Golden beaches, cheap pints and underground clubs built in old bunkers – Gdansk is quietly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting stag do destinations for 2026.
According to Tomasz Cichomski, CEO of staghero.com, the biggest organiser of stag do trips to Poland and one of Europe leading stag specialists, the Tricity (Gdansk–Sopot–Gdynia) has gone from “hidden gem” to “serious contender” for UK stag groups in just a few years.
Tomasz says: “Five years ago everyone asked about Prague and Krakow. Now, a huge share of our enquiries are for Gdansk. You get Old Town nightlife, a proper beach resort in Sopot, Baltic boat parties and prices that are still way below Western Europe. For 2026, Gdansk is the dark horse destination that smart organizers are choosing.”
He adds: “Gdansk is perfect for groups who want more than just bars. You can do a vodka tasting in the Old Town, hit a bunker club at 2 AM, and be on the sand in Sopot the next afternoon. It’s a stag do and a mini beach holiday in one.”
Whether it’s a pub crawl through cobbled streets, a private party boat on the Motława River or VIP tables in Sopot’s beach clubs, staghero.com’s Gdansk Stag Do Guide covers every angle.
Why Gdansk Is Booming After Covid
After travel reopened, something interesting happened: UK groups started looking beyond the usual suspects. Cheap flights to Gdansk, a compact airport, and the promise of “beach plus city” made the Tricity region explode in popularity.
Tomasz explains:“Post‑Covid, people wanted fresh destinations. They’d ‘done’ Prague and Barcelona. Gdansk came out of nowhere for many of them – colourful Old Town, beach bars in Sopot, strong nightlife, and prices that still feel like Eastern Europe, not Western. Once a few groups went and posted on socials, the demand snowballed.”
He sees a clear trend in 2006: “Right now, a lot of groups who’d normally go to Prague are splitting: first stag in Krakow, second in Gdansk. The feedback is almost always the same – ‘Didn’t expect it to be this good, and the beach was a game changer.’”
What Does a Gdansk Stag Weekend Actually Cost?
Good news for organizers: Gdansk is still excellent value and …even better than before. Many local stag companies that organise Gdansk Stag Weekends like corpoland.com, a local well established expert stag do company, now charge equal prices for tourists and locals, which until recently was unheard of.
Accommodation
Realistic room prices per night for 2025/2026:
- Hostels: roughly 10–30 EUR per person in dorms
- Budget hotels: about 40–100 EUR per double room
- Mid‑range hotels: 80–150 EUR per double room
- Upscale hotels: 150–300 EUR+ per room
Many stag‑friendly providers put groups in Old Town or very close by, with 3–4‑star hotels often available for around 100 EUR per room outside the absolute peak summer weeks.
Tomasz’s take: “For stag groups, the sweet spot is usually good 3–4‑star hotels in or near the Old Town. You’re walking distance to bars, you’ve got proper breakfast in the morning, and you’re not paying Western Europe prices. In low and mid season, you can get very smart rooms for what you’d pay for a Travelodge in the UK.”
Food and Drink
Gdansk isn’t as rock‑bottom cheap as it was 10 years ago, but it’s still friendly compared to the UK and most of Western Europe:
- Pints in many central bars: roughly 2–4 EUR, often less away from the main tourist
- Basic restaurant meals: around 7–12 EUR
- Vodka shots in local bars: usually 1–3 EUR depending on brand and location
“People are usually surprised how far their bar budget goes,” Tomasz says. “You can sit in a really good Old Town bar, drink decent beer and cocktails, and the bill at the end of the night is still softer than in Leeds or London.”
Activities
Package providers in Gdansk typically offer:
- Pub crawls and guided bar nights
- Shooting ranges
- Party and booze cruises
- Casino nights
- Go‑karting, paintball, escape rooms
- VIP club entry in Gdansk and Sopot
- Strip party buses and limos
Prices vary by season and inclusions, but as a guide:
- Pub crawls / nightlife tours: often around 25–60 EUR per person
- Boat parties / booze cruises: usually 40–60 EUR per person
- Shooting, karting and similar: from around 40–80 EUR per head
- Airport party bus, limo, strip hummer etc.: often sold per event from a few hundred EUR total
Tomasz sums it up:
“A well‑planned Gdansk stag – 2 or 3 nights in a decent hotel, at least one big activity, one structured nightlife evening – usually lands around 200–350 EUR per person excluding flights. You can push it lower with hostels and fewer extras, or blow the budget with limos and bottle service. The flexibility is a big part of the appeal.”
When Is the Best Time to Stag in Gdansk?
The question that comes up constantly: when should we go?
Summer (June–August)
This is Gdansk and Sopot at full power.
- Beach clubs and bars are open and buzzing
- Baltic sunsets and long evenings
- Outdoor terraces in Old Town rammed till late
Downsides: flights and hotels go up, Sopot especially can feel busy on weekends.
Tomasz: “If your group wants that ‘lads at the seaside’ feeling – beach during the day, clubs at night – summer is unbeatable. Just accept you’ll pay a bit more and book earlier.”
Late Spring & Early Autumn (May, September)
Often the best value vs atmosphere mix.
- Weather usually still decent
- Less crowding than peak summer
- Better deals on hotels and activities
“May and September are brilliant for budget‑conscious groups,” says Tomasz. “You still get terraces, boat trips and decent temperatures, but you’re not fighting over hotel rooms or club tables with half of Scandinavia.”
Winter & Early Spring
More of a city‑break stag feel:
- No beach life, but Old Town bars and clubs still going strong
- Christmas markets and winter vibes around December
- Strong accommodation deals outside holidays
Tomasz notes:
“In winter, we lean more on shooting, escape rooms, vodka tastings, casino nights and bunker clubs. It’s cosy, cheaper, and ideal for groups that care more about nightlife and value than lying on a beach.”
Where to Stay in Gdansk (as a Stag Group)
As in Krakow, location beats luxury.
Old Town / Śródmieście
This is the number one choice for most stag groups:
- You’re close to Piwna Street and surrounding nightlife
- Short walks to restaurants, craft cocktail bars and main clubs
- Easy transfers to Sopot by taxi or SKM train
Budget hostels, apartments and hotels all cluster around here. Many “stag‑friendly” hotels accept groups as long as they behave and don’t trash rooms.
Tomasz advises:
“If your main plan is bars and clubs in Gdansk, stay in or near the Old Town. You’ll walk everywhere, and it’s much easier to keep the group together. It also keeps your Uber bills under control.”
Sopot
Sopot is the beach resort part of the Tricity – pier, beach clubs, fancy bars.
- Perfect for groups who want to be right by the sea
- Strong nightlife in high season, a bit quieter off‑season
- Quick SKM connection back to Gdansk if needed
Tomasz:
“We often build hybrid weekends: two nights in Gdansk Old Town and a big night out in Sopot, or vice versa. If your guys are beach people, basing yourselves in Sopot and visiting Gdansk for one evening works very well.”
Getting There and Around: Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport
Gdansk’s airport is just outside the city and well‑connected, but there are a few traps to avoid.
Airport → City
Options include:
- Taxi / Uber: around 30–40 minutes to Old Town depending on traffic. Typical fair‑priced rides are roughly 60–100 PLN (approx. 12–20 EUR).
- Bus (e.g. 210): connects the airport to Gdansk, with onward trams/trains if needed; around 45–60 minutes overall.
- Private minibus / stag transfer: pre‑booked vans, party buses, limos, strip hummers etc. – ideal for bigger groups.
There have been reports of taxi scams from the airport, mainly unlicensed or dishonest drivers quoting inflated fares.
Tomasz’s blunt advice: “Gdansk airport is your first contact with Eastern European scammers – stay switched on. Use Uber, reputable companies or a pre‑booked transfer. Or let us organise a minibus or party bus so the lads walk out, meet the guide and go straight to the hotel without any drama.”
Nightlife in Gdansk: Real Places, Real Vibes
Gdansk’s nightlife stands on its own, but when you include nearby Sopot and Gdynia, it becomes a full‑blown shoreline party playground.
Old Town Gdansk – Bars, Bunkers and Cocktails
Key streets: Piwna, Dluga, and surrounding lanes.
Some real‑world spots stag groups love:
- Bunkier Club – multi‑level club in a former military bunker, with a gritty, industrial vibe and late‑night crowds.
- Parlament Club – big, mainstream club with a large dancefloor and commercial music; good for “one big night out” energy.
- Miasto Aniołów – bar–club hybrid on the Motława riverfront; stylish interior, popular with mixed local and tourist crowd.
- Flisak 76 – highly rated cocktail bar with speakeasy style and serious mixology.
- Winston Bar – relaxed bar with strong reviews for atmosphere, good for earlier in the evening.
- Józef K / No To Cyk – quirky, artsy bars with Polish vodka, craft drinks and a more alternative local crowd.
Staghero’s CEO says:“What surprises most stag groups is how varied Gdansk nightlife is. You can start in a high‑end cocktail bar like Flisak 76, then end up at 3 AM in Bunkier, dancing in a concrete bunker with locals who’ve been coming there for years. It doesn’t feel like a tacky tourist strip – it feels like a real city that just happens to party hard.”
Sopot – The Beach & Club Strip
Sopot is your beach resort hit:
- Promenade and pier area full of bars and restaurants
- Big clubs with commercial music and international DJs
- Perfect setting for VIP table packages and big bottle nights
Many stag products include VIP Sopot club entry, with skip‑the‑line access and reserved tables.
“Think of Sopot as your ‘dress up a bit, one big night’ spot,” Tomasz explains. “Gdansk Old Town is great for bar‑hopping and mixed crowds. Sopot is where you hit the beach clubs, book a table, maybe arrive in a limo, and go full Baltic Riviera.”
Gdansk Stag Activities: More Than Just Drinking
The Gdansk area offers a full catalogue of stag activities, with some strong Baltic twists.
Core Stag Staples
- Go‑karting – indoor and outdoor tracks for head‑to‑head racing
- Shooting ranges – live ammo with handguns and rifles under supervision
- Paintball & airsoft – outdoor fields around the Tricity
- Escape rooms – handy for winter or hangover days
- Vodka tastings – structured sessions in local bars, trying regional styles and learning traditions
Tomasz: “These classics work here just like they do in Krakow – the difference is you can mix them with coastal stuff: boat parties, beach games, Sopot nights. That combination is what sells Gdansk.”
Baltic‑Flavoured Experiences
Real examples from current offers:
- Private boat parties / booze cruises on the Motława or out towards the Bay of Gdansk – with onboard music, drinks and sometimes dancers.
- Party bus and strip hummer transfers – start the party the moment you land or move between Gdansk and Sopot in full stag style.
- VIP club nights in Gdansk and Sopot – reserved tables, bottle service, local guides.
- Casino nights – organised evenings in licensed casinos with chips and sometimes open bar packages.
- Dwarf / prank events – e.g. stag “kidnapping” with a guide, or dwarf‑themed pranks combined with open bar and strip shows.
“We organize a lot of boat parties in Gdansk,” Tomasz explains. “It’s a brilliant reset between nights out. You’re on the water, music’s playing, the views of the shipyards and Old Town are unique, and the group is together in one place. For many groups, the boat is the moment everyone says: ‘Yeah, this was worth the trip.’”
Is Gdansk Safe for a Stag Do?
Gdansk is generally considered safe for travellers, including stag groups, with crime rates similar to or lower than many Western European cities.
Common‑sense rules still apply:
- Watch belongings in crowded tourist areas – pickpockets exist around Old Town and the waterfront.
- Avoid walking alone in quiet or unlit areas very late at night.
- Use licensed taxis or ride‑hailing apps to get home from clubs.
Tomasz is clear:
“Gdansk isn’t some lawless spot. It’s a normal European city with trams, families, students. If your group behaves, uses proper transport and doesn’t go looking for trouble, it’s absolutely fine. The ‘risk’ is more about taxi overcharging or losing wallets than serious violence.”
Additional safety tips from local and travel guidance:
- Pre‑book transfers or know which bus (e.g. N3 or 210 at certain times) and stops to use if you rely on public transport.
- Stick to busier routes and times when using public transport.
- Be careful with strangers who approach the group offering “special clubs” or “cheap rides”.
Practical Advice for Stag Organisers (Gdansk Edition)
Before You Go
- Lock in accommodation and flights early if aiming for June–August – Sopot especially fills up fast.
- Choose your base: all‑in Old Town, beach‑heavy Sopot, or a mix.
- Decide the “big ticket” moments: boat party, VIP club night, party bus, or shooting – then build the weekend around those.
- Collect money in advance – using split‑payment systems or instalments avoids you covering mates’ contributions. Many stag agencies now let each guest pay directly.
Tomasz recommends a simple structure:
“Pick one daytime flagship activity, one organized nightlife evening with a guide, and leave one night more flexible. That gives structure without feeling like a school trip.”
While You’re There
- Use a WhatsApp group to share meeting points, bar names and times – especially when moving between Gdansk and Sopot.
- Nominate a “sensible one” each night to stay a bit more sober and handle taxis, payments and emergencies.
- Don’t over‑schedule day two after a heavy first night – vodka and bunker clubs hit harder than expected.
Common Questions About Gdansk Stag Dos (Answered by Tomasz)
“Gdansk or Sopot – which is better to stay in?”
Tomasz:
“It depends what you want. If your group mainly cares about bars, restaurants and mixed nightlife, base yourselves in Gdansk Old Town and do at least one big night in Sopot. If the lads are big on beach, sunbathing and seaside bars, Sopot is great – then you can come into Gdansk for one ‘city’ evening. For most UK groups, Old Town Gdansk with a Sopot night is the ideal combo.”
“Is Gdansk actually cheaper than a UK city break?”
Tomasz:
“Yes, for most things. Accommodation can be very good value if you book early and share rooms. Bar prices are typically below UK city‑centre levels, and activities like shooting, boat parties and VIP packages are often far cheaper than the equivalent in London or Manchester. The only thing that can hit your wallet is going crazy on premium bottle service in Sopot – but that’s a choice, not a necessity.”
“How many nights do we really need?”
Tomasz:
“Two nights works if you’re tight on time or budget – fly Friday, one big night, one activity, second night out, fly home Sunday. But three nights lets you slow down, add a proper boat party or Sopot night, and not feel rushed. For a destination like Gdansk where you’ve got both city and beach, three nights is the sweet spot.”
“Do people speak English?”
Tomasz:
“In bars, clubs, hotels and with guides, yes. English is widely spoken, especially in tourism and hospitality. Menus often have English translations. You might meet older locals with limited English, but for a stag do you won’t struggle.”
“What about strip clubs? Are they safe and legit?”
Gdansk and Sopot both have strip and gentlemen’s clubs; some are reputable, others less so.
Tomasz:“This is where going through a company helps. We only work with venues we know, with clear pricing and no ‘surprise’ bills. If you walk in off the street to a random place, you always risk inflated drinks or add‑ons. With a VIP strip package, the cost is agreed beforehand, there’s a guide present, and the lads can relax instead of arguing at the bar at 4 AM.”
“Is a winter stag in Gdansk worth it without the beach?”
Tomasz:“Definitely – just think of it more like a Krakow‑style weekend with a sea breeze. You do more indoor activities: shooting, vodka tasting, escape rooms, casino night, bunker club. If your group’s priority is nightlife and value rather than sunbathing, winter can be really good – plus hotels are cheaper and Old Town in the snow looks amazing.”
Final Thoughts – Why Gdansk Works So Well for 2026 Stag Dos
Tomasz sums it up:“Gdansk is the smart pick for 2026. You get a colourful Old Town, proper nightlife, a beach resort next door in Sopot, loads of activities and prices that still feel reasonable. It’s not as overrun as some classic stag cities, which means you get more authentic venues and less eye‑rolling from locals. For organisers, that’s gold – you deliver something different, but still safe, fun and affordable.”
For groups that want:
- A mix of city and seaside
- Solid nightlife without only copying what everyone has done before
- Real value on accommodation, bars and activities
…Gdansk is a serious contender for “best stag destination in Europe” in the coming seasons.
