Gdansk: The perfect itinerary for first-timers

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.

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Must visit places in Gdansk

Dluga Street

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.

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.

Highland Gate

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

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.

Dlugi Targ

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

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

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.

The Royal Chapel

Nestled within the historic heart of Gdansk, the Royal Chapel stands as a magnificent architectural gem that has borne witness to the city's rich cultural heritage. This stunning edifice, dating back to the 16th century, has long been revered as a sacred space and a symbol of the region's regal past.

As you approach the chapel, you'll be immediately struck by its imposing presence. The Renaissance-style façade, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate embellishments, exudes an air of grandeur and sophistication.

Modern Art Gallery

The Modern Art Gallery in Gdansk is a renowned art institution that showcases cutting-edge contemporary art from both Polish and international artists. Located in the heart of the city's historic Old Town, the gallery occupies a striking modernist building that serves as the perfect backdrop for its impressive collection.

The Green Gate

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.

Little Mill

Nestled along the banks of the Motława River in the historic heart of Gdansk, the Little Mill stands as a charming and picturesque remnant of the city's industrial past. This quaint structure, dating back to the 18th century, has been meticulously preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich milling heritage.

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!