Gdansk

Gdansk Port Guide

Gdansk, Poland Cruise Port Guide

Welcome to Gdansk, a Polish port city with a soul forged by a millennium of maritime history. This resilient city, beautifully rebuilt after WWII, is a frequent and beloved stop for cruise lines like Viking Cruises and Holland America Line on their Baltic itineraries.

Cruise visitors are captivated by its stunning architecture, the poignant history of the Solidarity movement, and the charm of its cobblestone streets. Gdansk offers a unique blend of historical depth and vibrant modern culture, making it an unforgettable highlight of any Northern European cruise.

For more information on Gdansk, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Gdansk City Guide


Shore Excursions & Tours

Discover Gdansk Walking Tour

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Get a veritable introduction to the heart of Old Gdansk on this affordable and entertaining walking tour. Your guide strives to balance historical knowledge with light-hearted stories about the city's prosperity, destruction, and reconstruction. Discover who lived in and controlled Gdańsk throughout the centuries, including the Crusaders, in an engaging way.

Gdansk Food and Sightseeing Tour with Bart

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Explore Poland's rich culinary heritage, from everyday meals to gourmet dishes, on this authentic tasting tour. You will sample a variety of Polish delights paired with exceptional local vodka and beer. Discover traditional holiday dishes, culinary superstitions, and customs, while also gaining insights into the history of Gdansk.

Guided Sightseeing Kayak Tour at Gdansk

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Explore Gdańsk from the water on a guided 5+ km kayak tour through the city’s canals and historic shipyard. Paddle in stable double kayaks and see iconic sights like the Crane, Granary Island, and the Old Town waterfront. No previous experience is required as expert guides in small groups ensure a safe and memorable active adventure.

Hevelius Treasure | Scavenger Hunt

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Embark on an adventure to explore the city while searching for the mysterious Hevelius’ treasure. You will become part of a team of Astronomers, Historians, or Mathematicians working to solve a riddle. Your mission is to assist local archaeologists who have discovered the first clue left by Hevelius himself.

Gdansk Highlights Bicycle Tour

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See the highlights of Gdańsk like a local on a guided bike tour, the perfect way to explore one of Poland’s most bike-friendly cities. Learn the city's interesting history from your guide while getting great exercise. This tour is presented as the best cultural and active sightseeing in Gdańsk and is a great chance to make new friends.

GDANSK City Tour by Golf Cart Live Guide & City Sightseeing 90min

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Discover Gdańsk’s most beautiful streets and monuments from a comfortable electric vehicle designed for the city's narrow lanes. Your local guide, a passionate history expert, will take you through the Main City, the Old Town, and the Old Hanseatic Port. This tour is presented as the best way to see the city and can be personalized upon request.

Sunset Kayak Tour

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Discover Gdańsk from a unique perspective on this guided 5+ km sunset kayak tour. Paddle through bustling canals past the Crane and Granary Island before watching the sun dip behind the shipyard’s harbour cranes for an unforgettable view. Suitable for all skill levels, this tour is led by experienced guides in small groups to ensure a safe and scenic adventure.

GDANSK City Tour by Golf Cart Live Guide & City Sightseeing 60min

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Discover Gdańsk’s most beautiful streets and monuments from a comfortable electric vehicle designed for the city's narrow lanes. Your local guide, a passionate history expert, will take you through the Main City, the Old Town, and the Old Hanseatic Port. This tour is presented as the best way to see the city and can be personalized upon request.

Solidarity Tour

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Learn about Gdansk's recent history, beginning at the modern European Solidarity Centre museum. You will visit the historic Lenin gates, famously climbed by Lech Walesa, and stop at the Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers. The tour concludes by exploring less-visited areas of the shipyards, where old warehouses are being transformed into modern galleries and clubs.

Gdańsk Shore Excursion: Private Gdańsk, Sopot & Gdynia Tour

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Discover the most interesting places in the Tri-City on a private car tour of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. This tour combines must-see sights with a pinch of local, off-the-beaten-track attractions. The long route includes many stops so you can feel the magic of the area and understand why its inhabitants are considered the happiest in Poland. This is presented as the best shore excursion in Gdańsk.

Main Town Gdańsk Walking Tour

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Please note that this booking is for a reservation on a general free walking tour of the city. On this type of tour, it is up to each guest to decide how to reward the guide for their service. The amount you pay online covers the reservation fee and the guide's payment. If you would prefer a smaller, private tour, please let us know and we can organize it for you.

Gdańsk: City Sightseeing Tour by Buggy/Golf Cart LIVE GUIDED 1H

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Discover Gdańsk and its history in what is described as the best and fastest way, aboard a comfortable electric golf cart. This tour is suitable for people of all ages, as well as for guests with disabilities or difficulty walking. Your guide has many years of experience and will tell you about the city’s history and provide helpful recommendations.

Gdansk: 2H City Sightseeing Tour LIVE GUIDED by Buggy/Golf cart

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Get to know Gdańsk in what is called the best and fastest way on a two-hour tour in a comfortable electric golf cart. You will see the city’s most important attractions, including the world's largest brick church and Europe’s largest medieval port crane. A key feature of this tour is that your guide is certified, ensuring you receive accurate historical knowledge. Your guide will also be happy to provide any recommendations you may need.

#1 Polish Vodka Tasting Experience in Gdansk

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Meet a Vodka Expert in a central, hidden gem restaurant to explore the amazing world of Polish vodka. You will learn its history and try at least six selected types, experiencing what makes a truly good vodka. This tasting is enhanced with three different Polish food pairings while your local guide shares insider stories about life in the city.

Museum of the Second World War Gdansk Private Tour & Tickets

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Witness the immense scale of WWII’s devastation on a private tour with skip-the-line tickets to the Museum of the Second World War. Uncover compelling facts and stories of heroic Polish resistance as you walk in the footsteps of wartime heroes. You can choose a 2-hour museum tour or extend it to 4 hours to also explore war memorials and post-war communist sites. This tour is available in multiple languages.

Gdansk: NO LIMIT BEER City Tour Sightseeing by Buggy Golf Cart

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Explore the highlights of Gdansk's charming Old Town from an electric golf cart on a tour perfect for groups and parties. Enjoy unlimited ice-cold beer, great music, and good vibes as you see all the must-see spots. You can choose to listen to music or your guide's commentary on the city's history during the ride.

Exclusive Gdańsk Wine Tour with Polish Wine Tastings

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Discover Poland’s emerging wine scene with a guided tasting of six hand-selected Polish wines in the heart of Gdańsk. Sip crisp whites, elegant reds, and even a sparkling surprise as you learn about the country's unique winemaking traditions. Your expert host will share engaging stories of Gdańsk’s history as a major trading hub and its influence on local cuisine. The tasting is enhanced with a selection of paired local snacks.

Key Gdansk Port Information

Top Attractions & Excursions

The number one destination for any visitor is the meticulously restored Gdansk Old Town (Gdańsk Stare Miasto). Stroll down the Royal Way, admire the colourful merchant houses, and see the iconic Neptune Fountain. It's a short shuttle or taxi ride from the port.

Within the Old Town, don't miss the chance to visit St. Mary's Basilica (Kościól Mariacki), one of the largest brick churches in the world. For panoramic views of the city, you can brave the 400-step climb up its tower.

For a deep dive into modern history, the Museum of the Second World War offers a powerful and comprehensive look at the conflict, with a special focus on Poland's experience. History buffs might also opt for an excursion to Westerplatte peninsula, where the first shots of WWII were fired, located near the port entrance.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Nearby Cities & Attractions

A very popular day trip is to the magnificent Malbork Castle, the largest Gothic fortress in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located about an hour's drive from Gdansk, this Teutonic Knights' stronghold is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Many cruisers also visit the nearby seaside resort town of Sopot, famous for its elegant spas and the longest wooden pier in Europe. It's part of the 'Tri-City' metropolitan area along with Gdansk and Gdynia, and is reachable in about 30-45 minutes by car or train.

The modern port city of Gdynia, where some larger cruise ships dock, is also worth a visit for its Maritime Museum and the historic destroyer ORP Błyskawica.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Port Location

The cruise terminals in Gdansk are located in an industrial port area and are not within walking distance of the city's main attractions. Ships typically dock at the Westerplatte Ferry Terminal or other quays, which are approximately 20-30 minutes by vehicle from the Gdansk Old Town (Gdańsk Stare Miasto).

Transportation is essential to reach the city center. Cruise lines almost always provide shuttle buses (often for a fee), and taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available at the terminal. The port area itself has minimal tourist amenities, so heading into the city is recommended.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Local Currency

The official currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). While Poland is in the European Union, it has not adopted the Euro. It is highly recommended to use the local currency for purchases.

Euros or US dollars are generally not accepted in shops and restaurants. Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most tourist areas, hotels, and larger stores. ATMs, known as 'bankomat', are plentiful throughout the city and are the easiest way to get cash. For better exchange rates, use a 'Kantor' (exchange office) in the city rather than at the port.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Safety Considerations

Gdansk is considered a very safe city for tourists, and independent exploration is common and encouraged. The main tourist areas, including the Gdansk Old Town (Gdańsk Stare Miasto), are well-policed and pedestrian-friendly.

As in any popular destination, visitors should exercise standard precautions. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing, particularly along the main streets and on public transport. There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid. Using common sense is sufficient for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Weather & Climate

The cruise season in Gdansk typically runs from May through September, coinciding with the best weather. Summers are generally mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C (65°F to 72°F).

The weather can be unpredictable, with the possibility of cooler, windy days and rain showers even in summer. It is advisable to pack layers, including a sweater or light jacket and a waterproof outer layer. The Baltic region does not experience a hurricane season, making for a stable and pleasant summer cruising destination.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Getting Around

Getting from the cruise port to the city center requires transportation. The most convenient option is often the cruise line shuttle bus service. Taxis are also available at the port, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in Gdansk and are often a more affordable choice.

Once in the city, the Gdansk Old Town (Gdańsk Stare Miasto) is very walkable. For travel further afield to places like Sopot or Gdynia, the SKM commuter train is a fast and efficient option. The city also has a comprehensive network of trams and buses, which are inexpensive but may be less convenient for first-time visitors on a tight schedule.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Shopping

Gdansk is world-renowned for its amber, often called 'Baltic Gold.' The best place to shop for certified amber jewelry and decorative items is along Ulica Mariacka in the Old Town, a street lined with charming artisan workshops.

Besides amber, popular souvenirs include Polish pottery (Bolesławiec ceramics), wood carvings, and Goldwasser, a traditional local liqueur with flakes of real gold. The main thoroughfares of the Old Town, such as Długa and Długi Targ, are filled with souvenir shops and boutiques. For a more modern shopping experience, the Forum Gdańsk is a large mall located near the Old Town. Prices are typically fixed, especially in established shops.

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Visiting Gdansk Cruise Deals

27 Night Fort Lauderdale to Copenhagen cruise
April 21, 2027
Caribbean Princess
S M L XL
Fort Lauderdale King's Wharf Ponta Delgada London Kristiansand Copenhagen Visby Stockholm Helsinki Tallinn Riga Klaipeda Gdansk Oslo Skagen Copenhagen
$3,230
$120 per day
Inside
PRICE DROP
14 Night Rotterdam to Rotterdam cruise
September 13, 2026
Holland America Rotterdam
S M L XL
Rotterdam Oslo Copenhagen Berlin Kiel Ronne Gdansk Klaipeda Riga Aarhus Rotterdam
$2,499
$179 per day
Outside
14 Night Kiel to Kiel cruise
May 7, 2027
Costa Diadema
S M L XL
Kiel Copenhagen Flam Maloy Bergen Kiel Copenhagen Gdansk Visby Stockholm Kiel
$2,258
$161 per day
Inside
14 Night Kiel to Kiel cruise
May 14, 2027
Costa Diadema
S M L XL
Kiel Copenhagen Gdansk Visby Stockholm Kiel Copenhagen Geiranger Hellesylt Bergen Haugesund Kiel
$2,341
$167 per day
Inside
7 Night Kiel to Kiel cruise
May 14, 2027
Costa Diadema
S M L XL
Kiel Copenhagen Gdansk Visby Stockholm Kiel
$1,213
$173 per day
Inside

Upcoming Cruises to Gdansk Cruise Deals

PRICE DROP
14 Night Rotterdam to Rotterdam cruise
September 13, 2026
Holland America Rotterdam
S M L XL
Rotterdam Oslo Copenhagen Berlin Kiel Ronne Gdansk Klaipeda Riga Aarhus Rotterdam
$2,499
$179 per day
Outside
11 Night Berlin to Berlin cruise
September 13, 2026
11 Night Northern Europe Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.06/5)
MSC Magnifica
S M L XL
Berlin Gdansk Klaipeda Riga Tallinn Helsinki Stockholm Copenhagen Aarhus Berlin
$2,370
$215 per day
Inside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
10 Night Copenhagen to Copenhagen cruise
September 12, 2026
10 Night Northern Europe Cruise
CruiseScore™ (3.95/5)
MSC Magnifica
S M L XL
Copenhagen Berlin Gdansk Klaipeda Riga Tallinn Helsinki Stockholm Copenhagen
$2,689
$269 per day
Inside
13 Night Oslo to Tilbury cruise
August 29, 2026
13 Night Northern Europe Explorer
CruiseScore™ (5.00/5)
Oceania Insignia
S M L XL
Oslo Skagen Copenhagen Gdansk Liepāja Tallinn Helsinki Stockholm Berlin Ijmuiden Tilbury
$5,249
$404 per day
Outside
9 Night Copenhagen to Helsinki cruise
September 5, 2026
9 Night Baltic Europe Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.25/5)
Norwegian Sun
S M L XL
Copenhagen Oslo Berlin Gdansk Visby Riga Stockholm Tallinn Helsinki
$3,559
$395 per day
Inside

Ships in Port Schedule

Map of Gdansk port area
Gdansk port location
Costa ship
Norwegian ship In port
Viking Ocean Cruises ship In port
Virgin Voyages ship
Oceania ship

Showing 2 ships in port and 3 ships in the area

Ships in Port Today (Tuesday, August 25)

Viking Ocean Cruises logo
14 Night Bergen to Stockholm
Arrival: 8:00 AM
Departure: 8:00 PM
Norwegian logo
7 Night Copenhagen to Helsinki
Arrival: 1:30 PM
Departure: 9:30 PM

Other Cruise Ports in Poland

Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Gdansk

Overall cruises that visit Gdansk are moderately expensive compared to other itineraries. See the illustration below for the average cost per day by month. Cruises visiting Gdansk during the the peak season of summer are significantly more expensive than the the low season of fall.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
$341
May
$478
Jun
$641
Jul
$604
Aug
$655
Sep
$268
Oct
$258
Nov
Dec

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