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• 12 Reasons Visit Gdansk Least...

Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Gdańsk at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Poland’s Baltic seaside city of Gdańsk has sat in the background for years as one of the most underrated cities in Europe. For a long time, this sleeping giant went unnoticed, until recently when the city suddenly became hugely popular with tourists. Gdańsk is a city is steeped in history and brimming with activities all year round. If Gdańsk isn’t yet on your list of cities to see before you die, these 12 reasons should cement its appearance on that list. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

The district of zaspa has over 50 striking wall murals.

The Gdańsk suburb of Zaspa has Europe’s largest neighbourhood collection of residential wall murals. Almost all of the residential blocks of flats in Zaspa have had their walls painted in extraordinary ways. These massive murals document some of Poland’s political history and the fall of Communism, and other walls are just painted for passion with no political messages. Lech Wałęsa was Poland’s President from 1990 to 1995, and he used to live in Zaspa, he has a mural of his own. The official website for Zaspa’s murals has all the details and while the murals are free to visit, guided tours can also be arranged.

Ulica Długa is one of the most beautiful streets in Europe

Be ready for one of the most beautiful streets in Europe. Gdańsk’s Długi Targ is basically the main square, although it translates into English as ‘Long Market’. Leading down to it is the Ulica Długa, or ‘Long Street’. Put simply, it is one of the most photographed streets and squares in Europe and is a feast for anyone’s eyes on your first glimpse.

Solidarnośc happened here

The Gdańsk shipyard was the location for a severe turning point in European history, now remembered in glorious detail in the city’s marvellous European Solidarity Centre , which is dedicated to the ‘Solidarność’ (Solidarity) movement of the 1980s. This Trade Union movement led by Lech Wałęsa grew to a membership of ten million and sowed the seeds for a new future, being pivotal in the fall of Communist rule.

Gdańsk has its own ‘Beer Street’

Gdańsk is a drinker’s paradise, too, especially since there are over 30 bars in one tight area in and around the city’s famous ‘Ulica Piwna’ – yes, you guessed it, it translates into English as ‘Beer Street’. Here on Beer Street, you can find some of the best bars in Gdańsk , all with their own quirky appeal, including old-style PRL pubs and Irish pubs . Be ready for one of the most surprising nights out in Europe.

The Last Judgement painting is housed in the National Museum

The Last Judgement is a famous painting by German artist Hans Memling. It is housed in the National Museum in Gdańsk , which makes the list of ‘must-see attractions in the city’. In Polish, the painting is known as Sąd Ostateczny and is a stunning triptych representing heaven, earth and hell.

St. Dominik’s Fair has been running since 1260

St. Dominik’s Fair happens in Gdańsk every summer, and has been in operation for a whopping 750 years. This successful fair dates back to the year 1260, when it was established by Pope Alexander IV. The streets are full of market stalls selling food, drink, souvenirs, clothes and basically anything you can think of. At night there is live music, and fireworks to celebrate when the festival comes to an end. St. Dominik’s Fair spans across many streets in the centre of Gdańsk.

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You can go see the original Fahrenheit thermometer

A real gem to check out is the original Fahrenheit Thermometer, which is situated in the heart of Gdańsk, opposite Neptune’s Fountain in the Długi Targ. If you’re wondering why it’s here in Gdańsk, well, it’s simply that the guy who invented it, Daniel Fahrenheit, grew up in Gdańsk!

The Second World War started in this city

On September 1, 1939, Hitler and his troops started the Second World War when they simultaneously launched attacks on Westerplatte, on the Polish Post Office in Gdańsk and on the town of Tczew . You can now visit the Westerplatte peninsula, parts of which still contain the ruins from the battle of Westerplatte in 1939. There is an outdoor museum detailing all the events leading up to and during the Second World War as well as a peace monument dedicated to the victims of the war. It’s a poignant and sad trip, but another reason why Gdańsk should be on your list.

Remains of the Berlin Wall and Shipyard Wall sit side by side here

Gdańsk is the only city in the world that features a memorial with remains of both the wall that separated East from West (i.e. the Berlin Wall) and the wall at the Shipyard where the Solidarność movement began. Both monuments have plaques describing their significance, before leading into a ‘walk of freedom’ path that takes you to the shipyard itself.

St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the three largest churches in the world

St. Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk is an enormous Roman Catholic church (located on the aforementioned Ulica Piwna) that contains more red bricks than any other church in the world. In its time, the church was used by Protestants and Catholics and contains a lookout platform at the top – you must walk up the steps as there is no elevator, but the views from the top are tremendous.

Gdańsk has one of the most iconic harbourfronts in Europe

Take a stroll along Gdańsk’s beautiful harbourfront, and you may just fall in love with this city. Pretty colourful buildings reflect against a river amidst a flurry of local street musicians and aromas from popular restaurants, and in the background boats cruise to and from Hel, Gdynia and Westerplatte.

There are beaches to suit all tastes

Amidst all the history, churches, significant buildings and bars, there is something often forgotten –Gdańsk has a beautiful coastline and there is no shortage of gorgeous beaches here. From the beach and pier in tranquil Brzezno to the waters of Jelitkowo, to the moving sand dunes at Łeba to the party beaches of Sopot to the sunrise at Stogi, you can now see why this city has so much to offer and deserves a visit. At least once in your lifetime.

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Home » Travel Guides » Poland » 15 Best Things to Do in Gdańsk (Poland)

15 Best Things to Do in Gdańsk (Poland)

Poland’s largest port flourished during Medieval times as a merchant city trading Baltic amber. In the 20th century events took place in Gdańsk that would affect the course of world history.

On 1 September 1939 the Wehrmacht launched their Invasion of Poland at the Westerplatte peninsula north of the city. And just over four decades later in 1980 Lech Wałęsa would found Solidarity.

As the Soviet Bloc’s first independent trade union, Solidarity would eventually lead to an end to communist rule in 1989. Both the war and Solidarity are remembered with world-class museums. Gdańsk’s Old Town, rebuilt after the Second World War, is a trelliswork of streets skirted by tall patrician and merchant tenements, while hulking gates defend the landward and water-side entrances.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Gdańsk :

1. Trakt Królewski (Royal Way)

To cut to Gdańsk’s core and see a host of top monuments in one walk, take this horizontal route east towards Motlawa River between two city gates.

Along Ulica Długa (Long Street) and then Długi Targ (Long Market), the Royal Way first got its royal designation in 1457 when King of Poland Casimir IV Jagiellon entered Gdańsk.

Starting in the west at the Upper Gate and finishing at the Green Gate, the way is flanked by tall, narrow patrician tenements painted in jaunty colours and capped with gables.

There are way more attractions and noteworthy sights on Trakt Królewski than we could cram into one paragraph.

But at Długi Targ 44 do stop for a photo of the Artus Court, a Renaissance meeting place and stock exchange, now a branch of Gdańsk’s Historical Museum.

Suggested tour : Gdansk Royal Route Private Walking Tour

2. St Mary’s Church

This humungous Gothic church was started in the 14th century and, with a volume of up to 190,000 cubic metres, is counted among the three largest brick-built churches in the world.

Standing in the 66-metre-long nave you’ll need to take a moment just to wrap your head around the dimensions of this epic building that can hold 25,000 worshippers.

A major reconstruction was needed after the Second World War, but all of its valuable fittings were saved.

You can peruse treasures like an astronomical clock from the 1460s, the high altar raised in the 1510s and a marvellous Gothic stone pietà carved at the start of the 15th century.

If you’re up for climbing nearly 400 steps you can battle your way to the top of the monolithic 77.6-metre main tower.

3. Neptune’s Fountain

On Long Market, a few steps from the Artus Court is an enduring symbol for Gdańsk.

Neptune’s Fountain is a Mannerist monument cast in bronze in the city in 1615, but wouldn’t be installed for another 18 years.

The sculptor was Abraham van den Blocke, originally from what is now Kaliningrad, but with Flemish parents.

Located by the palatial townhouses where Poland’s royalty would stay in Gdańsk, the fountain’s sculpture shows Neptune bowing his head slightly as a sign of deference.

On the basin beneath him are ornamental fish and cherubs.

And if you’re wondering, the fig leaf on his private parts wasn’t in the original design, but was added in a restoration in 1988.

Recommended tour : Gdańsk Private Walking Tour: Legends and Facts

4. Golden House

Staying on the Long Market, two doors to the right of the Artus Court is a building often lauded as the most beautiful in the city.

It’s not easy to disagree when you glimpse the white and gold facade.

With Mannerist architecture, the Golden House was made for Jan Speyman, mayor of Gdańsk at the start of the 17th century.

Designed by Abraham van den Blocke once more, the house has Gdańsk’s signature narrowness and height.

But where it stands out is for its sculpted friezes, 16 busts on its pilasters representing the Polish kings and the statues atop its balustrade for Achilles, Antigone, Cleopatra and Oedipus.

5. Main Town Hall

The Main Town Hall was drawn up by a team of Dutch architects in the middle of the 16th century.

You’ll have to crane your head back to see him, but there’s a life-sized gilded statue of Sigismund II Augustus, the king of the period, on the pinnacle 83 metres above street level.

The interior is also managed by the Historical Museum and has sumptuous state rooms in the Dutch Mannerist style.

The Small Council Hall, Great Council Chamber, White Hall and Winter Hall have gilded stucco, coffered ceilings, marble floors, frescoes, sculptures and tapestries . You can head to the observation gallery for a vertical view of the city and hear the 37-bell carillon chime on the hour.

6. Ulica Mariacka (St Mary’s Street)

Beginning at St Mary’s Church and continuing east towards the Motlawa River and St Mary’s Gate, Ulica Mariacka is a delightful cobblestone street edged by narrow merchants’ houses with regal portals.

You can understand why this street is often used as a shooting location for period movies, and like a lot of Gdańsk it had to be pieced back together after taking extensive damage in the Second World War.

All of the entrances to these houses are on little terraces a few steps up from the street itself, and the restaurants that line the way have tables in these cute spaces, often with ornamental reliefs on their low walls.

7. Gdańsk Crane

An emblem for the city, the Gdańsk Crane on Motlawa’s Long Embankment dates back to the 14th century.

This piece of machinery harks back to the time when Gdańsk was in the Hanseatic League, and could load or unload four tons of cargo, lifting it to a height of 11 metres.

The power came from humans, as groups of men would walk inside two large wooden wheels as if they were hamsters.

The crane doubled as a waterside city gate and was in use up to the 1800s.

Now maintained by the National Maritime Museum, you can go in to see the wheels and an exhibition about work and daily life in the port from the 1500s to the 1700s.

8. Dlugie Pobrzeze (Long Embankment)

Before the port was relocated to the mouth of the Dead Vistula River in the 19th century, this quay was where all of Gdańsk’s loading and unloading took place.

In those times defence was vital, and so there’s a “water gate” defending the entry to each of the streets running perpendicular to the river here.

These seven gates, the old warehouses on the opposite bank, and the characteristic narrow gabled houses overlooking the water, conjure old-time maritime magic.

But while the scene is now rather quaint, the docks here had a nasty reputation in the old days when thugs would prowl the quayside.

This popular tourist route has lots of outdoor seating if you’d like a meal by the water.

9. Museum of the Second World War

This landmark museum was inaugurated in March 2017 and stands on a quarter that had been flattened in the war.

It makes sense that Gdańsk should have a museum of this calibre about the conflict because the Invasion of Poland began in earnest in the Free City of Danzig on 1 September.

Many of the museum’s 2,000 exhibits were donated by families that were caught up in the conflict, putting a human face on the devastation.

The exhibitions are designed in an unorthodox way and so are difficult to describe in a paragraph, but there are many immersive walk-through installations.

One that will stay with you is a Warsaw apartment, with rooms from before, during and after the war.

There are also two tanks, a Sherman M4 Firefly and a Soviet T34, placed in war-damaged street scenes that had to be built around them.

10. Westerplatte

Afterwards you can make the brief trip to the peninsula that curves around the final bend of the Dead Vistula.

Here you’ll set foot on ground zero for the Second World War.

A Polish military transit depot was installed here in the 1920s by permission from the League of Nations, and was seen by the Germans as a vital first domino for their invasion.

With dwindling supplies and no effective way of responding to the attack, the depot withstood bombardment from the sea and for seven days before surrendering on 7 September.

After the war one of the guardhouses was restored and turned into a museum, while the others have been left in ruins.

At the highest point of Westerplatte there’s also a memorial to the “Coast Defenders”, erected in 1966 and made of 236 granite blocks rising to 25 metres.

Suggested tour : Private Westerplatte Tour by Car or Cruise Transport

11. Golden Gate

At the western end of Long Street, this beautiful Mannerist gate is in a string of fortifications in front of the fearsome Prison Tower and High Gate.

The Golden Gate is from the 1610s and was raised to replace a Gothic gate that had come before.

Abraham van den Blocke, the man behind Neptune’s Fountain and the Golden House came up with the design for this structure.

The gate has a balustrade on its roof and on both sides are four allegorical statues representing the qualities of an ideal citizen based on the classical cardinal virtues: Peace, Freedom, Wealth and Fame on the west side, and Harmony, Justice, Piety and Prudence facing Long Street.

These figures are at the top of four Ionic columns with golden capitals.

12. Oliwa Catheral

As you see it now, this church in the Oliwa District, some 10 kilometres northwest of the Old Town , dates to the 14th and 15th centuries.

A fire gutted the interior in 1577 during the city’s rebellion, so nearly all the ornamentation is Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque.

There’s a solemn Baroque portal from 1688 at the entrance, below two narrow towers, each 46 metres tall.

The nave, chancel and 23 altars are festooned with paintings by Gdańsk’s foremost artists in the 17th century.

There are two main altars, one “Old” in the Late Dutch Renaissance style from 1605, and the other “New”, from 1688 and viewed as the finest piece of Baroque art in Pomerania.

13. European Solidarity Centre

Solidarity was a trade union and civil resistance movement founded at the Lenin Shipyard in 1980 and led by future president Lech Wałęsa.

To understand Solidarity’s context and progress you can come to the six exhibition rooms at the Solidarity Centre on its namesake square.

The centre opened in 2007 and its rusted facade points to Solidarity’s industrial beginnings.

There’s a lot of substance at the exhibition, which uses imaginative design to make sure you’re never overwhelmed by facts.

You’ll get to know the key characters, find out about Solidarity’s core philosophy and the role of the church in the movement, and also how it quickly spread to other Soviet satellite states.

14. Amber Museum

That Prison Tower dwarfing the Golden Gate has a museum all about Gdańsk’s relationship with this gemstone.

The amber deposits in the Baltic are the richest in the world, and amber helped fuel the city’s economy after a guild for this gemstone was formed in 1472. Poland’s first museum dedicated to amber documents this history, showing how it was extracted in Medieval times and how it was ascribed magical and even medicinal properties.

There’s a stunning collection of amber art from the 16th, 17th and 18th-centuries, as well as modern, artistic contemporary jewellery crafted in Gdańsk.

Check out the Jurassic Park-style “inclusions”, where insects have been trapped in this fossilised tree resin for tens of millions of years.

15. Jelitkowo Beach

After a day or two on the streets of Gdańsk you may be ready to rest up on a beach on the Baltic for an afternoon.

The closest is on the waterfront of the Jelitkowo District to the northwest of the Old Town.

This beach has a clean ribbon of fine sand backed by a chain of parks and curving for several kilometres up the coast to the west.

Behind the foreshore there’s a paved cycling path if you’d like to break even further from the city.

But wherever you are you’ll never be more than a short walk from a beach bar in summer, and there are bouncy castles and trampolines to keep littler members of the clan entertained.

You can get to Jelitkowo via trams 2, 6 or 8.

15 Best Things to Do in Gdańsk (Poland):

• Trakt Królewski (Royal Way)
• St Mary's Church
• Neptune's Fountain
• Golden House
• Main Town Hall
• Ulica Mariacka (St Mary's Street)
• Gdańsk Crane
• Dlugie Pobrzeze (Long Embankment)
• Museum of the Second World War
• Westerplatte
• Golden Gate
• Oliwa Catheral
• European Solidarity Centre
• Amber Museum
• Jelitkowo Beach

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Gdansk Itinerary

Last Updated on February 28, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Mapping out a great 1, 2 or 3 days in Gdansk itinerary is a great addition to any trip to Poland. It is a beautiful and unique city located on the Baltic coast offering a relaxing, delicious, and interesting weekend getaway.

It’s unfortunate that Gdansk receives a small amount of tourists in comparison to other cities in Poland such as Krakow or Warsaw , as it’s an incredibly special city to visit.

As Poland’s principal port city, Gdansk offers an interesting history, beautiful architecture, and a quaint city center.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Gdansk?

As a major city on Poland’s Baltic coast, it is understandable that you’d be wondering how many days to spend in Gdansk in order to see the highlights, get a good feed for the city and not feel too rushed.

If you’re short on time and only have 1 day in Gdansk, you can explore the highlights of the city – including Gdansk’s picturesque historic center – eat a few delicious meals in the city and perhaps take a boat cruise on the Motlawa River.

With 2 days in Gdansk, you’ll be able to visit and wander the city at a much more leisurely pace, take a boat cruise along the Motlawa River, and learn further about the city, its history, and culture in one of Gdansk’s wonderful museums.

This is the perfect amount of time if you’re hoping to get the most out of the city without exploring further outwards of the city.

If you’re able to spend 3 days, you’ll have the time to do everything in both one and two days, but also visit an area/city near Gdansk, further enriching your visit to this unique part of Poland.

Getting To & Around Gdansk

If you’re planning on flying into Gdansk from another country in Europe, Gdansk has its own airport that conveniently offers routes to quite a few European and other Polish destinations.

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is located about 12 kilometers from the city center and offers public transportation to the city center from the airport.

Public transportation options are either train or bus, and both bring you directly to the city center. By train or bus, expect a 20-40 minute ride depending on your chosen mode of transport.

If you prefer to forego public transportation and take a taxi from the airport to the city center, a taxi is still an affordable option. You can also organise a transfer in advance.

Gdansk Glowny, the city’s main train station is also located centrally and has direct routes to most major cities in Poland (including Krakow , Warsaw , Wroclaw and Poznan ), giving an affordable and convenient mode of transport if you’re visiting Gdansk to/from other Polish destinations. You can view train schedules here .

While Gdansk is Poland’s 4th largest city, the city center is quite compact, making it an ideal city to visit if you enjoy a charming, walkable atmosphere.

On the contrary, if you like to take advantage of public transportation during your travels, you can also explore Gdansk using its efficient public transportation system. The city’s public transportation system is well-developed, quick, and affordable, and consists of trams, buses, and suburban trains.

If you’re planning on using a fair amount of public transportation as well as visiting Gdansk’s main attractions, a great option to save money is to purchase the Gdansk Tourist Card .

A 24-hour tourist offers discounts and free admissions to museums, cultural and entertainment sites as well as discounts to local restaurants and other top attractions in Gdansk. Longer pass options are available as well, further increasing the cost-efficiency of your trip.

1, 2 or 3 Days in Gdansk Itinerary

Day 1 – gdansk historical center.

A visit to Gdansk’s historical center is truly a well-preserved step back in time. The streets are lined with beautiful, colourful buildings, many of which have been carefully restored to their original grandeur.

The city’s rich history is on display everywhere, from the intricate facades of the many merchant houses to the soaring heights of the medieval churches.

You’ll find that, unlike other major European cities, Gdansk only has a small number of tourists, giving the feeling that you’re alone among locals in such an enchanting and unique city.

Dlugi Targ (Long Market)

The perfect spot to begin is in the city’s historic center, more specifically the “Długi Targ” or Long Market – the main market square in the heart of Gdansk.

The Long Market is located on Ulica Dluga (or Long Street) which is easily the most recognisable street in Gdansk and is a bustling pedestrian street that begins at the Golden Gate and ends at the Green Gate, lined with colorful merchant houses, cosy cafes, and shops of all sorts for visitors and locals.

At the center of the square, you’ll notice the impressive Neptune Fountain, dating back to the 17th by Flemish Architect Abraham van den Blocke. Gdansk has had a strong Dutch influence and you’ll notice this while wandering throughout the old town, with Dutch architecture at the forefront of the buildings and homes.

You can also take in the historic main town hall on this street, which is home to the Museum of Gdansk – a history museum that can help you learn more about the city.

Another option to learn more about the city is to take part in a walking tour of the city. Walking tours are an excellent way to explore the beautiful and rich city of Gdansk.

Guided tours such as this walking tour typically start in the heart of the Old Town and take you on a journey through the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture with a knowledgeable local guide to give you a local perspective of the city.

All in all, there is no doubt that the Long Street and Long Market are some of the best places to visit in Gdansk.

Motlawa River Waterfront

On the opposite end of the Long Market, you’ll find yourself at the “Green Gate”. The gate is part of a three-story building that was built in the 16th century as a residence for Polish monarchs and is the middle point between two parts of the city; the elegant center, and the vibrant Motlawa River Waterfront.

The Motlawa River Waterfront is a picturesque and atmospheric part of the city that offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a drink or dinner while taking in the idyllic riverfront scenery.

The colorful merchant homes that line the river date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and create a charming setting. The contrast between these historic buildings and the sleek modern architecture nearby reflects Poland’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future.

Motlawa River Cruise

A riverboat tour in Gdansk is a popular way to explore the city’s waterways and see its major landmarks from a different perspective that’s not possible on foot.

The tour such as this 45-minute cruise usually starts at the Motława River near the Old Town and takes you on a scenic route past historic buildings, bridges, and shipyards.

Taking a boat tour down the Motlawa is a great way to learn about the city’s history and architecture while enjoying a relaxing ride on the water. You’ll find a variety of boat tours that cater to different preferences and needs, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your desires.

St. Mary’s Church

Another must-visit spot in the historic center is the impressive St. Mary’s Church. Built in the 15th century in Gothic style architecture, St. Mary’s Church is one of the largest brick churches in the world.

The church has been damaged and restored several times throughout history, including during World War II, but has always stood as a symbol of resilience for the people of Gdansk. The church’s interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes and stained-glass windows, while the exterior boasts intricate details and sculptures.

St. Mary’s Church is also home to an impressive 15th-century astronomical clock, which still functions today.

For impressive views of Gdansk, a must-do is to walk up the 405 steps of the church’s bell tower to experience Gdansk from an entirely different level, with views going beyond the city and over the Baltic region. This is one of the best things to do in Gdansk.

While visits to the church itself are free, there is an admission fee to climb the bell towner with varying visiting hours, so make sure to check daily hours in advance before visiting.

Day 2 – Gdansk’s Museums

If you’re spending 2 days or a weekend in Gdansk, then plan to spend the second day exploring some of Gdansk’s most famous museums and learning a bit more about the history of this fascinating Polish city.

Gdansk is renowned for its fascinating and distinctive museums, and the next stop on your Gdansk itinerary will be at one of these interesting locations.

The Amber Museum

Poland is known for its cultivation of amber, and the perfect spot to learn more about this integral part of Poland’s stunning export is to head to the Amber Museum. The Amber Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the history and cultural significance of amber.

The museum is located in a beautifully restored Gothic building in the heart of the Old Town and features an extensive collection of amber artifacts, and jewelry.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the origins and properties of amber, as well as its use in art, religion, and trade throughout history.

The museum has varying open hours, so it’s important that you check opening hours before visiting.

The Museum of the Second World War

Located in Gdansk, you’ll find one of the most important museums in the world dedicated to World War 2, The Museum of the Second World War.

The museum’s exhibits cover the entire span of the war, from its causes and outbreak to its aftermath and legacy, and feature a wide collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and media that provide visitors with a detailed and immersive understanding of the war and its impact on the world.

The Museum of the Second World War is a thought-provoking museum in Gdansk that offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the war and its impact on the world.

Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here in order to really take in the exhibits in the museum and to get the most out of your visit. This is really something that should absolutely be on your list of you’re seeing Gdansk in 2 days.

European Solidarity Centre

If you have time or energy after the previous two museums, then consider heading to the European Solidarity Centre. This is a relatively new museum in Gdansk and it covers the history of solidarity and resistance movements against the communist regime in Poland.

This is a great museum to visit if you’re interested in learning more about the city’s more recent history or are interested in learning about Poland under communism.

Day 3 – Malbork Castle or Gdynia

If you’re seeing Gdansk in 3 days, you may be ready for a change of scenery by day 3 as the city center is quite small.

In this case, the perfect way to spend your third and last day in the Baltic Polish region is by heading out to one of the nearby areas on a day trip to further enrich your visit.

Malbork Castle

One of the best day trip options from Gdansk is to the largest castle in the world, Malbork Castle.

Malbork Castle was built in the 13th century and was originally home to the Teutonic Knights, a religious order of Crusaders. During World War 2, almost half of the castle was destroyed and has now been restored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The castle itself is a full-day experience, from wandering the gardens and taking in the fortified castle’s Gothic exterior, to exploring the castle’s courtyard and museum’s interiors.

Due to the size of the castle, the castle is open for exploring different routes of grounds and castle on different days.

Because of this, if you’re hoping to explore the castle in its entirety or specific parts of the castle, I highly suggest checking in advance to make sure that your desired areas to explore are open. Ticket costs also vary depending on the extent of the castle your chosen route entails, with reduced ticket options and free visit days available.

Malbork is easily reached by train from Gdansk Glowny (Gdansk Central Station) in around 30 minutes to an hour depending on the train you take. You can also take an organised tour .

Gdansk is part of a tri-city region in Northern Poland, along with the cities of Gdynia and Sopot. All cities are independent, with their own governments, but all three cities live and work among each other with extremely well-connected public transport.

While Sopot is an incredible city to visit in the summer due to its renowned beaches, the longest wooden pier in Europe and summer nightlife, we’re going to focus on visiting Gdynia from Gdansk.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Gdynia, from exploring its naval history at the Gdynia Naval Museum and the ORP Błyskawica warship to strolling along the famous waterfront promenade. If visiting throughout the summer, you can also enjoy a day of relaxation at one of the many sandy beaches or take a dip in the sea at the popular Jelitkowo Beach.

If you’re particularly keen on arts and culture, the Museum of the City of Gdynia and the Musical Theatre offers important insights into the city’s history and contemporary cultural scene.

The Museum of Emigration is also a great option for a visit to Gdynia, as Gdynia was a major port of emigration in the early 20th century. The Museum of Emigration tells the story of the many Polish emigrants who left their country to start a new life abroad.

To get to Gdynia, the best mode of transport is by train. There are regular departures with a journey time of 30-40 minutes depending on the train you take. You can also take an organised tour .

Where to Stay in Gdansk

Celestin Residence – This hotel is a great place for mid-range visitors to this coastal Polish city. There are a number of rooms (and even some apartments) on offer, and there is also parking for those with a car and breakfast available each morning.

PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto – This swish and modern hotel is great for those who want a high-end stay while visiting Gdansk. They have a number of swanky rooms to choose from along with a perfect location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Dom & House – If you’d like to have your own apartment while visiting Gdansk, then this aparthotel is a great option. There are a number of fully-furnished apartments on offer, a great location for exploring the sites, and amenities like on-site parking and a swimming pool to enjoy.

Hostel Mamas & Papas – Budget and solo travelers to Gdansk will love this cool hostel in the center of the city. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they have great common areas and a wonderful social atmosphere making it easy to meet other visitors to this Polish city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gdansk hotels!

The city of Gdansk is truly a Baltic treasure, with delicious food, charming streets and architecture, and interesting cultural sites and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or your next stop on a Poland itinerary , there’s no doubt that you’ll fall for this beautiful city.

Are you planning a trip to Gdansk? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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12 Reasons to Visit Gdansk

June 8, 2020

Anna Hammerschmidt

Gdansk wasn’t on my radar as somewhere to travel. I knew I wanted to visit the more popular cities of Warsaw and Krakow, but Gdansk never crossed my mind . Quite frankly, I had never even heard of Gdansk before my trip to Poland. Yet, I found myself on a long train journey from Krakow to Gdansk, researching everything I needed to know about this Baltic port city. After spending a weekend in Gdansk, I was completely blown away by the city. I soon discovered that Gdansk is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland and that there are so many things to do in Gdansk. If you are planning a trip to Poland, there are so many reasons to visit Gdansk.  

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Table of Contents

Is Gdansk Worth Visiting?

While I never heard of Gdansk until planning my trip, it ended up being one of my favorite places in Poland. Gdansk is the perfect mid-sized city to explore. It is big enough to keep you busy for a few days, yet small enough to wander without a map. The city has stunning architecture, is bursting with history, and even has a pretty amazing culinary scene. The best part is that Gdansk relatively off the radar as a typical tourist destination and is a great budget destination. The question should not be is Gdansk worth visiting, it should be when can I plan my trip to Gdansk. I’m a sucker for a beautiful port city and am already planning to make a return trip.  

Reasons to Visit Gdansk

There are plenty of reasons to visit Gdansk. After spending just a weekend in the city, I came up with 12 reasons to visit Gdansk. And I think I have a hundred more reasons to return to this Baltic port city. After seeing these reasons to visit Gdansk, you will likely want to plan a trip to this city.   

Off the Beaten Tourist Path

Gdansk is relatively off-the-beaten-path compared to many other cities in Poland and elsewhere in Europe. During my weekend in Gdansk, I saw very few international tourists. Most of the other tourists who were there seemed to be from other Polish cities. And for the most part, the tourists who were in Gdansk were there for quick day trips. It seemed that tours quickly stopped in the city for an hour or two. While Gdansk does attract quite a few visitors a year, this city only gets around 1/3 of the tourists as Krakow and Warsaw, making it feel less overcrowded by tourists. Yet, be sure to visit Gdansk before everyone else does. With a city this beautiful, visitors will surely increase each year.

Three Cities in One

Gdansk is part of the Tricity of Poland along with Sopot and Gydinia. This means that when you are visiting Gdansk, you also have two other cities to explore. Traveling between these cities by train is extremely easy and cheap. The train rides between these cities take less than 20 minutes. Either you can spend a full day exploring Sopot and Gdynia or simply hop on a train for an hour to wander around these cities.

Read More: Gdansk to Sopot: Baltic Sea Day Trip

Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

A weekend in Gdansk is the perfect amount of time to explore this Baltic city. If you’re traveling from Europe, Gdansk would make a great city break as its airport is well connected. Ideally, you will want to spend a long weekend in Gdansk so you have enough time to check out Sopot and a nearby castle. Gdansk can also easily added to any Poland itinerary. 

Mid-Sized City

Gdansk is the perfect city to explore on foot and without a map. Its size is one of the best reasons to visit Gdansk. It’s neither too big nor too small. You can see most of the city by simply wandering around (if you have a decent sense of direction). There is no need to worry about complicated transit systems, you can see most of the city on foot. The only time you’ll have to use public transportation is if you opt to explore nearby Gydina and Sopot. 

Stunning Architecture 

The architecture of Gdansk is some of the most beautiful in all of Poland . Wandering through the city, you will notice the unique and beautiful architecture.  The architecture in Gdansk has more in common with Dutch cities than with the other cities in Poland. Its position as a port city is apparent through the ornate buildings in the Old Town, with richly decorated facades that once belonged to rich merchants.

Many incredible structures can be found throughout Gdansk including the oldest wooden crane in Europe and St Mary’s Basilica, which is the largest church to have been constructed from brick.

Medieval and Modern History

Gdansk is brimming with history and is a great place to visit for history lovers. From medieval to modern history, Gdansk has it all. Walking through Gdansk is let stepping back into Medieval times; the city is characterized by many Medieval structures including the Medieval Old Crane and the city gates. While the history of Gdansk is rich, it is also a bit dark. Gdansk was the first city bombed during WWII. Much of the city was destroyed during WWII and has since been rebuilt.  

Best Port City in Poland

Gdansk is one of the few port cities in Poland, giving it a unique appeal to other cities in Poland. Gdansk’s seaside location is evident in its atmosphere, restaurants, and beautiful harbor. Wandering around the Gdansk harbor, you will see what makes this city so unique. The harbor front is absolutely beautiful, the water is dotted with boats and lined by seafood restaurants. 

Value for your Money

Like elsewhere in Poland, Gdansk is a great value for your money, especially you are traveling on the US dollar. Your dollar will go a long way in Poland . Gdansk is actually one of the cheapest cities in Poland, meaning that you will be able to stay at a nice hotel, dine out, and pay for entry fees without breaking the bank. The value of your money is one of the best reasons to visit Gdansk. 

Great Food and Drinks

For foodies, one of the best reasons to visit Gdansk is for food and drink options. There are plenty of restaurants serving traditional Polish fare, such as dumplings. Additionally, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in Gdansk. After meals, you may choose to cozy up in a cute cafe or hit up ‘Ulica Piwna,’ a street lined with taverns, that is translated to ‘beer street’.   

Gdansk is the Capital of Baltic Amber

One of my favorite things in Gdansk was all the shops selling beautiful Baltic Amber. Gdańsk is considered to be the capital of Baltic Amber. As a popular trading point for Baltic Amber, you can find shops selling this ‘Baltic Gold’ throughout the city. The best place to go in the city to shop is Długi Targ, Long Market, a pedestrian street that is lined with shops selling Baltic Amber. This street is beautiful and has some of the best shops for Baltic Amber. 

Near the Largest Castle in the World

Gdansk is under an hour away from Malbork Castle, which is the largest castle in the world by land area. Not only is this castle an easy day trip from Gdansk, but it is also incredibly beautiful and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I did not have a chance to visit Malbork Castle during my visit but if you have at least a weekend in Gdansk, be sure to make a visit.

Photo by Mariusz Cieszewski

There are Beaches 

Amid the history and beautiful architecture that comes with being a port city, Gdansk also has an incredible coastline with beaches . While the beaches are not technically within the city of Gdansk, they are a quick bus or train ride away. A popular beach in Gdansk is Brzezno Beach, which is located just 10 minutes away by tram. Or head to nearby Sopot to enjoy the resort city. With the nearby beaches, you can easily turn your weekend getaway in Gdansk into a city and beach vacation . 

Where to Stay on your Visit to Gdansk

Did this post inspire you to visit Gdansk? Then you may need to decide where to stay. There are some great places to stay while in Gdansk.

Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Old Town

I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Old Town . This hotel is centrally located in Gdansk Old Town, making it an ideal place to stay while visiting. 

Book Now   |   Check Reviews

Hilton Gdansk

Next time I visit Gdansk, I plan to stay at the Hilton Gdansk . This 5-star hotel is located on the Motlawa River in the picturesque Old Town of Gdansk. This would be an ideal place to stay for its location and atmosphere. 

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20 Best Things to Do in Gdańsk: Our Ultimate Guide

Gdańsk is a city of less than half a million people, and yet it packs a powerful architectural and historical punch. Thus, the best things to do in Gdańsk are also amongst the best to do in Poland, and visiting Gdańsk should be high on your list of cities in Poland to visit . From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to important historical sites important to all of Europe, to unique chances to experience culture, Gdańsk has it all. Additionally, there is stellar nature to enjoy in Gdańsk, including the beaches of the Baltic Sea , with some of the best beaches in Poland near to Gdańsk. 

With so much to offer, it is easy to see why Gdańsk is so popular amongst Poles and foreign tourists alike, with over 2 million tourists in Gdańsk in 2022, with around 25% of those being from abroad. However, these numbers are much lower than other popular places in Europe, and if you visit in the off season, you will feel like you have the city to yourself! All in all, Gdańsk is one of my favorite cities in Poland, and I think it will become yours if you choose to visit.  

Best Things to do in Gdańsk: City Icons

These attractions are the best of the best Gdańsk has to offer. All are centered in the historic Gdańsk Old Town, the first entry on the list, and the place where you will likely spend most of your time in Gdańsk. These 4 entries are, in my opinion, must-dos if you decide to visit Gdańsk. Read on to learn more about these city icons that are amongst the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

1. Explore the streets of the Old Town

Description: The Old Town of Gdańsk is one of the most beautiful places in all of Poland, and thus certainly one of the best things to do in Gdańsk. What makes this part of Gdańsk unique is its architectural style! It is completely distinct from other cities in Poland. In fact, every time I go, I am reminded of Amsterdam, or Copenhagen, while walking around the Old Town. This is due to the city’s past as part of the Hanseatic League, and close ties with the Netherlands! As you walk down the streets, you will find row after row of narrow houses, which are bright and colorful, and fun to look at. 

Gdańsk has been city much longer than its Dutch-influenced architecture. Since 1050, the city has existed in some form, centered around the Old Town. Whether called Gdańsk or Danzig, much of the commerce of the Baltic Sea arrived here, making Gdańsk a wealthy town, thus resulting in the rich townhouses you see now. However, these townhouses are not original. Like many cities in Poland, Gdańsk was absolutely leveled during WWII, with over 90% of the city’s buildings destroyed by bombing and fire. Thus, what you see today is a complete and faithful reconstruction, a symbol of the resilience of the Polish people. 

Today, the Old Town of Gdańsk is the center of everything. Each of the 2 million tourists that come to Gdańsk each year will walk the streets of the Old Town, admiring the buildings and visiting some iconic spots, some which will be listed later in this list. Much of this is centered on Ul. Długa . Running from the gold gate to the green gate, here you will find the most beautiful buildings of Gdańsk, as well as its most iconic monument, the Fountain of Neptune . Take a picture here and admire the architectural beauty. For the full experience, take some steps on ul. Piwna , and ul. Mariacki .  

All in all, the Gdańsk Old Town is one of the best places to see in all of Poland, and it would be remiss to skip it on a trip to Gdańsk. It is truly the best of the best things to do in Gdańsk, a place that should leave you inspired and satisfied.  

Cost: Walking around the Old Town of Gdańsk is free! However, I am sure you will stop in a restaurant, souvenir shop, or bar along the way, so any costs are of your own choice! 

Hours: The Old Town is open 24/7, as people do live on these streets. The most popular times are from just before lunchtime, until after dinnertime. Earlier in the morning is the best time to walk around the city if you want to do it with more peace. Also, do note that many of the better bars in Gdańsk are in the Old Town, so at night, it might get a bit rowdy in some places, but it should never be unsafe.  

Transit Information: The Old Town is well connected to other places in Gdańsk by public transport. Firstly, there are two train stations within walking distance of the Old Town. Additionally, there are multiple tram lines running to the south and the west of the Old Town, as well as many buses. These trams and buses go pretty much anywhere in the city. If you are trying to park, do note that parking is scarce. But one place you might try to park is at Forum Gdańsk , a large mall right next to the city center. Otherwise, there are parking lots spread across the city.  

2. Explore the famous canals of Gdańsk

Description: As mentioned in the earlier entry, Gdańsk feels like Amsterdam. This is due to the canals present in the city! In earlier history, the mighty Vistula River flowed into the Baltic Sea near Gdańsk, but since the river has been rerouted, canals have taken over the landscape of Gdańsk. These canals are very important to the history of Gdańsk, a major maritime power and the former busiest port on the Baltic Sea! Many thousands of ships have stopped in these canals to drop off their goods, and you too should walk around the canals. 

While the canals have their history in shipping, today, the canals are a beautiful place to walk, with massive townhouses lining both sides of the main canal. On the east side, after crossing Zielony Most , the green bridge, you will find a massive number of delicious restaurants to try, with stunning views of the city across the canal. One of the things to see is Stary Żuraw Portowy . This used to be a crane that lifted the goods out of the ship onto the dock below. While temporarily closed as of writing, it is still a view to admire! 

Otherwise, just walk around the various synthetic islands and enjoy the views or walk across some of the bridges! These bridges are unique, in that they lift to let ships come through and dock. One is   Kładka Św. Ducha , a bridge that rotates sideways to create a barrier with two shipping lanes. The other is Kładka Zwodzona na Ołowiankę , which lifts high in the sky every 30 minutes to let big ships through to the marina. All in all, the canals are a charming and romantic place to take a walk, and certainly amongst the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

Cost: Walking around the canals, like the Old Town, is also free. All costs are of your own choice! 

Hours: You can walk around the canals any time you like. Like the Old Town, it will be especially busy around lunch and dinner, and the most peaceful time will be in the morning.  

Transit Information: Given the canals are close to the Old Town, read the earlier entry for information about transit!  

3. Visit the historic Town Hall

Location | Website  

Description: If the Old Town is the most iconic part of Gdańsk, the Town Hall, right in the center of the Old Town, is the most iconic place in Gdańsk. This building has been in existence since the Middle Ages, hundreds of years ago, and has historically been the seat of the government in Gdańsk, managing the ports, taxes, and keeping the city functioning. However, this building is not your bland, boring town hall. The Town Hall was built in the Gothic-Renaissance style, with gaudy towers of gold, painted clock faces, a brick exterior, and other fancy touches. And its tower towers high into the sky, making it visible from all over the city.  

While many tourists choose to admire the building from the outside, you can also go inside via the Museum of Gdańsk . This museum tells you the town’s history through various exhibits, placed on various interior floors. This not only teaches you some interesting facts, but also gives you access to the beautiful interior of the building. Finally, if you have the legs for it, you can scale the 80-meter (260 feet) Town Hall Tower, for a panoramic 360-degree view of the Old Town, and Gdańsk beyond. I believe this view is the best you can get anywhere in Gdańsk and is worth the admission price. 

The final highlight of this beautiful building, one of the best things in Gdańsk, is the historic carillon in the tower. First built in 1561, this hefty instrument plays a tune on the hour every hour (except in the middle of the night). The current edition was built in 2000 and consists of 37 bells. On Saturdays at noon, you can get an extra special treat when a professional musician plays a longer concert with the carillons. No matter where you are in the city, you are sure to hear these beautiful bells ringing and echoing through the streets.  

Cost: A ticket to enter costs 23 PLN/16 PLN reduced. Or you can buy a family ticket, for 2 adults and up to 6 children, for 60 PLN. This includes admission to the view tower during the summer. Of course, you can also admire the outside for free. Finally, you can visit the interior and tower for free on Mondays. Tickets are sold until 45 minutes before closing.  

Hours: The Museum is open for different hours depending on the season. During the summer (usually from June to October), the museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from Wednesday to Sunday, and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Mondays. During the rest of the year, those hours change to from 10 AM to 4 PM on all days the museum is open. The museum is always closed on Tuesdays and most major holidays.  

Transit Information: Given that the Town Hall is in the Old Town, view that entry for all relevant transit information. Do be aware you will have to walk at least a little to get to the Town Hall, but the walk is flat and paved.  

4. Climb St. Mary’s Basilica

Description: The other icon of the Gdańsk Old Town is St. Mary’s Basilica. Built in the Brick Gothic style like many other churches and buildings in this part of Poland, it is one of the largest brick churches by volume in the entire world! And this makes sense, everywhere you walk in the city you are bound to notice this looming, but beautiful Basilica. As you walk inside, you will get to experience this massive feel even more, with high vaunted ceilings above the main worship area that allegedly fits 25 thousand people (I am not so sure that would be comfortable). 

Walking around the church provides you views of the gaudy side altars, artwork, and other typical Catholic church things. But overall, the building, originally finished in 1496, this church has a long history, from Catholicism, to Lutheranism, back to Catholicism, and control by Germans and Poles. You can learn a little bit about this history on the boards inside the church. You can also attend screenings of a movie about the history of the church, shown at 1 PM on Fridays in English, or otherwise in Polish every day at 12:15 PM.   

This Basilica’s final attraction is the viewing tower at the top of it. You will have to work hard for the view provided, walking up multiple claustrophobic spiral staircases, and then a full set of wooden stairs, 402 in total, to get to the top. And once there, the viewing platform is small, and in my opinion, not quite as good as the view provided by the Town Hall. But, if you are visiting in the winter, this is your only choice, and still a good choice to get an amazing view of the city of Gdańsk.  

Cost: Entering the Basilica is free. You do have to pay if you want to go up the viewing tower. But the price is inexpensive. A ticket to the top costs 16 PLN/8 PLN reduced .  

Hours: The Basilica is open year-round. From Monday to Saturday, you can visit from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (note that these hours are different on Google, but these are the hours provided by the website). On Sundays, you can visit from 11 AM to 12 PM, and then again from 1 PM to 5:30 PM. During July and August, these hours extend by one hour to 6:30 PM . Entry to the Basilica by tourists is not allowed during times of Holy Mass, unless you plan to dress nicely and attend the Mass yourself.  

For the viewing tower, hours are from 11 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 10 AM to 6 PM from Friday to Sunday (except during mass). The last entry to the tower is done at the listed closing time. Additionally, during bad weather, the tower will be closed to visitors.  

Transit Information: As St. Mary’s Basilica is in the Old Town, view that entry for complete transportation information.  

Best Things to do in Gdańsk: Museums

Gdańsk has a lot of top-notch museums to visit. While Gdańsk is not a large city, it has had some very important events, both for Poland and the entire world, start within its city limits. You can also learn about some important industries of the area, or just admire some art. Read on to learn about these museums that are some of the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

5. Visit the European Solidarity Center

Description: The European Solidarity Center is an important place to visit in Gdańsk, due to the important historical moment in Poland it focuses on. Gdańsk was the center of the Polish Solidarity Movement, a movement to undermine the Polish Communist Government during the 20 th century, when Poland was a Soviet satellite state. Led especially by Lech Wałęsa , an electrician at the Gdańsk shipyard, it was an attempt to gain freedom and protest for a trade union to give better rights to workers. This was the first of many moments in the 1980s in Poland that eventually led to Poland becoming a democratic nation once again. 

At the museum, you will learn all about the lead-up to this event, the details of the event, and the repercussions of the event. There are many engaging rooms, with artifacts, letters, informative signage, and video archives telling the full tale of this event. When I visited, it was easy to spend at least 2 hours at the museum, if not more. I would highly recommend a visit! 

Cost: A ticket for the museum costs 30 PLN/25 PLN reduced . There are also a variety of family packages available. You can buy tickets in advance at the website listed above, but I would say you do not need to unless you plan to visit on a busy summer weekend.  

Hours: The hours change depending on the season. From May to September, the exhibits are open from 10 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Friday, and from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekends. From October to April, the exhibits are open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends, with the exhibits closed on Tuesdays. Otherwise, the museum is closed on major holidays.  

Transit Information: The European Solidarity Center is found just north of the Old Town. In fact, using either Tram 8 or Tram 10 from the main train station, it is only 1 tram stop north to get to the dedicated stop for the museum, Plac Solidarnosci . Otherwise, it is about a 20-minute walk from the center of the Old Town, which is a good walk, as it takes you through many other important sites of the city. 

6. Visit the Museum of World War II

Description: World War II might be one of the most studied events in world history. For those of you interested in such history, or just in a very engaging museum experience, the Museum of World War II in Gdańsk is certainly one of the best things to do in Gdańsk. The invasion of Poland by German forces was the event that started WWII, and while some air raids happened in other parts of Poland, German forces first set foot on Polish territory in Gdańsk. Thus, the museum focuses on the effects of the war on Gdańsk, but also Poland as a whole, telling a complete and comprehensive story. 

The museum is made up of almost 20 different exhibits. It starts with the uprising of fascism in European powers, and moves quickly into the invasion of Poland, and all the horrors associated with the Nazi occupation of Poland. It covers the first invasion in detail, but also what life was like in Poland during the war. It also has a large section dedicated to the Holocaust and other war crimes, and then finally a section dedicated to the ending of the war, and Poland’s quest to become whole again after the war. All in all, this museum is very good, and this museum should be at the top of your list of museums to visit in Gdańsk.  

Cost: A ticket to the main exhibition costs 25 PLN/18 PLN reduced . There are also family tickets available for 60 PLN, which includes admission for 2 adults and 2 children, a savings of 26 PLN. If you want to race through the exhibition in 30 minutes, then tickets only cost 15 PLN/10 PLN reduced . Do note the size of the museum means you might want to allot at least 2 hours, if not 3, to see the entirety of the museum. 

Hours: The hours depend on the season. From September to June, the museum is open on Tuesday from 10 AM to 4 PM , and from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. During July and August, the museum hours extend from 10 AM to 8 PM, Wednesday to Sunday. The museum is always closed on Mondays and major holidays.  

Transit Information: The Museum of World War II is about a 15-minute walk north from the Old Town. Additionally, the museum has its own bus stop. There are three buses with service from the central train station, Bus 106, Bus 130, and Bus 208, each also serving other parts of Gdańsk. If you are interested in seeing the destination associated with the museum, Westerplatte (more on this location later), Bus 106 goes directly between the two. Parking, if you have a car, is scarce in the area, so I would recommend walking or using public transport.  

7. Visit the Amber Museum

Description: Amber is one of the most important industries in Gdańsk. Gdańsk is oftentimes termed as the Amber capital of the world. Amber has been abundant in the area for many centuries due to the Baltic Sea practically being a gold mine for amber. In fact, the Kaliningrad area, an exclave of Russia, is full of amber. Sea winds blow amber across the Baltic Sea to the beaches of Gdańsk and the northern cities of Sopot and Gdynia. Even today, you can try to find amber on the beaches. Nevertheless, amber became an important part of Gdańsk’s wealth and trading power.  

With this history in mind, the Amber Museum aims to explain all this history with engaging exhibits. Located in an old mill building found between two canals, you will find an exhibition detailing the history of amber back many years of time, and a detailed description of how amber was created. As you move upwards, you will find exhibits about how amber has been included in culture, especially in Gdańsk, and great displays of artifacts and artwork made from the abundant amber found in Gdańsk. Finally, visit the museum shop to buy a souvenir to take home! All in all, this is a great place to spend some time, and certainly one of the best things to do in Gdańsk. 

Cost: A ticket costs 32 PLN/22 PLN reduced . You can also buy a family ticket for up to 2 adults and 6 children for 80 PLN. The museum is free on Mondays. 

Hours: The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except Tuesdays, when the museum is always closed. Additionally, the museum is closed on major holidays.  

Transit Information: The Amber Museum is on the northern edge of the Old Town. So, view that entry on the list for complete information about getting to the museum.

8. Visit the National Museum in Gdańsk

Description: The National Museum in Gdańsk is part of a tradition of great branches of the National Museum in other Polish cities, such as Warsaw and Wrocław. while the branch in Gdańsk is not as big, or holding as impressive artwork, it is still worth a quick visit. The building itself is beautiful, part of a former monastery. Inside, you will find large collections or religious art, Polish artifacts from Gdańsk, and some special collections, such as the impressive assortment of tiles and ceramics, or one of the largest collections of tin in the world. 

All in all, while this museum may be small, you should still pay a visit! It is a good way to kill time for an hour and is much less crowded than other museums in the area. Again, while it is not huge, there is still enough to be interested in! But I might recommend visiting on the free day, which is Friday, to really get your money’s worth. But this museum is still one of the best things to do in Gdańsk, especially when the temporary exhibit is a good one! 

Cost: Tickets cost 20 PLN/12 PLN reduced. If you are a Polish student reading this, you get in for 1 PLN! As mentioned previously, the museum is free on Fridays.  

Hours: The museum is open from 11 AM to 6 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. The museum is sometimes open on major holidays, so check their website, linked above for more specific details if you are visiting Gdańsk on a holiday.  

Transit Information: The museum is found just south of the Old Town, about a 10-15-minute walk away. There are also a couple of bus stops near it if you are arriving from other parts of town. Torunska is served by buses from almost anywhere in the city, except the north. Muzeum Narodowe bus stop is served by Bus 106 and Bus 111 from the city center. If arriving from the north, just take the regional train into Gdańsk Śródmieście train station. For parking, there is a small lot across the street to the east. 

9. Visit the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk

Description: Gdańsk has always been an important maritime center. Thus, the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk is a must-see, one of the best things to do in Gdańsk. Here, you will learn all about the heritage of the Poles along the Baltic, with the museum’s goal to protect this heritage as a major cultural institution of Poland. Upwards of 350 thousand people visit this museum every year, and there are many different exhibits to visit. The main location is the Granaries on the east side of the canals, home to the major exhibits detailed the history of maritime activities in Gdańsk, and Poland. 

Other places to visit of note included the SS Sołdek ship, the oldest remaining post-WWII seagoing ship in Poland. It has a storied history as a workhorse of Polish commerce. You can learn all about this history while onboard. Additionally, you can cross the canals to the Maritime Cultural Center, a more modern exhibit where you can visit two permanent exhibitions, one about people, ships, and ports, and the other about boats of the world. This center is attached to the old crane mentioned previously, which is currently under renovation. All in all, this museum supplies a lot of information, and has many fun engaging exhibits, making it worth your time.  

Cost: Tickets can be bought for various places at the museum. Tickets to the permanent and temporary exhibitions cost 15 PLN/10 PLN reduced. On Wednesday, these exhibits are free. For just the temporary exhibitions plus the Maritime Gallery, tickets cost 10 PLN/8 PLN reduced. To board the ship, you will have to buy a joint ticket with the permanent and temporary exhibits, for 47 PLN/35 PLN reduced . Tickets to the Maritime Cultural center cost 17 PLN/13 PLN or 20 PLN/15 PLN depending on which exhibit you choose. To add the Cultural center to everything else, you will pay 64 PLN/48 PLN . Visit the website for more information about this complicated ticket scheme.  

Hours: The hours of this museum are unpredictable and change quite often. For this reason, please visit the website linked above for the hours. There is no clear pattern about when and why they are changed, with sometimes even the opening days being changed from one week to another. But, except the museum to only be open for short hours in the winter during the week, and for slightly longer on weekends, and for longer hours throughout the summer.  

Transit Information: The museum is along the canals of Gdańsk in the Old Town. So, please view the prior entry on the Old Town for information about getting to the museum.

Best Things to do in Gdańsk: Outdoors

Gdańsk is also in a beautiful part of Poland. From beaches to tree-filled hills ripe for hiking, those of you who are nature lovers will find some lovely things to do. And best of all, this nature is easily accessible using Gdańsk public transportation. Read on to learn more about these outdoor treasures, amongst the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

10. Walk around Westerplatte

Description: Westerplatte is one of the most important historical sites in all of Europe, one of the top landmarks of Poland , and one of the best things to do in Gdańsk. Westerplatte pairs nicely with a visit to the Museum of WWII, as the German land invasion started at the army bastion found on the Westerplatte peninsula. Here, a small cohort 180 of Polish soldiers fought bravely against the 570 Nazi invaders, succeeding in holding them off for an entire week. The Poles fought so bravely that the commander of the Polish forces, Major Henryk Sucharski, was allowed to keep his sword as he was taken prisoner.  

Today at Westerplatte lies an imposing stone monument dedicated to all the victims of WWII, with symbolism also present to stop all future wars. Additionally, as you walk around, you will find signs with more details about what happened at Westerplatte during the war, remains of the old fort of Westerplatte that was bombarded mercilessly, and the mass grave site of the many Poles who died fighting protecting Westerplatte. There is also a nice promenade where you can walk along the beach for quite a long way. All in all, Westerplatte is a must-do when coming to Gdańsk, both for history, and the quiet and solemn nature present at Westerplatte.  

Cost: Walking around Westerplatte is entirely free!  

Hours: Westerplatte is open 24/7, as it is part of a public park. Note that going at night is a bad idea, as you will have to take an expensive taxi to get home if you do not have a car.  

Transit Information: Westerplatte, while not far in terms of actual distance from the city center, takes quite a while to get to. For public transport, you can take Bus 106 from the main train station, or Bus 138 from the same place. Both take long winding routes on the way there that means a trip to Westerplatte requires about 45 minutes by bus. Also note that during the offseason, these buses run quite infrequently, so you will have to spend at least an hour there, if not more, before being able to get a bus back. Also note there is no ticket machine at Westerplatte, so buy your transit tickets in advance. 

The best way to get to Westerplatte is by car. There is ample parking space, which may cost between 5-10 PLN depending on the season and how long you plan to spend. Another choice is the Westerplatte tourist ferry that leaves from near the Old Town along the canals and takes you on a short boat ride to Westerplatte. However, this choice is quite expensive, at 75 PLN/60 PLN reduced for a round-trip ticket, which is almost 10 times more expensive than a bus ticket, and still takes 40 minutes. Thus, only do the ferry if you want the experience.  

11. Tan on Jelitkowo Beach

Description: Jelitkowo Beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach north of the center of Gdańsk, the best beach Gdańsk has to offer, and one of the best beaches in all of Poland . It is slightly less busy than some of the more famous beaches nearby, but still equally beautiful, with stunning views of the Baltic Sea. And it is easy to get to via public transportation, and with the changing rooms and showers provided, you do not have to worry about having a car to enjoy swimming and tanning at this beach. 

Additionally, there are a few things to do in and around the beach. On the outskirts of the beach is the wooded President Ronald Reagan Park , a nice place to take a breather amongst the trees, with playgrounds, sports fields, and many trails and places to relax to appreciate. Furthermore, if you continue to walk south along the beach, you will make it to Brzeźnie Pier , a free pier that is a perfect place for a photo or to watch the sunrise. Otherwise, just enjoy the sandy stretch the beach has to offer. Jelitkowo Beach is truly one of the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

Cost: Jelitkowo Beach is free to take advantage of.  

Hours: Jelitkowo Beach is open all hours and days of the year. However, it only makes sense to enjoy the beach during daylight hours. And, during the winter, the weather will not be the most pleasant you have ever experienced. I would recommend getting up early or staying up late to watch the sun rise or set for an amazing experience.  

Transit Information: The best way to get to Jelitkowo Beach is to take a tram. Trams 2, 6, and 8 all run to the Jelitkowo tram stop, from the main train station in Gdańsk, as well as other major points in the city. This journey takes about 40 minutes. Your other choice is to take a regional train to Gdańsk Oliwa train station, and then take Bus 143 to the Jelitkowo stop. Otherwise, you can also drive, but parking is sparse.  

12. Admire Oliwski Park

Description: Oliwski Park is a beautiful green space found in a quiet part of the city often missed by tourists! During my first visit to Gdańsk, I had a local show me around, and was impressed! Oliwski Park is certainly one of the best things to do in Gdańsk, and you should not skip it. The history of the park is based on the history of the Oliwski Stream that runs through it, where monasteries were headquartered as far back as the 10 th century. In the 16 th century, these monks created a garden that became popular for famous visitors, such as Polish kings.

Eventually, it became open to visitors in the 18 th century, and has been open ever since. Within the park, you will find a bunch of beautifully manicured gardens, rows of trees covering wide paths, ponds and streams, and even little waterfalls. Special gardens include the English and Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Botanical Garden. There is also a Palm House on site where you can admire the plants of warmer climates.

The other attraction within the park is the Oliwska Cathedral , a beautiful baroque and rococo church, full of gaudy art and other religious iconography. A step inside is a step back in time. Overall, Oliwski Park is the best park experience you can get in Gdańsk, and it is entirely free! Do not miss it if you have the time.  

Cost: Entry to the park, the Palm House and Cathedral is free!  

Hours: The park is open from May to September from 5 AM to 11 PM, and from 5 AM to 8 PM from October to April. The Palm House is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM and is closed on Mondays. I could not find hours for the Cathedral, but assume similar hours to the Palm House, with its being closed to tourists during Mass on Sunday. 

Transit Information: There are a lot of options to get to the park. Firstly, there is the Gdańsk Oliwa train station, which is a short walk from the park. Additionally, Trams 5, 6, and 12 serve the Oliwa tram stop from all over Gdańsk, with Trams 6 and 12 directly from the central train station in Gdańsk. Finally, there is some paid parking available, with small lots next to the Cathedral.  

13. Climb Pachołek Hill

Description: Found near Oliwski Park, Pachołek Hill is one of many hills west of Gdańsk. In fact, the entire west side of Gdańsk is forested hills, full of beautiful hiking trails. It is yet another area skipped quite often by tourists, which is a mistake in my opinion. But, if you have the time, and are already at Oliwski Park, climbing to the top of Pachołek Hill is worth it. You start by walking up ul. Tatrzanska, and then start climbing up the hill through a peaceful forest.  

As you get to the top of this 107-meter (350 ft) hill, you will have a 15-meter (50 ft) observation tower to climb. At the top, you will be treated to stunning views of Gdańsk and the Baltic Sea! With the foliage cleared a bit to make the view even better recently, now is a better time than any to appreciate these amazing, 360-degree and entirely free views! Once you are done with the tower, climb down to Staw Młyński for a cute pond that may or may not have beavers, swans, and ducks. All in all, the climb up Pachołek Hill is a treat, one you should not skip.  

Cost: Pachołek Hill is entirely free to use! 

Hours: Pachołek Hill is accessible at all hours of the day and all hours of the year! Just be careful in rainy and icy weather while climbing the tower.  

Transit Information: As Pachołek Hill is right next to Oliwski Park, follow the instructions for that entry to get to this location! 

14. Explore the Bastions of Gdańsk

Description: For a final underrated outdoor excursion that I recently tried, consider visiting the Bastions of Gdańsk. The Bastions used to be part of the extensive fortification system that protected the southern part of what is now the historic Old Town of Gdańsk. Originally built in the 17 th century, these Bastions, from the air, look like the bottom of a star, with a distinct zigzag pattern of canals, and fortifications. Today, 5 Bastions remain, mostly named after animals. 

The appeal of the Bastions today is how quiet they are. Despite being only about 15 minutes away from the Old Town, when I visited recently, there was almost no one there, except a few locals walking their dogs. This is a great place to ride a bike up and down the canals. Additionally, with some new renovations soon to be done, there will be some artificial mounds in place with great views of the city. Come visit before this place gets popular!  

Cost: The Bastions are free to explore.  

Hours: The Bastions are open 24/7. Do note that some are under renovation right now, and are not open, but should be open soon based on when I last visited (as of November 2023).  

Transit Information: You can take the bus to Bram Nizinna , taking Bus 123 from the main train station. Or you can take Bus 106 or 111 from near the main train station to Wróbla , and then walk a short distance from there. There is also a small amount of street parking available by Bastion Żubr .

Best Things to do in Gdańsk: Attractions

If you are looking for some more touristy things to do in Gdańsk, these next entries fit that bill, without being a huge tourist trap (like a haunted tower, or a wax museum). These exhibits can be kid friendly, or even a chance to experience the amazing Polish culture. Read on to learn about these attractions that are amongst the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

15. Visit Gdańsk Zoo

Description: Visiting the Gdańsk Zoo is a great opportunity if you have children! With affordable tickets, and almost 150 different species of animals. This zoo has been around since the 1950s, supported by the people of Gdańsk and the surrounding area ever since then. In fact, the zoo had almost ended before it even started, when funding ran out. But the citizens of the area donated money to keep it going, including the children of nearby Sopot donating 1 PLN each! Today, the zoo is dedicated to preserving animals, especially those endangered, with the zoo taking part in a project to breed the vulnerable Andean Condors for example.  

Today, the Gdańsk Zoo should be your number one destination if you have children. Not only are the many cool animals to see, such as lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, penguins, and even the illusive European Bison, there are lots of other activities. From a zoo train to a ropes course, to fun photo booths, there is lots to keep your family entertained throughout the whole day. Thus, I recommend the Gdańsk Zoo as one of the best things to do in Gdańsk, especially for families! 

Cost: The ticket prices depend on the month. You can buy regular tickets, discounted tickets for children and students, and a family ticket for 2 parents and 3 children. From November to March, these tickets cost 20 PLN/15 PLN/55 PLN . From April to June, as well as September and October, these tickets cost 30 PLN/25 PLN/90 PLN . Finally, in July and August, they cost 40 PLN/35 PLN/120 PLN.  

Hours: The hours for the zoo are very complex, so I recommend checking the website for complete details. Typically, expect the zoo to be open from 9 AM to 3 PM in the winter months, 9 AM to 5 PM in the spring and fall (with extended hours on weekends), and from 9 AM to 7 PM throughout the busy season in the summer. Last entry with a ticket is 1 hour before closing.  

Transit Information: The zoo is located near Oliwski Park. Thus, take a tram or the regional train to the Gdańsk Oliwa area. Starting at Oliwa 07 , you then take Bus 169 for about 7 minutes to the zoo stop. Alternatively, there are also lots of massive parking lots, mostly just grassy lots, near the zoo if you would like to drive. This will cost you money, however, but you can pay at machines with cash or card. 

16. Got to a Lechia Gdańsk Football Game

Description: Lechia Gdańsk is the largest, most popular, and most successful football club (or soccer for my fellow Americans) in Gdańsk. With rabid fans, going to a match is a unique experience if you have never been to a European football match before. Make sure to wear green and white upon attending for the best experience, or you can buy some gear at the team shop before entering the stadium. While this team has had great success in Poland, at time of writing (November 2023), Gdańsk was recently relegated from the top Polish league Ekstraklasa and are struggling. But attending is still a fun experience! 

The stadium Lechia Gdańsk plays in is also a big draw. Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk was opened in 2011 and was built to be used for the 2012 Euro Championships hosted by Poland and Ukraine. If you want to avoid the rowdy atmosphere of an actual match, you can also just take a guided tour of the stadium. The guided tour will allow you to see much of the stadium, including locker rooms, media rooms, walking on the pitch, and more. Additionally, there is a viewpoint on the stadium that you can also buy a ticket for! Overall, there are plenty of activities to choose from that make visiting Lechia Gdańsk one of the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

Cost: The ticket price for a match depends on the opponent. As of writing, tickets are a likely a bit cheaper due to Lechia Gdańsk’s recent relegation to the Polish 1 st League. A stadium tour ticket costs 25 PLN/18 PLN reduced per person, or 18 PLN if for some reason you are arriving with a group larger than 15 people. Finally, a ticket for just the viewpoint of the stadium costs 13 PLN and is free for children 4 and younger. 

Hours: The hours are completely variable, depending on the match time. Do be aware that it can take a while to get to the match due to increased traffic to the stadium, so give yourself enough time to make it. Additionally, if you want to take a tour, the time is decided based on which day you choose to visit. Tours are typically for one hour in the afternoon. Additionally, you can only reserve a spot on a tour in the same month as you plan to visit.  

Transit Information: From the Gdańsk central train station, you can get to the arena in about 15 minutes via Tram 3, 7, or 10, arriving at the Stadion tram stop. There is also a lot of parking surrounding the stadium if you choose to drive.  

17. Ride the AmberSky Ferris Wheel

Description: The AmberSky Ferris Wheel is an icon in the Gdańsk skyline, sitting on the east side of the canals, right behind the Gdańsk city sign. Named after the amber that is abundant in Gdańsk, riding this 50-meter (165 ft) Ferris Wheel is no more special than any other. However, it is still a great experience, as you can get some great views of the city skyline while going around. I recommend riding at sunset for the best experience, especially on a clear day.  

In my experience, you will get at least 5-6 full rotations of the wheel, with multiple stoppages, so that you get 15-20 minutes on the wheel. This is ample time to enjoy the views. Maybe you will even see a pair of foxes playing on a nearby rooftop as I did one time! Additionally, the carriages are heated or air-conditioned, so it is a nice respite depending on the weather outside. So, do not skip the AmberSky, it is one of the best things to do in Gdańsk.  

Cost: A ticket costs 37 PLN. If you have a child less than 1.40 meters tall (around 4 ft 7), they only cost 27 PLN . Children 3 or under are free. There is also a student discount available on Mondays down to 27 PLN during the school year.  

Finally, there is a VIP experience that you can also choose from! You will be treated to a 30-minute ride with armchairs, a TV, a full glass floor, and even a mini-fridge with Prosecco if you would like. This costs 350 PLN for the entire cabin, or 400 PLN if you want the Prosecco included.  

Hours: The Ferris Wheel is open every day. From Monday to Friday, it is open from 10:30 AM to 10 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 10:30 AM until Midnight. Finally, on Sundays, it is open from 10 AM to 10 PM .  

Transit Information: The AmberSky Ferris Wheel is found along the canals of the Old Town, so view the entry for the Old Town to learn how to use public transport to get to the Old Town, and thus the Ferris Wheel. There is, however, a large parking lot right in front of the wheel if you need to park.  

Best Things to Do in Gdańsk: Day Trips

While Gdańsk certainly has a lot to do, its location is near some other amazing landmarks of Poland means you should take advantage of this and take a day trip somewhere. Below, you will find three-day trips that are possible, including one that is technically still in the Gdańsk city limits. While there are certainly more, these three are the most interesting, in my opinion.

18. Visit Sopot

Description: Sopot is a charming city found north of Gdańsk. It is the middle city of the three cities part of the Trójmiasto , wedged between Gdynia (a city that is not too exciting to visit) and Gdańsk. Sopot has been visited as a tourist destination since the 19 th century, when it was established as a health spa. Today, millions of tourists still visit Sopot each year to admire the sparkling Baltic Sea, as well as the Sopot Beach . Many tourists also choose to walk up and down the Sopot Pier , the longest wooden pier in all of Europe.  

Beyond the beach and the pier, there is much else to do in Sopot. Walking up the main promenade on ul. Bohaterów Monte Cassino will take you past many shops and restaurants worth a visit. Some other sights on the promenade include Wojtek the Bear , a statue commemorating the Polish soldier bear who “fought” in WWII, and Krzywy Domek , a crooked building that now serves as a small shopping mall. Other attractions to consider are a bike ride along the beach, visiting a museum such as the Sopot Museum , or relaxing at a spa at Aqua Park Sopot .  

For a complete guide to Sopot, view the recently published blog article about Sopot ! 

Cost: How much you spend in Sopot depends on your budget! A typical meal will cost between 40-70 PLN. Entry to some of the museums and the pier will probably cost you around 20-25 PLN per person. Otherwise, all costs will be what souvenirs and snacks you buy along the way.  

Hours: Check each individual attraction in Sopot for hours. However, the pier in Sopot is often open 24 hours, as is the beach.  

Transit Information: Getting to Sopot from Gdańsk is easy. You can take one of the SKM trains from any train station in Gdańsk to Sopot. From the Old Town it takes about 20 minutes by train and costs around 5 PLN. I would not recommend taking a bus, as it takes a long time compared to the trains and is not much cheaper. If you want to drive, there is parking throughout the city, but it is limited, so getting to the city early increases your chances of snagging a spot! 

19. Explore Malbork Castle

Description: Malbork Castle is an impressive landmark within a short train ride of Gdańsk. Thus, when visiting Gdańsk, I highly recommend taking a trip down! Malbork Castle is one of the largest castles in the world. What makes it most impressive is that it is built entirely out of brick. The castle’s beautiful coppery color is what makes it stand out, as well as its impressive walls, gates, and grounds. The castle is the work of Teutonic Knights, who used Malbork to protect their lands for many years, before selling the castle to the Polish royal family, who then made it a royal residence. 

When visiting now, you start by walking across a drawbridge, through a gate, and into the central courtyard of the castle. From here, you walk from room to room of the castle, learning about the history of the Teutonic knights, the Polish royal family which lived here, and the many wars fought around the castle. You will also see what artifacts remain from the original castle, as well as large collections of artworks, weapons, and more. Then, you can walk some of the outdoor routes of the castle to get amazing views of the next-door river. All in all, Malbork is a must visit when in Poland, and Gdańsk is the perfect place to start you journey to Malbork from.  

Cost: The cost of admission is on the pricier side, at 70 PLN/50 PLN reduced . But, considering the number of things you can see with this ticket, I feel it is more than worth it. Additionally, if you have a family of four with two adults and 2 children, consider buying the 2+2 family ticket for 220 PLN for a small savings. I recommend buying tickets online in advance, especially if visiting during a holiday, or on a summer weekend. Otherwise, you may be stuck in a very long line waiting for the tickets.  

Hours: The hours for Malbork are inconsistent based on the season and each individual attraction at the castle. I would recommend visiting their website linked above for the schedule on the day you plan to visit.  

Transit Information: From Gdańsk, it is about a 30-minute train ride to Malbork. You can use the regional train service, which takes slightly longer, or maybe find a cheap inter-city service. Otherwise, you will have to drive, with there being a very large parking lot on site at the castle.  

20. View the mouth of the Vistula River

Description: As mentioned in prior entries, the Vistula River is one of the most important rivers in Poland, but especially to Gdańsk. Originally, the river flew through Gdańsk into the Baltic, but today, it has been engineered to enter the Baltic 21 km (13 miles) away from the Gdańsk Old Town. This has helped reduce flooding in the Gdańsk area significantly. Today, visiting the mouth of the river is still possible as a day trip, despite the distance from the city. You can visit the mouth at the Mewia Łacha Reserve , which protects the area on the left bank of the Vistula as it enters the sea. 

The reserve is home to lots to do. You can walk along the sandy beaches, or along the trails through the forest. There is also the opportunity to see lots of nature, including a population of Baltic seals, who use the beach by the river to relax, and eventually breed. There is also one of the largest populations of gulls here, and lots of other birds to find. During the summer, the reserve offers on-site experts to learn about the birds. Otherwise, just walk along the beach, or watch the sunset from the viewing tower. This place is beautiful, peaceful, and an important place in Poland, so visiting it while in Gdańsk is worthwhile if you have the time! 

Cost: Visiting the nature reserve at the mouth of the Vistula River is entirely free! Take out all your trash to keep the beach a nice place for future visitors.  

Hours: You can visit the nature reserve at the mouth of the Vistula River any time you want throughout the year. Just keep track of the bus schedule so you do not get stranded! And even so, there are two different night buses at midnight and 3 AM that will get you back to the city if you really want a late night on the beach.  

Transit Information: Even though the mouth of the Vistula is quite a distance from the center of Gdańsk, it is still technically in Gdańsk, and thus there are city buses that reach it! You can take Bus 112 from the central train station to the stop Przystan 02 in about 45 minutes, and then it is about a 3 kilometer (2 mile) walk to the beach from there. If you want to go to the east side of the mouth, there is a ferry that runs every day to cross the river. Once crossing, it would be a similar walk to get to the beach. Even when driving, you must park in the Swibno neighborhood and walk from there.  

Best Things to do in Gdańsk: Conclusions

Gdańsk truly is a lovely city. There is a reason I have made 4 separate trips to visit it, and I still have not seen all the city has to offer. Not only is the city beautiful, and a completely different feel from other Polish cities, the people there are extremely kind! There is so much to explore, and I would recommend visiting Gdańsk as soon as you can! Finally, below you will find a short description of some final important things to know about traveling to Gdańsk! Look out for some future articles about restaurants and hotels! 

Getting to Gdańsk: Gdańsk is served by its own international airport with flights from all over Europe. The airport is served by Gdańsk’s public transportation, so you do not need to use a taxi to get to and from the airport. Additionally, the recently renovated Gdańsk Główny train station, an icon itself, will get you all over Poland via train. You can also choose to rent a car and drive to Gdańsk, it is a manageable guide. For some specific information on how to get to Gdańsk from Warsaw, read this article .  

Getting Around Gdańsk: Gdańsk has decent public transportation, that is rapidly improving. There is a network of trams and buses that will get you almost anywhere. But, as many of the main attractions are in the center, walking will be your main mode of transport. But, if you need to use public transportation, a warning! Tickets are hard to buy! As of writing this, it looks like Gdańsk is going to soon introduce a way to buy tickets on the bus, but as of writing this, you can only buy tickets at ticket machines, or on apps! 

You can find bus ticket machines at most major tram and bus stops, including at the central train station. On these you can buy single-use tickets, or longer-term tickets if you plan to stay in Gdańsk a while and use the transport a lot. However, some important places you might want to visit, like Westerplatte, do not have ticket machines. Instead, you can buy tickets through some mobile apps. My favorite is Jakdojade , but you can also use GoPay, moBilet, MPay, Skycash, or Zbiletem.

Be warned that often the apps will ask for authorization from your credit card, so make sure the app will be able to text your number a security code so you can buy! And contact your bank in advance to inquire about whether this might happen or not. 

Another great public transportation choice is MeVo . This is a bike sharing service available as an app with English-language options. On MeVo, you register, pay a small 10 PLN fee, and then are allowed to reserve bikes for up to 2 hours per day entirely free! There are stations throughout Gdańsk, so you might find this is the best choice for getting to a place you want to visit, or just to take a leisurely ride around beautiful Gdańsk! Do note that if you do not leave the bikes at the proper station, you will get charged a 10 PLN fee.  

Safety in Gdańsk: Poland is a very safe country ! In Gdańsk, you should also not have to worry about your safety. You will find people trying to coax you into your restaurant with flyers or trying to get you to take a picture with an owl or hawk, but these are not scammers, they are rather entrepreneurs. I would just be careful at night in the Old Town sometimes, as this is where any rowdy drunk people might hang out (no judgement if you want to join!). 

Hotels and Restaurants: Look out for future, more detailed, articles on these topics! Gdańsk has lots of great hotels and Airbnb’s to choose from. If you are conscious about which Airbnb you want to rent, I will say that some of the newer apartment buildings tend to be bought up by Airbnb investors and may contribute to raising local rent prices. However, there are lots of gems too. The one I recently stayed at was right in the city center with views of the Town Hall! Of course, if you are concerned, there are lots of hotels in the center, or some cheaper ones on the outskirts. 

As far as restaurants go, most of the higher-rated ones are in the Old Town or along the canals. I would always check reviews before choosing a place to eat. There are lots of good restaurants in these locations, but also many touristy chains. In fact, if you notice there is more than one location in the Old Town, I would be wary about choosing that restaurant. Do note that restaurants in Gdańsk get crowded quickly, so eat early, late, or get a reservation if you can! 

How Long to Stay: Gdańsk, despite not being the largest city in the world, does have a lot to do. Even beyond the 20 things on this list, you can find many other museums to peruse, streets to explore, and natural wonders to appreciate. Gdańsk is also found in a part of the country where you can access many other beautiful sites, such as those mentioned, or even further to the north Baltic coast, or east to the lake region of Masuria.

If you want to see Gdańsk (and Sopot), you need at least 2 nights to do it properly. But, if you want to do a full exploration, with some day trips beyond, I recommend 4 days to an entire week , if you have the time.  

When Should I Visit: Gdańsk is an extremely popular city for Polish travelers. So, if you want fewer people, the best months to visit are March and April, or October and November. The weather will be a bit colder, but Gdańsk is beautiful year-round. If you visit in October and November, you also get the benefit of seeing the beautiful Polish autumn colors. I would, however, recommend looking up some of the key important holidays. The beginning of May is especially a busy time for Polish travelers due to the long holiday weekend to start the month, so book in advance if you want to go then! 

The summer is a great time to visit too, even if popular. The weather is warm enough to fully enjoy the beautiful beaches of the area or have a nice drink along the canals. However, I feel that going to Gdańsk in the winter is extremely underrated. Not only are things cheaper, but Poland in the winter is also very beautiful, especially with snow! Additionally, you can appreciate the amazing Christmas Market, a Polish Christmas tradition worth experiencing, that happens in December. All in all, every season is a good season for Gdańsk! 

Migration Researcher

Hi everyone! My name is Jeremy, and I am a staff writer for Poland Insiders. I first came to Poland in May of 2022, fell in love with it, applied to go to university here, got accepted, and have now been living in Warsaw since September 2022! I love traveling and sharing about what I find along the way, whether food, culture, or events. Being born and raised on the West Coast of the US, I also love nature, Asian food, and a good (non-alcoholic) beer. I am happy to share my adventures in Poland as I continue to live and work here for the near future.

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Nestled on the Baltic Sea coast, this cute port town boasts rich and complicated history, plenty of exciting sights to see, and one of the mesmerizing museums, to name a few. Visiting Gdansk should be on anyone’s plans when planning a trip to Poland. Therefore, this ultimate guide to visiting Gdansk is packed with all the necessary information, the best things to do in Gdansk, and much more. 

Even though this post is based on my travels to Gdansk in winter, you can enjoy and experience most of the things listed here all year round. 

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂   Learn more

Download this guide as a mobile app

Why Visit Gdansk? 

Located in northern Poland, Gdansk is the fourth-largest city. Together with the cities of Sopot and Gdynia, it forms a metropolitan area called Trojmiasto in Polish, or Tricity in English. 

Even though Gdansk is a coastal town, it doesn’t feel like it because the Baltic Sea coast is far away from the city. However, it still brings breeze and cold to Gdansk.

One of the main reasons for visiting Gdansk is that it was the ground zero of World War II. It is here where the first shots were fired. Therefore the city has plenty of exciting and unique sights to explore. 

Throughout its history, Prussia, Germany, and Poland ruled the city of Gdansk. In the middle ages, the area of the current Gdansk was inhabited by mainly German settlers, while in the 17th century, it was home to a large number of Jewish Poles, Poles, Latvians, Dutch, and Flemings. 

In the most recent past, between 1920 and 1939, Gdansk was a semi-autonomous city-state called Free City of Danzig (a German name for Gdansk). The city was formed after World War I, according to the Treaty of Versailles. The Free City of Danzig also incorporated around 200 surrounding towns and villages that Germans primarily inhabited.

According to the Treaty, the Free City of Danzig was supposed to remain detached from the newly independent Polish Republic and the post-war German Republic. League of Nations protected the city. 

ADVICE : always travel with comprehensive travel insurance that also covers COVID. I personally use SafetyWing . 

Unfortunately, the obscure political statues of the Free City of Danzig created some tensions and led to World War II. During this tragic era of humanity, 90% of the city center was in ruins. People completely rebuilt it to its original state after the war. 

Frequent border changes, displacement of its citizens, and new settlements have shaped the modern-day Gdansk in and after 1945. 

In the 1980s, Gdansk became the birthplace of the Polish Solidarity movement, which was the main driving force to end Communism in the country. It also helped speed up the processes of breaking the Eastern Bloc, falling the Berlin Wall, and concluding the Warsaw Pact. 

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Best time to visit gdansk.

Gdansk’s climate is gentler than elsewhere in Poland as the city is very close to the Baltic Sea. Summers here are colder than in southern Poland, while temperatures in winter are above zero. Although the wind is relatively common in Gdansk. 

The beginning of spring still feels like winter, with short days, low temperatures, and not much sun. The weather in April is inconsistent, and it can bring sun and snow most of the time. Therefore, late May is the best time to visit Gdansk in spring. At this time, days are warmer, and plants start to turn green. 

Another best time to visit Gdansk is in June to avoid big tourist groups but take advantage of long warm days with almost no rain. Even though the weather is not that warm to swim in the Baltic Sea, it is ideal for seeing the city and making day trips. 

The peak season for Gdansk is July and August, and the hotels get booked far in advance. During these months, many locals also come to Gdansk for their vacation because of its access to the sea. 

September is another best time to visit Gdansk with fewer tourists and still warm days to appreciate long strolls in the city. The real autumn here starts in October, making it ideal to see fall colors in this cute town. However, autumn brings lots of rain too.  

Gdansk in winter brings Christmas markets and festive decorations to the city. The days are shorter, and the temperatures can go below zero, but with fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting Gdansk in December. 

How Many Days to Spend in Gdansk

The majority of Gdansk attractions are in the Old Town and within walking distance from each other. Therefore, you can finish the majority of sights in one day. 

The season you plan on visiting Gdansk or what you want to do determines how many days to spend in Gdansk. 

For warmer and longer days in spring, summer, or autumn, 2 full days are enough for city sightseeing. However, for relaxing summer days at Gdansk beaches, add another 2-3 days. 

Visiting Gdansk in winter requires 3 full days because the days are shorter, and the majority of the museums close at 4 pm. We stayed in Gdansk in winter for 2 full days, and even though we managed to see pretty much everything, it still felt a bit rushed. 

How to Get to Gdansk

Visiting Gdansk is easy as it is well-connected to the rest of the country and the European continent. Lech Walesa Airport is the main domestic and international airport in Gdansk. Therefore, you can quickly fly directly from other cities in Poland or Europe. 

→ Get a private transfer from Gdansk airport to your accommodation .  

If you are in Poland already, Gdansk is also well-connected to the country’s main cities like Warsaw , Krakow , Poznan , Wroclaw , with public transport. 

The train is the easiest and fastest public transport in Poland. There are also buses, but they might take longer than trains to get to the destination depending on traffic. Therefore, I advise you to travel via train to the central train station in Gdansk (Gdańsk Główny). 

How to Get Around Gdansk GDANSK

All the places to visit in Gdansk are in the city center, making it a walkable city. When visiting Gdansk, you don’t need to use public transport for the main attractions. Use Gdansk public transport only when traveling to Sopot, Gdynia, Westerplatte, or Zaspa neighborhood, to name a few. 

Tickets for trams and buses are the same. Here are quick ticket prices: 

Single journey for regular, fast, and night lines – 3.80 PLN 60 minutes for all lines – 4.40 PLN 24 Houts for all lines – 14 PLN

You can buy tickets from vending machines at the tram/bus stops, from kiosks, or Jakdojade mobile app. Don’t forget to validate the tickets when you get on the bus/tram. Tickets bought via mobile app don’t need to be validated. You’ll get a fine of 154 PLN for traveling without a valid ticket, which you need to pay within 7 days. Otherwise, the price will increase. 

I recommend downloading the Bolt taxi app if you want to use a taxi in Gdansk (use code YRP76 for a discount). It has relatively reasonable prices and is the best choice if you need to get somewhere in a hurry or arrive at Gdansk airport late at night and don’t feel like using public transport. 

Where to Stay in Gdansk

Gdansk has many accommodation options, including hostels, hotels for various budgets, and apartments. 

Our choice : Apartament Kameralny 11 na Starówce – centrally located behind the St. Mary’s Basilica. This apartment is one of the best places to stay in Gdansk and has everything to make your days here comfortable. The flat is bright with modern furniture, a TV and a full kitchenette to prepare your meals. All the Gdansk sightseeing are within walking distance from here. 

Mid-range apartment : Blue Mandarin Old Town – is another centrally located option with views of the river or Gdansk Old Town. These modern apartments come with dining areas and a fully equipped kitchen. 

Mid-range aparthotel : Dwór Uphagena ARCHE Hotel Gdańsk – a great hotel in Gdansk with reasonable prices and close to the main Gdansk attractions like Green Gate and Long Market street. The rooms are elegant with a minimalist approach and a touch of color in their design. 

Hostel : Bi-Pi Hostel – one of the best places to stay in Gdansk if you are on the budget. Located in the city’s center, unlike many hostels, this one doesn’t have big dorm rooms. Instead, it has double, triple, and quadruple rooms with shared bathrooms. And if you want some privacy, they also have a double room with a private bathroom. 

Boutique hotel : Hotel Impresja – is another alternative to stay in Gdansk for those who’d like to be a fit far away from the hustle and bustle of the town but still be close to the main attractions. This hotel has a cute design and an elegant dining room with gorgeous stained glass windows. 

Luxury hotel : Radisson Hotel & Suites , overlooking the Motława River, is across the Green Gate, offering magnificent views of the riverside backdropped by cute houses. All rooms here have a desk, air-conditioning, a kettle, TV, and safety box, while some rooms even have a kitchen. 

Holiday Inn Gdansk is another alternative if you are looking for a luxury hotel in Gdansk. Located on the shore of Motława River on Spichrzów Island, the hotel also offers views of the Old Town like the Radisson Hotel. Its Sky Bar on the 7th floor offers panoramic views of the city. 

→ Find other apartments and hotels in Gdansk here . 

18 Wonderful Things to Do in Gdansk

There is something for everyone in Gdansk, but it is mainly the city for history lovers due to its complicated past and the starting point of the Second World War. It is fascinating to see how Gdansk rebuilt the destroyed city center as it was pre-war. 

From wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting its magnificent museums, and trying Polish food, here are the best things to do in Gdansk. 

Buy Gdansk Tourist Card for free entrance and discounts

Before I get into the sightseeing, one of the things to do in Gdansk, or even before your visit, is to buy Gdansk Tourist Card and its Sightseeing Package if you plan on visiting Gdansk museums. 

With the card, you have free admission to most museums and reasonable discounts on others. The card also offers various discounts for selected restaurants, services, and landmarks. 

It’s straightforward to use and quite convenient. You can buy it online and pick up at various points throughout the city or buy it once you get to Gdansk. 

→ Check out their website for more information

Stroll down the Dlugi Targ (Long Market street)

Długi Targ is the central pedestrian street of Gdansk Old Town. It was a merchant road that led to the oval market area in the past. The street is between the Golden and Green Gates of the city. 

Before the 18th century, the street was also called Royal Route; only Polish monarchs used this path to enter the city. Therefore, the richest, prominent, and elite inhabitants lived in these houses. 

Dlugi Targ street was also a place for executions of criminals that were either city’s citizens or the nobles, heretics, and witches. 

Today, the street is home to some of Gdansk’s most charming, colorful, and ornate houses. Each building is a piece of art in its way, adorned with portraits of its inhabitants, statues, stuccos, mosaics, and painted figurative scenes, to name a few. They all have individual characters, and I am sure each has an intriguing story to tell. They are so stunning that I couldn’t help me from taking dozens of photos of every building. 

The ground part of each house is still preserved along the street. Cemented staircases with ornate gargoyle rain gutters covered in a skinny layer of moss are absolutely mesmerizing to admire. 

Apart from architectural marvels, the street has many shops, cute cafes and coffee shops, souvenir shops, convenience stores, exchange offices, etc. 

Places to visit in Gdansk Old Town: 

Złota Brama (Golden Gate): one of the main gates which lead to Long Market street. Famous Flemish architects created the gate adorning it with allegorical statues. The gate, constructed in the mid-17th century, was destroyed entirely during WWII and was not restored until 1997. 

“Small states grow by concord, great ones fall by disagreement,” reads the inscription on it. Unfortunately, during our stay in Gdansk, scaffolds covered the gate due to the renovation. 

Town Hall : this Gothic-Renaissance-styled Town Hall is the second tallest building in the city, which hosted various Polish Kings visiting Gdansk in the past. Today, it’s home to the Gdansk Museum, giving you a glimpse of its past life. 

Lavish ceiling paintings of the Red Hall will leave you speechless before shifting your gaze towards the impressively-sized fireplace. 

Other rooms of the museum showcase vintage furniture of the 16th-17th centuries, around 600 silver china and other pieces, and temporary exhibits in the Pile Gallery. 

During our visit, the Gallery hosted breathtaking works of Tomasz Setowski, a local artist whose pieces showcase the fairy-tale world blended with reality in the most fascinating way. He is recognized as one of the most gifted and original painters of the young generation who created his own unique style. 

The museum’s top floor shows what life was like in Gdańsk before the war. Small displays reveal the everyday lives of Gdansk citizens, home layout, and what items they’ve used. Apart from this, there are displays of businesses, a bank, and a pharmacy, to name a few.  

You can go to the viewing platform to enjoy sweeping views of the Gdansk Old Town from this floor. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovation during our visit. 

Opening Hours: closed on Tuesdays . The rest of the days are from 10 am – 4 pm. Thursday from 10 am – 6 pm.  Entrance Fee: Adults – 16 PLN for the museum and 12 PLN for the viewing platform. Free on Mondays or anytime with Gdansk Tourist Card.  Website: Museum Gdansk

Neptune Fountain: a famous Flemish architect created a bronze statue of Neptune, Roman God of Sea, in 1617. He also designed nearby Artus Court, the Golden House (41 Długi Targ street), and The Royal Granary next to the Central Maritime Museum. The statue was transformed into a fountain in the 1630s. 

Neptune’s statue is the symbol of Gdansk, which was dismantled and hidden during the Second World War. The authorities put back the statue to its rightful spot only in 1954.

Artus Court: this remarkable manor was a meeting site for merchants and a centre of social life. It is named after King Arthur and its famous round table concept. 

In the mid-19th century, it was renovated into a Dutch Mannerism style after a devastating fire, featuring striking sculptures and illustrations of man’s values and sins. 

Inside is the museum now, featuring magnificent paintings of unknown artists, ornamented furniture, ship models, coat of arms, armours, and tapestries, to name a few. 

The central piece of the museum is the 11-meter high heating stove covered in gorgeous 520 individual tiles showcasing the most outstanding leaders of Europe. The heater is said to be the tallest one in Europe. 

Opening Hours: closed on Tuesdays . The rest of the days are from 10 am – 4 pm. Thursday from 10 am – 6 pm.  Entrance Fee: Adults – 16 PLN; Free on Mondays or anytime with Gdansk Tourist Card.  Website: Museum Gdansk

Brama Zielona (Green Gate): four-arched gatehouse on the riverfront used to be a palace for Polish monarchs. Even though none of the Polish Kings lived here, Lech Wałęsa (the driving force of the Solidarity Movement) had an office before the European Solidarity Center. 

The building is now home to the Gdansk Photo Gallery and Modern Art Gallery, hosting various exhibitions. 

From here, you can continue to cross the Green Bridge to Granary Island. 

Opening Hours: closed on Mondays . Tue-Sun from 11 am – 6 pm.  Entrance Fee: Adults – 15 PLN; Free on Fridays.  Website: Nomus

Peek inside Katownia 

Katownia refers to the medieval prison & torture chamber right in front of the Golden Gate. It was originally built as part of Gdansk’s fortification in the 14th century. However, a Flemish fortifications engineer later rebuilt it in the late 16th early 17th centuries. Two small buildings were the torture chambers, while the tall tower was a prison. 

Even today, when you peek inside the yard, you can see heavy metal handcuffs hanging near the cell doors. The government still performed the executions until the mid-19th century. Like many other buildings, it was also destroyed during the war and rebuilt later. 

Travel back in time by visiting the gorgeous house of a merchant 

Johann Uphagen, a historian, art collector, and merchant, purchased this building in 1775 and renovated it to suit the needs of the that-time wealthy merchant. It is one of the few 18th-century merchant city homes in Europe open to the public. 

From 1911 till 1944, Uphagen House was a museum. The war shattered the house to the ground and was rebuilt soon after. However, it didn’t open to the public until 1998. 

Today, you can wander through the lavishly decorated rooms of the house and see how the Uphagen family lived back in the day. The floor made from stone panels and stucco decorations on the ceilings is absolutely stunning. 

When you visit the house, only then do you realize how spacious and vast these narrow houses are.  

Admire one of the oldest astronomical clocks

Considered the largest brick church globally, St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the first places to visit in Gdansk. You can admire 37 glass windows, 31 chapels and see more than 300 tombstones inside the church. 

Like other city sights, the Basilica was also destroyed during the war, and the original frescoes were whitewashed. 

One of the main reasons to visit the Basilica is the gigantic astronomical clock from 1464. Its comprehensive dials indicate the time and date, moon phases, the position of the sun and moon with the zodiac signs, and the calendar of martyrs. 

With sweeping views of the Old Town, climb up 405 steps of the 78-meter-hight tower. 

Opening Hours: varies at the moment, so check the website   Entrance Fee: visiting the church is free. Tower viewing platform – 14 PLN for adults. 

Cross the Green Bridge 

Once you walk down Long Market street, the following places to visit in Gdansk are the Green Bridge leading to Granary Island and Gdansk Marina. 

The island was the epicentre of the Danzig trade for many centuries and the primary source of its wealth. The first building on the island was a slaughterhouse in the 14th century. But as the city developed, new buildings were slowly added, including several manors, carpentry workshops, quality control points, and timber yards, to name a few.  

By the mid-17th century, the island could store more than 250 thousand tons of grain and service more than 200 ships, making Gdansk the biggest harbour on the Baltic Sea and one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. 

Today, the island is home to some international hotel chains, museums, coffee shops, bakeries, and a couple of restaurants offering a fantastic view of the waterfront and the old town. 

Admire the once most giant Crane in the world

Another iconic symbol of Gdansk, this Crane, represents what little has been left from the glorious trading age of the city. For the best views of the Crane against the waterfront, admire it from Granary Island.  

The Crane is one of the defining symbols of Gdańsk and represents what little is left of the city’s lavish trading age. 

visiting gdansk, best things to do in Gdansk

Apart from putting up masts on ships and transferring cargoes, it also had a defensive purpose for the city’s one of the gates. Using two giant, 6 meters in diameter wooden wheels, the Crane could lift 4 tonnes of goods to a height of 11 meters. Men walking inside these wheels powered the Crane to shift the lifting mechanism. The Crane worked till the mid-19th century, and in 1945 80% of the building was obliterated. 

The government rebuilt it after the war and donated it to the Polish Maritime Museum. 

Currently, the Crane is under construction and closed to the public. 

Understand how Gdansk became the ‘city of Amber’

Gdańsk has harvested Amber gemstones for centuries and has been the leading city in the production of Baltic Amber stones. 

The exhibition in the museum dives deep into the history of Baltic Amber, how it got the title of ‘city of Amber’, the differences between gemstones, and gets you up close and personal with various items made solemnly from them. 

The display of insects, bugs, and plants caught inside the stones is fascinating to look at, so is the hall of gorgeous jewellery items made from these stones. 

Opening Hours: closed on Tuesdays . The rest of the days are from 10 am – 4 pm. Thursday from 10 am – 6 pm.  Entrance Fee: Adults – 20 PLN. Free on Mondays or anytime with Gdansk Tourist Card.  Website: Museum Gdansk

Shop for Amber at Mariacka street

Gdansk is also referred to as the ‘capital of Amber’ due to its centuries-old tradition of cultivating Amber stones. Therefore, one of the places to visit in Gdansk is Mariacka street to shop for this ‘Baltic Gold’. 

Although the city has plenty of shops to buy the gem, Mariacka has the most prestigious and authorized Amber sellers in Gdansk. Making fake Amber is pretty easy, and many street stall dealers might sell fake ones. However, this doesn’t mean that shops sell only authentic and natural stones. Be careful, do your research beforehand, and always ask for the certification of authenticity. 

Trusted Amber shops on Mariacka street are Galeria Wydra, Amberstyl, and Salonik Pod Skrzydlatym Aniołem.   

→ Become an amber craftsman in the workshop

Learn more about WWII and how it started

Gdansk is a small heaven for museum and history lovers. Even if you are not a big fan of museums, you should consider them as part of your itinerary when visiting Gdansk better to understand the most recent history of humanity. 

Museum of the Polish Post Office is one of the spots where the Second World War broke out. After the decisions of the Treaty of Versailles came into force in 1920, the Polish post began its service in Gdansk. Nestled in a several-story brick building, the museum tells the story of Gdansk Polish Post Office workers and community in 1920-39. The employees’ heroic defence of the building on September 1, 1939, against Germans went down in history. 

The museum showcases unique manuscripts, prints, and items connected to the battle. You can see the plan of attack on the Post Office made by Germans on July 3, the same year. 

Opening Hours: closed on Tuesdays . The rest of the days are from 10 am – 4 pm. Thursday from 10 am – 6 pm.  Entrance Fee: Adults – 16 PLN. Free on Mondays or anytime with Gdansk Tourist Card.  Website: Museum Gdansk

Museum of the Second World War is one of the best museums in Gdansk, telling the story from the beginning with the uprise of Nazi and Communism movements in Germany, France, Italy, and Russia. Within its intertwined 8 rooms, the museum follows the significant events chronologically with magnificent visual and digital displays. 

It even has war-era military equipment inside, including a tank and naval artillery, personal items of soldiers, items from concentration camps, and many more. 

The Museum of the Second World War is undoubtedly is one of the best museums I have ever visited. Oto and I were both amazed at how well-laid-out it was. The information on the plates was easy to digest and understand, while visual and multimedia equipment made us feel we were part of the history. 

If you want to hear more interesting stories, legends, and consequences of WWII,  join organized tours: 

• Gdansk private WWII tour with Museum of the Second World War ticket
• Private WWII tour with Museum of Second World War and Post Office Museum tickets

Opening Hours: varies according to season. Check the website . Closed on Mondays .  Entrance Fee: Adults – 25 PLN. 16 PLN with Gdansk Tourist Card. 

Find out what role plaid Poland to end Communism in Poland (and maybe elsewhere)

European Solidarity Centre aims to promote awareness of anti-communist opposition in Poland and Europe and the Solidarity movement that played a significant role in ending Communism in the world. 

The five-floor building is not only a museum. It also has a lovely atrium with greenery, library archives, a few conference halls, reading rooms, dining venues, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the shipyards, and a massive children’s playground, to name a few. 

While the building is free to enter, you still need to pay for the permanent exhibition spread out in seven halls. The museum offers unique documents, artifacts, film footage, and photographs with a mixture of traditional exhibition methods and pretty impressive interactive displays.

The museum tells a long story, starting with Anna Walentynowicz , an activist and co-founder of Solidarity, the first non-communist trade association in the Eastern Bloc, followed by the years of tension and the birth of the Solidarity movement. 

It also covers how Lech Walesa became the movement’s leader and how the activists managed to uprise against Soviet rule together with other countries of the Communist Bloc to fight for freedom. 

The last two sections present the victory of democratic elections in Poland, which led to the foundation of many independent states in Europe as they broke away from Soviet rule. 

Opening Hours: varies by season. Check the website .  Entrance Fee: Adult – 30 PLN, including a free audio guide. 20% discount with Gdansk Tourist Card. 

Drink hot chocolate

One of the things to do in Gdansk is to drink a delicious hot chocolate from the E. Wedel Company. 

It’s a local confectionery manufacturer producing cakes, chocolates, and snacks since 1851. It basically is the Polish national chocolate company with several cafes in pretty much every city of Poland. 

While you can buy E. Wedel chocolate bars and other candies in the grocery stores, trying their products in one of their cafes is absolutely a must-do when visiting Gdansk. 

They have bitter, milk, and white-hot chocolates to choose from. A small cup costs 16 PLN, a bit expensive for Polish standards and cost of living, but it’s worth every Zloty! 

Try Polish doughnuts

Pączki are local, deep-fried doughnuts filled with various cream or fruit fillings. These doughnuts are covered with icing, glaze, powdered sugar, or orange zest.  

Stewed plum jam and wild rose fillings are traditional, but bakeries also sell Pączki with strawberry, salty caramel, blueberry, raspberry, and custard, to name a few. 

While all bakeries sell Pączki, Dobra Pączkarnia is famous for its tastiest doughnuts in the country.

Visit Gdańsk Christmas market 

You can’t miss the Christmas market when visiting Gdansk in winter. Set nearby the Golden Gate and adjoining streets of Dlugi Targ, wandering through the stalls is one of the best things to do in Gdansk at night. Even though the market opens late morning or afternoon, save the visit after dark to see the charming Christmas decorations at their best. 

Touring around the Christmas market is an excellent way to get into the festive mood and try some local meals explicitly prepared during this time of the year. 

Eat like a local at a Milk Bar

Milk Bar or Bar Mleczny is a local cafeteria that emerged in Communist times. The venue supplied locals with government-funded traditional Polish meals at the lowest cost. Traditionally, the restaurant served food based on dairy products, hence comes the name. But over time, they started providing non-diary local meals as well. 

Even today, they are still the cheapest options providing comfort food to locals and foreigners. 

While some Milk Bars look vintage, as if the time has frozen inside, others have relatively modern yet simple interiors. 

Neptun on Dlugi Targ is one of the best Milk Bars in Gdansk for a cheap local dinner or lunch. 

→ Join 4-hour traditional Polish food tour .

Visit the biggest street art neighborhood

If you like street art even for the slightest, touring the grounds of the Zaspa neighbourhood is one of the must-do when visiting Gdansk. And if you’ve been following my travels, you know that I LOVE street art, and when I found out that there is a whole neighbourhood featuring about 60 gigantic murals on the walls of the Soviet residential complex, I had to see it. 

This open-air gallery is a Monumental Painting Collection in Gdansk that started back in 1997 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the city. 

Zaspa area itself has a rich history. This place is even more special because the residents of this complex do tours in Polish and English, telling stories about the art and anecdotes of artists who worked on those mesmerizing murals. 

We had a fantastic time with Jarek Orlowski, a local guide, who showed us the best mural pieces and told us great stories about how artists worked on them, what challenges they faced while painting, or what inspired them to create those pieces. 

However, if you feel adventurous, you can walk around yourself without the guide and follow the PDF guide and a map created by the organization that curates the area. 

Tours in Polish are free and happen three times a week in summer.  English tours are done on individual requests from May to October. Get in touch with them here . Price for English tours : 185 PLN paid to the guide, no matter if you are alone or a group of people. But double-check with the organization. 

Go on a day trip to Sopot

Sopot is the seaside town between Gdansk and Gdynia. Its location at the Baltic Sea makes Sopot a popular destination among locals for summer holidays. 

There is not much to do in Sopot. Relax on the beach on warm days, walk the longest wooden pier in Europe, admire the Krzywy Domek – an unusually shaped building, and walk the main street of the city called Ulica Bohaterów Monte Cassino. 

Wandering the streets of Sopot is a fun way to spend a day or half-day away from Gdansk. We didn’t have much of the plan for Sopot, so we walked aimlessly until we stumbled upon a street full of the most charming houses we’ve seen in the city. 

The long street Jana Jerzego Haffnera is full of charming and adorable private residential houses and apartment blocks. 

MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN GDANSK AND BEYOND

There are plenty of interesting small towns around the city; therefore, you can easily make day trips from Gdansk to visit some cultural and historical sights from here. Weserplatte is a peninsula where the first gunshots were fired that triggered WWII. 

The fairytale-looking Malbork Castle , the world’s largest fortification by land and a UNESCO Site, is only a 50-minute train ride away.  

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Want more inspiration?

Thank you for sharing lots of amazing info on this beautiful location! I recently visited and loved it there, and I hope I can visit again one day! It’s such an interesting place to explore and wander.

Hi Bea, I am glad you found it helpful! I’d love to go back in the warmer season.

What a great blog on Gdansk. I’m going there next week and your tips and ideas were really extensive to assist planning my trip. I can’t wait!

Hello Tamsin,

I am gald you found my Gdansk city guide helpful. It’s one of my favorite cities in Poland, so have fun!

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17 Fun Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 3, 2024

When it comes to European getaways, Gdansk in Poland might not be the first place you think of. But when you take a moment to understand its appeal, you’ll soon realize it is a fascinating city to visit.

Defined by an enchanting waterfront that lines the frigid waters of the Baltic Sea, it is fair to say Gdansk is a city of delightful contrasts. It boasts a rich, medieval history, reflected in its cobblestone streets and picturesque Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and a strong maritime heritage.

It is also best known for its pivotal role in shaping European history, marked by the Gdansk Shipyard, where the Solidarity movement originated and led to the fall of communism.

But complementing this history, Gdansk impresses with a modern flair that manifests itself in vibrant cultural attractions, a burgeoning food scene and a decent nightlife. For some people, the city might not be somewhere you are familiar with when you first get there. But you’ll soon discover there are plenty of things to do in Gdansk by the time you leave.

17. Green Gate

Nestled between the River Motława and Long Market is one of Gdansk’s most notable attractions – The Green Gate.

The structure was designed by Hans Kramer, while Dutch architect, Reiner van Amsterdam, oversaw the development. It was based on the city hall in Antwerp, Belgium and was designed to be the formal residence of Poland’s monarchy.

It is a fine example of Flemish architecture, which after its royal duties served as the former home of the Nature Society.

However, today it houses Gdank’s National Museum and regularly hosts exhibitions, meetings, conferences and shows. Once inside, you will also find the office of the famous Lech Wałęsa, which he used when he was President of Poland.

16. Neptune Fountain

Whilst at the Long Market, take the opportunity to check out Neptune’s Fountain. This historic, mannerist-rococo masterpiece is one of the city’s main landmarks and is situated at the front entrance of the Artus Court.

The fountain was erected in 1617 and, as its name suggests, was dedicated to the Roman god of the sea. It consists of a bronze statue of Neptune, standing on a sea chariot and surrounded by allegorical figures that represent the four winds.

This masterpiece was created by the renowned Dutch sculptor Peter Husen and is intended to reflect the city’s wealth and maritime influence during the Renaissance. The impressive sculpture is highly detailed, so you should take your time to appreciate it when you go there.

15. Oliwa Zoo

If you love animals, you should make a point of visiting Oliwa Zoo. Established in 1954, it is the largest zoo in Poland and is dedicated to caring for and preserving various animal species.

The zoo is located within the beautiful Oliwa Park, offering a natural and lush environment for over 1,100 animals from different parts of the world. These include rare species like Javan lutungs, anoas, Bali mynas, bongos and mandrills.

All up within the family-friendly zoo, there are over 190 species of animals. They are housed within various themed exhibits, such as the African Savanna, Amazon Rainforest and Arctic Zone, which you should set aside at least half a day to explore.

14. Museum of Amber

The Museum of Amber is remarkable – the first in Poland dedicated to Amber. The cozy museum is part of the Gdańsk Museum and is housed in a former prison.

Since opening in 2006, it has been showcasing the world’s largest collection of Amber. Exhibits include nuggets that are at least 40 million years old, an amber chamber, an amber forest and contemporary artist designs.

What makes the museum so interesting is that it explores the geological origins of this fossilized tree resin and its significance in folklore, trade and art. Visitors can discover how amber is formed and extracted, what its properties consist of and how it has been worked over time.

13. St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church is one of the oldest Christian places of worship in Gdańsk. It was erected by the Dominican order when it arrived in Kraków in 1227, although it has gone through several reconstructions since then.

Its current form reflects an impressive blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. Remarkably, it managed to survive World War II without so much of a scratch.

Inside, the church features vaulted ceilings, ornate altars and stunning stained glass windows. The church also accommodates a stately clock tower that provides panoramic views of Gdansk. If you have a head for heights, be sure to make your way up there. It offers a breathtaking perspective of the cityscape and the shimmering waters of the nearby Motlawa River.

12. Jelitkowo Beach

If you happen to visit Gdansk in the summer make sure you bring your swimming costume with you as you’ll want to visit Jelitkowo Beach.

This traditional seaside resort overlooks Gdansk Bay on the southern shoreline of the Baltic Sea. Once a fishing hamlet, back in the 1800s, it is now a popular place with locals and tourists that features golden sand and safe (albeit cold) waters for swimming.

During the summer, the beach buzzes with activity. People sunbathe, swim, windsurf and play volleyball in the lifeguard patrolled waters. Those not on the beach sit in restaurants and bars that line the water.

By contrast, during the winter, the beach is almost empty, but it has an ethereal quality, especially when it snows, that turns it into a fairytale-like landscape.

11. Oliwa Cathedral

Another must-see religious structure of note in Gdansk is the Oliwa Cathedral, which is actually a Polish Historical Monument. Completed around the latter part of the 16th century, the Oliwa Cathedral is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.

The cathedral resides in the western area of Oliwa Park and was built by Cistercians, who dedicated it to the Holy Trinity. It was constructed along a classical three-aisle design that is shaped in the style of a Latin cross and notably features a vaulted basilica.

Inside, a magnificent organ dominates the main entrance. One the largest in Europe, it features fanfaring angels, moving cherubs and almost 7900 pipes which create a goosebump-inducing range of sounds and pitches when played.

10. Westerplatte

At the entrance of Gdansk harbor, Westerplatte is a historical peninsula best known for being where the first battle between Polish and German forces occurred in September 1939. This marked the outbreak of World War II and brought the area to the world’s consciousness due to this event.

Between 1926 and 1939, the Polish Military Transit Depot was based here, at the mouth of the Dead Vistula. Unfortunately, many of their men fell during battles to protect this strategic point from Nazi occupation.

The Westerplatte Monument was built to honor the bravery exhibited by the Polish defenders during that attack. Today, tourists can explore the remnants of military structures, such as the guardhouse and barracks, which provide a harrowing sense of the site’s wartime past.

9. Oliwski Park

One of the most serene places to visit in Gdansk is the beautiful Oliwski Park. Originally founded as a monastery garden in the 15th century by the Cistercians, the park retains that sense of tranquility and reverence today.

Its present shape was created in the 18th century and most notably features a Baroque French-style garden that resides at the front of the Abbots’ Palace. This garden comprises vividly colored flower beds and shrubbery that are sculpted into geometric figures. It also contains trimmed rows of Linden trees as its centerpiece.

The rest of the park consists of paths, a gazebo, an English-Chinese garden with several water features, a stunning Japanese garden and sculpted azaleas. At present the city park is open from 5 am to 11 pm so you can enjoy it all day.

8. Mariacka Street

It is fair to say that Mariacka Street is one of the most beautiful streets in Gdańsk. Comprising quaint cobblestones, it runs from the Motława River to St. Mary’s Basilica, accommodating a couple of rows of terraced tenement houses that provide the area with a timeless feel.

Standing adjacent to these houses are charming cafes and intriguing galleries, which are well worth perusing. However, the main highlight of coming here has to be the view from the Mariacka Gate, all the way down Mariacka Street, to the magnificent St. Mary’s Church, which will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Try to come early in the morning, just after sunrise, or late at night to really appreciate its glory.

7. Main Town Hall

Arguably, the most impressive architectural structure in Gdansk is the Main Town Hall. This historic Ratusz is situated at the intersection of Długi Targ and Ulica Długa, within the district of Śródmieście, which forms a section of the Royal Route.

Without question, it is one of the city’s best Gothic-Renaissance buildings. Built in the 14th century, it served for many years as the seat of the city’s government. It also houses Gdansk’s prominent history museum.

During a guided tour, you can view the building’s opulent chambers, which include the Grand Council Hall and the Red Hall. Each of these rooms features period furnishings and artwork that have been beautifully restored.

You should also make your way up to the Town Hall’s tower as it offers tremendous views of the surrounding city.

6. Golden Gate

Set within the Royal Route, the Golden Gate is a historic Renaissance city monument that symbolizes the city’s resilience and grandeur. Constructed between 1612 and 1614 as part of the fortifications surrounding the Old Town, it replaced the Brama Długouliczna, a previous gothic gate dating back to the 13th century.

The gate served as a ceremonial entry point to the city and is renowned for its distinctive golden ornamentation. It was designed in a Dutch Mannerist style by an architect called Abraham van den Blocke and built under the supervision of Jan Strakowski. It features intricate sculptures and allegorical figures, which create a captivating facade. You’ll find it adjacent to the Brotherhood of St George building, which is another late-gothic structure.

5. Waterfront & Crane

Located along the Motława River, the waterfront is a picturesque area known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It is lined with colorful, restored buildings that reflect the city’s rich maritime history and its role in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages.

Soaring above the busy waterfront is the Gdańsk Crane (Zuraw), an enduring symbol of the city. Dating back to at least 1367, when it was first mentioned in print, it represents a fading link to the city’s great trading age.

Over the years, the crane has had its fair share of adversity. Its original structure burnt down in 1442, while 80% of its rebuild was destroyed in the Battle for Gdansk in 1945. However, it was painstakingly put back together over several decades after the war, rendering it the only fully restored structure of its kind anywhere on the planet.

The crane is a stunning sight from the outside, but as it forms part of the National Maritime Museum, inside, it features fascinating exhibitions on maritime trade and history.

4. St. Mary’s Church

Officially known as the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Mary’s Church is an important place of worship.

Located in central Gdansk, this magnificent brick gothic catholic church is notable for being one of the three largest brick churches in the world. It also witnessed the signing in 1648 of the Peace of Westphalia.

Towering over the city’s skyline, the church was funded by the affluent Hanseatic League and was conceived to reflect Gdansk’s prosperity. Overall, the church boasts remarkable features, including its towering spire, which showcases superb views of the surrounding cityscape.

Meanwhile, its interior comprises intricate stained glass windows, ornate altars and a fabulous astronomical clock that is very Insta-worthy.

3. European Solidarity Centre

People of a certain vintage will remember the role the Solidarity movement played in overthrowing communism in Eastern Europe .

Paying tribute to this triumph, the European Solidarity Centre was established in 2014 at the historic Gdansk Shipyard, where the movement was born in the 1980s.

Visitors to the European Solidarity Centre can explore interactive exhibitions, multimedia displays, and artifacts that chronicle the history of the movement. Notably, the iconic Gate No. 2, where Lech Walesa led the shipyard strikes, remains a powerful symbol of this transformative period.

Acting as a cultural, historical and educational hub, the museum showcases the struggle for workers’ rights. It features fascinating exhibits of personal stories and documents that convey the resilience of the human spirit.

2. Museum of the Second World War

Opened in 2017, the Museum of the Second World War is a comprehensive institution dedicated to exploring the global impact of World War II. It aims to provide a nuanced perspective on the conflict by emphasizing its social, political and cultural dimensions.

Whilst there, you will be able to observe multimedia exhibits, artifacts, and personal testimonies that offer a profound understanding of the war’s complexities. The museum explores not only the military aspects but also the civilian experience, resistance movements and the post-war reconstruction period.

Exhibits include a vast collection of photographs, documents, and immersive displays that depict the war’s profound impact on individuals and societies. Ultimately, it is a poignant educational resource that promotes dialogue on the significance of this pivotal period in history.

1. Długi Targ

For most visitors to Gdansk, the Długi Targ, or Long Market, is top of their list of places to visit.

Situated between the Green Gate and the end of Ulica Długa, this iconic market square forms part of the city’s historic old town. It dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for being a center of civic and commercial activity. It was also once a place where the executions of heretics, criminals and witches took place.

Lined with picturesque, pastel-hued buildings that are adorned with ornate facades, The Neptune Fountain, the iconic Artus Court, and the Green Gate are key landmarks along Long Market. So, you will no doubt spend a lot of time here. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to browse, as well as lots of places to sit and soak up its atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Gdansk

While July and August are by far the busiest and most expensive months, there are plenty of fun events to attend. Some of the biggest include the Mystic Festival for metalheads and St. Dominic’s Fair; a rather more traditional affair! As the summertime is the rainiest period, make sure to bring a coat with you.

May, June and September still see a fair few visitors as temperatures range from 15 to 19°C (59 to 66°F), the perfect weather for sightseeing. Prices are also cheaper and there are fewer crowds. While October has some nice autumnal foliage to admire, Gdansk is already turning a bit dull and dark.

Outside of these months, tourist numbers drop drastically as the weather worsens and days grow shorter. Unless you come for its charming Christmas market in December, you’re best off waiting until spring comes to visit.

Where to Stay in Gdansk

For most people who visit Gdansk, the Old Town is the best place to stay. It houses many of Gdansk’s main attractions, a good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars and a nice range of hotels.

One of the most popular establishments in the Old Town is the Hotel Hanza , which is located by the picturesque Motlawa River and not too far from the Gdansk Crane. It has its own restaurant with a terrace, a spa with three separate treatment rooms and a bar with a fireplace.

If you would prefer to stay somewhere different, you might want to procure accommodation on Kartuska Street. This road is the main thoroughfare in Gdansk and provides convenient access to districts like Siedlce, Jasień, Ujeścisko-Łostowice and Kokoszki.

In Sedlce, you’ll find the So Stay Hotel , which is a modern business hotel. To complement its comfortable, well-appointed rooms, it also has a restaurant and a 24-hour lobby bar.

How to get there

Gdansk is a city you can easily reach via air, rail or sea from most countries in Europe.

For those wanting to fly there, Lech Wałęsa Airport is the primary gateway, with several connections a day arriving from countries like England, Sweden, France and Germany. Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll find plenty of taxis, buses and car rental options to take you into the city center.

Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by train, Gdansk Glowny, the central train station, is serviced by plenty of domestic and international trains. Additionally, if you are already in Poland, you can drive along its network of highways and expressways, with major routes like the A1 motorway linking many towns and cities.

Due to its location on the Baltic Sea, Gdansk can also be accessed by ferry from Sweden and Finland, which is a very scenic way to travel.

Map of Things to do in Gdansk

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Things To Do in Gdansk, Poland: A Perfect 3-Day Gdansk Itinerary

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

When we started planning our Gdansk Itinerary we were surprised by the number of things to see. In order to fit all of the top Things To Do in Gdansk into our visit, we designed an ideal trip plan – and are happy to share it with you!

Best Things To Do in Gdansk Itinerary

After visiting Warsaw and Krakow , we were in on the secret: Poland is incredible . The top sights in Gdansk revolve around the city’s storied past, amazing architecture and fabulous museums.

There are also unique Gdansk things to do. Namely, visit the coastline on the Baltic Sea featuring miles of sandy beaches. After our time exploring Gdansk, we created an itinerary to help others experience it like we did!

About Our 3 Day Gdansk Itinerary

Our Gdansk 3 Day Itinerary includes all the prime things to see. At the end of the article, there are tips for your Gdansk vacation, like how to get there and where to stay. We also offer options for Gdansk day trips and advice on what to pack .

Day-by-Day Itinerary of Things To Do in Gdansk

Our list of what to do in Gdansk is organized in a detailed 3-day itinerary. Save, Pin or Bookmark our Gdansk Travel Guide to plan your trip to Poland!

DAY 1 – Must-See Gdansk: Old Town and WWII Museum

On the first day of your 3 days in Gdansk, start by seeing Gdansk highlights in the Old Town. Then, delve into the history of World War II at a state-of-the-art museum. End the first day of your Gdansk trip with a scenic view and a classic Polish meal.

Gdansk Walking Tour: The Royal Route

Kick off your trip with one of the Gdansk top things to do: Walk the Royal Route. Not only will it help get you acquainted with the city, but many of the tourist attractions in Gdansk are located here.

The Royal Route through the heart of Gdansk Old Town was once the path taken by kings. Today, the Royal Way is still used for ceremonies and parades. We’ve outlined a Gdansk city tour that extends from Upland Gate to Green Gate – noting Gdansk tourist attractions along the way.

High Gate (Brama Wyzynna)

Start your walk at Upland High Gate, which was built in the 16th century as part of Gdansk’s fortifications. The Upland Gate now houses the Gdansk Tourist Information Office.

Prison Tower and Torture Chamber (Wieza Wiezienna)

Built in the 14th century, the Prison Tower and Torture Chamber were part of the original Gdansk city walls. When new walls were constructed in the 16th century, the building became the prison, court and torture chamber. Today, it houses the much more pleasant Amber Museum.

Golden Gate (Zlota Brama)

The 17th century Golden Gate leads directly onto Gdansk’s most popular street: Ulica Dluga. The gate features 8 figures representing Peace, Freedom, Wealth, Fame, Agreement, Justice, Piety and Prudency.

Long Street (Dluga)

The picturesque Long Street is the main thoroughfare through Gdansk Old Town. The pedestrian-only street, which had to be completely rebuilt after World War II, features colorful and ornately decorated facades.

Tall, slender buildings are found throughout the city, but the ones on Long Street are the most beautiful. Numerous cafes, bars, restaurants and ice cream shops line Long Street. Strolling up and down Long Street with an ice cream cone in hand is one of the top Gdansk activities in the summertime!

Gdansk Town Hall (Rathaus)

On Long Street, at the opposite end from Golden Gate is the unmissable Gdansk Main Town Hall and its rising spire. The building dates to the 14th century and today houses the Gdansk History Museum. Visitors can climb to the top of the Town Hall Bell Tower for stunning views of the Old Town.

Long Market (Dlugi Targ)

Where Long Street ends, Long Market begins. The wider street dates to the 13th century and once was home to Gdansk’s most affluent citizens. Today, Long Market Gdansk is largely occupied by gossiping locals, gawking tourist and aspiring musicians.

Neptune Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna)

The historic Neptune Fountain dates to the early 17th century and stands proudly in front of the Artus Court. It’s an absolute must-see in Gdansk!

Artus Court (Dwor Artusa)

At Dlugi Targ 44 is the Artus Court (named after the legendary King Arthur). The building, which dates to the 14th century, was a place of meeting, socializing and entertainment for the noble and wealthy. Now, as part of the Gdansk History Museum, visitors can take a peek inside.

The Golden House

Just a few doors down from Artus Court is The Golden House at Dlugi Targ #41. Its decorated with five statues representing prudence, justice, strength, temperance and fortune. The house itself dates to the early 1600s and has been the residence of several mayors of Gdansk.

Green Gate (Brama Zielona)

The end of the Royal Route, the Green Gate marks the passage from Long Market to the Motlawa River. The gate was built in the 16th century as a royal residence, but no royalty ever lived there. Today, the National Museum resides in the Green Gate. Activist and Polish President Lech Walesa used to have an office in the building, as well.

More Old Town Gdansk Sights

The Royal Route is the perfect place to begin sightseeing Gdansk, but there are other places to see in Gdansk Old Town. 

St. Mary’s Basilica

Officially the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church is one of the top things to see in Gdansk, Poland.

Construction of the Catholic church began in the year 1343 and, today, still ranks as one of the largest brick churches in the world. It can accommodate 25,000 people! The 15th century Gdansk Astronomical Clock stands inside the church. Rising as the tallest bell tower in Gdansk, the view from the top is truly remarkable.

Basilica of St. Nicholas

With a history that dates to the 12th century, the Basilica of St. Nicholas is one of the oldest churches in Gdansk. It is also one of the only churches not to sustain damage during WWII. Inside, beautiful baroque altars decorate the cavernous space.

The Crane (Zuraw)

As a symbol of the city, The Crane is one of the top Gdansk things to see. A port crane has existed on the same site as The Crane since as early as 1367. At a time, it ranked as the largest crane in the world. Suffering major damage during WWII, The Crane was reconstructed and became part of the Maritime Museum.

Motlawa River Promenade (Dlugie Pobrzeze)

The promenade that follows the river at the edge of the Old Town, called Dlugie Pobrzeze, is one of the top Gdansk places to visit. Lined with restaurants and shops, the walkway provides views over the river and harbor. Several Gdansk boat tour operators dock along the promenade.

Mariacka Street

The pleasant Mariacka Street runs from St. Mary’s Basilica to St. Mary’s Gate, which leads to the river. The charming lane is lined with houses that have raised entrances and carved stonework. Many amber shops are located on Mariacka Street. If you are searching for where to go in Gdansk to buy amber products, this is your street!

Piwna Street

Running parallel to Long Street is Piwna Street. Once home to a local brewery, there are several bars and cafes located on the street that is home to some of the best Gdansk nightlife (more on Gdansk bars later in the article).

Gdansk Monuments

Throughout the Old Town there are several monuments and statues that decorate and commemorate events in Gdansk. While we wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to locate all the specific monuments, keep your eye out for these interesting ones while exploring Gdansk.

• Four Quarters Fountain: The city of Gdansk was once divided into four quarters – Wide (Szeroki), High (Wysoki), Fish (Rybacki) and Ship (Kogi). The Four Quarters Fountain is located at the point where those districts came together. Each quarter is represented by an impressive lion statue.
• Fahrenheit Monument: Daniel Fahrenheit, creator of the temperature scale, was born in Gdansk in 1686. To honor him, a glass-encased thermometer sits on Dlugi Targ (opposite the Neptune Fountain).

Ice Cream in Gdansk

Ice cream shops (called Lody) are found on every street in Gdansk – but not all ice creams are equal. We found two places that serve the best ice cream in Gdansk.

Paulo Gelateria uses recipes from the 2015 Polish Champion of Ice Cream to make unique flavored ice cream. Try the creamy and delicious avocado ice cream. Another must try – and a place we actually prefer – is Slony Karmel. Here they make their ice cream from natural ingredients. 

Lunch: Milk Bar Gdansk (Bar Mleczny)

After spending the morning discovering the best things to see in Gdansk Old Town, get your first taste of true Polish cuisine by eating at a classic Milk Bar. 

Known to be inexpensive, the generous portions of Polish dishes are served up at cafeteria-style Milk Bars. Popular during the communist era, most Milk Bars have a daily menu (usually written on a chalkboard, no translations) and little decor. The two best Milk Bars in Gdansk are Bar Turystyczny and Bar Mleczny Neptun.

Bar Turystyczny is located in the northwest section of the Old Town and has an authentic feel to it. We waited in a line that stretched out the door for platters of schawoby (fried pork chop) and placek po cygansku (an omelet filled with tender beef and covered in sauce).

Located in the heart of the Old Town in the middle of Long Street, Bar Mleczny Neptun attracts a few more tourists and charges a bit more for their meals. Still, the place still retains the classic Milk Bar appeal. In fact, we think it is one of the best restaurants in Gdansk Old Town because there is outdoor seating, which is fantastic for people watching.

Granary Island

After lunch, continue your exploration of Gdansk must-see places and head to Granary Island. Located on the opposite side of the Motlawa River east of Green Gate, Granary Island was once the commercial center of Gdansk. An entire complex of granaries were built here to store goods brought in from afar by ships.

By the 17th century, Gdansk had more than 300 granaries – and boasted the largest harbor on the Baltic Sea. However, only three buildings survived WWII and the island was left in shambles for decades, only recently getting a facelift.

Olowianka Island and Soldek

Next up on our list of Gdansk attractions is Olowianka Island. Located just north of Granary Island, Olowianka is home to the Central Maritime Museum, the Royal Granary and the Philharmonic building.

Docked in front of the National Maritime Museum is the gargantuan Soldek, the first steamship built in the Lenin Shipyards after the war. Converted into a museum, visitors a welcome to explore the ship’s interior.

Museum of the Second World War

Visiting the Museum of the Second World War is one of the top Gdansk, Poland things to do. The state-of-the-art museum details the events beginning on September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland at Westerplatte.

Both interactive displays and personal items tell the story of the horrific war. The exhibits are both educational and gripping. We highly recommend renting an audio guide. 

Polish Post Office and Memorial

Continue learning about the impact of the war on Gdansk with a trip to the Post Office. Although some people may think this is one of the unusual things to do in Gdansk, WWII buffs will appreciate its place in history. 

At the same time Westerplatte was being attacked, German troops were also targeting the Polish Post Office near the Gdansk Old Town. The workers held off the Nazis for 17 hours before surrendering. In front of the post office there is a large memorial – and behind is a moving display of the workers who were captured and shot on site. 

Gradowa Hill

After a full day of history, take some time to reflect. West of the Old Town, across the railroad tracks, Gradowa Hill is part of an old fort complex. Buildings half-covered in earth display exhibits that are part of the Hewelianum Center Museum. At the north end of the park is the 50-foot-tall Millennium Cross.

Following one of the trails to the top of Gradowa provides panoramic views of Gdansk and the shipyards. It is also a fabulous place to watch the sun set on the Old Town.

Dinner: Pierogarnia Mandu Centrum

For dinner on your first of 3 days in Gdansk, eat at one of the best pierogi restaurants in Gdansk, Pierogarnia Mandu . We liked the pierogis so much, we ate here twice! The large variety of pasta dumplings (which are created by hand) can be served boiled or baked. 

Polish Craft Beer in Gdansk

With your belly full of delicious pierogis, it is time to sample some locally produced craft beer. Among the many reasons we have fallen head-over-heels for Poland is their superb production of craft beer. Gdansk has a hefty number of multitaps – aka craft beer bars.

Café Lamus, Lawendowa 8 and Pulapka: These three bars, located at the east end of the Market Hall, are what we called “Craft Beer Corner.” With sidewalk seating in front of each bar, it was clear this is a top-spot for beer lovers. 

Labeerynt Multitap Bar Gdansk Old Town: The subterranean Labeerynt Mulitap sits inconspicuously beneath Polskie Kino Pub on Szeroka Street in the Gdansk Old Town. We enjoyed our beers outdoors at one of the patio tables.

Local Gdansk Breweries : There are a few local breweries in Gdansk, like Brovarnia and Browar PG4 . From what we could tell, they stick to the traditional styles of the region – light, dark and wheat – rather than the hop-forward beers we found at the multitaps. 

Old Town Gdansk Map for Day 1

Use this Gdansk Old Town Map to find locations of our recommend sights!  

DAY 2 – Day Trip to Sopot from Gdansk

On Day 2 of your 3-day Gdansk itinerary, travel north to the resort town of Sopot on a day trip from Gdansk for some seaside fun!

Visit Sopot, Poland

The quaint seaside town of Sopot is one of Poland’s top tourist destinations. Sopot, along with Gdansk and Gdynia, are part of the Tri-City Region. With only a few ‘sights’ the real reason to visit Sopot is for the sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

Getting to Sopot

How to get to Sopot from Gdansk is easy! Visitors can take a Gdansk to Sopot Train from the Gdansk Main Train Station or use the Gdansk-Sopot Ferry.

Gdansk-Sopot Train

Hop on an SKM train bound for Sopot and arrive in the city in 20 minutes flat. Trains run frequently, but check the Gdansk-Sopot train timetable at the station. Tickets for the train from Gdansk to Sopot (one-way) cost about 6zl ($1.50 USD).

Boat Trip Gdansk-Sopot

Alternatively, take the Gdasnk-Sopot boat. Check the Gdansk to Sopot ferry schedule , as they only run a few of boats a day and tickets cost 85zl.

What To Do in Sopot, Poland

Once you arrive in Sopot, set off on to explore the area, then relax on the beach. Our list of Sopot attractions are listed in order of a 1-Day Sopot Itinerary to help you best plan your time.

Monciak Street

There is no Sopot Old Town, but the main pedestrian street in Sopot is Ulica Bohaterow Monte Cassino. Locals refer to it by its former name, Monciak. Strolling the length of Monciak is a must on your Sopot to-do list. Lined with restaurants, cafes and pubs, the street leads directly to Sopot’s famous pier.

Crooked House (Krzywy Domek)

Built in 2004, the Crooked House on Monciak can’t be missed. The design was inspired by a fairytale and the building is part of a shopping center – and is an interesting Sopot sightseeing attraction.

Sopot Pier 

Hands down, one of the best things to do in Sopot, Poland is walk on the pier. Dating to 1827, it ranks as the longest wooden pier in Europe – and extends a quarter of a mile into the Bay of Gdansk on the Baltic Sea. At the end there is a restaurant and marina, as well as the departure points for entertaining bay cruises. During the peak summer season, a ticket is required to access the pier.

Lunch: Fishing Harbor

Located three-quarters of a mile south of the pier on the Karlikowo Shore is the Sopot Fishing Harbor. Fishermen sail out each day in traditional Kashubian boats and return mid-day, ‘beaching’ their boats right in the sand…hopefully with a fresh catch!

Hungry visitors can order platters of fresh or smoked fish for lunch at Bar Przystań. Alternatively, walk north from the Sopot Pier to Bulaj , a popular Slow Food restaurant right on the beach.

Sopot Beaches

To the north and south of Sopot pier are miles of wide, sandy beaches. Kick off your shoes and walk with the sand between your toes, take a dip or catch some rays. The sandy beach in Sopot is a place to relax and enjoy!

When it is time for dinner, try a pizza or Polish street food. For pizza, go with Prosto (Pizza i Piwo) , where they crank out delicious pies in an easy-going atmosphere. However, for an inexpensive option, get a zapiekanki (a half baguette with ham, mushrooms, cheese and ketchup).

Polish Craft Beer in Sopot

There are a few places along Monciak that offer craft beer, but hop-heads will want to make the effort to find Konsulat Dobrego Piwa . The small, cozy bar features eight taps of craft beer and a fun beer garden.

Sopot Map for Day 2 

Use this Sopot, Poland Map to locate our recommended activities for Day 2.

Day 3 – Westerplatte and/or Oliwa and Solidarity Museum

On Day 3 of your 3 Days in Gdansk, shop, take a short day trip and then spend the afternoon at the Solidarity Museum.

Gdansk Market Hall

Start your shopping at the Market Hall – one of the top Gdansk things to see and do. Built in the late 1800s, there are three levels inside the Market Hall in Gdansk – along with an unearthed discovery of a Romanesque church.

The Green Market (fresh produce) stalls overflow onto the plaza to the south of the Market Hall (where you will also find an underground archeological museum). It’s a great place to sample local food – and to purchase items for an afternoon picnic lunch. The kabanos (Polish smoked sausages) and fresh fruit are popular picks! 

Pro Tip : Paczki, Polish donuts, are a must-eat when in Gdansk! Eat a sugary breakfast of Gdansk donuts from Stara Paczkarnia. 

Half-Day Trips from Gdansk: Westerplatte or Oliwa

The rest of your morning will be spent on what to see around Gdansk on a quick trip. Choose between one of these trips from Gdansk: Westerplatte or Oliwa.

Why Visit Westerplatte from Gdansk?

If you are visiting Gdansk to learn more about the history of WWII, then Westerplatte is where to go. The Westerplatte peninsula is known the world over as the site where World War II officially began on September 1, 1939.

When the Polish military fort on Westerplatte came under attack by Nazis, a battle ensued that lasted seven days. That 7-day resistance of the Polish soldiers, who were severely outnumbered and under-armed, gave hope and inspiration to the people of Poland.

Today, the Polish Coast Guard occupies part of the peninsula, but visitors can learn more about the events that transpired on Westerplatte in a small museum (Guardhouse Number 1). There are also informational plaques located along the well-marked route.

Sights at Westerplatte

If you make the trip from Gdansk to Westerplatte, there are a handful of other sights you won’t want to miss.

Monument to the Defenders of Westerplatte: The 82-foot-tall granite Monument to the Defenders of Westerplatte stands on a 72-foot hill.

Nowy Port Lighthouse: Dating to the late 1800s, the lighthouse (which was modeled after one on Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio ) was fitted with a Time Ball to aid in sailors’ navigation. However, what puts this lighthouse in the history books is that at 4:45am on September 1, 1939, Nazis fired the first shots at Westerplatte, thus beginning WW II.

Why Visit Oliwa?

Oliwa, a suburb that lies between Gdansk and Sopot, has its own fascinating history. The other reason we visited Oliwa was simply to enjoy a hike in nature.

Getting to Oliwa

How to get to Oliwa from Gdansk is just as easy as getting to Sopot. Simply hop on a train from the Gdansk Main Station. The short train ride will get you there in about 10 minutes. 

Sights at Oliwa

There are not an abundance of Oliwa attractions – but just enough to fill a few hours of sightseeing and relaxing in nature. 

Oliwa Park features tree-canopied walkways, pristinely manicured hedges, hidden gardens and colorful flowerbeds. A few museums and the Oliwa Cathedral are also part of the Oliwa Park complex.

Oliwa Cathedral

Consecrated in 1594, the Oliwa Cathedral is striking both inside and out. Upon entering, visitors can see the entire length of the church and the decorative high altar, which is made to look like heaven with angels hovering above it.

However, it is for the organ which sits over the entrance that many people visit Oliwa Cathedral. Built in the 1700s (over a period of 30 years), the organ has more than 7,800 pipes. Short 20-minute concerts are played several times daily.

Pacholek Hill

Rising to the west of Oliwa Park is Pacholek Hill. The forested area has several walking/biking trails, a few of which lead to a hill-top viewing platform that provides 360-degree views over Oliwa and out the sea.

Whether you decided to go to Westerplatte or Oliwa, find a spot with a view to enjoy the picnic you assembled from the Market Hall. Alternatively: there is a fast-food kiosk at Westerplatte and a restaurant in Oliwa Park. After your leisurely lunch, make your way back to Gdansk to spend the afternoon at the Solidarity Museum. 

Solidarity Museum 

The Solidarity Museum is one of the Gdansk top attractions – and, in our opinion, a Gdansk must see sight. The permanent exhibition at the European Solidarity Center details what led to the formation of Solidarity and its impact on Poland. 

Solidarity – or Solidarnosc – is a Polish trade union that formed in August 1980 in opposition to the working conditions at the Lenin Shipyards. The name, Solidarity became a social movement and many attribute it to the beginning of the fall of communism in 1989. 

Sitting in front of the museum is the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970. The three soaring steel crosses stand in memory of the workers who lost their lives in the riots. 

Dinner: Pyra Bar

Load up on more Polish carbs with a final meal at Pyra Bar, a restaurant featuring incredible potato dishes. Every dish dedicated to the tuberous, starchy vegetable (in the form of casserole, potato pancake or baked potato). It may sound bland – but we can assure you, it’s not. Glorious, caloric amounts of cheese and meat are combined with potato in perfect platters of comfort food!

Piwna Street Bars

After three days of sightseeing in Gdansk, end your time at the popular Old Town bars on Piwna Street. You could even create your own pub tour in Gdansk! 

Gdansk Tourist Map

Use this Gdansk City Map to find the sights recommended for Day 3.

More Things To Do for your Trip to Gdansk

Above we outlined what to visit in Gdansk in 3 days. However, if you are still looking for ideas, we have a few more tips! 

Food Tour in Gdansk

Eating traditional Polish fare should definitely be on your Gdansk to do list. Visitors who want a guide to lead the way to the top spots should join a Gdansk Food Tour. Participants get to taste local dishes at multiple restaurants. Reserve your space!

Gdansk Cruise

One of the top things to do in Gdansk is to set sail on a Gdansk river cruise for an afternoon of fun. There are a few boats to choose from, but one of the top fun things to do in Gdansk is to spend an afternoon on the Pirate Ship Cruise.

Other Day Trips from Gdansk

We’ve already listed our favorite day trips, but there are more things to do near Gdansk. 

Visit Gdynia, Poland

Gdynia is the northern outpost of the Tri-City Region. Originating as a modest fishing village, Gdynia is now a modern seaport town. Another one of the fun things to do is to join a tour of the Region and see the highlights of Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia in one day! 

Malbork Castle

Just a train ride from Gdansk is the famous Malbork Castle. Built in the 13th century by Teutonic Knights, the Medieval structure is the largest brick castle in the world. Private tours to Malbork Castle can also be arranged. 

Getting to Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk can be reached by plane, train, bus, ferry or car. How to get to Gdansk will depend on where you are coming from and your budget. 

For our Gdansk visit, we flew from Basel via Frankfurt and departed to Helsinki , and then on to Singapore (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!).

The official name of the Gdansk Airport (GDN) is the Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport and it is located 7.5 miles from the city center.

Start your search for Gdansk flights and the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner .

Where To Stay in Gdansk, Poland

The best area to stay is in or near the Old Town – especially if you are planning a short trip to Gdansk. 

PURO Gdansk Stare Miasto

Located in the heart of the city, PURO is the best hotel in Gdansk for a stylish stay. The hip hotel gets rave reviews for the chic design and comfortable rooms. Check rooms for your stay!

Marina Club Hotel

A modern Gdansk hotel in the middle of the Old Town, Marina Club features clean, comfortable rooms (many with stellar city views) and rooms with kitchenettes, too. Check rates!

Stay Inn Hotel Gdansk

Stay Inn has an excellent location in the center of Gdansk Old Town. The hotel gets great reviews for the excellent staff and hot breakfast. Reserve your room!

Hotel Gdansk Boutique

An elegant, modern hotel in a historic building in the Old Town, Hotel Gdansk Boutique gets rave reviews for the exceptional breakfast and luxurious features. Check availability!

Begin your search for the perfect hotel for your trip on Booking.com !

Where to Stay in Sopot

We highly recommend staying in Sopot if it fits into your Gdansk itinerary. We spent 2 nights at the charming Villa Sedan Hotel , which was ideally located near the main pedestrian street and pier. The affordable room was clean and comfortable and the staff was super! That said, the poshest place in town is the beachfront Sofitel Grand Hotel . 

What To Pack for Gdansk, Poland

Our final hacks and advice revolve around packing for your Gdansk vacation!

Walking Shoes

Gdansk is a walkable city…but only if you have the right shoes. These are my current favorites ! Kris prefers wearing these trail shoes by Merrell for all types of walks. Read more reviews in our guide to the Best Traveling Shoes . 

Travel Camera

Gdansk is incredibly beautiful – so you’ll likely be snapping tons of photos. Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel and use a 18-135mm lens .

Day Pack 

Whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase , with long days of sightseeing in Gdansk, you will want a travel day pack . It’s an ideal way to carry your camera and other essential travel items ! 

European Travel Insurance

No matter how well you plan, things go wrong. Luggage gets lost , flights are delayed or people get sick . If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your trip to Poland, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Organizing your Gdansk Itinerary 

As you begin to make your plans for a European Vacation , use a Travel Planner to stay organized!

Start planning your trip to Poland ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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A guide to Gdansk, Poland's regenerated maritime city

The Polish city has transformed its former port districts, with trendy craft breweries and hotels in former warehouses.

The gateway to the beaches of the Polish Riviera and once a major seaport for northern Europe’s Hanseatic League merchants, Gdańsk is a city framed by water and defined by proud maritime traditions. Famed as the birthplace of the European Solidarity labour movement in the late 20th century, its former worker neighbourhoods, islands and Baltic port districts have undergone a transformation in recent years.  

To understand the city, you need to explore its past. Start in the central Śródmieście district, which incorporates parts of the Gdańsk waterfront and its Old Town. The area’s pedestrianised Royal Way is a legacy of the period before the 18th century when Poland had a monarchy and Gdańsk was one of the country’s three royal cities. Stroll past its mansions and former merchant houses, many built in the 16th and 17th centuries during Gdańsk’s Golden Age. This thoroughfare is also home to many major museums, including the Amber Museum, which explores why Gdańsk is considered the world capital of amber. In summer, for a small fee, climb the tower in the nearby Historical Museum of Gdańsk for the best view of the city.

At the end of the Royal Way lies the lively Motlawa River Embankment, lined with cafes, restaurants and the brick-and-timber Gdańsk Crane — a medieval port relic and symbol of the city’s trading heritage. Nearing the end of a two-year renovation, it’s set to reopen in spring with a new permanent exhibition inside. Across the river lies the National Maritime Museum . Tickets grant entry to the museum, the Crane and several Bay of Gdańsk outposts, including the Shipwreck Conservation Centre.

The importance of the Gdańsk Shipyard and its workers is explored at the European Solidarity Centre , a 20-minute walk north of the Embankment. It’s well worth the trip to learn how they were integral to Solidarity, a trade union founded in Gdańsk in 1980 that gave rise to a wider, anti-communist movement that helped end Soviet rule in Poland in 1989.  

Dedicate at least one afternoon to exploring some of the city’s many former port and warehouse districts, which have been transformed into trendy neighbourhoods over the past 10 years. The island of Wyspa Spichrzów — connected to the rest of the city centre by several bridges — is a good starting point. Here, centuries-old grain warehouses eviscerated by Second World War bombs still sit alongside restored ones now housing hotels and boutiques. You could drop by Bar Mleczny Stągiewna for an old-school Polish canteen experience, complete with dishes that hark back to the cuisine of the communist era, including cheap borscht and cabbage rolls.

Just north of the city, the former Gdańsk Shipyard has also been impressively transformed, with cafes, bars and shops housed in repurposed shipping containers sitting in the shadow of defunct shipyard cranes. Seek out the once-connected Royal Rifle Factory and Backyard, whose names reveal their former functions. Today, both serve as spaces for exhibitions, markets and pop-up dining.  

Thanks to the region’s Germanic heritage, Gdańsk has a strong beer-brewing culture and is full of craft-beer venues. One of the best spots is Brovarnia , the first brewpub in northern Poland. Housed inside a restored former granary building, it specialises in Czech-style beers paired with hearty Czech-inspired food. Another local favourite is Labeerynt, a cosy basement bar with a rotating selection of beers. The buzzy student neighbourhood of Wrzeszcz, a short tram ride north west of the city centre, is home to Browar Spółdzielczy , a pub managed as a social cooperative that runs projects for locals with disabilities. It has 20 of its own beers on tap, from IPAs to sours.    

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Related Topics

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• FOOD TOURISM

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