Gdansk is one of the most charming cities in Poland. It often doesn’t get as much attention as Warsaw or Krakow, but this Baltic coastal city has a vibrant cultural scene that’s worth immersing yourself in. Gdansk offers a quieter, more atmospheric experience than Warsaw and Krakow, especially in the colder months when its narrow streets, colourful buildings, and waterfront views take on a frosty glow. It’s a city where Hanseatic influence, maritime trade, and modern creativity all merge into one, making it the perfect choice for travellers in any season. You’ll find that Gdansk Old Town is even enjoyable in the winter months too, without the summer crowds.
Gdansk’s history stretches back over a thousand years, when it began as a small settlement at the mouth of the Motława River. Over the centuries it grew into one of the most important trading hubs in Central and Northern Europe. The city’s strategic location meant that it changed hands many times. It’s been shaped by Polish, Prussian, and German rule, and each one left their own imprint on Gdansk’s identity and architecture.
In the 20th century, Gdansk became the starting point of WWII, and it later marked the birthplace of the Solidarity movement that helped bring an end to Communist rule in Central Europe. Due to the damage inflicted on the city during the Second World War, much of Gdansk Old Town that you see today has been carefully rebuilt as a testament to the resilience of the city. There’s a lot to unpack during a trip to Gdansk, and plenty of things to do as well, even if you visit in the wintertime.
- Gdansk Tourist Card: Is it worth buying?
- Unique things to do in Gdansk Old Town
- Where to eat in Gdansk Old Town
- Where to stay in Gdansk
- Is Gdansk a city in Poland worth visiting?
Gdansk Tourist Card: Is it worth buying?
If you’re planning to explore Gdansk Old Town, and the modern parts of the city too, the Gdansk Tourist Card is a must-buy. This card bundles together access to many of the top attractions in the city, all for one fixed price. This means you can visit museums, historic sites, hop on a boat tour, and get discounts at trendy restaurants and cafes while saving money. There are a couple of variations of the card available, and you can choose for it to be active between 24 and 72 hours – depending on the length of your visit.
Normally, a tourist card works out to be cheaper than paying for the entrances individually. This worked out well for us as we visited multiple museums in Gdansk Old Town over three days. However, if you just intend to walk around the city without going inside any attractions, the pass is probably not worth it. Ultimately, whether the Gdansk Tourist Card pays off depends on how structured your visit is and how much you’re going to use it.
Unique things to do in Gdansk Old Town
Neptune’s Fountain and Main Town Hall
Neptune’s Fountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Gdansk Old Town. It sits proudly in the centre of Long Market, and it’s meant to symbolize the city’s strong connection to the sea. This bronze statue dates back to the 17th century, and although it was heavily damaged in WWII, it was able to be restored and is now fully functional. Getting a photo in front of the fountain is one of the best things to do in Gdansk Old Town – just be prepared to fight through the crowds.
Sitting next to Neptune’s Fountain is the towering structure of the Main Town Hall. Entry to the building is included with the Gdansk Tourist Card, and inside you’ll find several ornate chambers, exhibitions, and a sweeping view of the city from the tower. My favourite part of the Main Town Hall is the Red Room, which features a beautifully decorated painted ceiling that represents the city’s union with Poland.
Learn about Gdansk’s amber connection
Gdansk is famous for being the capital of amber due to its long trade and manufacturing history with this organic gem. One place you can’t miss if you’re interested in seeing lots of amber creations is Mariacka Street, also known as Amber Street. This charming street in Gdansk Old Town is lined with decorative terraces, townhouses, and boutique shops selling all types of amber products. Mariacka Street is the best place in the city to browse authentic Baltic amber crafts and jewellery. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s a unique street to walk down, especially under the glow of warm lanterns in the winter.
If you want to learn more about the connection Gdansk has with amber, you can head over to the Amber Museum (included in the Tourist Card), located just a short walk away. This museum in Gdansk provides you with the history and science behind amber, including how it was formed millions of years ago and how it’s crafted today. It’s a great hands-on experience that adds a bit of context to everything you see along Amber Street.
Artus Court
Located behind Neptune’s Statue in Gdansk Old Town is Artus Court. This attraction in Gdansk can be overlooked by visitors, but it shouldn’t be. It’s an elegant Gothic building that was once the meeting place for nobility and merchants during the city’s Hanseatic era. Inside you’ll be greeted with soaring ceilings and beautiful interiors filled with historic artefacts, ship models, and one of the tallest ceramic stoves in Europe.
Artus Court played an important role in European history. It was the centre of cultural, social, and political life for centuries, playing host to ceremonies and gatherings that shaped the identity of Gdansk. Today, it stands as a museum (included in the Tourist Card) where you can learn more about the stories behind its walls as well as its unique architecture.
Take in the views from St Mary’s Church
There are a lot of great viewpoints in Gdansk Old Town to take advantage of. My favourite option for the best panoramic view of Gdansk Old Town is from the tower of St Mary’s Church. The viewing platform at the top is quite small though, so when it gets crowded it can be hard to move around. When we visited on a Saturday we also had a small queue leading up the stairs, but this was monitored by a staff member to ensure everyone’s safety. The price to climb the tower is 20 zl but you can enter the church itself for free.
St Mary’s Church is one of the largest brick churches in the world, and it dominates the city’s skyline. It’s a lovely church to walk around inside, and the 15th century astronomical clock is a major highlight. If you visit when a mass is taking place, you’ll find that most of the church is blocked off unless you want to attend the mass (something to keep in mind).
Go on a food tour with Delicious Poland
One of the most unique things to do in Gdansk Old Town is to take a food tour. Delicious Poland operates their food tours in four cities across Poland, including Gdansk. Their traditional Polish food tour lasts for around three hours. During this time you’ll be guided through the Old Town by a local expert, where you’re given some insight into the city’s history and culture. Along the route you’ll stop at 4-5 different eateries, and sample 10-12 dishes as well as beer and vodka.
They keep their tour sizes small so you can easily interact with everyone and enjoy your food and drinks. One of my favourite stops was at a Milk Bar. These eateries are known throughout Poland for having cheap, homemade meals freshly prepared “the way grandma used to make them”. We also stopped at a bar for a shot of vodka and some light nibbles and tried a fancier version of pierogi at a popular brewery-restaurant. Going on a food tour with Delicious Poland is a great way to explore Gdansk and sample the city’s most popular foods all at once.
Find the iconic Gdansk Crane
The famous medieval Gdansk Crane (Zuraw) is one of the oldest surviving port cranes in Europe. It dates back to the 15th century, though parts of it had to be rebuilt due to damage caused during WWII. This crane once powered the loading of cargo and the lifting of ship masts. It was operated by people walking inside giant wooden wheels, and today it stands as an important historic monument and a testament to the long-standing maritime tradition of Gdansk.
The Maritime Museum (included in the Tourist Card) is now housed inside the crane. Visitors can learn why it was vital to the city’s economy and how the crane functioned through the museum’s exhibitions. Its riverside location also makes it the perfect backdrop for photos, especially in the wintertime when less people are walking around.
Take a photo on the Bread Bridge
Another picture-perfect spot in Gdansk Old Town is Bread Bridge. This small footbridge, also known as the Bridge of Love, offers beautiful views of the surrounding colourful buildings and canals. Its name comes from the baked goods and bread that were once traded in the area, which adds a fun twist to the name. The love locks that now decorate the bridge make it a popular spot for couples to come and take photos as well. You’ll find the Bread Bridge located just behind the Amber Museum, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary without taking too much of a detour.
Try cherry liqueur and Goldwasser
While you’re visiting Gdansk, you have to try the cherry liqueur. There are a lot of restaurants and bars that offer local variations, and some are better than others. I’d recommend avoiding any of the tourist traps along the main roads of the Old Town, and instead head to Wiśniewski. This bar in Gdansk only serves its own cherry liqueur, hot or cold, in an intimate setting that’s perfect for cold winter evenings. This liqueur is also very budget friendly, and it doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste so it’s easy to drink.
Alternatively, if you prefer something a little stronger, you may want to take a shot of Goldwasser. This famous herbal liqueur is infused with real flakes of 22-carat gold and 20 herbs and spices. Goldwasser was invented by a Dutch immigrant in Gdansk in the 16th century, so it’s a drink that’s steeped in history. Legend says that the gold flakes were created by Neptune striking a fountain with his trident. Even iconic historic figures such as Catherine the Great are said to have enjoyed sipping it.
Walk through the Prison Tower
The Gdansk Tourist Card gets you into a lot of amazing museums throughout the city, including the Prison Tower and Torture Chamber. This building dates back to the 14th century and it once held prisoners awaiting trial. It was also the home of the city’s executioner. Inside, visitors can walk through its narrow passageways and look at exhibitions that explore medieval law, daily life, and punishment.
Prison Tower gives you a unique insight into Gdansk’s fortification system. If you’re feeling up to it, you can climb to the top of the tower for a nice view of the Old Town below – though you won’t be as high as the tower at St Mary’s Church.
Marvel at the Amber Altar
Located inside St Bridget’s Church is the Amber Altar. This is the largest amber altar in the world, and it’s one of the most beautiful modern masterpieces in Gdansk. Over a tonne of Baltic amber was used to make the altar, combining religious symbolism with the natural beauty of the region’s most precious material. There’s a small 5 zl entry fee to go inside the church, which is definitely worth paying to get up close to this unique altar. The Amber Altar is an underrated attraction in Gdansk, but it’s one that everyone should make time to visit.
Buy handmade souvenirs
Gdansk is a great city to find handmade crafts thanks to the large community of local artisans who work with materials like ceramics, leather, amber, and wool. You’ll find a lot of market stalls and independent shops selling unique items that are perfect for gifts or souvenirs.
One shop that I couldn’t recommend enough for ceramic goods is Pracownia Ceramiki Latela. This ceramic workshop sells tiny ceramic houses (among other things) that represent the townhouses found around the old town. They’re all handmade in the studio, and you can see the owner working while you shop. If you’re looking for souvenirs in Gdansk, this is the perfect spot.
Visit the Gdansk Christmas Market
The Gdansk Christmas Market is one of the best experiences in northern Poland. From the end of November to just before Christmas, Targ Węglowy and the surrounding streets are filled with wooden chalets and sparkling lights. It’s a beautiful Christmas market to walk around, especially if you’re looking for local, handmade goods or tasty traditional Polish food to snack on for budget-friendly prices.
Let’s not forget about the mulled wine either, which comes in a variety of flavours. And the Gdansk Christmas Market has been named the Best Christmas Market in Europe 2025 too, so it’s the perfect place to soak up winter magic and experience the city in a new way.
Where to eat in Gdansk Old Town
Dobra Paczkarnia
No trip to Poland is complete without eating at least one homemade Polish doughnut. In Gdansk Old Town, there’s only one place to go and that’s Dobra Paczkarnia. This is one of the city’s most beloved doughnut spots, and everything is made on-site during the day to ensure the doughnuts are fresh and fluffy. The shop is small, and you can only see the doughnuts through the window before ordering at the take-away counter, but they’re very cheap and tasty! You’ll find classic Polish doughnuts like rose jam, plum, and cream, and a mixture of seasonal flavours too.
Pomelo Bistro
If you purchase the Gdansk Tourist Card, you’ll get discounts at a number of restaurants and cafes around the city. This includes 15% off at Pomelo Bisto – just make sure you tell them you have the card before they print the receipt. Pomelo Bistro offers a relaxed place to enjoy fresh, modern Polish cuisine. It’s very popular for lunch and dinner, though we opted to go for breakfast. We loved their twists on classic Eggs Benedict – one of which is served with slices of roast pork instead of ham. It’s a great breakfast spot in Gdansk Old Town and the prices are reasonable too.
Balans Cafe
Right next to Pomelo Bistro is another fantastic place for breakfast in Gdansk – Balans Cafe. Their menu features a wide mixture of hot and cold drinks, including seasonal coffees and cocktails. But what you really need to go for are the bagels. Their loaded bagels are freshly prepared to order, with toppings such as salmon, halloumi, and prosciutto available. The bean pate bagel is particularly tasty and not too overwhelming in size. Their artisan coffee is one of the best we had in Gdansk too.
Pierogarnia Stary Mlyn
You can’t leave Gdansk without eating some pierogi. Located in the heart of Gdansk Old Town, just behind St Mary’s Church, is Pierogarnia Stary Młyn. This is one of the most well-known places to try authentic Polish pierogi. The menu covers everything from traditional fillings like potato and cheese, meat, and sauerkraut to more creative varieties like spinach stewed in cream and pork shoulder. There are also different versions of pierogi to choose from, as well as dessert options and unique cocktails.
Where to stay in Gdansk
Noli Gdansk Old Town
If you’re only spending a couple of days in Gdansk, you’ll want to stay close to the main attractions to make the most out of your time here. Noli Gdansk Old Town is located just a 10-15 minute walk from Neptune’s Fountain. It’s a modern building with different sizes of apartments available, including studios. This makes it an ideal choice for couples, solo travellers, and larger groups who may want to have a kitchen available, and other amenities.
Noli Gdansk Old Town operates on a self-service check-in basis. This means if you arrive after 9pm, when the staff have left, you’ll receive a code to access the building and print your keycards. In the winter, the room can get very cold though, so ensure you know how to use the heating system or ask a staff member for help. Overall, we found our studio apartment to be a good size for two people, and it was spotlessly clean which is a bonus.
Is Gdansk a city in Poland worth visiting?
Gdansk is only growing in popularity with visitors, and rightly so. Although it doesn’t receive as much attention as Warsaw and Krakow, this northern Polish city is definitely worth visiting, even in the winter. It offers striking architecture, rich history, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere alongside a vibrant food scene. In the winter months, though it can get very cold, the city is much easier to explore without the overwhelming crowds. Whether you visit for the Gdansk Christmas Market, its maritime heritage, or to experience another side of Poland, Gdansk Old Town provides a unique and memorable trip that you won’t soon forget.
If you have any questions about things to do in Gdansk Old Town, where to eat in the city, or where to stay, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll come across more travel tips and advice that can help you build the perfect Gdansk itinerary.
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