I just got back from a trip to Gdansk, Poland visiting the city and also the currounding area in Sopot plus a day trip to the town of Słupsk. In this post I outline some of the features of our trip plus some of the Top things which we saw during this time in Gdansk. So please find below the Top 10 things to see in Gdansk Poland. If you have been and want to comment please feel free below to add your comments.
Top 10 Things to See in Gdańsk, Poland
If you’re heading to northern Poland, Gdańsk is a must-visit city – it is a lot smaller than I throught it would be (perhaps I was thinking it was going to be really large, but it is very walkable). Gdansk is located along the Baltic Sea, this historic gem offers a mix of charming streets, maritime vibes, and stories from centuries past. Here’s a quick list of the top 10 things you shouldn’t miss when exploring Gdańsk.
- Long Market (Długi Targ) – This colorful, lively street is the heart of the city. Lined with gorgeous buildings and cafes, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. We found a lot of great restaurants in this area but there is a ton of Pizza and Italian restaurants, which goes in the face of Polish authentic food. But we did find 2 great restaurants which I would really recommend. Restaurant Domininska which is at Garbary 2/4 just off the long market and Pan Papuga which is on Dluga 81/83. Both are amazing and I will write a review of both in the coming days.
- Neptune’s Fountain – Right in Long Market, this iconic statue of the Roman god of the sea is a favorite photo spot and a symbol of the city’s maritime roots. You can’t miss this fountain and it will be a great backdrop for a photo of our trip.
- St. Mary’s Church – One of the largest brick churches in the world! You can Climb to the top for an incredible view over the old town but we didn’t do this we took the other viewing point in the museum.
- The Crane (Żuraw) – This massive medieval port crane once helped load ships in Gdańsk’s busy harbor. Now it’s a cool reminder of the city’s seafaring history. The M3 crane is now a viewing opportunity.
- European Solidarity Centre – A modern museum that tells the powerful story of the Solidarity movement and how it helped end communism in Eastern Europe.
- Westerplatte – The site where World War II began. It’s a short trip from the city center and an important piece of history. I briefly visted but I’m not a person who likes war memorials or war museums so I just had a walk by.
- Amber Museum – Gdańsk is known as the “capital of amber,” and this museum showcases its beauty and how it’s been used for centuries. Thanks to my friend Owen he gave me a piece of Amber which he found on the beach – so I have a very special piece now.
- Mariacka Street – A picturesque, cobblestone street full of amber shops and charming old houses. This place is great to see near sunset as the light really hits the street with great beauty.
- Oliwa Park and Cathedral – A peaceful escape with beautiful gardens and a cathedral famous for its massive organ concerts.
- Motława River Promenade – Grab a drink, watch the boats, and enjoy the laid-back waterfront vibe.
Gdańsk mixes history, beauty, and culture effortlessly – and these spots are just the beginning. I am adding one more thing to see ….
11. Sopot – This is about a 20 minure train ride from Gdansk. There is a lot to see there including a great promenade, boat trips, a lovely beach, the museum of illusions, lots of cafes, great walking trails and much more. We did a 15km walk on the day we visited here so if you like walking you will enjoy Sopot.
I will add more to this review in the coming days.