It’s a city that guards Poland’s greatest maritime secrets, paired with a spa town once favoured by Europe’s 19th-century elite. A gloriously rebuilt Old Town and the most picturesque riverfront.
It remained a contested prize between Poland and Germany before becoming the Free City of Danzig (1920–1939). It’s also where the first shots of WWII, the deadliest conflict in human history, were fired. Where German and Scandinavian culinary influences blend seamlessly into Poland’s local flavours! Welcome to Gdańsk.
A summer weekend in Gdańsk is all you need to experience the best of the Polish Baltic Coast. Generally, my guided tours begin with a walking tour of Gdańsk’s historic Old Town, starting from Brama Wyżynna. So the question is – Why visit Gdańsk?
A stroll down the Długi Targ adorned with Neptune Fountain, the Town Hall, strolling down the Motława River Embankment with Żuraw (Gdańsk Crane), catching a glimpse of the adjoining Mariacka Street, leading to Bazylika Mariacka and beyond. It’s a proper tour of the Gdansk centre, which takes 3-4 hours and can easily take up to 8 hours if you club it with Stocznia, the European Solidarity Centre, and the World War II Museum.
With a comprehensive knowledge of the Gdańsk public transport system, including the local SKM trains, your trip to the Polish Baltic Sea can turn into a fulfilling adventure. Save this list of top things to do in Gdańsk, and you’ll end up collecting the finest bits of Poland travels. All you need is a weekend, plenty of enthusiasm, comfortable walking shoes, nice weather (trust the process), and a backpack full of munchies and water.
Let’s go!
Gdańsk – the soul of Maritime Poland
Tucked along the Baltic coast, Gdańsk is a testament to Poland’s rich maritime might. As the nation’s principal seaport, this city has been a pivotal hub for trade, culture, and history. Walking through Gdańsk, one can’t help but feel the echoes of its vibrant past, seamlessly blending with its booming present.
Most of Western Europe and America still recognise Gdańsk as Danzig. As a resident of Wrocław, I couldn’t agree more! Wrocław, widely popular as Breslau (also a former German city), along with Gdańsk, make the finest Polish destinations.
To have a better understanding of Polish Maritime history and turbulent past, a walk through Gdańsk Stocznia – north of Gdańsk Old Town and Westerplatte peninsula (30 min drive from the centre) is a must. Once a key player in medieval Europe’s coastal trade, Gdańsk flourished as a powerhouse of the 14th-century Hanseatic League. That was then. Today, Gdańsk boasts a rich maritime history preceded by stunning architecture and amber-filled streets.
Iconic Żuraw – Gdańsk Crane and beyond
The identity of Trojmiasto is deeply intertwined with its maritime roots. The Żuraw (Gdańsk Crane), a medieval port crane standing on Motlawa River banks since 1444 as a symbol of the city’s trading prowess during the Hanseatic League era. Existing for over six centuries, the largest and oldest preserved port crane of medieval Europe became a part of the National Maritime Museum after World War II. The Crane also remains a rare example of medieval port technology in Europe. It was originally used as a port crane, a city gate, and even as a part of the city defence wall.
Nearby, the National Maritime Museum offers deep insights into Poland’s seafaring traditions, displaying artefacts that chronicle centuries of naval history.
Gdańsk: A Romantic Summer Destination in Europe
Romance drips from the corners of Gdańsk streets. But I’d ask you to climb to the top of stunning viewpoints dotted across the Gdańsk walking tour route. Start by climbing to the top of St. Mary’s Church (Bazylika Mariacka) – the most iconic viewpoint of Gdańsk with 400-plus steps. Be informed – it’s a proper leg workout. Other popular viewpoints in the Old Town Gdańsk are the Main Town Hall Tower and the Gdańsk Crane.
In summer, the Tricity (Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot) transforms into Poland’s ultimate party and leisure hub. Sopot nightlife, its pristine blue coastline, and beachfront saunas are such a vibe.
Massive shipbuilding yards, a world-class museum, delectable cuisine, a vibrant tapestry of colourful townhouses, and some hidden secrets (some secrets should stay exclusively with tour guides) make the Pomeranian capital a must-do on your Poland itinerary.
Save these best things to do in Gdańsk
i) Gdańsk is the birthplace of Daniel Fahrenheit (1686), the German-Polish physicist who created the Fahrenheit temperature scale. The Fahrenheit monument hides in plain sight on Długi Targ. Watch out for it opposite the Neptune Fountain.
ii) The World Capital of Amber, Gdańsk, has a rich amber trade history with its own Amber Museum and stunning amber jewellery craftsmanship. Don’t forget to stroll down Mariacka Street and pick the amber of your choice. It’s the biggest amber hub and among the must-visit places in Gdańsk.
iii) With its 25,000-person capacity, St. Mary’s Church in Gdańsk is the largest brick church in the world! Climb the 405 steps to the church’s viewing tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Gdańsk city centre.
iv) The first shots of World War II were fired at Westerplatte, a peninsula near Gdańsk, making it a significant historical site. It’s a half-day trip from Gdańsk Centre to Westerplatte. Public transport goes directly from the Gdańsk Main Railway Station, but check the timings in the Jakdojade app–it’s not frequent!!
v) Gdańsk’s iconic medieval crane, the Żuraw, dates back to the 15th century. The largest port crane in medieval Europe and the only one in Europe preserved to this day.
vi) The revamped Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów), once devastated during World War II, now buzzes with modern eateries, boutique hotels, and cultural spaces, epitomising the city’s resilience and forward-thinking spirit.
vii) Gdańsk is the city that sparked Solidarity (Solidarnosc)–the revolution that led to the fall of communism in Europe. The legendary European Solidarity Centre is the place to understand modern Poland.
Gdańsk Old Town walking tour
A walk through Długi Targ (Long Market), the former Royal Route, feels like time travel. Stroll along the Royal Route, a historic path once graced by Polish monarchs. This promenade showcases Gdańsk’s architectural splendour, reflecting its medieval legacy. As you stroll, you’ll encounter:
- Highland Gate (Brama Wyżynna): The entrance to the Royal Route, this gate stands as a sentinel to the city’s rich history.
- Golden Gate (Złota Brama): The ornate archway symbolising the city’s glory days, leading you into the heart of Gdańsk.
- Long Lane (Ulica Długa): Dotted with picturesque townhouses, this street pulses with life, echoing tales from centuries past.
- Long Market (Długi Targ): Once a merchant’s paradise, now a vibrant square where history meets modernity.
- Uphagen House, Neptune’s Fountain, Artus Court, Town Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, Fahrenheit Monument,
- Green Gate (nothing about this gate is green, but it’s magnificent)
- Mariacka Street, Gdańsk Crane, Rybny Targ
Other Gdańsk travel guide essentials
Beyond the obvious Gdańsk hidden gems
- The Zaspa Murals: a massive outdoor gallery painted across Communist-era blocks.
- Oliwa Park & Cathedral: One of the must-visit places in Gdańsk, this park is where Baroque meets tranquillity. Save 2-3 hours for Park Oliwa!
- Góra Gradowa: a panoramic viewpoint northwest of the city centre. It’s right behind the Main Railway Station.
- Gdańsk Stocznia: the shipyard full of iconic Gdańsk Cranes
- Jelitkowo Beach, Brzeźno Beach and Pier
- Brzeźno to Gdynia bike ride along the Baltic Coast bike trail
Where to eat in Gdańsk?
- Must-try local specialities: Golden Pierogi, Fresh Baltic fish, and Gdańsk Goldwasser (Herbal vodka with gold flakes, a must-try)
- Cool spots for foodies: Bar Pod Ryba (legendary potato pancakes), Słony Spichlerz (trendy food hall), Fellini (Elegant Italian spot with a Baltic twist, Pierogarnia Mandu (hands-down best pierogi in town).
Bars, Culture – Gdańsk nightlife
- Ulica Piwna (Beer Street)—Gdańsk’s craft beer culture.
- B90—a gritty shipyard-turned-music venue.
- Jozef K. – Quirky cocktail bar with literary vibes.
- Flisak ‘76 – Underground speakeasy with top-tier mixology.
- Klub Żak – Jazz, indie, and experimental arts under one roof.
FAQs
1. What is Gdańsk best known for?
Gdańsk is famous for its medieval Old Town, amber trade, maritime history, and role in the Solidarity movement that helped end communism in Poland.
2. Is Gdańsk better than Kraków for history lovers?
Gdańsk is best for maritime history, WWII sites, and the Solidarity movement, while Kraków is richer in medieval and royal history. Choose based on your interests!
3. How many days do you need in Gdańsk?
At least 2–3 days to explore the Old Town, key museums, and nearby Sopot or Gdynia. For Malbork Castle or Hel Peninsula, plan 4–5 days.
4. What are some unique things to do in Gdańsk?
Kayak on the Motława River, climb St. Mary’s Church tower, visit the Amber Museum, explore Gdańsk Shipyard & Młode Miasto, take a ferry to Westerplatte.
5. When is the best time to visit Gdańsk?
Summer (June–August): Warm, vibrant, but crowded; Spring & Fall (April–May, Sept–Oct): Pleasant, fewer tourists; Winter (Nov–March): Christmas market, off-season with lower prices, but quite cold and dark.
6. How do you get around Gdańsk?
Trams & Buses: Best for long distances; Bikes: Great for exploring the waterfront; Walking: Ideal for Old Town and main sights.
7. What are the best day trips from Gdańsk?
Sopot: Beach, pier, and nightlife (20 min by train); Gdynia: Modern port city with museums (30 min by train); Malbork Castle: The world’s largest brick castle (1 hour by train); Hel Peninsula: Perfect for nature lovers and windsurfing (2 hours by ferry or train).
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