Posted on Posted onBy Miško

Experience the Best of Gdansk with a 3-day Travel Guide 

Before heading to Gdańsk, we honestly didn’t know what to expect, but the city surprised us in the best way. Sitting on Poland’s Baltic coast, Gdańsk has a unique mix of history, culture, and a laid-back maritime vibe. With its impressive architecture and rich history, it’s a spot that draws in explorers who want a bit of everything: city buzz and coastal calm. This 3-day itinerary will take you through the must-sees and some lesser-known spots, allowing you to experience the whole vibe of this lively city.

Gdańsk 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1 in Gdańsk – Exploring Gdansk’s Old Town

  • See the Golden Gate (Złota Brama). Start your day at the Golden Gate, one of the main entrances to Gdansk’s Old Town. This historic city gate dates back to the 17th century and is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate sculptures and decorative details that reflect the city’s rich past. The Golden Gate sets the tone for your walk through the historic center.
  • Waddle along Długa Street (Dluga Ulica). After passing through the Golden Gate, stroll down Długa Street, the main artery of the Old Town. This lively pedestrian street is lined with colorful townhouses, cafes, and shops. As you walk, soak in the vibrant atmosphere filled with street performers and locals going about their day. The architecture along Długa Street showcases centuries of history, from Gothic to Baroque styles.
  • Explore Long Market (Długi Targ). Długa Street opens up into Long Market, a wide square bustling with life. Here, you’ll find the famous Neptune Fountain, symbolizing Gdansk’s connection to the sea. The square is also home to elegant merchant houses and the iconic Artus Court, which once served as a meeting place for the city’s elite. Take your time to wander the market and admire the vibrant facades.
  • Visit the Main Town Hall and its Museum. Just off Long Market stands the Main Town Hall, a towering building with a distinctive clock tower. Head inside to visit the Town Hall Museum, where you’ll learn about Gdansk’s history, politics, and culture through exhibits and period rooms. If you’re up for it, climb the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town rooftops and the river beyond.
  • Step inside St. Mary’s Church and Its Panoramic views. A short walk from the Town Hall brings you to St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in Europe. Enter to see its vast interior, impressive stained-glass windows, and the famous astronomical clock. For a small fee, climb the church tower for sweeping views of the city’s skyline and harbor.
  • Visit the Medieval Crane (Żuraw) on the Motława River. Waddle down to the Motława River to see the Medieval Crane, or Żuraw, a massive wooden structure that dominates the waterfront. Built in the 15th century, this crane served as both a harbor crane and a city gate, making it one of the largest working port cranes in medieval Europe. Imagine workers powering the huge treadwheels inside by walking in them — a scene reminiscent of giant human-powered hamster wheels lifting heavy cargo. It’s a fascinating reminder of how much human effort kept Gdansk’s port running before machines took over.
  • Snap a photo at the Gdańsk Sign. Close to the crane, you’ll find the Gdańsk Sign spelling out the city’s name, a popular spot for photos. Beyond being an Instagram favorite, the sign reflects Gdansk’s vibrant cultural revival and openness. Fun fact: the sign’s location moves occasionally during festivals and events, symbolizing the city’s dynamic and community-focused spirit.
  • The European Solidarity Centre. After lunch, head to the European Solidarity Centre, located near the historic shipyard district. This museum and cultural center is dedicated to the Solidarity movement, which played a crucial role in Poland’s fight for freedom. The exhibits here offer a powerful and educational glimpse into recent history through interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
  • Discover the Motława River Waterfront. The Motława River waterfront is a vibrant area where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade, especially as the day comes to an end. The area features the iconic 15th-century harbor crane and offers views of docked ships and historic structures. 

Day 2 in Gdansk – Exploring Gdansk’s History

  • Morning visit to the Gdansk Zoo. Start your day at the Gdansk Zoo, located just outside the city center. The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals from around the world, including rare and endangered species. Walking through its well-maintained paths offers a peaceful, nature-filled respite from the city’s buzz. It’s a great spot for families or anyone who enjoys wildlife and outdoor spaces. See how our waddle went at Gdańsk Zoo: Poland’s Largest Zoological Garden.
  • Afternoon at the Museum of the Second World War. Spend the afternoon at the Museum of the Second World War, one of Gdansk’s most important cultural institutions. The museum offers an extensive and detailed narrative of the war, focusing on both the global conflict and Poland’s specific experience. Exhibits are thoughtfully designed, featuring multimedia presentations, artifacts, and personal stories to offer an immersive learning experience. For more details, read Gdańsk’s Museum of the Second World War: A Journey Through History.
  • Stroll along Mariacka Street. After you visit the museum, take a stroll along Mariacka Street. Known for its amber shops and charming architecture, this narrow street invites you to slow down and explore at your own pace. Browse local crafts, enjoy a coffee at one of the cozy cafes, or watch the world go by in this picturesque part of Old Town.

We kept the second day lighter as you need half a day for the zoo and at least 3 hours for the museum. 

Day 3 in Gdansk – Maritime Heritage, Stunning Views, and Coastal Relaxation

  • Morning visit to the National Maritime Museum. Begin your final day at the National Maritime Museum, located near the Motława River. This museum offers a deep dive into Gdansk’s long history as a major Baltic port. Exhibits cover shipbuilding, navigation, and maritime trade, with interactive displays and historic vessels docked nearby. It’s a fascinating way to understand how the sea shaped the city’s culture and economy. For more details, read Gdańsk’s Maritime Legacy: A Journey Through the National Maritime Museum.
  • Ride the AmberSky Ferris Wheel for panoramic views. After the museum, head over to the AmberSky Ferris wheel, located on the waterfront. A ride on this giant wheel gives you stunning panoramic views of Gdansk’s Old Town, the river, and the Baltic Sea beyond. It’s a great photo opportunity and a relaxing way to take in the cityscape from above. Please read about our experience and practical information here: AmberSky Gdańsk: A Panoramic Ride Above the City.
  • Afternoon at the beach. In the afternoon, take a short trip to one of the nearby beaches along the Baltic coast. Whether it’s the sandy shore at Stogi Beach or the more popular Brzeźno Beach, you can enjoy some downtime by the sea. Relax on the sand, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy the fresh coastal air and the sound of the waves. These are the top 3 beaches in Gdansk.

Out of all the paid attractions in Gdansk, the Museum of the Second World War tops the list and is a must-see. It delves deeply into the war’s impact, especially on Poland and the city, and lingers with you. The zoo and the National Maritime Museum also stand out, as both offer a great mix of nature and Gdansk’s maritime history.

Riding the AmberSky Ferris wheel is a nice way to catch city views, but honestly, we kind of regret not climbing the tower of St. Mary’s Church instead. It promises even better sights, but hey, no penguin wants to waddle up that many steps!

If you’re looking to stretch your budget or want to discover even more of what Gdansk has to offer, feel free to check out the blog post, Free Things to Do in Gdańsk: Explore Without Spending a Zloty. It’s packed with ideas for additional spots and activities you can easily add to your itinerary without opening your wallet.

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We enjoyed everything we did during our time in Gdansk, from wandering the Old Town to exploring museums and soaking up the waterfront vibes. But if there’s one thing we’d do differently, it’s climbing the steps of St. Mary’s Church. That’s our only little regret, but honestly, it just gives us a reason to come back someday. We hope this itinerary will help you plan your trip.

Pack your bag and waddle more!

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