Best Neighborhoods in Gdansk for Expats 2026

Q: What is the cheapest neighborhood in Gdansk for expats?

Letnica and Zaspa offer the lowest rents in central-ish Gdansk, with rooms in shared apartments starting from around 1,100 PLN per month. Przymorze is also affordable at 1,200 PLN and adds the bonus of beach proximity. Among well-connected neighborhoods, Wrzeszcz offers the best value-to-convenience ratio.

Q: Should I live in Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia?

It depends on your priorities. Gdansk offers the most diverse neighborhood choices and lower rents. Sopot is smaller, more resort-like, and ideal for beach lifestyle -- but more expensive. Gdynia is modern, practical, and popular with tech workers. The SKM train connects all three in under 30 minutes, so you can live in one and work in another.

Q: Is Gdansk good for remote workers and digital nomads?

Yes. Gdansk offers affordable rents, reliable internet, a growing cafe culture (especially in Wrzeszcz and the Old Town), and the unique lifestyle benefit of Baltic Sea beach access. The city has several coworking spaces, and the TriCity offers enough variety to prevent the restlessness that smaller cities sometimes create. See our digital nomad guide to Poland for more.

Q: Which Gdansk neighborhood has the best public transit?

Wrzeszcz has the best overall transit connectivity, with an SKM station, multiple tram lines, and bus routes converging at its center. Stare Miasto is also well-served via Gdansk Glowny station and tram connections. Oliwa benefits from its SKM station but has fewer local tram options. Letnica and Zaspa have weaker transit access.

Q: Is Gdansk safe for international residents?

Yes, Gdansk is very safe by European standards. All six neighborhoods in this guide are safe for daily life. Standard city precautions apply -- be aware of your surroundings at night, particularly in less-developed areas of Letnica. Tourist areas in Stare Miasto may attract pickpockets during peak season.

Q: How does living near the beach affect daily life in Gdansk?

Coastal living in Gdansk means access to beaches from late May through September, year-round seaside walks, and a distinct maritime atmosphere. Neighborhoods like Przymorze and Oliwa offer walking or cycling distance to the beach. However, Baltic winters are grey and windy, so beach access is primarily a summer advantage.

Q: How can Domkaspot help me find housing in Gdansk?

Domkaspot uses personality-based matching to connect you with compatible flatmates and verified apartments across Gdansk and the TriCity. Set your preferences for budget, neighborhood, and lifestyle, and our algorithm finds your best matches. All listings are verified, reducing scam risk. Start browsing Gdansk apartments .

Domkaspot Editorial

Mar 1, 2026•16 min read

Best Neighborhoods in Gdansk for Expats 2026

Introduction: Living in Gdansk and the TriCity

Gdansk is unlike any other Polish city. Situated on the Baltic coast, this historic port city of 470,000 residents is part of the TriCity (Trojmiasto) -- a connected metropolitan area that includes neighboring Sopot and Gdynia, collectively home to over 750,000 people. The three cities are linked by the SKM commuter rail, which runs every few minutes and means that living in one city while working or socializing in another is entirely practical.

For international residents, this creates a unique housing situation: your neighborhood choice is not limited to Gdansk alone. A flat in Oliwa might put you closer to the beach than one in Stare Miasto. An apartment in Wrzeszcz might offer a better commute to a Gdynia-based office than anything in central Gdansk. Understanding the TriCity dynamic is essential to choosing well.

This guide covers the best neighborhoods in Gdansk for expats in 2026: Stare Miasto (Old Town), Wrzeszcz, Oliwa, Przymorze, Letnica, and Zaspa. For each, we provide average rents, transit access via SKM and trams, pros and cons, and guidance on who each area suits best.

Ready to explore? Browse apartments in Gdansk on Domkaspot or find flatmates in Gdansk through our personality-based matching.

Gdansk Neighborhood Comparison at a Glance

Here is a side-by-side overview of the six Gdansk neighborhoods covered in this guide. Rent figures reflect average monthly costs for a room in a shared apartment as of early 2026.

Neighborhood	Avg. Room Rent (PLN/mo)	Vibe	Transit Score	Expat-Friendliness	Best For
Stare Miasto	1,700 - 2,400	Historic, tourist-heavy, charming	8/10	Very High	Students, history buffs, social expats
Wrzeszcz	1,400 - 2,000	Urban, diverse, practical	9/10	High	Young professionals, students, families
Oliwa	1,300 - 1,900	Green, academic, peaceful	7/10	Medium-High	Academics, nature lovers, families
Przymorze	1,200 - 1,700	Residential, coastal, affordable	7/10	Medium	Budget seekers, beach lovers
Letnica	1,100 - 1,600	Gentrifying, stadium area, emerging	6/10	Medium	Value seekers, adventurous expats
Zaspa	1,100 - 1,600	Brutalist, spacious, quiet	7/10	Medium	Budget seekers, mural lovers, families

Stare Miasto (Old Town): Gdansk's Postcard-Perfect Center

Gdansk's Stare Miasto is one of the most visually stunning Old Towns in Europe. Painstakingly rebuilt after World War II destroyed over 90% of the city center, it features colorful merchant houses along Dluga Street and Dlugi Targ (Long Market), the medieval Gdansk Crane on the Motlawa River, and the soaring Gothic St. Mary's Church. Walking its cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a Hanseatic painting.

For expats, Stare Miasto offers an incomparable setting -- but it comes with trade-offs. The area is heavily tourist-oriented, especially during summer and the annual St. Dominic's Fair (Jarmark Sw. Dominika). Living here means accepting tourist foot traffic alongside genuine urban charm.

Average Rent

A room in a shared apartment ranges from 1,700 to 2,400 PLN per month (395-555 EUR). Studios start at around 2,600 PLN. These are the highest rents in Gdansk, though still 20-30% below equivalent Warsaw neighborhoods.

Pros

Stunning historic setting: one of Europe's most beautiful city centers
Walkable to restaurants, bars, museums, theaters, and the waterfront
Strong international tourist infrastructure means English is widely spoken
SKM station Gdansk Glowny nearby for TriCity connections
Active cultural calendar: concerts, festivals, art exhibitions year-round
Excellent tram and bus connectivity to other Gdansk districts

Cons

Highest rents in Gdansk -- premium pricing for the location
Tourist crowds are significant from May through September and during Christmas markets
Weekend noise from bars and restaurants, especially along Dluga and the waterfront
Older buildings: limited elevators, challenging heating in winter
Parking is scarce and expensive -- car ownership is impractical here
Can feel like living in a tourist attraction rather than a neighborhood

Best For

Erasmus students at the University of Gdansk, social expats who love history and waterfront living, and anyone who values walkability above all else. If the charm of living in a Gothic-Renaissance streetscape outweighs the tourist trade-offs, Stare Miasto is magnetic. Find flatmates in Gdansk to make Old Town living affordable.

Wrzeszcz: Gdansk's Best All-Round Neighborhood

Wrzeszcz (pronounced roughly 'v-ZHESHCH') is widely considered the best neighborhood in Gdansk for everyday living. Located west of the Old Town, it functions as a secondary city center with its own shopping streets, restaurants, parks, and cultural venues. The district is anchored by the busy ulica Grunwaldzka, Gdansk's main commercial artery, and is home to Gdansk University of Technology and Gdansk Medical University.

What makes Wrzeszcz special is its transit connectivity. The SKM commuter rail station (Wrzeszcz) provides fast connections to Gdansk Old Town (7 minutes), Sopot (7 minutes), and Gdynia (20 minutes), making it the ideal base for anyone who works or socializes across the TriCity.

Average Rent

Room rentals range from 1,400 to 2,000 PLN per month (325-460 EUR). Studios start at approximately 2,200 PLN. Wrzeszcz offers a strong balance between affordability and central-city convenience.

Pros

Best transit hub in the TriCity: SKM, trams, and buses all converge at Wrzeszcz
7 minutes by SKM to both Gdansk Old Town and Sopot beach
Strong local infrastructure: Galeria Baltycka shopping center, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets
Home to two major universities -- vibrant student population and social scene
Good mix of pre-war architecture, socialist-era blocks, and modern apartments
Growing cafe and dining scene, especially around Garnizon (a repurposed military complex)

Cons

Ulica Grunwaldzka is noisy and congested -- apartments directly on this road suffer from traffic noise
Less picturesque than Stare Miasto -- functional rather than charming
Can feel crowded, especially around the university campuses during term time
Parking is difficult during business hours
Nightlife is more limited than in the Old Town or Sopot

Best For

Young professionals, students at Gdansk University of Technology, anyone working across the TriCity, and expats who prioritize practical daily living over scenic charm. Wrzeszcz is the pragmatist's choice -- excellent connectivity, good value, and everything you need within walking distance. It is the neighborhood we most frequently recommend to newcomers.

Oliwa: Academic Calm and Park Life

Oliwa, located in the northwestern part of Gdansk, is a district of contrasts: a medieval Cistercian cathedral, a stunning 18th-century park, the University of Gdansk campus, and quiet residential streets lined with old trees. It is one of Gdansk's most pleasant districts for daily life, offering a village-like atmosphere that belies its proximity to the busy TriCity corridor.

The Oliwa Cathedral, famous for its baroque organ and regular concerts, anchors the district. Park Oliwski, with its botanical garden and peacock population, is one of the finest urban parks in northern Poland. The University of Gdansk's main campus sits at the edge of Oliwa, contributing a student population that keeps local cafes and shops lively.

Average Rent

Rooms in shared apartments range from 1,300 to 1,900 PLN per month (300-440 EUR). Studios start at about 2,100 PLN. Prices are moderate, reflecting the excellent quality of life but slightly less convenient transit position compared to Wrzeszcz.

Pros

Beautiful green spaces: Park Oliwski, Oliwa forests, and proximity to the Tricity Landscape Park
SKM station Oliwa provides direct connections along the TriCity corridor
Peaceful residential atmosphere with a strong community feel
University of Gdansk campus -- ideal for academic staff and students
Oliwa Cathedral concerts and cultural events add character
Close to the beach (10-15 minutes by bike to Jelitkowo beach)

Cons

Quieter nightlife -- entertainment requires traveling to Wrzeszcz, Old Town, or Sopot
SKM journey to Gdansk Old Town takes 15-20 minutes (longer than from Wrzeszcz)
Fewer restaurants and international dining options than central districts
Housing stock is predominantly older -- fewer modern apartments
Some parts of Oliwa feel isolated, particularly those further from the SKM station

Best For

Academic staff and students at the University of Gdansk, nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful home base with good green space access. Oliwa is the district for expats who want to decompress after work in a park or forest rather than a bar. Find compatible flatmates through Domkaspot to share Oliwa's beautiful spaces.

Przymorze: Affordable Coastal Living

Przymorze sits along Gdansk's northern coastline, between Oliwa and Zaspa. The district is dominated by large socialist-era housing blocks -- not the most photogenic architecture, but offering surprisingly spacious apartments at affordable prices. Its defining feature is proximity to Gdansk's beaches: the Brzezno and Jelitkowo beach areas are within walking distance.

For expats who prioritize beach access and affordability over architectural charm, Przymorze represents strong value. The buildings have been progressively renovated, and the area has a settled, community-oriented character that newer developments often lack.

Average Rent

Room rentals range from 1,200 to 1,700 PLN per month (280-395 EUR). Studios start at approximately 1,900 PLN. The affordability-to-beach-proximity ratio is among the best in the TriCity.

Pros

Walking distance to Gdansk's beaches (10-20 minutes to sand)
Affordable rents with spacious apartments in renovated blocks
Good tram connections to Wrzeszcz and the broader TriCity
Established neighborhood with supermarkets, schools, and basic services
Community-oriented atmosphere with a settled residential feel
Ergo Arena (major event venue) and Olivia Business Centre nearby

Cons

Socialist-era architecture lacks charm -- concrete blocks dominate the skyline
No direct SKM station -- tram or bus connections required for TriCity travel
Limited dining and nightlife within the district
Can feel monotonous visually compared to more characterful neighborhoods
Smaller expat community -- fewer English-speaking services

Best For

Beach lovers on a budget, families wanting spacious apartments near the coast, and anyone who values proximity to the sea over urban aesthetics. Przymorze is the practical coastal choice -- not glamorous, but delivering genuine beach lifestyle at a fraction of Sopot prices.

Letnica: Gdansk's Emerging District

Letnica is Gdansk's most intriguing neighborhood story. Located east of the city center, near the PGE Arena Gdansk (the stadium built for Euro 2012), Letnica was long one of the city's most neglected areas. But significant investment surrounding the stadium, new residential developments, and a growing trickle of adventurous renters are slowly transforming the district.

In 2026, Letnica remains a work in progress. Some streets are renovated and attractive; others are clearly still awaiting investment. For expats willing to be early movers in a gentrifying district -- and who have done their homework on specific streets -- Letnica offers some of the best value in Gdansk.

Average Rent

Room rentals range from 1,100 to 1,600 PLN per month (255-370 EUR). Studios in newer developments start at around 1,800 PLN. These are among the lowest rents in central-ish Gdansk.

Pros

Very affordable rents -- among the cheapest in central Gdansk
New residential developments offer modern apartments at budget prices
Proximity to PGE Arena and new commercial developments
Growing investment and infrastructure improvements
Close to the Motlawa River and waterfront development areas
Potential for rental value appreciation as the area develops

Cons

Gentrification is uneven -- quality varies dramatically from street to street
Limited dining, shopping, and entertainment options within the district
Transit connections to the center are less frequent than in western districts
Smaller expat community and fewer English-speaking services
Some areas still feel neglected and can be intimidating at night
The stadium area can be noisy during match days and events

Best For

Value-seeking expats willing to pioneer a developing neighborhood, young professionals who work nearby, and anyone interested in being part of a genuine neighborhood transformation story. Letnica is not for those who want a polished, ready-made living experience -- it rewards adventurous spirits who do their research on specific streets and buildings.

Zaspa: Brutalist Architecture and Mural Art

Zaspa is one of Gdansk's most visually distinctive districts -- a vast housing estate of tall concrete panel blocks built in the 1970s and 1980s, now famous for its extraordinary collection of large-scale murals. The Zaspa Mural Trail has turned what was once a dreary socialist housing project into an open-air gallery, attracting art tourists and giving the district a unique identity.

Behind the murals, Zaspa is a practical, well-organized residential district with wide green spaces between buildings, good infrastructure, and surprisingly pleasant daily living conditions. The blocks are spacious by Polish standards, with many apartments offering 50-70 square meters -- sizes that would cost a fortune in the Old Town.

Average Rent

Rooms in shared apartments range from 1,100 to 1,600 PLN per month (255-370 EUR). Studios start at approximately 1,800 PLN. Similar to Letnica, Zaspa offers strong value, with the added bonus of better-maintained common areas and green spaces.

Pros

Affordable rents with spacious apartments in solid concrete-panel buildings
Unique character: Zaspa Mural Trail makes the district visually fascinating
Wide green spaces between buildings -- parks, playgrounds, and walking paths
Good tram connections to Wrzeszcz (10 minutes) and the broader TriCity
Close to Olivia Business Centre -- convenient for office workers in northern Gdansk
Established neighborhood with schools, supermarkets, and community infrastructure

Cons

Brutalist architecture is polarizing -- not everyone enjoys living in panel blocks
Limited dining and nightlife -- entertainment options are basic
No direct SKM station -- relies on tram and bus connections
Expat community is small -- fewer English-speaking services
Buildings, while well-maintained, are aging and may have thermal efficiency issues
Can feel monotonous despite the murals -- residential functionality over charm

Best For

Budget-conscious expats who appreciate unique architectural character, families wanting spacious apartments with green surroundings, and art lovers drawn to the mural scene. Zaspa is the anti-Instagram neighborhood -- it does not photograph as well as Stare Miasto, but it lives better than you might expect. Browse Gdansk apartments on Domkaspot to explore Zaspa options.

Understanding the TriCity: Living Beyond Gdansk

This means a Gdansk resident can be on Sopot beach in 15 minutes or in Gdynia's harbor area in 30 minutes. Many expats live in Gdansk (lower rents) but socialize in Sopot (nightlife, beach bars) and work in Gdynia (tech companies, port businesses).

A monthly SKM+ZTM combined pass covering all three cities costs approximately 120 PLN (about 28 EUR), making cross-city commuting extremely affordable.

If you are considering the broader TriCity area, check our full Gdansk expat guide for more details on living across the metropolitan region.

Route	SKM Travel Time	Frequency
Gdansk Glowny to Sopot	15 min	Every 5-10 min (peak)
Gdansk Glowny to Gdynia Glowna	30 min	Every 5-10 min (peak)
Wrzeszcz to Sopot	7 min	Every 5-10 min (peak)
Wrzeszcz to Gdynia Glowna	20 min	Every 5-10 min (peak)
Oliwa to Sopot	5 min	Every 5-10 min (peak)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest neighborhood in Gdansk for expats?

Should I live in Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia?

Is Gdansk good for remote workers and digital nomads?

Which Gdansk neighborhood has the best public transit?

Is Gdansk safe for international residents?

How does living near the beach affect daily life in Gdansk?

How can Domkaspot help me find housing in Gdansk?

Conclusion: Your TriCity Home Starts Here

Gdansk offers a living experience unlike any other Polish city -- Baltic coast access, Hanseatic history, TriCity connectivity, and rents that remain genuinely affordable by European standards. Whether you choose the historic charm of Stare Miasto, the practical excellence of Wrzeszcz, the green calm of Oliwa, or the emerging energy of Letnica, you are choosing a city that rewards international residents with quality of life and cultural richness.

The TriCity advantage means your options extend beyond Gdansk itself. With SKM connecting you to Sopot's beach bars and Gdynia's tech scene in minutes, your neighborhood choice opens up an entire metropolitan lifestyle.

Find the right flatmates and housing with Domkaspot. Our matching algorithm connects you with compatible roommates and verified apartments across Gdansk's best neighborhoods. Save money, build social connections, and find your home in the TriCity.

Find flatmates in Gdansk | Browse Gdansk apartments | Search all cities

Find Housing in Gdansk