To be trustworthy, Gdansk wasn’t firmly on my concept of locations to go to in Poland. In fact, I’d most likely missed it in lieu of the opposite lovely locations in Poland and even the beautiful castles, too. Although I’m so glad I remedied this with a spontaneous journey to the town. Actually, it’s attractive and there are such a lot of of one of the best issues to do in Gdansk dotted all throughout the town.
Perched on the northern coast of Poland, it’s a fairly historic metropolis that’s crammed with cobbled streets, historic buildings and loads of yummy locations to eat. Higher nonetheless, it’s the type of metropolis that’s nice to go to at any time of the 12 months.
You see, within the winter months, it’s crammed with cosy European Christmas markets; while in the summertime, it’s an excellent place to relax after a sunny afternoon in Sopot.
Whether or not you’re heading to the town for a protracted weekend and even a part of an even bigger journey round Poland, I wished to pop over just a few of my favorite ideas on one of the best issues to do in Gdansk throughout your go to.
Have a look, under, at one of the best issues to do in Gdansk. Have one of the best journey!
1.) The European Solidarity Centre
Constructed to evoke the hulls of ships that when dominated this space of Gdansk, the European Solidarity Centre is a museum that shares it’s information on all issues solidarity and civil resistance in Poland.
With round 2,000 totally different reveals and objects, it’s an excellent place to go to for a lazy afternoon, particularly if the climate takes a flip for the worst. It actually shares a glimpse into what occurred earlier than the autumn of the ‘iron curtain’ in Jap Europe.
2.) Westerplatte
Now, it might sound a little bit macabre however this space was the sight of the ‘ Battle of Westerplatte’ which is understood to have been the primary battle between Nazi forces and Polish troops that began World Battle II.
Though it may not seem to be top-of-the-line issues to do in Gdansk, it’s definitely a spot that holds quite a lot of horrible historical past that ought to by no means be forgotten.
If you end up right here ensure you go to the small museum and the towering monument, constructed to honour the Polish fighters that defended their metropolis till the final man.
In the event you’ve labored up an urge for food, pop into Eliksir that’s good for a tasty night meal. They’ve an unimaginable tasting menu and their beef tartare is wonderful!
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3.) St. Dominic’s Truthful
St. Dominic’s Truthful is one in all my favorite traditions in Gdansk that has truly existed all the way in which again since 1260!
Now, if you happen to’re visiting within the Summer time months, you must definitely attempt to coincide with the competition itself. you see, the annual occasion that begins in late July and lasts for Three weeks and is a complete blast.
The truthful is a market of antiques, handmade items and a lot extra that pulls a great deal of guests, so count on it to be busy. Additionally, you will see road theatre performers, concert events, parades, sports activities occasions and competitions. It’s a very attractive time to go to and top-of-the-line issues to do in Gdansk if you happen to’re visiting in summer time.
4.) The Royal Method
Now, The Royal Method isn’t actually signposted in Gdansk however the route alongside the principle road of the previous city has a fairly grand historical past to see. You see, visiting royalty would parade alongside when coming to Gdansk, which additionally passes by a number of the prettiest areas within the metropolis.
In the event you do resolve on strolling the route (about 500m), it’ll take you to key spots within the, like; the Golden Gate, the Torture Home and the Jail Tower. A few of these have even stood for the reason that 14th century.
Begin your stroll at Wyzynna (higher) Gate, passing by Lengthy Avenue and recognizing the City Halls and Neptune’s fountain.
Lastly, after round 15-minutes, you’ll attain the Inexperienced Gate which can also be a stunner to see. It actually is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Gdansk if you happen to’re quick on time and need a stroll by a number of the most iconic areas of the town.
5.) Mariacka Avenue
Simply off St. Mary’s Church, Mariacka Avenue is one in all Gdansk’s most lovely streets; it’s residence to plenty of little stalls and a shed load of historic buildings which are beautiful to see. Actually, it’s like stepping again in time, particularly with all of the intricate structure.
As soon as right here, Whenever you go to right here ensure you take the time for a espresso at one of many small cafes earlier than visiting the Amber outlets, which has change into synonymous with Gdansk.
For me, I completely cherished strolling down right here within the night, too see all the long-lasting structure all lit it. Beloved it!
6.) Dluga Targ (Lengthy Market)
Now, you may discover that Dluga Targ truly types a part of the Royal Method… and also you’d be proper! It’s a part of the Royal Method and I had to ensure to say it in its personal proper because it actually is simply attractive to see.
Traditionally, that is the place the Gdansk’s market was once positioned. These days, nevertheless, the road is free from vehicles and an excellent strolling route that goes again centuries. Actually, even if you happen to wander this route many instances, you’ll at all times discover one thing totally different.
Clearly, make certain to take a look at 17th century Neptune’s Fountain, Artus Court docket and the Golden Home which, on its façade, are twelve elaborately carved native historic scenes which are price recognizing.
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7.) St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church was constructed approach again within the 14th century; it’s a large Gothic construction that takes centre stage within the metropolis. Be certain to discover each the outside and inside of St. Mary’s because it’s thought of one of many largest brick church buildings in the entire world.
Now, one of many highlights inside is a large astrological clock; it’s fabricated from wooden and dates from the 15th century.
If you are there ensure you climb all 400 steps to achieve the highest of the church tower, too. The views throughout the town are definitely worth the effort, although you’ll be out of breath on the high (or a minimum of I used to be)! 😉
8.) Abbott’s Palace
Visiting Abbott’s Palace is definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Gdansk if you happen to’re desirous to see a historic rococo palace while within the metropolis.
Now, the palace itself is in two components, the ‘Outdated Palace’ which was constructed within the 15th century, and the ‘New Palace’ was added two centuries later. Though, nonetheless probably not new, is it! 😉
Inside, it has a heap of Trendy Artwork, which is a part of the Nationwide Museum of Gdansk and nicely price a go to. Now, the galleries aren’t the largest, so you possibly can simply head round these in 30-minutes.
Afterwards, for some tasty grub, head over to Motlava who make some yummy dishes which are good for lunch.
9.) The Royal Chapel
A part of St. Mary’s, it types northern wing that’s an iconic Baroque temple and a should-see when visiting Gdansk. Now, it’s typically closed to guests however you is likely to be fortunate and have the ability to attend mass.
It’s nonetheless an unimaginable constructing to see in Gdansk and very easy to companion with a go to to St. Mary’s.
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10.) Sopot
Okay, so if you happen to fancy a little bit jaunt out of the town, pop on over to close by Sopot, a seaside spot on Poland’s coast that’s beautiful on a sunny day. It’s received an unimaginable seashore with a large pier that justs out into the Baltic Sea.
As soon as right here, take a while to relax on the shoreline and spot Krzywy Domek, a constructing that appears prefer it’s melting! We spent the afternoon right here and cherished it.
11.) The Gdansk Crane
Being the most important medieval crane in all of Europe, the Gdansk crane is without doubt one of the cities most well-known buildings. Constructed approach again within the 15th century (and rebuilt after WWII injury), it’s a very iconic a part of the town on the banks of River Motlawa.
Immediately, it’s a part of the Polish Maritime Museum and nicely price a go to if you wish to discover a number of the heritage in Gdansk.
Now, I do know what you’re pondering, it’s a crane, how attention-grabbing can it’s? Belief me, it’s nicely price a quick go to, even when it’s to be taught concerning the large ‘hamster-type’ wheels that folks used to energy the crane with!
12.) Inexperienced Gate
Perched between, between Lengthy Market and the river, it’s very easy to identify when strolling the Kings Method and following the streets round Lengthy Market.
Constructed approach again within the 16th Century, it was constructed as an official residence of Polish royals. These days, you possibly can discover the nationwide museum. Actually, you possibly can’t miss the Inexperienced Gate, particularly if you happen to’re already following the royal route.
Afterwards, head on over for some meals at Correze, a tasty restaurant. Their duck confit is so good and so they have an epic wine choice, too.
13.) Oliwa Cathedral
Oliwa Cathedral is one other one in all Gdansk’s most lovely spiritual buildings to see while within the metropolis. As soon as inside, make certain to see the unimaginable organ that’s simply so beautiful.
You may truly be fortunate to stumble in throughout one of many free organ recitals, too.
Afterwards, pop into Mono Kitchen for a tasty lunch, we we cherished.
14.) Wielki Młyn (Nice Mill)
Okay, so you possibly can’t actually go inside Wielki Młyn (it’s beneath restore at current) but it surely’s nonetheless nicely price a gander if you happen to’re already on this space of Gdansk.
It’s a surprising constructing to see and an excellent little picture alternative to see, however at current, not more than this. Nice if you happen to’re passing however don’t make an lively effort if you happen to’re quick on time.
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