Where to stay

The Baltic Sea glitters in the distance from most areas of Gdansk, and the city's sandy beaches beckon people from all over Eastern Europe. Stay in a hotel in Brzezno to get a sense of the classic Gdansk vacation, with days spent on the sand and nights strolling along the medieval walls. Close to Gdansk, book a room in Sopot for a more party-heavy atmosphere, renowned throughout the area. A more relaxing ambiance is on offer in Jelitkowo, which has hotels as well as accommodation in old fishermen's houses, all with views of the sea.

Step out of your hotel in Mariacka into an area that was damaged in World War II but restored using salvaged materials and now has some of the most picturesque streets in Gdansk. It is also the best neighborhood for purchasing some of the Baltic Sea amber that made the city rich. Across the river, get a room in a restored warehouse or new but historically sensitive hotel in Olowianka, with great views of downtown. Stay in an area surrounded by the signs of the city's more recent history in Zaspa, where accommodation is often located in former communist blocks now decorated with colorful murals.

Gdansk's fishing industry means the city enjoys some of the best fish in the world. Dine on fresh-caught cod every night, and commute into the city every day, from accommodation in Gdynia, an elegant former fishing town just outside the city. The student community that dominates the Wrzeszcz neighborhood, to the northwest of the city, means that your hotel will be near a wide array of cafés and restaurants serving Polish and international food. For the city's best beer, stay in Old Town hotels. In this area next to the train station and the historic Main City, there is a famous brewery set in an old granary.