A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gdansk vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Gdansk?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gdansk is $54, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is $133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Gdansk and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gdansk $27
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gdansk $54
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Gdansk and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Gdansk


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gdansk $8.53
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Transfer from Gdansk, Airport Gdansk to Torun: $291
  • Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $268
  • Private Gdansk Transfer from Sopot: $267
  • Warsaw/Deluxe Private Transfer Service: $248
  • Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Bydgoszcz: $240
  • Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $219
  • Private Transfer to/from Poznan: $211
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Grudziadz city: $210
  • From Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour with Transfer: $192
  • Transfer from Gdansk or Airport Gdansk to Slupsk: $189
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Łeba city: $188
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk or Airport Gdansk GDN to Kwidzyn: $182

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Gdansk change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Gdansk $20
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
  • 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
  • Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
  • Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gdansk $8.13
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • #1 Polish Vodka Tasting Experience: $64
  • 6 Hours Guided Tour through Gdansk Highlights: $240
  • A cultural Private Tour of Gdansk Old Town: $165
  • Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $125
  • Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets : $128
  • Artus Court and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $119
  • Best of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot in 1-Day Private Car Tour: $225
  • Bike Tour Gdańsk - Premium - Fun Guide - no Boredom. New offer : $43
  • City Tour Gdańsk Hop on Hop off plus walking tour: $40
  • Copernicus Trail in Frombork Private Tour from Gdansk by Car: $323
  • Delicious Gdansk Craft Beer Tour: $76
  • Deluxe Polish Vodka Tour Experience in Gdansk: $114

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gdansk $4.74
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gdansk and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park than you might in Gdansk.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gdansk Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Gdansk during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gdansk is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gdansk in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gdansk. In the summer, Gdansk often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gdansk gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Gdansk usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gdansk gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gdansk and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In October, Gdansk is generally much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Gdansk average around 8°C (46°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Gdansk usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Gdansk gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gdansk usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gdansk gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gdansk as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's quite cold in Gdansk in the winter. Gdansk is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Gdansk averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Gdansk often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gdansk gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Gdansk usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gdansk gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Gdansk or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Gdansk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gdansk is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gdansk in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Gdansk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Gdansk gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gdansk usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Gdansk gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Gdansk

Gdansk Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)