Living in Gdansk: The Ultimate Expat Guide

Gdansk is one of those places where you come for the weekend and stay for life. This underrated city has so much to offer in so many areas: history, culture, gastronomy, lifestyle, landscape, and much more. It is not your typical seaside paradise, with palm trees and surfers. It has its very own climate, which makes it unique, distinguishing it from other European cities. 



1. Work in Gdansk, Poland
2. Getting around Gdansk, Poland
3. Housing in Gdansk
4. Living like a local
5. Fun things to do around the city
6. Cost of living in Gdansk, Poland

1. Work in Gdansk, Poland

The job market in Poland offers plenty of positions which don’t require knowledge of Polish. Especially in bigger cities like Gdansk, there are many multinational companies where all everyday communication is carried out in English. Poles as a nation speak English very well - especially in the professional setting. So, you could get by not speaking any or knowing only basic Polish if you work in an office.

Things might get a bit more complicated if you plan to work in hospitality, retail, or any other area requiring direct contact with customers. Although Poles speak good English, Poland is not a predominantly English-speaking country. Even though Gdansk is a tourist destination, it is not as common as in other tourist hotspots in Europe, such as Paris or Barcelona, to hear English spoken in shops or in the streets. 

Polish people would generally be surprised if they walked into a shop or a restaurant anywhere in Poland and were addressed in English. Because of that, Polish is generally required in customer-facing roles. 

Knowing Polish will also make your life easier while living in Poland, as not all officials and office workers speak English. Trying to take care of legal matters such as gaining a residence permit, obtaining health insurance, or opening a bank account may be challenging if you don’t know any Polish. 

Useful job boards when living in Gdansk, Poland

At Europe Language Jobs, you will find plenty of attractive job offers in Poland, including jobs in Gdansk. The great thing is, these positions don’t require any knowledge of Polish. You can then find a job in Poland speaking your native language, or any other language you’re fluent in. 

You can also try local job boards which are popular in Poland:

• pracuj.pl

• praca.pl

• jobsingdansk.pl

• olx.pl

• gowork.pl

• praca.gov.pl

• praca.money.pl

• aplikuj.pl

• pracazarogiem.pl
  
  

Sectors and languages in demand

The Polish economy offers great conditions for developing international companies. This is why many of them open new headquarters in major cities in Poland, including Gdansk. This creates numerous opportunities in office roles such as accounting and finance, customer service, marketing and advertising, product development, or sales and account management.

In Gdansk, particularly, there is a Business Centre in the Oliva district. It hosts multiple offices of multinational companies and shared service centres. It is the perfect place to start looking for office jobs in Gdansk. They are recruiting all year round, especially for English-speaking positions in the IT and finance sectors.

As Gdansk is visited by more than 2 million tourists each year, the hospitality and services sectors also stand strong. However, bear in mind that those types of jobs will require good knowledge of Polish.

When it comes to languages in demand, companies in Poland often closely collaborate with German businesses, due to Germany’s booming economy and the fact that these two countries are close neighbours. For this reason, German speakers are in huge demand in Poland. Knowledge of German will land you a well-paid job with fantastic benefits, constant opportunities to use and polish your language skills, and frequent business trips to nearby Germany. 

Since the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine, many refugees have found their new home in Poland. The country neighbours with Ukraine and shares certain cultural elements and a fairly similar language. Due to the increased number of Ukrainians living in Poland and the efforts taken by the country to accommodate them and make them feel welcome, the demand for Ukrainian speakers is growing in the hospitality, service, and retail sectors. 

Poland neighbours with as many as 7 countries. This proximity encourages and enables frequent business relations with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. Speakers of languages spoken in these countries are valued by Polish employers, as they allow them to maintain ongoing communication with their international partners. 

Polish employees appreciate the value of international speakers, so you have a very high chance of finding a job in Poland if you speak more than one or two languages. French, Spanish, and Italian native speakers are also sought after in the Polish job market. Overall, Poland is a very good place to find employment for multilinguals and language speakers.

Working culture

Polish people appreciate punctuality and structure. It refers to all areas of life and finds its reflection in the professional world as well. Showing up late to a one-on-one or group meeting can be interpreted as a lack of respect and carry consequences.

Hierarchy can still be clearly seen in the professional world of Poland. Decisions are typically made from top to bottom. Establishing new relations is often overseen by middle-level managers first to “test the waters” before the senior decision-makers get involved.

Stay formal when addressing your supervisors and colleagues. Unlike English, the Polish language provides 2 forms of addressing others: informal and formal. It can be compared to tu and vous in French, or tú and usted in Spanish. 

Especially in the case of senior employees, make sure to use the formal salutation Pani (Mrs) or Pan (Mr) when speaking to or about your supervisors. Depending on the working culture in every workplace, you may also use it when addressing your colleagues. 


You will notice that nowadays, many companies adopt an informal communication style - especially big, international ones. But in the more traditional environments, the switch to informal communication should be initiated by the older person, or the person with higher seniority (experience-wise).

Poles are also helpful and supportive. Even if they might seem detached to people from other cultures at first, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. Once you get close to them, your relationship might possibly move from colleagues to friends. 

Trustworthiness is very important to Polish people, so the first rule of business is letting them know they can rely on you. Once you have earned their trust, they will remember it and express their gratitude by involving you in future plans and decision-making.

Independence is another trait which is much appreciated in the Polish professional world. The country’s difficult past has left many people believing everyone must be resourceful and responsible for their own actions. You can count on support, but don’t expect to be spoon-fed and guided by hand through every procedure. 

You will be expected to catch on quickly and draw your own conclusions. Of course, you can - and should - ask questions, but make sure to actually learn from them, rather than bringing up the same issue several times. Your colleagues and supervisors may not appreciate that.

Work and residence permit

EU citizens

Moving to Poland as an EU citizen, you do not need to obtain a visa, work permit, or residence permit. You do; however, have to register your stay. 

The procedure is called “zameldowanie”. It must be done every time you move to a new address in Poland, if you intend to stay there for more than 3 months. Polish citizens are required to do it as well. 

The procedure is simple and free of charge. The only inconvenience you may encounter is the long waiting times at the municipality/township office. Make sure to come first thing in the morning, as soon as the office opens and bring your photo ID and a lot of patience.

The first time you do it, you will submit an application for your Polish identification number - PESEL - at the same time. Read more about it in the section about PESEL. 

 

non-EU citizens

 

If you move to Poland for work from outside of the European Union, you will need 3 things:

 

• Working visa

• residence permit (temporary, permanent, or long-term EU)

• work permit

Each of those documents is unique to this country and cannot be used interchangeably. This means that if you have a non-EU passport but have lived and worked in another EU country, those permits and visas are not valid in Poland. You will need to get new ones. 

 

For example, if you come from India and have been employed in Germany, the work permit, residence permit, and working visa you obtained for your stay in Germany aren’t valid in Poland (or any country other than Germany).

Visa

First and foremost, as a non-EU citizen moving to Poland, you will need to obtain a visa. A visa constitutes a basis for your entry into the country, and you will be required to apply for all other documents you will need to legally stay in Poland as a foreigner

Visa requirements are very subjective and depend on a range of factors. They can differ greatly depending on where you come from, your nationality, or the purpose and duration of your stay in Poland. 

You can find basic information regarding visas on the Polish government’s official website. However, given how personal visa requirements are, we recommend inquiring at the Polish consulate or embassy in your country. They will be the source of the most trustworthy, reliable, and up-to-date information about your situation when you outline your individual circumstances. 

Temporary residence permit

Every foreigner intending to stay in Poland for longer than 90 days needs to obtain a temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy). It is valid from 3 months to up to 3 years, depending on the planned duration of your stay.

A temporary residence permit is issued for a specific purpose, for example, business activity, employment, studies, or visiting family. 

The purpose stated in your residence permit application has to match the purpose of your visa. For example, you can’t apply for a residence permit to visit your family with a working visa. 

If the purposes don’t match, your application will be declined. Every time the purpose of your stay changes, you must apply for a new residence permit, suitable for your new circumstances.

The temporary residence permit application needs to be submitted at the local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki). Poland is divided into 16 regions (voivodeships), and each one has its own Office. Gdansk is located in the Pomeranian Voivodeship (województwo pomorskie), and the Voivodeship Office is based in Gdansk at ul. Okopowa 21/27. 

You have to submit your application in person, via a pre-booked appointment. You can book your appointment online, using this website, run by the Polish government. Check availability and book your appointment as soon as possible. 

If there are no dates available before the deadline for your application submission, send your application and all the necessary attachments by post to the local Voivodeship Office, or submit it in person to the registry office of the Voivodeship Office. You will be contacted by an officer who will ask you to appear at the office within a specified time period with your passport. If you do not comply, your application will be withdrawn. 

During the appointment at the Voivodeship Office, you will have your fingerprints taken. This is the main reason why the procedure cannot be carried out online. This is a standard procedure that Polish citizens also have to go through every time they apply for a new national ID or passport.



You will also need to present your passport, but you won’t be required to leave it there. The officer will place a stamp in it and return it to you by the end of the appointment. 

Your application must contain the following documents:

• 2 copies of the filled-out application form (can be found on the MOS website) - MUST be filled out in Polish

• valid passport with 2 photocopies of all pages, including photos, stamps, or annotations

• 4 recent passport-style photos

• documents confirming the purpose of your stay (employment contract with a Polish employer, an official letter from a family member inviting you to stay in Poland, an official letter from a Polish university confirming your studies, etc.)

• documents confirming compliance with the requirements

• proof of covering the administration fee - in this case, 340 PLN (around €77) or 440 PLN (around €100), depending on the purpose of your stay

If your application receives a positive response and you are granted the permanent residence permit, you will need to pay an additional 50 PLN (around €11) as a fee for issuing the document itself. 

All the supporting documents attached to your application must be submitted with an official translation. Only originals or certified copies of all documents are accepted. 

Important: depending on your individual situation, you may be required to submit additional documents with your application. Please consult this website for detailed information.

While you are waiting for your residence permit to be issued, the officer handling your request will place a stamp in your passport. It will support the legality of your stay in Poland until you receive your official permit. The stamp does NOT equal a visa and does not allow you to travel abroad within Europe. You can either stay in Poland or return to your home country while you wait. Once you are granted the residence permit, it allows you to travel within the Schengen zone within a specified time limit.

In case your application gets declined, you will be notified by an official letter received in the mail. You have the right to appeal the decision to the Head of the Office of Foreigners within 14 days of receiving the letter. You can submit your written appeal to the registry office at the local Voivodeship Office, or send it by post. You must provide reasons for not agreeing with the decision and back them up with proof. 

For example, if your application got declined on the basis of expired documents, attach a renewed, valid version of the document to your appeal. If you choose not to appeal or your application gets declined again, you must leave Poland within the next 30 days.

Remember that the residence permit in Poland is not renewed automatically. You must remember to apply for a renewal every time it is about to expire if you intend to continue living in Poland. Make sure to start the process early enough to get your new residence permit before the first one expires. 

You can find more verified information on Government-issued websites:

• https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc

• https://mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/

The Polish Office for Foreigners has also created a series of comprehensive videos explaining various legal procedures in Poland, including obtaining a residence permit. They are available in English and provide useful information in a clear way. 

Permanent residence permit 

If you have continuously lived in Poland for at least 5 years with a valid temporary residence permit, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt stały). It is issued for an indefinite amount of time, although the card itself is valid for 10 years. It has to be manually reviewed by the holder when it expires (it is not reviewed automatically). 

The procedure is the same as in the case of obtaining a temporary residence permit. You will need to submit the following documents:

• 2 copies of a filled-out application form (can be found on the MOS website) - MUST be filled out in Polish

• valid passport with 2 photocopies of all pages, including photos, stamps, or annotations

• 4 recent passport-style photos

• documents stating the purpose of your stay (employment contract with a Polish employer, an official letter from a family member inviting you to stay in Poland, an official letter from a Polish university confirming your studies, etc.)

• proof of covering the administration fee - in this case, 640 PLN (around €145)

If your application receives a positive response and you are granted the permanent residence permit, you will need to pay an additional 50 PLN (around €11) as a fee for issuing the document itself. 

All the supporting documents attached to your application must be submitted with an official translation. Only originals or certified copies of all documents are accepted. 

Important: depending on your individual situation, you may be required to submit additional documents with your application. Please consult this website for detailed information.

The procedure of issuing your permanent residence permit should not take longer than 3 months. 

Long-term EU residence permit

The name can be misleading. This document is not for EU citizens wanting to live in Poland. It is another form of residence permit for non-EU citizens. 

The long-term EU residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt rezydenta długoterminowego UE), just like the permanent residence permit, allows foreigners to live and work in Poland and travel freely within the Schengen zone. 

The difference between a long-term EU residence permit and a permanent residence permit is the conditions one has to fulfil to obtain them. 

You qualify for the long-term EU residence permit if:

• You have stayed in Poland continually and legally for 5 years

• Have had a stable and regular income for the immediate 3 years of your stay in Poland, leading up to your application for the long-term EU residence permit

• Have proof you can speak Polish at least on the B1 level of the CEFR scale

• Have health insurance

• Have been granted a temporary residence permit

• Have a guaranteed right to the premises 

In short, once you have lived in Poland with a valid temporary residence permit for an uninterrupted period of 5 years, you can apply for either a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU residence permit. 

The main difference is that in the case of the latter, you need to prove you can speak Polish fluently. This is not necessary in the case of a permanent residence permit. You also need to provide proof of stable income and health insurance to obtain the long-term EU residence permit, but that is not the case when applying for a permanent residence permit.

Another difference is the validity period. The long-term EU residence permit is valid indefinitely, but needs to be manually renewed every 5 years. In the case of the permanent residence permit, the renewal period is 10 years.

The long-term EU residence permit is issued by most EU countries. The permanent residence permit can only be granted by the Polish authorities.

Important: even though the long-term EU residence permit is known in many EU countries, it is not universal or transferable. This means that a long-term EU residence permit obtained in Poland only allows you to legally stay and work in Poland. If you’d like to move and live and work in Spain, you will need to apply for a new long-term EU residence permit in Spain. 

However, the long-term EU residence permit does give you the right to freely travel within the Schengen zone (with a valid passport) within a specified time period, regardless of the issuing country.

Another crucial thing to note is that you must decide which one you prefer - the long-term EU residence permit or permanent residence permit, because one excludes the other.

You lose the permanent residence permit issued by Polish authorities when you obtain the long-term EU residence permit. If you are already a holder of a long-term EU residence permit, you cannot apply for the Polish permanent residence permit.

The rights granted by both types of permits are very similar - what differs are the conditions you need to fulfil to obtain them. Therefore, it is not necessary to have both. It is your personal decision which one you prefer.

Find out more about the differences between the long-term EU residence permit and the Polish permanent residence permit in this reliable guide by an attorney-at-law from Poland specialising in legal advice for foreigners moving to Poland. The table is comprehensive and illustrates the differences in a very clear way. 

Just like in the case of the permanent residence permit, you need to submit your application to the local Voivodeship Office. In order to apply for the long-term EU residence permit, you need to submit the following documents:

• 2 copies of a filled-out application form (can be found on the MOS website) - MUST be filled out in Polish

• valid passport with 2 photocopies of all pages, including photos, stamps, or annotations

• 4 recent passport-style photos

• documents proving your uninterrupted stay in Poland for the 5 years leading to your application (e.g. photocopies of visas, stamps in the passport, employment contract, tenancy agreement, bills, tax return forms, etc.)

• Documents confirming the information included in your application and justification of the circumstances under which you’re applying for the residence permit (e.g. proof to back up every claim you make in your application)

• Legal title to the premises where you will stay

• Official certificate of knowledge of the Polish language at least at the B1 level of the CEFR scale

• Proof of stable income (for example, tax return forms)

• Proof of valid health insurance

• proof of covering the administration fee - in this case, 640 PLN (around €145)

If your application receives a positive response and you are granted the permanent residence permit, you will need to pay an additional 50 PLN (around €11) as a fee for issuing the document itself. 

All the supporting documents attached to your application must be submitted with an official translation. Only originals or certified copies of all documents are accepted. 

Important: depending on your individual situation, you may be required to submit additional documents with your application. Please consult this website for detailed information.

The procedure of issuing your permanent residence permit should not take longer than 3 months. 

Residence card

The residence card (karta pobytu) is something other than the residence permit. It confirms your identity as a foreigner during your stay in Poland. You could compare it to the equivalent of a Polish ID card issued for foreigners.

During its validity, the residence card allows you to cross the Polish border multiple times without the need for a visa. It must be accompanied by a valid passport during your travels - it is not valid without a passport. 

It also gives you the right to stay in other countries within the Schengen Zone for a period not exceeding 90 days for every 180 days. 

Important: a residence card is only issued to holders of residence permits. You must obtain your residence permit first (temporary or permanent), before you’re able to apply for a residence card in Poland. 

The cost of issuing a residence card is 50 PLN (around €11). It is available to both EU and non-EU citizens. However, as an EU citizen, you automatically have the right to move and stay within the EU and the Schengen zone without a visa. Therefore, obtaining a residence card isn’t necessary for EU citizens. 

Work permit

It is the employer who applies for a work permit on behalf of their foreign employees in Poland. They will be the ones to submit all the necessary documents, but they will need your help with completing them. Make sure to provide all necessary signatures, travel documents, copies, and translations to make their job easier.

There are 6 types of work permits in Poland: A, B, C, D, E, and S. The kind of work permit you need depends on the nature of your employment. You can find all the information about which one you qualify for here. Your employer should be aware of which one they need to apply for in your name.

Important: a work permit in Poland only enables you to work for the particular employer who obtained it for you. If you change employers, you will need to receive a new work permit.

EU citizens and non-EU citizens

PESEL 

In Polish, PESEL stands for Universal Electronic System for Registration of Population (Poweszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności). It is a series of 11 numbers, serving as a unique identification number for every person in Poland. It is required for legal procedures, so if you plan to stay in Poland long-term, you will need to be assigned one. 

Although the numbers seem random, the PESEL number actually contains a lot of coded information about the owner. You can find out their exact day of birth (day, month, and year) and gender.

For example, the owner of the following PESEL: 98111789641 is a woman born on the 17th of October 1998. 98 stands for the year, 11 for the month, and 17th for the day. The last 5 numbers are random, but the one to last matters. If it’s an even number, the PESEL belongs to a woman. If it’s an odd number, it belongs to a man.

The 5 random numbers at the end ensure no two people born on the same day are assigned the same PESEL number. Every person’s PESEL is different, as it serves as a basic identification feature in all legal procedures.

Polish citizens are assigned this number at birth. If you move to Poland as a foreigner and intend to stay there for longer, you also can - and should - obtain it. A PESEL number is necessary to function in the country - open a bank account, take out a loan, pay your taxes, or even fill a prescription.

You can obtain your PESEL number as a foreigner by registering your address in Poland. It is called “zameldowanie” and must be time every time you move to a new address in Poland, where you intend to stay for more than 3 months. 

The procedure is very simple and free of charge. All you have to do is fill out this form - it is written in Polish and must also be completed in Polish, so hiring a translator or asking a native friend for help is necessary if you don’t speak Polish. Submit your application in person at your local municipality office (urząd gminy) or township office (urząd miasta). This depends on where you live - in Gdansk, it is the township office.

Remember to bring a document confirming your identity to the appointment. You might also want to come with a translator or a friend who speaks Polish, as not all officers speak English. 

Social Security

Matters of Social Security in Poland are overseen by ZUS. The Polish acronym stands for Social Insurance Institution (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych). 

You pay your contributions directly to ZUS, and they’re also the ones who provide you with your benefits once you need them. 

There are 4 main areas covered by Social Security in Poland:

• Sickness

• Work accident insurance

• Disability pension

• Old age pension

As an employee hired by a Polish company and paying your contributions, you have access to all 4 areas. Contributions are divided between employers and employees. Different rates apply, depending on the category. Employees’ contributions are deducted directly from their salaries. 

ZUS has prepared an official leaflet outlining in detail how the Social Security system functions in Poland. The leaflet is written in English and consists of 172 pages, so we won’t quote it all here. It is a great resource to consult when looking for more information on your own.

2. Getting around Gdansk, Poland

Public transport

Buying tickets for public transport in Gdansk is very easy. There are multiple ways to do it, including:

• Through the Jakdojade or Skycash app

• By scanning QR codes on the bus/tram or at the bus stop

• In ticket machines at major bus stops

When you buy a physical ticket at the ticket machine, you have to validate it in a special machine inside the vehicle. Otherwise, it won’t be valid, and you could still be fined. 

A ticket bought online doesn’t have to be validated. It has to be purchased just before the ride, or right at the start, if you do it by scanning the QR code on the bus or tram. Do it as soon as you enter the vehicle - waiting may cost you a fine. 

Ticket prices are fairly cheap compared to many other European countries. Poland hasn’t adopted the euro - the official currency is the Polish zloty (PLN). When you convert the fares,  a single ride could cost you as little as €1. 


Pro tip: you can also purchase tickets through your bank app. Major Polish banks have a section called "public transportation" on their apps, allowing you to buy tickets for public transportation (buses and trams) in every city in Poland. 

MZKZG tickets

Gdansk is a part of Tricity. It is a metropolis uniting - you guessed it - 3 major cities: Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot. They are located right next to each other on the Polish coast, and many of their features - including public transport - have been merged to make living in them easier.

Many people commute between these cities daily - for example, they work in Gdansk but live in Gdynia. If you plan frequent travel through the region of Tricity, it is worth investing in the combined MZKZG ticket, valid on public transport in all 3 cities.  

Buses

Buses are the most common means of public transport in Gdansk. Managed by the ZTM company, they connect all corners of the city and are very affordable. QR codes placed on every bus stop provide a convenient option to quickly look up the routes and check for live updates.

Trams

Trams are another popular option among the citizens of Gdansk. They reduce the risk of getting stuck in traffic and efficiently get you from point A to point B. The same tickets apply for buses and trams in Gdansk. 

Trains

There is no metro in Gdansk. But there is the SKM train. SKM stands for Szybka Kolej Miejska - Fast City Train. It connects Gdansk with Gdynia, but runs beyond it, as far as Wejherowo (about 60km North-West of Gdansk). It stops at every station between the cities and is the most convenient way of travelling between the cities.

It takes only 20 minutes to get from Gdansk to Sopot, and another 10 (30 in total) to arrive in Gdynia. The tickets are also very affordable, especially given the efficiency of this means of transport. 

During peak times, the trains run every 10 to 15 minutes. In the evenings, they slow down to every 30 minutes, then to every 2 hours at night. 

You can purchase a ticket at the railway station, at the ticket machine, or online, using the Skycash or Jakdojade app. 

For last-minute arrivals, tickets can also be bought on the train. You must enter through the first door and ask a member of the staff. Bear in mind that this way, you will need to pay in cash, and an extra fee will be charged for purchasing your ticket on the train. Most people avoid this option if they can, only resorting to it if they risk missing the train. 

Bikes

The Mevo bike rental system operates in all of Tricity and the towns around it. You can hop on and off as you please, leaving or changing your bikes at the numerous stations along the way. 

Taxis

Both regular taxi services and apps such as Uber or Bolt operate in Gdansk. The city is well-communicated enough that most people choose public transport on a daily basis, but taxis are often a great solution for coming back home from a night out.

Driving

Gdansk is well-connected with neighbouring major cities and towns. Even if its citizens have to frequently travel between different parts of Tricity and its surroundings, they often prefer public transport as the greener, more convenient, and more affordable option. 

If you prefer driving, you need to be aged 18 or over to hold a valid driving license in Poland. Citizens of other EU countries can use permits issued in their home countries, but everyone coming from outside of the EU should get a new driving license in Poland, or get an international one. 

Poland has very strict limits regarding the blood/alcohol limit. The highest dose allowed is 0.2‰, which means you can’t even have a single small beer if you intend to drive. 

Gdansk Airport

The Lech Walesa Airport is located around 15km away from the centre of the city. Thanks to the relatively short distance and the multiple transportation options to choose from, getting to and from there is very easy.

Bus - there is no need for an airport shuttle, as plenty of public buses run between the airport and different parts of Gdansk. Line 210 runs between the airport and the main train station (Dworzec Główny), and line 110 will drop you off at the main bus station (Dworzec PKP) in Gdansk Wrzeszcz, a district in the very heart of the city. 

Both of them run roughly once an hour, and the travel time is around 30 minutes with line 210, and around 40 minutes with line 110. The great news is that no special ticket is necessary - you can get to the city centre from the airport for the standard fare of less than €1. 

There is also a nightline, N3, helping out those who need to make it to or from red-eye flights. It combines the routes of lines 210 and 110, coursing to both the main train station and the main bus station in Wrzeszcz.

Train - the PKM (fast city train) courses between the airport and the city centre. It is the fastest way to get to and from the airport. It runs to both the main train station (Gdansk Główny) and the Wrzeszcz station (Gdansk Wrzeszcz). 

It departs approximately every 30 minutes during the day from Terminal 2. You may have to change trains on the way, depending on your destination, but your trip shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes overall. The tickets are also very affordable - during off-peak times, you could travel for as little as €1 or €2. 

Taxi - the most expensive option. With how easy and cheap it is to get to the city centre from the airport and vice versa using the train or bus, not many people decide to splurge on a taxi. It might be your saving grace at night, if you don’t have the time to wait for the nightline and the trains are not running.

3. Housing in Gdansk, Poland

Flat hunt

Gdansk and the whole area of Tricity are growing at a very fast pace. More and more people are attracted by the prospect of living by the sea in a quickly developing city. This creates an increased demand for housing, and endless opportunities for developers eager to build new state-of-the-art apartment complexes in Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot.

Due to the attractive location of seaside cities and the growing interest in moving to this part of Poland, real estate prices have been on the rise in Gdansk. The city is fighting a lack of housing options by investing in new constructions, but those take time to complete. New buildings are also designed to a very high standard, resulting in costly rents. 

Gdansk is also a prominent student city, with several universities located there. Some of them are considered one of the best in the country, attracting a high number of students every year. As in every student city, the costs of housing in Gdansk are, therefore, elevated. 

The best time to look for accommodation in Gdansk is outside of the academic year. Students vacate their flats in June, many of them moving out for good. Most of them start advertising in the early spring months, so it’s the best time to start your flat hunt. 

Don’t worry if you can’t find a place to stay in Gdansk. Many people who work in Gdansk live in Sopot, or even Gdynia or one of the surrounding towns. Thanks to the SKM fast train, commuting between those cities is very easy and affordable. A 30-minute trip with trains running every 10 to 15 minutes is an acceptable option, especially when working in a relatively big city. 

Using an agency will be more expensive, but real estate agents are more likely to speak English than casual landlords. If you rent privately, you might want to do phone calls and property viewings with the assistance of a native Polish speaker. It will make communication with the landlord easier and ensure there are no misunderstandings resulting from the language barrier. 

Helpful websites for finding accommodation in Gdansk:

• Otodom.pl

• Gratka.pl

• Olx.pl 

• Nieruchomosci-online.pl

• Morizon.pl

Important: when looking for housing in Poland, we recommend using the Polish websites listed above. Foreign services like Spotahome, Rentola, or Nestpick are great, but they aren’t used by locals. Landlords and agencies are aware that only foreigners look for accommodation using those websites, and don’t hesitate to raise rent prices for listings published there. 

It is true that it might feel more secure using services you are familiar with, which are international and operate in various countries, primarily in English. However, using Polish websites could be cheaper for you. Use Google Translate to understand listings, or ask a Polish-speaking friend for help, if possible. 

Where to live? Districts in Gdansk

Gdansk is a city with a diverse landscape. Don’t expect to live right by the sea, regardless of your address. The size of Gdansk is quite big, so certain parts of it are located a good 30 minutes away from the nearest beach. 

Even if you don’t end up in a flat with a sea view, we can guarantee that all districts of Gdansk have something else to offer. 

Main City - just like the name suggests, it is the most central part of Gdansk. Like every other city centre, it is full of life, with multiple shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues a stone’s throw from your front door. It is one of the best-communicated parts of the city, with the main railway station (Gdańsk Główny) being located there.

Wrzeszcz - a vibrant neighbourhood east of the city centre. Its location remains quite central, and attracts many residents - partially due to the proximity of the Gdansk Wrzeszcz train station, frequented by most trains. It is home to the famous ul. Grunwaldzka, a well-known shopping street, and the University of Technology. Because of its residential and commercial allure, good location, and the presence of students, rents in Wrzeszcz tend to be quite high.

Oliwa - another well-known part of Gdansk in the North-West. It is popular among professionals due to the proximity of the Oliwa Business Centre, one of the biggest business hubs in the area, and among families, thanks to the peaceful, residential nature of the neighbourhood. The district also hosts the beautiful Oliwa Park and the historical Oliwa Cathedral.

Przymorze - the name literally means “by the sea”. The neighbourhood’s name stays true to its location - it is the part of Gdansk closest to the sea. It’s known for its beaches and recreational areas, as well as shopping centres and green spaces. Rent in this district is elevated by the proximity to the sea and the popularity of Przymorze among tourists. Many flats here are turned into short-term rentals and reserved for tourists, leaving locals living in other parts of the city.

Old Town - this part of Gdansk is the most prominent in pictures when you type the name of the city into Google. Gdansk is known for its old town and the breathtaking, well-preserved architecture there. It is full of famous landmarks such as the Gothic-style St. Mary’s Church, the Long Street (ul. Długa), and much more. The word “old” is often associated with “boring”, but not in this case. The Old Town is a stone’s throw away from the famous Stocznia - Gdansk’s most prominent party district.

Orunia - the southeastern part of Gdansk. It is a mix of residential and industrial areas, but despite the industrial climate, it doesn’t lack green spaces. This neighbourhood houses the famous Park Oruński and the nearby Tricity Landscape Park.

Zaspa - a residential neighbourhood in the southern part of Gdansk. It is the artsy part of the city, known for its high-rise apartment buildings adorned with colourful murals. It even hosts one of the largest open-air art galleries in Europe - the Zaspa Mural Collection.

4. Living like a local

People

Poles tend to be a little bit reserved at first, but they open up once you get to know them better. They value trust and loyalty and use them as a measure of establishing new relationships. They are also rather private and don’t like advertising their personal affairs unless you’re close to them. 

They adopt a realistic approach to life and prefer not to put all their eggs in one basket. Poland’s difficult history has taught its citizens to value stability and always count their blessings. They’d rather hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Despite their reserved nature, Polish people are very good hosts. Welcoming their guests with all they have is deeply rooted in their culture, and they will do everything to make you feel welcome in their home. They even have a saying “czym chata bogata”, meaning it is polite to treat your guest with the best you have. 

Poles are also a very hard-working nation. They like doing things on their own and appreciate independence. Refusing help is nothing personal - it is simply who they are at their core. 

Useful resources to make friends in Gdansk:

• Expats in Gdansk

• Tri-City Poland Expats Gdynia Sopot Gdansk

• Expats Foreigners in Warsaw Krakow Gdansk Poznan Poland

The LGBTQ+ Community in Gdansk

Poland remains behind on the issue of LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but they are not recognised by Polish law in any way. Same-sex marriage hasn’t been legalised, and the law forbids same-sex couples from adopting children. 

Prejudice is still quite common, fuelled by the conservative views of the current government. Rather than moving towards gender equality, politicians are in favour of introducing more restrictions targeting LGBTQ+ communities. A lot of people still see it as an “ideology”, so many keep their sexuality a secret and refrain from public displays of affection.

Law and politics aside, the mentality of Polish citizens is slowly improving, especially among young people. Tolerance is growing in bigger cities such as Gdansk, and while Poland has a long way to go to match global standards in the approach to LGBTQ+ rights, there are many activists and organisations fighting for equality and educating the public. 

Language

Polish is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. It is mostly due to its complicated grammar and conjugation of nouns - a feature many other European languages do not possess. 

But don’t worry - Poles speak really good English. They know the importance of learning foreign languages, and so many of them are bi or trilingual. They are aware that Polish is not commonly spoken anywhere outside of their own country, so if they wish to communicate with foreigners, it is crucial they learn other languages.

Because of that, Poles grow up learning languages from a very young age. Especially young people (under 35) are commonly fluent in English. German is also a very popular second language in Polish schools, due to the proximity of Germany and the demand for German speakers in the global job market.

People over 45 tend to be more self-conscious about their English skills. Many of them speak Russian, as this used to be the mandatory second language taught in schools when Poland remained under the influence of the Soviet Union between the end of the Second World War and the early 1990s. 

Still, as we have mentioned before, Poland is not a predominantly English-speaking country. Despite many Poles being fluent in English, standard communication in shops, restaurants, and other establishments is in Polish. 

Learning Polish might be beneficial if you intend to live in Poland for a long time. By law, all legal procedures, such as applying for a residence permit or the PESEL number, must be carried out in Polish, so knowing it will make your life in Poland easier. 

Here are a few basic phrases to get you started:

• Good morning / Good afternoon - Dzień dobry (dzhien dob-ryh)

• Good evening - Dobry wieczór (dob-ryh vieh-choor)

• Hello - Cześć (chehsc)

• Goodbye - Do widzenia (doh vee-dzen-yah)

• Goodnight - Dobranoc (dob-rah-nohc)

• How are you? - Jak się masz? (yak syeh mash)

• Thank you, I’m okay. HBU? - Dziękuję, wszystko dobrze. A u ciebie? (dzyeh-kuh-yeh, vshyst-koh dob-sheh. Ah uh cyeb-yeh?)

• What’s your name? - Jak masz na imię? (Yak mash nah ymyeh?)

• My name is… - Nazywam się… (Nah-zyh-vahm-sieh)

• Nice to meet you! - Miło cię poznać! (Mee-woh cyeh pohz-nahc)

• Cheers! - Na zdrowie! (Nah zdroh-wyeh)

• Have a nice day -  Miłego dnia (Me-weh-goh dnyah)

• Enjoy your meal! - Smacznego! (smach-neh-goh)

• Yes - Tak (takh)

• No - Nie (nyeh)

• Maybe - Może (moshe)

• I don’t know - Nie wiem (nye veem)

• I don’t understand - Nie rozumiem (nye roz-um-yem)

• Please - Proszę (prosheh)

• Thank you - Dziękuję (dzyeh-kuh-yeh)

• You’re welcome - Nie ma za co (nye mah zah coh)

• Do you speak English? - Czy mówisz po angielsku? (chyh moovish poh ang-yel-skhu?)

• How much is it? - Ile to kosztuje? (yleh toh koshtuyeh?)

• Where is the toilet? - Gdzie jest toaleta? (gdye yest toh-al-etah)

• Help! - Pomocy! (poh-moh-cyh)

Save the date

National holidays in Poland

Poland is a catholic country. Most of its national holidays are related to important events in the religious calendar and crucial dates in the country’s history.

Święto Pracy (May 1st) - Labour Day. It is a bank holiday, and everyone but “essential workers” (doctors, officers, etc.) and private business owners who choose not to take a day off are not required to work. 

Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja (May 3rd) - Constitution Day. It commemorates the signing of the Polish constitution - which is still valid to this day - on May 3rd 1791. 

Together with May 1st, it constitutes part of the so-called “majówka” (May bank holiday). People often ask for the 2nd of May off and enjoy a long weekend, travelling to the countryside or spending time with their family and friends. 

Boże Ciało (June) - Corpus Christi. Celebrated by a colourful procession starting at the church and walking along the streets of every town or city. People decorate their houses in flowers, ribbons, and pictures of saints and light candles in their windows. Children who have had their first communion that year walk in the front of the procession and sprinkle flower petals in the streets. Communities also come together to create small altars for people to pray at during every stop in the procession. 

Wzniebowzięcie Najświętszej Marii Panny / Święto Wojska Polskiego (August 15th) - two important holidays fall on that date. The first one is religious - the day of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, also called the day of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of plants. People attend a mass with bouquets of wildflowers. This adorable tradition finds its roots in the past, when peasants and farmers would bring offerings to thank the Virgin Mary for fertile crops on that day.

The second holiday is connected to Poland’s past. It is the anniversary of a victorious battle where the Polish troops defeated the Bolsheviks in 1920. The battle was called “a miracle by the Vistula River”, due to the near impossibility of victory in the face of the overwhelming odds of the Bolsheviks over Poles. The legend has it, soldiers saw the figure of the Virgin Mary blessing them in the sky, so the victory is attributed to a miracle by her. It was an important event in Poland’s history, as it turned the odds in the Polish-Bolshevik war and ultimately led to the enemy’s defeat. 

Wszystkich Świętych (November 1st) - All Saints’ Day. A very important day in the calendar. All Poles visit the graves of their beloved and leave a candle. It is also an opportunity to meet up with the family, remember those who are gone, and spend time together. This melancholic day is made sweeter by stalls selling sweets set up next to every cemetery in Poland, just this one day in the year. 

Dzień Niepodległości (November 11th) - Independence Day. Poles celebrate the anniversary of getting their independence back in 1918, after 123 years of Poland being annexed by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The key event is the big parade organised in the capital, Warsaw, attended by the army and soldiers riding in on horses.

It is also St. Martin’s Day, so the parade is accompanied by a visit from men dressed as St. Martin, riding a horse through the streets of towns and cities. Poles eat special crescent-shaped buns with white poppyseed filling, and it’s also common to have roasted goose for dinner on that day, as the bird is associated with a legend about St. Martin. 

There are also certain holidays which are not bank holidays, but Poles enjoy celebrating them nonetheless, despite the fact that they don’t grant them a free day off at work:

Tłusty Czwartek (February) - Fat Thursday. The equivalent of Shrove Tuesday - the last Thursday before the start of Lent. Poles celebrate it by eating as many doughnuts as they can stomach. Polish doughnuts are different from the famous American ones - they are puffy and come without the hole in the middle, having different fillings instead. The most common is briar or fruit jam or advocaat liquor, but these days, you can find all kinds of fillings, including chocolate, toffee, coconut, pistachio, and more. 

Ostatki (February) - the Tuesday following Fat Thursday. It is the very last day before the start of Lent on Shrove Wednesday (in Poland, it's Shrove Wednesday, not Shrove Tuesday). The tradition of eating herring on that day finds its origin in the past, when peasants considered the fish the most luscious meal. During Lent, they weren’t allowed to eat any meat, including fish, for 40 days, so the day before its start, they would have their fill of herring to make it through. 

Prima Aprilis (April 1st) - April Fool's Day is celebrated in many countries, but not to the degree Poland celebrates it. It has escalated to the point where celebrities, politicians, and national organisations use this opportunity to pull pranks on their followers.

It is common to see fake announcements about pregnancies, shaved heads, or new album releases all over social media. Brands jump in on the opportunity to come up with the most ridiculous products, which are obviously fake, but never fail to create controversy year after year. 

Śmigus Dyngus (Easter Monday) - another very old tradition allowing everyone to shamelessly spray one another with water. It’s common to wake up dropped in a bathtub, be shot by a water gun, or have a bucket of water dumped all over you. In the past, it was mostly men doing that to women, but these days, the girls rightfully fight back. 

Dzień Dziecka (June 1st) - International Children’s Day. Poles take this day very seriously, showering their kids with gifts, taking them for trips, or allowing them to eat as many sweets as they possibly can. It is often continued long past actual childhood, with parents gifting their children something small (usually sweets) way into their adulthood.

Noc Świętojańska (June) - Summer equinox. An old Slavic holiday celebrating life, fertility, and the arrival of summer. People engage in fortune-telling and spend time outside barbequing and having a drink.

Andrzejki (November 29th) - St. Andrew’s Day. A magical day full of omens, fortune-telling, and superstition. The most popular way to tell the future is by pouring melted wax into a bowl of cold water through a keyhole. The wax then solidifies and creates shapes, which are later on interpreted. It can be done either by looking at the shape directly or, more commonly, by shining a flashlight on it and projecting its shadow onto a wall. It is fun to look for different shapes and try to interpret them to predict the future with your family and friends. 

Events in Gdansk

As a big city and part of an even bigger metropolis, Gdansk is home to an array of attractive, international events every year. Below, you can find just some of the many things happening in this lively city:

Jarmark Dominikański (summer) - St. Dominic’s Fair. An annual event bringing together artisans, merchants, and performers from different countries. You can admire arts and crafts, buy all kinds of goods, and enjoy various forms of entertainment. Dating back to the 13th century, it is one of the oldest - and largest - trade and cultural events in Europe. 

Festiwal Dźwięki Północy (July) - Sounds of the North Festival. A biannual event celebrating folk music from 10 countries: Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. The idea behind the festival is to blend traditional folk music with contemporary sounds in order to popularise it and make it more accessible to younger listeners. 

Festiwal Szekspirowski (July/August) - Gdansk Shakespeare Festival. An international event organised by the Gdansk Shakespeare Theatre. It combines theatrical performances with artistic events, workshops, and meetings with theatre directors. The event is widely recognised on the international theatre scene, and a must for all theatre connoisseurs. The venue has been built on the historical grounds of a 17th-century playhouse frequented by travelling actors from England - hence the name.

5. Fun things to do around the city

Polish cuisine

Poland is known for its filling, hearty dishes. Meat (especially pork), potatoes, cabbage, and mushrooms are common ingredients in Polish dishes. Traditional meals are often heavy and rich in calories, but modern versions of them come with a lower calorie count.

Soups

Poles can make soups out of anything. Any vegetable you can think of - they have a soup made of it. Soups are easy, quick, and cheap to make, so they are a favourite among the citizens of Poland. Below, you can find just a few of the most popular soups, out of the many that exist:

Barszcz (borsch) - beetroot soup. It comes in an array of versions, depending on the family and region, but the most basic one is a simple, intense broth made of slow-cooked beetroots. It has a rich, burgundy or even purple or marron colour and is often eaten with pierogi, uszka (a small kind of pierogi), paszteciki (pastries) or krokiety. 

Grochówka - pea soup. Usually made of yellow pea, the soup is thick, with lots of spices such as old spice, marjoram, and caraway seed. It contains pieces of meat such as sausage or bacon and is so hearty it often constitutes a meal on its own, along with a piece of bread. 

Rosół - chicken soup. Although it is present in most cuisines in the world, it is definitely a star of Polish gastronomy. Traditionally, rosół has to be present at every Sunday dinner. The English name suggests it has to be made of chicken, but in Poland, rosół can also be made of other types of broth, including beef, duck, or goose.

Żurek - a traditional soup made of soured rye flour. It may sound weird, but visitors from all over the world often name it as their favourite dish in Polish cuisine. The recipes vary regionally - for example, there is a difference between żurek and żur. The latter is typical for the Silesian region in the South-West of the country and known for its intense flavour.

Żurek and żur are often served with a hard-boiled egg, pieces of sausage or other kinds of meat and bread. Sometimes, it can also contain mushrooms. 

Kapuśniak - cabbage soup. All hail cabbage - Poland definitely loves it. Traditional kapuśniak is made of sauerkraut, preferably based on a broth of smoked pork ribs. It contains little pieces of carrots and potatoes and pieces of meat. Some people replace sauerkraut with regular cabbage, especially in the summer.

Main dishes

In Poland, soup is almost always followed by a main dish. It doesn’t matter if your belly feels full after consuming a steaming bowl of rosół or barszcz. There is much more you need to make space for:

Pierogi - a true staple of Polish cuisine. They are akin to Italian tortellini but bigger and in a characteristic, half-moon shape. They come with a variety of fillings - the most traditional ones include minced meat, cabbage and mushrooms, or ruskie (mashed potatoes with fried onions and white cheese). Modern takes on pierogi fill them with spinach and feta, sun-dried tomatoes, buckwheat or lentils, and much more. Pierogi can also be served sweet, with a blueberry or strawberry filling. Savoury ones are often served with lots of melted butter, fried onions, or skwarki (little pieces of fried bacon), and sweet ones with sour cream and sugar.

Gołąbki - cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat mixed with rice. They are formed into right rolls and usually served in a thick tomato sauce. They are similar to the Greek dolmádes, but usually much bigger in size.

Kluski - potato dumplings, similar to the Italian gnocchi but round in shape. They are usually served with meat gravy. There is an ongoing war between Poles as to whether kluski should come with a little hole in the middle (to store the gracy) or not. 

Krokiety - in theory, the concept of the meal may seem strange. In practice, krokiety are delicious. To put it simply, they are thin crepes rolled into the shape of a small burrito and covered in breadcrumbs. They can be filled with minced meat, cabbage and mushrooms or, more modernly, with mushrooms and mozzarella. Usually served with barszcz, but they are perfect on their own. 

Bigos - a one-pot dish of stewed cabbage mixed with all kinds of meat. The purpose of bigos is to use up all leftovers cluttering your fridge, so recipes vary depending on the cook and their weekly shopping. Bigos can be quite spicy and made of either regular cabbage or sauerkraut. 

Łazanki - a special kind of rectangle-shaped pasta mixed with cabbage and different kinds of meat. It can be sausage, bacon, or leftover Sunday roast - whatever you find in your fridge. Some recipes also contain mushrooms. 

Rolada - rolled beef stuffed with bacon, pickles, onions, and mustard. Slow-roasted in a thick gravy and usually served with kluski and red cabbage. 

Potato pancakes - golden pancakes made of shredded potatoes. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Often served with sour cream or on their own. 

Naleśniki - thin crepes, rolled or folded into triangles. They come with a variety of fillings - sweet of vanilla-flavoured white cheese, jam, fruits, and Nutella, or savoury of mushrooms, meat, and vegetables. 

Others

Poles are good hosts. Aside from delicious soups and main dishes they will welcome you with, there is a variety of appetisers such as sausages, cheeses, and other local delicacies for you to try:

Kabanosy - long, thin, dried sausage. Most commonly made of pork, but nowadays, you can find all kinds - chicken, turkey, or even vegan ones.

Kaszanka - a mixture of barley with pig’s blood, seasoned with herbs and spices. It may sound controversial, but it is a real delicacy in Poland. 

Oscypek - smoked cheese made of sheep’s milk. Although you can find it anywhere, it is typical for the mountain region in the South of Poland, and it’s best tried there. The trip from the sea to the mountains is a lengthy one, but it is definitely worth it.

Bryndza - soft, salty cheese made of sheep’s milk. Another delicacy from the mountain region, also popular in Poland’s neighbouring countries and Eastern Europe. 

Ogórki kiszone - similar to pickles, but no vinegar is used in the marinade. It consists of water with lots of salt, garlic, and dill. The result are tangy, salty-sour pickles. 

Desserts

At the end of the meal - no matter how hearty - there has to be dessert. Poles are leaders in this domain, with desserts occupying significant space on the list of traditional Polish dishes:

Budyń - creamy custard. Eaten with a spoon, it is a type of dessert often associated with childhood. The most common flavours are vanilla or chocolate, but there are different kinds available these days.

Pączki - doughnuts. Unlike the famous American ones, they don’t come with a hole in the middle. They are big and fluffy, stuffed with jam, custard, or other kinds of fillings. 

Sernik - cheesecake. There are thousands of varieties of this dessert all over the world, but it is a very important cake for Polish cuisine. In Poland, cheesecake is made with a yeast dough or biscuit base, or with just cheese. It often contains raisins. 

Makowiec - poppy seed cake. It can come in the traditional form or as a roll. Together with sernik, makowiec is often served at big celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. 

Szarlotka - apple pie. Poland is famous for its apples, so even though apple pies are associated with many other countries, the Polish ones are truly special. 

Beverages 

Assistance is sometimes required in processing all the delicious - albeit fairly heavy - food Poland has to offer. Many drinks popular in Poland have digestive properties and are a tasty way of making sure your stomach keeps up with your mouth.

Non-alcoholic

Maślanka - buttermilk. A byproduct of the production of cream, very popular in Poland. It is often enjoyed with potato dishes.

Kefir - a drink made of fermented milk with a special kind of bacteria stimulating the digestive system. It is not originally Polish, but is very popular there, and known for its health benefits. 

Oranżada - a fizzy drink, typically red or transparent in colour. Its flavour can be described as candy-like. It used to be very popular during Poland’s communist times, when it was considered a delicacy in the otherwise poor economy. 

Alcoholic

Vodka - Poland is famous for its vodka. The most well-known brands include Soplica, Żubrówka, and Wyborowa. It is a popular alcoholic drink locally, so you can find it in all flavours under the sun.

Beer - there are a number of esteemed breweries scattered all around Poland. The most well-known include Żywiec, Tyskie, and Lech. Gdansk is also famous for its local beer, characterised by an amber colour and malty taste.

Goldwasser - a unique liquor originating from Gdansk. It’s a herb-infused vodka, which owes its name to the flecks of gold swirling inside the bottle. 

Best food places in Gdansk

Many praise Gdansk for its gastronomy. Every corner of the city hides high-quality restaurants serving traditional food and cuisines from all over the world. 

Restaurants

Regardless of whether you’re aiming to try some traditional Polish meals or are craving exotic flavours, you will always find the perfect restaurant for your current mood in Gdansk. 

Pierogarnia Stary Młyn - the best place to try pierogi in Gdansk. You can find all kinds of them - sweet, savoury, boiled, fried, baked - you name it. The interior has a traditional vibe, but some of the fillings on the menu are very modern.

Restauracja Gvara - an upscale restaurant offering a modern take on traditional Polish dishes. All meals are prepared using only locally-sourced ingredients, and the food is always fresh and yummy.

Restauracja Panorama - located on the 16th floor, it offers breathtaking views of Gdansk. You can enjoy a delicious meal while being seated on top of the world, admiring the city below. Perfect to visit at all times of day. 

Piwnica Rajców - although primarily known for its excellent craft beer, the restaurant also offers delicious meals. Its location in a former cellar makes it a true labyrinth and creates an incredible climate.

Woosabi - this incredible place lures you in with its classy interior design. The ornamental glass ceiling constitutes the restaurant’s trademark, and the food will transport you straight to Asia without stepping a foot out of Gdansk. 

Cafés

Strolling down the beautiful, historic streets of Gdansk, you may be overcome by the sudden urge to sit down in a cafe and spend quality time reflecting on what you have seen and planning your further steps. Here are just a few suggestions of the best spots to do it in:

Eklerownia 2.0 - the interior is full of sharp, bold colours that invite patrons to pop in. The café specialises in éclaires, and the way they are prepared elevates them to the status of true works of art - both in appearance and flavour.

Sztuka Wyboru - an original place that is more than just a café. It combines a bookshop, an art gallery, and a shop with Polish design and fashion. As you explore, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee from the café part of the establishment. A definite must on the map of Gdansk.

Drukarnia - known for its minimalist decor and alternative brewing methods. It is the place to go for all fans of coffee, tired of mediocre brews and looking for new experiences.

Literacka - a hybrid of a bookshop and a café. If you can’t imagine a better way to spend your afternoon than curled in an armchair with a hot cup of coffee or tea and a good book, then this place is meant for you.

Café Józef K - located in Gdansk Old Town, this unique café with an artsy vibe is definitely worth a visit. Artistic souls will feel right at home here, invited by the good coffee, delicious cake, friendly staff, original interior design, and a bohemian vibe, inspiring them to take part in one of the many artistic competitions organised by the café. 

Nightlife

As a student city, Gdansk offers multiple options for late-night entertainment. There are enough bars, clubs, and hangout zones for everyone to find their favourite place:

Flisak ‘76 - since 1976, this well-established bar has been run by the same family. It serves cocktails straight out of a fairytale - each little detail is taken care of, making them both beautiful and delicious. Art and culture play an essential role in the life of Flisak ‘76, making it more than just a bar.

Ulica Elektryków - an alternative party complex. Located in a former shipyard, this street is full of opportunities for entertainment. DJ nights and open-air concerts are organised for as long as the weather allows it and are attended by thousands of locals and visitors. 

At the end of the street, you can find Hala B90 - a concert venue with the best sound system in the country. The industrial landscape of this zone makes it a unique place to party and spend quality time with friends.

Pro tip: come before 10 pm for free entry.

Sassy Club - an exclusive night club located on one of Gdansk’s islands (Wyspa Spichrzowa - Granary Island). It is known for its classy rooftop parties, attracting visitors from all over the world. During the day, it functions as a high-end restaurant, but at night, it turns into one of Gdansk’s top party spots. 

Lawendowa 8 - this cosy bar/café focuses on promoting various Polish craft beers. More than that, every Thursday, you can pop in for Jazz Thursdays to watch others improvise, or join the improvisation yourself. 

Parks

The beautiful landscape of Gdansk is made even more perfect by the several parks scattered across the city. Their greenery adds to the rich architecture, glittering sea, and sandy beaches.

Park Oliwski (Oliwa Park) - one of the most beautiful parks in Gdansk. Located in the Oliwa district, it features picturesque walking paths, ponds, gardens, and historical structures such as the Oliwa Cathedral and Abbot’s Palace.

Park Oruński (Orunia Park) - a great place for outdoor activities. The playground makes it the perfect spot for walks for families with kids, and the sports facilities attract fans of being active.

Park nad Stawami (Pond Park) - the park owes its name to the many ponds crisscrossed by numerous beautiful bridges. The place to go to enjoy some fresh air, spend time with nature, and watch ducks swim by. 

Museums

As a very old city, Gdansk has an incredibly rich history. From its greatness as a meeting spot for traders in the faraway past to the turbulent breakthroughs in modern history, you can discover Gdansk’s background in the several museums available in the city:

Muzeum II Wojny Światowej (Museum of the Second World War) - a modern museum opened in 2017. It brings awareness to the impact of the Second World War, with a close focus on its effects on the citizens of Gdansk and the city itself. Poland suffered enormously in World War II and has left an imprint on Poles’ minds. It is important to understand its effects on the country through the various artefacts, documents, and multimedia displays available in the museum.

Europejskie Centrum Solidarności (European Solidarity Centre) - the anticommunist Solidarity movement fought for the freedom and democracy of Polish citizens during the turbulent 1980s. To this day, Poles hold it in very high esteem and remember the heroic way in which Solidarity’s members battled for their rights. The European Solidarity Centre is a tribute to the movement, offering exhibitions and interactive displays illustrating the country’s modern history. 

Muzeum Gdańska (Gdansk History Museum) - it is scattered across different locations around the city. Each site focuses on a specific aspect of Gdansk’s past: trade, craftsmanship, daily life, and more. The exhibitions follow the city’s history from its early beginnings to the present day.

Muzeum Narodowe w Gdańsku (Gdansk National Museum) - it was created as a merging of the former Gdansk City Museum and the Craftsmanship Museum. Just like the Gdansk History Museum, it is divided into several sites across the city, each holding different exhibitions. You can admire classic and contemporary art, recent and historic photographs of Gdansk, historical artefacts such as clothes and everyday items, and objects related to the history of the region. 

Muzeum Bursztynu (Museum of Amber) - amber is a symbol of Gdansk, holding a significant role in the city’s history. Its importance was honoured by creating a special museum showcasing the mineral’s origins, history, and trade. Visitors can admire beautiful amber specimens and purchase amber jewellery from the gift shops. 

The Crane - one of the symbols of Gdansk. In the past, the city served as one of the top trading spots in Europe. The iconic crane served as one of the water gates leading into the city and was used for moving heavy crates of goods delivered to Gdansk. Nowadays, it constitutes one of the sites of the Gdansk Maritime Museum and offers beautiful views of the city. 

Other spots

There is no shortage of curious, interesting, and unique places in Gdansk. The city is constantly developing, which finds its reflection in the number of new initiatives and attractive spots popping up constantly:

100cznia - an industrial zone located in the old shipyard. It is the hottest hangout spot in town, and although it neighbours with Ulica Elektryków, we didn’t qualify 100cznia as just a nightlife venue. It hosts a food court made of industrial containers, a beach, and an array of entertainment spots. It is known for great parties and concerts at night, but during the day, you can come to grab a bite, relax at the beach, or even participate in yoga classes.

Stocznia Cesarska (Emperial Shipyard) - the grounds of a former shipyard, now inactive but equipped with 13 educational plaques outlining the history and former function of the zones and buildings around the shipyard. There is an initiative working towards breathing life into the grounds and turning this otherwise abandoned area into an interactive coworking, event, and even living space. 

Crane M3 - you can climb this crane located near the Imperial Shipyard for a small fee and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the impressive height of over 30 metres. All income from the tickets goes to the Socially Safe Charity (Fundacja Społecznie Bezpieczni), providing help for the homeless, disabled, and people with addictions. 

Olivia Garden - a unique meeting spot in an exotic indoor garden. It is divided into 4 zones: relax, where you can read a book, meditate, or simply sit down and listen to birds chirping, coworking, located on a mezzanine hidden among the trees, food and drinks, and lastly, the dialogue zone, where you can pop in for a concert, lecture, or a talk. 

Westerplatte - the site where World War II started. It is the piece of land Polish soldiers defended against German troops in the first invasion of the war. Now it is one of the most important historical sites in Poland. 

Ulica Długa - a charming street in the old town lined with colourful houses, shops, and restaurants. 

Brama Zielona - The Green Gate, one of the symbols of Gdansk. It is not actually green - it’s a stunning piece of Renaissance architecture, which used to serve as a water gate in the past. Now it stands on dry land and attracts a lot of tourists visiting Gdansk.

Neptune Fountain - located in Długi Targ, this iconic statue is another symbol of the city. 

Mariacka Street - Gdansk is known for its amber, and Mariacka Street is where you will find a majority of the shops where you can purchase jewellery made of this mineral.

Bazylika Mariacka - St. Mary’s Church, the largest brick church in the world. Well-known for its Gothic architecture and the huge astronomical clock.

Oliwa Cathedral - famous for its organ concerts and beautiful architecture.

Motława Riverfront - Gdansk is mostly recognised for its location by the sea, but there is also a river crossing the city. Its banks are lined with historic buildings, climatic restaurants, and cosy cafés. 

Brzeźno Beach - its easy access makes it one of the most popular beaches in Gdansk. It stretches along the Brzeźno district and is known for its golden sand, a wide promenade, and a vibrant atmosphere in the nearby bars and cafés.

Sports

The football fan base is massive in Poland. The national team has been a little off its game lately (pardon the pun), but the support for local teams still stands strong. Gdansk is home to Lechia Gdańsk, which competes in the top-tier Polish league, the Ekstraklasa.

Volleyball is a close second on the list of Poland’s top sports. Both the men’s and women’s national teams stand quite high in the international rankings, and Poles enjoy cheering them on in their efforts to climb even higher.

Access to the sea makes Gdansk a good place to practice watersports. The weather conditions make the city an especially attractive spot for sailing and windsurfing. The Hel Peninsula - a national haven for surfing, kitesurfing, and other kinds of water activities - is located just about 2 hours away from Gdansk by car, and around 2.5 hours by train, which makes it the perfect destination for a weekend retreat for watersports fans. 

Shopping in Gdansk

Among the many things to do in Gdansk, shopping might not be at the forefront of your mind. However, for times when you need fresh groceries, new clothes, or are simply looking to spend some money, there are plenty of places to do it in:

Hala Targowa Gdańsk (Gdansk Central Market) - a bustling indoor market located in the very heart of the city. Drop in for a wide range of fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy products, and more. It is also a great place to sample some of the traditional Polish foods.

Gdansk Old Town Market - visit for plenty of stalls selling hand-crafted items, jewellery, souvenirs, and local products. If you’re in Gdansk for just a moment, it’s a great pit stop to pick up some keepsakes from your visit.

Gdański Bazar Natury (Gdansk Nature Market) - located on the border between Zaspa and Wrzeszcz districts, the market is a meeting point for producers and customers of locally-sourced, ecological products and food. It’s open on Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Galeria Bałtycka (The Baltic Shopping Centre) - one of the largest and most popular shopping centres in Gdansk. Located in Wrzeszcz, it is easily accessible by public transport and offers more than 200 shops and a food court.

Forum Gdańsk - a modern shopping and entertainment complex in the very heart of the city. It features a variety of shops, a cinema, numerous restaurants, and a supermarket.

Madison Shopping Gallery - a high-end shopping centre in the Main Town, with classy fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, and gourmet restaurants.

6. Cost of living

Poland as a whole is perceived as one of the cheapest countries to live in in Europe. The cost of living has been impacted by very high inflation rates, and life has become more expensive for the locals, but foreigners continue to describe the country as cheap.

Living in big cities such as Gdansk comes with elevated costs, which seem too high to many Polish people. In comparison with other major European cities, Gdansk remains on the cheaper side, although its popularity keeps driving prices up.

Especially eating out and rent are becoming increasingly more expensive, slowly but steadily rising to international standards. Bear that in mind when choosing Gdansk as your next destination.

Food / Grocery shopping

Foreigners are often pleasantly surprised when doing their first grocery shopping in Poland and comparing the prices. To us locals, food is now more expensive than it ought to be, but people from abroad keep telling us how they would do all their shopping in Poland if they could.

The top retail supermarket chains in Poland include Lidl, Aldi, and Biedronka. Those 3 are on the smaller side, but for a bigger shop, many people visit international giants such as Auchan, Kaufland, or Intermarché. Carrefour, Netto, and Lewiatan are also quite popular. The variety is big, so where you go mostly depends on your own preferences and whichever shop is the closest.

There is a chain of small corner shops called Żabka. You can recognise them by the green frog in the logo, hinting at the name of the franchise, translating as “Little Frog”. There is an ongoing joke about Żabka shops popping up overnight like mushrooms due to the incredible increase in their number in recent times. It won’t take you long to notice they really are everywhere when you visit Poland - it is impossible these days to walk 300 metres without passing a Żabka shop on your way.

Żabka shops are convenient due to their presence on literally every corner. Wherever you live, you can count on having a Żabka shop less than a 5-minute walk away. However, bear in mind that just like in every corner shop, prices in Żabka shops are elevated. They are a good solution for popping in for a single item you’ve run out of - especially since they’re open longer than other shops, if not 24/7. But we don’t recommend it for your weekly shop. 

They are also one of the very few shops open on Sundays, which gains them people’s favour. Bear in mind that since 2018, shops and establishments had to be closed on Sundays in Poland. There are only a few exceptions, but just to be safe, do make sure to not leave your weekly groceries for a Sunday. Even Polish people still sometimes forget, after 7 years. 

Alcohol can be bought everywhere - including Żabka shops - until 10 pm. After that, even shops open 24/7 will refuse to sell you alcohol. The only shops allowed to continue selling alcohol after curfew are special licensed liquor stores. You need to be 18 or over to legally purchase alcohol and cigarettes in Poland, and you must prove it by showing a photo ID document to the clerk.


Here is an estimation of how much you can expect to spend on your weekly grocery shopping:

Other expenses

Don’t forget to calculate the costs of your mobile plan and broadband into your monthly budget. If you own a SIM card bought in another EU country, you can continue using it in Poland without additional charges, as the country is a member of the EU.

If you plan to stay in Poland for longer, it might be easier for you to sign a deal with a local provider. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Plus

• Play

• T-Mobile

• Orange

• Polsat Box (collaborates with Plus)

Most of them provide mainly mobile plans, but you can also extend your deal to cover your TV. It might be more convenient to have your phone and TV tied to one contract, rather than juggling several different companies.

Taxes

There are several types of income tax in Poland:

• Personal income tax (PIT)

• Corporate income tax (CIT)

• Value added tax (VAT)

• Civil-law transactions tax (PCC)

• Real estate tax 

• Excise tax 

• Inheritance and donation tax

The important thing to note is that the different types of tax don’t cross out one another. For example, an entrepreneur might have to pay both excise tax and VAT on a completed sale. 

The tax brackets in Poland for personal income tax are as follows (all amounts concern yearly income):

• 0% for up to 30,000 PLN (around €6750)

• 12% (minus 3600 PLN of amount decreasing tax*) for anything over 30,000 PLN and up to 120,000 PLN

• 10 800 PLN (around €2430) + 32% of the excess over 120 000 PLN

*3600 PLN (around €810) is 12% of the tax-free amount of income

Polish residents must pay PIT on their worldwide income. Non-residents are only subject to PIT from income earned in Poland. 

You are legally considered a Polish resident if:

• Your centre of personal or economic interest is in Poland, or 

• You spend more than 183 days of every tax year in Poland. 

Income tax must be declared every year and paid by the 30th of April of the following year. When you pay your tax, you have the option to contribute 1% of your income tax to a charity of your choice. You do this by stating the charity on your tax declaration form. 

Medical Care

The public healthcare system in Poland is provided by the National Health Fund (NFZ - Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia). It is funded by contributions from employers and employees.

Every employee in Poland can access the public healthcare system. Children below the age of 18 are automatically covered by health insurance tied to their parents’, and students can benefit from free healthcare for the duration of their studies. 

Self-employed individuals must declare themselves to access free healthcare. 

Through the public healthcare system, you can access a variety of services, including:

• GP visits

• Specialist doctors (orthopaedist, gynaecologist, psychiatrist, oncologist, etc.) - through a referral from a GP, unless there is a direct threat to a patient’s life

• Hospital care

• Surgeries 

• Dentists 

Certain medicines are fully or partially refunded by the NFZ. It will state on the prescription how many per cent you are required to pay for your medicine. Electronic prescriptions are the norm these days - at the pharmacy, you will be required to provide the prescription number (usually 4 numbers) and your PESEL number. 

You don’t have to fill the entire prescription at once - the doctor should tell you how long the prescription is valid for. For example, if your prescription contains 2 packages of pills and is valid for 3 months, you can get the first package now and the next one within the next 3 months from the date of creating the prescription if you don’t need both at the same time.

Important: if you start filling your prescription at one pharmacy, you need to fill out the rest at the exact same pharmacy. For example, you can’t get a first packet of pills at a pharmacy on Long Street and get the second one at a pharmacy on Nice Street. You need to come back to the pharmacy on Long Street to get the rest of your medicine - even if these two pharmacies are part of the same chain. 

The waiting times in the public healthcare system can be long. This is why many people choose to invest in private health insurance - especially if they need to frequently consult specialist doctors. 

Current medicine students are often required to learn English as a part of their course - including medical terms such as names of diseases and medicine. This was not always the case, so younger doctors are much more likely to speak English than the older ones. 

Films and books set in Gdansk 

Gdansk has attracted many a producer to feature its landscape in their films - even if their story wasn’t set there. Similarly, the city - and mostly its rich history - has inspired multiple authors to base their story in Gdansk. 

Movies

• Baltic Storm (2003)

Although the film tells the story of a Danish journalist investigating the sinking of the ferry MV Estonia in the Baltic Sea, it is set in Gdansk in the 1980s. It captures the city’s maritime nature and its connection to the sea. 

• The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)

The true story of the Polish Żabiński family who used the father’s position as the head of the Warsaw Zoo to shelter Jewish refugees during the Nazi occupation. Although the plot is primarily set in Warsaw, several scenes were filmed in Gdansk for its beautiful architecture. 

• Mr. Jones (2019)

A historical drama telling the story of a Welsh journalist uncovering the infamous Holodomor famine in Ukraine, exposing it as induced by the State to force people into submission. Although the film has little to do with Gdansk itself, it includes scenes filmed there.

Books

• The Amber Room by Steve Berry

A historical thriller centred around the mysterious Amber Room - an opulent chamber allegedly decorated with panels made of pure amber. The story takes place in Gdansk and investigates the history and intrigue regarding the treasure’s disappearance.

• Post Office (Poczta) by Stefan Chwin

The portrayal of people’s ordinary lives during World War II and in its aftermath. The story is set in Gdansk and explores the themes of love, memory, tragedy, and survival. 

• The Last Eyewitnesses: Children of the Holocaust Speak by Wiktoria Śliwowska (Editor) 

A collection of stories submitted by individual authors, never meant for publication. The book explores the lives of the Holocaust survivors and the heroes who contributed to saving Jewish children living in Gdansk and its surrounding areas. It provides poignant insights into the city’s tragic past during World War II. 

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There are many things to cherish about Gdansk: the sea, the architecture, the history, and the lifestyle. It takes one visit to fall in love with the city, and a lifetime to discover all its beautiful secrets.


Whether you're a student, young professional, or looking to relocate with your family, Gdansk has a lot to offer for everyone. If you value a high standard of living, proximity to the sea, beautiful architecture, and numerous professional opportunities, Gdansk may be the perfect destination for you.



A big, big thank you to my close friend, Agnieszka, who lives in Gdansk and played a huge part in helping me create this guide. You have her to thank for all recommendations and insider tips!