Olivia Apartment

Olivia Apartment Overview

Olivia Apartment sits tucked between the cobbled lanes of Gdańsk’s Old Town and the bustling market street of Długi Targ. I first stumbled upon it while wandering past the neon glow of a local pierogi stand on Długa Street, the air already thick with the scent of freshly baked rye and sea salt. The building’s façade—plain brick with a faintly peeling paint—doesn’t scream luxury, but the moment you step inside, you sense a quiet, almost clandestine charm. The lobby’s small wooden desk, a relic from the 1970s, is now polished to a soft sheen, and the warm hum of the vintage air conditioner feels oddly comforting, like a familiar friend who’s always there.

The apartment itself is a compact, well-thought-out space that feels more like a home than a hotel room. I was pleasantly surprised by the low noise level; a thin wall separates it from the street and the neighbor’s tiny studio, so you can hear the distant gulls and the clatter of plates from the café on the corner of St. Mary’s Street, but not the chatter from the plaza. The bed is a generous queen with linens that smell faintly of lavender, which is a nice touch for the heat of the summer months. The kitchenette is surprisingly equipped—there’s a full-size fridge, a mini oven, a kettle that’s always hot, and a set of local Polish spice jars that came with a handwritten note from the previous owner. I spent a lazy Sunday morning brewing a cup of the local Miodowa honey tea, then opening a window to let the salty breeze from the Baltic in. The living area, with its small, comfy sofa, is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring, and the tiny balcony overlooks a quiet courtyard where a few locals sit on their folding chairs, sipping coffee and watching the street performers on Ulica Żurawia.

Check‑in is straightforward but personal. The front desk lady, a sprightly woman in her early forties, greeted me with a warm smile and a quick tour of the building’s quirks—like the old-fashioned brass keyhole that still works, and the small storage space on the roof where the building keeps its lawnmower and a stock of extra towels. She handed me a keycard that unlocked the apartment and a small brochure listing nearby spots, but she also mentioned that the best coffee shop is the one on the corner of Wysny Street, a half‑mile walk that takes you past the old synagogue and the bustling fish market. Parking is a bit of a puzzle; there’s no dedicated parking lot, but a municipal street parking zone just a block away, and the building’s underground storage is full, so you’ll have to bring a small bag for your shoes. That said, the building’s location means you’ll rarely have to take the metro; the tram stop is just a three‑minute walk away, and most of the city’s main attractions are within a bike‑ride’s distance.

Honestly, the only hiccup I noticed was the slightly creaky elevator that sometimes takes a breath before it moves, but that’s the kind of small imperfection that gives the place character. The staff’s attentiveness, the thoughtful touches like the local honey tea, and the quiet, almost secretive vibe make Olivia Apartment a hidden gem for anyone wanting to feel the pulse of Gdańsk without the tourist crowds. I left feeling refreshed, with a new appreciation for the city’s quieter corners and a promise to return—especially to taste the homemade pierogi at the corner shop on Długa Street and to enjoy the sunset over the Motława River from that little balcony. The next time you’re wandering Gdańsk’s winding streets, keep an eye out for Olivia Apartment; it’s a place that feels like a warm hug from a longtime friend.

Olivia Apartment Accommodations