The Best Travel Guide to Gdansk (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Gdansk

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Overview

Nearby guides
Poznan
Bydgoszcz

Gdansk The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

The Tricity area consists of three different urban bodies linked by their unique location on Gdańsk Bay (Zatoka Gdańska) and separated from the rest of the world by post-glacial moraines. Gdańsk is a thousand years old, and is the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship with high architectural and cultural values, joined with Sopot, the most famous health resort and spa, which is located next to Gdynia, a modernistic, cutting-edge city.

Facts

Population:	461,800
Currency:	1 Polish zloty = 100 groszy
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency Number: 112 Police: 997 Fire brigade: 998 Medical: 999
Opening hours:	Shops in Gdansk are usually open 11.00 to 19.00, Monday-Friday and 07.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays.
Tourist information:	Information Office 45 Dluga Str +48 58 301 91 51 / +48 58 301 37 52 Opening hours : 09.00-18.00 Monday-Friday, 10.00-16.30 Saturday-Sunday 28/29 Długi Targ street. +48 58 683 54 85 / +48 58 301 43 55 Opening hours : 09.00-19.00 Monday-Saturday, 09.00-19.00 Sunday

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Section in Gdansk

Most tourist attractions are in the Main Town along or near Ulica Długa (Long Street) and Długi Targ (Long Market), a pedestrian thoroughfare surrounded by buildings reconstructed in historical (primarily 17th century) style and book-ended by elaborate city gates.

Great Crane (Zuraw)

Great Crane (Zuraw)

This is Gdansk’s most famous landmark, a crane that was used to lift heavy goods and place masts onto ships’ decks. Today, it houses a branch of the city’s maritime museum in the crane.

Long Street and Long Market

Long Street and Long Market

Stretching from the Upland Gate to the Green Gate, this is one of the most beautiful areas of Gdansk. Wealthy townsfolk used to live along Long Street, Ulica Dluga, and around Long Market, Dlugi Targ.

St. Mary’s Church (Kosciol Mariacki)

St. Mary’s Church (Kosciol Mariacki)

Rumoured to be the world’s largest brick church, St. Mary’s can hold up to 25,000 people. For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the 405 steps to the top of the 78-metre tower. Inside the church, you’ll find a 14-metre astronomical clock. Pop by at noon to see Adam and Eve tolling a bell atop the clock.

National Museum

National Museum

Housed in a 15th century Franciscan monastery, this museum is truly stunning. On display is a wide range of Gothic artwork. The flagship piece of the museum is Hans Memling’s triptych "Last Judgement."

Three Crosses Monument

Three Crosses Monument

At the gates of the Gdansk shipyard, this 42 metre tall steel monument commemorates the shooting of dock workers during a strike in December 1970. More than 1,000 workers were injured and 42 killed when the communist government authorized the army to fire at striking workers.

Westerplatte

Westerplatte

This peninsula, north of Gdansk, is the site where World War II began, when Nazi German battleship Schleswig-Holstein fired at a Polish garrison on the coast. Visitors can now visit the ruins of the peninsula’s barracks and blockhouses, one of which has been converted into a museum.

Old Town

Old Town

This area was almost completely destroyed during war time but has later been rebuilt and is now one of the most popular attractions in the city. Stroll along the narrow pebbled streets, lined with beautiful old buildings and feel the old-time atmosphere.

Oliwa Cathedral

Oliwa Cathedral

This cathedral, located in a tranquil park in the outskirts of Gdansk, holds beautiful artworks in several different styles, such as Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classical style. The organ is something in itself. If you happen to be there when it is played on, don't miss to take a look at the moving wooden figures on top of it.

Oliwa Zoo

Oliwa Zoo

This large zoo with lots of exotic animals is fun for the whole family. It is located in the area of Oliwa but is easy to access with local transport. Since the park is quite big, don't forget to put on your walking shoes and bring some snacks and drinks.

Baltic Opera

Baltic Opera

Finally in 1950, this opera house could open up its doors, after a war period when all opera and theatre stages in Gdansk were destroyed by the Red Army. Since then it has been well visited by a cultural interested crowd. Several different music and dance performances are held here every year.

Neptune's Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna)

Neptune's Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna)

Most visitors of Gdansk just wander right into this beautiful fountain it when strolling around the city. The square where it is located, is almost always crowded and this is not only a must photo shoot for tourists but also a popular meeting spot for the locals.

Town Hall (Ratusz)

Town Hall (Ratusz)

The town hall of Gdansk is mostly visited because of its high tower and the spectacular view you have from here. While you are here, visit the small museum too. Here you are able to see lots of photos of the almost completely destroyed city during World War II.

Polish Post Office Museum

Polish Post Office Museum

This small museum shows a piece of very important history. The courage of the postal workers during World War II, is exhibited in different ways and visitors are often touched by the stories told here. It also shows the history of the Polish postal system.

Brzezno Beach and Pier

Brzezno Beach and Pier

Gdansk is a city by the sea and just 15 minutes from the city centre, you find Brzezno Beach and Pier. This is a 500 metres long sandy beach with restaurants and bars. The pier, built in the late 19th century, also serves visitors with cafés and toilets.

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