Top 10 Places to Visit in Gdansk [2024]

Gdańsk is one of the most important cities in Poland and, in my opinion, the most beautiful. Several significant historical events for the country took place in Gdańsk. Westerplatte, located in Gdańsk, was the site of the first battle against the Nazis after the outbreak of World War II. Additionally, this city was the epicenter of the Solidarity movement, which marked the beginning of the end of communism in Poland. Besides its rich history, Gdańsk offers much more. Its stunning buildings and picturesque streets make this city unique. Keep reading to discover top places to visit in Gdansk, the most beautiful city in Poland.

How to get to Gdansk?

How to get to Gdansk by plane

The easiest way to get to Gdansk is by plane. Low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair offer flights to Gdańsk from many European cities. You can find cheap flights on this page.

How to get to Gdansk from Warsaw?

The best way to get to Gdańsk from Warsaw is by train. High-speed trains take only 2.5 hours, while the cheaper ones can take around 3 hours. You can check all the schedules on this page. The drive from Warsaw to Gdańsk takes almost 4 hours. On the way, I recommend stopping in Malbork to visit the largest castle in the world.

How to get to Gdansk from Cracow?

Kraków is a bit further from Gdańsk. To get from Kraków to Gdańsk, the fastest option is to take a flight or the high-speed train, which takes about 5 hours.

10 must-see places in Gdańsk

Dluga Street

Długa Street is the most picturesque street in Gdańsk. Known for its historical architecture, shops, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere, it is lined with colorful buildings and attractions such as the Neptune Fountain and the Town Hall. If you’re unsure what to do in Gdansk, a stroll down Długa Street is always a good idea.

Mariacka

Mariacka Street is another picturesque street in the historic center of Gdańsk. It is famous for its amber shops and charming romantic atmosphere. Located near St. Mary’s Church, you can find amber jewelry and crafts, as well as cafés and restaurants.

St. Mary’s Basilica with the tower

The Basilica of St. Mary in Gdansk is an impressive Gothic church, notable for its architecture and its Renaissance main altar. It houses one of the largest organs in Poland and a famous 17th-century astronomical clock. Additionally, it features a tower that offers a panoramic view of the city from its top.
The tower is open to tourists every day, from Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and from Friday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission costs 16 PLN (less than 4 EUR).

Town Hall of Gdansk, a place to see the panorama of Gdansk.

Don’t miss the Gdansk Town Hall during your visit. From the clock tower, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. The architecture of Gdansk is incredible, and from above, you can admire it in all its splendor. Climbing the tower of the church or the town hall is one of the best things to do in Gdansk.

Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain is a famous sculpture located in the Main Market Square of Gdansk. It depicts the Roman god of the sea and was created in the 17th century by the sculptor Jeremias Falck. It is an iconic symbol of the city and a tourist attraction that is definitely worth seeing in Gdansk. It is located right next to St. Mary’s Basilica.

Dock on the Motlawa River with the Old Ship

At the Dock on the Motlawa River and the Old Ship in Gdansk, you can see restored ancient ships and historic buildings along the river. You can also visit the Old Ship to learn about its history and navigation. It’s a perfect place to discover the maritime history of the city and enjoy a pleasant stroll along the river.

Gdansk Marina, the best place to eat in Gdansk

The Gdansk Marina is like a bridge between the past and the present. Here, modern buildings capture the charm of Gdansk’s ancient architecture. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful walk along the river. Additionally, you’ll find a wide variety of bars and restaurants with delicious food.

Museum of the Second World War, the best museum to visit in Gdansk

The Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk is incredibly impressive. Even if you’re not a big fan of museums, this one is an exception worth visiting. When I entered, I completely lost track of time and spent at least four hours there. You’ll see many artifacts and photos that tell the story of the war. The stories you can read in the museum are so interesting that you’ll end up reading them all. It’s an experience that makes you reflect and learn a lot.

Gdańsk Shipyard and European Solidarity Centre

The Shipyard and European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk is a crucial place where people fought for freedom. Here, in the 1980s, the Solidarity movement challenged the communist government. Today, you can visit the museum that commemorates that struggle and shows how people worked together for democracy. It’s a must-visit destination in Gdańsk for those interested in contemporary history and human rights. When planning your visit to the European Solidarity Centre, keep in mind that it is closed on Tuesdays.

Westerplatte

Westerplatte is an iconic site in Gdańsk, as it is where World War II began. In September 1939, German forces attacked the Westerplatte peninsula, which housed a Polish garrison. This confrontation marked the start of World War II. Today, visitors can explore the site and visit the World War II memorial. Westerplatte is an important place to see in Gdańsk if you are interested in the history of World War II.

Brzezno Beach

Brzeźno Beach in Gdańsk is known for being a popular destination among Poles to relax and enjoy the Baltic Sea. However, to be honest, the beaches in Poland are not very impressive. If you have plenty of time in Gdańsk and the weather is nice, it’s a place you might consider visiting. But if you have limited time, there are other more notable attractions to see in Gdańsk. Besides the beach, you’ll find facilities such as restaurants, cafés, and playgrounds to enjoy.

Places to visit near Gdansk

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle in Poland is the largest castle in the world. Built by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century, it’s like a journey back in time. Inside, you can see huge halls with ancient armor and swords in a museum. In summer, there’s a fun festival. It’s one of the most important monuments near Gdańsk. You can visit it while traveling to Gdańsk from Warsaw or Kraków.

Sopot

Sopot is a city famous for its beaches and the long Sopot Pier. Together with Gdańsk and Gdynia, it forms part of the Tri-City, a unique metropolitan area on the Baltic Sea coast. It’s just 10 kilometers north of Gdańsk, so getting there is easy—only 20-30 minutes by car or public transport! Besides the beach and the pier, you can enjoy the Crooked Hill and the nightlife on Monte Cassino Street.

Gdynia

Gdynia is about 20 kilometers northwest of Gdańsk and is easily accessible by public transport or car. In Gdynia, you can enjoy a stroll along the Orłowo Pier, explore the Gdynia Aquarium, and have fun at the Experyment Science Center. Additionally, you can walk along the bustling Gdynia Boulevard and visit the Emigrant Monument.

If you stay for more than two days and have already explored everything to see in Gdańsk, consider spending a day at the beaches of Sopot or Gdynia.

Places to visit in Gdansk

If you’ve made it this far in the article, you already know that Gdańsk is one of the most historically significant cities in Poland. Undoubtedly, it is also one of the most beautiful. I recommend visiting Gdańsk, even if you only have one day. You will surely love it!

If you want to discover more places in Poland, I recommend reading our articles about the must-see locations in Poland, such as Warsaw, Kraków, or, if you prefer the mountains, Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains. Also, if you visit the capital, don’t miss our guide to the best restaurants in Warsaw.

Are you planning to visit Gdańsk? Let us know in the comments!