Various Leisure Activities

Ships on the Motlawa Riverbank
Ships on the Motława River are an excellent way to travel during the summer, and they can take you to Sopot, Gdynia, Hel, and many other places. Photo: Patryk Kosmider

Gdańsk and its surrounding areas offer plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the year. During summer, why not hop on a river cruise along the Motława River or venture out onto the Baltic Sea? You can catch boats to places like Hel, Sopot, Westerplatte, and Gdynia. If you're heading to Westerplatte, there's also a handy water bus service.

Cycling enthusiasts will love the coastal route from Gdańsk to Gdynia, or if you're more into off-road adventures, the Tricity Landscape Park has some great mountain biking trails to explore. For those who fancy trying their luck at sea fishing, you can join trips on the Beryl boat or book an excursion with Baltic Sea Angling. These trips typically include all the gear you need plus meals.

Escape room fans are well catered for with both indoor games and outdoor city adventure games in Gdańsk and Sopot. And if you're looking for more classic activities, the Tricity area has plenty of spots for swimming and bowling too.

Boat Cruises

Thanks to the Motława River flowing through Gdańsk and the surrounding waterways, exploring the city and its surroundings by boat is a fantastic option. Several companies offer various cruises, and one of the main operators is Żegluga Gdańska, whose boats run frequently, especially during summer. Their regular routes include:

  • Gdańsk, Hel: Direct connection to Hel's sandy beaches and nature spots.
  • Gdańsk, Sopot: Daily service to Sopot's pier.
  • Gdańsk, Sopot, Hel: Combination route
  • Gdańsk, Westerplatte: Route to the historic Westerplatte peninsula.
  • Gdynia, Hel: Connection from Gdynia to Hel.

In Gdańsk, departure piers are mainly located near the Zielona Brama gate and Zielony Most bridge, though boats to Hel and Westerplatte leave from the Targ Rybny pier (ul. Wartka 4).

Last time I checked, a one-way trip from Gdańsk to Westerplatte cost 70 złoty for adults, while Gdańsk to Sopot was 95 złoty. On most Żegluga Gdańska routes, you can bring your bike for an extra fee (around 45 złoty). Tickets are usually sold only at pier ticket offices, and some locations may only accept cash.

The water tram is another option if you want to travel by water, especially to Westerplatte. The water tram is operated by Tramwajwodny. It departs from the World War II Museum pier on Stępkarska Street and runs to Westerplatte and back.

You can also browse boat tours on GetYourGuide, where booking tickets might be easier than through the boat companies' own websites. You'll find everything from relaxing river cruises along the Motława to longer sea journeys to places like Westerplatte, Sopot, and even the historic Malbork Castle via the Nogat River. Many tours include guided commentary or audio guides, and evening cruises offer a fresh perspective of the old town at sunset. Tours are easy to book online in advance, and many depart from central locations like near Zielona Brama.

Cyclist on Tri-City bike paths
The Gdańsk area boasts an extensive and well-marked network of cycling routes perfect for everything from leisurely family rides to more challenging adventures. Photo: Fotokon

Cycling Tours

While Gdańsk's city center is fairly compact, the city and its surroundings offer plenty of space and fascinating routes for cycling enthusiasts. During summer, renting a bike or joining a guided cycling tour is a popular way to explore the city and nearby areas on the move. Gdańsk has been investing in cycling infrastructure lately, with more and more dedicated bike lanes popping up around town. Once you venture beyond the main streets, traffic tends to be pretty calm, making it enjoyable to explore on your own two wheels.

The Gdańsk area features a comprehensive and well-signposted cycling network that caters to everyone from families looking for a gentle ride to those seeking more of a challenge. One of the most popular routes is the flat, 21-kilometer coastal path (EuroVelo 10 & 13) that connects Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. This scenic route hugs the Baltic Sea coastline, offering stunning views while you breathe in that fresh sea air. Along the way, you'll find plenty of rest stops and attractions, including Ronald Reagan Park and the Brzeźno pier in Gdańsk. Other great options include the Jelitkowo route and a loop around Sobieszewo. For those looking for more adventure, the Tri-City Landscape Park (Trójmiejski Park Krajobrazowy) offers challenging gravel and mountain biking trails.

You can pick up cycling maps at Gdańsk's tourist information centers. For more details about routes, check out rowerowygdansk.pl and velomapa.pl

Deep Sea Fishing

Gdańsk's coastal location makes it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, and heading out to the open sea for a fishing trip can be an unforgettable experience.

The Beryl has been running fishing trips for years. Their excursions typically last 8-10 hours and can accommodate up to 14 people, though you'll need at least 8 participants for the trip to go ahead. The boat operates year-round, and you can rent equipment at reasonable prices. The package usually includes meals, coffee, tea, and water, plus fishing permits and insurance. If you'd like, they'll even clean and fry your catch for you.

Baltic Sea Angling also offers deep sea fishing trips from Gdańsk. Their price typically covers a hot meal, unlimited hot drinks, all equipment, safety briefing, and transfers from the Gdańsk or Sopot area. Prices vary by season, so it's worth checking current rates when you book.

Both operators stress that trips only go ahead in good weather conditions. Dress warmly, it can get pretty chilly out on the open water, even in midsummer. Don't forget to bring your ID or passport, as the boat might venture beyond Polish waters. Departure ports and what's included can vary, so double-check all the details with your operator before booking.

Escape Rooms

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Escape rooms are one of the most thrilling ways to spend your time, putting your problem-solving skills and teamwork to the test. In Gdansk, you'll find both traditional indoor escape rooms and innovative outdoor games that take place right in the city streets.

Outdoor escape games offer a unique way to explore Gdansk. Moonstreet City Escape takes players on an adventure through the city streets, solving puzzles and advancing through the storyline. One of their scenarios, "King of Twin City", kicks off at the atmospheric Neptune Fountain and takes about 2 hours to complete. The difficulty level isn't too challenging, making it perfect for first-timers. No advance booking needed, just buy a ticket and follow the instructions on your phone.

If you're craving a more traditional escape room experience, head indoors. QuestRooms escape room chain has locations in both Gdansk and nearby Sopot. Both cities offer multiple themed rooms ranging from horror to historical adventures. At the Gdansk location, you can choose from experiences like Bloody Slaughterhouse, Prison Break, or Temple of the Golden Sun. Over in Sopot, you can investigate a ritual murder (Ritual - true story), navigate the ruins of Chernobyl nuclear power plant (Chernobyl - the last hour), or hunt for diamonds in a mine (Diamond Mine).

All in all, the Gdansk area has a great variety of escape room venues [on map], where you can test both your skills and your luck.