Things to do in Gdańsk – 18 tips for attractions and experiences

Writer: Peter Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Gdańsk in Poland is, in our opinion, one of the country's most beautiful cities. We have visited the city many times and love to return to the beautiful neighborhoods, the promenades along the Motława and all the exciting museums and restaurants. Here we have collected our best tips for sights and experiences in Gdańsk.

Gdańsk

Gdańsk is a historic port city on Poland's Baltic Sea coast and together with Sopot and Gdynia, the city forms the so-called Tricity Area, Trójmiasto. For us, Gdańsk is one of the Polish cities we like to return to – here you will find beautiful historic quarters, exciting museums, good restaurants and proximity to long sandy beaches.

1. Stroll along Długa and Długi Targ

Długa and Długi Targ are among the most classic areas in Gdańsk and are an obvious place to start your exploration. Here you can stroll between stately, colorful houses, restaurants and some of the city's most famous attractions.

The walk goes through the heart of the historic city center, from the Golden Gate via Długa to Długi Targ and on towards the Green Gate and the Motława River. Along the way, you will pass the Town Hall, the Neptune Fountain, Artus Court and the magnificent Golden House. In other words, it is a stretch where there is reason to take plenty of time.

2. See the Neptune Fountain and Arthur's Court

In the middle of Długi Targ stands Neptune Fountain, One of Gdańsk's most recognizable symbols, the fountain was created in the 17th century and depicts the sea god Neptune – a fitting symbol for a city whose history is so closely linked to the sea and trade.

Right next door is Artus Court (Dwór Artusa), which during Gdańsk's heyday was an important meeting place for merchants and the city's wealthy citizens. Its magnificent facade makes the building an eye-catcher from the square, and today it is part of the Gdańsk Museum.

3. Stroll on Mariacka

Mariacka is one of our favorite streets in Gdańsk and also one of the city's most photographed. The narrow cobblestone street is lined with beautiful historic houses with characteristic stone steps and terraces in front of the entrances.

There are also many small shops and galleries here, not least those selling jewelry and amber objects. The street runs from St. Mary's Church down towards Motława and is not very long, but don't miss strolling here both during the day and in the evening, when the lanterns contribute to the special atmosphere.

4. Visit St. Mary's Church and climb the tower

The huge St Mary's Church (Bazylika Mariacka) is one of Gdańsk's most impressive buildings. The church began construction in the 14th century and is considered one of the largest brick churches in the world. The large church room is worth seeing in itself, with works of art and an impressive astronomical clock from the 15th century.

Those who are brave enough can also climb the church tower. There are many steps and part of the way is on narrow stairs, but the reward awaits at the top: a fantastic view of the rooftops and central Gdańsk.

5. Stroll along the Motława

Another of our favorite walks in Gdańsk is along the Motława River, where the city's long history as a trading and port city meets today's restaurants, outdoor cafes, boats and people.

Along the quays you will see, among other things, the historic Crane Gate and on the other side of the water is Wyspa Spichrzów, the Granary Island, where old warehouses are mixed with more modern buildings. Various boat trips also depart from here, and the area is especially lively on summer evenings.

6. See the historic Crane Gate

The great medieval Crane gate (Żuraw) on the Motława is one of the buildings most clearly associated with Gdańsk. It served as both a city gate and a harbor crane, and was used, among other things, to load goods and erect masts on ships.

The crane was built in the 15th century and was powered by large wooden wheels that people walked inside to create lifting force. The building was largely destroyed during World War II but has since been reconstructed. Today, Żuraw is part of the National Maritime Museum and a clear reminder of the time when Gdańsk was one of the most important trading cities in the Baltic Sea region.

7. Discover Wyspa Spichrzów – Granary Island

On the other side of the Motława is Island of Spichrzów, or Grain Island, which bears witness to Gdańsk's long history as an important trading city. Here were once hundreds of warehouses where grain and other goods were stored before being shipped onward.

The area was badly damaged during World War II and for a long time lay largely in ruins. In recent years it has changed considerably and today historical facades and reconstructed warehouses are mixed with modern architecture, hotels and restaurants. Feel free to walk over one of the bridges and experience the area from both sides of the Motława.

8. Visit the Museum of the Second World War

Museum of the Second World War is one of the most interesting and powerful museums we have visited in Gdańsk. The museum tells the story of World War II from many different perspectives, with a strong focus on how the war affected the lives of ordinary people.

The exhibitions are extensive and modernly designed, with historical objects, photographs, films and reconstructed environments. Allow several hours if you want to take in a lot. The museum building itself is also special and has become a modern landmark in Gdańsk.

9. Visit the European Solidarity Centre

Gdańsk played a crucial role in the political developments that eventually led to the fall of communism in Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe. On European Solidarity Centre (Europejskie Center Solidarności) you can learn more about the Solidarity trade union movement, the strikes at the Lenin Shipyard and Lech Wałęsa's role in the development.

The center is located in the historic shipyard area, near the site of the 1980 strikes. It features a large interactive exhibition about Solidarity and the fight for democratic rights. Outside, there is also a monument to the shipyard workers who were killed during the 1970 protests.

10. See Gdańsk from the Town Hall Tower

In the middle of Długi Targ is located Main Town Hall (Ratusz Głównego Miasta), one of the most prominent buildings in the historic city center. The Town Hall dates back to the Middle Ages and was expanded and changed over several centuries.

Today, the building is part of the Gdańsk Museum and here you can see historical halls and exhibitions about the city, among other things. When the tower is open to visitors, you can also go up and look out over Długi Targ, St. Mary's Church and the rooftops of central Gdańsk.

11. Discover Gdańsk's historic gates and architecture

As you stroll through central Gdańsk, it's worth keeping an eye out for all the historic gates and magnificent buildings, many of which once served as entrances to the city or connected the city streets with the port on the Motława River.

Among other things, you can see the Golden Gate, the Green Gate, the Bread Gate and the Mariacka Gate, but also magnificent buildings such as the Great Armoury. Many of the buildings were damaged or destroyed during World War II and have since been restored or reconstructed. Together, they are a large part of the special environment that makes Gdańsk so beautiful to just stroll around.

12. Learn more about Gdańsk amber

Gdańsk has a long tradition of trade and craftsmanship in amber, sometimes called the gold of the Baltic Sea. Even today, there are many shops and workshops where you can see and buy jewelry and other objects made from amber.

If you want to learn more, you can visit Amber Museum (Muzeum Bursztynu), which tells about how amber is formed and its importance for crafts, trade and culture. The museum is currently located in the historic building Wielki Młyn, Stora kvarnen, and everything from natural amber pieces with inclusions to advanced art objects is displayed here.

13. Take a trip to Westerplatte

Westerplatte is located at the entrance to the port of Gdańsk and is one of the most important historical sites in the city. It was a Polish military transit depot and on September 1, 1939, the area was shelled by the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein. This event is usually considered the beginning of World War II in Europe.

Today, Westerplatte is a large memorial area where you can walk among monuments, ruins and other traces of the battles. The most famous is the large monument to the defenders of the coast. You can get here by bus, car or boat from the center of Gdańsk.

14. See Gdańsk from the water

Gdańsk is a city characterized by water, shipping and trade, and a nice way to experience the city is from a boat. Various boat tours depart from the quays on the Motława River, both shorter tours and those that go further out towards the harbor and Westerplatte.

When we visited Gdańsk, we went with, among other things, Black Pearl, a ship built in an old-fashioned style. The range of boat tours is subject to change, so check what's available when you're there. Regardless of which tour you choose, you'll have the opportunity to see Gdańsk's quays, historic buildings and port environment from a completely different perspective.

15. Eat Polish food and discover Gdańsk's restaurants

A trip to Gdańsk is also an excellent opportunity to discover it Polish cuisine. Classics such as pierogi, żurek, bigos and duck with red cabbage appear on many menus, while the range of restaurants in the city is considerably wider than that.

We have been to Gdańsk several times and have tried many different restaurants. A favorite is Goldwasser, which is beautifully situated on the Motława River and serves Polish and Central European cuisine in a historic setting. Don't miss out on trying some local beer - Gdańsk has a long tradition of both brewing and pub life.

16. Shop and experience St Dominic's Fair

Gdańsk is a pleasant city for shopping, with everything from modern shopping malls to small shops selling amber, crafts, delicacies and souvenirs. But during a few summer weeks each year, the shopping experience becomes something truly special.

Then it is arranged St. Dominic's Fair (Jarmark św. Dominika), a tradition with roots dating back to the 13th century. The market spreads over large parts of central Gdańsk with lots of vendors, food, crafts, antiques and various events. We have experienced the market several times and think that it contributes to a wonderful folk festival atmosphere in the city.

17. Take the tram to the beach

It's easy to think of Gdańsk as a historic city, but its location on the Baltic Sea means you can also combine sightseeing with beach life. One of the city's popular beaches is Stogi Beach (Plaża Stogi), which you can easily reach by public transport from the center of Gdańsk.

Here, a wide sandy beach awaits with plenty of space for swimming and lazy summer days. We have taken the tram out to Stogi ourselves and think it is a fun contrast to the cobblestone streets, churches and museums – in a relatively short time you move from a big city to a holiday by the Baltic Sea.

18. Take a trip to Sopot and Gdynia

If you have more than a few days in Gdańsk, you can take the opportunity to discover the other two cities in the Tricity area – Sopot and Gdynia. It is easy to travel between the cities by local train, and they offer completely different experiences than Gdańsk.

Sopot is the classic seaside resort with a long sandy beach, grand villas, restaurants and the famous wooden pier out into the Bay of Gdańsk. Gdynia is a younger and more modern port city, known for its maritime history and modernist architecture. Together with Gdańsk, they make the area a great multi-day destination.

READ MORE: Things to do in Sopot – our best tips

READ MORE: Things to do in Gdynia in Poland – our best tips

Travel to Gdansk

It is easy to travel to Gdańsk from Sweden, both by plane and ferry. Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport has flight connections to Sweden and many other European cities, and from the airport you can continue to central Gdańsk by train, bus or taxi, among other things.

If you want to bring your own car or camper, you can travel by ferry from Nynäshamn directly to Gdańsk. Other options are to take the ferry to Gdynia or Świnoujście and continue from there by car through Poland.

READ MORE: Polferries Nynäshamn–Gdańsk – our experiences with the ferry

Living in Gdansk

Best areas to live in and explore

• Main City (Capital) – Best choice for those who want to live amidst the classic sights, restaurants and the most beautiful streets.
• Motlawa – Suitable for those who want to live near the water, the harbor promenade and restaurants.
• Wrzeszcz – A more local area with shopping, cafes and good connections to both the city center and Sopot.
• Oliwa – A quieter and greener area with a park, cathedral and a good location between central Gdańsk and Sopot.

We have lived at, among other places, Celestin Residence, a small hotel with a good location within walking distance of the central parts of Gdańsk. We were very pleased with both the location and the rooms.

If you are traveling by motorhome or caravan, there are, among other things: Camping Stogi, near Stogi Beach. From there you can easily take the tram into the center of Gdańsk.

See more of Poland

Do you want to see even more of Poland? Poland really has a lot to offer. Here you will find more tips and reports:

• Łeba
• The entire peninsula
• Malbork Castle
• The Masurian Lakes
• Torun