The Backstory
Napoleon described Gdańsk as ‘the key to everything’ and history supports his claim. Hitler started the Second World War here, and it’s also where Communism collapsed during the famous shipyard strikes led by Lech Walesa. But the city’s influence on the world goes back further as a major port and trading center, and it’s full of architectural gems in the old town. This is a city that’s modern and forward-looking while simultaneously respecting its roots, reminding us that change is constant.
The Look & Feel
Not only is Gdańsk full of interesting history, it’s also stunningly beautiful, featuring rows of remarkable architecture. The lovely medieval buildings of the old city aren’t however exactly what they seem, having been painstakingly restored after nine-tenths were destroyed by the RAF and the Red Army in 1945, creating one of Poland’s most beautiful cities in an act of national pride.
Walk around the traffic-free Ulica Dluga (Long Street) and Dlugi Targ (Long Market) and you’ll see people sipping coffee in pavement cafés on the cobbled streets or strolling along the riverside promenade of Motława, lined with colourful buildings with ornate facades. On the other side is Granary Island, a revitalised area full of new restaurants and hotels with modern glass facades and wrap-around balconies. It’s an extraordinary mix of historic and contemporary that suits the city perfectly.
The Vibe
Gdańsk has all the makings of a classic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Alongside the history, it feels very modern and new and is one of the fastest-growing regions in Poland with medical and technical universities and an international work environment.
With a choice of hotels, venues, cultural attractions and a burgeoning regional food scene, Gdańsk is still relatively undiscovered, making it a great destination to surprise and delight delegates. Surrounded by the sea on one side and hills and green open spaces on the other, the city’s clean air contributes to a laid-back atmosphere and a feeling of openness.
It’s also a safe area for groups to travel to and for solo guests to wander around, though of course, it’s always important to follow common sense safety habits and remain vigilant against pickpockets in crowded areas. Most people speak English and there’s a liberal, welcoming atmosphere.
Why Gdańsk for Events
Gdansk is extremely well set up for those hosting business events. The city warmly welcomes tourists with its blend of historical allure, seaside location and amenities. English-speaking services across accommodations, venues, dining and activities cater to international visitors, making it easy to host events and get around, as reflected in Gdańsk’s recent jump up the ICCA country & city rankings to 17th position. Part of the Tricity area (together with Sopot and Gdynia), it offers triple the attraction of the usual city, and thanks to its position along the Baltic Sea, plenty of lovely beaches.
Venues & Spaces
European Solidarity Centre
Built on the site where the Solidarity movement, headed up by Lech Walesa, was born, this is a conference center with a heart. The striking building, just outside the Gdansk shipyards, is designed to look like a ship under construction and is clad with large rusty metal plates. Step inside and you’ll be struck by the airy and green atrium with its large array of plants. Alongside the museum and research center, there are 9 meeting spaces including the auditorium, and smaller spaces for conferences and workshops.
Amber Expo
Opposite the stunning Gdansk football stadium is one of Poland’s most state-of-the-art exhibition and convention centers. Equipped with sliding walls and dedicated lobbies, the 13,000 m² space can be divided to suit your event and comes with all the technical features required to host trade fairs, conventions, shows, and events, with 4 multimedia conference rooms for up to 546 participants.
Olivia Star
On top of the tallest building in northern Poland is a venue with 6-meter windows taking in the most beautiful view of the entire Tricity (Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia) and the Gulf of Gdansk. It’s a beautiful space for 350 people and can be rented in its entirety or as 3 separate rooms and is perfect for conferences or gala dinners – though there are also 4 restaurants, 3 bars, an outdoor terrace and a tropical garden to choose from too.
The Wellbeing
The city’s coastal beauty, with access to stunning beaches and a scenic waterfront along the Motława River, means there’s plenty of blue space for a relaxed vibe and it’s easy to add some downtime into your event schedule. Consider a day trip to the coast at Sopot with its massive wooden pier and long sweeping beaches, providing plenty of opportunities for water-based activities for groups or a stay-over at one of the spa hotels.
Hotels & Accommodation
Radisson Hotel & Suites
Located on Granary Island, a brief stroll to the Old Town, the Radisson Hotel is a great choice for business events and travellers, featuring 7 floors with 341 rooms, many of which have balcony views over the river, and 9 meeting rooms including a 1000 square-meter meeting space for up to 800 guests that can be configured for different needs.
Sopot Marriott Resort & Spa
The design is sleek and modern, featuring lots of natural materials and soft colors and is a great space to relax, directly by the sea. It comes with 3 meeting rooms with a capacity for up to 210 plus a rooftop terrace. It’s a great place to wind down after a conference or event with a wide choice of spa treatments and opportunities to get outdoors.
The Sustainability
Gdańsk has recently joined the GDS-Index, testament to how seriously they are taking their sustainable development. The city is easy to get around on foot and the tram and train infrastructure is very good, but it is also a cycle-friendly city with over 850km of bike paths and plans to create more. Its post-shipyard areas have been revitalised, creating new areas and appealing spots with outdoor music venues, pop-up restaurants, and artist studios that reduce crowds in the city center, ensuring a more balanced experience for locals and visitors. Many of the hotels and venues have introduced sustainability measures, and the city has significantly reduced plastic usage through the ‘Gdańsk without plastic’ project which has been running since 2019.
Food & Drink
Polish cuisine has a unique set of flavors and dishes, many of which can be discovered through the ‘Tastes of Gdańsk’ experience which recreates traditional 19th-century dishes and promotes local culture. The city is also forward-looking in its gastronomy, as reflected by the Michelin Guide’s decision to expand its restaurant selection to include the Pomorskie Region. Locally sourced ingredients and vegetable-forward menus are becoming the norm. If you’re looking for an after-dark buzz, head to the food trucks of Elektrykow Street in the shipyard area or discover the PG4 Brewery, home to Jopen beer made from a 15th-century recipe.
10 Unique Incentive Activities in Gdansk
- Enjoy amazing street art in Zaspa
- Build a boat at the beach before taking a RIB back to the city center
- Talk a walking tour and admire the views over the city from St. Mary’s Church, a gothic masterpiece
- See the alternative side of Gdansk at the shipyard
- Take a food tour in Gdynia, a former fishing village
- Visit the European Solidarity Center
- Kayak along the Motława and see the Old Town from the water
- Have a cruise on a galleon-style ship
- Take a bike tour out into the forest
- Go back to the Middle Ages with a guided tour through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the medieval castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, the largest brick castle in Europe
How to Get There
Gdańsk is easily accessible by plane (direct flights from Stansted or transfer in Germany from Heathrow or Gatwick) as well as numerous rail connections across Europe and ferry connections with Scandinavian countries. It’s also possible to travel by train from the UK to Poland, though we recommend combining it with a stop-over or two for a dual-destination event experience. Take the Eurostar from London to Brussels, then connect down to Berlin before transferring on to Gdańsk.
Interested in learning more about hosting business events or incentive trips in Gdańsk? Reach out to the Evolve Events team today. We possess the experience and local knowledge to assist you with venue finding, activities and logistics to create unforgettable experiences.
TEL : 020 7610 2808 – EMAIL : anna@evolve-events.com