Yes, Gdańsk is generally considered a cheap and budget-friendly European city to visit, especially when compared to Northern or Western European destinations, offering affordable food, accommodation, and transport thanks to the strong exchange rate for currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR against the Polish Zloty (PLN). You can experience a vibrant city with historic buildings, museums, and beaches without breaking the bank, making it a great spot for budget travelers.
Generally, Gdańsk is considered slightly cheaper or very comparable in cost to Krakow, with some sources showing Gdańsk as having a lower overall cost of living index, though tourist areas in both cities can be pricey, especially for nightlife, while food often remains affordable in both. Krakow is known for being a budget-friendly cultural hub, while Gdańsk offers a similar vibe with a seaside twist, meaning significant price differences are unlikely for general travel, notes.
Is Gdansk Expensive to Visit (in 2026)? Ultimately, the cost of visiting Gdansk varies depending on your plans, and how you like to enjoy yourself when you're abroad. Overall, Gdansk, is rated as a "very affordable" place to visit by BudgetYourTrip.
If you're planning to visit and only speak English, you'll find that Gdańsk is generally quite English-friendly. English is widely spoken among younger people and in tourist-focused areas, making it easier for international visitors to navigate the city. Most hotels in Gdańsk have English-speaking staff.
When visiting Poland, DO validate public transport tickets, dress modestly in churches, learn basic Polish phrases, and be punctual; DON'T drink alcohol in public, call Poles "Eastern Europeans," smile at strangers, or discuss sensitive history casually, while always respecting cultural norms like removing shoes at home and being mindful of tipping customs.
Gdansk Poland Travel Guide: 14 BEST Things to Do in Gdańsk
Is Gdansk as nice as Krakow?
Abundant natural spaces are a bonus too, with Planty Park wrapped around its historic heart like a green scarf. Krakow has to manage huge tourist numbers, exacerbated by an additional reputation for stag parties; the city feels less pristine than Gdansk, and there's an undeniable veneer of tackiness in some areas.
Both cities are beautiful, but my personal favorite is Gdansk primarily because I absolutely love Gdansk. Wroclaw's market is a lot bigger, with more lights, displays, stalls, music etc, and might be a better choice if seeing the Christmas market is your primary interest.
In Krakow, for its history, the first of the cheapest cities in Europe. The most beautiful city in Poland, they say. Its historic centre is even a Unesco World Heritage Site.
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Poland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist. to visit family or friends.
Check out must-see sights and activities: Old Town, Museum Of The Second World War, History Museums, Beer & Brewery Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
As a general rule of thumb, you should consider tipping around 10-20 PLN (approximately 2-5 USD) per day. If you stayed in a luxury hotel or received exceptional service, it may be appropriate to tip a bit more—around 20-30 PLN (5-7 USD) would be well-received.
Yes, you can speak English in Poland, especially in major cities and tourist areas, as many Poles, particularly younger generations, have good English proficiency, ranking high in European proficiency indexes; however, learning a few basic Polish phrases is always appreciated and helpful in smaller towns or with older residents.
Tap water in Gdańsk is safe, regularly tested, and perfectly suitable for drinking! It comes from deep underground sources known for their high purity and is carefully treated to ensure quality. Its safety is monitored by Gdańska Infrastruktura Wodociągowo-Kanalizacyjna (GIWK).
