Gdansk (Danzig in German) located on the Baltic Sea is one of Poland's main shipping ports with ferry connections to Nynäshamn in Sweden and many direct short flights to Lech Wałęsa Airport. The European city is a must-see with its colourful and historical architecture. There are many boutiques, cafes, and museums that are well worth a visit! Christmas is a magical time in Gdansk with the Christmas Market taking place at Targ Węglowy (Coal Market) from 24th November - 23rd December. Don't miss the dazzling illuminations throughout the city. Here is everything you need to know about visiting the beautiful city of Gdansk.
Visiting Gdansk Christmas Markets
Why You Should Visit Gdansk
Gdansk is a budget-friendly and easily accessible city, that is still under many people's radar. If you love history, great food, and architecture it is well worth a visit!
Famous for its National Museum, the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, the Museum of the Second World War, the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, the Polish Space Agency, and the European Solidarity Centre. Don't miss a visit to Uphagen's House. The traditional and impressive Baroque 15th-century merchant house is decorated in the glamourous Rocco style. Bought in 1776 and lived in by the rich burgher, Johann Uphagen. Located on Ulica Długa (12 Long Street) part of the Royal Route (This wonderful museum's entry and more is included with the Visit Gdansk tourist card).
Traveling To Gdansk
With many direct and low-cost frequent flights available into Gdansk, it makes it a very attractive city break option. Ryanair flies direct from Edinburgh to Lech Wałęsa Airport in 2 hours and 15 minutes. From the airport, the city centre is only a 20-minute taxi ride away (approx €14.50 (PLN 65). For the more adventurous, you might like to take the local bus. Take the 210 to Gdansk Clowny. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Please buy your ticket before boarding the bus at the bus stop (the machine accepts credit cards and is approx €1.10 (PLN 4.80). and then insert the ticket into the machine on the bus to validate your journey. I believe there is also a train but you have to make a change. The most direct and easiest option is by taxi.
Accommodation In Gdansk
There is a wide variety of accommodations available to suit all budgets from hostels at £10 per night to Airbnb's and luxury 4/5* hotels. On both trips to Gdansk, I opted to stay at the Artus Hotel. The hotel is very comfortable with a bar/restaurant and located in the centre of the old town. Please be aware that the hotel is also almost directly opposite St Mary's Church (The hotel provides earplugs).
Traveling Around Gdansk and Poland
The local transport is excellent! You can travel inexpensively within Gdansk to the beach-lined coastal towns of Sopot and Gdynia or further afield with Flixbus. If you plan on staying for a longer break you might like to take the Flixbus to Torun - the home of gingerbread. You can visit the gingerbread museum and make your own Christmas tree gingerbread decoration.
Christmas Markets In Gdansk
Gdansk's main Christmas Market and the festive program take place at Targ Węglowy (Coal Market) from 24th November - 23rd December 12-8pm each day. With dazzling illuminations and further Christmas food & drink and artisan strands throughout the city. Look out for traditional dumplings (Pierogi) mulled wine, and artisan products from hand-carved rolling pins, crochet angels, painted gift boxes, amber jewellery, and more.
I hope you enjoyed reading about Gdansk Christmas Markets and were inspired to visit! We have our third trip all planned and can't wait to re-visit soon.
As always, I love to read your comments and answer any questions you may have. You can get in touch via email, Facebook, X (formally known as Twitter), Instagram, and I am also on YouTube.
Until next time...happy travels,
Michelle x
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