Summer in Gdańsk is a completely different experience compared to winter. The city comes alive with colorful streets, outdoor markets, and longer days that are perfect for strolling along the coast or enjoying ice cream in the sunshine. This time, I traveled with my parents and spent three days exploring the city, soaking in culture, food, and scenic views.
Unlike our winter trip, this time we stayed near Gdańsk city, which saved us travel time and made exploring more convenient.
Day 1: Sopot Promenade and Gdańsk Streets
We started our first day with a visit to the Sopot Promenade and Pier. On the way, we saw the Krzywy Domek, an unusually shaped building that immediately catches your eye. The promenade itself costs 10 PLN to enter, and honestly, I’m not sure it’s worth the ticket price.
Inside, there are restaurants and various boat services, including speedboats and regular boat tours. Before entering the pier, you’ll also find more restaurants and food stalls.
We were enjoying the stroll until it started raining! So, a little tip — even in summer, pack an umbrella or a rain jacket.
After Sopot, we returned to Gdańsk and explored Mariacka Street, wandered into St. Mary’s Church, and walked along Długi Targ, enjoying the lively summer atmosphere. Since it was warm, we could also stop for some ice cream along the way, which made the afternoon stroll even more pleasant.
Day 2: Museums and Summer Streets
We timed our visit perfectly — Monday offered free entry to several museums: Wisłoujście Fortress, Main Town Hall, Uphagen’s House, and the Amber Museum.
Wisłoujście Fortress
This historic fortress by the coast offers stunning views of the surrounding water and cityscape. Walking around, we could imagine its military past while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Main Town Hall
An iconic Gdańsk landmark with impressive architecture, the Main Town Hall showcases the city’s rich history. Inside, the grand interiors and clock towers are a sight to behold.
Uphagen’s House
This 18th-century merchant home provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. Walking through the rooms and admiring the period furniture made it feel like stepping back in time.
Amber Museum
Gdańsk is famous for amber, and this museum is a must-visit. From intricate jewelry to raw amber pieces, the exhibits tell the story of how amber shaped the city’s history and trade.
St. Dominic’s Fair
We were lucky to be in town during St. Dominic’s Fair, the biggest summer festival in Gdańsk. The streets were packed with stalls selling crafts, souvenirs, clothes, and delicious food. The fair stretched across several streets in the Old Town, and the festive atmosphere added a unique charm to our museum and street explorations.
Walking around in the summer sun, we also treated ourselves to ice cream and tried a strawberry donut, which ended up being a bit too sweet for our taste but was fun to try.
Day 3: Museum of the Second World War & Exploring Before Departure
On our last day, we visited the Museum of the Second World War. Entrance was free on Tuesday. The museum is one of the largest in Europe — you could easily spend a whole day here. We had to wait almost 2 hours in the queue outside to get in, but it was worth it. The exhibits are extensive and very well curated.
After the museum, we went to Forum Gdańsk Shopping Mall for some shopping and a quick lunch. The mall is modern and spacious, with a good selection of stores and restaurants — a nice break before more sightseeing.
Once we were done, we hopped on different trams to explore more of the city before catching our evening flight. We took bus 210 from Gdańsk Główny to the airport, which took about 40 minutes.
Food
During our visit, we tried food from several restaurants and recommend them all:
- Kebab El Medina
- Zahir Kebab
- Restauracje Marrakesz
- Kebab Jerusalem LOT
Practical Tips
- Getting Around: We bought 72-hour tickets via the Jakdojade app, just like last time — super easy and convenient.
- Luggage Storage: If you have a late flight, you can store your luggage at Gdańsk Główny station. The self-service lockers cost 25 PLN, and you get a physical key, which is convenient and secure.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Gdańsk in summer was a completely different experience from our winter trip. You can check out our previous winter visit here for more tips and comparisons. Summer offers vibrant streets, lively markets, and plenty of ice cream stops — perfect for a relaxed city break with family.
