Sopot is part of the Tri-City, which also includes Gdansk and Gdynia. With its population of just under 40,000, it’s not a large city, but in the summer (and to some extent in the winter), it fills up with tourists. Sopot is the most popular seaside resort in Poland and is also known for its luxurious selection of spas and treatment programs. The city is located approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Gdansk, so day trips are possible from any city you may be staying in. Sopot may not be the biggest city, but there is more than enough to do, and you can find everything from good restaurants to great nightlife here.
How to Get to Sopot from Gdansk?
The easiest way to get between the two cities is by car or taxi. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and taxis are readily available (or you can ask your hotel to arrange one for you). Services like Uber also work. Another option is to take the train; the Sopot train station is about a 10-minute walk from the square, and the train ride also takes about 30 minutes. It’s possible to take the tram part of the way from Gdansk, but there is a considerable distance to walk from where the tram stops to Sopot. An alternative is to continue with an electric scooter. It’s also possible to take an electric scooter all the way, which takes some time but is a fun way to see the cities.
Things to Do in Sopot
1. Molo / Sopot Pier
Europe’s longest wooden pier and the most popular attraction in Sopot. To access the pier, you need to purchase a ticket, which costs 10 PLN for adults and 5 PLN for children (about 20 NOK for adults and 10 NOK for children). With the ticket, you have full access to the 511.5-meter-long wooden pier, which has stood steady since 1827. Along the pier, you’ll find viewpoints, benches, and at the end, a restaurant. It’s also possible to purchase tickets for various activities here, such as speedboat rides and pirate ships. Originally, the pier was built as a pleasure pier and arrival point for cruise ships, but today, it’s just a pure tourist attraction.
2. The Square and Old Town
Sopot doesn’t consist of much more than the long pier, the square, and the Old Town / Monte Cassino Street. If you’ve taken a walk here, you’ve seen most of what Sopot has to offer. Fortunately, it’s not as dull as it sounds, as the square and streets are full of restaurants, shops, nightlife, and various bars. Here, you’ll find arcades for children, candy shops, and Polish restaurants with dishes you may have never heard of. On weekends, you’ll experience a bit of a 17th of May (Norwegian National Day) atmosphere here due to the crowds of people moving around, so be prepared for it to get a bit crowded.
3. Visit “The Crooked House”
In the middle of Monte Cassino Street, you’ll find what must be one of the world’s strangest houses, certainly not a building you’d expect to find in the middle of a main street. “The Crooked House” is exactly what it sounds like – crooked. Shapes and forms intertwine, resembling something out of a fairy tale.
4. Visit the Lighthouse
The old lighthouse in Sopot (built in 1904) is not easy to overlook as it towers 30 meters above the ground. Today, it’s no longer used as a lighthouse, but what many don’t realize is that it’s open to visitors (for those who are up for it). For 9 PLN for adults and 6 PLN for children, you’re allowed to climb all 135 steps to the 25-meter-high viewing platform. Here, you’ll get a panoramic view of Sopot, so remember to bring your camera.
5. Sopot Beach
If you dream of miles of sandy beach, Sopot is the place for you. There is a sandy beach as far as the eye can see in both directions. However, it can feel crowded in the summer when both tourists and locals flock here. If you’re staying at one of the beachfront hotels, they have their own areas you can use, including sun loungers, service, etc. Along the beach promenade, you’ll also find restaurants, small cafes, and various bicycles and other rentals. In fact, it’s possible to walk on the beach all the way to Gdynia if you’re up for it.
6. St. George Church
At the top of Monte Cassino Street / Old Town, you’ll find the neo-Gothic St. George Church. The church was built in the early 1900s. The church is in full use, but it’s also possible to enter when there are no masses, weddings, etc.
7. Sopot Aquapark
If you’ve been unlucky with the weather, the aquapark is the savior. You’ll find it just outside the city center, and you can easily walk here or take a cheap taxi. Here, you’ll find water slides, hot tubs, and pools both indoors and outdoors.
8. Sopot Art Gallery
In the middle of the square, there is what may look like a small shopping center. It’s not (although there are indeed some shops there), but you will actually find an art gallery here. They host various exhibitions and events throughout the year.
9. Restaurants in Sopot
For a small city, Sopot has a surprisingly wide range of restaurants. Here, you’ll find everything from American diners to Japanese restaurants. If you’re looking for good Mexican food with cocktails, you should visit Fidel. For the best sushi, you should try Mushi Mushi Sushi, and if you’re interested in authentic Polish cuisine, you should try to get a table at the popular restaurant Sliwka Kompot. If you’ve had enough of all the food and just want McDonald’s, you’ll find one at the top of Monte Cassino.
10. Nightlife in Sopot
In the summer, there is life and nightlife almost everywhere in Sopot, some good, some bad, and some you should ideally stay away from. The very best (and safest) places are as follows:
- Klub Tan – In my opinion, the best place. It has a bit of a high-end feel, good DJs, a great bar, and a good vibe. It’s not the youngest clientele.
- 3 Siostry – A small place but full of life. If you want a place to sit, you have to arrive early because it gets packed.
- Ego – Located inside the Crooked House. It has a somewhat younger atmosphere but is a fun place.
- Dream Club – Good atmosphere, plenty of tables if you want a bit of a VIP feel.
