Poland is a nation of more than just vodka and pierogi. It’s also home to the city of Gdansk, on the Baltic coast, and all the culture, history and eats that go with it.
But with the name being somewhat of a tongue-twister, like a few Polish words can be, it’s not always easy to know where to stay!
That’s why our travel team have put together some ideas on the best areas to stay in Gdansk, sorted by your travel style or what you need from your stay.
Sorting your accommodation should be the easy part, so you can spend more time on what really matters, like where in the Long Market you’re going to stop to eat each time you pass by.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the city on lock, knowing exactly what to do and where to stay in Gdansk!
Not worried about where you’ll be and just looking for a fit for you? Check out our top picks for Gdansk in general!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Two Lions Apartment | Best Airbnb in Gdansk
With an incredible location right in the old town, this cute and comfortable apartment has got to be the perfect base to explore Gdansk from. Fully equipped, it comes with all the basic amenities you will need to have a comfortable stay in the city. Walk just 2 minutes to reach the main attractions, and just 5 to the train station. It couldn’t be more convenient, and it has enough room for up to five guests!
Podewils Old Town Gdansk | Best Hotel in Gdansk
Strategically located in the heart of the city, this 5-star hotel makes for an ideal base in Gdansk.
Multilingual staff are available to assist with booking tours and sightseeing trips, and an express check-in/check-out facility is provided for convenience.
Moon Hostel | Best Hostel in Gdansk
Looking for a nice hostel in Gdansk? One that will be comfortable, safe, fun and close to the city center? Well, look no further! This hostel offer beds in dorms and private rooms at good prices. The common area is equipped with comfy sofas, smart TVs, movies, books and games. There’s even a vending machine, and lots of cool, brightly colored wall art that livened up the space!
Head over to our comprehensive guide to the best hostels in Gdansk before starting your backpacking adventure!
Main Town
The Main Town of Gdansk is the area that would be known in other towns as the Old Town (not to be confused with actual ‘Old Town’ in the next section of this guide). It’s the historic center of the town and characterized by old, colorful buildings around large squares.
Old Town
Old Town is the residential part of town north of the Main Town and the main train station. It’s the best place to stay in Gdansk when you’re on a budget, as the accommodation here doesn’t carry the price tag that the heritage-style buildings do, while still being in close proximity to the Main Town and all it has to offer.
Sródmiescie
This is the area just south of the Main Town, but north of Wyspa Spichrzów. It’s right there in the middle of the action, and jam-packed with bars, clubs and whatever else you might need for a night on the tiles.
Wrzeszcz
Wrzeszcz is northwest of the central part of Gdansk, and on the other side of Steffensa Park from the Old Town. This neighborhood (pronounced kinda like ‘wjeshch’) is now considered to be more of a shopping destination than the center of the city.
Wyspa Spichrzów
This neighborhood sits east of the Main Town on the southern half of the river island that Srodmiescie makes up part of. Wyspa Spichrzów is a combination of center city cool, and suburban chill.
Sitting on the north coast of Poland, with its edge dipped into the Baltic Sea (brrrr), Gdansk is the largest seaport in the country.
Commonly grouped with the nearby towns of Gdynia and Sopot, as part of the Tricity area, it’s a popular spot to visit. I’d probably recommend heading there in summer, though, as those Baltic winters are vicious! In saying that, if you’ve ever wanted to see the sea frozen over, then here’s your place!
The neighborhoods of Gdansk are widespread and are made up of a lot of suburbs and residential areas. For our recommendations, we’ve mostly chosen spots near the center. This means it’s easy to get around, as well as being close to a lot of the hot-spots.
For access to the Tricity, you could try heading to Sopot, the spa and resort town, good for a few days of luxury. Please also note that it has a killer water park! Or there’s Gydnia, with its more modern feel and sweet aquarium.
More central are Olowianka and the Granary Islands, laden with museums and places to visit, sitting in the middle of the River Vistula. This is the river, by the way, over 1000km in length that also runs through Warsaw and Krakow.
You’ll find an area that suits in Gdansk, and the best place to start is here, with our top five!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Gdansk
Whether you’re after a budget-friendly area, or somewhere to let your hair down after dark, there’s a neighborhood here in Gdansk for you!
#1 – Main Town – Where to Stay in Gdansk your First Time
The Main Town of Gdansk is the area that would be known in other towns as the Old Town (not to be confused with actual ‘Old Town’ in the next section of this guide). It’s the historic center of the town and characterized by old, colorful buildings around large squares.
It’s a city that’s been around for at least 1000 years, so its historic quarter has a lot of history to tell about.
It’s a good spot for people to stay in Gdansk on their first visit to the city as it’s where a lot of the sights of the city are.
Most of the walking tours of Gdansk are focused here, so you can jump on board with one of those, or use their itinerary to plan your own way around (pro tip!).
Some of the cool things to see in the area have such exciting names as the Torture Chamber, which functioned exactly as the name suggests. Others have less exciting names like the Old Town Hall but are great to learn about nonetheless.
To be fair, if you’re going to head to Gdansk, you should probably brush up on a little history beforehand, as it was an important place throughout many periods, as a free city, as a staging point, and as a target!
Two Lions Apartment | Best Airbnb in Main Town
With an incredible location right in the old town, this cute and comfortable apartment has got to be the perfect base to explore Gdansk from. Fully equipped, it comes with all the basic amenities you will need to have a comfortable stay in the city. Walk just 2 minutes to reach the main attractions, and just 5 to the train station. It couldn’t be more convenient, and it has enough room for up to five guests!
Radisson Blu Hotel | Best Hotel in Main Town
This historic hotel features a number of amenities, such as a concierge, on-site parking and a currency exchange. Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk has 134 well-appointed rooms that are accompanied by a variety of essential amenities to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay.
Hotel Hanza | Best Hotel in Main Town
A short walk from Gdansk Old Town, it offers elegant rooms equipped with a mini bar, free wireless internet access and a private bathroom. Guests can soak up the outdoors on the terrace or have a drink at the bar. Amenities include complimentary wireless internet and a sauna.
Trip & Hostel | Best Hostel in Main Town
You’re in a place that has everything you need during a stay in this 1000 year old city. Trip & Hostel is a unique space that combines the vibes of a backpacker’s hostel (yes there’s a shared kitchen) with the much-understood need for privacy. Their private rooms are plentiful and fantastic, as was the delicious breakfast!
Things to See and Do in Main Town:
- Join a Free Walking Tour – usually better than the paid variety as the guide is working hard for your tips!
- Check out the Prison Tower and Torture Chamber. Cruel and Unusual spring to mind!
- Visit any one of the many museums in the area. There’s one for everything!
- Walk the Vistula left bank, visiting the towers that line the way.
- Follow the Royal Route up to the Green Gate. Stop off for a spot of amber shopping on the way!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI#2 Old Town – Where to stay in Gdansk on a budget
Old Town is the residential part of town north of the Main Town and the main train station.
It’s the best place to stay in Gdansk when you’re on a budget, as the accommodation here doesn’t carry the price tag that the heritage-style buildings do, while still being in close proximity to the Main Town and all it has to offer.
Old Town still has those lovely cobblestone streets that you look for in an Eastern European trip, so you’re not missing out in that regard.
It’s nearness to the train station also makes this a great spot for out-of-towners. A trip to Gdynia or Sopot is easily doable from here, giving you the chance to see even more of this area.
There’s also a few clubs around this bit too if you want to stay local in the evenings. And there’s a good sized park on the other side of the train tracks, for a wallet-friendly picnic. Polish sausage washed down with beer made from a 1000 year old recipe should go all right!
Perfectly Located Apartment in the Old Town | Best Airbnb in Old Town
Right in the center of Gdansk, this cosy apartment is an excellent base for exploring the city and the main sights. Walk just a few minutes and reach many tourist attractions such as the Neptune Fountain. Enjoy the facilities offered in this building, from welness complex, to a gym, sauna and swimming pool.
Craft Beer Central | Best Hotel in Old Town
There are a variety of amenities on offer to guests of Craft Beer Central Hotel, including laundry facilities and luggage storage. Craft Beer Central Hotel has 39 well-appointed rooms that are accompanied by a range of essential facilities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay.
Hilton Gdansk | Best Hotel in Old Town
Featuring a sauna and a rooftop pool, Hilton Gdansk boasts 5-star luxury in central Gdansk. It also boasts a top floor terrace with uninterrupted views across the city. It also has child-minding services, a currency exchange and a reception that is available around the clock.
World Hostel | Best Hostel in Old Town
World Hostel is located in the center of Gdansk. They offer accommodation in designer themed rooms, each room is different. Guiding themes include cities such as Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona and others.
Things to See and Do in Old Town:
- Take the train to Gdynia or Sopot for the day. Or both!
- Go for a wander through the wooded Park Steffensa. A bit of wilderness in the middle of the city!
- Check out the music at the Protokultura live venue.
- Or try the Wydzial Remontowy, for more of the same!
- See the view over the city at Góra Gradowa.
#3 Sródmiescie – Best Area to Stay in Gdansk for Nightlife
This is the area just south of the Main Town, but north of Wyspa Spichrzów. It’s right there in the middle of the action, and jam-packed with bars, clubs and whatever else you might need for a night on the tiles.
Sródmiescie is the best place to stay in Gdansk for nightlife because of this high concentration of drinking establishments. And then you’re close to the rest of the center city for your day time escapades. Double win!
Sródmiescie is also a pretty area because of the river running through it. You can wander by the Vistula on your way to and from the Main Town.
This area has heaps of sights to see too, as the monuments (largely historic city gates) running along the riverbank are in this region.
It’s super close to Neptune’s Gate, one of the must-sees of any visit to Gdansk, and is also a good spot to kick off one of the walking tours I mentioned earlier.
Of nightlife spots, there are a few good’uns dedicated to all things vodka, or wódka, as the locals would have it. My winner for best-named pub, though, is the Cathead Multitap. Half humorous, half business; I like it!
Charming Studio near the Nightlife | Best Airbnb in Sródmiescie
Cosy and charming apartment in a townhouse is located right in the center of the Old City in Gdansk. The neighborhood is very peaceful and quiet, yet you’re close to the popular tourist attractions. Walk 100 meters and you’ll find Zielona Brama and Neptune Fountain 200 meters. The space is completely furnished with everything you’ll need to have a pleasant and comfortable stay.
PURO Gdansk Stari Miasto | Best Hotel in Sródmiescie
Guests can soak up the sun on the terrace or enjoy a beverage at the bar. Convenient services include an express check-in feature and a luggage storage area. There are 93 modern rooms at PURO Gdansk Stare Miasto, each providing all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay.
Marina Club Hotel | Best Hotel in Sródmiescie
Marina Club Hotel Gdansk features a 24/7 reception, plus luggage storage and free Wi-Fi. For added convenience, it offers a safe, a terrace and an ATM/cash machine. After a day of sightseeing in the nearby area, guests can unwind in the comfort of their air conditioned rooms.
Forrest Apartments & Hostel | Best Hostel in Sródmiescie
This epic flashpacker style hostel has some of the coolest designs in the city – the walls feature some incredible art! There are numerous different private room options and a 6-bed mixed dormitory, which is definitely one of the cheapest places to stay in Gdansk!
Things to See and Do in Sródmiescie:
- Take a stroll by the river, clearing your head from last night or in preparation for the evening ahead.
- Visit Neptune’s Gate.
- Sort yourself a pub crawl all the way from Mleczny on the river island, to The Old Gdansk Beer-Pub further in town.
- Check out the Long Market – where food is king!
- Try some local wódka (or beer – the drink names are in the title) at Pijalnia Wódki I Piwa
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!#4 Wrzeszcz – Coolest Place to Stay in Gdansk
Wrzeszcz is northwest of the central part of Gdansk, and on the other side of Steffensa Park from the Old Town.
This neighborhood (pronounced kinda like ‘wjeshch’) is now considered to be more of a shopping destination than the center of the city. That’s largely due to the huge mall complex in the area.
What makes it the coolest place to stay in Gdansk, is its largely student population. The young vibe that comes with a student area is always inevitably accompanied by the trappings of youth. That is: coffee shops, music venues and brunch spots! Coffee Moose is always a winner for the former.
The whole area is serviced by the main train line that runs right into the middle of Gdansk, and also out to the other towns in the Tricity region.
For nature lovers, there’s the enormous Jankowa Valley Park, which even has a performing arts theater hidden among the leafy shadows. You’ll probably need to do some research to find out what’s on and when, but a unique performance it’d be, for sure!
The best time to be had in Wrzeszcz (how can one word have so many consonants!?) is at Garnizon, the old garrison buildings that have been re-purposed to become a block of bars, restaurants and concert locations. The student bars have killer deals on the drinks, too!
Smart Hotel Gdansk | Best Hotel in Wrzeszcz
Smart Hotel Gdansk has 100 bright rooms offering all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. A satisfying breakfast is available each morning, and there are also numerous restaurants and cafes nearby.
Hotel Szydlowski | Best Hotel in Wrzeszcz
This 3-star hotel provides a 24-hour reception, luggage storage and massage services. Szydlowski has 35 modern rooms that are fitted with all the necessities to ensure a comfortable stay. There are also a number of rooms available for families.
3 BR Apartment | Best Airbnb in Wrzeszcz
You’ll love this space which has enough room for up to four guests in its lovely three rooms. I loved being able to really spread out and enjoy the vintage, homey vibes. The apartment is located in between the Old Town and the sea, which means its in the absolutely perfect spot. The tram station is but a one minute walk away, which was so incredibly convenient.
Apartamenty Collegia | Best Apartment in Wrzeszcz
This cheap and amenity packed Gdansk hotel isn’t exact a hostel, but it’s pretty close! As an aparthotel, you’ll get a cheap private room with lots of fun activities to get into like foosball. You’ll also find cheap breakfast and a fully tricked out fitness center. I also loved how clean my room was and how quiet and peaceful the neighborhood felt.
Things to See and Do in Wrzeszcz:
- Get to Garnizon and source yourself a bargain on beverages.
- Watch a show at the Teatr Lesny in the middle of the park.
- See a remaining testament to the Jewish faith in Poland, at the New Synagogue.
- Fuel up at Coffee Moose!
- Jump on the train to explore further and further afield!
#5 Wyspa Spichrzów – Best Neighborhood in Gdansk for Families
This neighborhood sits east of the Main Town on the southern half of the river island that Srodmiescie makes up part of. Wyspa Spichrzów is a combination of center city cool, and suburban chill.
Granary Island used to house the giant warehouses for grain that fed the country, in the time of the Hanseatic League (14th century onward). Buildings of the same shape can still be found there now, though some now as modern structures. The effect of the brightly colored buildings overlooking the waters of the Vistula is still a breathtaking one.
This is the best place to stay in Gdansk for families as there is a tone of family-friendly accommodation around. Also, it’s really close to the Main Town – just over the river – and is a very walkable area in its own right.
For activities, there are more of those famous riverside gates and monuments, though the archaeological museum, one of the best museums in Gdansk, is also a winner for a family day out.
And when you’re keen on heading out to see the rest of the town, the main tram lines 1 and 2 run directly through the center of the island.
Hostel Gdansk Szafarnia | Best Hostel in Wyspa Spichrzów
I loved my stay here – it was not just clean and comfortable, but it was also super colorful and had a sick view of the canal! Aside from being cheap on a backpacker’s budget, there’s a 12 bed female dorm which is ideal for solo female travelers. While there aren’t any private rooms here, the dormitory really was great – even the bathrooms!
Hotel Almond Business | Best Hotel in Wyspa Spichrzów
Strategically located in the middle of the city, this 4-star hotel makes for an excellent base in Gdansk. It also offers a sauna, a Jacuzzi and an indoor pool. Guests can enjoy a range of massage treatments and beauty therapy at the in-house spa and wellness center.
Stay-In Aura | Best Hotel in Wyspa Spichrzów
Conveniently located, Stay-In Aura allows for easy access to Gdansk’s popular hot spots. Guests can also enjoy free internet in all areas. Guests of this 3.5-star hotel can book sightseeing trips with the assistance of the tour desk.
Granary Island Apartment | Best Airbnb in Wyspa Spichrzów
Situated on the lovely Granary Island, this clean, modern and spacious Gdansk Airbnb is truly a steal for what you get! Restaurants, bars and shops are all at your finger tips, as are nearby attractions. You get the entire space to yourself, which includes a furnished balcony and a kitchenette that has everything you need to cook for yourself (though you really don’t want to miss out on authentic pierogies.)
Things to See and Do in Wyspa Spichrzów:
- Check out the historic warehouses, as well as the modern copycats.
- Walk over the famous Cow Bridge on your way into the city.
- Or take a tram – the network here is great!
- Admire the boats at the Gdansk marina, across the river to the east.
- Grab burgers (always a winner with the littlies) at the Sexy Bull!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Gdansk
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Gdansk and where to stay.
What To Pack For Gdansk
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Gdansk
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Gdansk
Gdansk can often be overlooked by visitors to Poland, in favor of the larger three cities to the south. It’s a fine destination for any traveler though, with history, culture, and the seaside in its corner!
There’s a lot of ground to cover though, as you have to check out the whole Tricity once you’re here!
Staying in our best overall hotel, Podewils Old Town Gdansk, is a great base to do just that. Oh, and the 5-star luxury helps a bit too.
So take advantage of the unexpectedly good public transport and go and see what you can see!
So cheers, or twoje zdrowie! You may have to visit to ever really work out how to say that properly!
“Gdansk is the key to everything” – Napoleon Bonaparte
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Gdansk.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
