ABOUT
Mariana is from Sardinia and she’s lived in several countries before moving to Gdansk, Poland.
Moving to Gdansk
How did you get set up?
So when you move to Poland you need in order :
-Make a SIM card (nothing necessary for it just ID)
-Find a flat ( you need the contract)
-Make the PESEL ( for tax purpose and you need the contract for it)
-Bank account (you need phone number and passport)
-Make a SIM card (nothing necessary for it just ID)
-Find a flat ( you need the contract)
-Make the PESEL ( for tax purpose and you need the contract for it)
-Bank account (you need phone number and passport)
What did you bring with you?
I was already living abroad so I had with me a big luggage and a backpack and that was all my life at that moment. Nothing to fancy: basic clothes, a laptop and some books.
How did you find an apartment?
Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance?
As Europeans we don’t need separate insurance. You can go to any hospital free of charge but more importantly in Poland when you get a job you have private insurance included in the package.
What surprised you about life there?
What surprised me about life in Gdańsk was how easy it is to navigate without speaking fluent Polish, especially with the help of friendly locals and translation apps. I also didn’t expect how quickly I’d adjust to the long winters—though the dark days can be tough, the city’s charm and vibrant summer months make up for it.
What should people consider before deciding to move to Gdansk?
Before moving to Gdańsk, consider the cold winters with limited daylight and the potential language barrier, especially for official matters. Also, the cost of living can be higher than other Polish cities, so it’s important to research job opportunities and plan your budget.
Living in Gdansk
What specifically is Gdansk famous for?
Gdańsk is famous for being the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, where WWII began, and its rich history in the Hanseatic League. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including Neptune’s Fountain and St. Mary’s Church, and as the “Amber Capital of the World.” Gdańsk also offers a beautiful waterfront, delicious local cuisine like Goldwasser liqueur and Baltic fish, and vibrant festivals such as St. Dominic’s Fair.
Do you feel safe as a woman living in Gdansk?
Overall, I feel safe going out at any time in Gdańsk, and this sense of security was actually one of the reasons I decided to move here. The city has a calm and welcoming vibe, which makes it easy to feel comfortable and confident when exploring or just enjoying the city.
What apps / websites / stores do you find useful in your daily life in Gdansk?
If you live in Gdansk you can download:
* JESTEMZGDANSKA with it you can have discounts. For the monthly ticket you need the home contract to register.
* JAKDOJADE in it you can buy tickets for any type of transport as well as buy monthly tickets
* BOLT is for taxi
* KOLEO with this you can book tickets for trains in all of Poland
* MULTISPORT usually the company is paying for you the multisport with which you can go to every gym in the city in which you work including sauna swimming pool etc.
* JESTEMZGDANSKA with it you can have discounts. For the monthly ticket you need the home contract to register.
* JAKDOJADE in it you can buy tickets for any type of transport as well as buy monthly tickets
* BOLT is for taxi
* KOLEO with this you can book tickets for trains in all of Poland
* MULTISPORT usually the company is paying for you the multisport with which you can go to every gym in the city in which you work including sauna swimming pool etc.
What about food?
The most common supermarkets and convenience stores are Biedronka, Żabka, and Lidl. Biedronka (Ladybug) is the largest chain, offering a wide range of products at affordable prices. Żabka, a convenience store, is found on nearly every corner and is open from 6 AM to 11 PM, making it very convenient for daily needs.
What are your favorite places in Gdansk?
I love coffee, and Gdańsk has an abundance of specialty coffee spots. One of my absolute favourite is Stocznia, a unique place made from shipping containers, filled with lush greenery, music, and the tantalizing smells of world cuisine, a true microcosm right in the heart of the historic Gdańsk Shipyard.
What’s on your list of favorite restaurants and cafés in Gdansk?
As I said I love coffee so talking about coffee shops Len, 1505,Ciekawa, Publiczna and cafe Luis are some of my favourites.
Food related I love Pizzarium (as you can get from the name they make pizza) another nice place is Montownia, a food hall in which you can find different types of food, and Mandu for polish pierogi (dumplings).
Food related I love Pizzarium (as you can get from the name they make pizza) another nice place is Montownia, a food hall in which you can find different types of food, and Mandu for polish pierogi (dumplings).
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Gdansk?
I would say you need at least 1300 euros a month to be able to enjoy but of course this depends also on your lifestyle.
Did you learn Polish?
I did study Polish with my company’s courses but I just know the basics, I cannot have a full conversation.
Final Thoughts
How do Polish people compare to Sardinian people, in your opinion?
Polish and Sardinian people come from very different cultural and historical backgrounds, but both share strong traditions, hospitality, and a deep connection to their homeland.
I would say that Polish people need a little more time to open up with respect to Sardinians 🙂
How does Gdansk compare to other Polish cities?
Gdańsk stands out with its maritime heritage, Hanseatic architecture, and coastal charm, unlike other Polish cities. It has a rich history (WWII, Solidarity movement) and a more relaxed, international vibe compared to business-focused Warsaw or tourist-heavy Kraków. It offers great beaches, nearby Sopot, Malbork Castle, and the Hel Peninsula, making it perfect for both history lovers and seaside relaxation.
Can you tell us something else about Gdansk that we might not know?
One interesting fact about Gdańsk is that it’s home to the world’s largest brick church, St. Mary’s Church. This massive Gothic structure can hold up to 25,000 people and features an impressive astronomical clock from the 15th century.
Another lesser-known fact is that Gdańsk played a crucial role in world history—it’s where World War II officially began. The first shots were fired at Westerplatte on September 1, 1939, marking the start of the war.
Another lesser-known fact is that Gdańsk played a crucial role in world history—it’s where World War II officially began. The first shots were fired at Westerplatte on September 1, 1939, marking the start of the war.
Are there any experiences there that you are particularly proud of or that surprised you?
One experience I’d be particularly proud of as an expat in Gdańsk is navigating everyday life—especially managing documents and bureaucracy—without speaking fluent Polish. It’s always a challenge, but finding ways to communicate, whether through translation apps or helpful locals, is a rewarding experience. It’s also surprising how welcoming and accommodating people can be, making life in a new country much easier than expected.
What are some disadvantages to living in Gdansk?
Living in Gdańsk has its downsides, like long, cold winters, tourist crowds, and a relatively high cost of living compared to other cities in Poland and international flight options are somewhat restricted.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
Making new friends as an adult isn’t always easy, but work can help a lot. There are also apps like InterNations, where you can sign up for free and attend events to meet both expats and locals. It’s a great way to expand your social circle in a new place!
What are your plans for the future?
I’m thinking about moving somewhere else in the next year or so, though I haven’t settled on all the details yet. I’ve also been considering starting a YouTube channel since I have a lot of travel and life footage—but that depends on whether I can push past my laziness and actually get started!
Thank you so much Mariana for giving us background information for your move and precious recommendations around the city! It’s really interesting. I wish you the best in your journey and I’ll see you – maybe on Youtube!!
