Visiting Sopot, nicknamed the ‘Polish Riviera‘ from the port of Gdynia is a lovely day trip for cruise ship passengers and travellers to Poland. Situated halfway between Gdynia and Gdansk (around 7 miles), Sopot is fairly easy to get to via a taxi, Uber or train.
Sopot, the ‘Polish Riviera’
Sopot is nicknamed the ‘Polish Riviera’, and it’s easy to see why when you arrive here – 5-star luxury hotels like The Sheraton and Sofitel Grand overlook a vast sandy beach and Europe’s longest wooden pier. The leafy streets are clean and tidy leading onto wide open squares lined with restaurants and outdoor diners.
Related: Visiting the charming village of Eze in the South of France
Sopot’s Lighthouse is over 100 years old and sits next to a lovely public garden and park lined with flower beds and benches.
Sopot Pier – The Longest Wooden Pier in Europe
Sopot Pier is over 500m, extending into the Bay of Gdansk and on a fine day is well worth the walk for some fresh sea air. Tickets for Sopot pier are currently PLN 8 (around £1.60 or $2) for adults. At the end of the Pier is the Meridian Restaurant, perfectly positioned for lunch or dinner with a view, or in my case an indulgent hot chocolate.
Sopot Pier’s Pirate Ship ‘Statek Pirat’
Docking at the end of Sopot’s Pier is a pirate ship called the ‘Statek Pirat’ offering 40-minute sightseeing cruises into Gdansk Bay. Onboard the ship is a restaurant, bar and Captain’s room complete with a throne, parrot cage and treasure chests.
It’s a fun experience if you’re visiting in a group or with family as a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children), currently costs PLN 120 – around £25 or $30. Check the Statek Pirat website for more information about their sightseeing cruises and departure times before you travel to Sopot.
Related: The most amazing ports to visit on a European Cruise
Shopping in Sopot | The Polish Riviera
Around Sopot’s Plaza you’ll find a cinema, Art Gallery, Wax Museum and plenty of bars, restaurants and familiar high street names like Costa, McDonald’s and Flying Tiger. Amongst it all there’s the Krzywy Domek, a quirky crooked house built in 2004 and an unmissable photo opportunity when visiting Sopot. Near the train station is Sopot Centrum, a restaurant hub with a few shops and a hotel.
Travelling to Sopot from Gdynia or Gdansk Port
If you’re visiting Poland on a cruise you’ll likely call into the port of Gdynia or Gdansk. Sopot is around 7 miles away and taking an Uber is perhaps and cheap and easy option (around £6/$7 each way). Alternatively, you can catch the train by taking a taxi or #133 bus from Gdynia Port to the train station.
Depending on where you dock in Gdansk Port the public transport option is lengthy, so a taxi, Uber or shore excursion to Sopot may be your best option for making the most of your day.
Related: Highlights of a Baltic Cruise from Southampton onboard Sapphire Princess (#Ad • Princess Cruises)
Further reading: View my page on cruises featuring ship tours and ports of call
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An excellent and surprising day trip into Sopot. As wasn’t expecting it to be as nice as it was, you won’t be disappointed.
Indeed, particularly if the sun is shining! 😀
Excellent , and very surprising
😉