Is Sopot worth visiting? My thoughts after a day trip from Gdańsk
I visited Sopot on a day trip from Gdańsk, having heard it described as one of Poland’s most popular seaside destinations. Before arriving, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Was it a must-see destination packed with attractions and activities, or simply a charming place to spend a few hours by the sea?
After spending half a day there, I’d say Sopot leans much more towards the latter. It isn’t a destination overflowing with landmarks, museums, or bucket-list attractions. Instead, it’s a compact seaside resort where the wide sandy beaches, famous wooden pier, and relaxed atmosphere are the main attractions. That’s precisely what makes it such an enjoyable escape from nearby Gdańsk.
So, is Sopot worth visiting? In my opinion, yes – but only if you know what kind of destination you’re visiting. If you’re expecting a sightseeing-packed day, you may leave a bit disappointed. If you’re looking for a slower pace and a few hours by the Baltic coast, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Below you’ll find my thoughts on my Sopot visit, information on a few things you can do there, plus practical information for getting there from Gdańsk.
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Is Sopot worth visiting? Quick verdict
Yes – if you’re visiting Gdańsk and fancy a few hours by the Baltic coast. Sopot is a relaxed seaside resort known for its sandy beaches, long wooden pier, and charming main street lined with cafés and restaurants.
You’ll probably enjoy it if:
– You’re visiting Gdańsk and want a change of pace
– You enjoy beaches and seaside towns, and spending time outdoors
– You like slower-paced destinations where you can simply relax
You may want to skip it if:
– You’re short on time in Gdańsk
– You prefer museums, history, and major landmarks
– You’re expecting lots of famous attractions and sightseeing
– Time needed: a day or half day trip from Gdańsk is enough if you’re on a time budget
– Getting there: Less than 20 minutes by train from Gdańsk Glowny station
Where is Sopot?
Sopot is a small resort town situated on Poland’s Baltic Coast in the north of the country. It is approximately 12 kilometres north of Gdańsk, making it an easy day trip if you’re on a city break there (the train takes less than 20 minutes each way).
The town is also around 16 kilometres from Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport. This means if you just fancy a quick Polish seaside break, it’s possible to reach it from both the UK and other European destinations.
Why Sopot is worth visiting
Here are some of the main reasons why you might enjoy a trip to Sopot.
To go to the seaside
Sopot is situated on the Gulf of Gdańsk in the Baltic Sea and is a place to visit if you want to go to the seaside when you’re in Poland. It’s one of the country’s top seaside resorts.
The town is blessed with long stretches of sandy beach (in fact, these stretch along the coast for some 4 kilometres).
The main ones you’re likely to see on a short day out are the ones on either side of the town’s pier. These are wide, with plenty of space for sunbathing and paddling in the sea, and there are designated bathing areas in places.
There are also eateries around the beach – either on the beach itself or just backing onto it.
If you fancy a day at the beach to contrast with your time in the city, you’ll no doubt enjoy a visit to Sopot.
To walk on Europe’s longest wooden pier
Sopot’s claim to fame is that it is home to Europe’s longest wooden pier. And having walked its length when I visited, I can tell you it is long – over 510 metres.
The pier was originally just over 30 metres long when it was built in the late 1820s and was apparently dismantled during the winter months. It was then extended several times over the course of the 20th century and is now open year-round.
Going on to the pier
When I visited, I had to buy a ticket to go onto the pier. These are sold from a small booth in the arcade near the pier (you’ll find some stalls selling the local amber jewellery here as well). The entrance fee was just 10 zloty (around £2) and applies only in the summer months.
You can then go onto the pier and wander along the vast length of the wooden plankway that is flanked by flags and old-fashioned lampposts. Along the way you can look out over the beach and take in great views of the sea.
There are also a couple of restaurants to stop off at: in the entrance area and then further up near to the marina.
Top tip: if you want to get a good look over the length of the pier, pop in the Tawerna Molo right by its entrance for a drink or some lunch. The upstairs restaurant has fabulous views over it.
Boat rides
Towards the far end of the pier, you can also hop on a pirate ship (Statek Pirak) and sail around the bay.
I did this and enjoyed sitting on the deck and looking out at the coastal scenery.
If you don’t have time to do this, I wouldn’t worry too much: the price of the boat trip (which was a relatively quick 40-minute ride) was a little high in my opinion.
There are also options for other boat rides in Sopot, as well as boat rides in Gdansk, which you may prefer.
The Statek Pirat pirate ship runs roughly every 70 minutes from 11 am until 7.10 pm. Adult tickets are 75 zloty (£15). Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are 240 zloty (£48).
Other boat trips: other boat trips are available in Sopot. Browse them here.
To see the ‘Crooked House’
Bohaterów Monte Cassino is Sopot’s main pedestrianised street and the main route between the train station and the seafront. When you get to it, you’ll see an elegant church at the top.
You can then wander downhill past numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, and ice cream parlours. This is a pleasant stroll, and the street is an ideal place to stop off for lunch or a drink when you arrive.
Many of the eateries have outdoor terraces where you can sit in the sun and people-watch.
Finding the Crooked House
When you get towards the bottom of Bohaterów Monte Cassino, stop off at the famous Crooked House (Krzywy Domek). Although there aren’t many attractions overall in Sopot, this is one that you’ll often see cited when you read guidebooks on Sopot.
The Crooked House is on the left-hand side of the street as you walk down it. You might miss it initially (I did!) as it’s a bit set back from the street with some trees in front.
Once you do find it, it’s not hard to see why it’s become one of Sopot’s most photographed and memorable buildings. Inspired by fairytale illustrations, the structure twists and turns, creating a quirky and unique building.
What surprised me was that this unusual façade actually forms part of a small shopping centre. While I found it a little less magical than I’d hoped for, it’s still worth stopping to snap a picture as you wander down towards the seafront.
It’s an easy day trip from Gdańsk
Sopot is a really easy day trip from Gdańsk. It’s less than 20 minutes on the train from the city’s main train station, Gdańsk Glowny, which itself is not far outside the old town.
If you’re staying somewhere central, you can get to the train station, buy a ticket, jump on a train, and be in Sopot within the hour! The centre of Sopot and the seashore are then just a short walk when you arrive.
It’s perfect for slowing down and chilling out
I tend to find that small seaside towns are the perfect antidote to a full-on city break. They offer the chance to spend a few hours relaxing and chilling out, enjoying some sea air.
I’m a massive fan of city breaks, but they can be tiring if you’re trying to experience lots of things in a short space of time. Visiting a place like Sopot if you’re on a Gdańsk city break gives you permission to slow down a bit.
It’s a place to wander along the seafront and pier, spend time on sandy beaches, and sit in cafes and restaurants, people-watching. This is exactly what I did. I wandered along the town’s main street, popped into the local church, walked the length of the pier, had lunch on a terrace overlooking the beach, walked down onto the sands, and then strolled along a peaceful lane back to the station for my return to Gdańsk.
No complicated itinerary was needed – just the time to devote a few hours to slowing down and enjoying my surroundings.
Everything is walkable
Sopot isn’t a big place, so everything is walkable and easy to explore in just a few hours. The main street is about a 10-minute walk from the train station, and then it’s another 10 minutes or so down to the sea.
So once you’re there, there’s no need to worry about how to get around, and no need to make use of public transport or cabs.
Top tip: There’s a large map of Sopot on the street just outside the train station: take a photo of this, and you won’t even need to bother with Google Maps!
Why Sopot might not be worth visiting
I really enjoyed my time in Sopot, but it’s probably not for everyone. These are the reasons that it might not be for you.
There aren’t loads of attractions to tick off
Part of the beauty of Sopot is that there aren’t loads of sights and attractions that you need to run around seeing.
However, if you’re a traveller who likes to prioritise seeing historic landmarks, visiting cultural attractions, and exploring museums, then Sopot might not be for you. And if you’re on a tight schedule in Poland, spending half a day or day in this type of place might not be what you consider to be the best use of your limited time.
The famous ‘Crooked House’ is a bit underwhelming (in my opinion!)
Many guides to Sopot mention the Crooked House (Krzywy Domek) as a must-see attraction. I can understand this, given how unique and quirky it is.
However, I must admit I wasn’t expecting it to be a shopping centre with a Costa Coffee sign adorning the front of it! I’d been expecting something a bit more mysterious and magical…
While I’m glad I got to see the Crooked House, I’ll be honest, I found it a bit underwhelming. I therefore wouldn’t recommend you visit Sopot specifically to see this.
The weather probably matters
As you can see from my photos, I was lucky enough to visit Sopot on a gloriously hot and sunny day. This meant I could spend all my time outdoors: strolling along the seafront and pier, jumping on a boat, having lunch outside a restaurant, and popping down to walk along part of the beach.
Unlike Gdańsk, where there are museums, churches and historic streets to explore whatever the weather, many of Sopot’s main attractions are outdoors. If the weather is poor, you may not enjoy them nearly as much. If it had been cold and rainy when I was in Sopot, I’d still have walked along the pier and seafront, but I doubt I’d have got on a boat or spent any time on the beach.
So, overall, is Sopot worth visiting?
Overall, I’d answer yes to this question – but only if you have time and manage your expectations. I had a lovely day out there and would definitely visit again if I returned to Gdansk or anywhere else nearby.
However, it isn’t somewhere I’d fly to Poland solely to visit. As a day trip from Gdańsk, though, it’s an enjoyable and refreshing change of pace, and I loved seeing the sea!
How to get to Sopot
If you’re just on a short break to Gdańsk, I’d suggest you catch the train out to Sopot. It’s easy, quick, and cheap, and once you arrive, the station is not far from the centre and seafront.
Catch the train from Gdańsk Glowny station to Sopot station. This is around a 15-minute walk from the old town in Gdańsk, and in June 2026, it cost me just over £3 return. You can get from Gdansk to Sopot in less than 20 minutes.
How to get from Sopot train station to the main centre
When you disembark at Sopot station, turn left at the exit and start walking. The top of the main street, Bohaterów Monte Cassino, is around 10 minutes from here, on the other side of the road to the right.
Walking down this street will take you down an incline and past the town’s shops and restaurants – including the ‘Crooked House’– and down to the bottom. The seafront is then just a further few minutes on foot.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Sopot?
The best time to visit Sopot depends on what you’re looking for from your trip. For warm weather where you can make the most of being outside by the beach, then the summer months of June to August are ideal. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F): warm enough to make the most of being outside by the beach, but not so hot that it’s too stifling.
However, July and August are busy months in Sopot, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting early or late in the season, or in late spring or early autumn. During these months, the weather is still pleasant (highs of 17°C/63°F in May and 18°C/64°F in September).
If you’re planning to visit in winter, while there are festive markets and events, be aware that it can be very cold, and some things may be closed. In December, the average high in Sopot is just 3°C (37°F), and it can drop into minus figures.
I’d say that for most travellers, the early and late summer periods offer the best balance of fewer crowds, good weather, and the chance to spend time outdoors.
How much time do you need in Sopot?
I visited Sopot on a day out from Gdansk and spent just over half a day there. I arrived late morning and left later in the afternoon. This gave me enough time to wander around the main part of Sopot, stroll along the promenade, hop on the pirate ship, have a leisurely lunch, and pop down to the beach.
This means that if time is tight, it’s still possible to take a trip out to Sopot even if you only have a day, or even half a day. The fact that it’s less than 20 minutes away by train makes a quick trip really achievable.
Who should visit Sopot?
I’d say that if you’re on a city break to Gdańsk and have time, you should pop out to Sopot. You’ll especially enjoy it if you want to see the Baltic coast, fancy a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Gdańsk, and want to chill out a bit.
And if the sun is out and you fancy spending some time on the beach, this is the place to do it. Families with small children might therefore enjoy this aspect of Sopot (plus the chance to ride on a pirate ship!).
Who should skip Sopot?
If you’re looking for a trip where you can tick off seeing lots of sights and attractions, then Sopot may not be for you. Or if time is really tight in nearby Gdańsk, I’d suggest you focus on experiencing as much as possible there and save Sopot for another time.
Is it better to stay in Sopot or Gdansk?
If you’re looking for a Polish city break, I’d stay in Gdańsk. Gdańsk is a beautiful and vibrant city which offers lots of sightseeing opportunities. The old town and harbour are full of great bars and restaurants which come alive at night, so staying in Gdańsk is the best option if you want to experience this.
However, if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more relaxed, perhaps with sea views, then stay in Sopot. It’s near enough to the city to mean you can pop in for the day, do a bit of sightseeing, and then return in the evening. The sea breeze in Sopot is also likely to make it feel slightly cooler than the city in the summer months.
How do I get from Gdańsk to Sopot?
If you’re just on a short break to Gdańsk, I’d suggest you catch the train out to Sopot. It’s easy, quick, and cheap.
Catch the train from Gdańsk Glowny station to Sopot station. This is around a 15-minute walk from the old town in Gdańsk, and in June 2026, it cost me just over £3 return. The train journey less than 20 minutes.
Is Sopot walkable?
Yes, Sopot is walkable. It’s relatively small and easy to explore on foot. The train station is about a 10-minute walk from the main street, and then it’s another 10 minutes or so down to the sea.
Other ideas for short breaks in Europe
If you’re looking for more ideas for short breaks in Europe, check out some of my other posts. Recent trips I’ve written about include:
