Gdansk Must See: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Gdansk is an historic port city located in the north of Poland on the Baltic Sea. With its attractive harbor, cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture, Gdansk is a beautiful destination for tourists of all ages. With a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore, Gdansk is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

History and Basic Facts

Gdansk has been a center of trade and commerce since the 12th century, and its location on the Baltic Sea has made it a major port city. It is one of the oldest cities in Poland, officially becoming part of the country in 1945. Gdansk has a population of around 460,000 and is the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship.

Gdansk has seen its fair share of tumultuous events throughout its long history. In 1939, it was the site of the first shots of World War II and was occupied by Nazi Germany until 1945. After the war, the city was rebuilt and has since become a popular tourist destination.

Popular Sights and Attractions

Gdansk is a city filled with attractions for tourists to explore. Its historic center is particularly popular, with its cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture and picturesque harbor. Here are some of Gdansk’s must-see attractions:

Old Town Hall

Located in the heart of Gdansk’s old town, Old Town Hall is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The building dates back to the 13th century and has been restored to its former glory after being destroyed during World War II. Today, it houses a museum filled with artifacts from the city’s past. Visitors can also climb the tower for stunning views of the city.

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church is one of Gdansk’s most impressive churches. The landmark dates back to the 14th century and is known for its distinctive brick facade and soaring interior. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Gdansk and even take part in a choral concert inside the church on certain days.

The Golden Gate

The Golden Gate is one of Gdansk’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally built in 1612, it is one of the city’s oldest surviving structures. It serves as both an entrance to Gdansk’s old town and a monument to its turbulent past. The gate is adorned with statues depicting scenes from the city’s history and is surrounded by lush gardens.

Uphagen’s House

Uphagen’s House was built in 1776 and is one of Gdansk’s oldest surviving buildings. It is now a museum dedicated to the city’s history, with exhibits showcasing artifacts from Gdansk’s past as well as works by local artists. Visitors can also explore the house’s attractive garden, which features sculptures and fountains.

Gdansk Shipyard

The Gdansk Shipyard was once one of Europe’s largest shipyards and was the site of the famous Solidarity movement in 1980. Today, it is a museum dedicated to Gdansk’s industrial past and is home to exhibits showcasing the history of shipbuilding in Poland.

Activities and Entertainment

Gdansk is home to plenty of activities and entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the city’s top attractions:

Long Market

Gdansk’s Long Market is one of its most popular attractions. Located in the heart of Gdansk’s old town, it is lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to local handicrafts. There are also plenty of cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or just people watch from one of the many outdoor tables.

Amber Museum

Gdansk is known for its amber industry, so it makes sense that there is an amber museum in the city. Located in a former church, the museum houses displays filled with amber from all over the world as well as interactive exhibits that teach visitors about amber production in Poland.

ZOO Gdansk

ZOO Gdansk is one of Poland’s largest zoos and is home to hundreds of animals from all over the world. Visitors can see everything from lions and tigers to monkeys and giraffes in their natural habitats. The zoo also has plenty of attractions for children, including a petting zoo and rides.

Popular Tours

For those looking for an easier way to explore Gdansk, there are many tours available that will take visitors around the city and highlight its main attractions. Here are two popular tours that visitors should consider:

Gdansk Walking Tour

Discover Gdansk on foot with this three-hour walking tour that takes visitors through the city’s historic center. The tour starts at Old Town Hall and takes visitors through cobblestone streets lined with churches and monuments dating back centuries. Visitors will learn about the city’s history as they explore, as well as its unique culture and cuisine.

Gdansk Boat Tour

See Gdansk from a different perspective with this two-hour boat tour on the Motlawa River. Visitors will cruise down the river, passing by some of Gdansk’s most iconic sights, such as St Mary’s Church, The Golden Gate and Uphagen’s House, as well as other interesting attractions such as bridges, ships and waterfront restaurants. The tour also stops at various points along the way so visitors can take photos or explore further on their own.

Conclusion

Gdansk is a beautiful port city filled with history, attractions and plenty of things to do for tourists of all ages. From exploring cobblestone streets lined with Gothic architecture to enjoying a boat tour on the Motlawa River, there is something for everyone in Gdansk. With its rich history, beautiful sights and plenty of activities to choose from, Gdansk makes for an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.