Located on Poland's Baltic coast, Gdansk is a captivating city of contrasts. Originally known as Danzig, the history of Gdansk revolves around its prominence as a port. A stroll through the Old Town reveals a glimpse of the destination’s historic past.

The city has a rich maritime history and has straddled East and West during conflicts in the 20th century. Not only is Gdansk a contrast of history and modernity, it is also one of the trade centers for amber, an ossified resin that is a popular item at boutiques throughout the city.

Free walking tours offer an excellent opportunity to explore Gdansk's complex past. Skilled and enthusiastic local guides bring the city’s history to life and as you explore the bustling streets, significant landmarks, and delve deeper into the history and culture of Poland.

A free walking tour in Gdansk is more than a leisurely sightseeing activity of the “Pearl of the Baltic”; it is an enlightening experience guaranteed to leave you with a better understanding of the region and its fascinating history.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most worthwhile sightseeing tours in Gdansk .

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Gdansk have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Gdansk?

Free walking tours are an ideal way to view Gdansk, and there are a variety of tours that cater to different interests:

Gdansk Town: Free Walking Tour

The cobbled streets of Gdansk’s Old Town are the typical site of free walking tours of the city. These popular excursions follow routes that encompass the history, architecture and culture of the port city.

These tours are designed for individual travelers and small private groups, and typically operate with no more than 6 or 8 participants. This ensures an experience that is not crowded or hurried.

Itinerary

Most tours of this type travel along or near Ulica Dluga and Dlugi Tage, the pedestrian thoroughfare that has been reconstructed to reflect the city’s historical style.

Sites along this route, also known as the Royal Route, include the Prison Tower and Torture Chamber which now house the Amber Museum, the elaborate city gates, and the iconic Neptunes’ Fountain. The distinctive Golden House and the Green Gate as well as the historic St. Mary’s Basilica and St. Catherine’s Church.

With a host of landmarks and historical sites, these are just some of what you might expect to encounter on your free walking tour, and although refreshments are not included, there will be time for you to stop for a snack and drink on most excursions.

Gdansk Shipyard Walking Tour

A free walking tour of the Gdansk Shipyard is an opportunity to see one of the locations that has played a central role in the history and politics of the Baltic region.

Originally founded on the site of former German Shipyards used to build vessels during the World Wars, the location gained fame as the site where organized resistance to communist dictatorships began in 1980.

Itinerary

This free walking tour begins at Plac Solidarności which is adjacent to the Pomnik Poległych Stoczniowców Monument which pays homage to the people killed during the Coastal cities events of December 1970.

Your guide will walk you through the history of the shipyard, from its beginnings as a German shipyard utilized by the Nazi’s during World War II, through the communist period when Poland was a Soviet Bloc country, and to the modern day where entrepreneurship is encouraged.

Industrial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries stand alongside relics of communism and modern 21st century design.

Gdansk during the World Wars: Free Walking Tour

On this type of free walking tour your guide will captivate you with the history that spans the period between the first and second World Wars, when the city was the cradle of the Nazi movement. This Balkan city was coveted by both Germany and Poland, and is where World War II began in September 1939.

Itinerary

Historical World War walking tours may start at an easily recognizable landmark such as the Golden Gate or at a meeting point in the main city district.

As you walk through the streets of Gdansk, you will be transported back in time to when the city was known as Danzig. Our stroll along the cobblestone streets will pass by many notable sites and memorials to the horrors of the war and the persecution of the Polish and Jewish populations as well as other minorities.

You will see the infamous Gdansk Shipyards and learn more about the Westerplatte Peninsula where the first shots of World War II were fired.

Post-war Gdansk Free Tour

This free walking tour explores life in Gdansk as it rebuilt itself from the ruins of World War II. As a city almost entirely repopulated, it fell behind the Iron Curtain and became a communist state before emerging as a point of resistance against this model of government.

Itinerary

The tour begins at Golden Gate, a symbol of the Old Town and passes sites such as the monument to John II Sobieski the 17th-century Polish king, the headquarters of the communist party, and the shipyards where Gdansk’s notable resistance to communism began.

Your guide will enlighten you about key figures in this period of history, including Lech Walesa, a labor activist who went on to become Poland’s first post-war, democratically elected president in 1990.

In which languages is it operated?

Most of the free walking tours in Gdansk are offered in English. German and Spanish tours are also offered on some tour options. When a tour is offered in multiple languages, they may offer guide tours in each language at different times of the day, or they may offer bilingual experiences.

When you book your tour, you should check and confirm the language of the tour that you want to join. Where tours only operate with an English guide, this will be noted in the online tour details.

Where does it start?

Tours of the city of Gdansk usually start in or close to the Main City, with the Golden Gate being a popular meeting point for these free jaunts as well as the World Wand post-war walks.

A free walking trip to the shipyards will usually begin close to Plac Solidarności. The Green Bridge, located along the river, is also regularly used as a meeting point for these types of tours.

How long does it last?

Tours of the city of Gdansk as well as the Gdansk Shipyard and the Gdansk post-war experiences typically last for around 2.5 hours. Free walking tours that cover the history and significance of Gdansk during the world wars take around 1.5 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some of the free walking tours are suitable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. Other tours are not wheelchair accessible, or have stops on the route that cannot be accessed with a wheelchair.

Most tours will specify whether or not they are accessible, but if you are unsure, you can confirm with the tour operator directly.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Gdansk?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Gdansk is from late spring to early autumn. During this period you will find pleasant weather for exploring the city on foot. Check the schedule and availability, as some providers may have different operating hours or seasonal adjustments.

Join the tour early in the day to avoid large crowds and have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Should you book tickets online?

It is always best to secure your place on your choice of walking tour. By booking your free walking tour online in advance, your guide can plan and prepare for the correct group size. Some tours will only operate if a minimum number of participants confirm. This makes advance booking especially important.

Free walking tours in Gdansk can fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so it’s always best to book early.

It is quick and easy to make an online booking for your free walking tour . No upfront payments are required, and no booking fees are charged. No cancellation fees are charged should you cancel your booking. If any additional expenses or costs such as entrance fees will need to be settled on the day, this will be noted in the tour description.

Free Walking Tours in Gdańsk