Stroll down the Długa Street
The heart of Gdansk and the area where most people kick off their city tour is the Długa Street which stretches from the old city gate down to the Motlawa River.
Visit the most famous sites such as Golden Gate (PL Brama Złota), the Prison Tower (PL Wieża Więzienna), Neptune’s Fountain, and the Torture Chamber (PL Katownia).
A walk down the Długa Street will allow you to admire the city’s beautiful buildings, some of them dating back to the 14th century (today beautifully renovated).
One of the first things you’ll see when walking down Long Street is the Main Town Hall (PL Ratusz Głównego Miasta), which is located next to Neptune’s Fountain.
The design echoes the Renaissance style, with touches of Dutch influence.
Just down the street from the Town Hall next to Neptune’s Fountain, you’ll find the Golden House, built in 1609.
The Motlawa River and Waterfront
One of the best things to do in Gdansk is to go for a stroll along the Motlawa River waterfront.
Head over to Granary Island for a great view of Main Town including Zuraw, an enormous crane that was used several centuries ago to load cargo into ships. You can also indulge in a bit of historical education here with a tour of the crane, which symbolizes Gdansk’s trading history.
From Granary Island continue over to Olowianka where you’ll find a huge three-dimensional Gdansk sign.
Mariacka Street (PL Ulica Mariacka) is a highlight of Gdansk’s Main Town. Here, you will have the opportunity to marvel at beautiful old houses, stop by amazing restaurants where you can wrap up your day with a glass of wine and shop for gifts in numerous souvenir shops and stalls.
Also, don’t forget to check out some of the many amber jewelry shops Mariacka Street is known for.
Visit St. Mary’s Church
The massive outline of St Mary’s Church (PL Bazylika Mariacka), the largest brick church in the world, dominates the skyline of Gdansk’s Old Town.
The exterior of this Roman Catholic church is beautiful but its interior will leave you breathless. It contains over 300 tombstones, 31 chapels and a 15th-century astronomical clock.
The bell tower in the church is worth visiting as well. If you don’t mind a few steps (405 to be exact), you can ascend the tower and enjoy the astonishing 360-degree view of the city.
If you only have time to visit one museum in Gdansk, the Museum of the Second World War (PL Muzeum II Wojny Światowej) should be the one. The museum, is one of the best museums in Poland, covering events leading up to the war and its effects on the country.
Try to get there right as they open at 10 am as it gets crowded fast, especially during the summer months. Buy your tickets online so you can spend your time doing more exciting stuff than waiting in line. A tour of the museum typically takes 3 hours.
Spend an hour or two soaking up the history of Poland and its opposition to communist rule. Greeting you upon entering the museum, is the Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers who lost their lives back in 1970.
Further, into the museum, you’ll be introduced to detailed accounts of the movement that ended the communist era in Poland and allowed for democratic rule.
The Great Mill, Miller’s House & Love Bridge
The Great Mill was built in 1350 during the Middle Ages and is one of the largest industrial buildings in Europe. It was operational for an impressive six centuries and has now been turned into a small shopping mall.
Right next to the Miller’s House, there is a small bridge called "Bridge of Love" where sweethearts hang padlocks engraved with both names to symbolize their love for one another.
Ride on the city’s popular Ferris Wheel called AmberSky. The 50m high wheel which boasts 36 8-person cabins and one VIP cabin with a glass floor, offers arguably the best view of the city.
Considered the most beautiful park in Gdańsk, the historic park was founded in the 15th century by the Cistercians as a monastery garden. The park is a very popular place for relaxation, picnic and enjoying its many sights. Don't miss out on the Groty Szeptów the 'Whispering Caves' (aka. Dionysus' Ears) - try to hear each other’s whispers.
Sopot is a famous seaside resort on Poland's Baltic Sea coast. You will find a mixture of elegant villas, upscale restaurants and buzzing clubs in this pretty town.
Sopot Pier: The walking pier is one of the longest in Europe and the longest pier on the Baltic Sea . It belongs to the most characteristic constructions of Sopot.
Sopot Beach: A wide, white-sand beach with lifeguards and water sports.
Crooked House (PL Krzywy Domek): A famous building on Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street designed by Szotynski and Zaleski.
Heroes of Monte Cassino Street: A street that stretches from the station to the pier, and features the Crooked House and the Tightrope Walker Statue.
Separated from the hustle and bustle of the city, this charming island offers peace and harmony surrounded by pristine beaches, vast forests and remarkable ecosystems.