Gdańsk is one of the most fascinating cities in Poland, combining a rich history, extraordinary architecture, and a coastal atmosphere. It is home to many monuments and attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Below, we present the most important places worth seeing during a visit to this unique city.
Long Market and Neptune's Fountain
Long Market is the heart of Gdańsk, full of impressive tenement houses with richly decorated facades. It is the main artery of the Old Town, leading from the Golden Gate to the Green Gate, where city life used to concentrate. One of the most important points on this route is Neptune's Fountain – a symbol of the city, which not only commemorates Gdańsk's maritime traditions but also attracts crowds of tourists. Long Market is also a place where numerous restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops are located, making it a perfect place for a walk and rest.
The Crane over the Motława River
The Crane is one of the most characteristic symbols of Gdańsk and one of the oldest surviving port cranes in Europe. Situated over the Motława River, it once served as a transshipment device and also functioned as a city gate. Today, the Crane is part of the National Maritime Museum, and its interior can be visited to learn about the history of the former port and Gdańsk's commercial activities. The view of the Crane from the other bank of the Motława, especially at dusk, creates a picturesque image of the city.
St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica is one of the most important monuments in Gdańsk and one of the largest brick churches in the world. Its impressive mass dominates the city and is an important landmark. Inside the temple, you can admire numerous works of sacred art, as well as climb the tower, which offers a spectacular view of the Old Town, the Motława River, and the Bay of Gdańsk. It is worth noting the extraordinary history of this place – St. Mary's Basilica has survived many centuries, witnessing numerous historical events, and its reconstruction after the destruction of World War II is a testament to the resilience of the residents of Gdańsk.
Artus Court
Artus Court is one of the most representative places on the Long Market. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages when it served as a meeting place for the Gdańsk elite – merchants, nobility, and officials. Inside is the beautiful Winter Hall, richly decorated and full of historic works of art, including the largest tiled stove in Europe. Currently, Artus Court functions as a branch of the Museum of Gdańsk, where you can learn more about the lives of the city's former inhabitants.
European Solidarity Centre
The European Solidarity Centre is a modern museum and educational facility dedicated to the Solidarity movement, which played a key role in the overthrow of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. It is located on the premises of the Gdańsk Shipyard, the place where the strikes that led to the creation of the Solidarity trade union began in 1980. The museum offers interactive exhibitions that present the history of this movement and its impact on the modern world. It is a special place that everyone should visit to better understand the recent history of Poland and Europe.
Museum of the Second World War
The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk is one of the most modern and largest museums in Europe dedicated to this subject. Its exhibitions present not only the fate of Poland during the war but also the broader international context, showing the immensity of the tragedy that the war brought to humanity. The museum is housed in a modern building, whose characteristic, inclined mass symbolizes the collapse of civilization as a result of the war. It is a place that provokes reflection on history and its impact on our lives.
Mariacka Street
Mariacka Street is one of the most picturesque and charming streets in Gdańsk. It is famous for its beautiful tenement houses with richly decorated terraced foreporches and shops offering amber jewelry – the \"gold of the Baltic\". Walking along this street, you can feel the atmosphere of old Gdańsk and admire the handicrafts of local artists. The street leads from St. Mary's Basilica to the Motława waterfront, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and admiring the architecture.
Westerplatte
Westerplatte is a place of immense historical significance – here, on September 1, 1939, the Second World War began. In the area of the former Military Transit Depot, there is a monument commemorating the defenders of Westerplatte and an educational path leading through places associated with the defense of this area. Westerplatte is a place visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year to pay tribute to the heroes and learn the history of this symbolic location.
Oliwa Park
Oliwa Park is an ideal place to rest after intensive sightseeing in the city. Located in the Oliwa district, it is one of the most beautiful parks in Poland. On its premises, you will find the Abbots' Palace, currently the National Museum in Gdańsk, as well as picturesque alleys, fountains, and ponds. It is also worth visiting the palm house, where you can admire exotic plants. Oliwa Park is an excellent place for relaxation and walks surrounded by nature.
Oliwa Cathedral
Oliwa Cathedral, located in the Oliwa district, is famous for its organs, which are considered to be among the largest in Europe. Organ concerts are held here regularly, attracting music lovers from all over the world. The interior of the cathedral delights with its Baroque decor, and the history of this place dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest sacred monuments in Poland.
Gdańsk Amber Museum
Amber is a symbol of Gdańsk, and the Amber Museum is a place where you can learn its history and see extraordinary items made from this precious raw material. The museum presents both ancient and contemporary works of amber art, and also tells the story of amber's role in culture and trade over the centuries. This is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to better understand the heritage of Gdańsk.
Granary Island
Granary Island is the former commercial center of Gdańsk, where grain and other goods were stored. Currently, the island is undergoing revitalization and becoming a modern city center, full of hotels, restaurants, and apartments. Despite modern changes, historic granaries can still be admired on the island, serving as a reminder of the city's commercial past.
Gdańsk Shipyard
The Gdańsk Shipyard is a place that played a key role in the recent history of Poland. This is where the Solidarity movement was born, contributing to the overthrow of communism in Europe. Today, the shipyard is being transformed into a modern urban space, but you can still see historical places associated with the 1980 strikes.