Best Things To Do in Gdansk

If you are planning to visit Poland, you should know that this country has much more to offer than its capital Warsaw and imperial Krakow. Gdansk is one of Poland's most important cities and in addition to its medieval charm, it has a port town tradition and a wealth of museums and cultural attractions.

Some of the best things to do in Gdansk include visiting the Catholic Basilica of St. Mary, cruising along the Motlawa River, visiting the World War II Museum, discovering Westerplatte or visiting the Stutthof concentration camp, which is located on the outskirts of the city just a few kilometres from its historic centre.

St. Mary's Basilica is one of Gdansk's most iconic architectural landmarks. Its construction began in 1343 and lasted for several centuries, although it was severely damaged during World War II. Restored after the city's recovery, it is now one of the largest brick churches in the world.

Inside the basilica, which is of Gothic architecture, you will find a carved wooden high altar, works by Flemish painters and stained glass windows that tell the story of the Bible. In addition, the basilica has a 78-metre high tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and the harbour, making it a popular attraction for tourists.

There are also several places of interest near the church that complement the visit experience. These include the Green Gate, the Glowne Miasto quarter with its cobbled streets and cafes, and the Neptune Fountain, which is one of the symbols of the city. This is why the basilica is on the itinerary when booking a guided tour of Gdansk.

Gdansk is a port city and cruising along the Motlawa River is one of the best ways to explore this destination and its surroundings. This river offers panoramic views of the city's architecture and history from a unique perspective. During the tour, you will see the colourful buildings of the old town, the facades of the Long Market and the activity of the boats leaving from and arriving at the harbour.

One of the highlights of the tour is the iconic Gdansk Crane, a medieval structure dating back to the 15th century. This ancient port, which used to be used for loading and unloading goods, is a symbol of the city's commercial importance in the Hanseatic League.

Booking a cruise on the Motlawa in Gdansk will give you the opportunity to see the city's new quarter. You will also see cafes and restaurants with open-air terraces, where locals and tourists enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Gdansk. In addition, the river circuit is adorned with sculptures and green spaces, which you can visit on tours that include stops at these sites.

While this experience is available all day long, cruises on the Motlawa River are especially interesting at sunset, when the city lights begin to twinkle on the water and the river becomes a romantic and picturesque atmosphere.

The World War II Museum in Gdansk is one of the most important and comprehensive institutions dedicated to this global conflict. The museum was built on a landmark site near the port of Gdansk, where the first steps were taken towards the outbreak of war in 1939. Its architectural design, evoking the shape of a battlefield, symbolises the complexity and devastating impact the war had on Poland.

Through its exhibitions, the museum seeks to provide a broad and nuanced view of the events that marked the Second World War, not only from the perspective of the great leaders and battles, but also from the everyday experience of the people affected.

Inside the museum you will find a collection of objects, documents and stories that tell the story of the conflict from its beginnings to its conclusion. The exhibits include multimedia material, photographs, and survivors' testimonies that provide a moving and personal view of the war. In turn, one of the most striking sections is dedicated to the horrors of the Holocaust.

The World War II Museum also focuses on Poland's role during the conflict, highlighting how the German invasion and Soviet occupation affected the country and its people. Through careful curation, the museum invites visitors to reflect on Polish resistance, the experiences of prisoners and the impact of the war on national identity.

The Stutthof concentration camp, located approximately 34 kilometres from Gdansk, is a place with a deep and painful history. Established in 1939, the camp was the first camp built by the Nazis in Poland and operated until May 1945. Originally designed as a forced labour camp, Stutthof quickly became a place of incarceration for thousands of prisoners.

Booking a tour of the Stutthof concentration camp from Gdansk is a moving and educational experience. The site has been transformed into a museum that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the camp and the horrors of the Holocaust. Here you can tour the original facilities, including the barracks, torture room and gas chamber, which remain intact.

Throughout its existence, it is estimated that more than 110,000 people passed through the camp and it is estimated that around 65,000 of them died due to inhumane conditions, forced labour and bloody executions.

One of the most harrowing aspects of Stutthof is its memorial, which pays tribute to the victims of the camp. This memorial space includes monuments and statues depicting the suffering and resistance of those who were imprisoned. In addition, the museum houses exhibitions featuring documents, photographs and survivor testimonies, providing a deeper insight into daily life inside the camp.

Westerplatte is a site of great historical importance because it is known to be the place where World War II began On 1 September 1939 German forces bombed the fortress on the Westerplatte peninsula, which housed a small Polish garrison, and this attack marked the beginning of the conflict in Europe.

Today, Westerplatte has become a memorial and tourist site that attracts visitors from all over the world. The peninsula has a number of monuments and sculptures that pay tribute to the brave soldiers who defended the position and one of the most iconic structures is the Westerplatte Defenders Monument, which depicts a Polish soldier resisting the onslaught of the Germans.

In addition to the monuments, Westerplatte offers views of the Baltic Sea and the city of Gdansk. Here you can find hiking trails along the peninsula, enjoy the natural scenery and explore the ruins of the old military installations that still remain in the area. The site also houses a museum that presents the history of the battle and the wider context of World War II.

If you want to discover a full skyline of the city from above, a visit to the Amber Sky Ferris wheel is a must. At over 50 metres high, this attraction has become a modernist symbol of Gdansk's cityscape. Located near the harbour, it offers panoramic views of the Old Town, the Motlawa River and the surrounding area, creating the perfect setting to enjoy the architectural beauty of the region.

Climbing the Amber Sky Ferris wheel is a thrilling experience that attracts locals and visitors alike. The glass capsules are designed for comfort and safety, allowing passengers to enjoy an unobstructed view. During the ascent, you can admire the colourful historic buildings and St. Mary's Basilica. In addition, if you go up during sunset, you will see the sky tinged with shades of gold and orange.

The strategic location of the Ferris wheel also makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other nearby attractions. Just a short walk away is the Old Town of Gdansk, with its rich history and a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, and the World War II Museum.

In the area around the Ferris wheel you can also find some of the best pubs in Gdansk, which you can visit on your own or as part of a guided tour.

Jelitkowo Beach, located on the Baltic Sea coast, is one of Gdansk's most popular destinations for those looking to enjoy natural beauty and ocean views. This golden sandy beach, surrounded by dunes and pine forests, offers a perfect space to relax, stroll and enjoy outdoor activities.

The Baltic Sea, meanwhile, has had a significant influence on the history and development of Gdansk. Since medieval times, the city has been built around its commercial port, and its proximity to the sea has facilitated trade and shipping. Gdansk, which was part of the Hanseatic League, benefited greatly from its access to sea routes, becoming a thriving centre of cultural and economic exchange.

In Jelitkowo, then, you can enjoy a variety of sea-related activities such as swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and paddle surfing, allowing you to make the most of the beauty of the Baltic. In addition, the beach has boardwalks that are ideal for walks, bike rides and family activities.

Oliwski Park is an oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty that encourages visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings. This historic park is designed in landscape style and stretches over 100 hectares, offering a mix of formal gardens, wooded areas and serene ponds.

Meandering paths and expansive meadows make Oliwski Park a perfect place to stroll, picnic or simply enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also a perfect place to rest between excursions or to cycle through when booking a bike tour in Gdansk.

In this park you can also find the Rose Garden, where you can admire a variety of roses in full bloom, especially during the summer months. In addition, the park is home to ponds where you can watch ducks and other waterfowl, and throughout the year Oliwski Park also hosts cultural events and open-air concerts.

Near Oliwski Park you can explore the Oliwa Palace and the Amber Museum, a material that has a deep connection with the city since medieval times.

Malbork Castle is one of the largest Gothic castles in Europe and has witnessed numerous historical events, from its role in the defence of Christianity to its participation in the Thirty Years' Wars and the history of Poland. Today, it is not only an architectural landmark, but also houses a museum that offers a comprehensive look at the region's medieval past.

At Malbork Castle you can visit the walls, towers and courtyards of the building that have been restored and preserved to reflect its original splendour. The complex includes several sections, such as the High Palace, where you can find rooms decorated with medieval crafts and exhibitions about the life of the Teutonic Order, who financed the original construction of the castle.

The architecture of the castle is undoubtedly one of the main reasons to visit. Its Gothic design, with terracotta bricks and elaborate detailing, reflects the mastery of the architects of the time. However, the interior display is very interesting and houses a collection of historical items such as armour, weapons and objects that will give you an insight into everyday life during the Middle Ages.

If you want to visit one of the most emblematic and picturesque arteries of Gdansk, you should walk along Mariacka Street, famous for its history and vibrant shopping atmosphere. This cobbled street, which connects St. Mary's Basilica to the harbour, is popular for its colourful Gothic and Renaissance-style houses, reflecting the city's rich architectural heritage.

Over the centuries, Mariacka has been an important meeting point for merchants and travellers, and today it remains a lively place where visitors can experience the essence of enigmatic Gdansk and find craft shops and art galleries displaying local products and unique souvenirs.

One of the most prominent attractions of the city and Mariacka is amber production. On this street you can find jewellery and handmade objects made from this material. In addition, this artery is dotted with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy Polish cuisine and local culture.