If you’re planning a winter getaway to Gdańsk, Poland, and looking for a fun-filled family vacation, this vibrant city offers plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories—even in the chill of December! My wife, three kids (ages 9, 7, and 4), and I spent three incredible days exploring the best of what the city has to offer.
Our Accommodation in Gdańsk
We decided to stay in Gdynia, a neighboring city about a 40-minute train ride from Gdańsk. While Gdynia is a lovely place in its own right, booking accommodation in Gdańsk itself would save you time if you’re only staying for 1 or 2 days. The transport connections between Gdynia and Gdańsk are excellent, so it wasn’t a huge issue for us, but it would have been more convenient to stay closer to the main attractions.
We booked our stay through Airbnb, which gave us the flexibility to enjoy a more homely atmosphere with our kids. Plus, we had easy access to public transport that allowed us to get around without any hassle.
Day 1: Discovering Gdańsk’s Old Town
For those unfamiliar with the area, Sorunda Kyrka, a charming church, stands as the nearest landmark to this enchanting sunflower field. It adds a touch of historical charm to the natural splendor surrounding it.
- Długi Targ (Long Market): A picturesque pedestrian street lined with colorful historical buildings, perfect for strolling and shopping.
- Neptune’s Fountain: A symbol of Gdańsk’s maritime history, this 17th-century fountain depicts the Roman god Neptune and is located in the heart of the Old Town.
- Roadside Performances: We encountered street performers adding a lively, festive atmosphere to the city as we walked around.
- AmberSky Ferris Wheel: Offering panoramic views of Gdańsk, especially stunning at night with the city lights twinkling in the winter sky.
- Bread Bridge (Bridge of Love): A charming bridge adorned with love locks, offering a lovely view of the river and nearby Old Town.
- Fahrenheit Monument – A tribute to Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, the inventor of the Fahrenheit temperature scale. This small but historically significant monument is a great stop for science enthusiasts and history lovers.
Day 2: Exploring Gdynia’s Waterfront and Historical Landmarks in Gdańsk
- Gdynia City Beach: A peaceful, scenic beach where we took in the fresh air and watched the waves crash against the shore.
- Marina Yacht Park: A waterfront area perfect for a leisurely stroll among yachts and boats, offering a great view of the harbor.
- Stary Żuraw Portowy (Old Crane): A historic wooden crane used to load cargo onto ships, providing insight into Gdańsk’s seafaring past.
- Pirate Ship: A fun attraction for kids, where they could explore the replica of an old pirate ship docked along the harbor.
Day 3: Museums and History in Gdańsk
- Uphagen’s House: A beautifully preserved merchant house offering a glimpse into Gdańsk’s bourgeois life. (Free entry on Mondays)
- Artus Court: A historical building that once served as a meeting place for merchants and city leaders, showcasing Gdańsk’s wealth and culture. (Free entry on Mondays)
- St. Mary’s Church: One of the largest brick churches in the world, with impressive architecture and stunning views from the tower.
- Amber Museum: Dedicated to Gdańsk’s famous amber, the museum exhibits a wide variety of amber objects, including sculptures and jewelry. (Free entry on Mondays)
Transport Costs and Tips
We mostly used public transport during our trip, and it was incredibly convenient for getting around the city and its surroundings. We purchased 72-hour tickets via the Jakdojade app, which made it easy to travel without worrying about separate tickets for each trip. The tickets we bought were:
- Normal tickets: 68 PLN each for 3 adults
- Reduced tickets: 34 PLN each for 2 children
These tickets also allowed us to travel from Gdańsk Główny (the main station) to Gdańsk Lech Walesa Airport, which made the entire journey smooth and efficient.
Pro Tips for Visiting Gdańsk in Winter
- Stay near Gdańsk if you’re on a short trip: If you’re visiting for just 1 or 2 days, consider booking accommodation in Gdańsk itself to avoid the long commute. We stayed in Gdynia, which required about 40 minutes to travel to the city center, and while Gdynia is lovely, staying closer to Gdańsk would have saved us time.
- Visit during the Christmas market season: Gdańsk is known for its Christmas markets, and visiting in December would have been even more magical had we arrived before Christmas. The festive atmosphere, lights, and crafts would have made the trip even more memorable. Unfortunately, we missed it, but we did spot some beautiful Christmas decorations around the city.
- Public transport is super convenient: We relied heavily on Gdańsk’s efficient public transport system, including the trams and trains, which made it easy to get around.
- Check out free attractions: Many of the city’s museums, including Uphagen’s House, Artus Court, and Amber Museum, offer free entry on Mondays. Take advantage of these days to explore Gdańsk without breaking the bank.
- Fly to Gdańsk in the winter for cheaper flights: If you’re on a budget, flying to Gdańsk in the winter months can save you a significant amount of money. We found our flight tickets to be much cheaper compared to the high season, which made it an affordable trip.
- Weather can be cold and windy: If you’re coming from Stockholm like we did, be prepared for similar cold and windy weather! Gdańsk’s winter weather can be just as chilly, so pack accordingly with warm clothes, gloves, and scarves.
Missing Out on a Few Gems
While we had an amazing time in Gdańsk, we didn’t manage to see everything this city has to offer. We missed out on visiting the European Solidarity Centre and the Museum of the Second World War—two historical museums that offer powerful insights into Poland’s 20th-century history. We also didn’t get to experience Gdańsk’s beautiful beaches in their summer glory, but we’re planning to return in the warmer months to see them in a whole new light.
Final Thoughts
Gdańsk in winter might be cold and windy, but it’s also filled with history, culture, and family-friendly activities that will make any trip unforgettable. Whether you’re wandering through the festive streets of the Old Town, exploring fascinating museums, or taking in stunning views from the AmberSky Ferris wheel, there’s always something to see and do in this beautiful Polish city. I can’t wait to return in the summer to experience even more of what Gdańsk has to offer.
