Gdynia, Poland – What to see in a modern port city

Gdynia is a young city on the Baltic Sea coast, part of the so-called Tricity together with Gdańsk and Sopot. It was founded in the 20th century as an important Polish port and today attracts visitors with its modern architecture, port atmosphere, nature and cultural events.

What to see in Gdynia

After accommodation in Gdynia, we recommend visiting the attractions and offers in the information center at the main train station, behind which is a small burnštyn museum.

One day a week, museums are free, it is good to know this and book museums for this day. For example, the Arthur’s Museum, the Burnštyn Museum, the Museum of the Sea, etc.

Amber Museum

The Baltic Sea in general is known as a site of Tertiary amber, Polish from German derived as burnštyn, amber is really like a stone and actually burns.

Kościuszko Square (Skwer Kościuszki)

The main promenade by the harbor, where historic ships are docked and where you will find cafes, restaurants and places to sit. It is an ideal start to exploring the city.

Dar Pomorza – museum sailing ship

A historic school sailing ship that now serves as a museum. You can walk through its decks and learn more about Poland’s maritime history.

ORP Błyskawica

A destroyer that participated in World War II. Today it is a museum moored right in the city center.

Gdynia Aquarium (Akwarium Gdyńskie)

Families with children will appreciate a visit to the aquarium, where you will see marine and freshwater animals from all over the world.

Museum of Emigration (Muzeum Emigracji)

Located in the former maritime terminal. It approximates the fates of Poles who, in the course of 19. and the 20th century, left for the world.

Long Market (Dlugy targ)

The most famous is the Long Market and the surrounding “marketplaces”. Of course, it is also true here that before we buy something, we thoroughly go through the market, prices and quality really differ.

Experyment Science Center

A modern interactive center where children and adults can try out scientific experiments.

Klif Orłowo and Kępa Redłowska

Natural cliffs and trails with beautiful views of the Baltic Sea. A great place for a walk in nature.

Modernist architecture

Gdynia is known for its many buildings from the interwar period. The city also offers thematic routes that will take you through the most interesting buildings.

Getting around the city

You can use the dense public transport for transport, but you can also rent bicycles on the coast, Polish rovers. With them you can de facto drive part of the coast.

Where to go on a trip in the area

• Gdańsk and Sopot – the historic Old Town in Gdańsk and the famous pier in Sopot.
• Malbork Castle – the largest brick castle in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hel Peninsula – sandy beaches, fishing villages and a beautiful coastline.
• Słowiński National Park – known for its shifting sand dunes.
• Aquapark Reda – a popular water world for families with children.

Where to eat

In Gdynia you will find many restaurants with fish specialties and traditional Polish cuisine. The cuisine on the coast is made of tasty fish and among the national dishes are fish soup ucha, Polish borscht, žurek soup in bread, the Polish language distinguishes several names of plaice, they taste similar, but all are great.

• On the promenade by the harbor are fish restaurants and cafes.
• We can also recommend Śródmieście – a modern bistro in the center.
• Be sure to taste pierogi, smoked fish and fresh seafood.

Where to stay

Accommodation options are wide – from cheaper guesthouses to hotels by the beach.

• Hotels in the center of Gdynia – ideal if you want to be close to the attractions.
• Accommodation by the sea – hotels and apartments right on the beach.
• If you don’t mind commuting, you can also stay in nearby Gdańsk or Sopot.

Practical tips

• How many days: 1–2 days is enough for Gdynia, I recommend at least 3–4 days for the Tricity. The Tricity includes the cities of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot.
• Transport: the city is connected to Gdańsk and Sopot by the SKM train.
• When to go: best in summer (June–August), when you can enjoy the beaches and trips to the sea.
  

Tricity

If you want to catch everything, I recommend dividing the tour of trojmiestie – Tricity into 9 basic sightseeing and recreational blocks and their combinations:

1. Travel, accommodation, information center, swimming…
2. Hel Peninsula, military ships
3. Malbork Castle/zamek
4. Oliwski Park
5. Museums (1 day a week „wstep wolny“), Dlugy Targ – port, „žuraw“
6. Aquatarium – Akwarium Gdańsk, historical ships and surroundings
7. Orlovský Cliff – Klif Orlowski + firing towers in the forest + surroundings + piers
8. Westerplace, lighthouse + surroundings
9. Shopping, modern part of the city, Dlugy Targ

The sun does not have such intensity here and you can swim well on warm days. If we head towards the natural formation Klif Orlowski – Útes Orlovský, not only will we walk along the sea piers, inhalation of sea air is very beneficial to health. The path in the forest towards Klif will be enjoyed by military enthusiasts, as firing towers are accessible in the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Poland is certainly worth seeing. From the Slavic tribes, Samo’s Empire, Great Moravia until today, together with Slovakia, we are our Slavic companions through history and we are very close to each other.

Ćesć i dowidzenia – Hello and “see you”