Gdansk is a city in Poland situated on the Baltic coast in the northern part of the country. It is the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. Some of the best things to do in Gdansk, Poland include exploring coastline, beaches, war museum, war sites, river promenade, historical buildings, fine architecture, boat cruises, amber shopping and beaches.
The city has had a very complex history of several rulers from native Polish, German, Prussian have ruled the city in ancient times. You will see influences of various rules in the architecture of the best places to visit in Gdansk. The city is dominated by mannerist, baroque, Gothic and rococo styles of architecture. Some of the most architecturally fascinating Gdansk attractions include Church of St. Mary, Golden Gate, Green Gate, Golden House, Old Mill, Oliwa Cathedral, Main Town Hall and Neptune Fountain.
Even the houses, shops and streets in older parts of the city are quite picturesque. You can enjoy strolling the old city streets for Gdansk sightseeing and also enjoy local street food, dining and shopping. You should definitely try out some local dishes like Pierogi, Rosol, Placki Ziemniaczane, Mizeria, and Golabki.
One of the most popular souvenir people take home from Gdansk travel is Amber gemstone. You can get it in raw gemstone, cut gemstone, Amber jewellery, items made of Amber and items studded with Amber. The city history of Gdansk is intertwined with Amber mining, trade and crafting. The Amber museum is one of the most popular Gdansk tourist attractions in the city with a fascinating variety of all things Amber.
The city’s history is also deeply intertwined with coast and port. There are numerous things to see in Gdansk along the coastline of the sea and the river. You can explore the pier, old trade port, old crane, trade centers, markets and most importantly beaches. Some of the most fun activities in Gdansk beaches include water sports and boat cruises. There is even a pirate ship which will take you on an interesting tour of the city.
Another major part of Gdansk’s history is the invasion of Poland in the Second World War. There are many Gdansk tourist attractions which shed light on different aspects of the war and its impact on the people and the culture.
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Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Gdansk, Poland
1. Basilica of St. Mary (Bazylika Mariacka)
This marvelous Gothic Basilica is among the three largest brick-built churches in the world. It was built in the 14th century and is still one of the most dominant structures you will come across during Gdansk sightseeing. You will need about an hour to explore this church.
2. St. Mary Street
Also known as Ulica Mariacka, this street stretches from St. Mary Church to St. Mary’s gate, which is also among top Gdansk attractions. The cobbled street with merchant houses on either side is a wonderful sight. It is also quite popular for Amber jewelry shops. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this street when you visit Gdansk.
3. Museum of the Second World War (Muzeum II Wojny Światowej)
This museum is built on a quarter which was flattened because of the attack on the city during World War II. The museum shows the devastation caused by the invading forces in Poland. Many of the exhibits have been donated by families of the victims. It is one of the best places to visit in Gdansk to experience impacts of the war. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.
I suggest you should book a private guided tour of Second World War History.
4. Neptune’s Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna)
The monument atop the fountain was designed by Abraham van den Blocke. This fountain is one of the most beautiful things to see in Gdansk. You will need 10 to 15 minutes to admire it.
5. National Museum in Gdańsk (Muzeum Narodowe w Gdańsku)
This museum tells the story of the city from its origins at a major port to its revival after the second world war. It is one of the most engaging Gdansk tourist attractions as it helps you better appreciate the city’s people, culture and places. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
6. Royal Way (Trakt Królewski)
Also known as the Royal Way, this street is considered the heart of the city. The paved street has patrician tenements on either side. You will encounter many Gdansk must see spots while walking this street. It will require about 15 to 20 minutes to stroll.
7. Golden House
The building was designed by Abraham van den Blocke in the 17th century. It is renowned for its mannerist architecture and often included among the most beautiful places to see in Gdansk. The intricate carvings and statues which decorate the facade can keep your fancy engaged for quite some time. You would need 20 to 30 minutes to admire this building during Gdansk travel.
8. Main Town Hall
This building was designed in the 16th century with Dutch mannerist features. The clock tower and its observation deck are also among Gdansk top attractions. It has quite a dominating facade and the interior is equally magnificent featuring coffered ceilings, marble floors, frescoes, sculptures and tapestries. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this place.
9. Gdansk Crane
This crane was built in the 14th century and has become an icon of the city. The crane also served as a waterside gate to the city till 1800s. The crane’s museum is one of the best things to do in Gdansk, Poland. You will get to see how it was operated during its heyday and how it contributed to city’s history. You will need an hour to explore it.
10. Dlugie Pobrzeze
Also known as the Long Embankment, this quay runs along the Dead Vistula River. Until the 19th century, this was the prime location for port trade in the city. You will see old defense gates guarding entry to the streets. It is one of the most historically significant Gdansk attractions. You will about an hour to roam along this street.
11. Westerplatte (Zachodnia Płyta)
This monument marks the sight of the “Battle of Westerplatte”. It was the first conflict between German and Polish troops and is considered the beginning of World War II. The history of this place had an impact on the entire world. Hence, it is among the most important places to see in Gdansk. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this war site
I suggest you should book guided tour of Westerplatte in advance.
12. Beaches
Being a coastal city, beaches are a major part of the Gdansk’s appeal. You will encounter a variety of them while exploring the coastline. Some of the best Gdansk beaches are Plaza Jelitkowo, Brzezno and Stogi and Orlowo. You also get to enjoy a variety of fun activities to do in Gdansk including water sports, leisure, dining, nature trails, boat rides and so on. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying at each beach.
13. Golden Gate (Złota Brama)
This gate was also designed by Abraham van den Blocke and was built during the 1600s. The gate is said to represent cardinal values such as Peace, Freedom, Wealth, Fame, Harmony, Justice, Piety and Prudence. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Gdansk. You will need about half an hour to admire it.
14. Oliwa Cathedral (Katedra Oliwska)
This marvelous cathedral dates back to the 14th century. It is among the best places to visit in Gdansk, Poland for admirers of architecture. The church features a blend of Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque styles. You will need half an hour to explore this church during Gdansk travel.
15. European Solidarity Center (Europejskie Centrum Solidarności)
This solidarity movement began as a trade movement and evolved into civil resistance against the iron curtain. The exhibits in this place let you peek behind the iron curtain. It is one of the best Gdansk tourist attractions to learn about history of the communist regime in the region. You will need a little more than an hour to tour this center.
I suggest you should book a communism tour with visit of European Solidarity Center in Gdansk.
16. Amber Museum
This museum explores the relationship of the city with Amber gemstone. It is an integral part of the city’s history as Amber was abundant in the Baltic region and trade of Amber contributed to Gdansk prosperity. You will all kinds of things made from or decorated with Amber in this museum. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes to explore this museum.
17. Boat Cruise
The boat rides and cruise tours are a great to enjoy sights of the city, sunset/sunrise views and explore the coast. You can enjoy tour of the river and the city or embark towards the open ocean. There are great choices of boats available as well from sailing boats to yachts and even a pirate ship. The experience tops the list of cool things to do in Gdansk. You will need about 2 hours for this experience.
I suggest you should book a sunset cruise on a Historic Polish Boat. Also you can go for Motlawa River Yacht Cruise.
18. Abbot’s Palace (Pałac Opatów w Oliwie)
This palace was built in the 15th century and exhibits rococo style of architecture. The beautiful palace houses several modern art works and several as both a gallery and a museum. You will need about 30 minutes to explore this palace.
19. The Great Mill (Wielki Młyn)
Known as Wielki Mlyn in Polish, this old mill is now a museum giving you peek into the industrial life of the bygone era. It is also a quaint building built over a canal. It looks cute from every angle. It is definately among Gdansk must see places just to capture its quaint design in a picture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this place.
20. Sopot Pier (Molo w Sopocie)
Sopot Pier has a great beach on either side and a beautiful wooden walkway leading towards the ocean. It is one of the best Gdansk beaches and also the best tourist spot to see the sun rise from beyond the ocean. You can spend a couple of hours or more at this pier.
If you are looking for more activities to do in Gdansk, check out the sections below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of all things you can do and all the places you could visit while exploring Gdansk.
Things to do in Gdansk
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Gdansk
- Basilica of St. Mary
- Museum of the Second World War
- Neptune’s Fountain
- European Solidarity Center
- Museum of Gdansk
- Amber Museum
- National Museum
- National Maritime Museum
- Green Gate
- Artus Court
- Golden Gate
- Oliwska Cathedral
- Uphagen’s House
- The Great Armoury
- Grue Medievale de Gdansk
- Soldek Ship Museum
- Laznia Center for Contemporary Art
- Wisloujscie Fortress
- Gdansk Archeological Museum
- The Great Mill
- St. Catherine Church
- Westerplatte Museum
- Sopot Museum
- Museum of the Polish Post
- Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970
- High Gate
- North Harbour Lighthouse
- Wielki Mlyn Museum
- Wartownia Military Museum
- Nomus Nowe Museum
- Church of St. John
- Polish Baltic Frederic Chopin Philharmonic Hall
- Tower Clock Museum
- Blue Lamb Archeological Museum
- Westerplatte Monument
- Gdansk Gallery of Photography
- BHP Hall
- Department of Modern Art
- St. Mikolaja Basilica
- Spichlerz Opacki Ethnography Museum
- Statue of John III Sobieski
- Old Toy Gallery
- Monumental Water Forge of Oliwa
- Piwnica Romanska Archeological Museum
- St. Mary’s Gate
- Oliwa Forest
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Gdansk
- Tri City Landscape Park
- Mewia Lacha Peninsula
- Ptasi Raj Bird Reserve
- Dolina Radosci Forest
- Stara Orunia Reserve
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Gdansk
- Oliwa Zoo
- Oliwski Park
- Hevelianum
- Amber Sky Observation Wheel
- Ergo Arena
- Loopy’s World Amusement Park
- Orunski Park
- President Ronald Reagan Park
- Port Brzezno Rope Park
- Jumpcity Amusement Park
Shopping in Gdansk
- Mariacka Street
- Galeria Baltycka
- Sopot Centrum
- Long Market
- Madison Shopping Mall
- Forum Gdansk
Beaches in Gdansk
- Brzezno Beach
- Mewia Lacha Beach
- Plaza Stogi
- Sopot Beach
- Jelitkowo Plaza
- Gdynia Beach
- Psia Plaza
- Sobieszewo Beach
- Orlowo Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Gdansk
- River Cruise
- Bird Watching
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Pirate Ship Cruise
Sightseeing in Gdansk
- Mariacka
- Sopot Pier
- Dluga Street
- Motlawa River Habour
- Gdansk Shipyard
- Brzezno Pier
- Wyspa Spichrzow
- Olivia Star Skyscraper
- Gora Gradowa
- Golden House
- Wzgorze Pacholek Viewing Platform
- Piwna Street
- Dlugie Probrzeze
- Deo Plaza Biuro
- Statek Pirat Ship
- Olowianka
- Katownia
- Black Pearl Pirate Ship
- Weichseldurchstich Canal
- Raduni Canal
- Main Town Hall
- Green Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Gdansk
- Pub Red Light
- Pierogarnia Mandu
- KOS
- Familia Bistro
- Pub Crawl
- Klatka B
- Brovarnia
- Drukarnia
- Jozef K
- Mono Kitchen
- Bar Neptun
- Pellowski
- Gdanski Bowke
- Feed my Soul Bistro
- Kibicki
- Cafe Absinthe
- Nova Pierogova
- Niepokorni
Where to Stay in Gdansk?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Gdansk. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Gdansk.
Luxurious Hotels
- PURO Gdansk Stare Miasto
- Hilton Gdansk
- Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk
- Radisson Hotel & Suites
- Podewils Hotel
- Hanza Hotel
- Q Hotel Grand Cru Gdansk
- Mercure Gdansk Posejdon
- Qubus Hotel Gdansk
- Gotyk House
- Novotel Gdansk Marina
- Golden Tulip Gdansk Residence
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Old Town
- Hotel Almond Business & Spa
- Liberum
- Craft Beer Central Hotel
- Stay Inn Hotel
- IBB Hotel Dlugi Targ
- Holiday Inn Gdansk – City Centre, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel Sadova
- Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Oliwa
- Hotel Admiral
- Novotel Gdansk Centrum
- Hotel Scandic Gdansk
Budget Hotels
- Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto
- Hotel Number One By Grano
- Apart Neptun
- Celestin Residence
- Ibis Gdansk Stare Miasto
- Smart Hotel
- Dom Muzyka
- La Guitarra Hostel Gdansk
- Moon Hostel
- Hotel Focus Gdansk
- 5 Point Hostel
- Arkon Park Gdans
Custom Tours Package in Gdansk
How to Reach Gdansk?
By Air
The easiest option for Gdansk travel is with Lech Walesa Airport. You can get direct flights from Herklion, Tirana, Dusseldorf, Stockholm, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, Burgas, Rhodes, Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen, Oslo, Birmingham, Dublin, Bristol, Edinburgh, London, Malta, Manchester, Newcastle, Pisa, Venice, Vienna, Zurich, Barcelona, Liverpool, Reykjavik and many more.
The train from the airport moves towards the city’s central railway station and you see many of the Gdansk tourist attractions along the way. You will find ticket machines to get tickets for the train ride. You can also get tickets from Cash Desks or from the Train Crew at the station.
You can also get buses and cabs to get to places to visit in Gdansk from the airport.
By Road
You can get direct trains to visit Gdansk from several cities in Poland as well as in Europe including Warsaw, Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest, Frankfurt, Bratislava and many more.
The bus network to reach Gdansk is even more widespread locally as well as internationally. But, if the distance is significant trains and flights are much better options.
If you are planning to travel by road, you should head for routes A1, E75, S6 or S7.
By Water
You can get boat rides and ferries for Gdansk travel from Nynashamn and Karlskrona in Sweden.
Image Reference
- Basilica of St. Mary (Bazylika Mariacka) – Makalu / PixaBay
- St. Mary Street – UncleBucko / Flickr
- Museum of the Second World War (Muzeum II Wojny Światowej) – Piqsels
- Neptune’s Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna) – Janusz Kreczmański / PixaBay
- National Museum in Gdańsk (Muzeum Narodowe w Gdańsku) – magro_kr / Flickr
- Royal Way (Trakt Królewski) – Makalu / PixaBay
- Golden House – petrOlly / Flickr
- Main Town Hall – Monika Neumann / PixaBay
- Gdansk Crane – lino9999 / PixaBay
- Dlugie Pobrzeze – Henryk Bielamowicz / Wikimedia Commons
- Westerplatte (Zachodnia Płyta) – the_iop / PixaBay
- Beaches – freestocks-photos / PixaBay
- Golden Gate (Złota Brama) – Janusz Sliwinski / Flickr
- Oliwa Cathedral (Katedra Oliwska) – altotemi / Flickr
- European Solidarity Center (Europejskie Centrum Solidarności) – Ziemowit Cabanek / Flickr
- Amber Museum – Аимаина хикари / Wikimedia Commons
- Boat Cruise – Torsten Maue / Flickr
- Abbot’s Palace (Pałac Opatów w Oliwie) – altotemi / Flickr
- The Great Mill (Wielki Młyn) – magro_kr / Flickr
- Sopot Pier (Molo w Sopocie) – Michał K / PixaBay
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