Gdansk is a romantic and colorful port town in Poland. It is nestled on the coast of the Baltic Sea and has beautiful views to offer.
A large chunk of the city was destroyed during the Second World War but, it made a comeback and is now better and stronger than before. You can spend your time here gazing at all the pretty houses dipped in pastel colors that line the cobblestone avenues, or feel the adrenaline pumping in your veins after you climb one tall tower or the other.
What adds to the charm of Gdansk is the fact that it is a quaint little town. You can travel all over the place by foot and, all the primary and notable sites are in close proximity to each other. Here is a list of places that you absolutely cannot miss on your trip to this city in Poland.
- Piwna Street
Start your sightseeing by taking a peaceful walk on Piwna Street. Just stroll about and admire the cobbled avenue, maybe even stop for a brew of local coffee at any one of the many cafes located here. You can also collect a couple of souvenirs from the cute shops around you.
Take out some time to sit outside a restaurant and watch people and the stunning buildings. Do try out a typical polish dumpling, called pierogi, here.
- The Royal Chapel
After having a pleasant time on Piwna Street, head towards the Royal Chapel. It is a beautiful, orange building, which has pistachio-colored detailing and window frames. It was built in the 1600s and is a grand piece of architecture. However, you can only admire it from the outside since it is not open to the public.
- Four Quarters Fountain
Standing on the opposite side of the Royal Chapel is the gorgeous Four Quarters Fountain. It is a contemporary form of street art and was constructed to identify the meeting point of all four quarters of the city.
If you visit Gdansk in the summers, you can join the locals as they cool themselves in the water from the fountain.
- Mariacka Street
For hundreds of years, the city has been used to mine for amber. It is a popular product when it comes to making art, sculptures, and jewelry. The site is well-known for being a hub of art galleries and numerous jewelry shops.
Mariacka Street was almost fully destroyed during the Second World War. However, it has now been restored to its former glory. It boasts stunning architecture and multiple unique features, like ornate gargoyles, which have been placed on rain gutters.
- Dlugi Targ and Dluga Street
Dluga Street is one of the main streets of Gdansk and runs through numerous rows of colored and beautiful townhouses. It comes alive with the hubbub of musicians and street artists. The site is located at the very center of the city. Do not miss out on visiting this place!
When on Dluga Street, be sure to check out the gold gilding, as well as the incredible paintwork on the grand houses. The Uphagen House is, by far, one of the most beautiful structures you will ever come across. Back in the 18th century, this house belonged to a merchant and was reconstructed once the war ended. Currently, it forms a part of the City Museum in the city.
When you continue to wander along Dluga Street, it will soon wind into Dlugi Targ Street. The main market in Gdansk was once located here. The area is still busy and littered with tourists but, you must take a walk here to admire all the gorgeous architecture around you.
- Green Bridge and Green Gate
The Green Gate marks the end of the Dlugi Targ Street and will lead you straight onto the Green Bridge. The gate especially stands out due to its four large stone passageways.
- The Fountain of Neptune
Just as soon as Dluga Street ends and Dlugi Targ begins, you will see an iconic statue. This is the popular statue of the God of the Sea, Neptune. It is one of the most visited sites in the city. If you happen to visit during Christmas time, you will find bright, twinkling lights, as well as a huge Christmas tree here.
- Artus Court
The Fountain of Neptune is located right in front of the Artus Court. It is a stunning building, which is a part of the History Museum of Gdansk. Its white bricks are complemented by the surrounding mansions, which have been painted with vibrant colors, such as orange, pink, and yellow. This is the perfect place to capture a beautiful picture.
- The Holy Spirit Bridge and the Motlowa River
Running through the city and out into the Baltic Sea is the Motlowa River. There are numerous restaurants along the river, which makes it a lively place. You can also see numerous ‘pirate’ ships and boats coming to the shore. If you want to do a kayak history tour at this location, you can also opt for that. It will be a great way for you to view the buildings from another vantage point.
- The Crane
The Crane is yet another popular iconic symbol in the city of Gdansk. This impressive building used to be a port crane and removed cargo stored on the ships coming in. It was destroyed during the Second World War but, was soon restored. It is now home to the National Maritime Museum in the city.
This small town has a lot to offer to the tourists coming in during any season. It is the perfect blend of lively and peaceful so that any and all kinds of people can enjoy everything that Gdansk has to offer. Do not waste precious time. Decide on vacation and book your tickets to this wonderful town right away. Be sure to take a lot of pictures on your trip!
