Highlights / Gdansk Top Attractions

A charming grid of picturesque streets lined with old townhouses. The Royal Way (Trakt Królewski), composed of the Long Street (Długa) and the Long Market (Długi Targ), is the main artery of Gdansk’s historical center. Almost completely rebuilt after the Second World War with great attention to detail. Packed with sights and historical monuments.

WHERE TO STAY IN GDANSK - LISTS OF THE BEST HOTELS AND HOSTELS - HAND-PICKED BY LOCALS

The third largest brick church in the world. The immense structure can hold up to 25 000 people at once. An observation platform on top of the 80 meter high tower offers great views over the whole city. The 15th century wooden Gdansk Astronomical Clock found inside the church is a masterpiece. With its 14 meters of height it may be the largest in the world. During the martial law period in Poland 1981-1983 the church was a refuge site for members of the Solidarity movement.

Arguably the most beautiful street in Gdansk, if not in the whole North of Poland. Right behind St Mary’s Church the cobbled street boasts numerous amber shops and atmospheric cafes. Ornate gargoyle rain gutters are a unique and interesting feature of the street’s townhouses. Tip: come back to Mariacka Street at night when it becomes even more magical.

WHERE TO STAY IN GDANSK - LISTS OF THE BEST HOTELS AND HOSTELS - HAND-PICKED BY LOCALS

An interactive permanent exhibition, where the history of the Solidarity movement is brought to visitors in a captivating way. Part of its mission is to “commemorate, maintain and popularise the heritage and message of the Solidarity movement and the anti-communist democratic opposition in Poland and throughout the world”. The observation deck on the rooftop has free admission and offers views over the area of the former Gdansk Lenin Shipyard, the Old Town as well as the Main Town of Gdansk. Further facilities include a play department for children (5 PLN per child per hour), an underground parking (entry from Nowomiejska Street, 4-10 PLN per hour) and restaurant Amber Side.

This state-of-the-art museum offers an unprecedented look at the Second World War. The 5000 sq m of permanent exhibitions mainly present the experiences and suffering of civilian populations, with the military events as a background. While the museum focuses on the countries of East-Central Europe, it also shows the tragic war times from the perspective of other world countries.

Audio guides offer 5 language versions: Polish, English, French, German and Russian.

One of Gdansk’s symbols, this crane from the 15th century is the oldest port crane in Europe. Apart from loading functions, it also used to serve as a city gate. The crane was working until the middle of the 19th century.

The bronze statue of the sea god Neptune erected in the first half of the 16th century became a fountain a hundred years later and remains a symbol of Gdansk. According to a legend, Goldwasser, a Gdansk liqueur with flakes of gold, used to flow out instead of water once. During the high season, prepare to stand in line, if you want a photo in front of the man with the trident. The fountain is also a popular meeting point for locals.

One of the most representative buildings on the Royal Way (Long Market and Long Street). In the past it served as a meeting place for tradesmen, a place for elite social events and as a stock market. Today it is a branch of the Gdansk History Museum and sometimes the venue for special events, such as visits of heads of state. The court's spacious interior boasts beautiful ornaments and furnishings, the highest Renaissance tiled stove in Europe and breathtaking murals and paintings.

The huge three-dimensional G D A N S K letters became a permanent element in the city in November 2017 and are a very popular photo opportunity. They light up at night, currently in the parking lot of the Baltic Philharmonic.

Currently the seat of the Baltic Sea Culture Centre, the Old Town Hall in Gdansk has been built in Dutch mannerism style in the 16th century. A Renaissance-Baroque gilded sandstone portal can be admired downstairs. The first floor boasts the Great Hall - where concerts and other cultural events often take place - and the imposing Mayor's Office with 17th century fittings. 

The nearly 300 meter long marina is a picturesque attraction in the middle of Gdansk. A walk along Szafarnia Street offers countless photo opportunities with great yachts and the Main Town with the Crane (Zuraw) in the background. For actual sailors the marina offers 60 fixed slips and modern facilities.

The AmberSky observation wheel has been added to the Gdansk cityscape only a few years ago, but already became a recognizable landmark and orientation point for visitors. It's one of the best ways to admire Gdansk from above (about 50 m). Especially, if you're not really up for climbing one of its tall towers. One ride on the ferris wheel allows you to take in the picturesque vistas for at leat 10 minutes.

Worth a visit for its architecture, mainly the wrought iron structure and the glass roof. Head directly downstairs for a vast selection of food vendors selling Polish produce like kabanosy or herring (śledź). Relics from the first Roman St. Nicholas’ Church from the 12th century can also be seen in the downstairs area. For fresh fruits and veggies visit the stands outside, right next to the Market Hall.

One of the world's biggest galleries of monumental art, currently comprised of 60 murals, out of which 58 came into existence during 8 editions of the Monumental Art Festival (2009-2016). The mural paintings on the walls of the Zaspa district's blockhouses have been created by artists from Poland and from all over the world, including countries like Argentina (Zosen Bandido), Greece, Italy (Ozmo), Uruguay and many other.

The stunning interiors of the Oliwa cathedral are home to many Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo artworks, such as 23 altars, several chapels, chandeliers and paintings. The most famous, however, is the ornamental organ built in 1763-1788. The International Organ Music Festival is held here every summer, but short recitals take place throughout the year at designated times. The cathedral is adjacent to the beautiful Oliwa Park. It's also the longest church in Poland (107 m).

The Lower Wrzeszcz area, with Wajdeloty Street at its center, is a recently revitalized neighbourhood, slowly becoming one of the most trendy destinations for young locals. New restaurants and bars appear regularly amongst the eclectic 19th century buildings, attracted by the laid-back atmosphere. The tiny Kuźniczki Park is great to find some shadow on warmer days.

The 42 meter high steel crosses with attached brass anchors commemorate the first shipyard workers killed during the anti-government protests in December 1970. The direct cause of the protests was the announced 23% increase of food prices in Poland. Protesters were brutally repressed by the police across the country and 41 of them were killed.

The water mill is a symbol of Gdansk's medieval wealth. It was built by the Teutonic Order and later taken over by Gdansk citizens. In its best times the mill produced 200 tons of flour daily. It also served simultaneously as a granary and a bakery. In the last two decades it hosted a shopping mall, recently closed, as the building was returned to the city. Currently it can only be admired from the outside. Next to the mill is a floodlit fountain inspired by the water cascades on the Radunia Canal - great to see at night.

The red-brick facade, richly decorated with golden ornaments, figures of soldiers and many other sculptures. makes it the most impressive Renaissance building in Gdansk. It was built as a result of rising fear of a Swedish invasion in the early 17th century and rebuilt after WW II. The former weapon magazine now belongs to the Academy of Fine Arts. Cultural events and art exhibitions are held often on the ground level. The space also serves as a gallery displaying the works of the Academy's students and graduates.

Inspired by the Antwerp City Hall, the Green Gate at the end of the Royal Way was built by a Dutch architect and is considered to be the oldest and biggest gate in Gdansk. It didn't serve its initial purpose to be a Royal Residence, but hosted important institutions throughout the years. Nowadays a branch of the National Museum is situated here and temporary art exhibitions are held inside. Its facade is adorned by more than 200 sculptures and bas-reliefs.

The gate situated on the western end of the Royal Way has been built in the early 17th century and rebuilt after the Second World War. Its rich facade is crowned by 8 sculptures representing Peace, Freedom, Fortune and Fame on one side, and Concord, Justice, Piety and Prudence on the other - all values and qualities expected from an ideal Gdansk citizen at the time.

A concept recognized by many visitors from other European cities. Couples come to the Love Bridge (Most Miłości) in order to attach a padlock with their initials on it and throw the key into the Radunia canal flowing below, as a symbol for their everlasting feelings towards each other. Whether you believe this act strenghtens the love bond or not, the bridge is worth visiting, if only for the picturesque photo opportunities. It dates back to the 14th century and is also called Bread Bridge, as bakers used to sell their produce in this area once. 

A lovely square with a lot of greenery, several benches to rest on and the statue of Johannes Hevelius in its center. The famous astronomer, who lived in Gdansk in the 17th century, was one of the most significant citizens in the city's history. Worth mentioning are also the colourfully floodlit fountain imitating the water cascades on the Radunia canal, and the beautiful recreation of Hevelius' work on an adjacent townhouse.