30 things to do in Gdansk (+ hidden spots)

There are so many incredible things to do in Gdansk it can be overwhelming to try and plan your trip. I’ve rounded up the top sights to see so you can create your own Gdansk bucket list.

Plan your trip to Gdansk – Quick tips

Gdansk, Poland is packed with small-town charm and fun things to do.

Very walkable, extremely safe, and full of Baltic charm, it’s truly one of the best cities to visit in Northern Europe. 

I just came back from a trip to Gdansk and it made me want to return to Poland and explore even more!

Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Gdansk.

Read next: 2 days in Gdansk – perfect itinerary for first-timers

Best time to visit Gdansk

You can visit Gdansk all year round, but if you’re looking for great weather and not too many people, late summer is the best time. I went in late August and it was busy, but not packed.

May, June, September, or October is the same. Only then, you’ll also avoid the crowds.

Read next: 10 best day trips from Gdansk

How to get around Gdansk

The main sights in Gdansk are all located near the old town and old shipyard. You can walk to each of them – except Westerplatte, since it’s 13 km out.

There are also some more convenient ways to get around town.

The highly-rated 2-hour golf cart tour (⭐️ 5/5) is the best way because you’ll get to see the landmarks while being driven around.

Water trams, Uber, cabs, buses, and standard trams are also there for you.

Airport transfer

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is located about 14 km from the city center.

If you want to save time and prefer convenience (I know, I do), you should take an Uber or book a private driver. They’ll pick you up at arrivals and get you to your hotel.

Book a driver in Gdansk 👉 Gdansk Airport to Gdansk City

My favorite Gdansk tour

If you’re visiting Gdansk for the first time, a private walking tour of Gdansk Old Town is a game-changer.

With a personal guide leading you through key landmarks like Arthur’s Court and Neptune Fountain, you’ll get way more than just sights—you’ll get the stories and legends behind them.

Experience the main sights – Gdańsk Old Town Private Walking Tour

Where to stay in Gdansk

The Old Town is the best place to stay in Gdansk because it’s close to all the main sights. I stayed at IBB Hotel Gdańsk (⭐ 9.0), right on the popular Długi Targ Street. Loved it!

Check rates and availability here – IBB Hotel Gdańsk (⭐ 9.0)

Things to do in Gdansk

1. Stroll down Long Street

Long Street (known as Długa Targ in Polish) is the main street in Gdansk old town. It stretches from the White Gate to the Green Gate.

Along this street, you’ll catch big attractions like the Golden Gate, Prison Tower, Neptune’s Fountain, and the Torture Chamber.

2. Main town hall

The Main Town Hall is hard to miss as you’re walking on Long Street. It once served as a courthouse and even had a prison tower and torture chamber.

For a minor charge, you can go inside. Better yet, climb the bell tower for some of the best views in Gdansk!

3. Neptune fountain

Right in front of the town hall is the Neptune fountain from 1549.

While most of Gdansk was destroyed during WWII, this fountain was hidden by the Germans and stashed away with other prized possessions. That way it was kept safe.

Neptune made a comeback to the Long Market in 1954 and got a fresh makeover in 2011.

4. The Motlawa waterfront

A must-do in Gdansk is a walk by the Motlawa River.

Take a stroll on both sides of the river to admire the old, colorful buildings. It’s particularly beautiful in the morning and evening.

Don’t miss the Zuraw, an ancient wooden crane that was once used for cargo loading, the AmberSky Ferris wheel, and the big 3D Gdansk sign.

5. Mariacka Street

Mariacka Street is the most charming and quaint street in Gdansk. It’s like a time machine with all its historic old houses.

You’ll find coffee shops and small amber jewelry shops here.

6. The Great Armoury of Gdansk

Built from 1600 to 1609 along the old city walls, the Great Armoury was in use until the 1800s.

It’s now considered the top example of Renaissance architecture in the city.

7. Visit St. Mary’s Church

The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption is the world’s largest brick church and it’s definitely worth visiting!

Inside, you’ll find over 300 tombstones, 31 chapels, and a 15th-century astronomical clock like the one in Prague.

Once you’re there, make sure to visit the bell tower.

It’s 405 steps up, but the views are beautiful from the top.

8. The Astronomical Clock

Inside St. Mary’s church is the 15th-century wooden Astronomical Clock. It shows not only the time but also tracks the moon and stars.

At 14 meters in height, it was the tallest clock in the world at the time it was built.

9. Find the Three Boar Heads

In a hidden alleyway behind St. Mary’s church, you’ll find a mysterious emblem. The emblem has three severed boar heads—actually the coat of arms of the Ferber family, medieval local heroes.

In 1460 during a siege by the Teutonic Knights, Johann Ferber catapulted three boar heads over the city walls to make it look like they had plenty of supplies.

And that made the besiegers abandon the attack.

10. Taste pierogi

You can’t leave Poland without tasting pierogi!

These doughy dumplings, filled with meat, cheese, or veggies, are a staple of Polish cuisine, and they are delicious!

Trust me, it’s comfort food at its finest – the pierogis below are with duck, wine, and cranberries. Christmas pierogis 😍

11. European Solidarity Center

If you’ve got an hour or two to spare, take some time to dive into Poland’s history of resistance against communist rule.

Right as you walk into the European Solidarity Museum, you’re greeted by the Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers, honoring those who lost their lives in 1970.

As you go deeper into the museum, you’ll get a detailed rundown of the movement that ultimately put an end to communism in Poland and paved the way for democracy.

Learn about the Solidarity Movement in Poland – Gdansk solidarity tour

12. Amber altar in St. Bridget’s church

In St. Bridget’s Church, you’ll find a stunning Amber Altar! Known as the world’s amber capital, the amber altar is iconic to Gdansk.

Ps. There’s a small entry fee, but it’s worth it.

Visit the Amber Museum, amber altar, and other main sights 👉 Gdansk walking tour

13. Tower Clock museum

Just a stone’s throw from St. Bridget’s church is the Tower Clock Museum.

Housed in Saint Catherine’s Church, Gdansk’s oldest, the museum features a collection of vintage timepieces and even the world’s first pulsar clock.

14. Amber Museum

Gdansk didn’t earn its title as the world’s amber capital for nothing. Artisans here have been shaping amber into jewelry and more for ages.

If you’d like to know more about it, head to the Museum of Amber. You’ll see it all, from raw amber pieces to the jewelry and amber cutlery.

Visit the Amber Museum, amber altar, and other main sights 👉 Gdansk walking tour

15. The Miller’s House & Love Bridge

One of my favorite places in Gdansk is the Love Bridge. It’s located right in front of the Amber Museum and the Miller’s House.

It’s such a picturesque spot.

16. Hang out at 100Cznia

100cznia is a hip spot at the old shipyard that not many travelers know about.

Built from stacked shipping containers, it forms a courtyard featuring a bar named 100cznia and a bunch of food trucks.

They’ve even got makeshift beaches and stages, so you can kick back with a beer.

17. Gradowa Hill

For a beautiful view of Gdansk, walk up to Gradowa Hill. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but trust me, the vista is worth the trip.

Besides the view, there’s a large cross that illuminates at night and a 19th-century military fort to explore.

18. Cemetery of lost cemeteries

Right at the base of the hill, you’ll find the Cemetery of Lost Cemeteries.

Opened in 2002, this memorial pays tribute to those from Gdansk who lost their original resting places in WWII.

19. Museum of the Second World War

If you’re short on time and can only hit one museum in Gdansk, go for the Museum of the Second World War.

Opened in 2017, it gives you a thorough look at WWII and its effects on Poland.

Pro tip: Buy your tickets online to avoid the line. You’ll need about 2 to 2.5 hours to really take it all in.

👉 Book a guided tour of the museum here which includes a guide, skip-the-line ticket, and a visit to other nearby war sights!

20. Lunch at Montownia

Montownia is a top pick for street food in Gdansk. I had lunch there twice and can’t wait to go back for more!

It’s the largest food hall in Gdansk with lots of Asian and European dishes. I recommend the Silk and Spicy and the Dim Sum & Ramen places.

It’s open from 11 a.m. to midnight.

21. Polish post office monument

Nearby is the Polish Post Office, which played an important part at the onset of WWII.

On September 1, 1939, it turned into a combat zone when an SS division attacked. 57 postal workers defended the site for 15 hours.

You’ll find several monuments in front and behind the post office, so make sure to walk around.

22. Westerplatte – Where WWII Began

On that same fateful day, the Germans also invaded Westerplatte, just 13 km away from Gdansk. This is actually where WWII’s first battle happened.

You’ve got options to visit—either take a boat from the harbor or go with a pre-arranged tour for convenience.

Pre-book a tour to Westerplatte – 2 hour private trip with luxury car

23. AmberSky

AmberSky is a Ferris wheel in Gdansk.

At 50m high, it has 36 cabins for 8 people each, and even a VIP cabin with a glass floor if you’re up for a splurge—that’s 250zł.

Standard tickets are 28zł, and for kids, it’s 18zł.

I rode it in the evening, but I’d suggest going before dark. Catching the city view at sunset or daytime is how you’ll get the most out of it.

Just a heads up: The footbridge from the old town to Olowianka Island lifts up for boats every 30 minutes and stays up for half an hour. So, you might have to wait to get across.

24. Urban exploration at the shipyard

The Gdansk Shipyard is one of Poland’s biggest—and it’s pretty much deserted. Definitely worth a visit.

The Imperial Shipyard Trail has 13 info panels detailing the shipyard’s past. If you’re into urban exploration, this is your spot.

25. See the Castaways robots

At the far end of the Imperial Shipyard, you’ll find some modern robotic sculptures called “castaways” by artist Czesław Podleśny.

Made from car parts and machinery, they depict shipwreck survivors landing onshore.

Crafted to mark the 30th anniversary of Poland’s free elections, these pieces dive into human experiences and our consumer-focused society.

26. Climb the Żuraw M3 crane

The M3 crane gives you Poland’s first-ever 360-degree view, right from the top of a shipyard crane.

If you’re up for the climb, the payoff is a panorama of the Baltic Sea, various shipyard areas—including the Imperial Shipyard—Old Town, and the working cranes set against Gdańsk Bay.

Fair warning: I made it up the first set of stairs and backed out. It’s not for people with a fear of heights.

27. Hang out at Zuraf

Take some time to chill at Zuraf, another laid-back spot near 100Cznia. In the summer, the old shipyard’s atmosphere here is just awesome.

28. Get a massage

Gdansk has long been known as a spa city.

Not only are massages and spa visits reasonably priced, but the Thai and Balinese massages on offer are truly exceptional. I speak from experience 😍

29. Take a Black Pearl boat tour

At the harbor, you’ll see a Black Pearl boat. You can go for a tour if you’d like to experience Gdansk from the waterside.

30. Go to the beach

Just a 30-minute drive away is Gdynia Beach. You can hop on a train from Gdansk or take a day trip where you’ll also visit Sopot.

It’s a hassle-free way to add some beach time to your trip.

Check availability for a private trip – Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia day tour

💭This trip was sponsored by Live More. Pomerania. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

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• Where to stay in Kraków, Poland
• 2 days in Gdansk
• 10 best day trips from Gdansk

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