Things to do and see in Gdansk

A window on the Baltic Sea: Gdansk, Poland’s largest port. Known as one of the most important cities in the country, a walk through the history of the monarchy and memories of World War II awaits you in Gdansk. From its royal road, where you’ll witness beautiful colourful façades interspersed throughout, to its beautiful red-brick church and ending at the quays of its important harbour, there are plenty of things to do in Gdansk.

Things to do in Gdansk

The Dluga Street: the Royal Road to Gdansk in Poland

We feel that this list of things to see in Gdansk can start in no other way, than by talking about the most relevant street in the city: the Long Street or Ulica Dluga.

This street is known as the royal route, along which the monarchs of Poland have walked, starting from the gate known as the Golden Gate. This route passes through various points of importance until it reaches the Green Gate.

The Golden Gate, which dates back to the 17th century, is now a museum, but is also an impressive medieval tower. If you follow the road, you’ll see that the whole street is lined with beautiful facades of different colours, which is why this is one of Gdansk’s most important landmarks.

Throughout this area you can feel the essence of the royalty and the various noble families that inhabited this street and the surrounding areas of the old town.

During the walk you will also pass by the town hall, which is accompanied by other renowned monuments, such as the Fountain of Neptune. Not to be left unmentioned is the shopping area that accompanies the royal street, perfect for unwinding with a drink in one of its establishments.

Finally we will arrive at the Green Gate, next to one of the most important rivers in the city and which stands out for its façade and the beautiful arches under which to advance.

It was originally built to serve as a residence for Polish monarchs and after subsequent reconstructions in the wake of time and war, it now houses part of the Polish National Museum of Gdansk.

Neptune’s Fountain

As mentioned above, you can find a fantastic representation of the god Neptune on your tour of the royal street and it’s one of the things you have to see in Gdansk.

Since Gdansk is one of Poland’s most important coastal cities, perhaps that’s why centuries ago, in 1633, the locals decided to erect this statue in honour of the god of the seas.

The author was none other than Abraham van den Blocke, though sadly he did not live to see his work completed.

This is because several unforeseen events occurred during its construction, including a lack of budget at the time of completion. Today it is one of the symbols of the city and that is why it is a must-see in Gdansk.

King Arthur’s Court

One of the places with the most curious history you can see in Gdansk: just a few minutes from Neptune’s Fountain is King Arthur’s Court

This place was originally used as a meeting place in the medieval era. It was one of the most prominent landmarks of the city of Gdansk and was dedicated to the character of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

First built in 1350, this building was where the most renowned merchants gathered, to enjoy the city’s leisure and feast for days.

It has been partially destroyed on several occasions, notably during World War II, but has been reconstructed in a manner fairly faithful to the original building.

The Church of Santa María

Its beautiful red-brick countenance makes it an icon of the city. St Mary’s Church offers one of the best panoramic views you can see in Gdansk. So, make up your mind to climb up its multitude of steps to the top.

After being bombed during the Second World War, this church was damaged, destroying many of the valuable works inside.

Yet today it is one of the must-see sights of Gdansk, not only for its exterior magnificence, but also for elements of the interior, such as the organ that guards the main hall of the church.

Admission is free and the opening hours are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. However, to climb the tower you will have to pay a small fee of 1€. It’s a price worth paying for the view from its highest point.

World War II Museum

After a stop at St Mary’s Church, the next thing you need to see is the Museum of World War II, an event that shaped the history of the planet and marked Poland for posterity.

And as we have explained, many of the buildings and monuments that you can see today in Gdansk have undergone remodelling and reconstruction over the years, partly as a result of the events of this war.

In this museum you will witness one of the best collections about the Second World War, with different rooms and exhibitions telling about the different historical episodes that took place in Poland. You can visit the museum from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 8pm. The fee is around €5 for adults.

The Old Crane

Until now we haven’t mentioned the port to see in Gdansk and we were really saving it for last.

If you approach this area, you will see a gigantic crane that has been affected by the passage of time. This crane was built in the 14th century and was used to build most of the ships that sailed from the waters off Gdansk.

This crane is no longer in use and is now home to the Gdansk Maritime Museum. Opposite it, stands another construction that has survived the passage of time: the ship Soldek.

The ship we are talking about was built almost a century ago, hence its value as part of the city’s historical heritage. Take a stroll through the streets of the old town. Reach the harbour area which is a must-see in Gdansk Poland.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Gdansk?

The Westerplatte: where the war history had its origin

If you decide to move away from the centre of Gdansk, about 40 minutes away by train, you can visit an important historical site: the Westerplatte monument.

Here, centuries ago, a group of Poles held out against the first German offensive that would mark the start of the war.

It is a memorial to that feat and also offers a unique experience. Not only for the history that accompanies the series of memorials, but also the scenery that surrounds the entire site.

It won’t take you long to get there, and the journey costs the equivalent of around €8. This space by the sea is a must-see in Gdansk: a perfect place to experience history differently.

Oliwa Cathedral and Oliwa Park

As if the number of beautiful monuments and buildings of great historical significance that this city has to offer were not enough, these two enclaves serve as a perfect capstone to your list of things to see in Gdansk.

More than 800 years ago, Oliwa Park was home to an order of monks, who saw the beautiful site as a perfect place to settle.

This is how this place took shape, and it has undergone remodelling as different artistic influences have come to the fore.

From Baroque to English and Chinese influences, Oliwa Park is an orchard where history and nature converge.

What to see in Gdansk in 2 days?

If you have the time, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Gdansk. That’s why we’ve put together a short guide to everything you can do in 2 days in Gdansk and the surrounding area.

First day in Gdansk, Poland

• The Royal Road to Gdansk and its gates
• The Fountain of Neptune
• The Courts of King Arthur
• The Church of St. Mary
• The Museum of the Second World War

Second day in Gdansk, Poland

• Westerplatte
• The Cathedral and Oliwa Park

Where to eat in Gdansk

If you come all the way to the coast to visit Gdansk, you can’t leave without sampling its delicious cuisine. Here’s a round-up of some of the best places:

• The Bazaar Restaurant: At the edge of the harbour and with an excellent combination of Polish and European food, the Bazaar is a great place to eat. It’s priced at around €15-20 per head.
• Surf Burger: For lovers of burger, this American-style joint is a must. Enjoy a good craft beer and recharge your batteries to continue your journey. The price is around €10 per head.
• Pomelo Bistro Bar: If you’re looking for a good place to have a coffee or a cocktail as well as a meal, this place ticks all the boxes. You can dine for around €15 and then continue to enjoy the charming atmosphere.

Where can I stay in Gdansk?

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Gdansk. In this short list, we have collected some of the options, to make it easier for you to choose accommodation during your stay:

• Top Designed Apartments: A perfect central location and top-notch facilities. These flats cost around €80 a night, but don’t disappoint.
• Komturia Old Town: A hotel with every detail taken to the extreme and everything you need to enjoy your stay. Prices range from €70 to €90 per night in May.
• Fama Residence Gdansk Old Town: With vintage décor, this centrally located hotel is a great place to stay. It’s priced from around €70 per night.

How to get to Gdansk?

The easiest way to get to Gdansk is to take a flight. Flights are available for around €150 from Spain (at times like May). You can fly from all major cities in the country.

It’s true that you’ll usually have to make a stopover in a city such as Munich, Amsterdam or even Warsaw.

If you’re travelling to Warsaw, another option is to take a train. It will take you to Gdansk in about 3.5 hours. It’s definitely another highly recommended way to travel and discover this beautiful country.

Tips about a trip to Gdansk

• The currency in Gdansk, Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN).
• If you are travelling from a country with another currency, we recommend that you exchange currency in advance.
• The best time to visit Warsaw is from May to September, when temperatures are milder.
• There is no Roaming in Poland, you can use the internet on your mobile phone without any problems.
• The city is safe, but as with any tourist destination, it’s best to be careful with your belongings.
• Be prepared for medical emergencies: travel insured.
• In some parts of Poland, it’s frowned upon not to tip in restaurants.

How to organize what things to do in Gdansk?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat. You can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference.
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map. You can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post.
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app. And recommend other travellers what to see in Gdansk, Poland.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Gdansk