Gdansk

Discover Gdansk – you’ll be amazed!

Less than half an hour from our port in Gdynia, Gdansk is a world away from what you might expect! Over the last 100 years, it’s been transformed, reinventing itself in the 1950s and ’60s and shaking off its pre-war appearance to feel much more like a modern Dutch or German city – albeit still with a distinctly Polish flavour…

Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot make up the Tri-City, a collective where each retains its own identity characterised by historical and contemporary buildings. There’s so much to explore and the best way is on foot, taking time to appreciate the many monuments. At the centre of Gdansk’s main town, reconstructed after WWII, you’ll find the colourful facades of the Long Market (Dlugi Targ) with its many shops and restaurants. Take a seat by the Neptune Fountain, grab a coffee and watch the world go by – slowly! This is also a perfect spot for lunch – you can’t go to Gdansk and not try the local fare. The food is great and really good value for money – perhaps too good if you’re trying to watch those calories!

Fortunately for you, Gdansk is often overlooked by travellers. So while others might flock to Warsaw and Kraków, you can explore the old city and some of the best museums in Poland. Start at the Golden Gate at the western end, pop into a traditional Polish milk bar, enjoy the best views of Gdansk from the tower of the Main Town Hall or explore Artus Court, once a meeting place for merchants and dignitaries and now a museum. Pass through the Green Gate at the other end of Dlugi Targ and you’re at the waterfront – yet another thoroughly enjoyable walk complete with art galleries, cafés and souvenir shops. If you want more time by the water, Sopot and Gdynia have some of Poland’s best Baltic beaches.

In the old town, the skyline is dominated by St. Mary’s Church and if you climb its imposing tower, you’ll be rewarded with another fantastic view.  

Gdansk is also well-known for its amber and you’ll find it sold across the city, particularly in Mariacka Street – one of the most incredible streets anywhere in Gdansk. Look out for the gargoyle heads that spray out rainwater – it’s quite something to behold!    

If you’re interested in social history, Gdansk is home to both the European Solidarity Centre and the Museum of the Second World War. Poland has undergone incredible change in the last century and was deeply affected by the war – the museum does an exceptional job of telling that story in an educational and engaging way.

Or if you want to get out of the city for the day, Malbork Castle is the world’s largest castle. You can get there easily by car from Gdansk – make a day of it and explore the amazing history.