💸 The Real Cost of a “Cheap” Trip
It’s tempting to think that booking cheap flights means you’ve scored yourself a cheap holiday. But let me tell you, those bargain tickets are just the start of the story.
Always remember:
- You need to get to the airport. If you’re driving, there’s petrol and parking. In my case, the cost was £150.
- You’ll likely need a place to stay. Me and my friend chose the stylish Sadova Hotel in Gdansk — £260 for two nights without breakfast.
- There’s airport transfers on both ends, meals every day, and of course, tickets to enter attractions.
Pro tips before you go:
🏨 Looking for somewhere to stay? Then take a look at Booking.com or Hostel work
🚌 Seeking a sense of adventure? Then book day tours and activities
with GetYourGuide or Viator
🏥 Wan’t to keep yourself insured as you travel? Then I recommend VisitorsCoverage.
🚘 Planning a road trip? Then check out AutoEurope or simply like me, book a train ticket Rail Europe
✈️ Looking to score the best flight deals? Then check out Trip.com for the best options
📸 Don’t want to forget you have to pack for a trip and make the memories? Then this bag and this camera are for you!
📞Want to stay connected? Yesim has the best e-sim deals.
What looks like a budget getaway can quickly add up. My advice? Plan your trip carefully, set a budget, and leave some wiggle room — otherwise, those “cheap flights” can turn into a not-so-cheap surprise.
With that in mind, here’s how our 3 days in Gdansk unfolded…
✈️ Day One in Gdansk: Churches, Cake & Cheeky Surprises
After a sleepless night, a long drive from Newport to London Stansted, and a 6:45 AM flight, you’d think I’d be dead on my feet. Nope! I was in my hometown of Gdansk with my friend Kerry, running on adrenaline, excitement, and probably sheer stubbornness. By 10 AM we reached our hotel, but since our room wasn’t ready, we dumped our bags at reception and did what any sane, sleep-deprived person would do: went sightseeing.
☕ Mariacka Street & Croissant Confessions
First stop: Mariacka Street, the prettiest street in the city with its amber shops and quirky terraces that look like they were designed for Instagram centuries before Instagram existed. We ducked into Drukarnia Café for breakfast. Now, normally I don’t eat bread or flour. But faced with a golden croissant and a vanilla iced matcha? Let’s just say my willpower packed its bags and flew back to Wales. Zero regrets.
⛪ The Holy Trail: Gdańsk’s Churches
If you ever want to feel truly humbled, start a Gdansk trip by church-hopping. It’s like stepping through centuries of faith, drama, and the occasional skull collection (yes, really).
- St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka) – Begun in 1343 and finished in 1502, this Gothic giant is the largest brick church in the world. It can hold 25,000 people, which is basically the entire population of Newport on a good day. We admired the astronomical clock and soaring vaults but skipped the 409-step tower climb. Neither of us fancied losing the will to live before lunch.
- St. Nicolas Church – The oldest church in Gdansk, dating back to the 12th century, later expanded by Dominican friars. Miraculously, it was one of the few that survived WWII almost intact. It’s also where I got married and baptised my first son — proof that it can withstand anything, even wedding stress.
- St. Katharine’s Church – The oldest parish church (13th century), once home to the famous carillon that chimed across the city. Johannes Hevelius, the starry-eyed astronomer, rests here. In 2006, the church was almost destroyed by a huge fire, but like much of Gdansk, it rose again from the ashes. Quite literally.
- St. Brygida’s Church – A spiritual symbol of the Solidarity movement in the 1980s, when priests threw their support behind shipyard workers. Today it boasts a spectacular amber altar (still under construction because, well, Poland) and a Skull Chapel. Yes, actual skulls. Think holy relics meet Halloween. Also, it was the only church that charged entry (6 zł ≈ £1.20). Not exactly bank-breaking, but I did wonder if I’d just bought a candle subscription.
- St. Joseph’s Church – Destroyed in WWII and patiently rebuilt in recent decades. The simple design stands in contrast to the Gothic giants, but its story is one of resilience.
- St. Elisabeth’s Church – Built in the 15th century, once part of a Franciscan monastery. Its spire was a landmark for centuries, guiding ships into Gdansk. The interior is calmer, less crowded with tourists, and offered us a moment to sit, breathe, and let our feet forgive us for all the cobblestones.
🍰 Cake, Coffee & Colourful Tenements
From there, we passed the Amber Museum, the shiny new Dworek Mlynarzy chocolate shop, waved at Jan Heveliusz’s statue, crossed the love-lock bridge, and finally popped into the Forum Gallery, where a river runs through the building.
Then came Dluga Street – the postcard heart of Gdansk. Colourful tenements, cobblestones, and crowds posing at Neptune’s Fountain. We slipped into Sowa Coffee and ordered Napoleon cake, cherry cheesecake, and a rose-filled doughnut, washed down with Aperol. Was it excessive? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Every single crumb.
🎉 Family Plot Twist
By 5:30 PM we made it back to the hotel for a rest before our 7 PM dinner at Chleb i Wino. Except Kerry promptly passed out, and I still had the energy of a caffeinated squirrel. So, I pulled off a classic Polish plot twist: surprise my parents.
I texted my dad, who casually replied, “I’m hoovering, then picking Mum up from work.” Perfect. I booked a Bolt, rang his doorbell, and nearly gave him a heart attack (the happy kind). Together we drove to Mum’s office, where her shocked face was priceless. Nothing beats surprising your parents in their own city.
🌙 Gdansk After Dark
Back at the hotel, after drinks with my parents, Kerry woke up and suggested one more walk. At 10 PM. Because why not?
Nighttime Gdansk is pure magic: the Motlawa shimmering with reflections, Dluga Street glowing, and the city buzzing but never frantic. We ended up at Fahrenheit by Jack’s, where we ordered cocktails and flatbread, indulging in one of the world’s greatest travel activities: people-watching. By midnight, we finally admitted defeat and headed back to the hotel.
💭 Reflections
Day One had everything: churches that tell centuries of history (and a few of my own), enough cake to fuel a marathon, a surprise reunion with my parents, and cocktails under the stars. Not bad for someone running on zero sleep.
If you are not familiar with Gdansk, Sightseeing EcoCruise around the Old Town of Gdansk or City Tour Live Guided by Golf Cart/Buggy Sightseeing could be a great option for you.
Next stop: Sopot, the seaside playground of Gdansk… 🌊
🌊 Day Two: Sopot, Surprises & Cherry Liquor
After oversleeping until 10:30 AM, our second day in Gdansk started with another missed breakfast booking at Chleb i Wino. At this point, I think fate just decided: “Not for you, my dear.” And that’s okay, because sometimes the unplanned meals turn out to be the best ones.
☕ Retro Breakfast: Quiche Heaven
On the way to what was meant to be a cinnamon bun and matcha latte, we stumbled across Retro Café. We spotted the most mouth-watering zucchini quiche being served at the next table, and without hesitation ordered the same. Best decision ever. Honestly, it was the best quiche I’ve ever eaten; light, flavourful, and served with a fresh salad that kept us fuelled for the whole day.
⛪ A Small but Mighty Church
When we reached Sopot (just 20 minutes by train from Gdansk), we did what we seem to do best on this trip: went into another church.
Kosciół sw. Jerzego (St. George’s Church) stands proudly at the top of Monte Cassino Street, almost like a gatekeeper to the city. Built in the early 20th century in Neo-Gothic style, it’s much smaller than the giants of Gdansk, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
The atmosphere was calm, intimate, and welcoming. Instead of feeling dwarfed by soaring vaults, you feel… at home. After the grandeur of St. Mary’s and the drama of St. Brygida’s amber altar, this little gem was like a quiet exhale.
🏠 Crooked Houses, Fudge & Cherry Liquor
We then strolled down Bohaterow Monte Cassino Street (locals call it Monciak). This pedestrian avenue is Sopot’s beating heart, cafés, shops, and street performers on every corner.
Along the way, we:
- Snapped a photo of the quirky Krzywy Domek (Crooked House) — a building that looks like it melted in the sun.
- Popped into Krowka, the famous Polish fudge shop, because who can say no to melt-in-your-mouth sweets?
- And then… discovered Pijana Wisnia.
This little bar serves only one thing: cherry liquor. Hot or cold. No menu, no choices. And let me tell you: it was bloody marvellous. We went for the hot version — sweet, strong, fruity, and warming, like being hugged by cherries after a long walk. It’s not just a drink, it’s an experience.
🌊 Pier Pressure & Baltic Breezes
You can’t go to Sopot without visiting the pier (Molo). Built in 1827, it stretches 511 metres into the Baltic Sea, making it the longest wooden pier in Europe. Entry costs 10 zł (~£2), which is a bargain for the views alone.
Out on the pier, the sea breeze in your hair and the Grand Hotel looming elegantly in the background, you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Even in September, the Baltic is more moody than Mediterranean, but that’s its charm — dramatic skies, gentle waves, and plenty of seagulls who clearly think they own the place.
From the pier we wandered down to the beach. Sopot is famous for its wide, sandy shoreline — clean, soft, and perfect for a stroll. We walked all the way towards Jelitkowo, stopping halfway for a pint at a beach bar, just sitting and soaking in the calm. The sea was too cold to tempt us in, but watching the horizon was enough.
🥟 Pierogi Feast at Stary Myles
Back in Gdansk, we had a table booked at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn. We were half an hour late and I thought for sure we’d lost it, especially when I saw the long queue outside. But to my surprise, our table was still waiting. That first pierogi must have been blessed.
My dad joined us for the meal, making it even more special. The food was excellent: pierogi stuffed with everything from cheese and potato to meat and spinach. Add good drinks and laughter, and we rolled out of there very, very full.
🌙 Evening Walk by the Motlawa
To walk off our pierogi mountain, we strolled along the Motlawa River. At night, this part of Gdansk is magical:
- The medieval Crane (Zuraw) silhouetted against the water.
- The drawbridge, opening and closing for late ships.
- The glowing Gdansk sign, perfect for tourist photos.
- The Soldek ship, Poland’s first post-WWII seagoing vessel, now a floating museum. Built in 1949 in Gdansk, it was the pride of Polish shipbuilding. Today it sits moored proudly, a reminder of the city’s industrial roots.
We wandered past the marina, where boats rested quietly, and finally reached our hotel. My mum was waiting to pick up my dad, so we had one last family chat, hugs, and goodbyes before tomorrow’s adventures.
💭 Reflections
Day Two was nothing like we planned, and yet it was perfect. From the best quiche ever to hot cherry liquor, from pierogi with my dad to a moonlit walk by the river, it was a day full of warmth, laughter, and little discoveries. I can highly suggest to consider booking The Scenic Evening Yacht Cruise with Welcome Drink or The Scenic Sunset Cruise with Welcome Drink.
With Gdansk, plans don’t have to be set in stone to make memories.
🏰 Day Three: Malbork Madness & A Pricey Train Home
Our final day in Gdansk began, predictably, with a late wake-up. At this point, it was almost tradition. We checked out of the hotel by 11 AM and made one last attempt at breakfast at Chleb i Wino. Third time lucky — and finally, success! Omelettes and waffles landed on our table, costing us about 55 zł (~£12) per person. Not bad for finally breaking the curse of missed bookings.
🚆 The Train to Malbork
From there we walked to the station and caught the train to Malbork. It was completely packed, but I managed to grab a seat for Kerry. From Malbork station we hopped on bus no. 1 for just two stops (free, somehow — Poland has its mysteries), then walked about 8–10 minutes to the castle.
🏰 Inside the World’s Largest Brick Castle
Tickets were 80 zł (~£17) per person, including an audio guide. Kerry loved this — it gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace without being dragged on a 4–5 hour guided tour. There’s also a tower ticket, but with all the stairs involved, we wisely skipped that part.
So, what’s the story of Malbork Castle?
- Built in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights, a powerful Catholic military order, it served as their headquarters.
- At its peak, it was one of the largest fortresses in Europe, complete with moats, walls, and enough space for thousands of knights and workers.
- It later became a royal residence for Polish kings after the Knights were defeated.
- In World War II, the castle was heavily damaged, with some areas almost completely destroyed, but careful post-war reconstruction restored it to its former glory.
- Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Poland’s most visited landmarks.
Walking through it, you feel both impressed and slightly overwhelmed — it’s less “castle” and more “city within walls.” We admired the Gothic halls, huge refectories, amber collections, and the sheer scale of the red-brick walls.
⚠️ Accessibility note: Malbork is not friendly for anyone with mobility issues. There are steps everywhere, uneven surfaces, and endless up-and-downs. Beautiful, yes. Easy, no.
☕ Cake Stop & A Train Ticket Plot Twist
After our tour, we decided to walk back to the station and made a pit stop at Niucka’s Coffee Shop for a final slice of cake and coffee. Because honestly, no trip of mine is complete without cake.
Back at the platform, I spotted a fast train to Gdansk and thought, why not? Our original tickets were for the slower, cheaper option (~£5 each), but I asked the conductor if we could upgrade. His answer? “No… but I can sell you new ones.”
“How much?” I asked. His reply? “Depends.”
In the end, I paid nearly £40 for two tickets — eight times the price — but hey, we did get a free bottle of water. Bargain? Not exactly. Lesson learned: in Poland, patience is a lot cheaper than speed. 🫣
If you wish to explore Malbork Castle but feel overwhelmed with planing try to book the Malbork Castle Regular Tour and enjoy the sight seen.
✈️ Goodbye, Gdansk
Back in Gdansk, we took one last walk to the hotel, grabbed our bags, and ordered a Bolt to the airport. Our three days were up, and though we were exhausted, our hearts (and stomachs) were full.
💭 Reflections: 3 Days in Gdansk
Looking back, our trip had it all:
- Day One gave us churches galore, family surprises, and a city that sparkled by night.
- Day Two delivered quiche heaven, hot cherry liquor hugs, sandy walks in Sopot, and a pierogi feast with my dad.
- Day Three crowned it all with Malbork, a fortress of medieval power, plus a very expensive train ride home.
We didn’t follow the plan perfectly (goodbye, carefully crafted itineraries), but that’s the beauty of travel. The best moments were the unexpected ones: the surprise on my mum’s face, the taste of cherry liquor, the glow of the Motlawa at midnight.
Would I recommend 3 days in Gdansk? Absolutely. Just don’t expect everything to go to plan… but this is magic of travel. 😉
MKS Photography Travel 
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