We visited Gdansk in the middle of summer, so we knew a day trip to Sopot was a must! This seaside town on the shores of the Baltic Sea is a popular resort destination, and its proximity to Gdansk – just a 15-minute train ride away – makes it the perfect beach day destination…even if we technically didn’t go in the water.
We arrived in Sopot early on a Saturday morning and then made our way to the sea on foot. It was a short 20-minute walk, though I’m pretty sure we didn’t take the most direct route as we meandered through parks and residential neighbourhoods.
Walking around we definitely noticed that spa town feel with beautiful villas, elegant gardens, and cute little shops geared at tourists who wander off the main road.
Sopot reminded me a lot of some of the towns that Sam and I visited a few years ago when did a trip to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Germany, which I guess would make sense since Poland is in Eastern Pomerania.
.Our first stop of the day was the town’s main attraction: the Sopot Pier. This happens to be the longest wooden pier in all of Europe and it’s quite impressive.
It leads you 511.5 meters out to sea with lots of little lookout points to admire the town or the swans enjoying the water.
We followed the pier all the way to the end and that’s when Sam noticed that there was a pirate ship called Statek Pirat. Of course, we had to go on it!
The ship was just about to depart so we quickly purchased our tickets (35 zł per person) and hopped aboard for a 40-minute tour of Gdansk Harbour.
I have no interesting facts to share from that tour since it was all in Polish, but we did enjoy the views.
There were areas where the water was perfectly still and if you looked in the direction of the sun, it created this strange mirage where the line between sky and sea blurred together.
Also, that impressive building you see when you look back from the water is the Hotel Grand Sopot, which is the place to stay if you’re looking for a splurge.
After our tour, we spent a bit more time walking along the marina. Lots of boat owners were preparing to take their sailboats out on the water, and this is where we also noticed the Santa Maria, a pretty swanky catamaran that offers tours of the harbour.
We were both starting to feel a bit peckish after all that walking, so we then made our way back to town in search of lunch.
We went to Mocno Nadziane, which I had read offered fish pierogi, but sadly, that was not the case when we arrived!
They did, however, have an interesting selection of baked pierogi with unique fillings so we stuck around.
We ordered a beetroot soup with dumplings, a coleslaw salad, baked pierogi stuffed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes (they accidentally brought us meat ones), and baked dessert pierogi stuffed with cottage cheese and peaches (they accidentally brought us cottage cheese and lemon rind instead).
So, we may not have gotten exactly what we ordered, but at the same time, the food was really tasty and we were really hungry, so we just ate it…though I was left wondering what those peach pierogi taste like.
From there, we walked back to the Spa Court, which is the main square. It was midday by now, so all the vendors had finished setting up and the area was teeming with people.
There were a few different stands that caught my eye: one guy was selling wooden rolling pins that had these cool patterns and engravings (I would’ve bought one if I had a kitchen, and most importantly, room in my suitcase!), and there was also a lady that was selling gingerbread cookies which in Poland are known as pierniczki (I only refrained from this one because I had already eaten dessert).
We then spent a bit of time hanging out at the beach, and right away Sam noticed that there were way more people sunbathing than there were people in the water.
When he went to dip his toes that quickly solved the mystery. The waters of the Baltic Sea are chilly – apparently even for locals!
And that pretty much concludes our day trip to Sopot.
By the afternoon, we were both starting to get a little tired, so we hopped back on the train, I took a nap, and before we knew it, we were back in Gdansk. The perfect little day trip.
How to get to Sopot from Gdansk
Trains depart from Gdańsk Główny Railway Station to Sopot Railway Station every 15 minutes during the day.
There’s no need to buy tickets in advance since you’re just riding the commuter train.
You can buy your tickets either from a ticket window or directly from the ticket machine.
Just don’t forget to punch your ticket in the yellow boxes before you go up to the platform.
Where to stay in Sopot
Like I mentioned, we visited Sopot as a day trip from Gdansk, but it’s a popular weekend destination for many and you could certainly fill your days if you stayed longer.
Sopot is a bit pricier than Gdansk (and Gdansk is a bit pricier than the rest of Poland), so it’s not the cheapest destination, but there are accommodations for every budget. You can get a better idea of hotel prices in Sopot here; the city offers a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and even a few hostels.
Another option to consider is AirBnBs where you can find entire apartments in the $30-70 range. We visited in the middle of July when there was very limited availability and rates were a bit higher, but you should be able to find a good selection if you’re travelling during the low season or if you’re booking well in advance.
📌 Practical Sopot Playbook – Everything You Need To Know For An Epic Day Trip
⚡ Quick‑Fire Logistics
| Item | Our reality‑check notes |
|---|---|
| Train | SKM suburban rail “Trójmiasto” line. Tickets Gdańsk Gł. → Sopot Centrum cost 6.00 PLN one way (machine or counter). Validate in yellow punch box on platform – 160 PLN fine if you forget. |
| Travel time | 15‑17 min; trains every 10 min weekdays, every 15 min weekends. |
| Station to beach | 1.3 km / 15‑20 min stroll. Follow the blue “Na Molo” signposts straight down Bohaterów Monte Cassino. |
| Cash or card? | Everywhere takes card except the pier entrance (€ ticket booth is cash‑only during festivals). We withdrew 100 PLN at mBank ATM in the station and had zloty left over. |
| Pier fee | 9 PLN pp April–Sept; free Oct–Mar. Keep stub – it gives €1 discount on the pirate boat. |
| Dog‑friendly? | Dogs allowed on pier on lead; forbidden on main town beach May–Sept (head 600 m east to “Plaża Kamienny Potok” instead). |
⏰ Our Hour‑by‑Hour Itinerary
| Time | What & why |
|---|---|
| 08:49 | SKM #95331 from Gdańsk Główny – empty carriage, grab left‑hand window for sea glimpses. |
| 09:10 | Latte & drożdżówka (sweet bun) at Bajgle Króla Jana just outside the station – 12 PLN fuel. |
| 09:40 | Meander through leafy Park Sapera to photograph 19th‑century villas away from crowds. |
| 10:15 | Enter Bohaterów Monte Cassino pedestrian drag; peek into Crooked House (Krzywy Domek) for the trippy architecture shot. |
| 10:35 | Pay pier fee, slow‑walk the 511 m Molo. Stop halfway to watch mute swans trolling day‑trippers for bread. |
| 11:15 | Board Statek Pirat (11:20 sailing). 40‑min loop: lighthouse → Gdynia port cranes → back. Bar sells hot mead 10 PLN – recommended even in July (wind‑chill!). |
| 12:30 | Grab takeaway smoked fish from Wedzarnia Ryb u Kaszy (quay stalls) – 18 PLN for trout + bread. Eat on beach picnic tables north of Grand Hotel. |
| 13:15 | Barefoot stroll to Sopot North Park (shaded pines, zero tourists). Mini‑detour onto “dark sand” dunescape for photos. |
| 14:00 | Zig‑zag back to Monte Cassino, espresso tonic at Las concept café (14 PLN but worth it). |
| 14:45 | Lunch at Mocno Nadziane – baked pierogi sampler 26 PLN + chłodnik beet soup 12 PLN. |
| 16:00 | Souvenir stop: patterned rolling pin (52 PLN) & jar of miód z mniszka (dandelion honey) from craft market. |
| 16:30 | Train back to Gdańsk; asleep before we left the platform. |
🍽️ Food & Drink Cheat‑Sheet
| Craving | Go here | Why we loved it |
|---|---|---|
| Fish‑&‑chips with sea view | Bar Przystań (ul. al. Wojska Polskiego) | Local cod, € dogs welcome on terrace. Arrive 11:45 to beat queue. |
| Fancy coffee | LAS (ul. Haffnera 42) | Scandinavian‑style light roast, vegan cakes. |
| Ice‑cream | Bosko (Monciak street) | Try słony karmel (salted caramel) – 6 PLN per scoop. |
| Beach cocktail | White Marlin tiki bar | Mojito + beanbag chairs right on sand; sunset happy‑hour 18‑19h. |
| Budget pierogi | Pierogarnia Stawna | Classic boiled “ruskie” 14 PLN / 10 pieces. |
🏖️ Beach Reality: Baltic Edition
- Water temp: 17–19 °C even mid‑July. Locals sprint in, pose for selfie, sprint out. Pack a quick‑dry towel and embrace the polar‑bear plunge.
- Facilities: Paid toilets on pier (3 PLN). Free city showers at beach entrance #23.
- Sunbeds: 25 PLN per day (cash). We skipped and used sarongs.
- Wind: Bring a light shell; sea breeze can nuke 30 °C air temps in minutes.
🚥 Crowd‑Dodging Tactics
- Pier at opening – Gates unlock 07:30; we shared sunrise with runners and gulls only.
- North Park loop – While Monciak heaves, the pine promenade north of Grand Hotel is deserted and equally scenic.
- Late‑afternoon train – Day‑trippers swarm onto 17:00 services; aim for 16:30 or 18:00 instead.
- Restaurant off‑peak – Lunch at 14:30, dinner after 20:00; Polish families dine early with kids.
💶 Day‑Trip Budget Snapshot (per person)
| Category | PLN | € (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Return train | 12 | 2.60 |
| Pier entry | 9 | 1.95 |
| Pirate boat | 35 | 7.60 |
| Food & drink | 85 | 18.50 |
| Souvenirs | 52 | 11.30 |
| Total | 193 | €42 |
Swap the boat and souvenirs for a frugal beach picnic and you can easily keep the day under €25.
🧳 What to Pack for a Baltic Beach‑Day
- Compact windbreaker
- Micro‑fibre towel & swimsuit (yes, try!)
- Slip‑on shoes for quick sand‑to‑street changes
- Power‑bank – constant photo‑ops drain battery
- Reusable water bottle: public refill tap beside Spa House
❓ FAQ We Researched So You Don’t Have To
Q: Can I bike from Gdańsk to Sopot along the coast?
A: Yes! 13 km marked cycle path, mostly flat. Rentals near Gdańsk Crane ~40 PLN / day.
Q: Luggage storage?
A: Coin lockers inside Sopot station foyer (7 PLN up to 6 hrs).
Q: Are there free beaches?
A: The entire shoreline is free – you only pay for pier entry and extras like sun‑beds.
Q: Any rainy‑day fallback?
A: Aquapark Sopot (3 hrs / 69 PLN) with slides, saunas, and a lazy river – SKM stop “Kamienny Potok”.
🌊 Sopot Beyond a Day Trip: Slow Travel Tips, Must-Sees & Best Experiences
🏖️ Sopot’s Beaches: More Than Just Sunbathing
While most visitors stick to the main public beach near the pier, there’s a lot to discover along Sopot’s 4.5-kilometer sandy coast:
- Northern Beaches: Quieter and more relaxed, especially as you head toward Gdynia. Bring a picnic, watch the sailboats, or just soak up the endless sky.
- Southern Beaches: Lively, with beach clubs, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and plenty of places to grab an ice cream or waffle (go for the gofry loaded with whipped cream and fruit).
- Beachside Bars: When the sun goes down, the sands come alive with pop-up beach bars. Order a local Zywiec beer or a cold cider, listen to live music, and watch the sunset light up the Baltic.
🚴♀️ Get Active: Boardwalks, Biking & Watersports
Sopot is made for those who like to move:
- The Boardwalk (Promenada): Perfect for an early morning run or a golden hour stroll. You’ll pass vintage lamp posts, flower beds, and couples sharing ice cream cones.
- Rent a Bike: Cycle the flat, well-marked path that runs from Gdansk through Sopot to Gdynia (over 20 km of Baltic coastline!). Many rental shops offer city bikes, e-bikes, and even tandems.
- Watersports: Try your hand at windsurfing, paddleboarding, or even sailing. Local operators like Sopot Sailing Club and SUP Sopot offer rentals and lessons.
🏰 Sopot’s Spa Town Heritage: Wellness for All
Sopot has been a wellness retreat for over a century. If you stay overnight or just want to treat yourself, lean into the town’s spa culture:
- Sopot Spa House (Zakład Balneologiczny): This beautiful Art Nouveau complex offers therapeutic baths, massages, and mud wraps using local mineral waters. Book in advance, especially on weekends.
- Saunas and Thermal Pools: Many hotels (even mid-range ones) have Finnish saunas, steam rooms, and small pools—perfect for relaxing after a day by the sea.
- Forest Walks: The lush Northern Forest (Las Sopocki) is just a few minutes from the town center. Wander shady trails, spot red squirrels, and enjoy the cool air.
🏛️ Sopot’s Architecture & Sights: From Grand to Whimsical
- The Grand Hotel: Not just a pretty face! Built in the 1920s, it’s hosted everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Vladimir Putin. The bar is open to non-guests—order a coffee on the terrace for a glimpse of old-world glamour.
- Monte Cassino Street (Ulica Bohaterów Monte Cassino): Sopot’s main pedestrian drag, lined with boutiques, art galleries, bakeries, and street performers. The people-watching is top notch!
- The Crooked House (Krzywy Domek): Possibly Poland’s quirkiest building—a fairytale-inspired, wavy-walled marvel that houses cafes, shops, and even a nightclub. Don’t miss snapping a photo!
- Sopot Lighthouse: Climb the 126 steps for panoramic views over the Baltic and the city rooftops.
Local insight: Early mornings are best for wandering before the crowds descend, especially in peak summer.
🌿 Parks, Gardens & Relaxing Corners
If you need a break from the beach crowds, Sopot has pockets of green:
- South Park (Park Południowy): Stately trees, flowerbeds, and quiet paths—a peaceful spot for a midday break.
- Northern Park (Park Północny): Winds through town with shady benches, fountains, and playful squirrels.
- Japanese Garden: A tranquil, Zen-inspired garden perfect for reflection and Instagram snaps.
🎟️ Sopot for Culture Lovers: Festivals & Events
Sopot is much more than a summer beach scene! Check the calendar for:
- Sopot International Song Festival: Poland’s answer to Eurovision, usually held in August at the Forest Opera—a unique open-air amphitheater in the woods.
- Art & Jazz Festivals: Summer weekends bring art markets, jazz concerts, and open-air film screenings to the main square and parks.
- Holiday Markets: In December, Sopot’s town center sparkles with festive stalls, mulled wine, and hand-painted ornaments.
🛏️ Sopot: When to Visit & Where to Stay
Best Time to Go:
- Summer (June–August): Peak season, lively beach scene, warmest water. Book accommodation early!
- Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Quieter, mild weather, good deals on hotels.
- Winter: Magical in its own way, with cozy cafes and winter sea views (just bring a warm coat!).
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Grand Hotel is iconic, but check out Sofitel Sopot or boutique hotels with spa access.
- Mid-Range: Charming B&Bs or modern apartments near the beach—great value, especially outside July/August.
- Budget: Hostels and guesthouses farther from the beach, or consider Gdansk for better rates and a quick train ride.
🚂 Logistics & Getting Around
- Getting There: Trains run every 10–15 minutes between Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia—no need to book ahead. Sopot’s station is centrally located, just a 5-minute walk from Monte Cassino Street.
- Getting Around: The town is wonderfully walkable, but there are also local buses and taxis for longer excursions or rainy days.
- Day Trips: Sopot makes a great base for exploring the Tricity (Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia). Each city has its own unique character—Gdansk’s Hanseatic old town, Sopot’s resort vibe, and Gdynia’s modernist port.
💡 Final Thoughts: Sopot Is Whatever You Need It to Be
Whether you come for a day or linger for a week, Sopot can be a spa getaway, a family beach holiday, a party weekend, or a peaceful nature escape. The town wears many faces. Thus, there’s room for every kind of traveler.
So don’t just stroll the pier and dash back to Gdansk. Slow down. Sample a few more dumplings. Let Sopot’s salty breeze permeate.
If you’ve got a favorite Sopot memory or a hidden gem to share, drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear about your adventures in this Baltic gem!
Well, Sopot does look like a cool ‘day-trip’ option. Love the marina shots! By the way, it’s interesting when you eat a wrong order and still enjoy the food. 🙂
Yeah, we’re really glad we made it there! It was such a fun spot for a summer day trip.
Thanks Audrey for your new very interesting post. Your blog is the best 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing. A few years ago a friend of mine invited me to Gdansk, but I went to the Middle East instead. I had no idea I was missing out on such a beautiful city. Now I definitely need to go and visit the longest wooden pier in all of Europe.
You’ll make it there eventually. I hope you enjoyed your trip to the Middle East instead. 🙂
Looks like my kind of town, small, beautiful and photogenic! Always enjoy reading your blog posts 🙂
Thanks for reading along, Gurdish!
Sopot is truly picturesque. As I live in Gdansk, this is an often overlooked destination. So glad you shared your experiences from there!
It was so nice! I’m glad I got to experience the Tri-City. 🙂
I’ve just watched yours vlogs from Poland and I really enjoyed it but polish food is not only pierogi or kotlet 😉 so if you want to come back to Warsaw we can recomed you more good food and I can invite you to taste my grandma pierogi, it’s the different level of pleasuer 🙂 so feel free to send me an e-mail to make an appointment 🙂
Thanks for watching, Bulejowska! Haha, I assure you we ate more than pierogi during our month in Poland – we just shared a couple of classic meals in our videos. But I do appreciate the invitation to taste some real homemade pierogi next time we find ourselves back there. 😉
No peach pierogi 🙁 I find that the Hotel Grand Sopot looks a little like the entrance of Disneyland for some reason. Beautiful pier!
Ahh, yes, the hotel does look quite grand!
Sopot looks very picturesque. Thanks for sharing!!
Shame on you Audrey for not mentioning Gdynia 😉
It’s a lovely city and within easy reach of both Sopot and Gdansk
I mentioned it as a side trip in the Gdansk article – I have friends living in Gdynia so we did visit. 😉👍
Hello! Funny you had bad luck with the waiter and the water! But perhaps they wanted to make sure you had the beginner type pierogi! But the cold water was real bad luck or you came in June.
BTW, there is no Eastern Pomerania, and the Western one ends still within Poland by the Odra River. The Germans took to naming their part of Southern Baltic – Vorpommern. Nobody knows when and why..