 PLN for youth ages 5-16. Discounted tickets are available for families, students, seniors 60+, and disabled visitors. Combo tickets include the neighboring Experiment Science Centre. Guided tours in English must be booked in advance for groups.

9. ORP Błyskawica museum ship

The ORP Błyskawica museum ship is at al. Jana Pawła II 1 in Gdynia, Poland. The history of ORP Błyskawica dates back to its construction as a Grom-class destroyer for the Polish Navy in 1935-1937. It went on to serve Poland bravely in World War II, earning distinction as the only naval vessel decorated with the Virtuti Militari, Poland’s highest military order for gallantry. Błyskawica returned to communist Poland and continued naval service until 1976, when it was decommissioned and converted into a museum ship.

Błyskawica highlights the remarkable survival over 70+ years and a storied fighting record under three different navies. Visitors to Błyskawica can tour the destroyer to learn about its construction, weaponry, engines, officers’ quarters and more. Guests can climb narrow stairs to reach the helm and upper deck for panoramic views of the harbor. The onboard exhibit highlights artifacts, photos, documents and films about its wartime service and the Polish diaspora at sea. Occasionally, Błyskawica offers short sails around Gdynia for an additional cost. The ship museum appeals most to maritime history enthusiasts, military buffs, photography hobbyists, tourists seeking unique attractions in Gdynia beyond the beach and Poles connecting with their heritage. The outdoor viewing terrace and accessibility options also suit seniors and visitors with disabilities.

Błyskawica is conveniently located downtown along Gdynia’s attractive waterfront, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and hotels. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147, or 517 directly to the ORP Błyskawica bus stop. The museum ship is also within walking distance of city center accommodations.  Entry tickets to tour ORP Błyskawica cost 10 PLN (2€, $2, £1). Discounted tickets are available for youth under 26 years, students, seniors over 60, and families. Guided tour reservations in English or German must be arranged in advance for groups.

10. Modernist Center of Gdynia

The Modernist Center of Gdynia is in the Śródmieście district of Gdynia, Poland, 81-370 Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Modernist Center of Gdynia dates back to the interwar period when Gdynia was rapidly developing into a modern port city and seaside resort after Poland regained independence. Gdynia's city center was established mainly in the 1920s and 1930s when the city grew from a small fishing village into a major economic hub. The character and architecture of the city center were largely shaped by architects like Adam Kuncewicz, Barbara Brukalska and Stefan Bryła, who embraced Modernism.

The Modernist Center of Gdynia has an urban complex exemplifying early 20th-century Modernism. The orthogonal street grid, planned city zoning, innovative housing and functionalist buildings emphasize efficiency while allowing light and sea views. The Southern Pier and shoreline buildings symbolize Gdynia's connection to the world through port and ocean travel. Visitors can explore the modernist architecture along major streets like 10 Lutego, Świętojańska and Jana Pawła II Avenue. Key attractions include the Southern Pier's iconic 1935 transatlantic liner terminal, Modernist landmarks like the 1936 Polish Ocean Lines building and various examples of ship-inspired interwar housing. The area also features institutions like the National Maritime Museum, the Emigration Museum and the Maritime University. The Modernist Center of Gdynia appeals to sightseers, architecture enthusiasts, city tourists, maritime history buffs and those seeking stylish urban landscapes. Its seaside location and mix of buildings make it attractive for all ages.

The Modernist district is located in central Gdynia and is easily accessible by public transport like trains, buses or trams. Entry and access to the streets and parks of Gdynia's Modernist Center district are free and open to the public year-round. Entire attractions like the Emigration Museum, Southern Pier terminal and historic ships have separate fees.

11. Gdynia Kamienna Góra Funicular

The Gdynia Kamienna Góra Funicular (Polish. Kolejka na Kamienną Górę) is located at Plac Grunwaldzki in the Kamienna Góra district of Gdynia. The history of the Kamienna Góra Funicular dates back to 2015 as part of the city’s initiative to make the scenic 52-meter-tall Kamienna Góra (Stone Mountain) more accessible. A funicular system with modern glass gondolas was constructed to transport visitors up and down the steep hillside. The lower funicular station is next to the Gdynia Film Centre on the newly renovated Grunwald Square, which opened in July 2015.

The Kamienna Góra Funicular provides convenience and scenic nature. The funicular allows easy access to the top of Kamienna Góra, which offers stunning panoramic views of Gdynia, the Gdańsk Bay and the Baltic Sea coastline. The modern glass-enclosed gondola ascends 40 meters over 96 meters along the wooded hillside in 120 seconds, providing a unique city perspective. Visitors can ride the funicular to experience quick and effortless access to the top of Kamienna Góra. The hilltop offers a perfect spot for photos with its panoramic vistas. The funicular accommodates all ages and abilities but has special appeal for families, seniors, photographers, sightseers and those with limited mobility. The gondola fits 12 passengers and has buttons for self-operation and wheelchair accessibility. The area also draws youth groups, couples and religious visitors to see the monumental cross.

Getting to the Kamienna Góra Funicular is convenient by public transport or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #147, 168 or 519 directly to the Kamienna Góra bus stop.

Riding the Kamienna Góra Funicular is completely free of charge and open daily. It provides easy access up the Stone Mountain to take in beautiful elevated views and seaside landscapes unique to Gdynia.

12. Experyment Science Center

The Experyment Science Center (Polish. Centrum Nauki Experyment) is at Aleja Zwycięstwa 96/98 in Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Experyment Science Center dates back to its establishment in 2007 as one of Poland's first interactive science centers. It started as a modest 500-square-meter exhibition affiliated with the Gdynia Innovation Centre before moving to its modern 3,500-square-meter headquarters in 2013 after major expansions. The ultramodern building combines interactive science exhibits with conference facilities.

The Experyment Science Center's specialty is its hands-on educational philosophy of “learning through fun” for visitors of all ages. It features over 200 interactive stations and exhibits focused on igniting curiosity and fascination with various scientific phenomena. The center contains five permanent exhibition zones. “Hydroworld” (water), “Tree of Life” (nature and animals), “Operation. Human” (anatomy and health), “Invisible Forces” (physics) and “Towards Health” (wellness). State-of-the-art multimedia visually recreates the science concepts using games, experiments, simulations and activities. Exhibits allow guests to conduct hands-on experiments like manipulating water dynamics, studying wildlife, building electrical circuits, exploring optical illusions or viewing their virtual future selves. The science center appeals most to curious minds of all ages, especially families with school-age children, student groups, summer camps and amateur science buffs looking to engage with STEM topics playfully. The exhibits and activities spark imagination and provide a lively learning environment beyond the traditional classroom.

Getting to the Experyment Science Center is convenient by public transport or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147, or 517 directly to the Centrum Nauki Experyment bus stop. Entry tickets to the interactive Experyment exhibitions cost 20 PLN (5€, $5, £3). The science center is closed on Mondays except during the peak summer season.

13. Cliff in Kępa Redłowska Nature Reserve

The Cliff in Kępa Redłowska Nature Reserve is located in the coastal Kępa Redłowska district of Gdynia, Redłowska, 81-547 Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Cliff in Kępa Redłowska dates back to the interwar period when the area was envisioned as an upscale seaside resort village in the new city of Gdynia. “Stone Headland” refers to the steep 50-meter high cliff overlooking the Gulf of Gdańsk along the coastline.

The Cliff in Kępa Redłowska offers spectacular views of the sea, cityscape and surrounding landscapes that showcase the natural beauty for which Gdynia is known. The cliff is an iconic landmark with its multi-layered geological strata, now protected as part of Poland's first nature reserve. Visitors to the Cliff can walk along designated trails through the Kępa Redłowska reserve to view the cliff erosion, sea coast and rich forest habitat. An observation deck atop the cliff provides panoramic vistas across the bay. The sandy beach below the cliff is popular for swimming in summer. Walking routes wind through the lush hillside park leading up to Kamienna Góra. The cliff and nature reserve activities cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages – nature lovers, bird watchers, geology buffs and photographers. The sandy beach also appeals to families with kids. And history connoisseurs appreciate remnants of wartime fortifications.

Getting to the Kępa Redłowska Nature Reserve is convenient by car or public transport. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147 or 517 to the Kępa Redłowska stop. Entry and access to the Kępa Redłowska Nature Reserve are free and open to the public year-round to respectfully explore the natural habitat and cliff landscape during designated visiting hours. Guided tours require reservations.

14. Museum of the City of Gdynia

The Museum of the City of Gdynia (Polish. Muzeum Miasta Gdyni) is located at ul. Zawiszy Czarnego 1A in Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Gdynia City Museum dates back to the 1960s when establishing a municipal museum was proposed to document and showcase Gdynia's rapid development in the 20th century from a fishing village to a modern port city.

The Museums of the City of Gdynia have an extensive and diverse collection of over 50,000 artifacts documenting the city's rich history. Photographs, documents, artworks, everyday objects and interactive displays provide a glimpse into the past lives of Gdynia residents and the growth of this iconic port city through periods of autonomy, war, communism and democratic Poland. The museum's ship-inspired architecture also symbolizes Gdynia's maritime identity. Visitors to the Museum can explore several floors of multimedia exhibits and scenic views of the harbor that chronologically trace Gdynia’s evolution in the 20th century. There are visual reconstructions of the cityscape, port infrastructure and major events over time. The museum also displays artifacts related to famous Gdynia figures, cultural heritage, architectural development and transformation into a modern metropolis. The museum appeals to visitors of all ages, especially those interested in regional history, Gdynia culture, Polish modernization, urban development and port-city landscapes. Interactive stations make learning exciting for youth. The waterfront location offers sightseeing opportunities to combine with seaside relaxation.

Getting to the Gdynia City Museum is convenient by public transport or car. It sits downtown right along the attractive harbor boardwalk. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147, or 517 to the Muzeum Miasta Gdyni stop. Entry tickets to the Gdynia City Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions cost 15 PLN (3€, $3, £2). Discounted tickets are available for seniors 60+, students, children under 18, and families. The museum is closed on Mondays, but free admission is offered on Tuesdays.

15. Southern Pier (Molo Południowe)

The Southern Pier (Polish. Molo Południowe) is located at al. Jana Pawła II in Gdynia, Aleja Jana Pawła II 1, 81-345 Poland. The history of the Southern Pier dates back to 1933 and 1936 when it was constructed to expand the port of Gdynia during the city's rapid interwar development. Built on an artificial peninsula jutting 530 meters into the Gulf of Gdańsk, the pier was designed in Modernist architectural style with functionalist buildings. It was rebuilt and renovated over the years to continue serving as a passenger terminal, marina harbor and scenic seaside promenade.

The Southern Pier features a waterfront location, striking 1930s design and landmarks exemplifying Gdynia's maritime heritage. Historic ships like ORP Błyskawica and Dar Pomorza are docked along the pier. The Gdynia Aquarium, National Maritime Museum and Sea Towers skyscrapers provide an attractive surrounding backdrop overlooking the harbor. Visitors to the Southern Pier can walk the 530-meter wooden platform out into the Gulf of Gdańsk to take in panoramic views of ships, ferries, the beach and cliffsides. The modernist Southern Pier Terminal building at the base of the pier houses the Emigration Museum. The seaside promenade activities appeal to sightseers of all ages; tourists, photographers, families, couples and seniors can enjoy the scenic views and attractions equally.

The Southern Pier is conveniently located in Gdynia city center along the downtown waterfront. It is easily accessible by public transport – from Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147 or 517 to the Molo Południowe bus stop. Entry and access to the Southern Pier structure are free and open to the public year-round.

16. Naval Museum in Gdynia

The Naval Museum in Gdynia (Polish. Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej) is located at ul. Zawiszy Czarnego 1B in Gdynia, Poland. The history of the Naval Museum dates back to the interwar period after Poland regained independence in 1918. The Polish Navy was re-established with its main base in Gdynia, then a new seaport under construction. In 1921, an Exhibition of the Navy and Merchant Fleet was organized in Gdynia. This museum display of Polish maritime history laid the early foundations of the Naval Museum. Its current modern building opened on September 15, 1977.

The Naval Museum special is its extensive collection tracing the history and traditions of the Polish Navy from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum's artifacts, photos, documents and naval equipment bring to life Poland's rich maritime legacy over 1,000 years, showcasing famous naval battles, ships, commanders and Allied cooperation. The impressive museum collection counts over 20,000 items. Visitors to the Naval Museum can explore several permanent interactive exhibitions spanning two floors. The displays chronologically cover Poland's naval history, including the Medieval ships that ruled the Baltic Sea, the Polish-Lithuanian Navy, the establishment of the Polish Navy in the Second Republic, World War II naval warfare and Poland's postwar People's Navy. The museum also exhibits uniforms, nautical instruments, artillery, ship models, paintings and films. The upper floor features the inside of a real minelayer ship, the ORP Gryf. The Naval Museum appeals to maritime history buffs and military enthusiasts of all ages interested in learning about Poland's naval heritage. It is worthwhile for tourists to delve deeper into Polish history beyond the well-known sites.

The Naval Museum is located along Gdynia's attractive waterfront downtown area, surrounded by shops, restaurants and hotels. It is easily accessible by public transportation or car. From Gdynia Główna train station, take bus #119, 147 or 517 directly to the Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej bus stop by the museum entrance. Entry tickets to the Naval Museum cost 10 PLN ($2, 2€, 1£). Guided tour reservations must be made in advance for groups. Free admission is offered on Sundays.

17. Gdynia Film Center

The Gdynia Film Center (Polish. Gdyńskie Centrum Filmowe) is in downtown Gdynia at Plac Grunwaldzki 2, 81-372 Poland. The history of the Gdynia Film Center dates back to 2015 when it opened as a modern hub for film culture and education in the city's heart. Creating an architecturally striking facility to consolidate these film activities marked a milestone in Gdynia's cultural development.

The Gdynia Film Center special is its multifunctional role as an arts venue focused on quality cinema. It contains a 3-screen arthouse cinema showing the best Polish and international films, the Gdynia Film School, an art gallery space, a museum shop, a cafe, a restaurant and an underground parking garage. The center hosts film festivals, workshops, exhibitions and discussions with luminaries from the film world. Visitors to the Gdynia Film Center can see screenings of highly acclaimed movies in the cinema, admire photography displays in the gallery, browse books and film souvenirs in the shop, enjoy meals in the cafe or restaurant and participate in special film events. Budding directors can enroll in courses at the Gdynia Film School. Frequent special events include appearances by directors, actors and other VIP guests connected with the center's screenings and programs. The film school attracts aspiring filmmakers. The seaside site makes it attractive to combine with sightseeing. The center aims to promote film culture as an entertainment and art form, bringing together enthusiasts and professionals.

The Gdynia Film Center enjoys a convenient downtown location by the city's waterfront, within walking distance from the train station and major hotels. City buses and trams stop right near the center. Entry and access to the Gdynia Film Center's public spaces are free, but there are ticket fees for cinema screenings, special events and film school courses.

What are the best museums to visit in Gdynia?

Listed below are the best museums to visit in Gdynia.

• Emigration Museum. The Emigration Museum is housed in Gdynia's historic maritime railway station building, handling thousands of emigrants leaving Poland from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Visitors can view multimedia exhibits and artifacts showcasing the history of Polish emigration over the past two centuries. A special kids' activity brochure allows families to solve puzzles related to the exhibits. The museum provides an insightful look at the Polish diaspora and emigration journey.
• Naval Museum. The Naval Museum inside the ORP Błyskawica ship museum in Gdynia has an extensive collection of Polish naval artifacts, weapons, uniforms and ship models from the World War II era. Visitors can explore the ship's rooms and decks, viewing anti-aircraft guns, torpedoes, naval mines and other weaponry that was once part of the ship's equipment. The museum offers a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of a 20th-century warship.
• Gdynia City Museum. The Gdynia City Museum documents the history of Gdynia's development as a city and port in the early 20th century. It houses thousands of objects, including archive photos tracking the port's construction, ship models from different eras and reconstructions of shops and neighborhoods in old Gdynia. Visitors interested in urban history and development can view the exhibits to gain insight into Gdynia's past.
• Dar Pomorza Museum Ship. The Dar Pomorza is a historic Polish ship in Gdynia from 1909, now a floating nautical museum. Visitors can explore the ship's rooms, like the engine room, officers' quarters and steering areas, to view exhibits about its unique voyages and service over the years. As both a museum and retired training ship, the Dar Pomorza offers an interactive experience for those interested in maritime history.
• ORP Błyskawica Museum Ship. The ORP Błyskawica is a preserved WWII Polish destroyer now a museum ship. Visitors can tour the deck and interior of the ship, viewing parts like the engine room, weapons, radio room and officers' quarters. With information panels about the ship's distinguished battle service, it provides a one-of-a-kind experience to learn about the 20th-century naval history of Gdynia.

What are the best things to do in Gdynia with kids?

Listed below are the best things to do in Gdynia with kids.

• Gdynia Aquarium. The Gdynia Aquarium houses over 200 species of fish, reptiles and invertebrates in large tanks and exhibits educating about ocean life. It has a designated preschool room with soft sea-themed toys for toddlers to play and take a break from the exhibits. Kids of all ages can gaze at aquatic life like sharks, seahorses and jellyfish while parents read the informational signs about each creature.
• Experyment Science Center. The Experiment Science Center in Gdynia allows kids to learn science concepts like anatomy, light, gravity and physics through hands-on experiments and multimedia displays. Children can perform fun anatomy puzzles, experience an earthquake simulator, use microscopes to analyze materials and more, with attendants available to explain each exhibit. It engages curiosity and is perfect for a school field trip.
• Hevelianum. Hevelianum in Gdynia has play areas and puzzles teaching about animals, space and science. In the Space Adventure section, toddlers can climb through tunnels, build structures and roleplay while learning about planets and astronomy. It also has an Around the World area exploring different environments and species. The interactive activities make it an engaging indoor playground.
• Reda Water Park. Reda Water Park in Gdynia features indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, a wave pool and pirate ship theme elements perfect for family water fun. Kids can brave thrilling slides like the AquaSpinner, splash on the pirate ship, play in designated toddler pools or swim in the indoor area. It provides year-round aquatic entertainment and recreation with attractions for all ages and swimming abilities,
• Emigration Museum. The Emigration Museum has multimedia exhibits, artifacts and a Little Traveler's Room, making it suitable for families visiting Gdynia. Kids can use audio guides and solve history puzzles geared to them while learning about Polish emigration over the centuries. It allows an interesting, interactive exploration of Gdynia's moving port history.

What are the best activities for a business traveler in Gdynia?

Listed below are the best activities for a business traveler in Gdynia.

• Gdynia Aquarium. The Gdynia Aquarium has conference spaces available to rent, making it a unique option for business meetings or events seeking an oceanic backdrop. Attendees can gaze at sharks, seahorses and jellyfish tanks during meeting breaks or incorporate an aquarium tour into their conference agenda.
• Experyment Science Center. The Experiment Science Center in Gdynia has interactive science exhibits alongside modern conference rooms outfitted with audiovisual equipment available to rent for meetings and corporate events. Business travelers can easily coordinate conferences at the center while exploring the physics, anatomy and engineering-focused displays during event intermissions.
• Gdynia Marina and Waterfront. Gdynia's scenic marina district features al fresco cafés and restaurants perfect for informal meetings, deal signings or video conferences with a waterfront backdrop. Business travelers can mix sightseeing through the luxury yacht harbor with conducting meetings along the open-air boardwalk and Skwer Kościuszki.
• Dar Pomorza Museum Ship. The Dar Pomorza in Gdynia, a historic sailing vessel turned floating museum, has rooms outfitted for conferences, corporate events and business meetings. Climbing aboard the 1909 ship for a special maritime-themed event builds a bond with work colleagues.

Where is Gdynia?

Gdynia is a city located in northern Poland on the Baltic Sea coast in the Pomerania region. It is part of the Tricity metropolitan area near Gdansk and Sopot. Gdynia sits at the mouth of Gdansk Bay and is surrounded by the Kashubian Lake District landscape. It is 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the regional capital, Gdansk and 402 kilometers (250 miles) north of Warsaw. Gdynia is northern Poland's major transportation hub and industrial center. Gdynia has a seaside location, though much of the waterfront area is occupied by its large seaport.

What is the history of Gdynia?

Gdynia was a small fishing village first mentioned in historical records in 1253. It was part of the region of Eastern Pomerania, which had a long history of being ruled by various powers, including Poland, independent Slavic tribes, the Teutonic Knights, Prussia and Germany over the centuries. In the early 20th century, before World War I, Gdynia had grown into a popular tourist resort town on the Baltic coast with about 895 residents. After Poland regained independence following World War I, the city of Gdansk (Danzig) and surrounding areas were declared free under the League of Nations, though Poland retained some economic rights. Poland chose Gdynia to build a major port city to gain its sovereign seaport. Construction of the Port of Gdynia and its rapid development into a modern city began in 1921. By 1926, Gdynia gained city rights. During the 1920s and 1930s interwar, the population boomed and Gdynia was built up with modernist architecture. Gdynia served as a major naval base during World War II after being occupied by Nazi Germany. It was heavily damaged in the fighting. After the war, the city was restored to Poland. During the communist era under Soviet domination, Gdynia was rebuilt and continued to grow as an important seaport and naval base. It attracted many settlers from other parts of Poland as well as refugees. Gdynia played a role in the anti-communist movement, leading to Poland's transition to democracy. Workers at the Gdynia shipyard were killed in violent protests in 1970.

What language is spoken in Gdynia?

The official and predominant language spoken in Gdynia is Polish. The city also has historical minorities of Germans, Dutch, Scots, French, Swedes and Kashubians, influencing the local Polish dialect. After WWII, most of the German minority were expelled. Polish is the common language used by the government, businesses, education and daily life. Due to tourism, history and commercial ties, many locals also speak English, German and Russian as second languages.

What time zone is Gdynia in?

Gdynia is in the Central European Time zone, UTC+1. It observes Central European Summer Time (UTC+2) when daylight savings time is in effect. Poland and the rest of the European Union shift clocks forward 1 hour to CEST on the last Sunday of March and revert to 1 hour on the last Sunday of October. Gdynia uses CET in the winter months and CEST in the summer months. The time in Gdynia is the same as most of Poland, Germany, France and other Central European countries.

How many people live in Gdynia?

The population of Gdynia is 759,751 as of 2023. Lecce has a population of 95,766 people as of 2023. Of the total population, 46,173 men and 49,592 women reside in the city. Lecce has a fairly young population, with over 19,000 residents under 25. There is also a sizeable elderly population, with around 16,000 Lecce residents aged 65 or older. The city is home to over 8,500 children under ten years old. Lecce has 4,400 babies and infants under four years old. About 4,100 children between the ages of 5-9 live in Lecce. In the 10-14 age range, Lecce has approximately 4,300 resident children.

What are the most interesting facts about Gdynia?

Listed below are the most interesting facts about Poland and Gdynia.

• Currency. The official currency of Poland and Gdynia is the Polish złoty (PLN). Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 złoty denominations. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy.
• Time Zone. Gdynia is in the Central European Time Zone, UTC+1. It observes daylight saving time, shifting clocks forward 1 hour to UTC+2 in the summer. Gdynia is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UTC in Winter. It is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UTC in summer.
• Language. The official and predominant language spoken in Gdynia is Polish. Facts about Poland are that many locals also speak English, German, Russian, or Kashubian (regional dialect). English is widely understood in restaurants/cafes.
• Power Plugs. Poland uses the Type E power plug, which has two round prongs. The standard voltage is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Visitors from countries like the USA will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter to charge devices.

How many days are needed to see Gdynia?

It is recommended to stay for 2 to 3 days to see what Gdynia offers. Gdynia appears better suited as a stop on a larger Tricity trip or Baltic coast journey rather than a full standalone destination. Its manageable size lends itself well to a 2 to 3-day itinerary that previews the city’s maritime character and history. Two to three days allow enough time to take in Gdynia's offerings without significant risk of running out of things to do. This number of days offers sufficient time to enjoy the highlights at a relaxed pace before moving on to other destinations in Poland or along the Baltic Sea coast.

Is Gdynia worth visiting?

Yes, Gdynia is worth visiting. Gdynia offers beaches, promenades, marinas and a general coastal atmosphere that many travelers enjoy. The city also has an interesting history showcased through Gdynia's Museum of the Sea and emigration. The city has an attractive waterfront area, historic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, shopping centers and urban parks that make for nice sightseeing. Gdynia is generally less touristy than nearby Gdansk or Sopot, which some see as a plus. It is a good base for exploring the Tricity region while maintaining its unique character.

Is Gdynia expensive to visit?

No, Gdynia is considered an affordable destination for travelers. Average hotel prices range from about 27€ ($30, £23)/night for a hostel to 82€ ($90, £70)/night for a luxury hotel. Mid-range hotels average of 36€ ($40, £33)/night. This is cheaper than many European destinations.

Food costs are lower than the EU/US average, with typical meals costing 5€ ($5, £3) to 10€ ($11, 8£) per person. Groceries and supermarket items are around 60% less than in the US.

Public transportation is affordable, with bus tickets costing 1€ ($1, £0.86). Rental cars can be found for 27€ ($30, £23) and above daily. Gdynia does offer good value compared to many places in Europe. Vacation here can cost 40-60% less than other Western European destinations with proper planning and itinerary.

Is Gdynia safe to visit?

Yes, Gdynia is very safe to visit. It has low violent crime rates compared to many European cities of its size. Like most urban areas, it has areas that tourists should be more cautious in, but violent incidents against visitors are extremely rare. Most tourist activities occur along Gdynia's safe waterfront neighborhoods and downtown districts where violent crime is unlikely. Standard precautions when traveling in Europe will greatly minimize any risk. Gdynia sees many foreign visitors yearly and has no reputation for being unsafe.

Is Gdynia easy to visit with kids?

Yes, Gdynia is easy to visit with kids. Gdynia can be an enjoyable city to visit with children. Its beaches allow kids to play in the sand and water during summer. The waterfront promenade has carnival rides, while the downtown area offers shopping centers with interactive features. Gdynia's museums also cater to kids with hands-on exhibits at the Emigration Museum and anchored museum ships to explore. The city has decent parks and playgrounds spread across its neighborhoods as well. Kid-friendly dining and lodging accommodations are readily available, too. Gdynia doesn't have as many major family attractions as some destinations, but its seaside setting and various activities make it a suitable place to visit with kids.

What is Gdynia famous for?

Gdynia is most famous for being Poland's second-largest seaport. It is a major cargo, naval and passenger ship hub on the Baltic Sea. The city's history is closely tied to maritime trade and emigration, as seen in its museums. Secondly, Gdynia is known for its modernist central district, showcasing 1920s and 30s architecture in buildings like the PLO Headquarters and Polish Ocean Lines. Lastly, the Museum of Emigration highlights Gdynia's important role in transportation at the city's historic passenger ship terminal. Each summer, Gdynia hosts the Open'er music festival, which draws over 100,000 attendees as well.

Who are the most important people born in Gdynia?

Listed below are the most important people born in Gdynia.

• Donald Tusk. Donald Tusk was born in Gdańsk in 1957 and studied history at Gdańsk University. He served as Prime Minister of Poland from 2007-2014, overseeing major economic growth and reforms before becoming President of the European Council in 2014. Representing European interests globally, Tusk is regarded as one of the most influential Polish people and EU politicians of recent decades.

What to eat in Gdynia?

Listed below are what you can eat in Gdynia.

• Pierogi. Filled dumplings like meat, potato and cheese pierogi are extremely popular across Poland. Gdynia pierogi may feature fillings of Baltic seafood like herring, salmon or cod blended with onions and herbs for a taste of the Pomerania coast. It is one of the best food to eat in Poland and Gdynia.
• Zapiekanki. Open-faced baguette pizzas topped with melted cheese and mushrooms are a quick, hot snack popular with university students that you'll see sold at little street food stands around Gdynia. Zapiekanki makes for an easy yet tasty fast food while exploring the city.
• Fresh seafood. Gdynia's seaside location on the Baltic makes it a prime destination for fresh seafood like salmon and herring caught right off the coast. Restaurants across Gdynia take full advantage by serving simply prepared fish to highlight the fresh flavors or incorporating the bounty into rich seafood stews.
• Bigos. Bigos is a beloved Polish hunter's stew and Gdynia's proximity to Kashubian forests and farmland provides easy access to ingredients like pork, mushrooms and sauerkraut. Restaurants across Gdynia simmer their bigos for hours, allowing the flavors of meat, cabbage and spices to mingle into the hearty, comforting dish the city is known for.
• Rosół. Rosół is a clear and nourishing chicken noodle soup that nearly every restaurant in Gdynia will offer, often served first at large family meals. This brothy soup filled with vegetables and noodles provides simple Polish comfort food perfect for any cold day.
• Polish Sausage (Kielbasa). Grilled kielbasa sausage, especially smoked, makes for quintessential Polish street food you'll find sizzling at stands and shops all over Gdynia's streets and squares. Locals in Gdynia frequently grab a quick bite of kielbasa paired with bread or mustard when out and about in the city.
• Sledzie po kaszubsku. Sledzie po kaszubsku features pickled herring, a specialty of the Kashubian region surrounding Gdynia, topped with hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, onions and oil for a light appetizer. The dish is a celebration of local seafood and cultural traditions.
• Gdynia gingerbread. Gingerbread baking with honey and spices has been a generations-old craft tradition in Gdynia, resulting in elaborately decorated gingerbread sold across the city.

What are the best places to eat in Gdynia?

Listed below are the best places to eat in Gdynia.

• Tawerna Orłowska. This spacious, casual spot in Gydnia offers lovely views of the water and a large terrace for outdoor dining. Tawerna Orłowska specializes in Mediterranean cuisine focusing on fresh seafood dishes and has an extensive wine list. Reviews frequently praise the beautiful location, ample outdoor seating and excellent fish entrees like the halibut steak. It is also one of the best restaurants to eat in Gdynia.
• Czerwony Piec. Czerwony Piec is a popular local spot in Gdynia for grabbing a delicious wood-fired pizza in a relaxed environment. This restaurant bakes pizzas in an authentic pizza oven, creating a perfectly crispy yet fluffy crust. In addition to pizza, Czerwony Piec also serves paninis, salads, hummus plates and a variety of beers.
• Sztuczka. This restaurant in Gdynia is known for its standout modern European fare. Sztuczka wows guests with artfully plated dishes that offer surprising yet satisfying flavor combinations. Under the direction of its talented chef, Rafal Walęsa, Sztuczka has an extensive menu of creative entrees served in a chic, laidback setting. Reviews consistently applaud the innovation of the cuisine along with the excellent service.
• Cozzi Ristorante. This understated Italian restaurant crafts homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and seafood specialties using high-quality ingredients. Cozzi Ristorante in Gdynia has a varied wine list to pair with your meal and provides consistent and tasty Italian cuisine in a friendly environment. Frequent diners praise the pasta, pizza, fish dishes and the daily lunch specials.
• Pasta Miasta. Pasta Miasta focuses on serving Italian comfort foods in Gdynia, like fresh pasta dishes and flavorful soups, in an inviting setting accented by unique interior design details. This restaurant in Gdynia earns consistent praise for standout pasta entrees, homemade creamy tomato soup and one-of-a-kind touches like an open kitchen and murals that give the space a lively vibe.
• Hashi Sushi Gdynia. Hashi Sushi in Gdynia provides an enjoyable sushi dining experience with a pleasant ambiance, efficient and friendly service and superbly fresh sushi. Its extensive menu features traditional and specialty rolls to appeal to all tastes and other Japanese fare like ramen. Guests consistently applaud the high-quality fish, efficient yet unintrusive service and the comfortable zen-like atmosphere.
• Tlusta Kaczka. Helmed by acclaimed Chef Tomasz Mrozik, Tlusta Kaczka in Gdynia elevates Polish cuisine by infusing tradition with innovation and flawless presentation. The elegant atmosphere featuring polished decor provides the ideal backdrop for duck confit, house-made breads, decadent desserts and soups highlighting foraged ingredients. Diners praise the borowikowa wild mushroom soup, impeccably cooked meats like duck and roast goose and the refined yet welcoming environment.

What are the best areas to stay in Gdynia?

Listed below are the best places to stay in Gdynia.

• Main Town/Mariacka District. This historic heart of Gdynia features colorful gabled houses, quaint cafes, local shops and top attractions like St Mary's Basilica, the iconic Golden Gate and the picturesque Royal Route. As the most visited neighborhood in Gdynia, it is a great area for first-time visitors who want easy walking access to all the top sights. Its central location and abundance of cafes and shops make it generally safe for solo travelers.
• Kamienna Góra. Kamienna Góra is known as the “Beverly Hills” of Gdynia. It is an upscale residential area is home to beautiful boutique hotels, high-end restaurants boasting scenic sea views and peaceful walking trails along the coast. Close attractions include the stunning Kamienna Góra Nature Reserve and viewpoint. Its luxurious accommodations and proximity to nature make it an ideal relaxing neighborhood while still conveniently located.
• Śródmieście District. This lively central district in Gdynia boasts popular City Beach with its boardwalk, modern mixed-use architecture, large shopping centers and malls, an abundance of dining options and entertainment/nightlife venues. Key attractions like the fascinating Gdynia Aquarium and Emigration Museum are also conveniently located here. As a busy central area with lots to keep solo travelers occupied, Śródmieście is generally safe for those visiting alone.
• Orłowo. This seaside district in Gdynia attracts visitors with its sandy beaches, scenic promenades, fishing piers, beachfront accommodations and stunning sunset views over the Baltic Sea. Top area attractions include the newly renovated Orłowo Pier and the breathtaking nature in Kępa Redłowska Nature Reserve. Its coastal ambiance makes it better suited for visiting couples and families than solo travelers.
• Redłow. Redłowo in Gdynia features the expansive Redłowska Beach, wooded parks, inland lakes, hiking and biking trails winding through forests and hotels focused on wellness services. Visitors enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Baltic Sea on the picturesque Redłowska Pier. This neighborhood remains a relatively good area for solo travelers.

What are the best accommodations to stay in Gdynia?

Listed below are the best accommodations to stay in Gdynia.

• Courtyard by Marriott Gdynia Waterfront. This modern 4-star hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, showcasing stunning panoramic views of Gdynia's harbor, yacht marina and the open waters of the Baltic Sea beyond. Located just steps from the beach, boardwalk and city center, it offers guests contemporary rooms with stylish décor, an on-site restaurant dishing up international cuisine, a well-equipped fitness center and versatile meeting spaces. It is an ideal option for first-time visitors. Courtyard by Marriott Gdynia Waterfront is one of the top hotels to stay in Gdynia.
• Mercure Gdynia Centrum. This popular 3-star hotel reflects a maritime theme, exuding old-world charm and modern amenities. Its 294 rooms, dressed in shades of blue, offer beautiful sea views and pay homage to the city's fishing village roots. Guests can swim laps under a 19th-century warehouse roof in the indoor pool or relax their muscles in the sauna before enjoying classic Polish cuisine re-imagined at the on-site restaurant and wines at the lobby bar.
• Hotel Nadmorski. Designed in the style of ocean liners, this highly rated 4-star hotel overlooking scenic Gdańsk Bay is celebrated for its genuinely pleasant staff and views of the Baltic Sea from many of its 120 rooms. Visitors take morning seaside strolls just steps outside the hotel doors before indulging in relaxing massages at the full-service spa, followed by local specialties served to the tune of a panoramic vista in one of its two on-site restaurants.
• Hotel Różany Gaj Family & Friends. This hotel is along a tree-lined street in Gdynia's prestigious Kamienna Góra neighborhood. This inviting 4-star hotel impresses visitors with its cozy coastal-themed rooms, elite spa boasting an indoor swimming pool with hydromassage and seasonal rooftop bar mixing up refreshing cocktails against the glittering Baltic Sea backdrop. The delectable regional cuisine served in its gourmet restaurant can be worked off on scenic hiking paths just around the corner.
• Quadrille Hotel & Spa. This lavish 5-star boutique wellness retreat makes guests feel like they've fallen down a rabbit hole into an Alice in Wonderland fantasy. In between indulging treatments at the decadent spa, visitors withdraw into plush, whimsical rooms before delighting their palates with artfully crafted dishes at the critically acclaimed on-site restaurant and handcrafted cocktails at the cozy bar tucked away on the forest grounds.

How to get from Gdynia to Warsaw Chopin Airport?

There are a few ways to get to Warsaw Chopin Airport from Gdynia. These are by plane, train, bus, and driving. Firstly, fly from Gdansk Airport (GDN) to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). The flight takes 1 hour 40 minutes under LOT Polish Airlines. Flights depart a few times daily, and tickets cost 570 PLN (110€, $120, £94). Secondly, take the PKP Intercity train from Gdynia to Warszawa Centralna station. The journey takes around 3 hours and departs hourly, and tickets cost 58 PLN (11€, $12, £9). Thirdly, take Flixbus from Gdynia to Warsaw. The journey takes 6 hours and departs twice daily, which costs 110 PLN (21€, $23, £18) per ticket. Lastly, drive from Gdynia to Warsaw Chopin Airport at around 441 kilometers (274 miles), taking 3 hours and 50 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The fastest option is to fly, which takes just 1 hour 40 minutes but is also the most expensive.

How to get from Gdynia to Warsaw?

There are a few ways to get to Warsaw from Gdynia. These are by plane, train, bus, and driving.  Firstly, fly from Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport to Warsaw Chopin Airport; the flight time is 1 hour 40 minutes. LOT Polish Airlines operates a few daily flights, costing 570 PLN (110€, $120, £94). Secondly, take the train from Gdynia Główna station to Warszawa Centralna station. The journey takes 3 hours with hourly departures, which cost 58 PLN (11€, $12, £9) operated by PKP Intercity or Polregio. Thirdly, take the FLlixbus from Gdynia to Warsaw Zachodnia bus station, which is 6 hours long and departs twice daily. Tickets cost 110 PLN (21€, $23, £18). Lastly, drive from Gdynia to Warsaw city center at 441 kilometers (274 miles), taking 3 hours and 50 minutes in normal traffic. Route options include expressway S7 or national road 7, and parking costs in Warsaw vary, with underground parking available at some hotels.

Where to go shopping in Gdynia?

There are several great places to go shopping in Gdynia. These are Centrum Riviera, Klif Shopping Center, Batory Shopping Center, Galeria Madison and Fashion House Outlet Centre. Firstly, Centrum Riviera houses over 240 diverse stores and amenities, including cinemas, restaurants and ample parking. Distinct green architecture integrates the mall into nature through ivy-covered facades and a park-like entrance with cycling paths. Awards laud Riviera for both retail excellence and environmental design. Secondly, Klif provides refined shopping with around 150 shops plus dining and a supermarket anchored by luxury brands like Marciano Guess and Polish designers Lidia Kalita alongside high street staples H&M and Zara. Its nautical-themed interior and pearlescent aesthetics emulate sophistication. Thirdly, Batory Shopping Center excels through easily accessible fashion, coffee and meals without navigating sprawling space, energizing visitors with sales events and its friendly, trendsetting ambiance. Fourthly, Galeria Madison in Gdańsk offers convenient one-stop shopping and parking near public transit to peruse comprehensive options from Polish and international brands. Lastly, Fashion House Outlet Centre provides discounted name brands like Nike and Adidas alongside family-friendly amenities with indoor playgrounds and ample dining to encourage leisurely shopping.

What festivals or events are taking place in Gdynia?

Listed below are the festivals or events that are taking place in Gdynia.

• Open'er Festival. Open'er Festival draws over 100,000 music fans as Poland's biggest music festival, featuring rock, indie, alternative, rap and pop acts on multiple stages. Since starting in 2002, Open'er has won Best Major Festival honors for showcasing icons like Blur, Coldplay, Kanye West and Pearl Jam alongside rising talents in a creative atmosphere encouraging artistic exchange. With diverse food options, a campsite and family-friendly activities, Open'er provides a dynamic, inclusive experience celebrating music in all forms. Open'er upholds a reputation for organizing logistics like free public transit for ticket holders and promoting sustainability through its Green'er initiative focused on environmentalism. The 2023 lineup promises exhilarating performances from headliners like Dua Lipa and Arctic Monkeys. This is one of the best festivals in Poland every year.
• Polish Film Festival. The prestigious Polish Film Festival has been the most important event in Polish cinematography since its debut in 1974, honoring top films with Golden and Silver Lion awards. Thousands attend screenings, discussions and meetings with actors and directors like Agnieszka Holland and Krzysztof Zanussi to experience new Polish cinema releases premiered at this “Polish Cannes” celebrating domestic talent. As a national cultural event, the Polish Film Festival advances Poland's film industry by facilitating co-productions while engaging audiences through its competitive yet congenial atmosphere.
• Ladies Jazz Festival. The Ladies Jazz Festival unfolds as a popular 10-day July event alternating between Gdynia and Wejherowo to showcase Poland's eminent female jazz vocalists like Grażyna Auguścik alongside international talents including Youn Sun Nah at indoor and outdoor stages. Masterclasses, jam sessions and late-night jam sessions encourage musicians to mingle within the Ladies Jazz Festival's welcoming ambiance, promoting women's creative contributions and leadership in jazz.
• Gdynia Design Days. Gdynia Design Days span eight summer days, offering exhibitions, discussions, lectures and workshops on technology, sustainability, urbanism and innovation to engage thousands of design professionals and students in forward-thinking conversations. Renowned designers and architects like Thomas Heatherwick, Ross Lovegrove and Daniel Libeskind have participated in Gdynia Design Days' visionary programming and interactive formats like the Young Design competition to inspire social and environmental progress through cross-disciplinary collaboration.

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9 Reasons to Visit Gdynia, Poland – the City of Sea and Dreams

Last Updated on 26/04/2024 by kami

Gdynia, Poland is one of the most underrated destinations in the country, always in the shadow of more popular places in the area. But there are so many things to do in Gdynia! Dominika from the blog Sunday in Wonderland has written for you all the best reasons to visit Gdynia. Read on and plan your trip to Gdynia!

Gdynia essentials

• Airport transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Gdansk airport to your accommodation in Gdynia here .
• Where to stay in Gdynia: Hotel Gdynia Boutique (9.1/10) / Błękitny Żagiel (8.9/10)
• Best Gdynia tour: Gdansk Sopot and Gdynia 3 Cities Private Full-Day Tour
• Get insured for your trip to Poland with SafetyWing

If asked about what to see in Poland, many tourists answer “ Gdańsk ” with no hesitation. But not everyone knows about the charm of its younger sister-city: Gdynia.

If you wish to enrich your trip to Poland with new experiences, you should definitely go through this list of 9 reasons to visit Gdynia.

At first glance, it seems that there are no interesting things to do in Gdynia. It is still less than 100 hundred years old, so there are not many historical monuments, castles or even ruins to see.

But if you’ll dive a little bit deeper into its glorious history and unique character you’ll discover a travel destination pearl worth visiting. Gdynia, for its inhabitants, is a symbol of freedom and new opportunities.

So keep reading to discover its magic.

History of Gdynia: Pursuit the dream of future

To better understand the phenomenon of Gdynia, we should take a quick look at its history.

Gdynia gained city rights at the beginning of the 20th century when Poland became an independent country again. At those times, Gdańsk was an autonomous city as well, which was ending up with difficult access to its port for Polish trade. So the government decided to build a brand new port with the vision of worldwide service in mind.

This was the main reason why Gdynia was born as a city. Builders from the whole country were coming to participate in this great and promising project. Sometimes, the city was compared to New York because of the dreams and hope it was sowing in people’s hearts.

Because the city was built up from zero, it was a wonderful opportunity for designers to create an elegant and modernistic environment. If you’ll be perceptive enough, in the city center you’ll notice a lot of buildings with modernist lines and details.

Even today modern architects are true to the vision of the futuristic city. New buildings arising along the streets are still aligned to simple yet elegant rules, modern materials, and bright colors.

The window into the world

As I mentioned before, Gdynia was a symbol of freedom and a better tomorrow for its creators. During the interwar period, the new port was one of the most modern in the world. It was also well-known for its regular transatlantic connections with other cities, among other New York.

Huge ocean liners such as M/S Batory or M/S Piłsudski were the nation’s proud. They were known for sophisticated cruises with many contemporary celebrities. But it was also the way of the cultural escape from Europe for people who wanted to follow the dream from shoeblack to millionaire in America.

The story of legendary ocean liners is still alive and a lot of Gdynia’s inhabitants have a special sentiment for it. If you wish to know more about the age of transatlantic cruises you should definitely visit The Museum of Emigration which is symbolically located in the old building of the Sea Station.

The role in the fight against the communism

But Gdynia has lived through worse times too. After World War Two the country felt in a trap of communism. The government was controlled by the Soviet Union. Poland stuck in this system for many years.

It was the early 1970s when simple people finally started to revolt. The Gdańsk Shipyard was one of the main spots on the rebel map with thousands of people fighting for a better life.

Gdynia played its role too. The worst event took place on 17th December of 1970, also known as Black Thursday. Milita and the army opened the fire in the direction of protesting shipyards’ workers. After this, oppressed people started a march into the city center. On its front, on the wooden door, they carried the body of a young worker killed by bullets.

This event is one of the most recognizable in the history of the Polish fight with communism. The country finally won in 1989, becoming once more totally independent. You can discover the whole story of the Polish fight in the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk with an amazingly interactive exhibition.

The center of Polish maritime history

Gdynia is inseparably connected to the Baltic Sea. It is also a place where young people go to study the art of maritime building, navigation, and maintenance.

On the Kościuszko Square, if you’ll get lucky, you can observe young adepts preparing the traditional sailing ship – S/V Dar Młodzieży – for its next training cruise. You can also visit its older sister – S/V Dar Pomorza – which is currently a museum and is opened for tourists.

Next to it, you can also enjoy a visit on a military destroyer ORP Błyskawica (pl. Lightening). The ship is currently a museum as well but maintained by the Polish Navy with real soldiers on board.

Enjoy sailing world

Of course, the city is not only a military and navy location. The perfect reason to visit Gdynia is to enjoy the sailing cruises on recreational yachts.

The marina is located actually in the city center. That’s why it’s a perfect stop for sailors from all around the world. You can also get your sailing permissions in one of many sailing schools.

The most adorable picture from Gdynia is a view of small kids taking their sailing classes on tiny individual Optimist yachts in order to become world-class sailors one day.

See where the sea meets the land

From the city center, through Kościuszko Square and a marina, we can direct our steps to the most popular meeting place in Gdynia. The city beach.

This is the place where the heart of the city beats. Hundreds of people spend their time on the white sand, swimming in the bay, watching the yachts, and having fun with friends.

The cult cafés and bars and located almost directly on the beach. Where the sand ends, there starts a city boulevard being the traditional morning and afternoon walking path for people living nearby.

The Gdynia’s motto is the city of sea and dreams. And on the city beach, you can truly feel the spirit of this place.

Find happiness

For years, Gdynia was winning top places in many official happiness rankings. People simply like to live there.

There are many interesting job opportunities around, plus the apartments’ market still grows. Life in Gdynia flows slowly.

The city is surrounded by the sea from one side, and dense forests from the other one. It’s also small and young enough so everyone knows its history and can identify with it. Gdynia is simply a happy place to be.

Go crazy on festivals

But it’s definitely not only a calm life for families and seniors. Gdynia offers a few events which you should definitely know.

The most recognizable abroad of them is Open’er Festival in Kosakowo, in Gdynia’s suburbs. It’s a huge music festival which takes place in the city since 2003. Each summer it hosts the biggest stars of various music kinds such as Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Bruno Mars, Snoop Dog, Fatboy Slim, Florence + The Machine, and many, many others.

Another popular festival is the Cudawianki. Its motto is “The Summer Starts In Gdynia”. It’s the big party organized in the city center and on the beach for the occasion of the Midsummer night. Concerts, family activities, contests, and many other attractions are proposed by the city on those days.

The other cultural event, well-known in the Polish movie world, is the Polish Feature Film Festival. The film school in Gdynia each year hosts the biggest movie stars and celebrities to reward the most promising movies on the Polish scene.

Gdynia is a part of a bigger metropole

And the last reason to visit Gdynia during your next trip to Poland is that it’s the perfect base point for further adventures.

From here you can, of course, take a city train to Sopot and Gdańsk. But you can also take a ferry to the Hel peninsula, or rent a car and have an adorable road trip to Kaszuby region .

Transport opportunities are pretty well organized. And Gdynia is an important part of the whole metropolis of the Gulf of Gdańsk.

So now you know the main reasons why a trip to Gdynia should be on your Polish bucket list. In this young city, you’ll find the opportunities to calm down, enjoy the closeness of the sea, and dive deeper into Polish history.

Do you have any questions about planning traveling to Gdynia? You can ask them in the comment section, we’ll be happy to answer!

About the author: Dominika is a travel blogger who grew up in Gdynia in love with its tales and legends. Visit her blog Sunday In Wonderland to learn more about wonderful places not only in Poland but also in the rest of the world. She’ll give you also some clever tips about how to become a sustainable traveler and make the most out of your trips.

Further reading

I published many articles about Poland that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
• 20 Great Places to Visit As Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland
• Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Lublin, Poland
• The Complete Guide to Visiting Slownski National Park, Poland
• Visit Grudziadz – One of the Hidden Gems of Poland
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
• Visit Sandomierz, Poland – One of the Prettiest Towns in the Country
• Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World
• 25 Amazing Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Poland

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Poland here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Poland too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Whenever I go Poland, I head to Gdynia. Love it there. Your words are heart touching.. Thanks for sharing.

I’m happy to hear you enjoy Gdynia so much!

Mary Joynor

Is public transportation available in Gdynia?

Yes it is and it’s pretty good

Hello, please can you tell me what is the nearest airport ? Thank you

Gdansk, only 20 km away

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Museums in Gdansk

Stutthof concentration camp museum, gdansk på én dag, best things to do in gdynia, gdansk to hel peninsula by ferry, train or car, caste near gdansk – malbork castle, moving sand dunes in leba, top things to do in gdansk, murals gdansk zaspa, places for campers in gdansk.

Gdynia is worth visiting if you stay in Gdansk for a longer time. Although the city has a very short history – which can’t compare to Gdansk – its modern architecture and seaside make it a great destination for a one-day trip. Read the article to check what are the best things to do in Gdynia .

Except for the advice on what to do in Gdynia , we encourage you to read our article on public transport in Gdynia and parking in Gdynia .

History of Gdynia

Before we write about what to do in Gdynia, let’s begin with a brief introduction of the city. Gdynia was a small fishermen village, but it started to grow at the beginning of the XX-th century, when more visitors came to Gdynia to rest by the sea. In 1922, the Polish government decided to build a harbour here. This was because Gdansk became the Free City, and access to its harbour was limited by Germans. Then the number of inhabitants of Gdynia grew rapidly, and in 1926 Gdynia received city privileges . Until the Second World War, Gdynia and its harbour grew, but then it fell under Nazi occupation. It was liberated in 1945 Shortly before that big civil ship, Gustlof, left the port. It was afterwards sunk by a Russian submarine and became the Baltic’s biggest shipwreck and underwater cemetery.

After the Second World War, Gdynia grew again, and it was a witness to people’s struggle for freedom once more. In 1970, soldiers opened fire on shipyard workers going to work, and about 20 people died. Victims have been commemorated with a monument close to the Gdynia Stocznia train station.

But Gdynia has recovered from that and developed in free Poland. In 1999, its harbour became the biggest one in Poland, and harbour and shipyard cranes are elements of Gdynia’s landscape. Moreover, many of the street names commemorate either those who built the harbour or those who defended the town in 1939.

Things to do in Gdynia – outdoor activities in Gdynia

In Gdynia, interesting places may be seen as you just look around. This may complicate your visit to Gdynia on a rainy day – than just go straight to the Museums in Gdynia chapter.

Open’er Festival

Open’er Festival is definitely one of the best things to do in Gdynia. Or rather, to listen to. This is one of the biggest music festivals in Europe, that starts early in July and lasts for four days, with world-famous musicians and bands in the line-up. In 2019 Smashing Pumpkins and Kylie Minogue were the main artists, and the previous year we could listen to Depeche Mode, Bruno Mars and Gorillaz. Open’er Festival is located in Military Airport north of Gdynia, close to Kosakowo village. Tickets are available on pre-sale since September of the previous year, before even the line-up is announced.

Architecture of Gdynia

Don’t expect to see Gothic or baroque buildings here. Gdynia was built in the XX century, so it’s modernism that you will see around. What is characteristic of Gdynia is that many buildings relate to the marine style. You might not notice it at a first glance, but when you look at the buildings, you will discover that many of them are ship deck shaped.

One of the oldest buildings in Gdynia is Antoni Abraham’s family house (Starowiejska 30, now a restaurant). He is considered to have been an important man for Kashubian culture and is often referred to as the King of Kaszuby.

Things to do in Gdynia – by the sea

Gdynia’s life is inseparably related to the sea. If you are looking for the best things to do in Gdynia – go towards the coast.

• Parking in Gdansk – zones, fees, free parking
• Gdansk concentration camp

Gdynia has two beaches, a small one in Orlowo and the main beach close to the centre. Both are much smaller than beaches in Gdansk and tend to be crowded, but the one in Orlowo has a nice view of the cliffs. If you have time, after spending time on the beach, you may walk through the cliffs to Sopot.

Things to do in Gdynia – Museums in Gdynia

Polish flagships.

Two famous Polish ships moor in Gdynia: Blyskawica – the Second World War-era destroyer and Dar Pomorza – school ship that helped to train generations of Polish sailors. Both ships now serve as museums.

Opening hours and prices:

Blyskawica: Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00, ticket price 16 PLN, Family ticket (1 or 2 adults with children) 40 PLN

Dar Pomorza: Monday-Sunday 10.00-18.00, ticket price 12 PLN, Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) 30 PLN, audio guide 5 PLN.

Aquarium in Gdynia

Great attraction if you come to Gdynia on a rainy day or want to rest from the sun. You will find here many species of fish and sea animals.

Opening hours: 9.00-21.00 until 31st of August, 9.00-19.00 in September, 10.00-17.00 October-March

Ticket price: 29 PLN, free entrance for children under 5 years old. Special offers for families and happy hours are available

Science and Experiment Centre

This is one of the best things to do in Gdynia if you come here with children. This is an educational playground, where children may learn physics and natural law by conducting experiments on their own. Adults can join and have fun as well, going back to their school-time.

Ticket price: Full price ticket costs 20 PLN, but consult the Experiment website for special offers and family tickets.

Opening hours: Experiment Centre in Gdynia usually opens 9-18 but check their website as opening hours change in the high season.

Museum of emigration

This is a relatively new and modern museum. It presents the history of Polish emigrants during the mid-war times – mainly to the USA. Many of them left Poland from here and were never provided the opportunity to come back.

Opening hours: Monday.: closed, Tuesday: 12:00-20:00, Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00-18:00

Ticket prices: 12 PLN, Family ticket (2 adults, 4 children) 30 PLN. Free entrance on Wednesday. Audio guide 8 PLN.

A visit to the museum should take about 1,5-2 hours.

Kamienna Hill (Kamienna Gora)

There is a free trolley that goes up from the Music Theatre and takes you to the hill. Except for great view of the city and the sea, this is also the area of old-time villas. This part of Gdynia is considered one of the most luxurious and prestigious districts in Poland. Its residential buildings were built before the Second World War when modernism broke through. Therefore, both modernistic and old Polish Mansion styles may be found here. Kamienna Hill is like a town within a town – although you are still in Gdynia, you are well separated from the city buzz. Many buildings have their secrets, and some of them hosted Gestapo Headquarters during the war and security service during communist times.

Part of Kamienna Hill was designed to be a garden, and there are many green areas there. If you come here and have some time, this is one of the best places to see in Gdynia.

Naval Museum

Just below Kamienna Hill, there is the Naval Museum. It provides exhibitions of weapons, arts, documents, uniforms, and ship models.

Opening hours: Monday closed, Tuesday 10.00-18.00 (until 19.00 in July and August)

Ticket prices: Free entrance on Tuesday , Regular ticket 16 PLN, 24 PLN tickets combined with Blyskawica Ship. Family ticket 30 PLN.

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15 Best Things to do in Gdynia (Poland)

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: November 24, 2020

Categories Poland

Home / Europe / Poland / 15 Best Things to do in Gdynia (Poland)

Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Gdynia in Poland , along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.

Gdynia is located in the northern part of the country, on the Baltic sea next to Sopot and Gdansk. What used to be a small fishing village has developed into a popular summer destination and a city with almost 250 000 residents, making it the 12th largest city in Poland .

In this article, I’m sharing some of the best places to visit in Gdynia as well as interesting facts and attractions that shouldn’t be missed while visiting the city. 

Hotel Zdrowie

The abandoned Hotel Zdrowie is a very unique attraction that has recently become a popular spot for photographers and street artists. Many walls of the former hotel have been used as canvases and turned into artworks.

The site also overlooks the Baltic Sea and is one of the most scenic abandoned buildings in the country. The former sanatorium is not maintained and is left to decay so watch out for safety issues like broken glass or unsafe windows, doors, and staircases.    

Gdynia Beach

In the summer, Gydnia Beach is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing and offers all the infrastructure you would expect. There are sunbeds for rent and many cafes and restaurants are dotted along the beautiful promenade.

The beach is also very wide and the perfect place for kids to play in the sand. Gydina’s marina is located close by and visitors of the city beach can enjoy interesting views towards the steady coming and going of boats, luxurious yachts, and even big cruise liners.

Photo: katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com

Orlowo Pier

The Orłowo Pier is a recreational wooden pier located in the little village of Orłowo a few kilometers south of Gydnia. It offers great views of the coastline and the surrounding nature.

There are many benches set up on the pier, allowing for plenty of rest, fresh air, and a gorgeous panorama. The Kępa Redłowska nature reserve is located between Orlowo and Gydnia and is adjacent to the pier.

This makes walks from Gydnia to Orlowo very attractive for nature lovers as plenty of untouched, wild nature can be explored here.

Emigration Museum

The Emigration Museum is dedicated to the Polish emigration during the last 200 years. The museum is located in the facilities of the Maritime Station, a former transit building that hundreds of thousands of people used to leave the country.  

This museum is renowned all over Europe and has won several awards such as the Živa Award of the Best Slavic Museum. The site explains the various backgrounds of the people leaving the country including their fate before and after emigration.

Additionally, it displays the different character of emigration during the various centuries. Especially interesting are the stories of the many famous emigrant Poles that achieved great things in science, sports, or business

Photo: Marek Poplawski / Shutterstock.com

Torpedownia

Torpedownia is the name of a central facility of German torpedo research during the Second World War. It was built a few hundred meters off the shore and was built both ontop as well as under the water, as an assembly hall and test facility and shooting range used to launch torpedos.

It used to be connected to the mainland with a small railway transporting goods across a bridge, unfortunately, this bridge has collapsed a long time ago and today the Torpedownia can only be reached with a boat.

The site is completely abandoned and not used today. It is possible to access the site but it’s not recommended as the integrity of the structure is questionable.

Skwer Kościuszki (Kościuszko Square)

The Skwer Kościuszki is one of the most popular meeting points of the residents of Gdynia. It features several beautiful fountains and is surrounded by many important commercial buildings including hotels, restaurants, shops and more.

The square is often used to have some minutes of relaxation as it offers many benches and other seating opportunities. This area is also a perfect place to start exploring the harbor and beach promenade of the city as the square is located right next to the water.

Kamienna Góra Gdynia Funicular

Gdyniar offers a scenic funicular railway that takes visitors to a hill overlooking the Hel peninsula and the Baltic Sea. The Kamienna Gora reaches a height of 96 m and the climb towards it takes only two minutes.

The funicular features modern, glass gondolas that offer breathtaking views all around the surroundings. Visitors who want to get more active can also take the stairs and pathway to the hill instead and get some exercise climbing the scenic Kamienna Gora.

ORP Błyskawica

The ORP Błyskawica served the Allied forces during the Second World War and is considered the oldest still existing destroyer-class ship in the world. It is the pride of the Polish fleet and took part in many wartime operations.

It was part of a Polish Naval detachment serving under control of the British Admiralty and featured in the rescue of the encircled British forces in Dunkirk. In 1976 the powerful battleship was turned into a museum allowing visitors access to its interior.

The ship is still largely unchanged from its days of service in the Second World War, the only difference being the addition of some educational material used to inform its guests about the ship and its wartime history.

Photo: Abrada / Shutterstock.com

Dar Pomorza

The Dar Pomorza is another interesting museum that is located in a historic ship. The Dar Pomorza is a full-rigged sailing ship and was built in 1909. It served as a training ship in various countries.

The ship was initially built by Blohm & Voss and was later given to Poland as a war reparation after the First World War. The ship traveled around the world in the 1940s and later featured in various expos and sailing competitions.

In 1983 the Dar Pomorza was finally turned into a museum ship and today offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the world of sailing. Despite its age, the ship is perfectly maintained and a really beautiful sight.

Photo: Jarek Fethke / Shutterstock.com

Naval Museum

The Naval Museum is set in a modern building and was inaugurated in 2018 to celebrate the re-creation of the Polish Navy. The museum is dedicated to the history of Poland’s naval forces and it educates visitors about the beginnings of Poland’s Navy in the aftermath of the First World War to the modern-day.

Gdynia’s Naval Museum offers many artifacts, stories, and information boards to illustrate many aspects of the wartime operations during the Second World War. The naval bombs and torpedoes found here were used during the war and are a chilly reminder of the brutality of war. Beautiful wooden models of famous ships can also be found here.

Kepa Redlowska & Klif Orlowski

The Kepa Redlowska and Klif Orlowski are a real natural highlight of the area. This nature reserve is located just south of Gdynia and is the best place in the area for people in search of peace and tranquility.

The cliffs connecting the lush forests of the reserve with the beach are a spectacular backdrop when enjoying the sand and water of the Baltic Sea. The cliffs also feature several viewpoints from which hikers can overlook the sea.  

Open’er Festival

The Open’er Festival is a famous music festival that takes place on the beaches of Gdynia. It is considered one of the biggest of its kind in Poland and was initially launched in Warsaw before moving to the Baltic coast.

The festival won the prize “Best Major Festival” of the European Festival Awards in 2009, 2010 and 2019. The festival features several stages and regularly welcomes some of the biggest names of the music industry.

In recent years the list of artists performing here included: Bruno Mars, Jay-Z, the Arctic Monkeys, Rihanna and many more. Many different music genres are present here, it doesn’t matter what music you are into, you will love the festival.

Motorsport Museum

The Gydnia Motor Museum offers car lovers a paradise full of historic automobiles from the 20 th century. The venue hosts many fantastic vintage cars including the Ford-T, considered the first mass-produced passenger car.

It also features different Buick models including the one driven by Al Capone himself. Additionally to the fascinating old cars, many documents are depicting historic automotive technology as well as photographs of many interesting rallies and old road maps portraying different stages of the road network of the past.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel

The church of St. Michael the Archangel is an interesting construction consisting of a red-brick nave and a wooden church tower. It is located close to the sea just a few meters north of the city center of Gdynia.

The building is surrounded by a cemetery that is home to some of the most influential residents of the city. The church is not a major tourist hotspot and offers peace and serenity. The property of the church also features many memorials of the dark times of the Second World War.

Centrum Nauki Experyment

The Centrum Nauki Experyment is an interesting attraction for families with children. The site is unique as it is not a classical museum but more of a gallery offering many hands-on exhibits that can be used for experimenting.

The interesting natural science exhibits allow playful contact with aspects like human anatomy, gravity, light and water. Many different phenomena of everyday life are explained here and turn your kid’s natural curiosity into a great learning experience.

Interesting facts about Gdynia

• It was the center of Oksywie culture during prehistoric times.
• In 1789, there were only 21 houses in Gdynia.
• The city was known as Gdingen in German .
• Gdynia received city rights in 1926 and has since then grown into one of the largest cities in northern Poland.
• Gdynia Film Festival has been held annually since 1974.
• The city of Gdynia has a population of 246,348 according to the latest estimate.
• Gdynia covers an area of 136 km2 (53 sq mi).

Want more recommendations on things to do in Gdynia, Poland? Leave a comment below! 

• The Best Things To See...

The Best Things to See and Do in Gdynia

Poland’s seaside resort of Gdynia is an underappreciated gem of a city and comes highly recommended by locals. Gdynia is part of Poland’s famous “Tri-city” (along with Sopot and Gdańsk ) and many first-time tourists to Sopot or Gdańsk also spend at least a day in Gdynia. Gdynia is on the map these days for a few reasons. There is the ferry service to Sweden, served by Stena Line, the yearly boat festival (July to August) and, more surprisingly, the local football team’s (Arka Gdynia) rise from obscurity to be the only Polish club to lift two senior trophies in 2017. When touring this special city, here are the best things to see and do.

Enjoy the view from kamienna góra, stroll along gdynia’s seafront promenade.

Gdynia’s seafront is one of the prettiest in Poland. In summer, the resort attracts huge crowds to the peaceful and pleasant promenade. You can start your walk from the foot of Kamienna Góra, past the fountains and along the seafront to the iconic maritime monument. Jak mija Wam weekend? Repost @krzywit #wgdyni #gdynia #mojagdynia #weekend #port #trojmiasto #tricity #my3city #love3city #igerspoland #igerstrojmiasto #igersgdansk #instagramers #miasto #city A post shared by Gdynia – oficjalny profil ⚓️ (@gdynia_official) on Aug 20, 2017 at 4:30am PDT

Relax on Gdynia’s city beach

There are not many Polish cities that can boast a beach right in the city centre, which is why you should take advantage of Gdynia’s tightly designed street layout, meaning most hotels are less than a 10-minute walk from the beach. Na dobry początek tygodnia ? Fot. Marek Sałatowski #wgdyni #gdynia #mojagdynia #plaza #morze #fotografia #sea #photography #trojmiasto #tricity #my3city #love3city #igerspoland #igerstrojmiasto #igersgdansk #instagramers #instagood #miasto #city A post shared by Gdynia – oficjalny profil ⚓️ (@gdynia_official) on Aug 6, 2017 at 11:26pm PDT

Eat seafood on a boat

Gdynia is famous for its seafood and in summer months, the restaurants by the seafront are full of tourists and locals sampling the delights. Gdynia is also the boating capital of Poland, so put those two entities together and you’ve got a great location for seafood. Head onto one of Gdynia’s famous boat restaurants for a freshly caught meal and the locally recommended side-dish of vodka! Raz do roku chce się ryby nad morzem??? #gdynia #barpomorza #gdy50 #sea #seaside #food #foodie #foodporn #foodphoto #flądra #ryba #fish #wroclawskiejedzenie #3cityfood #3city #trojmiasto #chips #yummy #tasty #delicious #foodstagram #morze #bandahedonistow A post shared by Piotr Gładczak (@wroclawskiepodrozekulinarne) on Aug 7, 2017 at 8:15am PDT

Watch the famous Arka Gdynia football team

Poland has been twice Olympic Champions and twice third place finishers in the FIFA World Cup. While Arka Gdynia have supplied a few players to the national team in the past, it is their recent success and movement up the divisions that has made them more well-known. In 2017, Arka Gdynia won two trophies and qualified for the Europa League for the first time. Their stadium has a capacity of 15,000 and if you visit, be sure to wear blue and yellow (sky/sea and beach colours) in support, as local rivals Lechia Gdansk play in green and white and those derby matches can get tense. #ArkaRazem #Arka #ArkaGdynia #sport #team #football #pilkanozna ?? Repost: @arkagdyniassa A post shared by Gdynia – oficjalny profil ⚓️ (@gdynia_official) on Jul 14, 2017 at 11:17am PDT

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Visit Gdynia Aquarium

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Understand Kashubian history

While Gdynia is a proud Polish city, there are many people in this region who speak Kashubian and class themselves as Kashubian. At first, this can seem difficult to believe in such a democracy and land of clear borders, but delve deeper and you’ll see just what makes the Kashubians different. In Gdynia, you’ll find Kashubian restaurants, festivals and their very own square with the statue of Kashubian activist Anthony Abraham. You can also learn more about this culture in the Gdynia City Museum.

Learn about Poland’s history

Poland was invaded during World War II by Germany, and that war is believed to have started at Westerplatte. Just after this, was the infamous Battle of Gdynia in September 1939. To learn all about Gdynia’s war history, you can either head to Gdynia City Museum or the Ship Museum by the harbour which is housed, predictably on a former Polish Warship, the ORP Błyskawica.

Ship Museum, al. Jana Pawła II 1, 81-001 Gdynia, Poland, +48 58 620 13 81 Gdynia A post shared by Krzysztof Witkowski (@krzysztofwitkowsk) on Sep 15, 2017 at 4:15am PDT Gdynia City Museum, Zawiszy Czarnego 1, 81-374 Gdynia, Poland , +48 58 662 09 10

Go trampolining

Gdynia is home to the largest indoor trampoline arena in Poland, Jumpcity . It’s a huge complex featuring over 140 trampolines with a range of fun activities for all. This includes dodgeball, a sponge pool and a basketball arena, all to be enjoyed while jumping on trampolines.

Jumpcity, Tadeusza Wendy 7/9, 81-001 Gdynia, Poland, +48 58 380 07 70

Świat z naszej perspektywy ? #robiesalto #jumpcity #parktrampolin #gdynia #katowice #gdansk #rumia #skaczemyzradości #upsidedown #orange #jump #team A post shared by JUMPCITY Park Trampolin (@jumpcitypl) on Aug 7, 2017 at 7:45am PDT

Visit the Open’er Festival

Poland is a hub for popular festivals and events. Cities such as Krakow and Warsaw tend to get all the acclaim having recently hosted the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Coldplay, but head to Gdynia for the Open’er Festival in early July every year for a spectacular music event by the coast. Rainbow Open’er crowd! ? #opener2017 A post shared by Open’er Festival (@opener_festival) on Jul 11, 2017 at 6:49am PDT

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Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot - tourists travel guide Polska wersja

Tricity guide.

Are you planning a tour around Gdańsk, Sopot or Gdynia? Are you already there not knowing how to plan your stay, where to begin your visit? Are you expecting a visit from your friends or family, and don't know where to take them out, what to show and recommend to them? Our guide will help you reach the places worth seeing in the whole Tricity, get to know the most important historic buildings and monuments, facilities and tourist attractions of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia.

Tricity in a nutshell

Each tourist city has its own landmarks, its must-see places. In Paris it's The Louvre and The Eiffel Tower, in London - Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, in Warsaw - Sigismund's Column and the statue of The Warsaw Siren, in Cracow - The Cloth Hall and The Wawel Castle. What is the symbol of Tricity which must not be missed? Tricity is not a homogeneous urban entity, but three cities, each of them with several, if not more, of their characteristic features. It is hard to imagine Tricity without Neptune Fountain , the majestic Żuraw crane and the Shipyard cranes - the inherent elements of the panorama of Gdańsk, without the Sopot Pier or Gdynia's cliffs, ' Błyskawica ' ship and 'Dar Pomorza' tall ship. It's good to bear in mind, though, that, apart from historic buildings and other popular places, each of these three cities, Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia, have their less touristy gems which we recommend to discover during your personal excursions. One thing is certain - in Tricity you will not be bored: you can go night-clubbing, sunbathe by the seashore, taste the local specialities and take advantage of such wide range of activities. Here you will feel the sand under your feet, breeze on your skin, you will hear the call of the sea and you will the wind blow in your sails.

Accommodation

If you decide to visit Tricity during the holiday season - it is advisable to arrange your accommodation well in advance: (see our recommended hotels , guest houses , holiday apartments and campsites ). Most of them offer online booking.

Before the trip it is good to choose the transport options. Tricity is easily accessible from any large city in Poland. Choose your own means of transport, bus or train. The PKP train timetable is available on our website . Polski Bus coach service has lately become a popular means of transport . There are flights to Gdańsk departing from several cities in Poland. If you are planning your trip by plane, arriving at Gdańsk Rębiechowo airport you can use a taxi or public transport, checking the city bus timetable straight after your arrival. During your stay in Tricity do not forget about the Rapid Urban Railway (SKM) commonly used by the city's inhabitants. You can also go on a sea cruise: take the ' water tram ' which will take you to Hel.

A thousand years of history and picturesque seaside location makes Gdańsk considered one of the most beautiful cities in Poland and in Europe. Located in the north of Poland, at The Baltic Sea coast, at The Motlawa and The Vistula river estuary and the Bay of Gdańsk, it is a lively cultural, scientific and economic centre, with a large commercial port - an important point of marine industry. It is popular with tourists, both from Poland and abroad, who are curious about the city's history and explore its monuments, absorbing its marine nature. Gdańsk is the city of freedom, where the ideas of Polish companionship and solidarity were born. The unique "genius loci" can be felt among the Old Town terraced houses, among the shipyard cranes of Young Town, on the sandy beaches and post-industrial halls. The omnipresent freedom in Gdańsk inspires actions, changes people and space they live in. The present day Gdańsk is a city open to new ideas, keeping pace with the changing times; traditional yet at the same time very modern.

The thousand-year-old Gdańsk is considered to be the most monument-packed city of "Baltic Europe". Most of the monuments in Gdańsk are located near the most representative passage of Main Town District - the Royal Route and the streets parallel to it, along with the promenade, the Motlawa Long Embankment (Długie Pobrzeże). The best place to start sightseeing of the historic part of Gdańsk would be the Upland Gate (Brama Wyżynna) and the the Royal Route stretching beyond it through Long Street (Ulica Długa) and Long Market (Długi Targ) towards The Green Gate (Zielona Brama). In the Green Gate you will find the seat of Pomeranian Tourist Information Centre (Pomorskie Centrum Informacji Turystycznej). Having crossed The Green Gate, you'll find the Prison Tower (Wieża Więzienna) and Torture Chamber (Katownia), called the Barbican of Gdańsk, inside which The Amber Museum is located. The Amber Museum is planned to be re-located to the Great Mill (Wielki Młyn).

Just behind it, there is the Golden Gate (Złota Brama) and, next to it, The Court of the Society of St. George (Dwór Bractwa Świętego Jerzego). Within the area bordering on one side with Wybrzeże Theatre and the Barbican on the other, there is a square called Targ Węglowy, a venue of numerous concerts and other cultural events. Just behind The Golden Gate there is a magnificent view on the Royal Route. The Route is lined with charming, restored houses, whose original construction dates back to the 16th and 17th century. We can see gothic references here as well. The houses used to belong to the most prominent patricians, merchants and senior city officials and spacious apartments were rented to Polish kings. One of the most beautiful houses at Długa Street is undoubtedly The Uphagen's House (Dom Uphagena) - which houses one of the branches of the Museum of the History of Gdańsk. All these magnificent buildings are overshadowed by the beautiful and monumental Main Town Hall (Ratusz Głównego Miasta), the most impressive and most valuable secular building of old Gdańsk, the seat of the city authorities. The dome of the tower, measuring 80 metres, is decorated at the top with the metal, gilded statue of the King Zygmunt August. The interior, meticulously reconstructed, is also worth a visit.

Opposite The City Hall there is Tourist Information Centre, office of PTTK Gdańsk and the souvenir shop with postcards and albums of Gdańsk. You can also hire a guide here.

The heart of Gdańsk, unlike many cities with their central squares, is the Long Market , which along with Długa Street in the 13th century functioned as a merchant route. Here, The Neptune Fountain - symbol of Gdańsk, which has been in front of The Artus Court since 1633, is situated. Nearby, there is the beautiful Golden House (Złota Kamieniczka) and the New House of the Court (Nowy Dom Ławy) with The Lady from the Window ("Panienka z okienka") - a young girl dressed as a 17th century maiden who greets the passers-by every day at three past one o'clock p.m. Tip: There is a place on the Long Market from which you can spot three Neptune statues at the same time - try to find it! If you would like to feel like you are there now - take a look at the Panoramic View of the Long Market. Walking towards the Motlawa river, along Long Street, you reach the Green Gate - a branch of the National Museum of Gdańsk. Passing the Green Gate, you will reach The Long Embankment , where your attention will be drawn by Żuraw ,- the oldest preserved port crane in Europe and the iconic edifice of Gdańsk. Further on, going over the Green Bridge you can cross the Motlawa river and get to Szafarnia Waterfront, the city's marina and the Lead Island (Ołowianka).

Tourists like to stop by the bridge which is a popular viewpoint and a perfect spot to take a photo. Turning left behind the Green Gate, you can continue your stroll along the Motlawa river. You will go past the harbour of Gdańsk Shipping Company (Żegluga Gdańska) where sailing vessels call at and depart to Sopot, Gdynia or Hel Peninsula. A little further, next to Swan Tower (Baszta Łabędź) during the summer holiday season there is a stop of 'water tram' and pirate cruise ship "Galeon Lew". Passing the row of buildings where souvenir shops and restaurants are located you reach the majestic Żuraw - crane , which used to serve as a point for trans-shipment and for putting up masts on ships. It also served as the city gate. Inside there is a reconstructed and fully-operating drive mechanism - an enormous wooden wheel, in the past powered by the strength of men's legs.

The building adjacent to Żuraw crane (the branch of National Maritime Museum) is a modern house, yet designed to fit the historical facade of old buildings around, which houses the Centre of Maritime Culture (Ośrodek Kultury Morskiej) - the newest branch of National Maritime Museum, opened in 2012.

The main seat of National Maritime Museum is situated on the opposite side of the Motlawa river on Lead Island in three granaries of historical heritage: "Panna" "Miedź" and "Oliwski" Another part of Maritime Museum is 'Sołdek' - the ship berthed at the Motlawa river bank, the first seagoing ship built in Gdańsk Shipyard after World War II and one of the main attractions of the city. On the opposite river bank there is Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów), the city marina with sailing boats and, along the port canal, Polish Baltic Philharmonic located in the building of the former 19th century power plant. Close to the philharmonic there is AmberSky ferris wheel. You can take it to admire a wonderful city view. Transport across the river is possible on the seasonal ferry called Motława and you can go on foot using a new footbridge. Close to historical city center near Motława river you can find a new Museum of The Second World War. The fantastic shape of building catches touritsts' attention. The heart of the museum is a main exhibition situated 14 metres underground where almost 2 thousand exhibits have been collected.

Walking along the Long Embankment it is worth to head towards the gothic St. Mary's Gate (Brama Mariacka)leading to one of the most scenic streets of Europe - St. Mary's Street. Its old Gdańsk-style architecture is manifested by rows of terraced houses decorated with gargoyles and narrow, richly ornamented facades. The houses once belonged to wealthy merchants and goldsmiths. Just behind St. Mary's Gate there is the Archaeological Museum . the biggest museum of this kind in Northern Poland, with its collection of over 27,000 archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic and wildlife exhibits. The Museum has also its observation tower, where you can admire the view of the panorama of Gdańsk. St. Mary's Street, narrow and full of amber and jewellery stalls and workshops is surmounted by the huge, monumental temple: St. Mary's Church , one of the largest brick churches in the world is frequently referred to as The Crown of Gdańsk. From its 77,6 metres high tower, which you have to climb almost 400 steps to get to, the city panorama can be viewed. Inside there are famous fifteenth-century astronomical clock and tomb of Adamowicz , Gdańsk president who was killed in 2019.

After leaving St. Mary's Church we recommend to take a walk along Piwna Street, the most dynamic street in the area, where new restaurants, cafes and clubs spring up and multiply like nowhere else. It has undoubtedly something to do with the location of nearby Fine Arts Academy (Akademia Sztuk Pięknych), partly occupying the interiors of another historic building - The Great Armoury (Wielka Zbrojownia) From there, it is just a few steps to The Royal Chapel ( Kaplica Królewska), the only baroque sacred structure in the city centre. Opposite the Chapel, at the corners of Grobla I Street and Św. Ducha Street in 2009 there appeared The Fountain of Four Quarters, with four lions symbolising the city of Gdańsk. Passing through the interior of The Great Armoury or going around it outside, through the lovely Teatralna Street, we will reappear at Targ Węglowy and in front of Wybrzeże Theatre , which, along with Teatr Narodowy in Warsaw and Teatr Stary in Cracow is one of the most renowned national theatrical institutions in Poland. Next to Targ Węglowy there is Targ Drzewny, dominated by the statue of the King Jan Sobieski the Third . From here you might want to head towards Korzenna Street to see The Town Hall of the Old City (Ratusz Staromiejski), with its beautifully ornamented Bourgeois Hall and the former Mayor's Office In Korzenna Street you can see Jan Heweliusz statue and the most contemporary tourist attraction - The Love Bridge, which was created in July 2011 and modelled on similar ones existing in other European cities.

On both sides of the bridge over Radunia canal there are thousands of padlocks attached, each with the names of lovers on it. In the heart of Gdańsk there are also the following churches we recommend to see: St. Nicholas Church, the oldest church of Gdańsk, built at the end of the 12th century and St. Catherine's Church, the oldest parish church in The Old Town, referred to as 'Matrona Loci'.

From The Town Hall of the Old City, through Podwale Staromiejskie and Tartaczna Street turn your steps towards the square of the Defenders of Polish Post, with The Museum of Polish Post - a branch of the Museum of the History of Gdańsk. It is located in the historic building, where the memorable events initiating the World War II occurred. The exhibition is devoted to the history of the defence of the Polish Post Office in Gdańsk against the background of the situation of Polish inhabitants of The Free City of Gdańsk. Sightseeing of Gdańsk would be incomplete without paying a visit to a place where the struggle against the policy of real socialism began. This place is, of course, Gdańsk Shipyard. The famous shipyard cranes have become an unmistakeable identifying feature of the cityscape, contributing to its national heritage

In the Solidarity Square, not far away from the spot where in December of 1970 the first three shipyard workers were killed, there stand a symbolic construction consisting of three anchors and three crosses - The Monument to the fallen Shipyard Workers (Pomnik Poległych Stoczniowców). It is also here, in November of 1980, where the movement of "NSZZ Solidarność" was established. At present, most of the shipyard's operations were transferred to the Ostrów Island on the opposite bank of Martwa Wisła river, and the former shipyard premises are used mostly by private investors. The area called Young City (Młode Miasto) is designed to become the ultramodern future district of the city's trade and services. Its integral part is the European Solidarity Centre (Europejskie Centrum Solidarności), a museum and conference venue devoted to "Solidarność" movement, planned to be opened in 2014. The exhibits to be displayed in European Solidarity Centre are currently stored in the basement of the headquarters of National Commission of NSZZ "Solidarność"at Wały Piastowskie, housing the "Roads To Freedom" exhibition. Behind the Main Railway Station (whose architecture catches the eye of all travellers and tourists), you can find The Stronghold Fort (Grodzisko) - a post-military complex. At its peak, crowned with the Millenium Cross, there is another viewpoint of the city panorama. On the site of the former fort there is Hevelianum Centre - modern educational and scientific centre, where by means of interactive exhibitions one can explore the world of science and history. From the Main City, passing the Shakespearean Theatre (currently under construction) you can visit nearby National Museum , walk across the Lower Town ( Dolne Miasto) to see Żubr Bastion. The Vistula Mouth Fortress (Twierdza Wisłoujście) is a must-see, as well as Westerplatte - both the sites of the outbreak of World War II. See the layout of the defence points . The changes in the development of the Westerplatte Peninsula in the years 1646-1976 might be seen on the specially created animation. Since both Westerplatte and Vistula Mouth Fortress are difficult to get to on foot, we recommend going there by bus 106, by tram -tram routes- or take a cruise on a pirate ship. At the Long Embankment, apart from Galeon Lew, near the Baltic Philharmonic, there is another vessel: "Czarna Perła" ship. Returning from the peninsula it is possible to take a ferry from Vistula Mouth Fortress and cross Martwa Wisła river to Nowy Port district and visit the 27 metres high Gdańsk Nowy Port Lighthouse, with its unusual historic instrument - a time sphere.

From there it is quite near to the largest sport facility in the Pomeranian region - Stadium Energa Gdańsk, because of its design called 'amber arena'. Built for the Euro 2012, the stadium is now the seat of Lechia Gdańsk football club. Football fans may step into Lechia Museum. Next to the stadium there is a modern congress and exhibition centre - AmberExpo - the host of the biggest trade fair events.

Nowy Port and Zaspa districts are also famous for their unique blocks of flats called 'Falowce' - the name referring to their shape imitating the sea waves, the longest block with as many as 16 staircases and inhabited by 6000 people. Zaspa is worth visiting also for another reason - here you can see a beautiful art gallery of monumental painting. It would be a big mistake not to visit one of the prettiest areas of the city - Oliwa Park, named after the poet Adam Mickiewicz, created in the 18th century on the site of the former Cistercian monastery gardens. One can come across the specimens of plants brought from all over the world, admire the magnificent, founded in 1920, alpine rock garden, a conservatory, caves of whispers and cascades of Oliwa Stream, 112 - meter long avenue of trimmed lime trees and hornbeam alley, planted in the 17th century. In the park there is a palm house with a famous 17-metre high palm tree. The most spectacular edifices of old Oliwa district is Oliwa Cathedral , the triple-nave vaulted basilica based on the plan of the Latin cross, a longest church in Poland.

In the summertime the baroque organ concerts are held there. Strolling through Oliwa Park you can visit The Abbots' Palace (Pałac Opatów) and The Ethnographic Museum. Families with children will certainly enjoy a visit in the nearby Oliwa Zoo . Sightseeing in Oliwa, you can climb its viewpoint called 'Pachołek' and look at the city panorama. Free access to the viewpoint tower offers you a splendid panoramic view of Gdańsk. Interactive map of Old Oliwa district will certainly make it easier to locate the main points of interest.

After a sightseeing tour of Gdańsk we would strongly recommend an idle break at the seaside; nothing is more relaxing than feeling Baltic sand under your feet, listening to the soothing sound of waves or watching the sunset. Stogi or Jelitkowo are places ideal for a walk along the seashore. A trip to the Brzeźno pier is also a good idea - idyllic ambient prevails there both at sunrise and at sunset. Nothing compares to the energizing qualities of the open spaces and the influence of water element accompanied by the benefits of beneficial iodine content in the air.

Wide sandy beaches spreading for as long as 4,5 kilometres, the status of a health spa and the longest pier in Europe are a magnet powerful enough to attract tourists here. In spite of being the smallest urban administrative unit in terms of population in the whole country, in the summer it is one of the most crowded and lively places in Poland. Beautifully situated seaside resort is well-known also thanks to the legendary music festival held in Forest Opera (Opera Leśna). The city has a distinctive location: surrounded by the moraine hills and forests from the south and by the Gdańsk Bay and Hel Peninsula from the north. As much as 60% of the city's area is occupied by vegetation. Sopot owes its unique atmosphere to the art nouveau tenement houses, villas surrounded by trees and one of the longest promenades in Poland, commonly known as 'Monciak'. Its favourable geographical location is reflected in the real estate prices - the highest in Poland. The city has a great location - lying between the beautiful woods of the Tricity Landscape Park on one side, and the numerous sandy beaches of the Bay of Gdańsk on the other. Its favourable geographical location is reflected in the real estate prices - the highest in Poland. The city has a great location - lying between the beautiful woods of the Tricity Landscape Park on one side, and the numerous sandy beaches of the Bay of Gdańsk on the other. Sopot recreational facilities are visited by hundreds of thousands of guests each year, mainly during the summer season. The status of a health spa makes Sopot one of the most popular holiday destinations for the Polish and foreign tourists alike. Clean, sandy beaches spread throughout the area of 4,5 kilometres of Sopot coastline . Through the middle of the resort runs its representative Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street , commonly called 'Monciak'. It is the main promenade, vehicle-free pedestrian zone. The ground floors of tenement houses built at the turn of the 19th and 20th century, as well as other more modern buildings, like Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), are now housing cafes, pubs and restaurants. Apart from modern venues we can find here other places, going way back, with artistic and club house traditions. Spatif and Sfinks, clubs located at Monciak have always been the popular meeting places of Tricity artists and celebrities, here the numerous concerts take place and the nightlife flourishes. In the lower part of Monciak promenade new cafes, clubs and restaurants spring up one after another. Plac Zdrojowy, the square with Haffener Centre is the heart of Sopot, perfectly matching the urban style of the resort. To discover the real charm of the town, turn into one of Monte Casino's side streets, where you may travel back in time thanks to the surrounding art nouveau houses and gardens. We particularly recommend a walk along Czyżewskiego Street, where Sierakowskich Court At the lowest point of Monte Casino you'll find the Pier (Molo), which is 512 metres long; the longest wooden pier in Europe. At its end there is a marina, full of yachts and catamarans in holiday season. During the summertime, there is a small entrance fee charged if you want to go to the pier, however, visitors do not seem to mind paying for a one of a kind opportunity to stroll along this picturesque place. From there, you can admire the sight of The Bay of Gdańsk, Tricity coastline and the Sopot itself, with its landmark - the legendary Grand Hotel. The places with exceptional charm and magical atmosphere that we recommend to visit are Atelier Theatre named after Agnieszka Osiecka. Apart from the walks in the seaside promenades and boulevards you can go up Castle Mountain (Góra Zamkowa), to see the medieval fort, the oldest historic place in Sopot, the one and only such building in Europe located in the middle of a contemporary city. The renovated Forest Opera is also well worth a visit; famous for its interwar Wagner concerts, and since 1961 - for the International Song Festival (Międzynarodowy Festiwal Piosenki). Everyone keen on horse-riding and every enthusiast of sport competitions must absolutely go to the horse racetrack, situated between Gdańsk and Sopot, considered to be one of the most modern horse-riding centres in Poland. The horse racetrack was built over a hundred years ago on a grassy surface of 33 ha. At the time, it used to host international horse-racing events of European rank. For those looking for splashy thrills and aquatic entertainment the visit to Sopot Aquapark will be a great idea. Those of you driving between Gdańsk and lower part of Sopot please have a look at the new ERGO ARENA sports and entertainment centre, where you can watch a basketball or volleyball match as well as see the international stars at concert.

Interesting location, the cliffs famous all around Poland, the longest seaside boulevard, Kościuszko Square, historic ships moored by the quayside, wide municipal beach, port cranes, luxury cruise ships, and yacht harbour with hundreds of masts - all these are the elements of a contemporary port city called The Nautical Capital of Poland. Less than 90 years old, Gdynia is one of the youngest Polish cities. Described as "The city made of sea and of dreams" , it was a dream come true for the people who created it from a tiny fishing village and turned it into a biggest port at The Baltic Sea. The architectural symbol of the city are the two 130-metre high Sea Towers built at the seaside. Genius loci is Orłowo district, with its cliffs and the pier. The city's central district - The Stone Hill (Kamienna Góra) - residential area situated on a hill with its characteristic cross and a park with a viewpoint on the centre of Gdynia, the port, The Bay of Gdańsk and the arched shape of The Hel Peninsula. Established in 1926, Gdynia is a young, but quickly expanding port, offering many tourist attractions as well as splendid commercial opportunities and entertainment options. Its diversified and unusual location enables you to come across great views of the sea, long promenades, beautiful waterfronts, marinas and yacht clubs, gems of modernist architecture and other unique places. Gdynia is the only city in Poland and one of the very few in Europe to pride itself on such a long and easily accessible seashore, (measuring 12,5 kilometres, not including the port area) The city shares a common transportation system with Gdańsk and Sopot - SKM trains . From Sopot there is a direct trolleybus service, a means of transport used everyday by the inhabitants of Gdynia Sightseeing of "The city made of sea and of dreams" the tourists usually begin from Kościuszko Square , the most famous square in the city, situated between Świętojańska Street and 10 Lutego Street. In the square there stands a monument commemorating The Pope John Paul the 2nd and his visit in Gdynia and the memorial plaque Polish Seafarer ("Marynarz Polski") at which official ceremonies are held. The characteristic feature of the square is the fountain. The extension of Kościuszko Square is The Southern Pier (Molo Południowe), from which it is most convenient to watch the high-rise buildings - SeaTowers and the Gdynia Waterfront facilities, currently under construction.

The Southern Pier is a man-made artificial peninsula - jetty. The Pier was built in the 1920s and quickly gained the reputation of the most picturesque spot of the city. The greatest tourist attraction are the historic vessels moored at the quayside: the only preserved Polish pre-World War II ship, and the oldest destroyer in the world today ORP Błyskawica (the most frequently photographed object in the Pomeranian region) and the most famous tall ship, over a 100 year-old Dar Pomorza , today a museum-ship. The prime example of modernist architecture of Gdynia can be noticed in the building located in the vicinity, formerly functioning as The Polish Seafarer's House (Dom Żeglarza Polskiego) , nowadays the seat of Maritime Academy Faculty of Navigation (Wydział Nawigacyjny Akademii Morskiej). At the end of the square there is The Aquarium , where the mysteries of the ocean depths are revealed to its visitors.  Here you will see the most extraordinary species of fish, amphibians and reptiles from all over the world: Africa, North America or Northern Europe.

On the Southern Pier you may walk along the 'Alley of Passenger Ships' - the only such place in Poland, where the green granite plaques commemorate the arrivals of all passenger ships in Gdynia. The plaques are assembled on the Southern Pier. Try to spot here the statue of a boy, called the 'wave conductor', who welcomes and bids farewell to sailors in the marina. 2-metre tall statue stands on poles stuck into the sea bottom about 40 metres away from the shore and is best seen from the Southern Pier and from the marina. From Kościuszko Square it is a good idea to walk along the Seaside Boulevard (Bulwar Nadmorski).

1500 metres long boulevard, or promenade, runs between the slope of the Stone Hill and the sea. It was built to protect the steep cliff and today it is the favourite place of the enthusiasts of cycling, roller-blading, running and nordic walking. Close to the Seaside Boulevard and the beach, there is an attractive outdoor exhibition of weapons and marine armaments. It contains the exhibits of weapons and combat equipment ranging from the 17th century to the present day. There is a particularly rich collection of weapons dating back from the World War II and post-war period, including the the Navy airplanes and helicopters. The city's wonderful panoramic view can be admired from the most luxurious districts of Gdynia - the Stone Hill, easily recognizable by the large cross at its top. You can get there by a cable car (cable railway). On your way there, you will pass the famous Musical Theatre (Teatr Muzyczny), and the new seat of the Gdynia City Museum. Back from the waterfront, in the centre, there is a place called the Observatory of changes, a.k.a. Infobox, where you can watch the square and the sea from above and take a closer look at the city miniature model and all its highlighted landmarks.

Just a few steps away, in Starowiejska Street, there is a house called The Abraham House, where the Kashubian activist Antoni Abraham once lived. Today it houses additional exhibition rooms of Gdynia City Museum, where it is possible to see the exhibition entitled "Before the city was built. Households of the past". Speaking of Kashubian - now you can take a break and sit on a bench in Kaszubski Square, next to the silhouettes of the elderly Kashubian couple. The next stop could be The Marine Station, built in 1933, regarded as one of the most interesting historic places in Gdynia. Until the outbreak of war it functioned as the base for the transatlantic fleet. In the Station's interior The Emigration Museum was established. From the centre and Świętojańska Street, always pleasant to walk on, we go to Orłowska Street starting the stroll towards Orłowo district. Walking down the street we go past the stylish Villa Lubicz guest house and in the distance we can see the 180-metre long wooden pier, built in 1934.

It is one of the most charming places, eagerly frequented by the inhabitants of Gdynia, Gdańsk and Sopot and tourist. No wonder, as the view of the surroundings from there is amazing: not only the wildlife reserve, Orłowo Cliffs, but also Sopot, Gdańsk and Hel Peninsula are visible. The 60-metre escarpment is considered an identifying symbol of Gdynia, being one of the most frequently photographed natural sites in Poland. Next to the entrance to the pier (free of charge) we come across a fishing harbour. Banners fluttering in the wind, fishing nets drying in the sun, colourful boats on the shore make this place unique, often serving as a background of wedding photo shoots and other photographic locations.

Turning right from the pier, crossing the bridge over The Kacza river, we reach the building called Adlerówka on our left. At present it is the seat of the gallery of the Arts School Complex (Zespół Szkół Plastycznych) there is also the cafe. Further on, we go past the Żeromski House, in which the writer, enchanted by the beauty of the place wrote one of his novels. Next we pass the former Dom Zdrojowy - a health spa, functioning under a German name of 'Kurhaus'. Back to the pier, we walk along the Queen Marysienka Boulevard. On the left we pass the spot where Municipal Theatre of Gombrowicz each summer puts up its seasonal stage. After reaching the end of the boulevard continue your walk across the forest until you get to Kolibki Park. Several points of interest,worth mentioning here, are: over a 100 year-old Marysienka's Oak, the remains of the cave named after Queen Marysienka and the historic Palace Complex with watershed and stables. During an excursion to Gdynia it is also recommended to see the old fishing village in Oksywie.

In that part of the city you can come across historic, several hundred-year old buildings, like the 13th century church of Archangel Michael Everyone fond of history, military objects, photography and beautiful views will appreciate a visit in Babie Doły. There, about 300 metres away from the beach, you can see a place called ' Torpedownia '. Built during World War II, it served as the assembly line for torpedos and as the firing range.

Looking for entertainment and indoor family attractions it is good to remember about the new scientific and entertainment centre Experyment, where learning and playing are rolled into one fun way of spending free time. Experyment consists of more than 40 interactive stands explaining the phenomena occurring in the world around us.

Your virtual trip around Tricity is about to end. If you wish to see more photos of Tricity please visit our photo gallery . In our guide we presented only the most important and most characteristic places associated with Gdańsk. Obviously , our list is not finite nor complete. Tens of other less popular monuments, buildings, enchanting places and lovely alleys still await someone who will discover them and bring them to public attention. By presenting one by one the attractions of Tricity and updating data on the presented items we aim at constantly developing our guide. Perhaps you have also found a place in Tricity, which wasn't mentioned here and which has made a great impression on you. We will be grateful for all your suggestions and comments, Please send all suggestions and comments to: [email protected] .

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Things to do and see in Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot (Trojmiasto – Tricity)

Trojmiasto (Tricity) is actually an urban area consisting of three big cities in Pomerania (Pomorze): Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot. They are located next to each other, in a row, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. All the three cities together have a population of over 1 million people.

Before 2007, the name ‘Trojmiasto’ wasn’t official, however after 28 march 2007, when the ‘Karta Trójmiasta (in English – Tricity Charter) was signed as a declaration of the cooperation between all three cities. Except, the great coastline there are many things to see in Trojmiasto, making it one of the ‘must-see’ places in Poland. If you don’t believe us – just go there and see it for yourself!

Active exploring in Gdansk, Gdynia & Sopot

Have fun in Monciak

If there is a place when fun lasts 24h it must be Sopot. Monciak – a street filled with bars, clubs and restaurants, is the place to go for any outgoing person. It’s busy, vibrant and crowded so don’t go there if you are looking for peace and quiet. The name ‘Monciak’ is short for Bohaterów Monte Cassino (a little bit too long, isn’t it?).

Climb Pachołek Hill in Gdansk

Gdansk has a hill (or even called by many a mountain) named Pacholek, where it’s possible to see Tricity, Baltic Sea and even Hel peninsula on the horizon. Pacholek Hill has a special steel platform to let people see above the tops of trees (the whole area is rather forested). Obviously, enjoying the view is free but be ready for a little bit of trekking in a forest so remember to wear good shoes! Your efforts will be rewarded generously.

Visit the PGE Arena – Official Euro 2012 stadium

This is probably the best-known place in Gdansk due to Euro 2012 matches. The PGE Arena was one of the stadia for the European Championship matches played in June in Poland and Ukraine. Now, it’s the home stadium for Lechia Gdansk and many music events. If it’s not a matchday you can take part in a guided tour to see every hidden corner of the stadium or get a lesson about Lechia Gdansk’s history in a new museum.

Visit Gdansk’s ZOO

One of the biggest ZOOs in Poland gives you a chance to meet over one thousand animals. The ZOO in Gdansk gathers 139 different species. The biggest stars in the ZOO are pumas and elephants. A trip to the ZOO is a great idea for Saturday or Sunday as it’s situated right next to Tricity Landscape Park, so why not spend a free day in the wild?

Take a tour of the Ergo Arena

Ergo Arena, located between Gdansk and Sopot, is the perfect space for any pop or rock concert. It’s definitely made life easier for Tricity citizens because no one has to travel to Warsaw or Katowice to see the biggest stars of world pop culture. Every Monday and Thursday it’s open for tourists wanting to see the Arena backstage.

Splish and splash in the aquapark in Sopot

Weather in Poland is rather unpredictable. When it’s raining cats and dogs however, you can still play in the water. Maybe the sea is not an option, but thankfully, Aquapark in Sopot is weatherproof. Waterslides, saunas and “wild rivers” are waiting for bathers from the early morning till evening.

Culture hotspots in Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot

Take a walk along Długie Pobrzeże

Gdansk is not only surrounded by the Baltic Sea, but also the river Motlawa, which flows right through the city. Thanks to this, Gdansk has one of the best riverfronts in Poland. Along with the river fringes Dlugie Pobrzeze – a long street with cafes and restaurants. Come along for a drink and some nice food and when you get bored with it (if it’s possible!) you can visit the Museum of the Sea which is next door.

Discover history in Westerplatte

Westerplatte is the place where World War II began and as well as a symbol of bravery and heroism of Polish soldiers fighting against the much bigger German army in September 1939. In 1966 the Monument of Coast Defenders was erected to honor those who had died for Poland and its freedom. This place is definitely a must-see to better understand Polish history as it’s something Poles are proud of.

St. Mary’s Basilica in Gdansk

The most impressive building of Gdańsk, it’s often called ‘ the krone of city of Gdańsk’ because it dominates strongly the city’s panorama. The construction of the basilica started in 1343 and lasted for…159 years! Now, over 600 years later it’s one of the most important buildings, truly a landmark for Gdansk. It’s recommended to take guided tours to avoid overlooking anything. Don’t forget to also check out the tower as views from up there are simply splendid.

St. Catherine’s Church in Gdańsk

The church is best known for a big fire in 2006 when nearly all the tower was destroyed. People all over Poland held their breath and watched an unbalanced fight with flames. Damages were very severe but after a few years, in 2008, the roof and tower were rebuilt and restored. St. Catherine’s church is situated in a small marketplace, in the Old City, so it’s always good to see it when you have some spare time.

Museums & monuments

Neptune’s Fountain

The Fountain of Neptune is one of the oldest buildings in the Tricity. That half-naked guy on the top is the Roman god of seas. It was built between 1606 and 1634. Right now it’s a very popular point for trips in Gdansk and photo opportunity for all school trips. Neptune is part of the Old City, with charming tenements, cobblestones, and narrow alleys. This fountain fits ideally to the historical atmosphere of the city so don’t hesitate to soak in the climate of the old part of Gdansk.

See the fish in Gdynia’s Aquarium

Still not tired of water? That’s good because another water attraction awaits. But this time it’s not about people in the water, but about animals: fishes and reptiles. Oceanarium consists of 4 exhibitions-environments: Baltic Sea, coral reef, Amazonia and ocean depths. Overall, there are about 1,500 different sea micro-organisms and 250 species on 3 storeys, so the Aquarium will keep you busy for a long time.

Type : tourist attraction Address : Gdańsk, ul. Przemysłowa 6a Opening hours : 10 – 18 in the summer Length of visiting : 1 hour Price : 8 PLN, reduced: 5 PLN

Visit the Lighthouse in Gdańsk

There’s always something mysterious and eerie about lighthouses, especially unoccupied ones. This one on Przemyslowa street is out of service and has been for a long time. It’s opened for visitors curious about the lighthouse’s history. It was built in 1893 and was the first lighthouse to use electrical lights on the Baltic Sea. An interesting fact is that it was built as a twin of the lighthouse in Cleveland, USA(which doesn’t exist anymore).

Take a picture of Crooked House

One of the buildings in Sopot is crooked, totally asymmetrical and it was made on purpose! Since the moment the project began it was meant to be one of the main landmarks of the city. It’s the kind of the building that everyone knows where it is. Nowadays this is one of these places where you have to take a picture of yourself for your family photo album (or Facebook photo album). There’s not much to see inside through, just offices and shops.

Chilling out in Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot

Life is a beach especially in Trójmiasto

Not only you can choose from beaches in Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia but as well surrounding area. Once you find your perfect spot you can just chill out and sunbathe or play some beach games and even build a sand castle. Don’t forget to bring food and drinks with you!

Chill out at Oliwski Park Gdańsk

If you are looking for some nature time and you are fed up with the city you should definitely go to Oliwski Park in Gdańsk. One of the attractions in the park is the Grotto of Whispering. If you stand there and whisper something a person standing on the opposite side of the alley will hear you loud and clearly. So don’t whisper anything offensive!

Take a break at Kosciuszki Square in Gdynia

Kościuszki Square is a pretty nice piece of public space! It’s perfect for a short break between some more hardcore sightseeing. It’s located very close to the Oceanarium and embankment. From this green area, you can observe ships maneuvering on Gdansk Bay or wet your feet in the fountain which was designed in prewar times. It is said that Kościuszki square is the best showcase for Gdynia so why not check this out by yourself?

Address : Sopot, Plac Zdrojowy Price : during summer: normal: 7 PLN, reduced:3,5 PLN Length of visiting : about 2 hours

Stroll along the Pier in Sopot

The longest pier in Poland (511 meters long) is one of the biggest attractions in Sopot. Every year thousands of people come to walk it and breathe fresh sea air. It was built in 1928 and it’s made of wood –it does look rather charming. The pier also has a new feature –a yacht marina built a few years ago. It’s much easier now to park your yacht (Ok, you maybe don’t have your own yacht yet, but the marina looks cool anyway). One bad thing about it is the entrance – you have to pay for it. Thankfully, only in the summer time though. During winter and spring, it’s free and still worth visiting.

Enjoy the nature in Trojmiasto Landscape Park

The whole Trójmiasto is surrounded by forests on hills, slopes and some little lakes between. Most of it is part of the huge Landscape Park. This characteristic landform is an effect of an ice age and glacier movement, nowadays it’s great place for being active. But if you prefer relaxing in nature, don’t worry, it’s quite easy to spot birds or other forest animals. Since the park area is vast and includes many trails, being all alone and not disturbed by anyone is very probable.

A sentimental journey through Poland

Launching a start-up in Poland

Related posts, things to do and see in torun, things to do and see in poznan.

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20 Captivating Cities in Poland You Absolutely Need to Visit

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Poland is full of gems waiting for you to discover. If you take a trip to the country, you’re bound to stop in the capital Warsaw or the second-biggest city, Krakow. Both are full of incredible architecture, kind people and delicious Polish food like pierogi and potato pancakes. As one of Europe’s largest countries, there’s so much more to discover if you have extra time to explore. Each region is extremely different from its neighbours due to its complex history and you will see this when you travel through the country. Poland was partitioned for 123 years, so take a road trip across the country and you’ll see influences from Austria-Hungary, Prussia and Russia on the regional architecture.

From the beaches of the Baltic Sea in the north to the rocky peaks of the Tatra Mountains in the south, Poland has a diverse landscape that nature lovers are sure to fall for. Are you into nightlife? Join the wild crowds of pub crawlers for an unforgettable night in cities like Krakow and Wroclaw. Foodies will enjoy a mix of traditional restaurants, bakeries, and summertime street food night markets serving local treats. Here are 20 cities in Poland to hit on your trip this year.

8- Augustów

9- zakopane, 10- katowice, 12- rzeszów, 13- szczecin, 14- przemyśl, 15- częstochowa, 17- bialystok, 19- olsztyn, 20- oświęcim, cities in poland.

• Warsaw Hop On Hop Off Tour – Discover Warsaw at your own pace.
• Krakow Old Town Evening Walk – Explore the Old Town and castle.
• Wroclaw Sightseeing By Electric Car – Save your feet and hop aboard.
• Poznan Old Town Walking tour – Discover secrets with a local guide.
• Gdansk Walking Tour – Learn about legends and facts.

20 Best Polish Cities To Visit

There’s a good chance you’ll fly into Warsaw’s Chopin or Modlin airport when you arrive.

Often referred to as the phoenix city due to its bouncing back from its dark past in the second world war, it’s Poland’s capital and biggest city.

Travel guides will direct you to Warsaw’s old town, a replica of its former glory from before the war.

However, you’d be remiss not to explore the other districts.

Take a walk around the Muranów district, once the home of Warsaw’s Jewish population.

Though they’re all but gone from the city today, you can still see traces of Jewish heritage in the neighbourhood.

The most unique attraction in the city is the POLIN Museum , which documents the history of Polish Jews from their first arrival over half a millennium ago to the present.

After the POLIN, take a hop-on hop-off bus tour around the city centre to get to know the place.

Stay at: NYX Hotel Warsaw by Leonardo Hotels

Kraków (pronounced “crack-oov”) is Poland’s second-largest city and a favourite among international tourists.

It’s got everything you could expect from a trip to a Central European city: charming architecture, cheap drinks, and tasty food.

Take a walk around the city and at some point, you’ll end up in the Rynek Główny (main square) with its iconic St. Mary’s Basilica towering over the area.

This square is home to Poland’s biggest Christmas markets in December, where vendors sell handmade crafts, smoked cheese and mulled wine.

Come any other season and spend a night mulling around Kazimierz.

The former Jewish district is now a nightlife hub for locals and visitors.

Here you can get some of the cheapest beers in any Polish city, plus amazing local street food like the legendary zapiekanka (a delicious toasted baguette loaded with a variety of toppings like a pizza).

Many types of historic walking tours or river cruises are available depending on your interests. Check them out here .

Stay at: Cracow Central Aparthotel

Remember when we said you can see all of Poland’s influences in its cities?

Wrocław is the place to see the German influence, evident in the city’s main square’s old Prussian architecture.

While most restaurants offer typical Polish pierogi and kielbasa, the city’s bakeries sell giant pretzels, which you can’t find in Warsaw.

After spending a few hours around the city centre, you’ll quickly notice one of the city’s many quirks: gnomes!

Since 2005, they’ve installed over 200 bronze gnome statues.

Each of these gnomes has a unique look, and an artistic expression of the struggles Wrocław’s citizens have borne over the years.

Hire a guide to help you find them all here .

Visiting in the summer? You can catch Poland’s biggest international film festival, Nowe Horyzonty (New Horizons).

The 10-day festival is for hardcore cinema lovers and has been hailed by directors as a competitor with the Cannes festival.

If you missed the festival, their cinema (also named New Horizons) shows movies year-round.

Stay at: Louis & Elza Old Town Romantic apartments

One of the best cities in Western Poland and only 2.5 hours from Warsaw by train, Poznań is youthful and teeming with life.

If you’re spending some time in the old town, pay attention to the clock tower.

Two mechanical Poznań Goats come out and butt heads, signifying the top of the hour.

Besides mechanical goats and gnomes , Poznań is most famous for croissants.

Yes, you heard that right. However, Rogal świętomarciński (St. Martin’s croissant) is a bit different.

This cousin of the croissant is a tasty fall treat stuffed with icing, nuts, and white poppy seeds.

They’re most commonly produced in early November, but come any season, and you’ll find them.

Take a walking tour and get to know Poznań’s history and culture.

Stay at: Hampton By Hilton Poznan Old Town

No, the G isn’t silent. It’s pronounced exactly as it looks.

Gdańsk is the biggest of Poland’s tri-cities, which stand at the northern Baltic coast.

A former Prussian city, it looks more like Amsterdam than Warsaw with its tall, narrow houses and canals.

While gorgeous, the city’s historic centre is hardly half the experience.

Hop on the tram to the Wrzeszcz district, where cafes and vegan restaurants are abundant.

Take an afternoon stroll through Park Oliwski, a stunning green space where tourists rarely go.

Don’t miss the European Solidarity Center, a museum dedicated to the rise of the Solidarność (Solidarity) movement.

Born in the Gdańsk shipyard outside the museum’s doors, this labour movement eventually led to the end of communism in Poland. Book your walking tour here .

Stay at: Gdańska Szkoła Szermierki

For more about Poland, read:

• 20 Landmarks in Poland
• 20 Castles in Poland
• 20 Polish Drinks
• 20 Things To Do in Warsaw
• 20 Things To Do In Krakow
• Krakow At Night
• 20 Best Cities In Poland To Visit
• 20 Things To Do In Gdansk
• 15 Things Poland Is Known For

The second largest tri-city member and the second hardest to pronounce, Gdynia is a great place to escape the city hustle and bustle of nearby Gdańsk and Sopot.

It gets the most attention in late June when people swarm the city for the Open’er Festival.

Poland’s response to Coachella, it’s the country’s biggest open-air music event with big-ticket names from around the world and Poland.

Before there were daily flights between Warsaw and the world, there were massive ships of Poles emigrating to America, Argentina, and beyond.

Almost every person in Poland’s massive diaspora passed through Gdynia’s port.

Today, you can visit the city’s Emigration Museum to learn about where Poland’s community manifested internationally and the people who made the plunge for a better life abroad. Find out more here .

Stay at: Hugo

If you thought “Gdańsk” was a mouthful, this one will stump you.

Located right in the centre of Poland, Łódź (pronounced “wooch”) gets more confusing when you find out this landlocked city’s name means “boat.”

Beyond that, it’s a lovely city that’s worth your time. Take a walking tour here .

You can easily take a day trip from Warsaw to discover one of the coolest cities in Poland.

Tour operators provide door-to-door transport service, plus trains between the two leave hourly.

This isn’t some provincial town.

Łódź is the third-largest city in Poland and is home to Europe’s longest commercial street.

That’s right, Piotrkowska street is longer than London’s Oxford Street and the Champs d’Elysee in Paris.

The city was pivotal in one of Poland’s biggest artistic exports: cinema.

Every great Polish director, including Roman Polanski and Krzysztof Kieslowski, got their start at the Łódź Film University and made huge strides in the international scene.

Visit the university’s museum to learn more about the rich history of Polish art house cinema.

Stay at: B&B Hotel Łódź Centrum

This town in Poland’s northeast is a wonderland full of forests and lakes.

It’s a perfect stop if you’re taking a road trip further to Lithuania.

Augustów is immensely popular among Polish families in the summertime.

They come in camper vans and barbecue by lakes.

There are tons of outdoor activities waiting for you, including hikes through the forest and ropes courses.

You can hit the lakes in a kayak, canoe, or rented motorboat.

Search for activities to book in Augustów here.

Stay at: Abro

Zakopane is lovingly referred to as Poland’s winter capital, but there’s something for everyone every time of the year.

Come in the cold weather and see charming wooden houses covered in snow and the big, rocky peaks of the Tatra mountains in the skyline.

Poles come by the thousands in January and February to spend their winter vacations skiing.

Read more about skiing options in Zakopane here and enjoy the thermal pools .

Several world-class resorts are located throughout the town. Treat yourself to one of their spas or visit the Beernarium, a beer-themed spa!

When the snow melts, Zakopane is a popular jumping-off point for hikers. Visit famous spots like Giewont, a peak that looks like a sleeping giant, or Morskie Oko, a stunning, clear lake in the middle of the mountains.

Read more about trails near Zakopane.

Stay at: Willa na Wilcznik

An hour away from Krakow, this southern Polish city is a huge cultural hub not frequented by tourists.

It’s easy to reach, with budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizzair operating daily flights to the city from European cities.

It’s one of the largest cities in Silesia, a region that has changed hands several times over the centuries and whose culture bears much German influence.

It’s a UNESCO music city due to its history as an important place for creative minds.

This tradition is still strong, as Katowice hosts many music events year-round.

One of the biggest is OFF Festival, an event that puts the underground on top with a lineup full of indie rock, experimental hip hop, and electronic artists.

Check out more attractions and tours in the city here .

Stay at: Hotel Lantier Bytom – Katowice – Chorzów

Lublin is a city in Eastern Poland on the way to the Ukrainian border.

You’ll love its picturesque cobblestone streets and old tenement buildings that line the narrow streets.

The old town is worth seeing, as it’s well-preserved and quite different from the Gothic and Prussian appearances of many Polish cities.

A tour of Lubin wil take you through the city’s streets, the castle, and the site of the Majdanek Concentration Camp near the city.

Like many of the places we’ve touched on, Lublin has its own special pastry and even a museum dedicated to it!

At the Cebularz Museum, you can learn about the tasty treat called cebularz, a flat, round pastry covered with onions and sprinkled with poppy seeds.

You’ll even make and taste your own!

Read about cebularz and the museum here.

Stay at: Lublin Apartaments

Another tough one to pronounce (try “zhesh-oov”) that’s very much worth your time.

Rzeszów is a medium-sized city tucked in Poland’s southeast corner that visitors to Poland often neglect. 

This ought to change soon, as the city grows with new restaurants and pubs every year.

It’s becoming a bigger destination for Erasmus exchange students, too.

If you want to see Poland’s number one city on the rise, this is it.

Enjoy all of the beauty of a Polish city without crazy crowds.

Rzeszów’s market square resembles Lublin’s, minus the noisy foot traffic.

Step back in time by visiting the Muzeum Dobranocek.

Though it sounds like a kid’s exhibit, the museum is a time capsule dedicated to preserving the memory of cartoons from Poland’s communist period.

Stay at: Hotel Metropolitan

In the opposite corner of the country from Rzeszów is Szczecin, a city that’s more frequently visited by tourists from Germany than Warsaw.

Though very close to the Baltic, it’s not quite a coastal city.

However, it is situated on the Szczecin Lagoon, which eventually leads to the sea.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the city as there are plenty of traditional restaurants around the city serving affordable fish dishes, and food tours will set you in the right direction.

One of Poland’s most iconic pieces of architecture stands proudly just outside Szczecin’s city centre.

You’ll immediately recognise the philharmonic with its jagged, white edges that light up at night.

Check their program for your visit.

Tickets are often available up to the day of the performance and are quite affordable compared to philharmonics around the world.

To get your bearings, book this walking tour .

Stay at: Radisson Blu Szczecin

Przemyśl (pronounced “pshe-mishl) is a town in Eastern Poland situated right before the Ukrainian border.

It has one of Poland’s most perfectly preserved old towns and has yet to be spoiled by tourism.

Most outsiders who stop by rarely leave the train station (though it is a gorgeous sight to see itself!), as it’s a stopover point for trains connecting Warsaw and Kraków to Lviv and Kyiv.

Be the first of your friends to visit Łancut Castle (pronounced “wan-soot”), just an hour away from the city by car.

It’s one of Central Europe’s most beautiful castles, with its elegant design and a collection of horse carriages on display.

This tour of the eastern castles and Przemysl is worth doing.

Stay at: Apartamenty Galicja

Częstochowa (pronounced “chensto-hova”) is a town in south-central Poland.

It’s most commonly known as the Polish Vatican due to its importance in the Polish Catholic Church, of which more than half the country are devout followers.

Whether you’re catholic or not, though, the city is worth checking out and make sure you pay a visit to Jasna Góra, the city’s claim to fame.

It’s a monastery in the centre that houses the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, a famous piece of Catholic iconography.

Day trips from nearby Kraków take you around the city, and always stop at the monastery so you can see the icon.

Treat yourself to some good ‘ole Polish food at Gospoda Kwaśnica, in the city centre.

It was once featured on a TV show by Magda Gessler (often referred to as Poland’s Gordon Ramsey), who gave the place a facelift and now it’s one of the highest-rated eateries in town.

Stay at: Zielony Dworek

Sanok is another hidden gem in the oft-forgotten southeastern corner of Poland.

Poles know it very well as the gateway to the Bieszczady Mountains, a range that straddles the border between Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia.

Half the country passes through Sanok on their way to these mountains every summer or long weekend, with many stopping and admiring the centre.

The centre is quaint, but the best part lies within the walls of the town’s castle.

You may have heard of Polish painter Zdzisław Beksiński.

If not, you’ll surely recognize some of his eerie pieces in his gallery at Sanok castle.

His works are fantastical images that make your skin crawl, but you can’t bring yourself to look away.

Learn more about the Sanok Castle gallery here, and check out this guide to hiking in the nearby Bieszczady Mountains.

Stay at: Zajazd Sanocki

Białystok is a mid-sized city northeast of Warsaw.

It gets a lot of traffic, as many people pass through here, driving between Poland, Belarus, and the Baltic states.

Don’t be like the rest of the crowd – stop by for a night or two, join a walking tour of the old town and you’ll be delighted.

The city centre is lively on weekends and summer nights when the students go home.

The area is also a great jumping-off point for day trips.

From here, you can hit Białowieża National Park, home to Europe’s largest bison population.

You’ll need a guide to get close to the wild bison, and you can find them here .

One probably doesn’t think about Islamic heritage when planning a trip to Poland, and even the majority of Poles don’t know that Muslim communities are living on the edge of their country for almost 800 years!

Poland’s Tatar community lived in the borderlands protecting the land from invaders for a long time, and their small communities still keep their traditions strong.

Visit the lovely wooden mosques in Kruszyniany and Bohoniki, learn a bit about Tatar culture and even taste some food.

Stay at: Apartament SZTOKHOLM

This Polish city proudly flaunts its most famous resident, Nicolaus Copernicus.

Several streets and buildings throughout Poland are named in his honour, but this is his true home.

His childhood home still stands in the centre, which you can visit to learn more about him.

Toruń is known among Poles as the country’s gingerbread capital.

Every fall, people visit the city to get some of their famous sweet treats (known as “piernik” in Polish).

You can visit the local history museum dedicated to piernik, but across the old town, you can get a piece of the action at the LIVE piernik museum.

Here, the exhibit includes a piernik-baking class.

Book walking tours of the old town here .

Stay at: Hotel Pod Orłem

Olsztyn is a city in north-central Poland.

It has a lovely city centre that you should visit with a guided tour.

When you’re done, stop by one of their many pierogi restaurants or local breweries to refresh with some hearty Polish food and a beer.

If you’re coming from Warsaw, Olsztyn is the gateway to Masuria (“Mazury” in Polish).

It’s one of the top summer destinations for Poles across the country, and many family road trips end up in this region known as the country’s lake district.

Sailing and hanging out by the hundreds of lakes is the number one pastime here.

It’s a great place to cool off in summer by taking a cool dip in the blue water.

Book a walking tour of the old town .

Stay at: Apartamenty Starówka

This may not be the happiest place to put on your holiday itinerary, but it’s something you ought to see.

Oświęcim is known better internationally by its former German name, Auschwitz, the site of the former Nazi concentration camp of the same name.

Today, the camp has been converted into an open-air museum where visitors can learn about the atrocities committed there onsite.

Admission is free, but several operators provide guided tours with pickup in Kraków and other amenities like meals, which will take several hours and include breaks.

Most foreign visitors visit Auschwitz on the edge of town, but Oświęcim is a lovely town worth a stop for a couple of hours.

You can treat yourself to a coffee in one of their bohemian cafes or get a bite at a Polish restaurant.

Stay at: Hampton by Hilton Oswiecim

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Is Gdynia worth visiting? It’s a question we always get asked. Here are the reasons why the Port City should be on your list to visit

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gdynia, along with the stunning old town of Gdansk and beach town of Sopo t make up the Tri-City area.

The Port City is the second-largest city in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. Gdynia boasts a vibrant waterfront and beach. It is a regular stopover for luxurious passenger cruises and is always bustling with tourists.

Gdynia has won many awards for the quality of life, safety and tourist attractions.

How to get to Gdynia?

Gdynia is just a 25 minute drive from Gdansk International Airport. You can also reach Gdynia by public transport, it’s just a short 30 minute train from the airport.

Many base themselves in Gdansk or the beach town of Sopot and want to travel to Gdynia for a day out. A train from Gdansk main station takes between 20 and 35 minutes. A 24 hour ticket which covers all transport in the area costs just 15 zloty. A train from Sopot to Gdynia takes between just 9 and 13 minutes.

It takes around 25 minutes to walk from the City’s Main Train Station to the marina and the beach. The walk is flat and takes you through the city centre, which boasts many bars, shops and restaurants.

Where to eat and drink in Gdynia?

We’ll start with the bars. The beach and modern Marina boast many bars.

Browar Port Gdynia

Our favourite has to be Browar Port Gdynia . This stylish bar sits right on Gdynia’s main beach. Downstairs boasts a spacious beer hall whilst upstairs you have a rooftop where you can lose yourself in the views of the stunning Baltic Coast.

Browar Port brews all of it’s own beer on site, meaning it’s as fresh as can be. They normally have four beers on tap, ranging from Lager, IPA to Wheat-beer. The prices are very reasonable, with a beer costing 10 zloty and a stein 15 zloty. Browar Port also has a restaurant on site but we have never tried it.

If you have ever been to Poland before you would have come across or drank an Ale Browar beer, you might just not know it.

Brewdog, eat your heart out, there’s a new brew in town.

In our opinion, Ale Browar, the self called, ‘Hop Heads of Poland’ is the best independent brewery in Poland. Whatever your taste, Ale Browar will cater for you and your tastebuds. Ale Browar is situated on one of the main streets in Gdynia. It’s handily only a ten minute walk from the main station. They have around 12 beers on tap (all their own) and many, many more in bottle form.

They also have pubs in Sopot and Gdansk, but also further afield in Wroclaw. Emma’s favourite drink in here is the 8% Hazy Juicy Double IPA – El Fruto whilst Michael opted for the strong IPA – Rowing Jack or the 9%, double IPA, Crazy Mike. Find out what is on tap at Ale Browar Gdynia.

Tako Gdynia

If you’re familiar with the blog you know that we just LOVE Mexican food. It doesn’t come much better than Tako Gdynia. The food has an awesome authentic Mexican taste. The must-try here are the nachos, they’re amongst the best we’ve ever had. The cocktails in here are very, very strong, so bear that in mind when you order.

Lolo Thai Jolo

This Thai restaurant is another great place to grab a bite to eat. Everything on the menu is tasty, fresh and flavourful. They provide English menus and Lolo Thai Jolo is very affordable.

Things to do in Gdynia?

There is an Aquarium and Maritime museum in Gdynia but we have not visited either of those.

Arka have plied their trade in the Polish Top flight, the Ekstraklasa since 2016. The Gdynia club defied all odds in their first season back as they were crowned as the Polish FA Cup champions in 2016/17. They were also runners up in the same competition in 2017/18. Following on from the cup successes, Arka won the Polish Super Cup in both 2017 and 2018.

I visited Arka Gdynia with a friend, their stadium is fairly new, with construction finishing in 2011. Arka were playing league champions and one of the biggest clubs in Poland, Legia Warsaw. Apart from the derby against local rivals, Lechia Gdansk, the visit of Legia Warsaw is one of the most anticipated game for Arka fans. We took our passports to the game, due to Polish law at most Polish clubs you need a fan card, however at Arka all you need is your passport.

We arrived 30 minutes before kick-off. The queue was quite short and we queued for about 10 minutes and then got our tickets which were situated in the main stand. It was a low scoring affair but the Arka fans did not care as their team ran out 1-0 winners.

Is Gdynia worth visiting?

The Port City is great for a day out from Gdansk . If you want a beach destination with bars and restaurants then Gdynia is the place to be, but don’t expect grand old buildings and old, cobbled streets.

We like to visit Gdynia as we feel you see a real Polish city where tourism has not yet hit. When visiting Gdansk we always make a bee-line and head up the coast.

The other cities in the tri-city area is the city of spires, Gdansk and the beach resort of Sopot

Check Out Our Other Destinations

Czech Republic

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

This charming beach is one of Europe’s most affordable — but you’ve probably never heard of it

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With the school holidays pretty much over, many of us will have waited until September to pack our bags, and jet off to a beach.

But even as the summer season winds down, the cost of a seaside jaunt can add up, from purchasing a sun bed to a beverage or two at the bar – and that doesn’t include the money spent on flights and accommodation if you’re jetting off to warmer climes.

If you’re looking for a budget beach, however, data has listed the 10 most affordable spots in Europe – and while there are some strong contenders from the likes of Italy , Portugal and Spain, there’s one destination you’ve likely never heard of.

Plaża Jastarnia in Poland, nestled just north of Gdynia, is located on a peninsula that juts off into the Gulf of Gdansk – and it just squeezed in at number 10 on the cheapest beaches.

For one day, a sun lounger in Plaża Jastarnia costs just £11.16, while an ice cream will set you back a mere £1.81 – a delicious bargain.

When it comes to tipples, a pint of beer comes with a price tag of £3, an Aperol Spritz £4.89 and a bottle of water a teeny tiny 45p. Who said holidays needed to be expensive?

Elsewhere in the data by Omio, taking the top spot was Playa de Las Canteras in Gran Canaria, Spain, where a sun lounger costs as little as £2.57 per day and an ice cream £1.80.

Kleopatra Beach in Alanya, Turkey, came in third place, while Playa de la Concha ranked third.

Another unlikely winner came in the form of Warnemünde Beach in Germany, found in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region on the Baltic Sea.

Things to do in Jastarnia and Gdansk

Located on the Hel Peninsula, Jastarnia is a small town with plenty of charm.

Aside from a visit to the beach, there’s the Hel Biking Trail to provide a fun escape into nature, as well as Gora Libek, which provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Gdansk.

If you’re up for a day trip or even fancy incorporating a few extra nights into your stay, Gdansk is a gorgeous port city with a fascinating history.

The centre of the city was reconstructed after World War II, and it’s now famous for its colourful Long Market, Neptune Fountain, and its scenic river embankment.

If you’d like to learn more about the city’s backstory, you can do so at the Museum of the Second World War or even the National Maritime Museum, which narrates the story of Gdansk’s extensive shipping history.

How to get to Jastarnia

The easiest way to get to Jastarnia is to fly to Gdansk, which is just under 2 hours away by car. There are also links via train, which similarly takes between 2 hours and 2 hours and 15 minutes.

There’s a direct route available via Wizz Air from London Luton airport, with return flights available for as little as £35. The route takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes – which is more than enough time to binge your favourite Netflix show.

When to visit Jastarnia

While Poland isn’t necessarily known for its sky-high temperatures, there’s inevitably more sunshine to look forward to in summer than in winter.

In the Gdansk region, the mercury generally dips up to highs of 22C in July and August, and down to a slightly balmy 18C in September.

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That’s not to say there’s no joy to be found in a winter stroll along the beach though, as in January temperatures can get as low as a frosty -3C.

This European beach beat the Maldives to claim the world’s bluest sea

In search of sparkling waters this  summer ? Europe dominates the list of beaches with the world’s bluest water, and one hidden gem in  Albania  has claimed the top spot.

Pasqyra Beach, around 13 minutes’ drive from the resort of Sarandë in the southwest, beat out the likes of Bondi Beach, Bora Bora and  even the Maldives  in securing the title.

It’s nicknamed ‘Mirror Beach’, thanks to its clear, turquoise water that visitors say has a ‘magical’ quality.

Meanwhile, nearby  Greece  occupied both second and third place, featuring seven times in the top 30, the most of any country.

Determined by the travel experts at CV Villas, the research took unedited Google Maps screenshots of 200 beaches across the world and used a colour dropper tool to find the RGB code of each body of water.

This was then cross-referenced with the world’s bluest shade of blue to work out which location’s water had the closest match.

Albania’s Pasqyra Beach was just 12.4 points off, with its mirror-like appearance widely considered to be a highlight of the country’s coastline.

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