Last Updated on June 14, 2023
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Sopot in Poland is a charming seaside town on the Baltic Sea Coast. Along with Gdansk and Gdynia, it makes up the so called Tri-City ( Trójmiasto in Polish ). All 3 are very close to each other, so once you base yourself in one of them, exploring the other 2 is very easy. Sopot is the smallest of the 3 and makes for a great and easy day trip from either Gdansk or Gdynia. There are just enough things to do in Sopot to occupy you for a day, but not enough to spend more than that. Unless of course, you come to relax and spend time on the beach.
Sopot has been considered a ritzy resort town for a long time. Also known as the ” Polish Riviera “, it was the favorite summer destination for many rich and famous. These days it remains to be one of the most popular places to visit in the summer, as well as to party. The popularity of Sopot sure reflects in the inflated prices. However, that’s true for most destinations along the Baltic Sea Coast in high season. While prices are noticeably higher than in other parts of the country, Sopot is still a great value compared to other European destinations.
Things to do in Sopot in Poland in one day
Walk down the Sopot Pier ( Molo )
The main attraction in Sopot is without a doubt the wooden Pier ( Molo ). The Pier’s claim to fame is the fact, that it’s the longest wooden pier in Europe. Built in 1827, it stretches for 511 m ( 1676 feet ) out into an open sea. You’ll find many people enjoying walking along the Pier even in the winter.
Walking down the Pier is one of the must things to do in Sopot, but if you visit in high season ( between April 7 and September 30 ), there is an entrance fee of 10 PLN. Opinions on whether there should be a charge are divided, but the money does go towards the upkeep of the Molo. Outside of the peak season, access to Sopot Pier is free.
Stroll down Monte Cassino street
One of the most famous pedestrian streets in Poland is Bohaterow Monte Cassino in Sopot. It was named after the heroes of the battle in Italy between Germans and Poles in the World War II. Although you will most likely hear the locals forgo the full name and refer to it as Monciak.
The lively street runs from St George’s Church all the way to the Pier. It’s lined with bars, restaurants and stores, and it’s where all the action is. It’s a great place to grab a bite at one of the outdoor cafes and people watch. If you visit in the summer, especially on the weekends, be prepared for massive crowds.
Stop at the Crooked House ( Krzywy Domek )
As you stroll along Monte Cassino street, you can’t miss the most popular building in Sopot: the Crooked House. Its unusual design, lacking in straight lines, is the main attraction here. Krzywy Domek, built in 2004, looks like it could be taken out of a fairy tale, and fairy tale illustrations were the actual inspiration behind it.
If you come expecting more of an attraction here, you will leave disappointed. The main highlight is the unusual shape of the building. Inside you will find stores, restaurants, a radio station and a coffee shop.
Climb to the top of Sopot Lighthouse ( Latarnia Morska )
The lighthouse is one of the landmarks in Sopot, and can be seen from many parts of the city. Situated right by the Pier, it’s not hard to find. An interesting fact is that the lighthouse didn’t start off as one. It was build in 1904 as part of a spa complex and functioned as a chimney, that was later turned into a lighthouse.
Although it’s not used as a lighthouse anymore, Latarnia Morska is open to visitors. For 10 PLN you can climb to the top via the spiral staircase and be rewarded with amazing 360 degree views of Sopot. At the end of your visit you will receive a certificate.
The Sopot Lighthouse is open to visitors year round, but during the winter months the opening hours are reduced.
Relax on Sopot beach
Not many associate Poland with being a beach destination, but the North has 500 km of the Baltic Sea coast with many sandy beaches. As a popular resort town, Sopot has one as well. It starts right by the Pier, so if you visit just for a day, you don’t have to venture out really far. Keep in mind though, that Baltic Sea is not known for warm waters, so swimming can prove a bit challenging.
Take a cruise around the Bay
If you’d like to get out on the water, you should definitely look into booking a sailing cruise around the Bay. It’s the perfect way to spend a couple of hours on a beautiful summer day and see the city from a different perspective.
The boat leaves from the marina at the end of the Pier for a 2 hour sail and the direction of the sail is always wind and weather dependent. If you enjoy boating and being out on the water, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Sopot in the summer.
You can book your 2 hour sailing cruise here.
Take a walk through Spa Square ( Plac Zdrojowy )
Spa Square naturally connects the Pier with Monte Cassino street and it’s one of the liveliest parts of Sopot. You can find many vendors around, selling anything from the usual souvenirs to more refined goods and foods.
Visit Forest Opera ( Opera Leśna )
Sopot in Poland is home to an iconic music venue. It’s located right in the middle of the forest, hence the name Forest Opera ( Opera Lesna ). Naturally, being an outdoor venue, it’s only used seasonally. Many concerts happen at Forest Opera, but the biggest event there is the International Sopot Festival, which takes place annually in August. And has been since the 1960s.
During the warmer months ( April – October ) the Forest Opera is open to visitors. For 12 PLN you can tour the newly renovated venue, visit the backstage, changing rooms, and even stand on the famous Sopot stage.
How to get to Sopot from Gdansk
As already mentioned, Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot are really close to each other and getting from one to another is very easy to do. The distances are short, and there are many ways to travel between them.
Getting from Gdansk to Sopot by train
This is the fastest and cheapest way to connect between all the Tri-city cities. There are two kinds of trains to choose from:
- the national trains operated by PKP
- regional trains SKM – this is the preferred way to travel between Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. The trains run very frequently and the tickets can be purchased either from the main ticket window or automated machines, that are located at the station. You can buy your ticket online as well, but that’s not necessary, as the trains run every 15-20 minutes. To get from Gdansk Glowny ( the main train station ) to Sopot takes 20 minutes and a one way ticket costs 5,50 PLN.
Since PKP and SKM are two different train systems, the tickets are not interchangeable. If you are running late to catch your train, you can always get your ticket from the conductor once on the train, for an extra fee.
PRO TIP: Reading the train timetable can be a bit confusing to someone who is not familiar with traveling by train in Poland. Once you bought your ticket, you need to find out which platform the train is leaving from. When you locate your train on the printed timetable, you will see 2 numbers. The first one indicates the Platform (Peron). Each Platform has 2 sides (Tor), which is what the second number indicates.
Getting from Gdansk to Sopot on a cruise
If you enjoy being on the water and want to spend a couple of hours on the boat, you can get from Gdansk to Sopot on a cruise. Even though it takes a few times longer to get there than by the SKM train, it’s really enjoyable on a beautiful summer day and an attraction in itself.
Zegluga Gdanska runs 3 cruises daily in season ( May – September ). One way ticket costs 85 PLN ( 140 PLN round trip ). You cannot purchase your tickets in advance, they are only available the day of the cruise. The boat leaves from near the Green Gate in Gdansk and arrives at the Sopot Pier. Even though you will be arriving in Sopot by boat, you still have to pay the Pier entrance fee. When you purchase your cruise ticket, it will be added for a reduced price.
Where to stay in Sopot in Poland
If you wanted to spend more time in Sopot and take advantage of the beach and vacation vibe of the town, you can certainly make it your base. As a resort town, Sopot has no shortage of hotels and rentals. The most famous and iconic is Sofitel Grand Sopot. This is the one right on the Sopot beach. Located in the heart of town, right by the beach, it’s definitely the most luxurious place in town, which of course comes with a price tag. This is where all the famous people stay, and the hotel saw its share of important people over the years.
For a much budget friendly stay, there are plenty of other options, both in town or right on the beach. Booking.com has a huge selection of hotels in Sopot to choose from.
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