Best Things To Do in Gdansk

If you plan to visit Poland you should know that this country has much more to offer than its capital Warsaw and the imperial Krakow. Gdansk is one of its most important cities and to all its medieval charm it adds its tradition as a port town and a great number of museums and cultural attractions.

Among the best things to do in Gdansk is to visit the Catholic Basilica of St. Mary, take a cruise on the Motlawa River, visit the Museum of World War II, discover Westerplatte or visit the Stutthof concentration camp, which is located on the outskirts of the city a few kilometers from its historic center.

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

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

Also, near this church are several sites of interest that complement the experience of the visit. Among these attractions you will find the Green Gate, the Glowne Miasto district, with its cobblestone 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 touring the Motlawa on a cruise 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 colorful buildings of the old town, the facades of the Long Market and the activity of the boats leaving from or arriving at the port.

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 serve for loading and unloading goods, is a symbol of the city's commercial importance in the Hanseatic League.

Booking a cruise tour 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 outdoor 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 during 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, symbolizes the complexity and devastating impact the war had on Poland.

Through its exhibits, the museum seeks to offer a broad and nuanced view of the events that marked World War II, 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. 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 kilometers from Gdansk, is a place with a deep and painful history. Established in 1939, this camp was the first one built by the Nazis in Poland and operated until May 1945. Originally designed as a forced labor 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. At this site 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 around 65,000 of them died due to inhumane conditions, forced labor 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 endurance of those who were imprisoned. In addition, the museum houses exhibits featuring documents, photographs and survivor testimonies, providing a deeper insight into daily life inside the camp.

Westerplatte is a site of great historical significance because it is known to be the place where World War II began. On September 1, 1939 German forces bombed the Westerplatte peninsula fortress, 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. At this site you can find trails that run along the peninsula, enjoy the natural scenery and explore the ruins of former military installations that still remain in the area. The site also houses a museum that presents the history of the battle and the broader context of World War II.

If you want to discover a full skyline of the city from above, you can't miss the Amber Sky Ferris wheel. More than 50 meters high, this attraction has become a modernist symbol of Gdansk's urban landscape. Located near the harbor, 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.

Riding 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 colorful 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 Ferris wheel's strategic location also makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other nearby attractions. Just a short walk away is Gdansk's Old Town, with its rich history and a variety of stores, 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 navigation. Gdansk, which was part of the Hanseatic League, benefited greatly from its access to sea routes, becoming a thriving center 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 hiking, biking and family activities.

Oliwski Park is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty that encourages visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings. This historic park is landscaped in landscape style and spans 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 tour it 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 offers 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 to 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 defense 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 building's walls, towers and courtyards that have been restored and preserved to reflect its original splendor. The complex includes several sections, such as the High Palace, where you can find rooms decorated with medieval crafts and exhibits on the life of the Teutonic Order, which financed the original construction of the castle.

The architecture of the castle is undoubtedly one of the main reasons to visit it. Its Gothic design, with terracotta bricks and elaborate details, 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 armor, weapons and objects that will give you an insight into daily 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 commercial atmosphere. This cobblestone street, which connects St. Mary's Basilica to the harbor, is popular for its colorful 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 travelers, and today it remains a lively place where visitors can experience the essence of enigmatic Gdansk and find craft stores and art galleries displaying local products and unique souvenirs.

One of the most outstanding attractions of the city and Mariacka is the production of amber. On this street you can find jewelry 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.