Gdansk and Warsaw are two of the most important cities in Poland. Gdansk is the largest port city in Poland and Warsaw is the capital and financial center of the country. If you trying to decide whether to visit Gdansk or Warsaw, here is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit.
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Gdansk or Warsaw Overview
Gdansk
Gdansk is the main port city and has the fourth largest metro area in Poland. For centuries, Gdansk was considered to be the wealthiest city in Poland as well as the largest for many years. It has also been fought over throughout its history by Poland, Germany, and Prussia.
The city is known for its historic architecture in the old town and its stunning waterfront areas. Gdansk is also home to the largest brick church in the world. Gdansk was the first major city attacked in 1939, starting WW2.
Warsaw
Warsaw is the largest city in Poland and the 7th largest city in the EU with 1.8 million people living here. Before WW2, Warsaw was regarded as the “Paris of the North” but the war destroyed most of the city.
Much of the Old Town was rebuilt following the war. The Old Town is incredible because it features many forms of architecture from different parts of Europe and time periods. Warsaw also has the 3rd most skyscrapers in the EU, giving it a terrific skyline.
Places to See
Gdansk
St. Mary’s Church is considered to be one of the largest, if not the largest, brick church in the world. It opened in 1502 and has served as a Catholic and Lutheran church.
Gdansk Town Hall is one of the most iconic parts of the city, sitting in the middle of the old town and at the end of the Long Market.
The Gdansk Crane is a reminder of the city’s long history of trading and being a seaport.
Wisłoujście Fortress was a sea-side stronghold used to defend the city and for some parts of its life was just a lighthouse.
The Golden Gate is one of the most popular places to see in Gdansk.
Warsaw
Old Town Market Place sits in the middle of the Old Town. All of the buildings, once decimated, have been rebuilt to look original.
The Royal Castle and Castle Square is an area that is a must-see when you visit Warsaw.
The Presidential Palace is the official residence of the Polish Head of State and the president.
The Warsaw Barbican is one of the very few remaining pieces to fortifications that used to encircle the city.
Lazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw. It is located in the central district of the city.
The Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science was built in 1955. It remains the tallest building in the city. You can go to the 30th-floor observation deck for spectacular views of the city.
Food
Gdansk
Traditional Polish foods can be found just about anywhere in Gdansk. Pierogi, Rosol, and Golabki are some of the traditional Polish cuisines you could try when you are here. There are multiple Milk Bars found throughout Gdansk. If you don’t know about milk bars in Poland, they are places that serve cheap dishes (typically Polish foods) to large amounts of people. Danziger Goldwasser is a liquor that originated in Gdansk and it has little pieces of gold floating around in the liquor.
Warsaw
Pickled herring has always been a delicacy in Warsaw even though the city isn’t on the ocean. Zurek is a classic Polish cuisine. It is a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with broth, white sausage, and hard-boiled eggs. One of the most famous Polish cuisines is the Pierogi which is basically a dumpling filled with meat, potatoes, and onions.
Getting Around
Gdansk
The center of Gdansk is very walkable but if you want to go to the coast to other attractions outside of the Main Center, you will want to look into public transport. Gdansk has a public transportation network made up of trams, trolleys, and buses. Getting from Gdansk to Sopot or Gdynia is also very easy to do by utilizing the metro area’s public transport.
During the summer months, water trams and ferries are a fun way to get from place to place and to just explore the city from the water. You might want to invest in one of the Gdansk Tourist Cards. There are a few different options for the Gdansk card including the family, sighting seeing, and active packages. Uber is also available here.
Warsaw
Warsaw has been known for being one of the most congested cities in Europe so you might want to think twice about renting a car. The public transportation system here will get you wherever you need to go, even if you want to go outside of city limits. Public transportation consists of buses, trams, and the metro system. Much of the city can be seen on foot and exploring the riverfront by bike is a great idea as well.
Nightlife
Gdansk
The old town of Gdansk is full of bars, pubs, nightclubs. There a quite a few interesting bars to explore within walking distance of each other. One bar I would recommend trying is Pixel Bar. LUMI SHOTBAR is a fun place to go as well to see all the unique drinks and shots they offer. Bunkier Club is another place worth going to for a unique atmosphere.
Many people argue that the best nightlife is in Sopot because it is in the middle of Gdansk and Gdynia. One of the best nightclubs in the area, Sfinks 700, is located in Sopot. To get to Sopot from Gdansk you just hop on the SKM which is the rail line that connects the three cities.
Warsaw
Warsaw has an incredible nightlife scene. There are many clubs to choose from and of course, many bars to explore. If you are looking to go clubbing, you should consider going to Mazowiecka Street. Some of the clubs here don’t take credit cards so make sure you have enough cash to last you the night. Warsaw is considered to have one of the biggest cultural mixes in all of Europe so you are bound to find some scenes that are new and refreshing to you.
Day Trips
Gdansk
Malbork is home to the largest brick castle by area in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sopot is technically connected to Gdansk which makes it an easy trip. It has great beaches and is known for its nightlife.
Gdynia is the northernmost part of the Tri-city and is known for its modern architecture and beaches.
Warsaw
Poznan is a beautiful Polish city just to the west of Warsaw.
The Masurian Lake District is situated in Northeastern Poland. The area has over 2,000 lakes to explore.
Wilanow Palace sits just outside of Warsaw. It is now a museum that displays the heritage of Polish culture.
Cities like Krakow and Wroclaw are also definitely worth visiting if you have time to spare on your trip.
Overall
Gdansk and Warsaw are both very unique Polish cities. Gdansk is known for being the main seaport for the country and for having many historic landmarks that show off the city’s wealthy past. Warsaw has become the modern capital city of Poland and is known for its skyscrapers and its old town. Warsaw is more of a bustling city and Gdansk is smaller and is (in my opinion) more beautiful.
Flights are typically much cheaper into Warsaw so if that is the case, you will have a good experience explore the capital city. If you are coming from the west, like from Berlin, I would recommend spending a few days in Gdansk and the Tri-city area.
Note: Both cities are excellent and both deserve to be visited.