Poland

Gdańsk

Poland

Gdańsk

Updated Jul 31, 2025
Gdańsk, Poland

Overview

This Baltic port city captivates with its reconstructed Old Town featuring merchant houses and Gothic churches. Beyond tourist areas, discover local amber artisans in hidden workshops, sample regional pierogi varieties at neighborhood bars, and explore the European Solidarity Centre. The historic shipyards tell Poland's freedom story.

Best time to visit. Visit May through September for warm weather and long daylight hours. Summer brings outdoor festivals and comfortable walking temperatures. Spring offers fewer crowds and blooming parks.

Month
January32°F - 23°F
25°F - 14°F
Cloudy8:02 am3:31 pm12 days
1.2 in
8 days
4.9 in
11 mph
February34°F - 24°F
28°F - 16°F
Cloudy7:15 am4:35 pm9 days
0.9 in
7 days
3.8 in
11 mph
March43°F - 32°F
39°F - 25°F
Partly Cloudy6:12 am5:48 pm10 days
1.1 in
4 days
2.0 in
11 mph
April54°F - 39°F
52°F - 36°F
Partly Cloudy5:01 am7:03 pm8 days
1.0 in
1 days
0.3 in
9 mph
May66°F - 48°F
66°F - 46°F
Partly Cloudy4:02 am8:08 pm9 days
1.7 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
June72°F - 55°F
73°F - 55°F
Partly Cloudy3:44 am8:49 pm11 days
2.4 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
July75°F - 59°F
77°F - 59°F
Partly Cloudy4:01 am8:34 pm12 days
2.7 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
August75°F - 59°F
76°F - 59°F
Partly Cloudy4:52 am7:43 pm11 days
2.5 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
September66°F - 50°F
66°F - 48°F
Partly Cloudy5:55 am6:30 pm10 days
1.9 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
October54°F - 41°F
52°F - 37°F
Cloudy6:58 am5:16 pm12 days
1.9 in
0 days
0.0 in
11 mph
November43°F - 34°F
39°F - 27°F
Cloudy7:06 am3:20 pm13 days
1.7 in
2 days
0.9 in
11 mph
December36°F - 27°F
30°F - 19°F
Cloudy7:52 am3:12 pm13 days
1.5 in
6 days
3.5 in
11 mph

NameDateDescription

Travel rating

Closure rating

Recommendation
New Year's DayJanuary 1Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings.
Avoid travel, most businesses closed.
EasterVaries (March or April)Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection with special masses and family meals.
Limited services, cultural experience.
Easter MondayDay after Easter SundayExtension of Easter celebrations, featuring unique water-splashing tradition.
Interesting cultural event, some closures.
Labour DayMay 1Workers' rights celebration with parades and political demonstrations.
Some closures, interesting local events.
Constitution DayMay 3Commemoration of 1791 constitution with parades, concerts, and patriotic events.
Patriotic celebrations, some closures.
Corpus Christi60 days after EasterCatholic feast day with processions and flower-strewn streets in many towns.
Unique cultural experience, some closures.
Assumption of MaryAugust 15Catholic holy day honoring Virgin Mary, with church services and pilgrimages.
Religious observances, some closures.
All Saints' DayNovember 1Day to honor deceased loved ones, with cemetery visits and candle lighting.
Solemn atmosphere, many closures.
Independence DayNovember 11Celebration of Poland's independence with parades, concerts, and fireworks.
Patriotic events, some business closures.
Christmas EveDecember 24Important family gathering with traditional meatless dinner and gift-giving.
Limited services, festive atmosphere.
Christmas DayDecember 25Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth with church services and family meals.
Avoid travel, most businesses closed.
Second Day of ChristmasDecember 26Continuation of Christmas celebrations with family gatherings and relaxation.
Limited services, festive atmosphere.

NameDateDescription

Travel rating

Closure rating

Recommendation
Gdansk Book FairFebruaryAnnual literary event featuring publishers, authors, and book presentations across multiple venues in the city.
Good time to visit with cultural activities.
St. Dominic's Fairfirst three weeks of AugustHistoric 750-year-old trade fair with crafts, food, entertainment, and cultural events throughout the Old Town.
Expect crowds and higher prices but vibrant atmosphere.
Gdansk Shakespeare FestivalAugustInternational theater festival featuring Shakespeare productions and contemporary works at the Shakespeare Theatre.
Cultural highlight with some accommodation pressure.
Solidarity FestivalAugust 31Annual commemoration of the Solidarity movement with concerts, exhibitions, and political events citywide.
Historical significance but some disruptions expected.
Gdansk Music FestivalSeptemberClassical music festival featuring international orchestras and soloists performing in historic venues.
Excellent cultural experience with minimal impact.
Gdansk Photo MonthNovemberPhotography festival showcasing contemporary and historical works across galleries and public spaces.
Perfect time for culture enthusiasts to visit.

1
Greet people with 'Dzień dobry' (good day) or 'Cześć' (hi) for informal settings. Polish people appreciate when visitors make an effort to use basic Polish phrases.
2
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to leave footwear at the entrance. Hosts often provide slippers for guests to wear inside.
3
Be punctual for appointments and social gatherings. Polish people value timeliness and consider it disrespectful to be late without a good reason or prior notice.
4
Respect religious sites. Poland is predominantly Catholic, so dress modestly when visiting churches. Remove hats and avoid loud conversations in places of worship.
5
Learn basic dining etiquette. Wait for the host to start eating, keep hands visible on the table, and don't refuse food or drink offers as it may be seen as impolite.
6
Avoid public displays of drunkenness. While drinking is common, excessive public intoxication is frowned upon. Pace yourself and know your limits when enjoying Polish vodka.
7
Use formal titles like 'Pan' (Mr.) or 'Pani' (Ms.) when addressing people, especially elders or in professional settings. Only use first names when invited to do so.
8
Be prepared for direct communication. Polish people tend to be straightforward in their speech. Don't take blunt responses personally; it's a cultural norm.
9
Tipping is expected in restaurants, usually 10-15% of the bill. In taxis, it's common to round up the fare. Tip hotel staff for carrying luggage or extra services.
10
Learn about Polish history. Many Poles are proud of their country's past and appreciate visitors who show interest in historical sites and events.