Discover art, culture and a flourishing food scene in Gdansk City Centre. The metropolis is the epicentre of Poland and is filled with museums, monuments and modern architecture. Stroll around the photogenic Old Town, shop for Baltic amber jewellery and enjoy world-class opera, ballet and orchestral performances.
Things to do in Śródmieście
You’ll find lively bars and cafes on every corner of Gdansk City Centre. Don’t miss Ulica Mariacka, one of the most charismatic streets in the city. It stretches down to the waterfront and is lined with terrace houses reimagined as boutiques, bars and hotels. Look up to spot gargoyles leering down from the rooftops. The riverfront is dotted with beer gardens where you can sip Polish-style lagers and watch boats cruise past.
Learn about the challenges Poland faced in the 1930s and 40s at the Museum of World War II. The museum occupies a striking contemporary building on the waterfront and features thought-provoking exhibits. The sections covering the Holocaust are especially powerful and will bring you to tears.
St Mary’s Church towers over the Old Town and is topped by a soaring 78m-tall tower. Construction started in 1343 and the St Mary’s remains one of the largest brick churches in the world. Admire the dramatic Gothic-style high altar and marvel at the centuries-old astronomical clock. More than 400 steps lead up to the tower, where you can unlock sweeping views over the cityscape.
Dress up for a night of culture at the State Baltic Opera Theatre. In addition to opera recitals, the venue also hosts ballet performances and symphony orchestra concerts. On the waterfront, the former Gothic-style power plant has been reimagined as the Baltic Philharmonic Hall. The acoustics are incredible.
Getting around Śródmieście
Gdansk City Centre is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while trams and buses are a fast and affordable way to get around. Trains link Gdansk with other major Polish cities, including Sopot and Gdynia. Gdansk Airport is a 30-minute drive away.