Gdańsk is a magical port city on northern Poland’s Baltic coast. The town’s Dutch influence is apparent in the architecture, where narrow jewel-tone houses cram the cobbled streets, reminiscent of Amsterdam’s canal houses. While most of the city was destroyed during WWII, restoration efforts have returned the city to its former historic glory, which continues to charm visitors yearly.
To inspire your visit to this charming Baltic pearl, check out my six favorite things to do in Gdańsk, Poland.
1. Explore the Old Town
The Gdańsk Old Town is one of the most beautiful in Poland, featuring colorful houses crammed with lopsided charm, bustling plazas, regal gates, and scenic canals.
Entering through the formidable stone Brama Wyżynna, this 16th-century gate is your first taste of the Old Town. Passing through the Brama Złota (Golden Gate), a statue-adorned 17th-century arched gateway brings you to Długa. Stroll Długa’s pedestrian thoroughfare, lined by shops, restaurants, and a jumble of colorful buildings.
Partway down the pedestrian street you’ll encounter Neptune’s Fountain, a 17th-century bronze fountain featuring the god of the sea posing valiantly with his trident. Długa culminates at the Zielona Brama w Gdańsku (Green Gate), delivering visitors to the riverside promenade, overlooking the Motlawa River.
Parallel to Długa is Mariaka, a charming street renowned for its jewelry shops and amber vendors with views of St. Mary’s Church. Gdánsk is the amber capital of the Baltic states, making this little street the perfect place to marvel at figurines, jewelry, and even lampshades constructed from amber.
2. Kayak at Sunset
One of the highlights of my visit to Gdańsk was this sunset kayaking tour. The tour takes visitors through the city’s canals, taking in iconic sights like the Crane, the Gdánsk Shipyard, and more, introducing an entirely new perspective on visiting the city center. The tour culminates with sunset over the shipyard, before returning to the kayaking base.
The tour lasts 2.5 hours and is suitable for most abilities. I have experience kayaking, but the water in the canals is calm and the guide provides excellent instructions to make even novices feel comfortable.
3. Visit the Museum of the Second World War
Given its cultural significance, the Museum of the Second World War is a must-see while in Gdańsk, and is one of the city’s most visited landmarks. The main exhibition explains the build-up, experience, and aftermath of World War II on the Polish people through multimedia exhibits for an experience that is both impactful and melancholic.
4. Lunch at Ostro
Neopolitan pizza may seem like an odd recommendation when visiting Poland, however, multiple people recommended Ostro to me, and their pizzas are bursting with Italian authenticity. Located right on the water overlooking the canals, this chic little spot serves up woodfired pizza (I highly recommend the Burrata) and a robust list of Italian wines and cocktails.
5. Climb the tower at St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is a mammoth within the Gdańsk Old Town. This massive basilica is one of the largest brick cathedrals in the world, its rusty hue shining over the cobbled streets. Soaring Gothic arches highlight the simple white-washed interior, but the church’s crowning glory is the 78-meter tower.
After a 405-step climb, you’re greeted by 360-degree views of Gdańsk. The viewing platform overlooks the red-clay tile roofs and crowded rows of multicolored houses that line the streets of the Old Town with views out over the city canals.
The church and tower are open from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday-Saturday and 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sundays. The church is free to visit, but a small fee is charged to climb the tower (I think I paid about 10PLN) in cash only.
Most places take credit cards, so I didn’t take out much local currency; I just used one of the currency exchanges on the main square for a bit of cash for tips and small fees like the tower climb.
6. Shop Polish pottery
Although not famed for pottery like Bolesławiec, browsing the stunning collections of brightly decorated ceramic-ware was heaven in Gdańsk. I recommend the Bolesławiec Pottery Shop, a stunning little shop overlooking the canal with pottery galore, from mugs and sugar bowls to serving platters and pitchers.
Although in a touristic area, items were fairly priced. I purchased a beautiful coffee mug for €10 that would have easily cost $30+ in the USA.