And then there was Gdańsk… the final stop on my week long stay in Poland.
After three days of train journeys heading north from Kraków, I awarded myself four nights in Gdańsk before heading home. For a stay of that length usually I would choose a short-term let from the likes of Airbnb, but this time I opted to stay at the Ibis in Stare Miasto.
I stayed in that hotel overnight in the autumn of 2024 so I knew what to expect from it, and from the location. It is a short walk away from the Gdańsk Główny railway station, and that suited my arrival plan. Many of the city’s tram services run through the railway station area, so that is convenient too.
The neighbourhood is quiet and residential despite being city centre and in the “Old Town”. The hotel is not very big, so it never feels crowded or congested. The breakfast is good.
Just like everywhere else in urban Poland, the neighbourhood is well supplied with Carrefour Express and Żabka convenience shops. This time I discovered the delights of the Montownia Food Hall, just a 10 minute walk away, and the food court in the Madison Gallery Shopping Centre only 5 minutes away.
All ideal for me!
The Ibis cost me £59 per night, inclusive of breakfast. They advertise breakfast for about 50 zł a time (say £10) which puts the room rate in context, and the breakfast is an excellent hot and cold buffet.
Taking it easy was near the top of my agenda for my third visit to the city. Going to see the city’s top league team playing was on it too. Buying a ticket was easy at the club’s fan shop near my hotel. I got a great seat for just 49 zł (about £10).
The stadium is fantastic and simple for me to reach using the tram (line 10). The tram service was down to every 30 minutes by the time the game finished, but a 22 minutes wait was not the end of the world.
I was taken on a tour of Sopot and Gdynia (the other bits of the “tri-city” metropolis) by an acquaintance and her husband. It was very interesting and great to be by the sea in lovely 23c sunshine.
With no Parkruns during the week to keep my metabolism moving, I found my own route for a little workout.
Jogging through city streets does not appeal much, but it was certainly better than being a couch potato.
ⓒ iain taylor, 2025
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