The Essential Guide to Poland’s Baltic Coast and Pomerania
Poland's Baltic coastline spans nearly 480 miles, with Gdańsk at its center. The area, along with the adjacent Pomerania region, holds many treasures, including the imposing Malbork Castle, the lovely town of Toruń (famous for its gingerbread and Gothic architecture), and, on the far western edge, the new, beautifully sculpted Philharmonic Hall Szczecin. If you only have time to visit Gdańsk, be sure to see Długi Targ (the Long Market), the European Solidarity Center, and Oliwa Cathedral with its famous pipe organ.
Długa, 80-826 Gdańsk, Poland
At just over 540 yards, Długi Targ, which translates to “the Long Market,” isn’t really all that lengthy. Still, it makes for a lovely walk, stretching from the Green Gate at its eastern entrance through the medieval city of...
pI. Solidarności 1, 80-863 Gdańsk, Poland
Inaugurated in 2014, the European Solidarity Center is much more than a museum. While it does feature an excellent exhibition about the Solidarity movement, the center mostly works to nurture democracy, open society, and dialogue between citizens,...
Biskupa Edmunda Nowickiego 5, 80-330 Gdańsk, Poland
Northwest of the Old Town in the Gdańsk-Oliwa district stands a magnificent cathedral founded in the 13th century by Cistercian monks. Go inside and you’ll discover the world-famous Rococo organ, designed by Johann Wilhelm Wuff (also known...
Kaprów 19d, 80-316 Gdańsk, Poland
A short walk from Oliwa Cathedral lies the veritable pierogi paradise Mandu. Pierogi are a sacred part of Polish cuisine—a simple dish that everyone remembers from childhood, usually with a hint of nostalgia—and Mandu respects that...
Targ Rybny 1, 80-838 Gdańsk, Poland
Located in the Hilton but also open to non-guests, Mercato is the finest restaurant in Gdańsk. Here, chef Paweł Stawicki endeavors to “capture and highlight the multicultural and metropolitan aspects of Gdańsk’s culinary...
Róg ul.Szeroka / Tandeta, Tandeta 1, 80-835 Gdańsk, Poland
A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Ristorante La Cucina offers fine food and even better service. On the menu are authentic pizzas and pastas as well as sophisticated dishes like grilled king prawns and guinea fowl breast, crafted by...
Targ Rybny 1, 80-838 Gdańsk, Poland
Simply unbeatable for its location and views, the Hilton Gdańsk lies within the Old Town, overlooking the Motława River and the emblematic 15th-century port crane. Its 150 rooms and suites are often fully booked, so advance planning is required...
Jaglana 4, 80-749 Gdańsk, Poland
Launched in 2017, this pleasant hotel offers excellent value for your money, including a variety of comforts above its three-star designation. Guests can look forward to a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa, as well as contemporary rooms and a...
Plac Zdrojowy 2, 81-723 Sopot, Poland
Sopot is one of Poland’s favorite leisure destinations, and Sopot Pier (Molo w Sopocie in Polish) is its center. An extension of lively Monte Cassino Street—Sopot’s entertainment, dining, and shopping promenade—the pier...
Aleja Wojska Polskiego 11, 81-769 Sopot, Poland
A local favorite since the 1990s, Bar Przystań is a straightforward fish-and-chips joint located right on the beach in Sopot. It’s always crowded, especially on weekends, with hungry visitors lining up to order cold beers, fisherman’s...
Rabiańska 9, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
In the heart of Toruń’s Gothic, brown-brick Old Town—which itself looks like it was built out of gingerbread—lies the Living Museum of Gingerbread, an interactive museum that opened in 2006. Toruń’s gingerbread tradition...
Szeroka 5, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
The charming Róże i Zen (Roses and Zen) is a café-restaurant, located between two neighboring buildings on a somewhat-secret garden patio that can only be described as magical. In this enchanted setting, guests sit comfortably and...
Bulwar Filadelfijski 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
Named after astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who was born in Toruń in 1473, the Toruń Copernicus Hotel slightly resembles a spaceship. Rooms are modern yet comfortable, and surprisingly spacious, while daily breakfasts are excellent, with fresh,...
Starościńska 1, 82-200 Malbork, Poland
When approaching the quiet town of Malbork, whether by road or rail, you’ll catch a glimpse of the towering, orange-red Malbork Castle—one of the most impressive strongholds of the Middle Ages and a designated UNESCO World Heritage...
Małopolska 48, 70-515 Szczecin, Poland
In 2014, Szczecin, a pleasant seaport town in western Pomerania, received a very welcome addition: the new Philharmonic Hall. Now the unofficial symbol of the city, the magnificent building appears to be built of light. Barcelona-based design firm...
