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I think Gdansk and the surrounding region is my favorite area of Poland. A Baltic-facing sea town with beautiful architecture and character for days, Gdansk is a “must visit” destination for any traveler in 2018. Further afield, for those who love the sun, sea and sand – you can venture within 30-minutes to the nearby Hel Peninsula with resort towns like Sopot. Spring and Summer are calling you to Gdansk, and it would be a mistake not to listen.
I visited Gdansk and the Baltic region of Poland recently, spending a few nights in Gdansk and taking day trips to Hel (yes, many funny puns associated with the name), as well as Gdynia and Sopot. What I realized after being here is that there is a calming, relaxing energy that permeates the region. Spas and wellness-focused hotels abound, as well as charming urban inns and boutique properties that dot the city of Gdansk.
Beaches in the Baltic region are beautiful, clean and the water is cold. Pine trees fill the landscape and many of the local spas use pine and amber-infused products to attract clients. Northern Poland is known for its natural amber, which is found in the Baltic. You can source stunning chunks of amber that have small insects trapped in it from millions of years ago. You can also find it fashioned into stunning works of art and jewelry in various shops throughout the region. My favorite is the beautiful Amber Gallery.
Gdansk is lively and a good place to base yourself while in the area. There are incredible restaurants, museums and historic squares to explore. The shopping is also an attraction, where you’ll find everything from antique shops to jewelry stores. For me, the ideal itinerary includes spending two nights in Gdansk and then heading to Sopot for another two nights. This way, you’ll get a little city and a little sea on your journey. In fact, if you stay longer, the area is known for their cosmetic surgery centers, where services are good and prices are far less than nearby Germany.
Gdansk from outside the city on the nearby hills is a beautiful sight.
Buildings are often painted with gold and pastel colors.
Even the bronze statues around town tell stories about the city and the region.
Lovers of maritime culture will love Gdansk.
Architecture buffs will be in heaven.
Exploring each square holds a new adventure around every corner.
And, the harbor has a life of its own. Stumble into a local restaurant and take a seat for a beer or cup of coffee, watch boats drift in and out of the waterways. There’s not a better way to spend an afternoon. Northern Poland is unforgettable.
