When searching for what to do in Gdańsk, you may start to notice something… this is (in my opinion at least) Poland’s most beautiful city. All of Poland’s major cities are colorful and ornate, but Gdańsk just blows them all out of the water.
Though there isn’t as much “to do” here as some other cities, what this city does have is seriously unique. In fact, Gdańsk is a perfect destination for those looking for a delightful, relaxing, and historically-significant little break. (This is where World War II started!)
For everything you can see and do in Gdańsk as well as tons of helpful tips and suggestions on where to stay, eat, and wander, this post lays it all out. Enjoy!
Also read: What to Do in Warsaw, Poland if you’ll be headed that way too.
Map of what to do in Gdańsk
This map contains all the things to do in Gdańsk that I mention in this post (plus restaurants, hotels, and more). To save this map: Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save in your Google Maps. To use this map: When you get here, open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”
Tips for visiting Gdańsk
Here are the best tools and resources you’ll need to have an awesome time in Poland’s most beautiful city:
Getting to Gdańsk
Though it may feel like a faraway city in a faraway country, Gdańsk is still pretty accessible. You can fly into its Lech Walesa International Airport from many major US cities with just one connection. From within Europe, you can get here nonstop from tons of cities.
Driving to Gdańsk
If you’re already in Poland, you’ll probably be driving to Gdańsk. Poland is a pretty big country but it still makes for a great road trip. The drive to Gdańsk is easy and entertaining. I took the long way here from Warsaw (stopping at Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair along the way) and it was still the best drive of the whole trip!
If you’ll be driving on your visit to Poland, check out the best car rental deals here. This is the company I used (and always use) and I had a great rental experience here.
Taking the train to Gdańsk
Taking the train to Gdańsk from wherever you are is going to take about the same amount of time as driving, if only slightly less. This largely depends on your starting point though, and usually driving is the better option. Take a look at train schedules here to see what your options are like.
Taking the bus to Gdańsk
You can also take the Flixbus to Gdańsk from many starting points around Europe. Some are direct, though most have at least one connection. However, these travel times are going to be much longer than either driving or taking the train. It is possible, and it’s by far the cheapest option, but just keep that in mind. Check out the bus schedules and routes here.
Getting around Gdańsk
Getting around Gdańsk is super easy since almost everywhere you’ll want to go is within walking distance of the main center. On my May 2024 visit, I walked everywhere here and didn’t need to take public transportation at all.
But if you’re looking to visit the Westerplatte to see many of Gdańsk’s WWII sites, you will need to drive here since it’s about 20 minutes north of the Old Town. Otherwise, calling a rideshare is an option in Gdańsk.
Where to stay in Gdańsk
There are so many great hotels to choose from in Gdańsk, but here are a few places you can begin your search:
- Old Town by Welcome Apartment – This is where I stayed and it was great. If you’d like more apartment-style lodging, these places have full kitchens, laundry facilities, and much more space (in a perfect location). Check them out here.
- The MONTOWNIA Lofts – Besides having some awesome WWII history, this hotel is also a great choice because of its size and location, plus it has its own food hall and airport shuttle. Check it out here.
- Hampton By Hilton Gdańsk Old Town – Perfect location, beautiful modern property, private parking, and amazing reviews. Check it out here.
There are many more Gdańsk hotels to choose from though; see all Gdańsk hotel options here.
Where to eat and drink in Gdańsk
I ate at several delicious (and quirky) spots during my time in Gdańsk. Here are some of my favorites:
Pro tip: There’s always this super popular Gdańsk food tour so you can try all kinds of amazing local foods with a dedicated expert guide.
What to do in Gdańsk
This list of what to do in Gdańsk contains all the best things to see and do here, plus some cool tours and day trips.
1. Check out the Długi Targ
Gdańsk’s Długi Targ is the main thoroughfare through the Old Town that dates back to the 1200s. It’s lined with the most beautiful, colorful, and ornate architecture and dotted with fountains, cafés, and tons of historical structures.
Pro tip: I recommend starting your day here so you can see it all before the crowds get too heavy. Poland in general isn’t very “touristy,” but this part of Gdańsk tends to get significantly crowded starting around lunchtime.
2. Don’t miss the Neptune Fountain
Neptune’s Fountain on the Długi Targ has become a sort of icon of the city. It was sculpted in the early 1600s century, moved by the Nazis to another part of occupied Poland, renovated in the 1950s, and then returned here to its original and current location. Be sure to stop by and see it on your morning walk.
If you love walking tours, Get Your Guide offers this 2-hour guided walking tour around Gdańsk’s Old Town that you might like.
3. Visit the Main Town Hall Tower & Museum
At one end of the Długi Targ you’ll find Gdańsk’s Main Town Hall. Head inside and you can visit the “museum” which is mostly just a walk through this historical building, but there are some interesting exhibits in here too. Then, head up to the top of the tower for the best views in town.
4. Check out Mariacka Street
Fun fact: With 90% of the world’s amber coming from around here, Gdańsk is known as the amber capital of the world. You’ll quickly learn this fact when you’re here because you’ll see amber everywhere.
And on that note, Mariacka Street is the place to go to shop for amber products. You’ll find vendors lined up all down the street selling everything from jewelry to home décor items (but mostly jewelry).
Beyond that, this is another of Gdańsk’s gorgeous streets. Lined with quaint cafés and gorgeous architecture complete with its famous gargoyle drain pipes. Hang out at one of the bars or restaurants if you want, but at least take a quick stroll down Mariacka Street.
5. See the amber altar at St. Bridget’s Basilica
On the northern side of town, you can visit the Basilica of St. Bridget and see something I guarantee you’ve never seen before–an enormous church altar made completely out of amber.
The original St. Bridget’s dated back to the 1300s but was almost completely destroyed during World War II. It was rebuilt in the 1970s and its most notable feature–the amber altar–was added only in 2017. The altar serves to honor Pope John Paul II who was from Poland.
The amber altar measures around 36-feet-tall and 40-feet-wide and decorative elements are still being added to it.
6. Explore the Museum of Amber
While you’re at it, you might as well check out Gdańsk’s Amber Museum too. This is where you go to learn all about what amber is, how it’s formed and extracted, how to make things from it, and more. (And probably a little about dinosaurs too? I hope?)
7. Visit the Museum of the Second World War
The relatively new Museum of the Second World War is far and away the crown jewel of Gdańsk tourism. As someone who’s been to probably hundreds of WWII museums, I can definitively say this is one of the best.
This place is huge and has several wings devoted to all kinds of WWII topics like the rise of Fascism, the Holocaust, the Pacific War, and much more. Plus, the exhibits here are huge and incredibly engaging. And don’t forget: Gdańsk is where WW2 began so this place is extra significant.
8. See the other Gdańsk WWII sites
Besides the museum above, if you have a World War II buff in your group, there are plenty more interesting places to visit here. Don’t miss:
- The Museum of the Polish Post Office
- The many historical sites on the Westerplatte
- Nearby Stutthof Concentration Camp
But for the full list, check out my post that covers all the WWII sites in Gdańsk here. (As a WWII historian, I also write a travel blog all about WWII destinations.)
9. Hang out by the waterfront
Head over to the northeastern part of the Old Town and you’ll eventually run into the Motława river. All along here you’ll find a fun waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and bars, shops, boat rides and more. You can even walk over the footbridge to Ołowianka, the small island in the river. Some things to check out at the waterfront:
- Take your picture with the Gdańsk sign.
- Ride the AmberSky Ferris wheel.
- Check out the Crane (Zuraw) – built in the mid-1400s, once the largest crane in Europe and used to load and unload ships.
10. Take a river cruise
I always advocate for taking a river cruise if the opportunity exists. It’s always such a fun and interesting way to see a new city. And here at Gdańsk’s waterfront you can do the same. Check out these Gdańsk river cruises to see if any interest you:
11. Check out the Millers’ Guild House
If you haven’t gleamed this from my post yet, Gdańsk is one of the most architecturally-beautiful cities in Poland, if not anywhere. Besides the colorful buildings on the Długi Targ and the charming details on Mariacka Street, there are tons of hidden gems sprinkled around the city. One of those is the “Millers’ Guild House.”
This house dates back to the late 1800s, was destroyed at the end of World War II, then restored in 1997. Today, it serves as an art gallery. In front of the house you’ll cross over the “Love Bridge” covered in locks. Beyond that, it’s just a really cute spot to snap some photos.
12. Visit the European Solidarity Center
While in Poland, you’ll likely hear a lot about the country’s Solidarity movement. The Polish trade union and civil resistance movement known as “Solidarity” began in 1980 and played a huge role in ending communist rule in Poland. (Gdańsk’s airport is named after Solidarity’s co-founder and leader—Lech Walesa.)
Opened in 2014, Gdańsk’s European Solidarity Center is a museum and library dedicated to this history. You’ll be able to explore exhibits on the birth of Solidarity, the mass arrests, protests, and martial law that took place, the path to democracy, and more.
13. Visit Malbork Castle
If you have your own car, you may be interested to know that the largest castle in the world is just a short drive from Gdańsk. In less than an hour, you can be storming the gates of Malbork Castle which dates back to the 1200s.
But yeah, this entirely brick castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been deemed the world’s largest in terms of land area. And it is HUGE for sure. You can tour the interior and visit the permanent collections of the museum that include the Armory, things made from amber (of course), the historical mill, Polish history, and much more.
You’ll need a car to visit Malbork Castle; rent one here if you still need to. Otherwise, you can book a spot on this Malbork Castle half-day guided trip from Gdańsk.
More info for your trip to Poland
Like this post? Have more questions about what to do in Gdańsk? Let me know in the comments below. Have fun in Poland!
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