The moment you arrive in Gdańsk, you feel it—it’s that salty breeze from the Baltic mixed with the weight of history. We’re talking with Michal Brandt from the Gdańsk City Tourist Organization, who’s taking us on a personal walk through the highlights of this unique city in northern Poland.
Gdańsk, City that made history
“Gdańsk is a port city with over a thousand years of history. It played a key role in trade, saw the birth of the Solidarity movement, and was the site of the first shots fired in World War II,” Michal begins. We’re sitting on a bench along the Motława River, the iconic medieval Crane behind us.
“What makes Gdańsk truly stand out is the blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Hanseatic architecture. You feel German, Polish, and Scandinavian influences—yet it still feels deeply Polish, deeply Gdańsk.”
Only 4 days in Gdańsk? Here’s what not to miss
“Start in the Main Town—Długi Targ, Neptune’s Fountain, Artus Court… all walkable and full of character. But Gdańsk isn’t just about pretty facades,” Michal says, already pulling up more ideas.
- St. Mary’s Basilica: “It’s the biggest brick church in the world. Climb the tower—it’s 82 meters high and the view is unbeatable.”
- European Solidarity Centre: “Not just a museum, but a powerful space. Modern, interactive, very human. You’ll really understand the roots of freedom.”
- Westerplatte: “That’s where WWII began. Today it’s a calm place with ruins, paths, and powerful memorials.”
- Oliwa: “There’s a beautiful park and a cathedral with organ concerts. And if you want a great view, head to Olivia Star. It’s 140 meters up and you can see all the way to the Hel Peninsula.”
- Sopot: “A beach town with Europe’s longest wooden pier. Chill, charming, great for an afternoon or evening stroll.”
- Gdynia: “Younger, more modern. Check out the Museum of Emigration—especially if you like real human stories.”
The city and the sea – how they connect
“To understand Gdańsk’s connection with the sea, you need to get on the water,” Michal smiles. “Take a boat tour on the Motława. You’ll see the city from a whole new angle. Or take a ferry to Sopot—or even Hel, across the bay. It’s not just transport, it’s an experience.”
Prefer solid ground? Walk or cycle the seaside promenade between Brzeźno and Sopot. “You’ve got the sea on one side, locals playing frisbee on the other, and little food stalls in between. Perfect for a laid-back afternoon.”
Want nature? Michal recommends heading to Sobieszewo Island or the Vistula Spit. “Pine forests, sandy dunes, birds, seals, peace. You’ll feel like you’ve left civilization behind.”
For the curious, the independent, the urban explorers
When we ask Michal about non-touristy spots, his eyes light up.
“Gdańsk has this raw, industrial side that’s being reinvented,” he says.
One must-see: 100cznia – a post-shipyard space full of food trucks, bars made from shipping containers, live music, pop-up markets, and street art. “It feels somewhere between Berlin and a summer festival.”
Another is Ulica Elektryków – once an industrial street, now a nightlife and cultural hotspot. “In summer, there’s an outdoor stage, DJ sets, open-air cinema… all among cranes and warehouses. It’s gritty, wild, and full of life.
For something deeper, Michal suggests alternative walking tours around the old shipyard. “You’ll hear stories about workers, protests, and the birth of Solidarity. It’s moving—and incredibly photogenic with the rusty cranes and concrete halls. History meets urban decay meets creativity. In the best way.”
Tastes of Gdańsk City
What and where to eat and drink
“If you’re into food, you’re in for a treat,” Michal says, grinning.
- Fish & seafood: Try Baltic cod, smoked mackerel, or pickled herring at restaurants participating in the Tastes of Gdańsk initiative. These spots offer dishes based on 19th-century local recipes.
- Craft beer: Visit microbreweries like PG4 (right at the train station), Brodacz, or Stary Maneż. Each has its own character.
- Traditional Polish with a twist: Go for pierogi or kaszanka (blood sausage) at Pierogarnia Mandu or Zafishowani.
- Something special? Try Goldwasser, a herbal liqueur with real gold flakes, unique to Gdańsk. Or sample marzipan and pralines at Cukiernia Sowa or Pellowski bakeries.
- Michelin-starred flavor: Since June 2024, Gdańsk boasts its own Michelin-starred restaurant – Arco by Paco Pérez. Elixir received Poland’s first Green Star for sustainability. And many more have earned Bib Gourmand or recommendations.
Getting around Gdańsk – easy and local-friendly
“Transport’s simple,” Michal says.
From GDN airport, take bus 210 or 110, or the PKM train to Gdańsk Główny (main station). Inside the city, trams, buses, and SKM trains connect all neighborhoods—and nearby Sopot and Gdynia.
Tickets are cheap—around €1.10—and available from machines or mobile apps.
Michal recommends grabbing a Tourist Card, which includes free or discounted entry to major attractions, local transport, and restaurant deals. It comes in 24h, 48h, or 72h versions and can be bought online, at the airport, or at the European Solidarity Centre.
Got a car? Day trips worth the ride
“If you have wheels, the region opens up,” Michal says.
- Hel Peninsula: “Long, sandy, charming. Great for windsurfing, seal spotting, or exploring fishing villages.”
- Kashubia: “Hilly, full of lakes, its own dialect and folklore. Amazing for kayaking, hiking, and unplugging.”
- Malbork Castle: “The world’s largest brick Gothic castle. A real fortress. UNESCO-listed, only an hour away.”
- Słowiński National Park: “Massive shifting sand dunes. Feels like the desert… but next to the sea.”
- Łeba: “A small beach town near the dunes. Laid-back, family-friendly, good food.”
- Trójmiejski Park Krajobrazowy “If you want forests, streams, hills and bike trails – this is your green escape just outside the city.”
Final thought? Gdańsk isn’t just a place—it’s an experience
As we wrap up, Michal adds:
“Gdańsk isn’t one of those cities you forget the moment you leave. It stays with you. Maybe because of the history, maybe the sea, or maybe it’s just that little piece of amber you bring back in your pocket.”
