For a first city break in Gdańsk, I would stay around Główne Miasto or Granary Island for the main sights, restaurants and riverfront. Choose Brzeźno if the beach is the main reason for your trip and you are happy to use public transport for sightseeing.
Let me start by saying that Gdansk is incredibly easy to get around, and with its efficient public transport, you can quickly travel from one area to another.
I won’t bore you with a long introduction, so let’s get straight to the point: where to stay in Gdansk?
Contents
1. Główne Miasto & The Old Town – Best for First-Time Visitors ⭐️
Główne Miasto means “Main City,” and this is also where everything happens in Gdansk – it’s simply where you should stay if you come as an ordinary tourist.
The terminology can be confusing: Główne Miasto is the Main City, where Długa Street and the Long Market are, while Stare Miasto is the Old Town farther north. Hotel listings often use ‘Old Town’ loosely, so check the map pin rather than the marketing name.
Here, you’ll find the famous colourful merchant houses, the historic waterfront, and narrow cobblestoned streets steeped in history from the Hanseatic era.
This is the part of Gdansk that really showcases its heyday, offering a unique blend of Polish, German, and Hanseatic heritage.
Główne Miasto stretches primarily along the Royal Route, which runs from the Golden Gate through Długa Street (The Long Street) and Długi Targ (The Long Market) to the Green Gate by the Motława River.
See the best hotels in the Old Town here.
Unlike many other historic city centres in Europe (I’m thinking especially of Prague, Florence, Edinburgh, and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter), Główne Miasto isn’t just a tourist showpiece.
While this area is the city’s main tourist hub, you’ll still find plenty of locals enjoying coffee at cosy cafés or meeting for drinks at traditional beer halls.
In the evenings and early mornings, when the tourist crowds are thinner, you can really feel the authentic atmosphere.
The streets of the Old Town each tell their own story. Take Mariacka Street, for example, famous for its distinctive stone steps and decorative tin drainpipes.
Or explore the area around St. Mary’s Basilica, Europe’s largest brick church.
The narrow side streets hide charming restaurants and specialty shops selling local crafts and the famous Baltic amber.
What to expect in Główne Miasto:
- A packed tourist experience with shops, restaurants, and bars side by side
- Higher prices than the rest of the city (especially for restaurants and hotels)
- Lively atmosphere from morning to evening with entertainment and street musicians
- Historic buildings everywhere – you’ll feel like you’re living in a postcard
- Busy streets filled with tourists from 10 am to 6 pm
- Plenty of guided tours and excursions available
- A wide selection of restaurants
- Easy access to the riverside with its iconic cranes
- Cosy beer halls in historic cellars
- Walking distance to all major attractions
Places to stay in the Old Town
Let me introduce you to four of my favourite hotels in Gdansk’s Old Town.
Radisson Hotel & Apartments Gdańsk
Radisson Hotel & Apartments Gdańsk is the option I would now compare on Granary Island. It has hotel rooms and apartments near the Motława riverfront, with the Main City’s sights across the water.
The spa has an indoor pool, but access depends on your room category or package. Standard rooms, Cosy rooms and apartments do not automatically include the same spa access as other categories. Confirm the admission arrangements and any time slot before booking for a pool-focused stay.
Check whether your chosen room is in the main hotel or an annex, and select a river-view category if the outlook is important. This is more useful than choosing solely from a hotel’s pool photos.
See current rooms, photos and prices here.
Hotel Grano Gdańsk Old Town
Picture yourself unwinding in a stylish indoor pool after a day of exploring Gdansk’s Old Town – that’s the everyday luxury at Hotel Grano.
With its modern design and attention to detail, the hotel exudes style without losing its cosy vibe. The rooms are spacious, with a touch of luxury that makes you feel pampered.
The location is ideal, just a few minutes’ walk from the river and cobblestoned streets, but far enough from the hustle and bustle.
Guests particularly love the relaxing atmosphere and the many small details that make the stay extra special.
See more photos and book here.
Apart Neptun
Imagine having your own little apartment in the heart of Gdansk’s Old Town, where you can start your day with a peaceful cup of coffee – or dive straight into the city’s buzz.
Apart Neptun sells both rooms and apartments. If cooking facilities matter, select a category that explicitly includes a kitchenette; a kettle and cooler in a standard room are not the same as a self-catering apartment. Compare the layout and maximum occupancy before booking.
The location is spot on, and guests especially praise the helpful service and comfortable rooms. Here, you’ll get maximum flexibility without compromising on comfort.
See more photos and book here.
Liberum Residence Old Town
Stay right in the heart of it all without breaking the bank. Liberum Residence is located on one of Gdansk’s most iconic streets, with windows that open to the Old Town’s vibrant charm.
The rooms are simple yet stylish, and the service exceeds what you’d expect for the price. Guests highlight the cosy atmosphere and clean design.
It’s the perfect base if you want everything within walking distance – and still have money left over for pierogi and souvenirs.
See more photos and book here.
2. Brzeźno – Best for Beaches and Summer Holidays 🏖️
For a beach-led holiday, look beyond the historic centre. Brzeźno makes sense when you expect to spend more time on the coast than walking between the central sights.
However, if you’re visiting Gdansk in the summer and want something more than just city life, this area might be for you.
Brzeźno is Gdansk’s charming beach district, offering a completely different vibe from the rest of the city.
Brzeźno is connected to central Gdańsk by tram, but the useful journey time depends on your hotel, stop and destination. Check the current route on ZTM’s official website and include the walks at both ends.
This is the perfect spot for those who want to combine a city break with beach days and long walks along the Baltic Sea.
Discover the best hotels in Brzeźno here.
Brzeźno has developed from a historic fishing village into a popular beachside neighbourhood with a delightful mix of old villas and modern apartment complexes.
The long promenade is the heart of the area, especially in summer, when both locals and tourists flock to beach bars, cafés, and the 130-metre-long pier.
Brzeźno is particularly popular among families and those seeking a more relaxed holiday vibe. The pace here is much slower than in the city centre, giving you a more authentic feel for how Poles spend their holidays.
What to expect in Brzeźno:
- Direct access to sandy beaches
- Relaxed seaside atmosphere
- Plenty of outdoor activities
- Local restaurants and cafés
- A long promenade with shops and bars
- Better air quality than in the city centre
- A calmer pace than in the urban areas
- Great opportunities for walking and hiking
- Cycling paths along the coast
- Cheaper dining options compared to the city centre
Places to stay in Brzeźno
If you’re looking for a great hotel by the beach in Gdansk, here are three excellent options:
Rezydencja Merwede Aparthotel
Rezydencja Merwede is worth comparing for an apartment stay by the coast. Check the exact unit: balconies, terraces and views vary, so choose a stated sea-view category if that is the main attraction for you.
These ultra-modern holiday apartments combine stylish interiors with all the practical amenities you could wish for.
Located right by the beach in Brzeźno, it’s perfect for those who love being close to nature while staying in comfort.
Guests especially highlight the tranquil vibe and beautiful surroundings, giving you a holiday feeling from the very first moment.
See more photos and book here.
Dom Zdrojowy
Dom Zdrojowy is for those who want to stay in elegant surroundings near the sea.
This beautiful historic building has been transformed into a modern hotel with sleek rooms and views so stunning, you might never want to leave.
You can step straight onto the beach or enjoy a relaxing walk in the nearby park areas.
Guests praise the luxurious atmosphere, which manages to be sophisticated without being pretentious, and the fantastic location, where the sea is practically your neighbour.
Here, relaxation and style go hand in hand.
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Lival
If you’re looking for an affordable beach hotel that still has plenty to offer, Hotel Lival is an excellent choice.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, and you can’t beat the location right on the beach.
Start your day with a jog along the sand or enjoy a drink with sea views on the hotel’s terrace.
Guests love the laid-back environment and friendly service. It’s the perfect choice for a genuine beach holiday without blowing your entire budget on accommodation.
See more photos and book here.
I hope you found my guide on where to stay in Gdansk helpful.
Gdansk is a city that pleasantly surprises many visitors with its unique mix of history, beaches, and modern urban life. While the city isn’t large, each area offers its own unique take on this historic Hanseatic city.
Remember, you can always use the city’s efficient public transport to explore all areas, no matter where you decide to stay. The most important thing is to choose a location that matches your travel style and priorities. If you’re flying in, my guide to getting from Gdansk Airport to the city centre covers every option.
If you’re combining Gdansk with Krakow, my guide to the best things to do in Krakow covers the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz, along with day trips to Wieliczka and Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Have a great trip to Gdansk! 🇵🇱
Frequently asked questions:
Is it expensive to stay in Gdansk?
Compared to other European cities, Gdansk is generally affordable. The rule of thumb is that the closer you are to the Old Town, the more expensive it gets.
Is it safe to stay in all areas?
The areas in this guide are suggested for their location and holiday style. No district can guarantee a problem-free stay day and night. Compare the exact street, recent guest comments and your route back after an evening out; choose around the Main City for sightseeing or Brzeźno for the beach.
How long does it take to get to the centre from Brzeźno?
Check the current tram journey from the stop nearest your hotel to your actual destination on ZTM’s website. The full trip includes waiting and the walks at both ends, so it can take longer than a quoted tram-only time. If most of your plans are in the historic centre, staying centrally will save repeated journeys.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?