What to see and do in Sopot, Poland? Sopot is a lovely holiday resort with long sandy beaches, lots of restaurants and a slightly exclusive feel. Here are our top tips on what to see and do in Sopot on holiday.
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Sopot in Poland - an ancient seaside resort
Already in 1900, Sopot had about 12,000 tourists each year, who came to bathe and visit the famous health resort. Just before the First World War, the number of tourists reached 20,000 per year, and by this time there were several large complexes of baths, sanatoriums and hotels.
They also built a large and magnificent casino, which after the First World War was renamed the Grand Hotel. Then came the Second World War and the communist era, and Sopot as a holiday resort was almost forgotten. But now the Polish holiday paradise is on everyone's lips again!
Sopot is located on the Polish Baltic Sea coast, about 12 kilometres north of Gdansk.
What to do in Sopot?
So, what can you see and do in Sopot, Poland today? This holiday gem has a lot to offer, especially during the summer. Here are our top tips.
1. Enjoy the turn-of-the-century environment
When you walk around Sopot, you feel like you are in an old health resort. The buildings in Sopot consist mainly of large turn-of-the-century villas with beautiful wooden verandas and winding towers. There are also houses in the beautiful Art Nouveau style.
2. Check out Krzywy Domek - the crooked house
One of the buildings you can't help but notice in Sopot is the 'Krzywy domek', the crooked house. Designed by the architectural firm Szotyńscy & Zaleski, it was completed in 2004. In 2013, it made CNN's list of Europe's most unusual buildings. The house is located on Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street in the centre of the city, and if you go inside you will find a small indoor centre with shops.
3. Walk along the seafront promenade
A large green park runs along the beach and a long walking and cycling path runs through it. Not only do you see people cycling or walking here, but it is also common to see people travelling on foot. just everything that rolls. A steady stream of people arrive on segways, rollerblades and pedal cars.
4. Hang out at the Grand hotel in Sopot
Perhaps the building that most clearly characterises Sopot is the Grand Hotel, which sits magnificently on the beach. If you want luxury, you can stay here, but you can also enjoy a glass of bubbly on the outdoor terrace.
5. Walk out on Europe's longest wooden pier
Just below the Grand Hotel, the long pier, 'Molo', extends into the sea. Completed in 1928, the pier measures 511.5 metres in total, making it the longest wooden pier in Europe. You have to pay a small fee to go out on the pier, and afterwards you can watch boats or have a drink in the restaurant or champagne bar.
6. Live the beach life on the Polish Riviera
The Polish Riviera offers a wonderful beach life. Sopot is arguably the most luxurious resort on the Riviera, surrounded by exclusive hotels and champagne bars. The Grand Hotel and the pier are always crowded on fine days. People are sunbathing and swimming, sipping drinks, eating ice cream or doing water sports.
Poland's riviera is long, with fine sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see in both directions. If you want more peace and quiet during a day at the beach, just walk away from the centre of the action. Further along the beach it is much quieter.
7. Experience boats and sailing
For those who want, there are various boats to rent. Now when we were here, there was also a sailing competition going on, and the water was therefore filled with sailing boats.
8. Visit restaurants and cafes in Sopot
Sopot is full of restaurants and cafés, and in summer all the nice outdoor cafés are crowded together. Despite the seemingly endless number of establishments, on a hot summer day it can be almost impossible to find a table, at least if you are a large group.
We have eaten at several of the restaurants, and for the most part have been satisfied. The most recent was a good shrimp and spinach pasta at the small Italian restaurant Toscana.
9. indulge in Lody and Gofry - ice cream and waffles
Two popular items on the Polish Riviera are ice cream (lody) and waffles (gofry). Ice cream is sold in long narrow cones, sometimes with chocolate on top. The waffles are big and thick, and you can get all sorts of things on them, from ice cream to fruit or chocolate. And yes, we tried it! But taking photos while eating one of those giant waffles is a bit too complicated!
10. Take an excursion to Gdansk
Just 20 minutes from Sopot by car is the beautiful old Hanseatic city of Gdansk. This city was founded in the 13th century and had its heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Although the city was largely destroyed during World War II, it has been restored to its former glory.
Today, you can stroll along the harbour, hang out in cosy outdoor cafes or, at best, take in the bustling city centre. market which is organised every year in August.
11. Take an excursion to Gdynia
The third city in the 'Trojmiasto' is the lovely holiday town of Gdynia. This Polish town offers a pleasant experience with a marina, a big Ferris wheel, lots of fish restaurants and a nice sandy beach in the centre of town.
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
There are several campsites in Sopot. Metropolis is located a bit from the town. A little closer to the town, there is also a nice little campsite called Sopot 34, and a larger ACSI-controlled campsite called Park 45.
If you want to stay in a hotel instead, you can choose from everything from the Grand Hotel to lots of larger and smaller hotels in different price ranges.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
In addition to the two other cities in the Tri-City, Gdynia and Gdansk, there are many other great places to see nearby. For example, you can visit the historic Malbork Castle, experience the beautiful The entire peninsula or make an excursion to a holiday resort Łeba. For even more tips on places to visit in Poland, click on the image below.
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More tips for things to do in Sopot?
Have you been to Sopot? How was your experience? Do you have any other good tips on what to see and do in Sopot?
Facts about Sopot in Poland
- Country: Poland
- Vojvodship: Pomerania
- Residents: 37 000 (2014)
- Currency: Zloty
- Time difference:? None
- Language: Polska
- Price mode: Cheaper than Sweden, but slightly more expensive than neighbouring locations
Travelling to Sopot in Poland
- Ferries: You can arrive in Poland by ferry Nynäshamn-Gdansk (19 hours, with Polferries), Karlskrona-Gdynia (just over 10 hours, with Stena Line) or Ystad-Swinoujscie (6 hours, with Polferries).
- Car/caravan: It takes 20 minutes to drive from Gdansk or Gdynia to Sopot, and it takes about 5 hours 30 minutes to drive from Swinoujscie to Sopot.
- Flight: There are direct flights from Skavsta to Gdansk with Wizz Air or Ryanair, with a flight time of just over an hour. In October 2019, two new routes to Gdansk will open from Landvetter in Gothenburg.
Restaurants in Sopot
- Restaurant Toscana, at ul. Grunwaldzka 27, is cosy and serves good Italian food.
- Novy Swiat, at ul. Bohaterów Monte Cassino 63/2, is a cocktail bar and restaurant serving Polish cuisine with a modern touch.
- White Marlin, at Al. Wojska Polskiego 1, is a beachfront restaurant and lounge with simple but good food.
Accommodation in Sopot
- Hotels and apartments: There are plenty of hotels and apartments in Sopot, in various price ranges. Look for example on Booking.com or Airbnb. Keep in mind that Sopot is very popular in the summer, and that it can be good to book in time.
- Camping Sopot 34 is located at ul. Bitwy pod Płowcami 55, with a good location both to the beach and to catch the train to Gdansk.
- Camping Metropolis is located at Aleja Niepodleglosci 899, with longer walking distance to the centre of Sopot.
- Camping & Resort Park 45 is located at ul. Bitwy pod Płowcami 73-79, not far from Sopot 34, but a little further from the city centre.
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DianasDrömmar says:
Ohh, lovely hug
31 July 2016 - 7:23
Lennart says:
Nice place!
31 July 2016 - 7:38
Tina says:
Looks nice! Lovely pictures 🙂
31 July 2016 - 8:22
Ama de casa says:
Wow! The Grand hotel really lives up to its name, as does the crooked house. I almost got carsick just looking at the crooked house in the picture... 😉.
But "we" had an ice cream? Clearly sees a beer there too, and possibly a GT? 😀
It really looks like a fantastic place!
31 July 2016 - 9:04
Steve says:
Sopot, what an amazing gem. And so close to us too.
There is no need to 'cross the river for water'.
31 July 2016 - 9:10
Rolle o Carina says:
Looks delightfully beautiful!
Take care...
31 July 2016 - 9:14
nils-åke hansson says:
It's good that they charge a fee for staying on the pier - good money for the children, I hope.
Nice pictures as usual
31 July 2016 - 9:20
admin says:
Diana's dreams, it's very nice here 🙂 .
Lennart, it really is!
Tina, glad you like our pictures!
Ama de casa, haha, you are attentive as usual! Yes, Peter and I had an ice cream, but there were others in the company who preferred a beer 😉.
Steve, Sopot really is a gem, and it's so close!
Rolle and Carina, it's beautiful, and there's a campsite in Sopot too.
Nils-Åke, yes, it is good if the money goes to maintenance. It was not particularly expensive either.
31 July 2016 - 9:29
LinizTravel says:
Wow so wonderful! Gets Poland hungry from all your lovely posts. Hugs
31 July 2016 - 9:48
Johanna says:
Nice to see some pictures, such beautiful houses!
Hadn't heard of Sopot until you talked about it but then I seem to see it everywhere!:)
31 July 2016 - 10:05
Geddfish says:
Sopot is a funny name, sounds like the garbage out 😀 but wrong, because it looks very nice and clean!
I would like to see the inside of that crooked house, exciting! I've actually lived in a semi-circular apartment once 😉.
You have had a wonderful time ♥ 😀 😀
31 July 2016 - 11:13
Matts Torebring says:
You always have so many facts to share about each place when you write and that makes it so interesting to read post after post. The beach looks great, but far too crowded for me to enjoy. We ourselves prefer the early season, when you can enjoy it more.
31 July 2016 - 13:07
Kors och Tvärs says:
But what a funny house, you almost get seasick just looking at it.
Happy name day, Helena
31 July 2016 - 13:36
Ditte says:
Nice with your posts from Poland and maybe it will be a trip there again.
Soptot seems very charming and a beautiful holiday destination. But there is so much in this world that attracts...
However, Poland is close.
Nice pictures that attract!
31 July 2016 - 17:43
Kattis says:
Looks really lovely... have probably never thought of luxury and glamour when I thought of Poland before. Now you were a little hungry!:)
31 July 2016 - 19:40
BP says:
I have been there three times and I just love the city and the main street Monte Cassino. There is really everything. The beaches are clean and nice and the long promenade with how many restaurants and bars goes all the way to Gdansk. We have walked there many times and enjoyed it to the fullest.
31 July 2016 - 20:07
admin says:
Liniztravel, great! We can really recommend Poland!
Johanna, I think Sopot will become more and more famous!
Geddfish, haha, what a fun association! And fun with half-round house! 🙂
Matts, what fun to hear that you find it interesting! We ourselves think it is fun to find out a little about places we visit, and if it is appreciated that we tell you about it, it is very fun 🙂 In high season, it is crowded on the beach in Sopot, but if you look for a bit from the city, it becomes sparser (or low season of course, but then it may not be so hot).
Criss-cross, is it my name day!? Thank you so much! 🙂
Ditte, of course there is a lot in the world that attracts, that's always the case! 😉 But just as you say, Sopot is close so it can be a good destination for many.
Kattis, I can understand that you did not think so, but just Sopot feels really luxurious! 🙂
BP, it is hard not to like Sopot, so I understand you. We have also been here several times and are happy to return.
31 July 2016 - 21:52
Anta Snaque says:
What beautiful - and funny! - houses! You look like you're having great days. Keep it up! 🙂
31 July 2016 - 23:16
Lena - gott för själen says:
What an unexpectedly beautiful city. Looks like very beautiful houses! In my head everything is grey in Poland!
Have a great start to the week!
Hug Lena
01 August 2016 - 6:09
admin says:
Anta Snaque, we have had a great time here in Poland. On our way home now after a great week!
Lena, there is a lot that is not grey in Poland, also green and nice nature 🙂 Wish you also a nice week!
01 August 2016 - 7:49
Henny says:
Poland and especially Sopot became our favourites when we drove around the Bothnian Sea and the Baltic Sea (not by boat but in a motorhome).
One day we realised that we were still driving in countries that once belonged to Sweden.
01 August 2016 - 8:40
admin says:
Henny, I guess little Sweden was bigger once upon a time 😉 Sounds like a very nice campervan trip and I understand that you liked Poland!
01 August 2016 - 10:00
Biggeros says:
When we lived in Karlskrona, the ferry went to Poland. We were in Gdansk and Gdynia. Would like to go to Sopot and to its famous spa hotel. So luxurious to watch the race and eat ice cream? What a fun crooked house and the food looks so appetising. Hugs
01 August 2016 - 15:11
Linda, 155cm.se says:
Poland's gems are becoming more and more apparent. It is a country with great potential!
01 August 2016 - 16:34
Marias Memoarer says:
Cool place then!!! 🙂 Especially that with the pier was cool!
02 August 2016 - 21:23
Steel city anna says:
What amazingly beautiful houses. And how close to the water the big castle-like house in the top picture is! There are no tides in Poland to worry about I guess. Got a little British feeling here, but the pier and the crowd and lots of shopping at the beach.
03 August 2016 - 11:03
admin says:
Biggeros, smoothly with the ferry from Karlskrona!
Linda, yes, but isn't it? Also close and cheap 🙂
Maria, Sopot is a real gem and the pier is beautiful!
Steel City Anna, maybe a bit British? I also get a bit of a 20s feeling 😉 No, there is no tide to speak of....
03 August 2016 - 12:38
Dryden - Traveler's Edition says:
It looks fantastic! Maybe it would be something for September and extended Swedish summer with a little extra bath, without having to travel a long way!
04 August 2016 - 12:39