Gdańsk, a city with a rich and turbulent history, is today one of the most popular tourist goals in Poland. Located on the Baltic Sea, it attracts with its unique architecture, picturesque streets and cultural heritage.
Unique character of the city
Gdańsk is a city that phenomenally connects the past with the present. The Old Town , rebuilt after the destruction of World War II, impresses with the style of the 15th century. Each building has its unique history here. The European Solidarity Center is a modern interactive museum that talks about strikes at the Gdańsk Shipyard and the birth of Solidarity. The Museum of World War II allows you to immerse itself in history, while being a modern and engaging place.
Długa street (ul. Długa) and Street Mariacka are the heart of Gdańsk, full of historic tenement houses and historical points. Mariacka Street is particularly known for its unique buildings and atmospheric cafes. The St. Mary's Church, the largest brick church in the world, has dominated the city since 1379. Oliwa Park and the Oliwska Archcathedral offer calmer moments among greenery and historical gardens.
Westerplatte is a symbolic place, known as the beginning of World War II. It is an ideal place to reflect on the history of Europe. The Motława quay (long coast) is a picturesque walking path, offering beautiful views of the river and historical buildings passing by. You can not miss the Neptune fountain, one of the most recognizable symbols of Gdańsk, dating at 1633.
The main attractions of Gdańsk
Old Town - the heart of the historic Gdańsk
The Old Town in Gdańsk is the oldest part of the city, located in the northern part of the Śródmieście district. It is the quintessence of the Gdańsk spirit, with its historic buildings and characteristic streets. Among the significant structures include: Gdańsk mills, the Town Hall of the Old Town, the church of St. Katarzyna, the main railway station of Gdańsk, monument to King Jan III Sobieski, Poczta Polska and a monument to the defenders of Poczta Polska, the House of Presbyter in the Mannerist style, House of the abbot of Pelplin, monument to Jan Heveliusz, a monument to the fallen shipyard workers of 1970, the Library of the Polish Academy of Sciences, as well as many old tenement houses, granaries and churches.
Długi Targ - Historical and Cultural Axis
The long market, also known as a long street, is one of Gdańsk's most significant tourist attractions. It is located between the end of Długa Street and the Green Gate. It was founded in the 13th century as a trade road leading to the oval market. From the Teutonic times, it has been the main thoroughfare of the city. There were houses of the most prominent and rich inhabitants of the Royal City of Gdańsk. It was also a place of execution of witches, heretics and noble criminals. Długi Targ witnessed many important historical and cultural events of the city, including royal visits and organization of the ceremony.
Mariac Basilica - architectural pearl of Gdańsk
The St. Mary's Basilica in Gdańsk, also known as the basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the largest brick temples in the world. Its volume ranges from 185,000 to 190,000 m³, which makes it one of the two or three largest brick churches in the world. The length of the basilica is 105.5 meters, and the width of the nave is 66 meters. The basilica can hold up to 25,000 people, being an example of an indoor church with a transept.
Museums and galleries in Gdańsk
Museum of World War II
The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk invites visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a wide range of exhibitions devoted to the period of World War II. The museum opening hours are as follows:
- September-June: Tuesday: 10: 00-16: 00, Wednesday-Sunday: 10: 00-18: 00.
- July-August: Tuesday: 10: 00-16: 00, Wednesday-Sunday: 10: 00-20: 00.
European Solidarity Center
The European Solidarity Center in Gdańsk is both a museum and a library, dedicated to the history of Solidarity - the Polish trade union and resistance against the communist government in Eastern Europe. The center was opened on August 31, 2014. Its permanent exhibition contains about 2,000 exhibits, and the library contains about 100,000 books and documents. The center also conducts research and educational activities and organizes conferences and temporary exhibitions.
Old Art Gallery
The Old Art Gallery in Gdańsk is the result of the merger of the decorative art gallery and the gallery of former European and Old Polish painting. Unlike a traditional approach to the history of art, which separated "high" picture art (painting, sculpture, drawing and graphics) from artistic craftsmanship, this gallery presents them together, reflecting the common goals and functions of these fields. In old eras, such a division did not exist, and the most valued quality of workmanship in painting and sculpture was valued.
Green spaces and recreation
Oliwski Park - an oasis of green space in Gdańsk
The Oliwski Park, often referred to as the hidden gem of Gdańsk, offers a great aesthetic and recreational experience. The heart of the park is a long linden avenue, as well as a palm house, well -kept flower flower beds and lakes, which create a picturesque scenery. Walking around the park, you can admire numerous sculptures and other elements of art, which makes it an ideal place for a peaceful rest. The Palm House, located in the park, is a great place for a short rest, where you can also drink coffee. This park, which is the green lungs of the city, is a great place to rest in peace and quiet, surrounded by the beauty of flowers, trees, ponds and peace. The Oliwa Park is perfect for longer walks, offering various natural and artistic attractions.
Beach in Brzeźno - an ideal place for a coastal rest
The beach in Brzeźno is a popular place of seaside recreation in Gdańsk. This extremely wide beach offers tourists excellent conditions for active rest, including bicycle paths, green areas, as well as amenities such as volleyball courts, a water slide or a rope park. The beach is an ideal place for long walks, during which you can come across historical fishing buildings and fortifications from the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, the beach offers attractions such as a picturesque pier, from where you can admire majestic ships on the horizon. Two guarded bathing areas and numerous bars and restaurants are available for tourists, ensuring comfort and entertainment.
Culinary Gdańsk: Restaurants with local specialties
Brovarnia Gdańsk - brewery and restaurant
Brovarnia Gdańsk, located in the historic Hotel Gdańsk, is a combination of brewery and restaurants. Known for her excellent beer and cordial Polish cuisine, Brovarnia offers rich flavors of local dishes, surrounded by stylish interiors and historical character.
Pierogarnia Mandu Gdańsk Śródmieście
Pierogarnia Mandu, valued for delicious, authentic Polish dumplings, offers a wide range of options, including vegetarian and classic dumplings. The restaurant is famous for its friendly atmosphere and is very popular, so it's worth booking a table in advance.
Gdańsk Bowke
The Gdańsk Bowke restaurant, located at the Old Port, serves regional specialties and craft beers. The menu contains meat dishes, venison and fresh fish, and the restaurant atmosphere is relaxing and friendly.
Tavern under salmon
Taverna near Salmon is a historic restaurant in a 16th-century building, formerly the headquarters of the distillery of the famous Goldwasser vodka. The restaurant still produces this noble drink and retains the royal heritage with luxury furniture and paintings. The menu contains royal delicatessen, such as caviar and lobster.
Cultural events and festivals
- Midsummer Festival : taking place at the turn of June and July, the Midsummer Festival is a time when the streets of Gdańsk come to life thanks to various stands, concerts and shows. The main attraction is the Parade of Łódź on the Motława River, which is a tribute to the rich maritime history of the city.
- Dominican Fair : This summer festival, which takes place from the end of July to early August, is one of the oldest and largest fairs in Europe. The main attractions are handicrafts, music, street theater and culinary treats. The fair extends to many streets in the city center.
- Shakespeare festival : Gdańsk, with his famous Shakespeare theater, is the host of this festival at the turn of July and August. This event attracts theater lovers from around the world, offering both classic and modern adaptations of Shakespeare's works.
- Gdańsk jazz nights : in warm summer nights, jazz lovers can enjoy concerts taking place in various locations of the city, including in historical buildings and in the open air. The festival usually lasts several days in July.
- The Film Festival in Gdynia : Although the festival is formally taking place in Gdynia, many events related to the festival also take place in Gdańsk. This is one of the most important film festivals in Poland, presenting Polish cinematography, usually takes place in September.
- Baltic Sail : This is an international sailing festival in July, during which sailing ships come to Gdańsk from various parts of Europe. The festival offers the opportunity to visit ships, cruises as well as concerts and shows on the waterfront.
Each of these events brings a unique atmosphere to Gdańsk and is a great opportunity to learn the culture and history of this fascinating city. If you are planning a visit to Gdańsk, it is worth adapting the dates to be able to participate in these unique festivals and cultural events.
End
Gdańsk, with its rich history and cultural diversity, is a city that continuously fascinates and inspires visitors. From the picturesque Old Town, through majestic buildings, to modern attractions - every corner of this city has something special to offer.
During walks, you can feel the spirit of the past along the narrow streets, and at the same time experience a modern rhythm of life. Museums and art galleries invite you to learn about local history and culture, and numerous cafes and restaurants offer tasty samples of regional cuisine.
Gdańsk is also an ideal starting point for discovering the charms of the entire Tri -City. Sopot with its famous pier and beaches, as well as Gdynia with a modern port and oceanarium, complete the tourist offers of the region.
We invite you to discover Gdańsk and its numerous attractions. Each visit to this extraordinary city is a new story that is worth writing. Regardless of whether you are a lover of history, art, culture or just looking for a place for a relaxing rest, Gdańsk will certainly meet your expectations.
Visit Gdańsk and let yourself be carried away by its unique charm!
