St. Dominic's Fair in Gdańsk – a giant market dating back to the 13th century

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Every summer, central Gdańsk is filled with market stalls, food, crafts, antiques and events during St. Dominic's Fair – a tradition dating back to the 13th century. We have experienced the large market twice ourselves and were fascinated by how it takes over large parts of the city. Here we tell you about our visits and give you tips on what to expect from the Dominican Market in Gdańsk.

St. Dominic's Fair in Gdańsk

St. Dominic's Fair is called in Polish St. Dominic's Fair and is a large annual market held in the center of Gdańsk. For about three weeks, the streets and squares are filled with hundreds of vendors, food stalls, artisans and various events.

The market is usually held from late July to mid-August and attracts both locals and visitors from other parts of Poland and the world.

St. Dominic's Fair dates back to the 13th century

The history of the market dates back to 1260, when Pope Alexander IV granted the Dominicans the right to hold a market in Gdańsk on the feast day of Saint Dominic. Over time, the market developed into an important trading center, attracting merchants from all over Europe.

The tradition has lived on through the centuries, although the market has had longer breaks, not least during and after World War II. In 1972, St. Dominic's Fair was revived and since then it has once again become a major annual event in Gdańsk. In 2026, it was organized for the 766th time.

Hundreds of market stalls fill central Gdańsk

When St. Dominic's Fair is on, the city really takes notice. Market stalls spread out along the streets and squares of the historic city center, and it can almost feel as if the entire center of Gdańsk has been transformed into one big market.

The selection is varied to say the least. Here you can find everything from clothing, jewelry and accessories to crafts, interior design, toys and various local products. In 2026, there were over 700 sales points at the market.

For us, it was the mix that made the market so fun to explore. You never quite know what's around the next corner.

Antiques, crafts and amber

One of the most exciting parts of St. Dominic's Fair is the antiques and vintage stalls, where you can browse through china, paintings, books, coins, jewelry, and all sorts of oddities.

Gdańsk is also famous for amber, sometimes called the gold of the Baltic Sea. During the market there are plenty of opportunities to view – and buy – jewelry and other objects made from amber.

There is also a lot of handicrafts and design. For those who enjoy walking around and looking at local and different products, it may be wise to set aside plenty of time.

Food and drink at the market

St. Dominic's Fair is not just about shopping, of course. Food and drink are a big part of the experience, and there are plenty of stalls and eateries dotted around the market area.

The selection varies from year to year, but here you can find both Polish specialties and international flavors. These can include grilled meats and sausages, bread, cheeses, pastries, sweets and various types of street food.

When we visited the market, we found grilled cheese, waffles, ice cream, and various chocolate-dipped fruits, among other things. I personally tried grapes dipped in dark chocolate – a simple but very tasty market favorite!

Events and entertainment are part of the folk festival

During St. Dominic's Fair, there is much more going on than just trading. The market is also a large folk festival with concerts, performances, activities and other cultural events.

The program changes from year to year, so if you are planning a visit it is a good idea to check the current program in advance. Some activities run throughout the market period, while others are arranged on specific days and times.

While we were here, we came across a huge drum in the middle of the city, where visitors themselves got to help beat the beat. Of course, we couldn't help but join in and drum!

Our experience of St. Dominic's Fair

We found St. Dominic's Fair to be a really fun experience. Gdańsk is a lively city even in normal times, but during the market there are even more people, activities and movement on the streets. At the same time, you should be prepared that it can get really crowded, especially on nice summer days and weekends.

We especially enjoyed just strolling around without any particular plan – looking at antiques and amber, trying something delicious, and seeing what popped up along the way.

Good to know before St. Dominic's Fair

St. Dominic's Fair takes place right in the center of Gdańsk, so the easiest way to experience the market is on foot. If you live centrally, you won't need any transportation at all to get around the market areas.

Please allow at least a few hours for a visit. If you are interested in antiques, shopping and food, you can easily spend most of the day here.

Since the market coincides with the high season in Gdańsk, it may also be wise to book accommodation well in advance. If you want to experience the city when it is a little quieter, try visiting the market on a weekday or earlier in the day.

More to see and do in Gdansk and the surrounding area

There is of course more to see and do in Gdansk than just the market. You can also visit the two nearby cities of Gdynia and Sopot. Read more here:

• Things to do in Gdansk
• Things to do in Gdynia
• Things to do in Sopot