If I could give Sopot more than five stars, I would. This charming seaside town in northern Poland completely won my heart. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the special atmosphere that makes it so different from other places along the Baltic coast. It’s not just a beach destination — it’s a perfect blend of relaxation, beauty, culture, and a touch of sophistication, yet it still feels warm and welcoming.
The Beach and the Sea The main reason many people come to Sopot is the beach, and it’s easy to see why. The sand here is some of the softest I’ve felt in Europe — clean, pale, and comfortable to walk on barefoot. The shoreline stretches for kilometres, so even on busier days, you can find a quieter spot if you wander just a bit away from the main area. The Baltic Sea may not be as warm as the Mediterranean, but on a sunny summer day, it’s perfect for a refreshing swim. The water is usually shallow for quite a distance, making it great for families with children.
What impressed me most was how well-kept the beach is. It’s obvious that Sopot takes pride in maintaining its coastline. Lifeguards are present in the main bathing areas, and there are plenty of places nearby to grab a snack, ice cream, or a refreshing drink without feeling like you’re trapped in a tourist trap.
The Famous Pier (Molo w Sopocie) You simply cannot visit Sopot without taking a walk along its iconic wooden pier — the longest wooden pier in Europe, stretching over 500 meters into the sea. The feeling of walking out over the water, with the fresh sea breeze on your face and the sound of gulls overhead, is magical. From the end of the pier, the view back toward the town and the green hills beyond is postcard-perfect. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the light turns golden and the water sparkles.
There is a small entry fee in the high season, but it’s worth every penny. The pier is not just a walkway — it’s a place where people gather, where couples stroll hand in hand, where musicians sometimes play, and where you can just pause, breathe, and take it all in.
Monte Cassino Street (Ulica Bohaterów Monte Cassino) Sopot’s main pedestrian street is full of life at almost any time of day. Lined with cafés, restaurants, bars, and little shops, it’s the perfect place to wander without a plan. During the day, you can enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by. In the evening, it transforms into a lively social scene, with music drifting from open windows and terraces.
What I love is that it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly commercial. Sure, there are souvenir shops, but there are also local bakeries, artisan ice cream stands, and cozy bookstores. The famous Crooked House (Krzywy Domek) is right here too — an architectural curiosity that’s fun to see in person.
The Atmosphere Sopot has this wonderful balance — it’s lively without being chaotic, elegant without being pretentious. You’ll see well-dressed people heading to a concert at the Forest Opera, surfers carrying boards to the water, families building sandcastles, and older couples strolling arm in arm. Somehow, it all blends perfectly.
Even during the busiest summer months, you can step just a little off the main streets and find quiet corners with leafy parks, charming villas from the early 20th century, and hidden gardens. The town has a long history as a health and spa destination, and you can still sense that “wellness” vibe in the clean air, the sea views, and the many places offering spa treatments.
Food and Drink If you’re a food lover, Sopot won’t disappoint. Seafood is naturally a highlight — fresh Baltic herring, salmon, and cod appear in many dishes. I had one of the best fish soups of my life in a small, unpretentious restaurant just a few minutes from the beach. For a sweet treat, Polish waffles with whipped cream and fruit are a must-try, especially on a sunny afternoon.
The cafés here are excellent too — whether you want a quick espresso, a craft coffee, or a leisurely breakfast. And for those who...
Read moreSopot Pier (Molo w Sopocie) is one of the most iconic attractions on Poland’s Baltic coast and a must-visit if you’re in the Tricity area, but don’t expect stunning views or anything spectacular.
Stretching 511.5 meters into the Bay of Gdańsk, it holds the title of the longest wooden pier in Europe. Built in 1827, it has long served as both a recreational promenade and a mooring point for cruise boats.
A walk along the pier offers vast views of the sea, Sopot’s sandy beaches, and the historic Grand Hotel. The air at the end of the pier is said to have a higher concentration of iodine, making it popular for health walks. The pier also serves as a venue for public entertainment events and is a great spot for observing sailing competitions like the World Sailing Championship and the Baltic Windsurfing Cup.
At the far end, you’ll find a modern marina built in 2011, offering mooring for over 100 vessels. The marina has increased the attractiveness of the city and contributes to the protection of the pier against the destructive effects of waves and wind.
Entry to the pier is ticketed from late April through September, with a small fee (around 8–10 PLN for adults), but it’s free during the off-season and between 8 PM and 8 AM. The pier can get crowded in summer, so visiting early in the morning or during shoulder seasons offers a more peaceful experience.
The pier is easily accessible from Gdańsk by train, making it a convenient day trip. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll, family outing, or simply to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic views.
There are online and ticket machine options you can use to spare yourself the line at the main ticket station.
Bathrooms have fees so be prepared to hand over some cash if you find yourself in need while...
Read moreSopot’s pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe and Sopot is twinned with Southend which has the world’s longest pleasure pier. The cost of entry in Sopot is 10zls reduced to 8 if you are over 70. Southend pier has slightly more expensive entrance fee equal to 15zls or 10zls for concessions. It is 35zls if you want to ride the train out to the end of Southend pier. So Sopot pier is no different to piers in the UK where most require an entrance fee.
Nice walk to the end where there is a restaurant. We went to see if we could look across to Hel, but it was hazy and couldn’t spot it. Went there the next day on train from Sopot.
If you like boats there are lots of expensive ones to see in the marina. Good views back to the beach in Sopot.
Nice way to pass an hour or however long you fancy sitting out...
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