Guide – Where Can I Find Traditional Crafts in Gdansk?

Gdansk is a very special city located at the southern coast of Baltic Sea in Poland. It has a shining rich past, full of cultural and artistic heritage. Visiting Gdansk can be an impressive and memorable experience, especially if you are looking for traditional Baltic crafts.

The traditional crafts of Gdansk encompass an immense range of creative works. You can find anything from one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces to hand-crafted sculptures and carpets. Gdansk is renowned for its intricate carvings and lavish embroidered clothes, as well as beautiful works of stained glass and cutwork. And all these treasures can be yours – all you have to do is explore the city’s workshops and boutiques.

If you are wondering where you can find traditional crafts in Gdansk, here is a list of the best places for you to visit:

1. Znajomi Zabytki

Znajomi Zabytki is a family owned shop specialising in unique and unusual souvenirs from Gdansk. Located in the heart of the city, the shop offers a wide range of items, such as carved wooden figurines, jewellery and handmade clothing. The shop’s most popular product is its signature hand-painted dolls, which are an unforgettable reminder of Gdansk’s culture and artistry.

2. Strefa Kultury

Strefa Kultury offers visitors a vast selection of handmade crafts from Gdansk, including intricately constructed toys, colourful pottery, and detailed glass artwork. This boutique also offers a number of one-of-a-kind items, such as high-quality carpets and hand-embroidered clothing. The prices vary depending on the kind of craftsmanship put into the product, so make sure you look around before purchasing something.

3. Arteteka

Arteteka boasts an impressive collection of handcrafted items from various Baltic areas. Items from this store range from authentic traditional costumes to unique gifts and souvenirs made from glass and ceramics. If you are looking for something special to take home with you from Gdansk, Arteteka is the place to go.

4. Centrum Sztuki Wspolczesnej

Centrum Sztuki Wspolczesnej, or The Contemporary Art Centre, is a gallery featuring all kinds of handmade crafts from Gdansk. Here you can find everything from sculptures to paintings, jewellery to glassware. These items are definitely worth checking out if you want to take home something extra special from your Gdansk trip.

5. Galeria Francuska

Galeria Francuska is a museum located in an old building, where you can admire traditional artworks from all over Poland and other Baltic countries. You can also find some of Gdansk’s finest traditional crafts here, including pieces crafted by local artists. You can also take part in lectures and workshops held here in order to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

These five places should be more than enough to get you started on your search for traditional crafts in Gdansk. And remember, if you want to know more about the city’s culture, don’t hesitate to ask around – locals know a lot more than any tourist guide!

For further information about finding traditional crafts in Gdansk, visit The Culture Trip, where you can find a detailed guide about this topic. Knowing about the city’s rich history and having the chance to get a hands-on experience with the craftsmanship can help you gain an even deeper appreciation of Gdansk’s culture and traditions.

Insider’s Guide: Exploring Gdansk for Traditional Crafts

Gdansk is a port city in northern Poland known for its ancient architecture, rich culture, and fascinating history. The city has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with a variety of traditional crafts produced by local artisans. Below is an insider’s guide for exploring Gdansk for traditional crafts:

Attractions

Gdansk is overwhelmed with a plethora of tourist sites that can keep visitors engaged for days. Some of the most notable ones are the St. Mary’s Church, the Gdansk Old Town, the European Solidarity Center, and Westerplatte.

St. Mary’s Church is one of the largest brick churches globally, dating back to the 14th century. Its striking design and beautiful architecture are some of the reasons visitors flock it. The Gdansk old town is a complete package for history buffs, boasting colorful facades, narrow streets, and a range of historical buildings, such as the Green Gate, Golden Gate, and Neptune’s Fountain. The European Solidarity Center showcases Poland’s struggle to defeat Communism and is arguably one of the most interactive museums globally. Westerplatte, a former military site, is a must-visit for those interested in World War II.

Traditional Crafts in Gdansk

Gdansk is renowned for its traditional crafts, which can be traced back centuries. Some of the most well-known traditional crafts in Gdansk are amber jewelry, pottery, leather goods, and sea-inspired merchandise.

Amber is one of the most frequent traditional crafts seen in Gdansk. Renowned for its beauty and quality, the city is often referred to as the Amber Capital of the World. Here, you can find anything from amber jewelry, souvenirs to historical artifacts. Visitors can check out the Artus Court for some of the best amber jewelry pieces in the city.

Another traditional craft is pottery. Located just outside of Gdansk, Boleslawiec is known for its high-quality pottery. Visitors can purchase plates, cups, and decorative pieces from the legendary Manufaktura Pottery Shop.

For leather goods, visit Eliza Design, a retail shop in the Gdansk Old Town. The shop offers handmade leather bags, wallets, and belts, all made by local artisans.

Lastly, Gdansk is a port city, and it is therefore no surprise that sea-inspired merchandise is a traditional craft found in the city. Visitors can purchase a range of maritime items, such as fish-shaped bottle openers, wooden boats, and anchors, from the Central Maritime Museum.

Dining spots

Traditional Polish food, also known as Polska Kuchnia, is one of the most delicious and filling cuisines globally, and Gdansk is no exception. The meals are a mix of meat, potatoes, bread, and vegetables, often seasoned with spices.

For a taste of traditional Polish food, visit the Pierogarnia Mandu, a charming restaurant in the Gdansk Old Town. Pierogies are a traditional Polish dish, and Mandu excels in making both savory and sweet variants. Another noteworthy place for traditional Polish food is Kuchnia Otwarta, a modern Polish restaurant with a range of dishes on the menu.

For a drink, visit Szafa Bar. This dive bar has one of the most extensive drink menus in the city, ranging from Polish beers, vodkas to cocktails.

Cultural experiences

Gdansk is flooded with cultural experiences for tourists to enjoy. One of the most notable ones is taking a stroll along Long Lane, a street filled with workshops and galleries selling traditional crafts and antiques.

Another cultural experience is the Gdansk Music Festival, held annually in the city. Visitors can listen to a range of music from different genres, with artists from around the world participating.

Local history

Gdansk has a rich history, with events that shaped the city having occurred over the centuries. One of the city’s most significant historical sites is the WWII-era Westerplatte, where the first shots were fired by Poland against Germany. Visitors can explore the barracks and the War Museum and learn about the events leading up to the war.

Another site steeped in history is the Solidarity Center, which played a significant role in toppling Communism in Poland. Visitors can take a guided tour of the center and learn about the events that led to Poland’s independence from the Soviet Union.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For adventurous tourists, Gdansk has several off-the-beaten-path suggestions. Visitors can take a horse carriage ride through the city’s forest and enjoy the tranquility offered. The ride goes through the stunning Oliwa Park, which has an impressive collection of exotic plants and animals.

Another option is visiting the Zaspa Graffiti Zone, an industrial port area that has become a hub for street art in the city. The artworks are diverse, colorful, and thought-provoking.

Conclusion

Gdansk is an excellent destination for tourists interested in exploring traditional crafts, immersing themselves in rich history, enjoying delicious food, and indulging in cultural experiences. Explore St. Mary’s Church, the Gdansk Old Town, and the European Solidarity Center, purchase amber jewelry, pottery, leather goods, and sea-inspired merchandise, and indulge yourself in traditional Polish food. Also, consider taking a horse carriage ride through the city’s forest, visiting the Zaspa Graffiti Zone, and getting acquainted with the city’s rich history. Whatever preference, Gdansk has something for everyone.