Gdansk: The perfect choice for an extended girls' weekend – from hotel to restaurants and attractions is written by Louise WennekeThe editorial team was invited to Gdansk, Poland by PolenGo og Polish Tourism Organization. All opinions are, as usual, those of the editors.
The Baltic Sea's hidden gem for an extended weekend
Gdansk is one of those cities that surprises – in just the right way. You might think you're just going on a cheap city trip, but end up walking along the old waterfront and thinking: Why haven't I been here before?
I recently returned home from a long weekend in Gdansk with my mother – a girls' trip that surprised us both.
The cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and tranquil waterfront atmosphere make the city feel both vibrant and relaxed at the same time. The area around the old waterfront in particular has a very special atmosphere, where history meets modern city life.
It's a perfect destination for a girls' weekend, where there should be room for fun, laughter and experiences. The city is compact enough that you can achieve a lot in just a few days, but at the same time exciting enough that you constantly want to explore a new street, stop by beautiful buildings or settle down in a cozy café.
It is precisely this combination that makes Gdansk ideal for a weekend where you can experience a lot and still feel like you have time for it all.
When it comes to attractions in Gdansk, most are located in the old town. This makes it easy to explore beautiful facades, historic streets and cozy cafes - without transport and without stress.
In this guide, I share my best recommendations for which hotel to stay at, where to eat, and what to experience in Gdansk.
Your base in Gdansk: Hotel Sadova
When it comes to hotels in Gdansk, Hotel Sadova is one of those places that strikes the right balance between tranquility, style and location.
The hotel is within walking distance of the old town, but is also secluded enough to allow you to retreat from the city's pulse.
The decor is modern and subdued, with warm materials and a calm color scheme that gives a luxurious feel. The hotel's spa area and pool make it ideal for a weekend where relaxation is just as important as the experiences out in the city.
After a day in the city, it's especially nice to return here and slow down in quiet surroundings.
The bright, simple rooms provide a quiet and comfortable base for your stay in Gdansk. When you stay here, your day starts with a welcoming breakfast buffet. In the evening, you can also swing by the restaurant for a tasty à la carte dinner.
The day starts with an inviting breakfast buffet, and in the evening, if you wish, you can enjoy a tasty a la carte dinner in the restaurant.
In short, a hotel in Gdansk that works equally well for a girls' weekend with friends as for a mother-daughter trip. There is also other nice hotels in Gdansk, so you can easily find something that suits your budget and style.
Taste of Gdansk: From tradition to modern gastronomy
Gdansk is a little paradise for food lovers, where you can move from classic Polish dishes to international flavor experiences on an extended weekend. Between the sights in Gdansk, hunger naturally sets in, and there are plenty of good places to settle down along the way.
An obvious part of the experience is dinner at Hotel Sadova, where you will have a quiet and stylish evening in modern surroundings. The menu is well-composed with a focus on quality and taste, and you can clearly feel that the details have been thought through. Both their carpaccio and pork steak with hashbrown potatoes, grilled vegetables and mushroom sauce are worth highlighting, but there is also much else to choose from on the menu.
The place works especially well for an evening when you want to stay “at home” but still have the feeling of eating out.
Outside the hotel there are plenty to choose from. Here are my recommendations:
Witome is the obvious choice for an authentic introduction to Polish cuisine – simple, classic and tasty.
Gdański Bowke offers a more modern interpretation of Polish cuisine. The menu is extensive, and you are guaranteed to find something that appeals to your taste buds. The restaurant is located right by the canal and invites you into cozy and relaxed surroundings, where conversations can flow and the food can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Fishmarkt is the place for fish in all its forms – from the classic to the more creative, served in an informal atmosphere. Perfect for a tasty lunch or a relaxed dinner in atmospheric surroundings.
Attractions in Gdansk: What you must experience in the city
With a good base and good meals in place, it's time to explore the city.
Gdansk is full of classic attractions, where historic buildings, atmospheric streets and the harbor area together tell the city's history up close.
For a cultural stop, it's a good idea to explore the Amber Museum and learn more about the region's "Baltic gold", amber, which plays a major role in the city's identity.
When hunger strikes, Montownia Food Hall is a good choice for a more relaxed experience with different food concepts gathered under one roof.
For shopping and café fun, you can visit Forum Gdansk, a modern shopping center in the middle of the city with brands, cafés, and a lively atmosphere.
One of the most atmospheric ways to experience Gdansk is to sit along the canal with a drink and just let the city glide by – it was quickly one of the places where we ended up lingering longer than planned.
To make the experience a little more special, you can rent a private boat and see the city from the water. It gives a new perspective on both the harbor area and the historic buildings and is a really nice way to experience the city together.
In my opinion, Gdansk is not a city you rush through – it is a city you enjoy.
Whether you're into history, atmospheric streets or the harbor area, the sights in Gdansk are something that make the city perfect for an extended weekend. Here, it's the combination of vibrant city life and the historical setting that makes the experience truly special.
The city is also beautifully situated on the North Sea coast, so if you have more time than an extended weekend, there are plenty of spa and bathing resorts in the area, including: Sopot.
Have a great holiday in Gdansk!
10 attractions you must see in Gdansk
- Walk through the Old Town and along Długa Street
- Experience the iconic Gdansk Crane on the waterfront
- Visit St. Mary's Church and experience the city's history
- Explore the Amber Museum and the region's “Baltic gold”, amber
- Eat or grab a drink at the Montownia Food Hall
- Stop by Forum Gdansk for shopping and cafes
- Grab a drink along the canal and enjoy the atmosphere
- Rent a private boat and experience the city from the water
- Dine at the city's atmospheric restaurants
- Take a trip to Sopot for beach and spa
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