Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk is a Polish city located in the Baltic Sea region of Pomerania. Gdansk is a highly underrated travel destination, which is sure to attract more visitors in the near future. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to avoid tourist crowds.

Gdansk is actually part of the Tricity (Trojmiasto) together with Gdynia and Sopot, so you can explore them as well when you’re visiting Gdansk. Tricity is three independent cities but turned into one continuous coastal conurbation.

There are many activities and interesting sites in Gdansk, as well as architectural wonders and delicious food. Here is a guide to the top sites, as well as off-the-beaten-path attractions of Gdansk.

I’ve been to Gdansk and surrounding cities and towns million times, as my dad is from Sopot and we used to go to the Baltic sea every year.

Short History of Gdansk

Gdansk has a wealth of sociopolitical history. For a period, it was ruled by the Teutonic Knights, a ground of Germanic Christian Crusaders. It experienced many tumultuous changes in leadership and even spent time as an independent of Poland’s free state as the Free City of Danzig.

Most people know that World War II began on September 1st 1939 with the German invasion of Poland, but it was actually the invasion of the Westerplatte peninsula in the port of Gdańsk.

Gdansk city flourished during the medieval period, which is greatly reflected in its architecture, and was home to the Polish Solidarity movement of 1980s led by Lech Walesa, which included civil resistance against communist leaders. You can learn more about this history through many of Gdansk’s museums and historic sites!

Transportation & Logistics

Gdansk has an airport: Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport, which primarily serves European flight routes. From the airport, you can take bus 210 to the city center, or get a taxi – it’s only around a 9-mile (15 km) journey.

There are buses and trains to Gdansk available from other European cities, and even a ferry from Sweden. You can rent a car, but parking in Gdansk may be a problem so do it only if you’re planning on doing a Polish road trip.

When in Gdansk, most sites in the city are walkable. However, there are also buses and trams. You can find more extensive information and routes on the Visit Gdansk site. Taxis and rideshare services (such as Uber) are also available in the city.

The currency in Gdansk is the Polish zloty (PLN), and it is currently weak in comparison to the USD and EUR. (which makes it the perfect time to save cents and pennies on your trip). When you’re in Gdansk, you may want to spend your zloty on a souvenir of Polish or Baltic amber, a beautiful natural phenomenon used in jewelry and other decorations.

Poland is also known for its folk art, which you can find and purchase in one of Gdansk’s many shops.

Make sure to pack an umbrella- Gdansk is a rainy city! Walking shoes are also advised, since most of your sightseeing will be on foot.

15 Best Things to Do in Gdansk in Poland

1. Old Town and Old Town Hall

The Old Town is a part of Gdansk that has the longest history and architecture that reflects its longevity. This area is situated north of the modern city center, on the Motlawa River. Walk around and check out the beautiful gothic architecture or wander down the quaint alleys and cobblestone streets.

Gdansk’s Old Town Hall (ulica Korzenna 33) was built in the late 1500s for the Old Town Council, and later served as a base for the Soviet Army (during WWII). This historic brick and stone building is a beautiful sight and also holds exhibitions and a Great Hall. The Town Hall is open Monday to Friday 8 AM to 6 PM.

2. Dlugi Targ & Neptune Fountain

The Dlugi Targ or “Long Market” is a main thoroughfare that was the