Gdansk: The perfect itinerary for first-timers

Gdansk – The Pearl of the Polish Coast. Why is it the perfect train travel destination?

One of the places definitely worth visiting is Gdansk. This Baltic city delights with not only beautiful landscapes but also a rich history, exceptional architectural monuments, and a vibrant cultural life, all of which together create a unique atmosphere. Every year, the city attracts many tourists, both Polish and foreign, who want to taste the unique climate of this place. What to visit, what to see, and what to try in Gdansk – we will tell you more about this in our article, where you will find a ready recipe for a trip to the Gothic heart of Polish Pomerania.

Travel to Gdansk – why choose the train?

A train journey to Gdansk can be an exceptional and convenient experience, and there are many reasons why this mode of travel is worth choosing. First and foremost, choose the train as a means of transportation to Gdansk due to the comfort of travel. Trains usually offer comfortable seats, legroom, and the possibility of moving around during the journey. It’s an ideal solution for those who want to travel in comfort, especially over longer distances.

Trip by train to Gdansk also saves time. Gdansk is excellently connected to the rest of the country and you can reach it by train from just about every corner of Poland. Depending on the point of departure, a train journey to Gdansk can be faster than traveling by car, especially during peak hours when roads are congested. In addition, by avoiding traffic jams and parking issues, you can save time and the stress associated with travel. It is worth mentioning that Gdansk’s Main Station is located near the city center, a short distance from the city’s most important attractions.

Speaking of rail travel, one cannot fail to mention the beautiful views that spread beyond the train windows. The route to Gdansk runs through picturesque landscapes, especially if you travel from the northern or central regions of Poland. The passing fields, forests, lakes, and rivers make the journey an opportunity to relax and admire nature. And since we are talking about the natural environment, it is worth remembering that train travel is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport. Train travel has a much smaller impact on the natural environment than planes, cars, and coaches.

History at your fingertips – Gdansk monuments

Gdansk is a city with a rich history that can be seen at every turn. Definitely, among the noteworthy places is the Old Town with the representative Dluga Street. Walking down this street, we have the opportunity to see many characteristic places of this city, which you definitely need to see while in place.

Therefore, it is worth starting the sightseeing from Dluga Street in Gdansk, which you can reach from the Main Station by walking in just a few minutes, heading south of the city. It is worth walking there to not miss beautiful Gdansk tenement houses and squares. The most popular tourist route is the Royal Route, which starts from the Highland Gate, then leads to the Golden Gate and runs along Dluga Street and Dlugi Targ – this is where the most beautiful monuments in Gdansk are located.

Dluga Street – is only 320 meters long, yet it does not lack key city attractions such as the symbol of the city, the phenomenal Neptune Fountain.

Highland Gate – this monument fully reflects the power and majesty of former Gdansk. It is the beginning of the Royal Road, which was walked by the greatest rulers of Poland and Europe. It is also full of mysteries and hidden messages, so when planning a tour of Gdansk, it is worth starting to discover the city from it. On the walls of the Highland Gate, you will find Latin inscriptions, which translated into Polish read: “The wisest thing happens, which happens for the Republic”, “The goods most desired by the state are Peace, Liberty, Consent”, “Justice and piety are the two foundations of all kingdoms”. Will you find them on the walls?

Golden Gate – a historic city gate of the Main Town in Gdansk, opens Dluga Street and is part of the Royal Road. Originally, this place was part of the city fortifications, a medieval Gothic Long Street Gate, which was demolished, and in its place, in 1612, the currently existing gate was erected. The Golden Gate was designed by the architect Abraham van den Blocke and to this day, it delights visitors with its style and sophisticated decorations, referring to classical architecture.

The Green Gate – one of the oldest water gates in Gdansk, i.e., gates crowning the streets perpendicularly adjacent to Motlawa. It was built between 1564 and 1568 as the Gdansk residence of Polish kings. Together with the Golden and Highland gates, it spanned the length of Dluga Street and Dlugi Targ, known as the Royal Route. Why does the Gate have the name Green? There is no single thesis about where the gate’s name came from. One of them suggests that it was the green-painted stone decorations that inspired the gate to be named Green, while another argues that it was the color of the first glazed windows.

Dlugi Targ – a representative square in Gdansk in the Main Town. Nowadays, it serves as a market, it is an extension of Dluga Street, with which it forms the so-called Royal Route.

Artus Court – this is one of the most iconic buildings in Gdansk, and its history goes back to 1348 when construction began. The building is located in the center of Gdansk, at Dlugi Targ 44. The grounds used to function as a meeting place for merchants, a social center, later a stock exchange, and now it houses a branch of the Gdansk Museum.

Mariacka Street – walking around Gdansk, the charming Mariacka Street is a must-visit, one of the most beautiful streets in Poland. Its typical tenement houses numerous amber galleries – a stone that has been associated with the city’s history for centuries. It is here that you can buy unique souvenirs, but also admire the workshops of artisans who maintain the old tradition of its processing.

St. Mary’s Church – this monument is not to be missed, it is the largest brick Gothic church in Poland and Europe, which impresses not only with its size. The construction of the church took place between 1343-1502, and its nave is 105 meters long. The church covers over half a hectare and can accommodate over 25,000 people. It is not only the building itself that impresses, but also the contents of its interior, which hides many monuments and works of art among others oak, late Gothic main altar dating from 1510-1517. But that’s not all this place has to offer, as the almost 80-meter high tower of the Church is made available for tourists. It can be visited from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and from its peak, one can admire the beautiful city panorama. To reach its peak, one must conquer 409 steps – a large part of which fell to the originally preserved very narrow, spiral staircase from the Middle Ages.

Crane over the Motlawa – Another point on the map of monuments is the crane over the Motlawa, i.e., a medieval port crane, and also another recognizable symbol of Gdansk. The perfectly preserved crane, built already in the 15th century, perfectly embodies the spirit of bygone times and the port history of the city.

National Museum in Gdansk 

For art lovers, Gdansk offers a great attraction, among them the National Museum that preserves in its collections the works of painting, sculpture, artistic crafts and many other exhibits. It’s worth seeing the famous “Last Judgment” by Hans Memling, which not only impresses with details, but also takes us back to the era when art had a deep, spiritual dimension.

Pursuit of Freedom – European Solidarity Center 

The modernist building of the European Solidarity Center is not only a museum dedicated to the history of Solidarity and democratic opposition in Europe, but also a place for debates and meetings. Interactive exhibitions bring closer the courage and determination of people who contributed to significant changes in Poland and Europe. It’s an inspiring visit for anyone interested in recent history and the role Poland played in the fight for democracy.

Dominican Fair 

One of the most famous events in Gdansk is the Dominican Fair – a great festival of trade, art, and crafts, which takes place annually at the end of July and August and lasts for three weeks. The Dominican Fair is one of the oldest such events in Europe, and its tradition goes back to 1260. Every year, the fair enjoys enormous popularity, demonstrated by the millions of visitors from Poland and abroad.

Densely placed stalls in the Main Town offer unique products in many categories, including works of art, antiques, unique trimmings, handmade jewelry, toys, clothes, as well as furniture and local delicacies. The Dominican Fair also offers a rich artistic program, which includes concerts of rock and chamber music as well as street parades and performances.

On the Plate – Flavors of Gdansk

Gdansk is not only a festival of visual sensations, but also a culinary discovery. Among the local delicacies, one cannot miss the fresh fish served in numerous restaurants on the Motława River. It’s worth trying Gdansk-style cod or golden herring in oil. For meat lovers, we recommend Gdansk ducks with apples. And, for dessert, you should try a piece of authentic Gdansk marzipan. Being in Gdansk, it’s particularly worth trying local breweries, as the rich tradition of beer brewing in Gdansk dates back to the early 13th century.

Accommodation in Gdansk

Where should you book an accommodation? Ideally as close to the center as possible, in order to take advantage of the main attractions of the city and feel the atmosphere of this place. Prices in the center may be slightly higher, so if you want to save money, you can go for nearby districts that are well-connected with the city center. Among them, we recommend: Śródmieście, Olszynka, Siedlce, Aniołki, Przeróbka, Chełm, Młyniska. By booking train tickets to Gdansk using our service, EuroTravel, you can immediately look for accommodation for your dates with our partner on booking.com.

Traveling with PolishTrains

Many people believe that traveling by train is the best way to immerse oneself in conversation, reading, or just relax without worrying about traffic jams or finding a parking space. With PolishTrains, the journey to Gdansk becomes even more comfortable and accessible. Trains offer both fast connections and a nice environment, which makes the journey pass in a pleasant atmosphere. Gdansk is waiting!