An ancient city on the Baltic Sea coast, Gdansk forms part of Poland’s Tricity region and is a bustling seaport with fishing piers, waterfront cafes and quaint merchant cottages lining the seafront. It also harbours historic architectural structures that include towers, cathedrals and cobblestone streets reflecting its Hanseatic history.
Things to do in Gdansk
Old Town Gdansk is undoubtedly the heart of the city, starting with Royal Way, a promenade for Polish kings that runs to the Motlawa River. The Gothic-style St. Mary’s Church towers over Old Town, beckoning you with its 15th-century astronomical clock. For a dose of culture, visit Abbot’s Palace in Oliwa Park to find the Department of Modern Art and the National Museum of Gdansk.
The Main Town section of the Srodmiescie district is home to Long Market, where you can visit the 17th-century Neptune’s Fountain, created by Flemish artist Peter Husen. Local legend has it that the fountain once ran with Goldwasser, the trademark liqueur of Gdansk. To explore more of the city’s history, head to Long Market to see the Gothic-Renaissance Main Town Hall and Artus Court.
Lively Mariacka Street overflows with colourful cafes, pubs, boutiques and amber jewellery shops amidst cobbled streets and decoratively engraved porches. For nightlife and shopping opportunities, head over to Dluga Street to find street vendors and performance artists. At the end of Dugi Targ Street, the Motawa Canal waterfront is where to relax with a cocktail or sip on espressos at a cosy cafe while watching boats traverse the waterways.
Getting around Gdansk
Rental cars are available from Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport, and direct trains run from the airport to Gdansk. Most visitors explore Old Town section of Gdansk on foot, but buses and water trams provide transportation to other areas and along the waterfront. Perfect for a day trip, commuter trains and hydrofoils also run between Gdansk and its sister cities of Gdynia and Sopot.