Best attractions in Gdansk: Top 28
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Not sure what to see in Gdansk, but already planning a trip to this fabulous Polish city? Then carefully study our rating. We will list those sights of Gdansk, which every tourist should see. With them your trip to Poland will be unforgettable and informative.
What to see in Gdansk first of all?
Listing all the interesting places of Gdansk could be endlessly long. Therefore, in our brief review we have included only those excursions in Gdansk that enjoy maximum success:
1. Royal Tract
From the High, Zlodejskie and Golden Gate begins the path of Polish monarchs. It leads to Targ Square along Dluga Street, and allows you to enjoy views of the traditional facades of Gdansk cottages. Along the road there is a large number of houses of great interest to fans of architecture. The Royal Route is the most famous urban route for tourists.
2. Neptune Fountain
The sculpture depicting the lord of the sea is located in front of the Palace, and demonstrates the city’s connection with the water element. The monument was built in 1615. If you do not know what to see in Gdansk in 1 day, but want to see the main symbols of Poland, come here.
3. Town Hall of the Main City
The building is located in the central part of the town square. It was originally built in Gothic style, but after a fire in the 16th century the facade acquired Renaissance elements. One of the main decorations of the building is an 80-meter dome topped with a statue of Sigismund the Second in gilt. Tourists can see the town hall not only from the outside but also from the inside. The Red Hall is particularly rich and splendid. After exploring the interiors, guests can pay a visit to a local restaurant, cafe and/or cultural center. A visit to such places of interest in Gdansk is a must.
4. Court of Artus
If you are fascinated by Medieval architecture, you won’t have to think long about where to go in Gdansk. The original feature of the Artus courtyard is the 10-meter high 16th century furnace decorated with beautiful depictions of monarchs and bas-reliefs. In the central part of the courtyard is a stacked image of D. Sauvizjal made of 520 handmade tiles. In addition, many valuable paintings and sculptures are kept here.
5. Mariatska Street
One of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in the city. All along its length are ancient stone mansions with lions and gargoyles, huge carved staircases, formerly belonging to the richest townspeople. In addition, now there are all kinds of souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and workshops. The best hotels in Gdansk are also located here. You should definitely take a walk down Mariatica Street.
Take a look at the beautiful sights of Gdansk in this exciting video!
6. The Abbey Palace in Oliva
A sumptuous Rococo building that was rebuilt from a 15th-century Gothic palace. After Poland was partitioned in the 19th century, the structure ended up being owned by a prominent German family. The Abbey Palace was not handed over to the city until the late 20th century.
7. Olive Cathedral
The famous cathedral, named after Oliwa, a historic part of the city. During its centuries-long history, the temple has been subjected to destruction and looting more than once. In particular, it suffered heavily from the raids of the Prussians. The building with its two 46-meter high towers with Baroque cupolas is incredibly beautiful. Equally beautiful are its snow-white interiors with numerous sculptures and natural wood panels. Inside the cathedral is a bas-relief with angels and over twenty altars. As well as a huge 18th-century organ with nearly eight thousand pipes. Reviews from those who have heard the sound of this instrument are invariably enthusiastic.
8. Church of St. Nicholas
A 12th-century Dominican church with an imposing and mysterious appearance. This Gothic church is one of the few that managed to survive World War II.
9. St. Mary’s Church
A 15th century temple complex, the construction of which lasted more than 150 years. The scale of the Gothic building is staggering, 66 meters by 105 meters. The church was partially destroyed during World War II, but later it was reconstructed. In the middle of the 20th century, after the restoration, the building was consecrated. Now it is a basilica, which can be visited for free by all comers. Inside is a copy of the “Last Judgment” by Memling and a beautiful altar created by M. Schwartz.
Official website: https://bazylikamariacka
10. Golden Gate
From the Golden Gate almost all of Gdansk Old Town begins. Walk down any street leading from this gate and you’ll find many amazing medieval-style mansions. There are ruined and reconstructed attics on the gates themselves. Opposite is the popular Amber Museum.
11. Green Gate
The construction of the structure made of small Dutch bricks was completed in the mid-16th century. It was intended to be the residence of the monarchs of Poland. However, apart from Maria Luisa, other members of the royal family did not stay in the building. The Green Gate is shaped like a palace with four entrances. Inside is now the National Museum of Gdansk. It also hosts important conferences, business meetings, and official celebrations of various festivities.
12. The Great Mill
An industrial building from the 14th century, built by the Teutonic Knights. It is the largest and most large-scale building in Europe, built and used for industrial purposes. Looking at the facility from the outside, you can understand what the ancient mills looked like. Inside is a shopping center. The mill wheels, however, remain in their original location.
13. Prison Tower
In the 14th century the structure was part of a defensive fortress. The structure was destroyed and rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. Therefore its appearance has changed considerably. In the 17th century the torture of the arrested was carried out in the Prison Tower. The prisoners sentenced to death were executed there. Now there is a museum inside the tower with sculptures, jewelry, icons and other items made of amber.
14. The Great Arsenal
The 17th century landmark, formerly used as a warehouse for gunpowder and weapons, is located at the beginning of Beer Street. It is a building with figures of guards on the facade and original pediments. As long as guides in Gdansk do not tell about the true purpose of the building, many tourists believe that they see a palace. Today, the Great Arsenal has a shopping center on the lower floors and the Academy of Fine Arts on the upper levels.
15. Gdansk National Museum
We should start with the museums of Gdansk with this national cultural center. The complex is located in a former church building. It was rebuilt in the 19th century. Guests of the museum can look at medieval sculptures, pencil drawings, etchings and thousands of paintings, including such famous masters as Memling and Möller.
16. Archaeological Museum
The collection of this museum is so vast that it has been allocated several buildings in different parts of the city. The main branch works on Mariatska Street and is located in a beautiful Renaissance mansion with stone sculptures at the entrance. If you do not know what to visit in Gdansk with the whole family and how to spend time with benefit, come here. You will be offered an unusual entertainment - a search for rare objects in the sand.
Official site: https://archeologia.
17. World War II Museum
The first shots of World War II in Poland were heard exactly in Gdansk. The museum exhibits show how the local population lived and what they did during that terrible time. Many of the specimens are interactive. The complex includes several special halls with exhibits telling the story of the many victims of World War II, as well as a bomb shelter.
Official website: https://muzeum1939
18. Westerplatte Memorial Complex
The main attraction of the Westerplatte Peninsula is the huge memorial. It also includes the remains of a bastion, a cemetery of soldiers killed during World War II, a ruined barracks and a bunker. The modern coastline, where the brutal fighting began, is a peaceful and tranquil corner of Gdansk.
19. Weikselmunde
As well as many other landmarks in Poland, this one has a rich and long history. The fortress was built back in the 15th century. In its appearance you can notice elements of various architectural styles. The object is of national importance as a historical monument. Until the 18th century there was a lighthouse on the main tower of the fortification.
20. Crane on the Motlawa
One of the main symbols of Gdansk, which can be seen in any photo. From afar, the structure looks like a piece of “tetris” or a huge birdhouse. However, in fact, in medieval times it was a normal port crane. It was built back in the 15th century, and then (as well as now) it was the largest crane in Europe. “Crane” is capable of lifting loads weighing up to four tons to a height of more than 10 meters. You can explore the structure from the inside, going up to the different floors. There are souvenir stores and restaurants nearby.
Official website: https://en.nmm.pl/crane
Gdansk sights: What else can I do in Gdansk?
We have listed for you the best attractions in Gdansk, and we are sure that our recommendations were of interest to you. If you have already seen all the listed historical and cultural monuments, take time to see such famous objects of the city as:
21. European Solidarity Center
“An “anti-Soviet” museum whose exhibits tell the story of the famous Solidarity association. The movement was organized at the end of the 20th century as a trade union. Representatives of the association fought with the country’s communist authorities.
Official website: http://www.ecs
22. Railway station
A luxurious Renaissance complex made of red brick at the end of the 18th century. The front entrance is decorated with heraldry. The 50 m high clock tower on the facade of the building also catches the eye immediately.
23. PGE Arena
The soccer arena, erected in 2011, can accommodate about 44,000 guests at a time. In this stadium you could see the Euro 2012 matches. In addition to soccer matches, festivals and music shows are held here. Bon Jovi, Pet Shop Boys and many other international stars gave concerts at the PGE Arena.
Official website: https://stadionenerga
24. Ferris Wheel
The tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, which takes half an hour to complete a full turn. The construction with 43 cabins and over 50 meters high started its operation about five years ago. The weight of the wheel is 350 tons.
25. Zoo
The date of the foundation of the zoo, approximately 135 hectares, is mid-0th century. The area is home to animals from literally every continent on earth. The inhabitants include such rare animals as pygmy hippos and Bongo antelopes. For younger guests there is a mini menagerie with guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, etc. Animals can be picked up and fed. Part of the zoo is set aside for the placement of figures of ancient animals in full size, including dinosaurs and lizards.
Official website: https://zoo.gda.pl/ru
26. Reda Waterpark
One of the newest and largest water complexes in Poland (opening date - 2016), able to host a huge number of vacationers. The area of the water park is closed, but there are several outdoor terraces with loungers. As well as other amusement parks in Gdansk, Reda is designed for both young and adult guests.
Official website: https://www.aquaparkreda
27. Gdansk Parks (Oliwski, Reagan, Orunski)
The old Oliwski Park is modeled on the gardens of France. It has a long alley lined with lindens, greenhouses, waterfalls and a colorful pond. Orunsky Park is no less beautiful. The extensive landscaped area has landscaped bike and hiking trails, its own pond and benches for relaxing. The Reagan Park in Trojegrad is cut with fabulous paths and leads to the sea beach. It is here that one of the most modern playgrounds in the country is located.
Official website: https://www.gdansk.
28. Jelitkovo beach
The water temperature of the Baltic Sea is cool. However, when you come to Gdansk you should not refuse to rest on the golden sands of the beach in Jelitkowo. The area is well equipped: there are entertainment areas for kids, cafes, cycling and jogging paths, green park.
We have told you about the main attractions of Gdansk briefly, and we hope that our rating will help you to compose your own fascinating sightseeing itinerary. Read also about Wroclaw attractions and get inspired for your further trip to Poland.
