Gdańsk

Impressive houses stand along the river bank. They can be nicely observed from the other bank of Motława.

The former port crane is one of the most well-known buildings in Gdańsk. It is first mentioned in 1367, but was rebuilt several times since then. During World War II it was partially destroyed again. In 1962 after final reconstructions it was turned over to the National Maritime Museum. It now houses an exhibition about the former port of the city. The mechanism for lifting the crane can be observed as well.

One of the largest Gothic churches in Europe and one of the three (almost equal sizes) second largest brick churches in the world. There is space for more than 20,000 people in the church. The church contains a large astronomical clock from 1464, with automata which display every day at 11:57. It is possible to take the stairs to the tower (78 m), but the view is not as inspiring as the one from Main Town Hall. Entry to the church is free — donations are appreciated! — but one must pay to visit the tower (20 zł, reduced price 10 zł).

Differs from typical Gdańsk architecture.

Contains an organ built in the mid-18th century as the largest organ in Europe at that time with slightly fewer than 8,000 pipes. There are daily organ recitals which are generally free (with some exceptions).

Built in the 16th century. Its most famous resident was the councillor and mayor of Danzig, Johannes Hevelius, who was also an astronomer in his later life and a brewer in his earlier life. The building is now home to the Baltic Sea Culture Centre.

The current seat of the Gdańsk City Council.

Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers shot during communist regime in 1970.

Old mill (built 1350), with 18 water wheels up to 1939 produced 200 tonnes of flour daily, but is now a shopping centre.

A statue of the author Günter Grass, who was born in Gdańsk, facing his famous character Oskar Matzerath from The Tin Drum. Installed in October 2015, six months after his death, and on his 88th anniversary.

Old city arsenal from 1605. Great example of Dutch design with astonishing stonework. These days the Great Armoury belongs to the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts and visiting inside is only possible during art exhibitions which are organised from time to time by the Academy.

Part of the Gdańsk History Museum. Inside the museum you can also see a carillon and views from the top of the tower.

A centre dedicated to the history of Solidarity, a trade union that became the opposition to the communist government. Among other things35, the building contains a museum and viewpoint at the roof terrace (freely accessible via elevator).

There is a small museum which documents the events that happened on 1 September 1939 at the beginning of World War II. It also contains a small active post office. Even if the museum is closed, the square in front has a great (and free) series of billboards summarizing the start of the war.

The ship was launched in 1948 as the first Polish ocean-going vessel and used as a coal and ore carrier. It was named after the "shock worker" Stanisław Sołdek. It is part of the National Maritime Museum.

A museum with recreations of World War II realities (Polish street of 1930, a shell-damaged scene with a T-34 tank), in an unusual skewed building.

Park with many information panels about the first battle of World War II that took place here in September 1939. You can also see disused bunkers and a crumbled command-post, as well as a large monument to those who fought in the battle. From the monument you have a view of the Nowy Port area and the lighthouse. The bus ride also takes you past the enormous (now defunct) shipyards.

A 28m high lighthouse built in 1893. It features a time ball which was used to synchronize clocks on ships.

A nice white-painted wooden pier. There is a small restaurant and an ice cream parlour.

Nature reserve located on marshy terrain close to the old mouth of Vistula. As name suggests it is a place with lots of birds, for which it is important breeding ground. Many water and wetland birds can be seen in this area. Several observation decks are scattered through the forest with good view of the bay. Taking binoculars may be a good idea.

Another nature reserve on Sobieszewo located on Vistula mouth where new sandbanks constantly form. Favourite of seagulls and seals which reside on these temporary islands. If you are lucky you may see some of them from a distance around May-June.

Major orchestra for symphonic concerts and chamber music.

Guided tours (in English and Polish) are available.

Art Institute on the shipyard grounds. Exhibitions, concerts, performances. A bookshop, Zła Buka, has a selection of books on art and design.

The "white & greens" were relegated in 2026 and now play soccer in 1 Liga, the second tier. The stadium (capacity 41,600) also hosts big concerts and other events.

Take an evening walk down one of Europe's most picturesque streets.

The most crowded beach in Gdańsk not far from Oliwa district and close to Sopot. Abundant leisure facilities and many places to get your fish or ice cream.

Another quite crowded beach located bit closer to centre, behind large city park. Contains abundant leisure facilities and a pier (mentioned in See section above).

Calm and very wide beach to the east of city centre in a forest. A bit harder to access than two above mentioned beaches. Water is very quiet on western side due to breakwater. Good viewpoint of container sea port. Naturist beach is a bit further on the eastern side (entrance 22).

Located furthest away from the city, it is the least crowded beach in Gdańsk. Generally quiet with relatively few eating spots. Many foot and bike trails are located in nearby forest. Good view of Tricity. On beach edges there are nature reserves, western with birds and eastern with (occasional) seals.

Large fair held since 1260 during mid-July and mid-August every year.

Festival of esteemed films taking place in June. There are many indoor and outdoor movie shows and concerts. Until 2017 the festival was organised in Katowice.