On a sandy strip between the sea and forested hills, lies a city that has earned the nickname “Polish Monte Carlo”. Sopot – an elegant resort with an aristocratic soul – will charm you not only with its majestic wooden pier stretching into the sea, but also with an atmosphere that is a blend of spa nostalgia and modern seaside life.
This city, with a mere forty thousand inhabitants, boasts a history dating back to the 13th century, when it was mentioned as “Sopoth” in documents of the Cistercian monastery in Oliva. From an original fishing settlement, it transformed over centuries into an exclusive destination, attracting wealthy merchants from nearby Gdańsk and later European nobility seeking seaside relaxation.
Today, Sopot, along with industrial Gdynia and historic Gdańsk, forms a unique agglomeration called the Tri-City, offering the best of the Polish coast. While neighboring cities represent commercial and cultural centers, Sopot remains an oasis of relaxation, where life in the summer months spills from romantic promenades onto lively beaches and from elegant cafes into vibrant nightclubs.
In this guide, I will share with you Sopot, Poland: 13 Best Things to Do and See, when to go and where to stay.
TL;DR
- Sopot is a popular seaside resort in Poland, part of the Tri-City (along with Gdańsk and Gdynia).
- The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant; outside the high season (July-August), there are fewer tourists and lower prices.
- Stay for example at Hotel Testa or Sofitel Grand Hotel.
- Main attractions:
- Longest wooden pier in Europe (511 m)
- Monte Cassino Street (“Monciak”) with shops and restaurants
- Crooked House (Krzywy Domek)
- 4 km of sandy beaches
- Sopot Lighthouse
- Forest Opera
- Transport: The easiest access is via Gdańsk Airport (15 km), travel by car from the Czech Republic takes approximately 8 hours, by bus 12-19 hours.
- Prices: Sopot is one of the more expensive Polish destinations, but still more affordable than Western European resorts.
When to Visit Sopot
The best time to visit Sopot is undoubtedly from May to September, when you can fully enjoy the beautiful weather and sandy beaches. The summer months, especially July and August, are the peak of the tourist season, when temperatures reach a pleasant 22-27°C. During this time, the beaches are lively, restaurants and bars have open terraces, and the city hosts numerous cultural events, including the famous Sopot International Music Festival.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and lower prices, consider visiting in May, June, or September. The weather is still warm enough for beach walks and the sea has a pleasant temperature for swimming, but there are significantly fewer tourists than during the high season.
The winter season in Sopot also has its charm. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature, which takes on a completely different character in winter. A walk on the snow-covered pier with a view of the frozen Bay of Gdańsk can be an unexpectedly romantic experience. Temperatures in winter range around 0-5°C, but due to the city’s seaside location, the weather is often damp and windy.
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Where to Stay in Sopot
Sopot offers a wide range of accommodation options for all types of travelers. From luxurious five-star hotels to more affordable guesthouses and apartments.
Luxury Hotels
If you crave true luxury, you can’t miss the legendary Sofitel Grand Sopot, which is located right by the beach and also offers its guests a private beach.
Spa Hotels
As a recognized spa town, Sopot boasts several quality spa hotels. Radisson Blu Hotel Sopot offers complete wellness services and is just a 4-minute walk from the beach. Another popular choice is Hotel Testa, which is literally a minute from the beach.
Affordable Accommodation
For budget travelers, Sopot offers a range of affordable options. My Story Sopot Apartments provide modern accommodation close to both the center and the beach, and Vibe Hostel Sopot is an ideal choice for young travelers seeking a friendly atmosphere.
Sopot, Poland: 13 Best Things to Do and See
If you’re heading to Sopot, we’ve compiled 13 tips on what to see and do in Sopot for you.
Sopot Pier
Sopot Pier is undoubtedly the city’s most famous attraction and also the longest wooden pier in Europe, with an impressive length of 511 meters. It was built in 1827 and has undergone numerous renovations since then. A walk along the pier, which winds deep into the waters of the Baltic Sea, is an unforgettable experience and offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Gdańsk and the city itself.
Monte Cassino Street (Monciak)
Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street, nicknamed “Monciak” by locals, is the main promenade and artery of city life. This 600-meter-long pedestrian zone leads from the pier to the train station in the city center and is lined with beautiful historic buildings, shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
Monciak is an ideal place for people-watching, souvenir shopping, or simply a peaceful coffee break. The street is lively at all hours of the day and night, creating a unique atmosphere that will completely immerse you.
Crooked House (Krzywy Domek)
Perhaps the most curious building in Sopot is the Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), built in 2004 according to the design of architects Szotyncsy & Zaleski. This building, which looks like something out of a fairy tale or as if it were drawn under the influence of drugs, is part of the Rezydent shopping complex on Monte Cassino Street.
Inside, there are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a radio station. Immediately after its completion, Krzywy Domek became one of Sopot’s main tourist attractions and one of the most photographed buildings in the city. On the top floor, there is the Dreamnightclub, where the fun continues until the early hours.
Beaches in Sopot
Sopot boasts over 4 kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches, which are among the cleanest and best-maintained in Poland. The main city beach offers all amenities for a comfortable stay, including sun loungers, umbrellas, beach volleyball courts, and of course, plenty of food stalls.
Lighthouse (Latarnia Morska)
In close proximity to the pier is the Sopot lighthouse, which was built in 1904. Although it no longer serves its original purpose, it is accessible to visitors and offers unforgettable views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding area.
The lighthouse is 25 meters high, and after climbing the stairs, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view worth documenting. Interestingly, the building was originally constructed as part of a spa complex, not as a lighthouse.
Forest Opera (Opera Leśna)
The Forest Opera is an amphitheater located in the heart of a dense forest on the outskirts of Sopot. This venue, whose name suggests its character, annually hosts the Sopot International Festival, which is the second largest music competition in Europe after Eurovision.
Stars such as Whitney Houston, Elton John, Annie Lennox, and Bryan Adams have performed on the Forest Opera stage over the years. The amphitheater itself has a capacity of up to 5,000 spectators, and its natural setting creates a truly unique atmosphere for all types of performances. The Opera is usually open to visitors from April to October.
Sopot Museum (Muzeum Sopotu)
The Sopot Museum is housed in an early 20th-century castle, which originally belonged to the Claaszen family. It offers an interesting exhibition of artifacts and photographs documenting the rich history of the city and the family itself.
On the lower floor of the museum, you can see what the building looked like when the Claaszen family inhabited it, including original furniture, paintings, and other personal items. The upper floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which are regularly changed.
St. George’s Church (Kościół Św. Jerzego)
The Garrison Church of St. George is one of the most impressive ecclesiastical buildings in Sopot. It is located at the top of Monte Cassino, and its architect is Louis von Tiedemann from Potsdam. The church impresses not only with its architecture but also with its richly decorated interior featuring beautiful stained-glass windows and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Right in the square in front of the church is a Neo-Gothic chapel with a statue of St. Adalbert. The church is not only an important historical monument but also a significant center of spiritual life in the city.
State Art Gallery (Państwowa Galeria Sztuki)
Sopot is a city with a rich artistic tradition, and therefore, a quality contemporary art gallery is a must-have here. The State Art Gallery in Sopot is one of the most famous and respected galleries in Poland and annually organizes approximately 25 exhibitions.
The gallery collaborates with many international museums, allowing you to see works by renowned artists such as Jacek Malczewski, Alina Szapocznikow, Katarzyna Kozyra, or Ivan Aivazovsky.
Sopot Aquapark
Sopot Aquapark is a popular attraction, especially for families with children. It offers several indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and other attractions that will entertain visitors of all ages.
In addition to water fun, you’ll also find a sauna and spa world where you can relax and rejuvenate. On the lower floor of the complex, there’s a six-lane bowling alley, billiards, and a snack bar. After a busy day full of activities, you can enjoy a good meal at the hotel restaurant.
💡TIP: Aquaparks and amusement parks in Poland
Sopot Marina
Sopot Marina is a modern port for yachts and motorboats, located in the immediate vicinity of Sopot Pier. It’s an ideal place for boating enthusiasts and water sports lovers.
From the marina, you can take a boat trip around the Bay of Gdańsk or rent a yacht for your own adventure. The marina also offers a variety of restaurants and cafes with beautiful sea views. A walk along the pier around the marina is a popular evening activity for both locals and tourists.
Children’s Carousel
Just like in Gdańsk, Sopot also has a historic carousel for the youngest children, which you definitely won’t miss if you have a one-year-old or older child.
Boat Trip on the Bay of Gdańsk
A visit to Sopot wouldn’t be complete without a boat trip on the Bay of Gdańsk. From Sopot Pier, you can board a pirate ship that will take you on an adventurous cruise, or choose the Żegluga Gdańska catamaran for a trip to the Hel Peninsula.
Cruises last approximately 1.5 hours and from the boat, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sopot, Gdańsk, and Gdynia, which together form the so-called Tri-City (Trójmiasto).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Sopot?
The easiest way to get to Sopot is by flying to Gdańsk Airport, which is approximately 15 km from Sopot city center. From the airport, you can continue by taxi, bus, or rent a car. If you’re traveling by car from the Czech Republic, the journey will take approximately 8 hours from Prague, as Sopot is more than 750 km away.
Is the Baltic Sea suitable for swimming?
Yes, the Baltic Sea is suitable for swimming, especially in the summer months when water temperatures reach 18-22°C. The beaches in Sopot are sandy and well-maintained, with a gentle entry into the water, which is ideal for families with children.
Is Sopot an expensive place?
Sopot is one of the more expensive tourist destinations in Poland, especially during the main summer season. Accommodation, restaurant, and attraction prices are higher here than in other Polish cities, but still lower than in Western European resorts.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
