Gdansk In Winter: Things To Do, Christmas Market & Food

A rainbow of colours and quirky patterns cover the toy-like houses, all perfectly lined up between the intricate, historical landmarks dotted around the city. And it’s all made even prettier by the sprinkles of snow that often fall on Gdansk in winter.

My sister and I spent three nights in Gdansk in November. After thousands of steps, countless Polish doughnuts (known as Pączki) and even more hot chocolates, we’ve rounded up just about everything there is to do in winter in Gdansk, where to eat and some recommended places to stay in Gdansk.

You’ll also find everything you need to know before you go. Plus a few key mistakes to avoid, scattered all the way through the post (learn from us!).

Gdansk In Winter At A Glance

Christmas market	20 November to 23 December 2026, on Targ Węglowy (the Coal Market)
Weather	Around freezing and colder than we expected, with some snow most winters (not guaranteed)
Best area to stay	The Main City (Główne Miasto), within walking distance of everything. We stayed in an Airbnb here, or try Hotel Hanza or IBB Hotel Długi Targ
Best views	St Mary’s Church tower (409 steps) or the AmberSky Ferris wheel
Free museum day	The WWII Museum’s main exhibition is free on Tuesdays
Easy day trip	Sopot, around 20 minutes on the SKM train
Must-eat	Pączki (rose doughnuts), potato pancakes and a thick hot chocolate, or try a food and vodka tour
Tours	Old Town walking tour and a Stutthof Memorial trip

Map Of Things To Do In Gdansk In Winter

Every place in this guide is pinned below. Zoom out to see Oliwa and Sopot, a short train ride north of the Old Town.

Gdansk In November, December And January: What To Expect

We visited in November, but the month you pick changes the trip quite a lot, mainly because of the Christmas market. Here’s what each month is like.

Gdansk In November

This is when we went, for 3 nights. It was much colder than we expected, even in a down jacket, hat, scarf and gloves, and it gets dark early, so we kept escaping into cafés to warm up.

The big thing to know is timing. The Christmas market doesn’t open until 20 November in 2026, and we arrived a week too early. The mulled wine and the merry-go-round were already up, but the market wasn’t in full swing. So if the market is the reason you’re going, aim for the last week of November.

Early November is usually quieter and cheaper than December, before the festive crowds arrive.

Average temperature	Around 2°C to 7°C
Daylight	Roughly 8 to 9 hours, getting shorter
Christmas market	Opens 20 November 2026
What to pack	Down jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and thermals (not jeans!)

Gdansk In December

December is peak festive season. The Christmas market runs until 23 December 2026 on Targ Węglowy, and this year it spreads further along ul. Garbary and ul. Ogarna, with a food “train” made from shipping containers on ul. Bogusławskiego.

We missed the market in full swing, so if I went back, December is when I’d go. Just expect busier streets and higher hotel prices at weekends, so book your stay early.

It’s also the darkest month, with sunset around 3.30pm. So plan sightseeing for the morning and save the river walk and the AmberSky wheel for the evening lights, which is when we did them.

Average temperature	Around -1°C to 4°C
Daylight	About 7 hours, sunset around 3.30pm
Christmas market	20 November to 23 December 2026
Best for	Festive atmosphere, mulled wine and the lights

Gdansk In January

January is the quietest and usually the cheapest month. The Christmas market has gone, but it’s one of the best chances to see Gdansk under snow.

It’s also the coldest month, so everything I said about packing goes double. Plan your days around indoor sights like the WWII Museum and St Mary’s Church, and the cosy cafés, and save the outdoor walks for the brightest part of the day.

Average temperature	Around -2°C to 2°C
Daylight	About 7 to 8 hours
Christmas market	Closed (it ends on 23 December)
Best for	Fewer crowds, lower prices and a chance of snow

Things To Do In Gdansk In Winter

Okay, Gdansk might be a small European city, but it has plenty to do all year round. And I have to say, it was much more lively than we were expecting!

Whether you’re visiting for the historical tales, the incredible buildings or the tasty traditional treats, you won’t be disappointed. Same if you just want to roam the vibrant streets and secret side alleys looking for the best coffee.

Climb St Mary’s Church Tower

St Mary’s Church is a gothic brick church that was built between 1343 and 1502 and is known as the ‘crown of Gdansk’ that you can spot almost anywhere from the city.

You can go into St Mary’s Church for free and admire the inside, which I thought was pretty impressive!

But for just a few pounds, you can climb all the way to the top of the church. So that’s exactly what we did. And up there we got some of the best views over the city and beyond.

Just bear in mind it’s not an easy task. We had to clamber up 409 steps and around narrow spiral staircases before we reached a small (and sometimes cramped) viewing platform.

The staircase is so narrow in places that you can see me squeezed into it in the photo above!

Honestly, I’d say the climb is fine for most reasonably fit people. Yes, it’s steep, but we thought it was so worth it for the views, which are panoramic across the whole city.

It was really windy when we got to the top though. And in an already freezing city, that’s rough, so wrap up warm before you head up!

Chopin’s Piano Concert By Candle Glow

Okay, I didn’t go to this one because it wasn’t available when I was in the city. But I spotted it and thought it looked SO cool, so I wanted to share it with you guys.

From what I could see, it’s a piano concert held in a church (so the acoustics will be incredible) with candles all around the piano. It’s the ultimate cosy feel.

I’m a bit sad it wasn’t on when I was there. But I hope you enjoy it if you end up going!

Be sure to grab tickets ahead of time, as it’s flagged as an event that’s likely to sell out.

Meander Down Mariacka Street

Right next to St Mary’s Church is Mariacka Street, and it honestly feels like you’ve stepped foot into Aladdin.

One thing to know about Poland is that it’s well known for its Amber. Which is actually fossilised tree sap, who knew?!

Anyway, the best quality Amber is found all around the Baltic sea, so it’s pretty much everywhere in Gdansk.

We couldn’t resist a quick selfie in one of the amber stall mirrors (you can spot us in the photo above).

But Mariacka Street in particular is a wonderful street full of grand homes with big stone staircases, often with shops underneath.

So you’ll find loads of stalls selling Amber goods outside the front of the houses.

Even if you don’t fancy buying any Amber, it’s still a great place for a stroll during the day!

Visit The Gdansk Christmas Market (2026 Dates)

From late November (20 November to 23 December in 2026), you’ll find Christmas stalls on Targ Węglowy (the Coal Market) and the surrounding streets, incredible decorations hanging from pillar to post and all kinds of festive goodies to fill your belly. The stalls open at 12:00 every day and close at 20:00, or 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays (official market site).

Unfortunately, we were a week too early, so we missed the Christmas market in Gdansk in full swing.

But the important things were there: mulled wine and the merry-go-round. Which, of course, at the age of 27 was imperative to ride lol.

Tip: I do not recommend combining the two.

If you’re in Gdansk in December, learn from our mistake and make sure you see the Christmas market in full swing! And if you love festive lights, the Blenheim Christmas Light Trail is another winter favourite of mine back in the UK.

Pick Up A Traditional Polish Doughnut (Pączki)

Dobra Pączkarnia is our favourite place in Gdansk for a traditional Polish doughnut.

And judging by the length of the queue when we went (mostly locals, by the look of it), the people of Gdansk agree!

Dobra Pączkarnia does all sorts of incredible doughnuts, from Snickers to Kinder Bueno. But the traditional Polish doughnut is a rose doughnut.

So, obviously, that’s what we got!

Ours got a 10/10 for scrumptiousness! Dobra Pączkarnia has shops all over Poland, so check the Gdansk branch’s opening hours before you go.

Photograph The Green Gate

The Green Gate, also known as Brama Zielona in Gdansk, was built as a residence for visiting Polish monarchs (although no king ever actually stayed there) and overlooks the Motława River.

It sits at the river end of Długi Targ, so you’ll walk right past it on the Royal Route, which we strolled every single day. And it’s one of the most photographed buildings in Gdansk.

Plus, the archways underneath make the PERFECT frame for pictures of the Main Town Hall (more on that later!). Honestly, I think the Green Gate frames the city perfectly.

We took the photos above through the arches, looking up Długi Targ towards the Main Town Hall.

Stroll Down Długi Targ (The Long Market)

The Długi Targ, also known as The Long Market, is part of what I’d call the main high street in Gdansk.

It’s full of great places to eat and dozens of super cute cafés. But if you think a café in Gdansk is the place to grab some lunch, you’d be wrong!

What we found is that a café in Gdansk is only cakes and hot drinks.

I mean, we aren’t complaining.

Oh, and while we’re at it, if you think a hot drink means a good ol’ cup of milky English breakfast tea, you’d be wrong again!

Milk and water together is few and far between in Gdansk.

Sorry, I digress.

But basically, the Długi Targ is where to head for an authentic meal in the city!

Warm Up With Hot Chocolate At Olivka

Olivka Pasta Fresca is the most gorgeous little Italian restaurant. It overlooks the Motława river from the more traditional side of Gdansk.

We loved this sweet little spot! It’s cosy inside, but there’s also a balcony kept warm by heated lamps if you’d rather sit outside and people watch.

And it’s not just a great restaurant. It’s also the perfect place to pop into for a hot chocolate after a stroll along the waterfront.

Be warned though, it’s basically a mug of melted chocolate and SO more-ish! Check it’s still open before you go.

Walk The Royal Route Along Długa Street

The other half of the “high street” in Gdansk is Długa (Long Street). Together with Długi Targ, it forms the Royal Route, the old ceremonial path Polish kings followed into the city, running from the Golden Gate all the way to the Green Gate.

It’s where some of the best and most spectacular-looking buildings are, often with intricate lace-like detail in gold paint.

One of our favourite things to do every day and night in the city was to stroll down Długa Street.

Like the Długi Targ, it’s got plenty of places to eat, drink and buy souvenirs.

But it’s also a hub of street entertainment. We strolled it day and night, and there was something going on whatever the time. So if you’re after a great atmosphere, this is the place to be.

Take A Boat Cruise To Westerplatte

This is another one I would have loved to do. But somehow I didn’t realise it was an option (even though I’m certain I walked past it a gazillion times).

But anyway, you can hop on a pretty cool-looking boat for an 80 minute round trip to Westerplatte, with a guide telling you all about the sights around you.

Honestly, I’d 100% have done this. Gdansk was SO cold when we visited, so it would have been a great way to see more of the city and keep warm.

You can grab your tickets ahead of time: check the prices here

Eat Vegan Food At Manna 68

Manna 68 is an AMAZING vegan restaurant in Gdansk, right by St Mary’s Church and Mariacka Street. Honestly, it rivals the vegan food in Warsaw.

We’d walked past Manna 68 a few times. And tbh, the branding looks a little boring and doesn’t really invite you in compared to some of the other restaurants in Gdansk. But the decor inside and the incredible food are a totally different story.

So much so that I’m going to say it was one of the best meals we ate in Gdansk. And I’m not even vegan (I was travelling with my sister and she’s vegetarian).

I 100% recommend the spring rolls and the beanie burrito.

Visit The Main Town Hall

The Main Town Hall is slap bang where Długa meets Długi Targ, so we walked past it on our stroll every single day. And it’s great to sneak into for a bit of a break from the cold.

Dating back to the late 14th century, the Main Town Hall got caught up in the destruction of World War 2 and was almost completely destroyed.

But today you’d never know, because a careful rebuild has left it looking almost brand new!

Like most things in Gdansk, it’s a couple of pounds to have a look inside and see the grand rooms where the city council once met.

In the warmer months you can climb to the top of the Main Town Hall. But in winter the Town Hall tower is closed. Don’t worry though, we’ve heard the views aren’t a patch on the ones from St Mary’s Church anyway!

Find Neptune’s Fountain

Neptune’s Fountain is on Długi Targ, right beside the Main Town Hall and in front of Artus Court, so it was on our daily stroll too. And Artus Court is yet another spectacular-looking building on the Gdansk ‘high street’.

In some ways it’s the mantelpiece of the town. And we often found a street musician playing in front, even at night in the middle of winter (that’s one in the photo above)!

Try Potato Pancakes At Pankejk

You’ll find Pankejk on Długa Street (at number 57). And as you might have guessed, they serve pancakes.

Lots of pancakes.

It’s a really quirky-looking restaurant, and they mostly do crêpe-style pancakes, both savoury and sweet. But they’ve also got a couple of options for traditional Polish pancakes.

Of course, we went for the traditional Polish pancakes, which are potato pancakes. So basically a stack of hash browns!

They were super tasty, and I’d definitely recommend heading to Pankejk at some point during your trip!

See The Medieval Crane

The Motława River runs through Gdansk, acting as a divider between the traditional-style buildings and the new-style buildings.

And even though there’s this split between old and new, the new buildings have been designed in keeping with the old. Just slightly trendier, if you like.

The Crane sticks out like a sore thumb along the riverside, and in my opinion it’s actually a bit of an eyesore. But it’s a symbol of Gdansk’s trading history and dates back to the 1440s, so it’s still an impressive thing to see!

We walked along the river past the Crane and the Sołdek, an old steamship that’s now part of the maritime museum and is moored right opposite.

Much like many of the other historical buildings in Gdansk, it was pretty worse for wear after World War 2 and had to be rebuilt to some extent.

Today, The Crane is a National Maritime Museum and showcases some of the city’s greatest shipbuilding and fishing exhibits.

Spend A Few Hours At The WWII Museum

Just a short walk from the city centre is the World War 2 Museum, and honestly, you can’t miss it when you’re in Gdansk. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a history geek.

As someone who’s not really a museum lover, I actually found it really interesting. We somehow spent 3 hours here, and it was so nice to escape the cold and see a different side of the city.

Plus, the main exhibition is free on Tuesdays (just expect a long queue, and note it’s closed on Mondays). And it’s free!

But I’d really recommend buying the pass and audio guide for the main exhibition, because it’s 100% worth it. It’s just a couple of pounds, and you can explore loads of rooms at your own pace and really feel transported back to all those years ago.

The building itself is so unique too, and I loved doing the self-guided audio tour.

So yes, after 3 hours there, I’d say the World War 2 Museum is a must for any trip to Gdansk, even if it’s just to keep warm for a while!

Asian Food And Cocktails At Woosabi

On the ‘new side’ of the Motława River is Woosabi, a modern Asian restaurant. Think incredible rainbow bowls, oodles of noodles and one of my favourite things ever, bao buns!

It’s definitely the place to go if you want a guilt-free Asian food fix in a trendy restaurant, with hanging plants everywhere and a great atmosphere.

Plus, they do some amazing cocktails that are very cheap (in true Polish style). Unlike some other European cities like Prague at Christmas!

Take A Day Trip To Sopot

If you feel like you’ve seen enough attractions in Gdansk and fancy a day trip, a popular place to visit is Sopot, and it’s where we headed. It’s a seaside town dubbed ‘Poland’s French Riviera’, and it’s around 20 minutes away from Gdansk on the SKM train.

Well, it is if you get the right train, anyway.

We stupidly hopped on a tram instead of a train. Then we realised we seemed to be on it for a LOT longer than we were expecting.

An extra 40 minutes longer, to be exact.

Oops.

When we eventually found our way, we walked along the beach and went to see the Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), the wonky building on the main street, which was cool to see.

But it was a gloomy day, and I think the weather always makes a place feel a bit more glum. Sopot is worth a visit, but I wish we’d had blue sky!

If you get a clearer day than us, there’s a long pier to stroll along, with a fancy restaurant called Meridien Molo at the end if you want to treat yourself.

Stop For Brunch At Lookier Cafe

You’ll find Lookier Cafe on Długa Street, just up from the Main Town Hall, so it’s right on the stretch we walked every day. It’s a great place for breakfast, lunch or even just a hot drink.

It’s small but quite luxurious. You know, the small portions but higher price tag kind of luxurious, if you know what I mean lol.

But the higher price tag isn’t really that high when you’re in Poland. And the food we had there was incredible.

Either way, it’s the perfect cosy café to duck into.

I stopped in for a hot chocolate piled high with cream, and that’s me enjoying it in the photo above.

Visit Oliwa Cathedral

We also visited the Oliwa Cathedral, also known as the Archikatedra Oliwska, and it’s another one to add to your list if you love historical buildings with grand architecture.

Fact about Poland: Although not as big as St Mary’s Church, Oliwa Cathedral holds a wealth of history between the Poles and Swedes from the 1600s, when many of the cathedral’s belongings – and even its monks – were kidnapped by the Swedes.

Thankfully, it was also the place where the two nations came together again and put their squabbles behind them!

Tip: Oliwa Cathedral is on the way to Sopot, so it’s worth combining the two.

Ride The AmberSky Ferris Wheel

If you want some great views over Gdansk but don’t fancy climbing 409 steps, head to the Amber Sky big wheel, just across the Motława River.

We had a pod to ourselves, and it was heated, with some funky music playing while we took in the views!

The AmberSky is open day and night. We rode it in the evening, and it was so nice to see the city all lit up from above. If you’ve already seen the views from St Mary’s Church in daylight, I’d really recommend going in the evening, because it’s awesome to see the city in two totally different ways.

Good to know: a brand-new AmberSky wheel opened on Ołowianka island in 2026, so it’ll look a little different from our photos, but the heated pods and views are still the draw.

Walk Along The Motława River At Night

The Motława River runs through Gdansk, and we walked along it after dark. I thought seeing all the lights reflect in the river was so pretty.

It’s around 2.5km through the town and takes about 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other. So it’s perfect for a stroll after dinner.

Along the way you’ll spot the big Gdansk sign, and no doubt you’ll join the line for the obligatory photo next to it. Just in case your Instagram following needed any more proof that you were definitely in Gdansk!

Grab A Waffle

There are three very clear winners when it comes to dessert in Gdansk: ice cream, waffles and doughnuts.

Ice cream is straight out of the question when you’re visiting Gdansk in winter.

So that leaves waffles and doughnuts. And doughnuts already have a special place in the ‘best cafés’ part of the post, as they’re a traditional Polish food.

Which leaves waffles. And we aren’t mad about it.

There are loads of places to grab a waffle around Gdansk, from proper dessert parlours to street vans. You won’t be short of choice!

Our favourite street van for a waffle is by the river, just across the road from the Amber Sky Big Wheel.

We went for a bubble waffle cone loaded with ice cream and Oreo pieces.

2 Day Gdansk Winter Itinerary

If you’ve only got a long weekend, here’s how I’d fit the best bits in. Everything in the Old Town is walkable, so you won’t need any transport until day three.

Day 1: Old Town, Długi Targ And The Christmas Market

• Morning: climb St Mary’s Church tower to get your bearings, then wander down Mariacka Street and grab a pączki.
• Lunch: Manna 68, just around the corner.
• Afternoon: walk the Royal Route along Długa Street and Długi Targ, pop into the Main Town Hall, find Neptune’s Fountain and finish at the Green Gate.
• Evening: the Christmas market on Targ Węglowy (from late November), then pancakes at Pankejk and a walk along the river.

Day 2: WWII Museum, The Crane And AmberSky

• Morning: give the WWII Museum at least three hours. It’s free on Tuesdays and closed on Mondays.
• Lunch: Woosabi on Granary Island.
• Afternoon: see the Crane, then warm up with a hot chocolate by the river.
• Evening: ride the AmberSky wheel at dusk for the city lights, and grab a waffle from a riverside stall.

Got A Third Day? Oliwa And Sopot

Take the SKM train north to Oliwa for the cathedral and the winter lights in the park, then carry on to Sopot for the pier, the beach and the Crooked House. Just check you’re on the train, not a tram!

More Winter Ideas In Gdansk

We didn’t get to these on our trip, but they’re popular things to do in Gdansk in winter and worth adding to your list.

See Oliwa Park’s Winter Lights

Oliwa Park, right next to the cathedral, is decorated with light installations in winter, so it’s an easy add-on to your Oliwa or Sopot trip.

Go Ice Skating By Sopot Pier

In winter, an outdoor ice rink usually sets up right next to Sopot pier, with skate hire on site.

Visit The European Solidarity Centre

If the WWII Museum leaves you wanting more, the European Solidarity Centre tells the story of the Solidarity movement that began in Gdansk’s shipyard, and it’s a great indoor option on a freezing day.

Best Winter Tours And Experiences In Gdansk

Polish Vodka Tasting Experience

We didn’t do this one ourselves, but it’s one of the most popular tours in Gdansk. You sip at least six Polish vodkas, each paired with classic Polish snacks, while a guide talks you through the history behind them.

• Check prices: GetYourGuide / Viator

Join A Walking Tour

Joining a walking tour is always one of the first things I’d recommend when you arrive in a new city.

We explored Gdansk on foot, and the Old Town is small enough to walk everywhere. But a guide is the quickest way to get your bearings and pick up local tips you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are a few options, from cheaper group tours to private ones:

• Large group tour: Viator / GetYourGuide
• Private tour: Viator / GetYourGuide

Visit The Stutthof Memorial

Stutthof was the first Nazi concentration camp set up outside Germany’s borders, around an hour east of Gdansk, and today it’s a museum and memorial.

It’s a harrowing visit, but an important one, and a guided trip is the easiest way to get there in winter without a car.

• Check prices: GetYourGuide

Extreme Gun Shooting Experience

We didn’t try this, but extreme gun shooting is one of the most popular experiences in Poland, with guns like an AK-47 and a Glock at a supervised range.

• Check prices: GetYourGuide

Where To Stay In Gdansk In Winter

Usually when you visit a new city, the ‘old town’ is the best place to stay.

But Gdansk is different.

The best area to stay in Gdansk is the ‘Main City’.

It’s where you’ll find most of the great places to eat, drink and see. And anything that isn’t there should only be a short walk away.

Best Hotels In The Main City

We stayed in an Airbnb right in the city centre, which was perfect. I’d definitely choose the same area again, as it felt very safe. If you’d rather a hotel, these two are both in the Main City, so you can walk everywhere.

Wandering around the Main City, we also stumbled across a bridge covered in love locks beside the Little Mill (that’s it in the photo above).

Hotel Hanza

Hotel Hanza is a 4-star hotel situated beside the Motława River and next to The Crane. They pride themselves on having particularly great reviews from couples and being within a few minutes walk to just about everything you’ll want to do and see in the city.

IBB Hotel Dlugi Targ

IBB Hotel Dlugi Targ is a 4-star hotel that’s situated in the heart of Gdansk – right on the main ‘high street’. If you choose to stay here, you’ll be in the centre of the hustle and bustle and have everything you need at your fingertips for a great stay.

Gdansk In Winter FAQs

Is Gdansk worth visiting in winter?

Yes. The Old Town is quieter than in summer, the Christmas market makes late November and December really festive, and there are plenty of cosy cafés and indoor museums for when it’s cold.

What’s the best month to visit Gdansk in winter?

For the Christmas market, go between late November and 23 December (in 2026 it opens on 20 November). For quieter streets, lower prices and a better chance of snow, go in January. We went in early November, a week before the market opened, and I’d aim a little later next time.

When is the Gdansk Christmas market?

In 2026, the Gdansk Christmas market runs from 20 November to 23 December on Targ Węglowy (the Coal Market) and the streets around it, open daily from 12:00 until 20:00 (21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays). We visited a week before it fully opened, and a few stalls, the mulled wine and the merry-go-round were already up.

Does it snow in Gdansk in winter?

Often, but not always. Temperatures hover around freezing, and it was much colder than we expected. Even with a down jacket, hat, scarf and gloves we were cold and kept ducking into cafés to warm up, so pack a warm coat, thermals and waterproof shoes.

How do you get from Gdansk to Sopot?

Take the SKM train, which takes around 20 minutes. Just make sure you get on the train and not a tram, as we did by mistake!

How many days do you need in Gdansk in winter?

Two to three days is enough to see the Old Town, the WWII Museum and the Christmas market, with time for a half-day trip to Sopot and Oliwa.

More Winter Guides

To summarise, if you’re looking for a less crowded location filled with stunning architecture, heaps of history with a buzzing atmosphere, then heading to Gdansk in winter is certainly a great thing to do. Personally, I think Gdansk is one of the best cities to visit in Poland, and it makes a great alternative to busier festive breaks like Prague at Christmas.

If you’re looking for any more information ahead of your trip, then just drop us a comment down below and we will get back to you ASAP!

Below are some more of my winter posts that you may like:

• 🎄 Prague at Christmas
• 🦌 Lapland in winter
• 🏔️ Interlaken in winter
• ❄️ Lauterbrunnen in winter
• 🎅 Cotswolds at Christmas
• ☃️ Cotswolds in winter
• ✨ Blenheim Christmas Light Trail
• 🏔️ Bozeman in winter

Millie / Stay Wild Travels.