Gdansk Travel Guide: Where To Go & What To Visit!

On the shores of the Baltic Sea lies the largest and most crucial Polish port, the city of Gdansk, AKA the Pearl of the Baltic—from its nickname. The city was one of the largest Hanseatic cities, with cultural and commercial ties to Belgium and the Netherlands. This prosperous era has left its mark on the architecture of Gdansk.

With 460,000 inhabitants, Gdansk, also known as Danzig, is the sixth largest city in Poland, just behind Poznan. However, the cities of Sopot and Gdynia constitute a conurbation of about one million inhabitants called “the Tricity.” It is located in the north of the country, not far from the Baltic Sea, in the bay of Gdansk.

Gdansk was a free city populated mostly by Germans but also by Poles, Jews, and many other minorities until 1945, when it was permanently attached to Poland. Besides being the largest port in Poland, the city is also a major industrial centre, especially with its shipyards, emblematic places of the country’s contemporary history. To help you make the most of your stay in the city, here is our list of the best places in Gdansk and top attractions.

Best Places to Visit in Gdansk

Gdansk, a captivating blend of history and coastal charm, invites exploration. From its iconic Old Town to its serene waterfront, the city offers a wealth of attractions that cater to every traveller’s taste.

The Old Town

The old town of Gdansk was rebuilt identically, like many other Polish towns, at the end of the Second World War. Despite this tragic past, it’s a great place to wander around. You will inevitably be seduced by its pretty coloured houses, all in height, and its various monuments with breathtaking architecture… such as the big mill, the Artus courtyard, or the Polish postal museum.

The iconic Long Market, the heart of the Old Town, is a vibrant hub of activity. Lined with ornate townhouses, once home to wealthy merchants, it now buzzes with cafes, restaurants, and amber shops, their shimmering wares catching the light. Dominating the scene is the magnificent Neptune Fountain, a symbol of Gdansk’s maritime heritage, its bronze figure proudly surveying the bustling square.

Beyond the Long Market, a labyrinth of narrow lanes and hidden courtyards awaits exploration. St. Mary’s Church, a towering brick edifice, dominates the skyline, its soaring spire a testament to the city’s enduring faith. Inside, visitors can marvel at the intricate astronomical clock and stained-glass windows bathed in ethereal light.

The waterfront, lined with historic granaries and warehouses, offers stunning views of the Motlawa River. The Crane, a towering medieval structure, stands as a testament to Gdansk’s ingenuity; its wooden gears were once used to hoist cargo from ships. Today, it serves as a reminder of the city’s vital role in international trade.

The Royal Way

The Royal Way, also known as the Royal Route, is a historic and picturesque pedestrian street in Gdańsk. It was once the main route for Polish kings travelling from Warsaw to Gdańsk, entering through the Brama Wyżynna (Upland Gate) and continuing through significant landmarks like the Złota Brama. The route is lined with charming historic houses that belonged to Gdańsk’s affluent citizens, highlighting the city’s rich history.

It is impossible to visit Gdansk without taking a stroll along the Royal Way and the adjacent streets; it will lead you to see monuments such as the Golden Gate, the Neptune Fountain, the Torture House, or the Prison Tower. It is also an excellent way to discover the city’s history and admire the magnificent buildings rebuilt after the war, some of which date back to the 14th century.

Flanked by rows of opulent townhouses, the Royal Way showcases the city’s Golden Age. Elaborate facades, adorned with intricate carvings, gilded balconies, and ornate crests, reflect the wealth and status of the merchants who once resided here. These buildings, meticulously restored to their former glory, now house museums, art galleries, and charming cafes, breathing life into the historic street.

The Golden Gate, a triumphal arch marking the entrance to the Royal Way, serves as a reminder of the city’s former power and prosperity. Its intricate sculptures depict virtues and allegories, showcasing the artistic skill of Gdansk’s master craftsmen. Continuing towards the Motlawa River, the Green Gate, once the royal residence, stands as a testament to the city’s enduring connection to its regal past.

A walk down the Royal Way is a journey through time, a chance to immerse oneself in the splendour of Gdansk’s history. It’s a reminder of the city’s enduring spirit, its ability to rise from the ashes and reclaim its place as a beacon of culture and beauty.

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church (Bazylika Mariacka) was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. It is one of the largest brick churches in the world; many say it is even the largest ever. This vast Gothic building is located in the city’s centre and is an architectural gem inside and out.

The church was partly destroyed during World War II but later reconstructed. In the middle of the 20th century, the building was consecrated after the restoration. Now, it is a basilica that can be visited for free. Inside, you will find a copy of Memling’s “Last Judgment” and a beautiful altar created by M. Schwartz.

Stepping inside, one is immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the space. Vast pillars, reaching towards the heavens, support the intricate vaulted ceilings. Sunlight filters through stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colours across the worn stone floor. The air hums with a palpable sense of history and reverence, inviting quiet contemplation.

Numerous chapels, each adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings, line the nave, reflecting the patronage of wealthy guilds and merchants. The main altar, a masterpiece of Baroque artistry, commands attention with its gilded figures and dramatic scenes. Climbing the narrow steps to the top of the church’s tower, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Gdansk, its red rooftops sprawling towards the Baltic Sea.

Beyond its architectural splendour, St. Mary’s Church safeguards a trove of artistic treasures. The astronomical clock, a marvel of medieval engineering, tracks the time, the phases of the moon, and the position of the planets. The exquisite Pieta sculpture, a poignant depiction of the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Christ, evokes a sense of profound sorrow and beauty.

The astronomical clock, which hangs at a height of 12 metres, chimes daily with a play of figures. From the church tower, you have a magnificent view of the city from a height of 80 metres. Simply marvellous!

Oliwa Cathedral

The famous cathedral, named after Oliwa, is a historic part of the city. Throughout its centuries-long history, the church has repeatedly been exposed to destruction and looting. In particular, it suffered heavily from the raids of the Prussians. The building, with its two 46-metre-high towers and Baroque cupolas, is magnificent.

The heart of the cathedral is its magnificent Baroque organ, a masterpiece of engineering and musicality. Crafted by Johann Wulf, a renowned organ builder of the 18th century, it boasts over 7,800 pipes and is considered one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. Daily organ concerts fill the cathedral with a celestial symphony, transporting listeners to a realm of sublime beauty.

Equally beautiful are its snow-white interiors with numerous sculptures and natural wood panels. Inside the cathedral is a bas-relief with angels and over twenty altars. It also has a vast 18th-century organ with nearly eight thousand pipes. The feedback from those who have heard the sound of this instrument is consistently enthusiastic! Make sure to visit the cathedral while in the city.

Oliwa Cathedral also houses a treasure trove of art and religious artefacts. Paintings by renowned Polish and European masters adorn the walls, depicting biblical scenes and the lives of saints with captivating realism. Intricately crafted silver reliquaries containing sacred relics offer a glimpse into the depths of faith that inspired generations.

Mariacka Street

If you’re wondering what to do in Gdansk, take a stroll down Mariacka Street, one of the most beautiful streets in the Old Town. Admire the colourful buildings on the street, known for their romantic architecture.

This street will charm you with its old-fashioned and gloomy side. Dotted with small terraces and nice cafes, it is ideal for taking a break and tasting an absolute Polish vodka, the Goldwasser, with its golden glitter.

Each building along Mariacka Street is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of old Gdansk. Gabled facades, adorned with intricate carvings, decorative doorways, and ornate balconies, create a harmonious rhythm that draws the eye upwards. These houses, once ravaged by war, have been painstakingly restored to their former glory, their pastel hues reflecting the sunlight that dances upon the cobblestones below.

Why not end this relaxing moment with an exciting visit to some of the jewellery stores that abound in the basement? Pay a visit to the souvenir stores, especially the tiny jewellery stores; they all offer pieces with amber, the stone from the Baltic Sea for which the city is famous!

Mariacka Street is renowned for its amber boutiques, where skilled artisans display their exquisite jewellery, sculptures, and ornaments. The warm glow of amber, said to possess healing properties, fills these shops, beckoning visitors to admire the craftsmanship and perhaps take home a piece of Gdansk’s legacy.

European Solidarity Centre

The huge museum is located near the Gdansk shipyards, right behind the Solidarity monument—a must-see memorial. A visit to the museum gives you a better understanding of the history of the Solidarity trade union and how it was able to impose free elections in Poland during communist rule.

In the museum, you can stand in the very halls where Lech Wałęsa, the charismatic electrician who became the face of Solidarity, rallied his fellow workers. They can listen to firsthand accounts of the strikes, the negotiations, and the brutal crackdown by the communist regime. They can also explore the broader context of the Cold War and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

The European Solidarity Centre isn’t just a place to learn about the past, however. It also serves as a vibrant forum for debate and discussion about contemporary issues related to freedom, democracy, and social justice. The Centre hosts conferences, exhibitions, and educational programs, inspiring visitors to engage with the legacy of Solidarity and its relevance to the challenges facing the world today.

National Museum in Gdansk

One of the best things to do in Gdansk is visit the National Museum. The complex is housed in a former church building. It was rebuilt in the 19th century. Guests of the museum can look at medieval sculptures, pencil drawings, etchings, and thousands of paintings, including famous masters such as Memling and Möller.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by a sense of grandeur and elegance. Sunlight streams through arched windows, illuminating exquisite tapestries, ornate furniture, and intricate weaponry, offering a glimpse into the lives of Gdansk’s elite merchant families who once graced these very halls.

The museum’s collection is a treasure trove of Polish and European art. Religious iconography, including the famed Gdansk Triptych, transports visitors back to the medieval era, while portraits of prominent figures and landscapes capture the evolving artistic sensibilities of later centuries. A highlight for many is “The Judgement Day”, a monumental canvas by the 15th-century German painter Hans Memling, renowned for its intricate detail and moral allegory. It will sweep you off your feet!

Beyond paintings, the museum showcases Gdansk’s rich material culture. Collections of intricately crafted silver, delicate porcelain, and elaborate clocks speak to the city’s legacy as a centre of trade and craftsmanship. These objects whisper tales of skilled artisans, bustling workshops, and the vibrant exchange of goods and ideas that once flowed through Gdansk.

Westerplatte

Westerplatte, a peninsula jutting out into the Bay of Gdansk, holds a poignant place in Polish history. More than just a geographical landmark, it stands as a symbol of unwavering courage and resistance, a stark reminder of the devastating outbreak of World War II.

On the tranquil shores of Westerplatte, amidst the whispering reeds and gently lapping waves, the first shots of the war were fired. In September 1939, a small contingent of Polish soldiers, vastly outnumbered and outgunned, defended their military outpost against relentless attacks from Nazi German forces for seven long days. Their valiant stand, though ultimately overtaken, became a beacon of defiance, a testament to the unyielding spirit of a nation facing overwhelming odds.

Today, Westerplatte is a place of pilgrimage where visitors come to pay their respects to the fallen heroes. The shattered remains of bunkers and guardhouses, scarred by bullets and shrapnel, stand as silent witnesses to the fierce battles that raged here. A towering monument erected on the peninsula’s highest point serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Walking through the serene, wooded paths of Westerplatte, one senses the weight of history. The silence is palpable, broken only by the cries of seagulls and the rustling of leaves. It’s a place for quiet contemplation, a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the devastating consequences of war.

Crane on the Motlawa

One of Gdansk’s main symbols, which can be seen in any photo, is the Crane on Motława. From afar, the structure appears to be a piece of “Tetris” or a colossal birdhouse. However, in medieval times, it was a standard port crane.

The Crane, with its distinctive twin towers connected by a massive wooden beam, was a technological marvel of its time. Powered by human effort, using a system of treadmills and gears, it could lift an astonishing four tonnes of cargo from ships’ holds directly into warehouses lining the riverbank. Its efficiency and innovative design revolutionised port operations, solidifying Gdansk’s position as a major trading hub of the Hanseatic League.

Today, the Crane houses a branch of the National Maritime Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s vibrant maritime past. Inside, exhibits showcase the workings of this ingenious machine, the lives of the stevedores who laboured within its wooden belly, and the precious cargoes that passed through its mighty arms: spices from the Orient, timber from Scandinavia, and textiles from Flanders.

Climbing the narrow, winding staircases to the top of the Crane rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Gdansk’s waterfront. From this vantage point, one can truly appreciate the scale and significance of the city’s historic harbour, its bustling wharves, and the constant flow of ships that have shaped Gdansk’s identity for centuries.

The Abbots’ Palace

Tucked away amidst the enchanting streets of Gdansk’s Old Town, the Abbots’ Palace offers a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of the city’s history. This elegant, unassuming building, dating back to the 15th century, once served as the residence of Cistercian abbots, powerful figures who wielded significant influence in both religious and secular affairs.

Located in the beautiful Oliwa Park, this rococo-style palace is a wonder. The luxurious Rococo building was rebuilt from the 15th-century Gothic palace. After Poland was partitioned in the 19th century, the structure came into the possession of a prominent German family. The Abbots’ Palace was handed over to the city only at the end of the 20th century.

Stepping inside, you will be greeted by a sense of tranquillity and refinement. Sunlight spills through leaded windows, illuminating spacious halls adorned with intricate stuccowork, delicate frescoes, and ornate fireplaces. The palace’s chambers, once home to abbots and their retinue, now house the National Museum’s Department of Ancient Art, showcasing a remarkable collection of medieval sculptures, religious artefacts, and intricately carved furnishings.

The Abbots’ Palace is particularly renowned for its stunning collection of Gothic and Renaissance triptychs, multi-panel altarpieces that depict religious scenes with captivating realism and detail. These masterpieces of craftsmanship, created by some of the most skilled artists of their time, offer a glimpse into the religious devotion and artistic patronage that flourished in Gdansk during this era.

In conclusion, the old Hanseatic city of Gdansk has a lot to offer. It is known for its handicrafts, ship models, and amber. Still, it will also enchant you with its beautiful beaches, colourful old town, beautiful harbour, small cafes, and various historical buildings. The city has everything needed to make it to everybody’s bucket list!