What to do in Gdansk: 10 Fun Activities for Tourists

Gdansk is one of the oldest cities in Poland and a popular tourist destination. Set on the Baltic coast, Gdansk’s cosmopolitan character, architectural landmarks, and restaurants offer something to see and do all year round. Here’s a list of 10 fun activities and attractions you won’t want to miss while in Gdansk.

1. Climb the Town Hall Tower

The Gothic Market Hall Town Hall, built in the late 13th century, is the most famous landmark in Gdansk’s Main Town. While visitors must pay a fee to enter the building and look around the museum, anyone can climb the steep 99 steps of the Town Hall Tower for free for a stunning view of the city.

2. Experience the Solidarity History

The Solidarity Movement was founded in Gdansk in 1980, a time when Poland was under communism. The movement quickly spread across the entire Eastern Bloc, eventually leading to its downfall. Now, those interested in learning more about the movement can visit the striking Gdansk Shipyards and Solidarity Museum. The museum explores political changes in Poland and provides a lived-in account of days gone by.

3. Check out St. Mary’s Church

The largest brick church in Europe, St. Mary’s Church is a glorious sight to behold from far and wide. Established in the 14th century, it underwent many reconstructions throughout the years and was under Nazi control during the Second World War. After winning it back from them, locals finally restored its Gothic beauty thanks to donations from parishes across Poland and abroad.

4. Take a Boat Trip

Gdansk is surrounded by water and what better way to explore it than by boat? Skipper a rented vessel, hop on a river cruise or take a romantic sunset tour and discover the canals and islands of the city from a unique perspective. With ancient towns like Westerplatte and Krynica Morska in view, you can easily envision life going on as it has for centuries.

5. Visit Art Galleries and Museums

Gdansk’s cultural scene is rich with galleries and museums that include everything from visual arts, history, and science to archaeology, photography, and modern culture. Visitors can explore one of the oldest galleries in the country at the National Museum of Gdansk or take in ancient artefacts from various civilisations at the Archeological Museum.

6. Admire Mannerist Architecture

Most of Gdansk’s architectural highlights date back to the 14th century but there’s one particular district that’s worth a visit for its Renaissance-style houses and buildings called the King’s Granaries. A walk through the streets of this district will reveal hundreds of old walls painted with murals and other unique features unique to this part of town.

7. Have Fun at Puddle Jumping Festival

In June each year, Gdansk becomes home to one of Poland’s quirkiest festivals – Puddle Jumping (chlapanie). Participants don hip waders and jump into puddles to get wet while trying to win paper boats painted gold, yellow or green. Fun competitions along with live music performances make this a unique experience you won’t want to miss.

8. Go Shopping

Long Street (Ulica Długa), which runs from Long Market Square to Uphagen’s House, has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops making it ideal for an afternoon stroll. Here you can buy locally-made souvenirs like amber jewellery or enjoy traditional dishes like Zurek soup (a sour rye soup) served with boiled egg and sausage.

9. Stop by Neptune Fountain

Formally known as the Long Market Fountain, this fountain dating back to 1615 celebrates Neptune, the god of rivers and seas. Located in front of Artus Court, this Baroque masterpiece stands twelve metres high with sculptures depicting Neptune himself and sylphs (female fairies) carrying his trident and seashells symbolising his strength.

10. Explore Oliwa Park & Zoo

For an afternoon filled with adventure and animal sightings, take a look at what the Oliwa Park & Zoo have to offer: tigers, monkeys, white rhinos, zebras… The list goes on! As well as a great variety of wildlife, visitors can also hike through nearby forests, explore plant benches or even take part in various workshops designed for both adults and children alike.

Whether you’d like to explore Gdansk’s more historical elements or get hands-on with events and activities, there is plenty to do here that will satisfy all types of tourists. Make sure to take take your time to soak up the atmosphere of this captivating city!

References:
Gdansk Town Hall Tower website,
Solidarity Museum website,
St Mary’s Church website ,
Oliwa Park & Zoo website.