13 Things to do in Gdansk

Gdansk is a charming little city in Poland that is slightly off the beaten path when travelling through Europe. However, it is truly one of Europe’s hidden gems, with numerous activities available in Gdansk and the surrounding area.

History Of Gdansk

Gdansk is one of Poland’s oldest cities, with its first mention as a Polish city in 997. It was once one of the largest trading ports (particularly for grain), but during WWII, the city was ordered to be handed over to Germany. The people refused, so the city was bombed and nearly destroyed.

Since then, the city has attempted to rebuild itself using the same architectural style as before. There are many old buildings, but many parts of the city were built in the last five years, which is difficult to believe!

13 Things To Do In Gdansk

Amber Museum

Did you know that It is the world’s leading producer of amber? Every year, hundreds of pieces of amber are washed up on the Baltic shores, where they are collected, polished, and made into jewellery. Amber has a fascinating history and amazing healing properties, which you can learn about at the Amber Museum. The museum has an incredible amber jewellery collection and depicts the science behind how amber came to be. It costs 20 PLN (around $3) to enter and is well worth it

St. Mary’s Church

This massive basilica, built in 1502, ranks among the world’s top three largest brick churches. It can accommodate 25,000 people, and while the interior is not as ornately decorated as other churches, it exudes an old-world feel. You can’t miss the massive astronomical clock, which displays the moon phases, sun positions the zodiac signs, and the date and time. The clock was built in 1464.

Related post:15 Most Beautiful Churches in the World 2024

Old Town Gdansk

Walking tours are the most effective way to get your bearings in a new city! They’re one of my favourite things to do in a new city because they’re inexpensive (usually free, with the option to tip at the end), you learn about the city’s geography, and you have someone to recommend restaurants and activities during your stay. It is full of quaint streets and hidden history that your walking tour guide will undoubtedly point out to you.

Embankment

Take a walk along the embankment and discover some side streets, seaside cafes, and amber shops galore. There is one main bridge at the end that is always open to pedestrians, but the other bridge moves every half hour to allow boats to pass through!

The Gdansk crane, which was built in the 14th century, is also located on the embankment. Before electricity, the crane was powered by men walking inside two wooden wheels, as if they were trapped inside a giant hamster ball

Museum of the Second World War

The invasion of Poland during World War II began on September 1st, in Gdansk. As you might expect, the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk houses some fascinating historical artifacts from the war and the period in question. The exhibits are much more immersive, offering a unique and sometimes difficult-to-understand perspective.

Mleczny Piotr Art Exhibition

This art gallery, located just outside the city centre, hosts several artist workshops across the warehouse’s multiple floors. Not many people know about it, but there are several rooms filled with artwork and various exhibits. As you walk around the gallery, you might even see some of the artists at work in their workshops

Try Pączki 

Pączki is deep-fried donuts with jelly filling inside. The most traditional filling in Gdansk is rose, but other options include raspberry, Bavarian cream, lemon, chocolate, and more! They are delicious, and I highly recommend trying them if you are in Gdansk

Shopping at Gdansk Forum

This massive mall is a shopaholic’s dream, with multiple floors and spaces featuring both global brands and Polish specialities. You can spend hours in this upscale mall, which also features some interesting restaurants!

fact: the indoor river shown below is an original part of the city that has been preserved and incorporated into the shopping mall’s modern design.

Boat through the shipyard

Much of Gdansk is surrounded by water, so you can go out on the boats and see the city and shipyard from a different perspective. I love water, so this was one of my favourite experiences.

The seaside town of Sopot

Sopot, Poland, is a charming little town and a popular Polish seaside destination. Sopot is ideal for getting away from the city and enjoying a fresh sea breeze, and it offers a variety of activities. At Sopot, you can:

• Go to the beach (if you’re lucky, you might find some amber!)
• Visit Sopot Pier and stroll along Monte Casino Street.
• Explore the Sopot Museum.

Malbork Castle

The amazing Malbork castle is about an hour away from Gdansk. This castle is Europe’s largest brick castle and remains remarkably intact as a result of the Polish government’s restoration efforts.

I felt like I was on a movie set the entire time! The restoration is amazing, and there is a lot to see. One of the few castles I’ve visited where you can see how people lived.

European Solidarity Center

Learn about the Solidarity movement, a watershed moment in Polish history, through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. Step into the shoes of shipyard workers and admire the iconic Shipyard Gates.

Eat pierogis

Pierogis are Polish dumplings that come in a variety of flavours, including meat, fish, and vegetarian. You cannot leave Poland without trying some delicious pierogis

Final Thought

Gdansk, a captivating city on the Baltic Sea, has more than 13 Things to fall in love with. Gdansk promises an unforgettable experience with its rich history and stunning architecture, as well as vibrant markets and serene nature. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a charming escape, Gdansk has something for everyone. So come, explore, and discover the magic of the Baltic pearl.

FAQs About Gdansk