Although I’ve lived in London for nearly five years, I still visit my motherland a few times a year. I usually travel to my hometown, which is in the south of Poland, but recently I spent a few days in Gdańsk – a beautiful city located in the north of Poland, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Gdańsk seamlessly weaves together vibrant history, stunning architecture, and serene beaches. I visited a few museums, ate fish and chips every day and had leisurely strolls on the beach. Join me as I reminisce that adventure!

Beach Sunsets

Summer in Poland is a bit hit or miss. You may get lucky and enjoy 30+ °C and sunshine for two weeks, or you may end up with rain and 15 °C – you never know what you’re going to get. Beach holidays in Poland aren’t as reliable as in the Mediterranean countries, but the beaches themselves are wonderful – all of Poland’s coastline has soft, golden sand. In the summer months, one of the best things are the sunsets on the beach. You can never get tired of that view!

We didn’t plan our holiday around sunbathing or swimming in the sea, but we did enjoy a few walks along the beach and a couple of sunsets. There’s something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the water. It was the perfect way to end each day, leaving me with a sense of peace and contentment. While there, I couldn’t resist the temptation to search for seashells. It was a simple yet delightful activity that made me feel like a kid again.

Gdańsk Old Town

Gdańsk has a beautiful Old Town, which is an absolute feast for the eyes, with its stunning, colourful buildings lining the cobbled streets. Each building seemed to have its own story, and the intricate facades were truly captivating. It felt like stepping into a painting, where every corner turned brought a new splash of colour and charm. Neptune’s fountain, located right in the heart of the Old Town, is one of the city’s best-known symbols. That area gets incredibly busy with tourists, especially in the summer months, so keep that in mind. There are numerous cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops there, which is exactly what we, tourists, need.

Gdańsk Zoo

We decided to spend one day in the Gdańsk Zoo, which is located on the outskirts of the city. One of the highlights was seeing their albino penguin, named Kokosanka – the world’s only specimen of that kind! We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the zoo, which was a relaxing escape from the busy city centre and other tourist zones.

Fish and chips and waffles

If you’re wondering what to eat in the seaside, fish & chips is always the answer. Slightly different style to what you’ll find in the UK, but delicious! We had fish & chips almost every day, each at a different place, and luckily they all met our expectations. As for dessert, we chose fresh baked waffles. Trust me, waffles in Poland just hit different – and whipped cream is a must!

Sopot trip

Adding to my adventure, I took a day trip to the nearby town of Sopot. Famous for its picturesque pier, the longest wooden pier in Europe, Sopot offered a charming coastal retreat. Strolling along the pier, I was greeted by stunning views of the Baltic Sea and a refreshing sea breeze. The lively atmosphere, with people enjoying the sun and the sea, made for a perfect day out, blending relaxation with the vibrant energy of this lovely seaside town.

We also spent some money on souvenirs and amber jewellery, popular on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Oops, couldn’t resist treating ourselves! If you want to get unique accessories or buy souvenirs from the Polish coast, Sopot is a good place to look for them.

Amber Museum

To add some educational value to our trip, we visited a few museums in Gdańsk. The first one was the Amber Museum, where you can learn all about the Baltic amber. If features some of the largest pieces of amber ever found, as well as unique, small pieces with ancient plant and animal inclusions. You can check the opening times and ticket prices on the museum’s website: https://muzeumgdansk.pl/wizyta-w-muzeum-gdanska/oddzialy/. In July 2024, during our holiday, the museum was free to visit on Mondays, and we took advantage of that.

WWII Museum

The WWII museum was another poignant stop. Gdańsk, being the site of the very first bombings during the war, holds a significant place in history. The museum does an excellent job of conveying the horrors and heroism of those times. Walking through the exhibits, I was struck by the profound impact of the war on this city and its people. If you’d like to visit the WWII museum in Gdańsk, you can find all necessary info on the museum’s website: https://muzeum1939.pl/en.

European Solidarity Centre Museum

A visit to the European Solidarity Centre was both enlightening and inspiring. The museum is dedicated to the Solidarity movement, which played a crucial role in the fall of communism in Poland. The exhibits were incredibly well-presented, offering deep insights into the struggles and triumphs of this pivotal period. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. You can check the opening times and ticket prices on the website: https://ecs.gda.pl/en/plan-your-visit/. There is a rooftop garden at the ECS too, which is a great place to soak up the views – and it’s free to enter!

Final Thoughts

Gdańsk is a city that truly has it all – rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re wandering through the picturesque Old Town, soaking up the sun on the beach, or delving into the city’s profound historical museums, there’s always something to captivate and inspire. My time in Gdańsk was nothing short of wonderful, and I can’t wait to return to this Polish jewel.

So, if you’re looking for a destination that offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, Gdańsk should definitely be on your travel list. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

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