Top 15 must see cities in Gdansk - Poland

1. Long Market (Długi Targ) – Gdańsk’s Historic Heartbeat

Once the centre of trade and political life in the Hanseatic city of Gdańsk, Long Market (Długi Targ) dates back to the 13th century. Today, it’s one of the most vibrant and photogenic spots in Poland, framed by pastel-colored merchant houses, ornate facades, and historical landmarks. At its heart stands Neptune’s Fountain, a 17th-century bronze sculpture symbolising Gdańsk’s connection to the sea.
Długi Targ seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern energy, from street performers and local artists to café terraces buzzing with conversation. It’s also where you’ll find the majestic Main Town Hall, whose clock tower offers panoramic views over the city.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–2 hours (longer if exploring museums or dining)
• Best Time: Morning for fewer crowds, evening for golden-hour light

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: No ticket needed — public square
• Extra Experiences: Town Hall entry approx. 16 PLN
• Tip: For Main Town Hall tower access, visit earlier in the day to avoid queues

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Neptune’s Fountain: Classic angle with the Artus Court behind
• Golden House (Złota Kamienica): Intricately decorated facade near the fountain
• At sunset: Capture warm glows on the colourful buildings

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Uphagen House: A preserved 18th-century merchant home just off the street
• Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre: A modern marvel with a retractable roof
• Mariacka Street: A short walk away, known for its romantic amber shops and stone terraces

Address: Długi Targ, 80-833 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Brama Wyżynna (7-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

2. St. Mary’s Basilica – Europe’s Largest Brick Church

Towering over Gdańsk’s skyline, St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka) is a Gothic masterpiece constructed entirely from brick. Completed in 1502, it can accommodate up to 25,000 people and remains one of the largest brick churches in the world. The structure blends raw medieval power with artistic finesse — inside, you’ll find the intricate 15th-century astronomical clock, beautiful altarpieces, and impressive vaults.
Climb the 405 steps to the bell tower for unmatched views of the city and the Baltic Sea beyond.

Visit Info
• Duration: 45–90 minutes
• Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: On-site or official website
• Tickets: Free entry to church; tower access around 16 PLN
• Tip: Bring water — the tower climb is steep but worth it

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• From the tower: Gdańsk rooftops and Motława River
• Interior: The astronomical clock and stained-glass windows

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Mariacka Street: Just steps away for post-visit coffee and amber browsing
• Literacka Restaurant: Romantic garden seating with local dishes

Address: Podkramarska 5, 80-834 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Hucisko (10-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

3. The Crane (Żuraw) – Medieval Maritime Icon

Dating back to the 15th century, the Crane was once the largest working port crane in medieval Europe. Stretching over the Motława River, it played a key role in Gdańsk’s golden era of maritime trade. Today, it’s part of the National Maritime Museum and offers visitors a look into the city’s powerful seafaring past.
Walk through the giant wooden structure and imagine life when this machine lifted barrels and ship masts with nothing but manpower.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Best Time: Midday for best lighting on the riverfront

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: National Maritime Museum site
• Tickets: Around 16 PLN (combo passes available)
• Tip: Combo ticket includes the Soldek ship and other museum branches

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• From across the river for a full-frame shot
• Reflections at dusk on the water

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Motława Promenade: Great for riverfront dining and gelato
• Soldek Ship Museum: A post-war Polish-built freighter next door

Address: Szeroka 67/68, 80-835 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Brama Wyżynna (15-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

4. European Solidarity Centre – Cradle of Polish Freedom

Opened in 2014, this cutting-edge museum tells the story of the Solidarity movement that began in the Gdańsk Shipyard and helped dismantle communism in Eastern Europe. The rust-colored building symbolizes ship hulls, while the inside offers interactive exhibits, rare footage, and personal accounts from the workers who shaped history.
It’s more than a museum — it’s a moving tribute to courage, resilience, and the power of peaceful protest.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Best Time: Weekdays for quiet exploration

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Official website or on-site
• Tickets: Around 25 PLN; free on Mondays
• Tip: Get the audio guide — it adds depth and English narration

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Exterior: Industrial, raw, and symbolic architecture
• Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers just outside

Hidden Gems Nearby
• 100cznia: Boho outdoor market and food court just 5 minutes away
• Street Art Walk: Industrial murals in the nearby shipyard area

Address: Plac Solidarności 1, 80-863 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Stocznia SKM (3-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

5. Mariacka Street – Gdańsk’s Most Charming Lane

A romantic cobbled street framed by terraced townhouses and ornate gargoyle drainpipes, Mariacka Street is a step back in time. Once home to Gdańsk’s wealthiest merchants, today it’s famed for amber jewellery shops, artist studios, and candlelit cafés.
The street is particularly atmospheric after dark, with gaslamp-style lighting casting shadows on its stone terraces.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–60 minutes
• Best Time: Early evening for ambience and window browsing

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Free to visit
• Shopping Tip: Prices are best outside peak summer months
• Tip: Watch artisans handcraft amber inside several boutiques

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Under the arches of the stone steps
• From St. Mary’s Church, looking down the lane

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Café Kamienica: Cosy cellar café serving cakes and mulled wine
• Amber Museum: Learn how the “Baltic Gold” is formed and valued

Address: Mariacka Street, 80-833 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Hucisko (10-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

6. Museum of the Second World War – World-Class Storytelling

One of the most acclaimed WWII museums in the world, this architectural marvel dives deep into the causes, impact, and global context of the conflict. Opened in 2017, it features immersive exhibits, real artifacts, and emotional narratives that go beyond the battlefield.
The building’s slanted red structure piercing the ground symbolizes the tension between the past and present.

Discover the story about the Museum of the Second World War - Click here…

Visit Info
• Duration: 2–3 hours minimum
• Best Time: Morning for uninterrupted focus

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Official website recommended
• Tickets: Around 25 PLN
• Tip: Arrive early — it’s large and thought-provoking

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Outside: Striking architectural design
• Inside: Warsaw street replica in underground exhibit

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Ferris Wheel: Next to the museum for a scenic ride
• Mamma Mia Zielona Pietruszka: Italian-Polish fusion eatery

Address: Plac Władysława Bartoszewskiego 1, 80-862 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Muzeum II Wojny Światowej (2-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

7. Oliwa Cathedral & Park – Music and Nature in Harmony

Located in the Oliwa district, this serene cathedral is famous for its monumental organ, which bursts to life during live recitals with hundreds of pipes, moving angels, and rotating suns. The adjacent Oliwa Park features winding paths, duck ponds, and botanical gardens — perfect for a peaceful escape.
A must-visit for architecture buffs, nature lovers, and music enthusiasts alike.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Best Time: Organ concerts (typically noon and afternoon)

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Entry free; small fee for tower access
• Tip: Check recital times online in advance

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Inside: Ornate organ and high ceilings
• Outside: Reflections in the park’s long canal

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Japanese Garden: Zen oasis within Oliwa Park
• Abbot’s Palace: Rococo gem now housing modern art

Address: Biskupa Edmunda Nowickiego 5, 80-330 Gdańsk, Poland
Train Stop: Gdańsk Oliwa (10-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

8. Westerplatte – Where World War II Began

Westerplatte holds immense historical weight — it was here, on September 1st, 1939, that the first shots of World War II were fired. The ruins of military barracks, memorial plaques, and the towering Monument to the Defenders of the Coast commemorate the brave Polish soldiers who resisted a week-long siege against overwhelming odds.
This peninsula offers more than history; it’s also a peaceful walk by the sea, with breezes and views across the Gdańsk Bay.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Best Time: Late afternoon for dramatic lighting over the water

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Free entry, open-air site
• Tip: Take a guided boat tour from the Old Town for a scenic approach

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Monument with a Polish flag waving beside it
• Overgrown ruins for atmospheric, reflective shots

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Westerplatte Guardhouse No. 1: Small but powerful museum
• Ferry ride: A relaxing and scenic route back into Gdańsk

Address: Westerplatte, 80-001 Gdańsk, Poland
Transport: Water tram from Old Town or bus 106/138

For more pictures, click here.

9. AmberSky Ferris Wheel – A View from Above

Set on Granary Island along the Motława River, the AmberSky offers a 50-meter high perspective of Gdańsk’s historic core. Each climate-controlled cabin gives you a bird 's-eye view of the city’s iconic red rooftops, church spires, and waterfront promenades.
Ideal for a relaxed break in between sightseeing, especially during golden hour or after sunset when the city lights up.

Visit Info
• Duration: 15–20 minutes
• Best Time: Dusk for stunning city views

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: On-site ticket booth
• Tickets: Around 35 PLN
• Tip: Less crowded in the morning

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Top of the wheel for panoramic reels
• Ground-level shots with wheel reflections on the river

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Polish Linden Ice Cream Bar: Natural flavours right by the base
• Chleb i Wino: Elegant wine bar & bistro 2 minutes away

Address: Ołowianka 1, 80-751 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Targ Rybny (8-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

10. Artus Court – Gdańsk’s Merchant Legacy

This ornate Gothic-Renaissance mansion was once the meeting place for wealthy merchants and city elites. With its lavish interiors, gilded decorations, and towering tiled stove, Artus Court reflects Gdańsk’s golden age during the Hanseatic League era.
Named after King Arthur’s legendary court, the building now serves as a museum showcasing the city’s civic pride and artistic achievements.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Best Time: Mid-morning before tour groups arrive

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Gdańsk History Museum or on-site
• Tickets: Around 16 PLN (combo with Town Hall possible)
• Tip: Look up — the ceiling is just as stunning

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Inside: The 10.6-meter tiled heating stove
• Outside: View from Neptune’s Fountain for classic city visuals

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Literature Café: Books, coffee, and jazz tucked into a quiet courtyard
• Dom Harcerza: Small tower with open-air views next door

Address: Długi Targ 44, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Brama Wyżynna (7-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

11. Motława River Promenade – Waterfront Life & Views

Stretching along both banks of the Motława River, this promenade is the perfect place to soak up Gdańsk’s maritime charm. Historic granaries, docked ships, and sleek restaurants line the waterfront, with street performers and market stalls adding energy.
Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll, hopping on a river cruise, or people-watching from a riverside café, this area is the city’s open-air stage.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Best Time: Sunset stroll or evening drinks

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Free access
• Tip: River cruises and pirate-themed boats leave hourly in peak season

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Footbridge to Granary Island: Stunning city views from the middle
• Reflections of the Crane at dusk

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Bazar Natury: Local food and crafts market
• Boat & Bike Rental: Explore the water your way

Address: Along the Motława River, Gdańsk Old Town
Tram Stop: Brama Wyżynna (10-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

12. Gdańsk Main Town Hall – View from the Top

With its tall, ornate spire and clock tower overlooking Długi Targ, the Main Town Hall is both a visual centrepiece and a treasure trove of history. Inside, richly decorated halls feature ceiling paintings, royal portraits, and original furnishings from Gdańsk’s ruling days.
Climb the narrow staircase to the top for one of the best views in the city.

Visit Info
• Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Best Time: Early in the day for tower access

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Museum of Gdańsk
• Tickets: Around 16 PLN (combo with Artus Court)
• Tip: Entry included in some Gdańsk tourist passes

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Tower: Panoramic rooftop views over Old Town
• Red Room: Baroque opulence in full display

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Golden Gate: Just around the corner for architecture lovers
• House of Uphagen: Residential history museum nearby

Address: Długi Targ 46/47, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Brama Wyżynna (5-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

13. Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów) – Gdańsk’s Trendy Rebirth

Once home to hundreds of granaries storing grain from across Europe, this island has been reborn into a hub of stylish hotels, eateries, and modern architecture. The contrast of old ruins with sleek glass structures gives the area a unique visual appeal.
Stroll the boardwalk, enjoy riverside dining, or hop on a water taxi for a new angle on the city.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1 hour
• Best Time: Nighttime for vibrant lights and energy

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: No ticket needed
• Tip: Best enjoyed during dinner — perfect sunset backdrop

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Footbridges with reflections of neon signs
• Granary ruins at blue hour

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Restauracja TRUE: Authentic Baltic cuisine with seasonal menus
• The Docks Craft Beer & Burgers: Locally brewed selections

Address: Wyspa Spichrzów, 80-750 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Chmielna (8-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

14. Golden Gate (Złota Brama) – Gateway to the Royal Route

Marking the western entrance to the historic Long Street, the Golden Gate is an ornate, triumphal arch built in 1612. Designed in Dutch Mannerist style, it features allegorical sculptures representing virtues like Peace, Freedom, and Wealth — values tied to the city's prosperous past.
Walk beneath it and step into the Royal Route once reserved for kings and dignitaries.

Visit Info
• Duration: 15–20 minutes
• Best Time: Early morning for uninterrupted photos

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Free to visit
• Tip: Climb the nearby Town Hall tower for the best aerial view

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Straight down Długa Street from under the arch
• Detail shots of the stonework and Latin inscriptions

Hidden Gems Nearby
• AmberSky Souvenir Gallery: Unique handcrafted finds
• St. George Brotherhood House: Rarely noticed Gothic gem next door

Address: Długa 1, 80-827 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Brama Wyżynna (2-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.

15. Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre – Where the Roof Opens to the Sky

An architectural gem with a black-brick façade, this innovative theatre is a tribute to Gdańsk’s deep ties with Elizabethan drama. In the 17th century, English actors regularly performed in the city. Today, the retractable roof and courtyard-style stage recreate the open-air magic of the Globe Theatre in London.
Whether you catch a live play or just take a guided tour, the building itself is an experience.

Visit Info
• Duration: 45–90 minutes
• Best Time: During an evening performance or sunset tour

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Online or theatre box office
• Tickets: Vary by performance (tours ~20 PLN)
• Tip: Summer shows often sell out — book early

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Rooftop terrace for cityscape shots
• Interior balconies and stage area

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Café Shakespeare: Quirky themed café with excellent coffee
• Targ Węglowy: Historical square steps away, great for people-watching

Address: Wojciecha Bogusławskiego 1, 80-818 Gdańsk, Poland
Tram Stop: Brama Wyżynna (3-minute walk)

For more pictures, click here.