Known as one of Poland’s most important port cities, doused in a blend of old-world architecture and modern features, Gdansk has numerous activities and attractions that will entice even the most well-traveled adventurer into falling in love with this historic city.
Start your adventures walking into the historic center of the city like the Polish monarchs through The Golden Gate, and make your way to the stunning Fountain of Neptune, considered a symbol of the city!
Take a walk in Oliwski Park, and enjoy numerous gardens within the 18th-century park, from Chinese gardens to English gardens and more.
You can’t go to Gdansk and skip a historical tour of the most important sites related to World War ll, from the site of Westerplatte, where the first attacks on Poland occurred, to the Museum of the Polish Post Office, plus more.
Foodies! You’ll find that the city will satisfy your tastebuds, from pierogies and local vodka, plus other regional dishes you can’t leave without trying!
And that’s just scratching the surface! Let’s get into all the incredible things to do in Gdansk!
1 – Walk through The Golden Gate
Undoubtedly one of the city’s main attractions and symbols is The Golden Gate, a beautiful Renaissance-style city gate in the heart of the city’s historic center!
Originally constructed between 1612-1614 and replacing an old Gothic gate, the Golden Gate steals a few ooh’s and ahhs from visitors, with its golden details, arched appearance, descriptive carvings, and 8 statues symbolizing peace, freedom, wealth, fame, holiness, justice, and concord on display.
The 8 statues were chosen to represent what the city and citizens have always desired to embody amongst the world, despite corruption and war throughout the years, therefore making this site a significant place not only for visitors but for the locals, too.
The Golden Gate can be found specifically on the west end of the popular Long Street, populated with endless cafes, restaurants, and shops!
2 – Take a tour of the Royal Way
Known as the stretch between the Golden Gate and the Green Gate and Green Bridge, is the Royal Way, a walkway named after the visits from the Polish King to Gdansk from Warsaw in the 18th century, and covers the same trajectory through the city.
It’s said that the King would enter the city through the Green Gate, where he would receive a royal welcome with entertainment, and then begin walking the Royal Way, also known as the Long Market.
When you book a walking tour in Gdansk, you’ll get to walk the Long Market yourself and see the beautiful architecture of the street buildings, most of which were reconstructed after World War ll, while listening to the facts and historical legends that circulate the city’s antique streets!
3 – Admire the details on Neptune’s Fountain
Another one of Gdansk’s most prominent monuments is the beautiful Neptune’s Fountain, located in the historic center of Gdansk, precisely on Long Market.
Built in the 17th century, Neptune’s Fountain is made of bronze and is one of the few landmarks that remains original and survived World War ll, primarily due to the townspeople taking the fountain apart right before the war began, and keeping it hidden away until it was put back together in 1954.
Although it was recently restored in 2011, the fountain is still a beautiful piece of the city’s historical treasures, and a common place to see locals and visitors mingle together any day of the week.
The bronze statue represents respect and humbleness and is decorated with carvings from cherubs to fish and more, so get a close look!
4 – Take a close look at the interiors of the Artus Court
Step inside a unique space that used to host numerous meetings and gathering primarily by affluent members of government, leaders, the monarchy, and other important figures, dating back to the mid-14th century.
Enjoy a visit inside, and explore the space, reminiscent of a time capsule with so many antiquities, and unique items to look out for! From the impressive 10.64-meter tall Renaissance-tiled stove, an impressive amount of tile art and imagery of the coat of arms, to the self-portraits, and even the oldest table in Poland!
Today, the space is still the host of numerous meetings and special gatherings by state officials, though when meetings are not being held, visitors are welcome inside.
The Artus Court is part of the Museum of Gdansk and is located across from Neptune’s Fountain.
5 – Get amazing views of the city from the Main Town Hall
Though it was destroyed during World War ll, the Main Town Hall still stands beautifully after it was carefully reconstructed post-war, and now adorns the magnificent historical center of Gdansk.
Walk through the building, and find your way through its multiple rooms from the Great Council Hall to the Great Weta Hall, and take a look at the beautiful features of each room, ranging from grand fireplaces to detailed ceiling paintings, historic furniture, and more!
Climb the grand staircase, and visit the museum detailing different pieces of daily life pre-World War ll, with artifacts and exhibits. Lastly when you visit (May-September) check out the top of the Town Hall for unbeatable views of the city, including main sites like the St. Mary’s Basilica!
Tickets start at 16 Polish Zloty.
6 – See the astrological clock in action at St. Mary’s Church
Step inside the St. Mary’s Church located in the city’s historic center, and interestingly known as one of the largest churches in the world made of brick, that can hold up to 25,000 people!
Though the church was badly damaged during the war, the church’s interior including its items was safe-kept as best as possible, including the crucifix.
On the exterior, whenever the clock strikes noon, the astronomical clock showcases a set of apostle figures walking across the top of the church from one opening to the other, and every hour, you can see figurines of Adam and Eve tolling the hour!
The astronomical clock can tell time, as well as the phases of the moon, the moon’s position, the zodiac sign and so much more, so don’t miss it!
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Candlelight Harmonies: Musical Bliss in Gdansk
Experience the mesmerizing charm of candlelight concerts in Gdansk, where music and candlelit settings converge to create an unforgettable sensory experience. Delight in a repertoire that spans classical, jazz, and contemporary genres, all amidst the intimate glow of flickering candles. Whether within the historic walls of St. Mary’s Basilica or the elegant halls of the Baltic Philharmonic, these concerts promise a magical evening for music lovers of all tastes.
7 – Get conscientious about the war at the Museum of the Second World War
See the cruel reality of World War ll at the Museum of the Second World War, 8 minutes away from The Golden Gate.
Because this war was triggered by the first shots in Gdansk, the museum and its 2,000 exhibits showcase perfectly the different ways in which the locals and the city drastically changed throughout this troubling time.
Read through the exhibits, and pay close attention to the family names throughout, as they each donated portions of the exhibits and their contents for a better understanding and a human connection to the atrocities of war.
If this topic is one you want to explore further, consider joining the Second World War tours in Gdansk, visiting the important sites in the city connected to the war.
8 – Explore Motława River on a boat tour
Enjoy a lovely boat ride through the Motława River, which connects the city to Warsaw, 3 hours away, brimming with sailboats, canoes, and more!
Gain a new point of view of the city as you board a scenic boat cruise or a stand-up paddle board activity, where you and your SUP instructor leisurely paddle through the city’s lake while learning about the city’s main landmarks from the water!
Check out nearby Granary Island, see the Green Gate, and check out the Gdansk Crane, amongst a few other sights. Your experience includes all your gear, and you even get to choose your time of departure! Stand-up paddleboarding starts at $ 44 USD.
Hop on a boat tour, and calmly sit and enjoy the views of the city, with your camera or phone ready to go!
9 – Experience Gdansk’s maritime history at the National Maritime Museum
Get tickets for the National Maritime Museum, offering a complete look at the history of the city’s maritime past, with a few interactive experiences to enjoy!
Gdansk is known as an important port city in Poland, with its closeness to the Motława River and the Baltic Sea, there are tons to see and learn about this fascinating part of the city’s history, through its 4 separate museums.
Sitting on the edges of the Motława River across each other, you can choose to purchase a ticket to see all 4 museums, including your ticket to sail to The Crane and board the Sołdek Steamship!
Check out the fascinating exhibit and experiences like the “People, Ships, Ports” or the Maritime Museum Ferry, which showcases different parts of the museum’s exhibits on the river.
10 – Have a coffee along the Long Embankment and see the Gdańsk Crane
Visit the site of the Gdank’s old port at Long Embankment, historically the site where the boats and ships would disembark different materials and items before the port was changed to Vistula River.
Historically speaking, the Long Embankment was known as a sketchy area to hang around in, however today, the site has transformed into a quaint riverside area, where cafes and restaurant terraces take over the once busy disembarkment area.
On the Long Embankment, you can also spot another iconic Gdansk site, like the Gdansk Crane, which was once a large and important piece of machinery that served to load cargo, and even as a water gate. Powered by humans, you can see inside The Crane how this was possible, including peeking at the large wooden wheels!
11 – See Gdansk on a bike tour
Only have a few days in Gdansk? Enjoy a peaceful and informative tour around the city’s main sites on a bike tour through Gdansk! From the historic center of the city, learning about the Golden Gate, The Crane, Neptune’s Fountain, and more, you’ll have a blast seeing it all!
On the typically 3-hour experience, work out your legs along with locals in this extremely bike-friendly city, and learn about the local history, from the river to the canals, exploring popular tourist sites, but also passing through different neighborhoods, nature-filled areas, parks, and areas of the city that not many tourists make it to!
Visit the Gdansk Shipyard, and learn about the heavy work performed by laborers, and their efforts towards a unified and free country, plus more.
Bike tours start at $33 USD.
12 – Learn about the Solidarity movement at the European Solidarity Centre
Come by and visit the whopping 5-story high European Solidarity Centre, a space dedicated to the union of ideas, people, and nations within the European Union started by the solidarity and civil resistance movement founded on the Lenin Shipyard in 1980.
Located on that same spot a few decades later, the European Solidarity Centre opened in 2007 and has offered visitors and locals an ample amount of examples to show what the solidarity movement was about, through its museum and 6 different exhibits.
Aside from the fascinating exhibits, check out the other amenities inside, from a stunning rooftop terrace with optimal views of the city and river, cafe, restaurant, a lush garden, library, reading rooms, and tons more to see!
Have kids? Drop them off at the supervised Play Department at the centre!
13 – Savor local Polish beers at a beer tasting
Although beer has been an up-and-coming beverage over traditional Polish vodka in the 90s, today the beer scene is thriving and inviting to those who want to experiment with what the young Poles like to drink when out with friends!
On a beer tour, you’ll get to stop by 3 different breweries and sample around 6 locally-crafted beers, as well as a delicious set of appetizers that will enhance the experience.
As you move from brewery to brewery, you’ll also get to hear stories and a little Polish beer history 101 from your guide, including drinking rituals, and the brewers who have changed up the local drinking traditions in the last few years.
Beer tastings and tours start at $60 USD and typically last around 2-3 hours. Beer tours are on foot.
14 – Learn about the horrific living conditions at Stutthof Concentration Camp
Set 22 miles east of Gdansk is the Stutthof Concentration Camp, one of the estimated 44,000 camps that dotted Europe during World War ll.
Approximately 100,000 people were taken to Stutthof Concentration Camp, consisting of mainly Jewish Polish people, and many of them (60,000) perished in the horrific conditions of the camp.
Opened today for educational tours, you can schedule a visit to the concentration camp and see for yourself the tight barracks, and the gas chambers, while learning about the conditions in which people of all ages had to live in, and a few striking stories.
Learn about those taken to the camp, on a tour that comes with roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, museum entry, and free time to explore nearby Westerplatte.
15 – See the Old Town from the tops of AmberSky
In for a scenic ride and views from the sky? Check out AmberSky, a fun Ferris wheel located on nearby Ołowianka Island, with enclosed cabins that fit up to 8 people at a time!
On this fun ride, enjoy going around 5 times per 15-minute session, reaching up to 50 meters and filling your views of the beauty of Old Town nearby! A huge bonus of this ride is the hours of operation, which can sometimes go well into midnight on weekends!
Upgrade your experience, and hop inside a VIP cabin with glass floors, and optional prosecco for the ultimate experience!
Tickets start at 28 zloty for adults and 18 zloty for people under 1.40 meters.
16 – Visit the world’s largest collection of Amber at the Amber Museum
Set inside an old prison is the dazzling Amber Museum, an incredible museum housing various pieces of amber, including amber-made art!
Considered one of the best amber producers in the world, and one of the largest collections of amber in the world, visit to see some of these beautiful pieces of amber, and how they are formed to create beautiful items, from jewelry to house items, and other accessories.
On your tour through the museum, you’ll learn about how amber is produced in Gdansk, the history of this stone in Poland, how it’s extracted, and what it’s been used for historically, plus other fascinating information. See interesting pieces of amber from all over the world, displayed throughout the 2 floors of the space!
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
17 – See the sites on a segway tour
Plan a fun segway tour around Gdansk’s most iconic sites and landmarks, gliding through the cobblestone streets, and taking plenty of breaks in between to enjoy the sites before you!
From riding along the riverbanks to stopping by the Golden Gate, Neptune’s Fountain, Artus Court, and other famous places, the 90-minute segway will be the perfect addition to your Gdanks itinerary.
Your expert tour guide will point out interesting places and fascinating facts as you roll through town, with other like-minded travelers! Make sure to bring your camera and charged phones to take some epic photos!
Segway tours in Gdansk start at $37 USD.
18 – See the large organ inside the Oliwska Cathedral
Also known as the Oliwa Cathedral, the Oliwska Cathedral is a stunning religious space located 10 kilometers northwest of the historic old town of Gdansk.
Suffering multiple destructions over time, including fire and destruction caused by Swedish soldiers, the Oliwska Cathedral was renovated thanks to its faithful followers, rebuilding it each time.
Today, the church still stuns visitors starting with the giant organ (one of the biggest in Europe) with 7,896 pipes, which you can hear for yourself either during their recital times or mass. Check out the 17th-century paintings of Gdansk native artists on the altars, including the 2 main altars.
19 – Breath in the fresh flower smells at Oliwski Park
Make an effort to visit the gorgeous Oliwski Park, considered to be one of the most beautiful parks in Gdansk, located 15 minutes away from the historic city center!
From impeccable French gardens to a Japanese garden, and an English-Chinese garden, on your walks through the parks (whose trails have remained the same since the 18th century), you’ll not only disconnect from life’s stressors for a bit but also find peace.
Enjoy a delicious picnic on the expansive green spaces, relax with the sound of the ponds and fountains, or sit inside the gazebos!
Before leaving make sure to visit the “whispering caves” also known as Dionysus Ears, a cool natural feature where you and your friend can stand in “caves” opposite of each other and communicate in whispers!
20 – Visit WWll’s ground zero at Westerplatte
Visit the site where World War ll officially began at Westerplatte. It’s said that historically this was the place where the Germans first attacked on September 1st, 1939, and after the war, the site became a symbol of Polish resistance against the German attacks.
When you visit the Westerplatte peninsula, make your way to Ground Zero, and take a look at the only one of the Polish guardhouses that survived, and is now a small museum, for more information on this site.
Next, visit the tall memorial called “Coastal Defenders” which measures 25 meters tall, and is made of 200+ granite blocks.
Located only 15 minutes away from Gdansk, visiting Westerplatte is one of the most interesting things to do in Gdansk that shouldn’t be missed!
21 – Step inside the largest castle in the world Malbork Castle
Recognized by UNESCO as the world’s largest castle with 52 acres, the Malbork Castle is made up of 3 separate castles with a wealth of culture, fascinating objects, and beauty to absorb on your visit!
Only 50 minutes away from Gdansk, the Malbork Castle was built in the early 1400s by the Teutonic Knights of Germany, and was at one point used as a headquarter for the Crusaders! It’s been said that up to 3,000 could fit inside.
Make sure to book a Malbork Castle tour from Gdansk, and walk the grounds of this stunning castle, including taking a look at the exhibits inside shedding light on the castle’s past with relics, and other interesting items of the times, while gawking at the expansive interiors, and lavish gardens outside!
See also: 100 Best Castles in Europe to Visit Once in a Lifetime
22 – Satisfy your tastebuds on a food tour
Get your appetite ready for an unforgettable culinary tour through Gdansk’s best culinary scene, from taste testing the best pierogies in the city to trying kaszanka for the first time, and indulging in the city’s specialty seafood dishes, a food tour is a must-do while in Gdansk!
On a food tour through Gdanks, you’ll be taken to the most authentic and best restaurants in the city to try the best of Polish cuisine while learning about the local table manners, the local eating traditions, and more!
Get to know the city through its food on this 2.5-5 hour long experience, where you’ll walk from restaurant to restaurant, eating at the city’s top 3 restaurants. With your meal, you’ll also enjoy local drinks including Polish beer and other types of alcoholic drinks!
23 – Check out the exotic animals at the Zoo Gdansk
Make it a day in nature when you visit the Zoo Gdansk, one of the largest zoo gardens in Poland, brimming with tons of animals from exotic birds like the bearded barbet to the African python, the African savanna elephant, Amur tigers, Bactrian camels, and many more!
Located 19 minutes away from the historic center of Gdansk in the area of Oliwa, the zoo caters to people of all ages, especially children with attractions like the Retro train ride, a quaint horseback ride, and even a fun ropes course!
There are also plenty of restaurants to enjoy and as well as plenty of walking paths to enjoy the zoo animals, reigning from all over the world!
Tickets for the zoo start at 40 zloty for a normal adult ticket.
24 – Scoot through the Old Town on a scooter tour
Hop on an exciting 90-minute long scooter tour through the historic center of Gdansk, and see all the sites and landmarks while stopping by to grab a photo, or two.
Worried you’ve never ridden on a scooter before? Have no fear! The tour includes a brief safety training and a few practice rounds to ensure that you’ve got the hang of riding the scooter safely throughout the city.
While on your tour, you’ll get to discover hidden corners and gems within the city that you may not have seen before, as well as have the opportunity to ask questions about the best places to eat, local recommendations, and other travel tips to use while your stay in Gdansk from your local tour guide!
Scooter tours start at $27 USD.
25 – See a historical reenactment at Wisloujscie Fortress
Found close to Westerplatte is the beautiful and circular Wisloujscie Fortress, one of the oldest structures on the Polish coast, known historically as a watchtower to protect incoming ships through the River Vistula.
Serving various roles through the different times, including a storehouse for the Kriegsmarine a field hospital, a prison, and even a sailing club, today the fortress welcomes visitors to view the interiors of the fortress, amazing views of the river nearby, old cannons, and other military relics, and more!
Depending on when you visit, you may even get to witness the exciting reenactment of a typical scene played over through the history of important figures meeting.
Make sure to add this historical sight to your Gdansk bucket list when it re-opens in 2024, only 17 minutes away from Gdansk!
26 – Listen to the carillons at St. Catherine’s Church
Walk into the oldest church in Gdansk, St. Catherine’s Church, which dates back to the 1220s! This church was the town’s only church at the time, and the resting place of one of the important church administrators, Hevelius, who is buried behind the main altar.
Undergoing multiple changes and destructions throughout time, including war and fires, after World War ll, the church suffered another fire in 2006. This time, however, without much damage to the inside of the church, including a 16th-century crucifixion. Whenever you can, stop by for a Carillon concert, and listen to the musical arrangement of 20+ bells!
27 – Get on a hop on hop off bus tour
See the rest of the sites from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour, as you get driven around the best parts of the city while listening to an audio guide sharing all the must-know information to deepen your knowledge of the city and more!
Choose from 2 bus routes, each with 15 stops, and freely create your city itinerary as you get on at any hop-on-hop-off authorized bus stop, and then get off at the marked stops to explore the area on your own!
From visiting historic sites like the Gdansk shipyards to the Oliwa Cathedral and even a few entertainment hot spots to get more ideas on the best things to do in Gdansk, seriously consider checking out a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which also provides unlimited transportation through the city!
28 – Put your thinking cap on at a scavenger game
Put your thinking and problem-solving to the test on an exciting scavenger hunt game through the city! Uncover different areas of the city as you get busy solving a list of clues, riddles, and questions, taking you throughout the city’s main sites, and experiencing Gdansk in a fun, and interactive way!
When you book a fun scavenger hunt game to spice up your Gdansk itinerary, you’ll receive a tablet to use for the game pre-loaded with all the riddles that you have to solve, a notebook and pencil, and a map to confidently take on the challenges, and get everything on your list found.
You can participate in this game with friends, family, or even yourself, as it’s completely self-guided. Stop and take photos, and explore the city your way!
29 – Step through the ornate High Gate
Considered the entrance to the city of Gdansk in 1588, the High Gate is an extremely beautiful and detailed city entrance that welcomed the Polish kings, through the western side of the city.
The name of the royal gate comes from the fact that the bridge was on a location higher than the water, and historically speaking, there was a moat that went around the gate.
When you visit, take a close look at the carvings on the bridge, many of which include influences from Prussia in its intricate flower carvings and added gold accents and details. Make sure to bring your camera and take a few pictures!
30 – Enjoy ice cream on the Brzeźno Pier
Located 20 minutes from Gdansk is the lively Brzeźno Pier, a pier on the northern beach of Gdansk, and a favored place by many to enjoy a walk, and stop by a few cafes nearby.
Originally built in 1900, the pier suffered severe damage, especially during World War ll, which made the then 100-meter long pier improve to its now 136 meters length, serving as the perfect place to enjoy a hot summer day!
Sit back, and enjoy views of the Gulf of Gdansk, or catch up with what’s happening at the beach and the surroundings, from cultural events to the lovely fountain, and lush greenery all around.
Pro tip: even though it’s officially the Brzeźno Pier, some locals may refer to it as Zapa Pier, due to its proximity to the Zaspa district.
31 – Switch up the scenery at Jelitkowo Beach on the Baltic Sea
Get away from the city and enjoy Jelitkowo Beach for the perfect beach day, only 19 minutes away from Gdansk, and easily reachable via public transport using the tram.
Bring your beach towels and lay them out on the soft golden sands, as you let the peacefulness of the beach refresh your mind for a while. Go for a swim, or for those who want something extra to do, check out the bike paths nearby! Don’t think for a second that the water is frigid just because it’s Poland, as the water is a neutral 17 Celsius (64 Fahrenheit).
After the fun, grab lunch at one of the many restaurants nearby with open terraces and views of the water, as you sink your teeth on Polish classics and delicious seafood.
32 – Learn how the post office workers fought off Nazis at the Museum of the Polish Post Office
Get the details of one of the most heroic acts in Polish history at the Museum of the Polish Post Office, one of the most important sites connected to the start of World War ll in Poland.
Right before the war began, the city had 2 post offices – one of which was treated as somewhat of an extension of the Polish government. As the tensions started to rise, the post office workers were handed weapons in case of an attack, which eventually happened on October 5th. The Nazis attacked the city including the post office, and the workers put up a strong 17-hour fight until they surrendered and were killed.
Today, you can visit the site, which is still a running post office, and be sure to check out the stainless steel monument created to honor their bravery.
33 – Perfect your aim at a gun shooting experience
Want to try something new? Hit up the Extreme Gun Shooting Experience in Gdansk, one of the few extreme sports opportunities in the city where in a safe environment, you’ll be able to learn how to hold and shoot guns, and more.
Available in both English and Polish, you’ll get to see a few examples of guns used during the communist era, and a few more like the Glock and Glauberyt PM98.
Upon arrival and check-in, you’ll be guided to meet your professional instructor to teach you important information about gun handling, a few other safety tips, and even a few fascinating facts about gun usage historically in Gdansk, and modern society’s views of gun use.
This experience also includes round-trip transportation to and from this place and your hotel!
34 – Get panoramic views from the Góra Gradowa
Enjoy a steep but fun hike to the Góra Gradowa, a huge cross monument that sits on the hills of Gradowa, only 14 minutes away from Gdansk city center.
Located in the direction behind the city’s main bus station, you’ll find the Brama Północna (North Gate) which was built by the Prussians and led to their fort on the hill, during their occupation of the city.
Next, you’ll see the large Millennium Cross, which reaches 16 meters in height and was inaugurated in 2000. This cross was created to honor the death of the Christians who died previously and to commemorate the 1,000 anniversary of the founding of Gdansk.
Enjoy a seat on the expansive lawn, or the benches, and take in the views of the historic center of Gdansk and the shipyards!
35 – Feel your world turn upside down at the DeJa Vu Museum
Rethink reality and explore the space full of optical illusions at the DeJa Vu Museum, a unique museum of its kind in the country, located in Gdansk!
Divided into several rooms, enjoy an epic journey through the different visual effects, from kaleidoscope-like rooms, trippy lights, and sounds, upside down rooms, to the mesmerizing spinning vortex tunnel, and so much more.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the DeJa Vu Museum website, starting at 49 zloty per adult, and children 3 and younger are free. If you’re a student, you can get a discount rate and pay 42 zloty, but make sure to bring proof in the form of a student ID!
36 – Try a variety of spirits at a vodka tasting
Enjoy a special vodka tasting while in Gdansk, and learn from the pros what makes Polish vodka different, and how to distinguish it from other types of vodka around the world!
Sign up to join other likeminded travelers on a vodka tasting in Gdansk, sampling 6 different vodkas, and visiting the city’s top 4 pubs, as you explore the local drinking culture, and other fascinating stories and history relating to vodka in Gdansk!
On your vodka tasting, you’ll also get to sample traditional Polish snacks to accompany your drinks, while trying out the difference between white vodka and Gdansk liqueur called Goldwasser (Gold Water). Learn from the pub bartenders how to drink vodka the Polish way, and more!
Vodka tastings typically last 2-2.5 hours and start at $64 USD.
37 – Dine some Polish cuisine at the best restaurants
Don’t leave Gdanks without trying the best pierogies in the city at Pierogarnia Mandu Gdansk Śródmieście, featuring a variety of delicious Polish dumplings from minced pork and beef fillings, to stewed cabbage with forest mushrooms and much more!
Treat your taste buds at Gdański Bowke, featuring a great range of delicious Polish foods, specific to Gdansk inside the restaurant’s old-world ambiance. With dishes like the cozy meat soup rosół, to placki ziemniaczane (Polish potato pancakes) to start you off!
For a fancier affair, check out Fellini, impressing locals and visitors alike with its delicious take on traditional Polish cuisine, served up as a beautiful form of culinary art right before you! Just be sure to book reservations! For something casual and homemade, you can’t go wrong with Bar Neptune!
38 – Live out the best of Polish nightlife at the best bars
Get out and live a little when you experience the Polish nightlife for yourself! Whether you’re looking for a night of drinks and conversations with friends, or you want to party the night away, there’s truly something for everyone!
Don’t know where to start, or maybe you’re solo traveling? Check out a fun pub crawl to help you get acquainted with the local nightlife! On a fun pub crawl in Gdansk, enjoy a fun yet rambunctious time, hitting up the hottest pubs where you’ll get welcome shots, and then dancing at the best bars, playing Polish hits for hours!
Get the best of both worlds, for one price, and make friends as you get out of your comfort zone! Pub crawls typically last 3-4 hours, and start at $21 USD.
How to get to Gdansk?
After landing at Gdansk Lech Walesa Aiport (GDN) the best way to secure your trip directly to your hotel is via an airport transfer, which you can pre-book ahead of time and takes 30 minutes!
If you’re stopping by Gdansk on your cruise, check out a shore excursion in Gdansk, and fit in a well-rounded trip in the city during your stop!
Where to stay in Gdansk?
Stay beside the river when you stay at the Radisson Hotel & Suites, enjoying the old-world feel of the area while relishing the modern amenities inside the hotel! From fast Wi-Fi to a complete fitness room, and a vegetarian and vegan breakfast offered daily – you’re in for a treat!
Puro Gdansk Stare Miasto is a very chic and modern hotel located in the heart of Gdansk, only a few moments away from the Long Market, Neptune’s Fountain, and the Golden Gate. Enjoy the communal spaces and lounges throughout the first floor, as well as the accommodating hospitality.
Enjoy a good night’s rest when you stay at the tallest building in Gdansk, the Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto, only 12 minutes from the Gdansk old town! Enjoy dinner on the top level adorned with glass ceilings to enjoy a bright breakfast or swanky drinks at night. The rooms are comfortable and raved highly for their cleanliness!
Visiting Gdansk on a budget?
Don’t forget about booking a free walking tour in Gdansk, and enjoy walking to all the main sites, while learning about the city’s history, and a bit about modern culture today straight from a local!
Unlock the city’s main sights with the Gdanks city card, offering crazy good discounts for the city’s main museums, and even discounts on dining and public transportation!
Where to go next?
Travel to Warsaw, and enjoy strolling through the pristine 17th-century Łazienki Park, and get a bird’s eye view of the city at the St. Anna’s Tara Widokowy observation platform!
Next, move south to Krakow, and fall in love with the city’s 13th-century castles, and the intricate Gothic details of the St. Mary’s Basilica! Give your body a rest at the Zakopane Thermal Baths as a sweet treat!
Hop over to the enchanting city of Poznan, known by locals as the birthplace of Poland, and check out the stunning Old Market Square, and duck into the tantalizing Croissant Museum to learn more about this 150-year-old bakery turned museum!
On Poland’s west side lies Wroclaw, another picturesque city known as the 4th largest city in Poland, with its vibrant and youthful spirit. Visit the Wroclaw Multimedia Fountain for a spectacular display of lights, and Hydropolis, an interactive science center!
Vilnius greets you with charming medieval cobblestone streets, and impressive sights like the stunning Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, and the refreshing Bernadine Garden!
Final thoughts
From the city’s important seaport history at the Motlawa River Embankment to the charm of the Green and Golden Gate in the heart of Gdank’s Old Town, and exploring Polish beach life at Jelitkowo Beach, we hope you enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Gdansk!
Let us know which one is your favorite!
Happy travels!