10 Amazing Things To Do in Sopot
Why not try a new destination in Poland?
For those who love exploring new places and experiencing exciting cultures, this small coastal town will leave you with plenty of memories that last forever! You’ll be able to stay right at the centre of action, whilst watching ships pass by and sipping on some ice cream (or both!).
And don’t forget about all these amazing beaches within walking distance from your hotel – they’re perfect spots for relaxation after an adventurous day spent exploring this modern coastal city!
1. Sopot Pier
The most popular attraction in Sopot is without a doubt its pier. With views of the beautiful Baltic Sea and Poland’s coastline, this wooden structure offers you some great photo opportunities that will make your trip worthwhile!
With one of longest piers and widest decks found on this side of Europe, you’ll never run out scenery while strolling along its length with stunning views to keep your eyes entertained at all times!
Built back 1827 when it first opened as just an ordinary wooden structure; by now there’s plenty more additions added including a lovely restaurant.
A stroll down will cost you around $2 but if peak season runs during April-September then expect prices tag up by 50%.
2. Sopot Lighthouse
If you are looking for an eye-catching landmark in the city, then look no further than Sopot Lighthouse. This building was originally built as part of a spa complex and not as lighthouse; but now it functions more like one with its stunning views from up on top that will leave your heart full!
The climb provides amazing picturesque scenes from east to west – make sure to take plenty of photos before reaching your destination so they can later recall how far you have come climbing these stairs.
3. Sopot Beach
Unfortunately, many people see Poland as less of a beach destination, but the city is home to more than 500 m of the Baltic Sea coast. In essence, the city boasts an array of sandy beaches. On hot summer days, Sopot beaches get really crowded. Note that the Baltic Sea can get a bit chilly, so swimming is sometimes for the brave at heart.
Top activities to do on the beach include participating in beach sports, taking a refreshing dip in the waters, enjoying a cup of ice cream while strolling along its shores, or relaxing with a chilled bottle of beer. Looking for a more serene, quieter atmosphere? Take a stroll further down the coast, and you’ll be miles away from the crowd.
Sopot beaches make a perfect spot to lounge in the sun. Want to participate in some water sports activities but not properly equipped? Not to worry, you’ll find lots of beach rental companies offering the gear required to make your time worthwhile.
4. Monte Casino Street
Welcome to one of the most famous pedestrian streets in Poland. Ulica Bohaterow Monte Casino got its name from the fallen heroes in the battle between Poland and German in the Second World War. Hardly will you hear locals call the street’s full name as its fondly called Monciak.
From here, you can easily reach anywhere in Sopot, thanks in part to its central location. Its popularity stems from the fact that it houses some of the most popular attractions in Sopot. Also, you’ll find more cafes, bars, stores, and restaurants here than any other main street in Poland.
This is the spot where all the actions in Sopot begin. If you visit during summer, the street is usually packed and crowded. And at night, the street comes alive with parties and music which sometimes last till the early hours of the next day.
5. Crooked House
Crooked House is perhaps the city’s most popular building. Locally known as Krzywy Domek, you can’t miss this stunning building as you stroll along Monte Casino Street. Built in 2004, Crooked House is designed by polish architects Szotyncsy & Zaleski.
More so, its considered the most photographed building in Sopot. Inside, you’ll find lots of stores, bars, restaurants, cafes, and a radio station.
For revelers and party goers, there’s a Dreamnightclub on the top floor where the party never stops till dawn. The main attraction is its unusual design with remarkably curved walls and windows. Don’t miss the wall of fame on the ground floor, which has signatures of popular celebrities in Poland.
6. Sopot Museum
Sopot museum is an interesting place to visit by culture and history enthusiasts. Sited in an early 20th-century mansion originally owned by the Claaszen family, the museum boasts interesting artifacts, and pictures documenting the city’s rich history as well as that of the Claaszen family.
On the lower floor, you’ll get an insight as to how the building looked at the time it was occupied by the Classzen family. Here you’ll find several family possessions including paintings, furniture, and kid’s toys. The second floor is home to temporary art exhibition which tells you more about the rich history of the city.
The museum is just a few miles away from the beach, and its leafy gardens make for a perfect spot to relax and unwind on a sunny day.
Wikimedia Commons / Jan Burnewicz
7. Forest Opera (Opera Lesna)
Sopot first rose to fame happened when it hosted the Soviet Bloc’s version of the Eurovision Song Contest. Take a step back in time to explore this iconic event venue – Opera Lesna. It is one of the most outstanding musical venues in Europe.
What makes this attraction more fascinating is its impressive scenery. The Forest Opera is located right in the heart of a thick forest, hence its name. The event center has been graced by some of the biggest shots in the music industry, including Whitney Houston, James Brown, Bryan Adams, Lionel Richie, Annie Lennox, Sir Elton John, Sting, and Backstreet Boys.
For sure, the outdoor venue plays host to many events year-round, but the biggest is the International Sopot Festival, which happens annually in August. The iconic event venue is open to visitors during the peak season – April to October. Inside, you can take a tour of the changing room, the backstage and, if possible, stand on the prestigious stage.
Taiyo Europe Wikimedia Commons
8. Church of St. George
Just as with every other Polish town, Sopot has its own fair share of religious sites. The most popular being the Garrison Church of St. George. Located at the top of Monte Cassino, the church was designed by Louis von Tiedemann of Potsdam.
The beautifully decorated interior features stunning stone, colorful modern stained-glass, and a statue of Virgin Mary. Right within square lies a Neo-Gothic chapel which is home to the statue of St. Adalbert. Church of St. George is a destination that should be on your bucket list of places to see.
Аимаина хикари Wikimedia Commons
9. Sopot Art Gallery
Sopot is home to lots of great artists and budding creatives. You might find street vendors selling beautiful paintings, but that’s nothing compared to the authentic and colorful artworks found in Sopot Art Gallery.
The gallery presents around 25 exhibitions of artworks annually. The State Art Gallery works in conjunction with other museums and galleries not only in Poland but also the world at large to bring you impressive works of arts by local and foreign artists alike.
The gallery is ranked as one of the best contemporary art galleries that call Poland home by Polityka magazine.
Here you’ll find works and paintings by renowned artists such as Jacek Malczewski, Alina Szapocznikow, Robert Kusmirowski, Katarzyna Kozyra, Artur Zmijewski, and Ivan Aivazovsky. The State Art Gallery holds art exhibitions and shows that cater to both young and old.
10. Aqua Park Sopot
Aqua Park Sopot is a popular family attraction where you can spend the day. It boasts several indoor and outdoor pools, games, waterslides, and other incredible facilities to keep everyone entertained.
Apart from the activities here, the park offers visitors an option to take care of their body at the Sauna and Spa World. On the lower floor is the bowling alley, which has 6 tracks, a snooker area, and a bar with snacks and drinks.
The onsite restaurant is the perfect place for fine dining. With its elegant atmosphere and delectable menu, you will not be disappointed!
Aquapark Sopot is the perfect place to enjoy family fun!
Where To Stay?
- Hotel offers elegant rooms with beautiful sea or park views, a private beach, and a wellness centre with an indoor heated pool, gym, massage parlour, sauna and hammam.
- Tourist love restaurant which serves Polish and international dishes.
- Private beach is just steps away from the hotel.
- Hotel Opera is the perfect place for couples looking to escape. Hotel feature elegant rooms and is close to the famous Forest Opera
- A varied buffet breakfast is served in a restaurant room with a garden view.
- Guests can enjoy a wide variety of massages performed by a qualified physiotherapist
- Mole Residence offers comfortable and affordable apartments just minutes away from the beach and all the action.
- Residence offer a range of services to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, from a continental breakfast to bicycle rental.
With cafes, bars, and restaurants scattered all over the city, this is a perfect destination for revelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The most popular time to visit Sopot is during the summer months. No doubt, there are lots of interesting destinations to visit around the world.
But one thing is sure Sopot has something more to offer compared to other European destinations!
9 Comments
Ian
I read your recent post on Poland and it was incredible and Sopot looks like another place I must visit. I really like the character and uniqueness of the area. Poland really seems to surprise me in many ways. I will surely consider this as a travel destination the next time I am in Europe.
Ian
Evelin
Just love that this blog is dedicated to everything Polish. As I haven’t’ been there before, I like reading other people’s stories and seeing their experiences through pictures and videos. Sopot Pier looks incredibly beautiful 🙂
Crooked House would be such a cool place to visit. Thanks for all the ideas. Now I know what to look for when I visit Poland!!
Rodarrick
For the love of beauty and nature, Sopot is simply a beauty to behold. I never would have thought that Poland is this much beautiful but I tell you that, this is really mentality changing. I love the serenity of this place and the various sires that have been mentioned as the things that could be done in Sopot are great and perfect. This place could be a perfect one for a summer vacation. Thanks
Stephanie
I was actually surprised at the fact that you have to pay for a pier. I mean, it isn’t expensive, but it’s still surprising to me. Lighthouses are really touristic and I’m glad you wrote about it. I personally love lighthouses just for the story behind them. I’ve also seen that a lot of them aren’t really functioning as well. I have to say though, the crooked house was my favorite place from all of the ones you listed.
Gomer
The Crooked House makes the best Facebook selfie one could ever make! If other places have a “leaning tower”, this one should really make the people of Sopot very proud. I’m sure, architects Szotyncsy & Zaleski are very proud of this piece of artwork. I will include this on my bucket list, hopefully, I’ll visit this place next year with my fiancee who happens to be an architect herself. For the selfie, we need to bring with us a phone with the best camera installed!
Cathy
I am particularly interested in the Aqua Park you mentioned. What cool infrastructure they have there. Kid-friendly pool, natural lit space and also a sauna. How I wish my local pool attraction has that! Poland is always one of my go-to places so thanks for putting this together. I’ll be sure to put this on my list the next time we are planning for the trip.
T.K.
This post was enlightening because I have never thought of Poland as a tourist destination. The picture of Monte Casino street is stunning; it looks like the coziest place in the world.
At first glance, the crooked house looks like a bad photoshop. I can’t believe that it is a real place; I think being able to see it in person would make the trip worthwhile.
Wayne
There are two things that I like to do in my spare time. One is to dream about places I would visit if money was no object and the other is looking at pictures of old-world architecture.
Poland would be another of those places on my bucket list to visit along with other parts of Europe for the simple reason that most people that live in North America either came from that part of the world or are direct descendants of those who came here. Poland is rich in history with many connections to many families that they may not even be aware of.
This seems like an excellent stop to make while visiting the country. Something I would love to include in my dream trip along with other countries in Europe and the British Isles. This could be the trip of a lifetime (6 months?).
Let the dream begin,
Wayne
Bartosz
Hi Wayne, this is a great idea, the trip of a lifetime for 6 months. I’m sure you will find a lot of interesting places in Poland, from gorgeous cities, medieval towns, fascinating architecture to incredible pieces of nature. This will be a fantastic adventure with everlasting memories.