Famous for Its Picturesque Restored Old Town and the Birthplace of the Solidarity Movement
Table of Contents
A. About Gdansk
Nickname: The Pearl of the Baltic
Gdansk, a scenic port city on Poland's Baltic coast, has a rich maritime history and was key to the Hanseatic League. Known for its charming Old Town with colorful facades, Gdansk feels unique compared to other Polish cities.
Although heavily damaged in World War II, the city has been meticulously restored.
As the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, Gdansk played a significant role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. The Westerplatte peninsula near Gdansk is where the first battle of World War II took place.
➕ The Good
Gdansk is well-situated on the Baltic coast, providing beautiful waterfront views.
Furthermore, Gdansk is affordable, there are numerous sights, and the city is clean and safe.
Gdansk boasts a rich culinary scene with traditional Polish dishes and seafood.
➖ Negative Aspects
Illustrated by the ranking score table, Gdansk has no real weak point. Remarkably, every category scores at least 5 out of 10, which is quite an achievement.
B. Best Things to Do in Gdansk in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
Overall, there are over thirty noteworthy sights in Gdansk, with the ones listed contributing to a score of 6.25/10 in this essential category.
# The Royal Way (Dluga Street) 6
Dluga Street is the main thoroughfare in Gdansk's Old Town, lined with beautiful historic buildings.
It stretches from the Golden Gate to the Green Gate, passing iconic landmarks like the Neptune Fountain.
by Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Medieval Crane (Zuraw) 6
The Medieval Crane, built in the 15th century, is one of Gdansk's most recognizable landmarks.
Once a port crane and city gate, today it houses a branch of the National Maritime Museum.
by Rafal Konkolewski / CC BY-SA 2.5
# Old Town 6
Gdansk's Old Town is a vibrant area filled with beautifully restored buildings and cobblestone streets.
by Andrzej Otrębski / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Oliwa Cathedral 6
The Oliwa Cathedral, originally built in the 12th century, is famous for its stunning Baroque organ.
It is located in the Oliwa district, within a beautiful park setting.
by Аимаина хикари / CC BY-SA 3.0
# St. Mary's Church (Bazylika Mariacka) 6
St. Mary's Church in Gdansk is the largest brick church globally, built between 1343 and 1502, featuring Gothic architecture and significant medieval artworks.
by Gyddanyzc / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Golden House 5
The Golden House in Gdansk is a 17th-century Mannerist townhouse, notable for its ornate gilded facade and architectural significance.
by Kenny McFly / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Museum of the Second World War (Muzeum II Wojny Swiatowej) 5
Opened in 2017, the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk features a striking design and extensive exhibits, highlighting the global and personal impacts of WWII.
by Jroepstorff / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Town Hall 5
Gdansk’s Town Hall, an architectural gem completed in the late 16th century, combines Gothic and Renaissance styles and serves as a museum of the city's history.
Visitors can climb the tower for a panoramic view of Gdansk's skyline, making it a popular attraction.
by Kenny McFly / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Artus Court 5
Artus Court, once a Hanseatic meeting hub, now a museum, features opulent interiors and significant historical artifacts.
by Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
#10 | Long Quay (Dlugie Pobrzeze) 5
Long Quay in Gdansk, a historic trade hub along the Motława River, features granaries, the Crane, and the National Maritime Museum, attracting many visitors.
The waterfront is lined with historic granaries, old merchant houses, and modern restaurants and cafes.
by Henryk Bielamowicz / CC BY-SA 4.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Gdansk
#11 | Long Market (Długi Targ) 5
Long Market, Gdansk's bustling pedestrian street, features historical landmarks, vibrant commerce, and cultural events, making it a lively city center.
by I, Pplecke / CC BY-SA 3.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Gdansk
MALBORK CASTLE 7
Malbork Castle, a 13th-century Teutonic Knights' fortress in northern Poland, is the world's largest brick castle and a UNESCO World Heritage site, consisting of three distinct sections.
Castle 🌍 World Heritage Since: 1997 | Distance from Gdansk: 62 km
by Gregy / CC BY-SA 3.0
Sopot 5
Sopot is a popular Polish seaside resort renowned for its long pier, sandy beaches, historic spa treatments, and cultural events at the Forest Opera.
City Distance from Gdansk: 12 km
by Emptywords / CC BY-SA 4.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Gdansk (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Gdansk for at least three entire days: