Dzień dobry! Welcome to Gdansk, a delightful city that quickly became one of the most popular travel destinations in Poland. Rich history, colorful old town, splendid architecture, interesting museums, plenty of amber products, delicious food, sandy beaches… Gdansk has it all, and more! As Poles, we’ve visited this city a couple of times and today we want to show you the most important attractions that you can’t miss during your one day in Gdansk.
Interesting fact. Gdansk is the third most visited city in Poland by foreign tourists, after Krakow and Warsaw!
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Gdansk, Poland FAQ
Gdańsk is a vibrant city in northern Poland, located along the Baltic Sea’s southern edge at Gdańsk Bay. It serves as the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, one of Poland’s 16 administrative regions. Ranked as the 6th largest city in the country, Gdańsk is a key part of the Tricity (Trójmiasto) metropolitan area, which it forms alongside Sopot and Gdynia.
Gdańsk is renowned for its enchanting old town brimming with colorful townhouses and picturesque riverside spots. The city also holds historical significance as the site of Westerplatte, where World War II began, and as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement that helped end communism in Europe.
Absolutely! Gdansk is a delightful Polish city worth your time. It’s colorful, beautiful, friendly, and tasty. And it has a beach and a sea! Gdańsk offers a wide variety of activities – from exploring the nooks and crooks of the old town, learning about Polish history, visiting interesting museums to eating delicious food and relaxing on the beach… Gdańsk will please every traveler’s
One day in Gdansk is just enough to see most of the main landmarks, visit one museum, and get a good feel of what this city is all about. But it’s definitely not enough to see all that city offers. So if you want to experience it more, we recommend staying at least 3 days in Gdansk.
According to the Internet, it’s pronounced [ɡəˈdænsk]. Still don’t know how to read it? Here’s a YouTube video where you can listen to correct pronunciation.
What to do in Gdansk in one day?
Gdansk Old Town
Undoubtedly, Gdansk Old Town is the prettiest area of the city and a place where you’ll find many important landmarks and attractions.
Destroyed during World War II, and carefully rebuilt, Gdansk Old Town is now vibrant, colorful, and full of life. There, you’ll marvel at beautiful townhouses, take a photo with Neptune, and climb one of the towers to admire the city and its surroundings from above. Of course, you’ll also find many restaurants and cafes there.
Points of interest in Gdansk Old Town are: Długa and Długi Targ streets, Town Hall, Neptune’s Fountain, St. Mary’s Basilica, Mariacka Street, Artus Court, Golden and Green Gates, Prison Tower, Dlugie Pobrzeze waterfront area with the Crane, and Ołowianka Island.
Exploring Gdansk Old Town is undoubtedly the most important thing to do in the city. And if during your 1 day in Gdansk, you want to learn even more about its history, you can do it with a guided tour, like this popular Gdańsk City Sights & History Guided Walking Tour.
Streets: Długa & Długi Targ
Długa and Długi Targ streets are pedestrian-only adjoining streets, stretching between Golden and Green gates. They’re also a part of the Royal Route, which once served as the ceremonial entries of monarchs into the city. Nowadays, the area along these two streets functions as the market square, and exploring it is one of the most important things to do in Gdansk.
Along Długa and Długi Targ streets, you’ll find an impressive Town Hall, iconic Neptune’s Fountain, many beautiful townhouses, Artus Court – a restored 14th-century former merchant’s meeting house now serving as a museum, and Uphagen’s House with Museum of Burgher Interiors where you can see how an 18th-century rich merchant’s apartment looked like. Many restaurants, cafes, and small shops await you there too.
Also, don’t forget to take a good look at the beautiful Golden Gate (pl. Złota Brama) and Green Gate (pl. Zielona Brama). The Gdansk waterfront area awaits you after passing through the 16th-century Green Gate, and behind Golden Gate, you’ll find Prison Tower.
Book now: Main Town Gdańsk Walking Tour
Main Town Hall
Main Town Hall (pl. Ratusz) is a spectacular Gothic/Renaissance building in Gdansk Old Town located at the junction of Dluga and Długi Targ streets. From the mid-15th century to 1921 it was the seat of the city authorities. During World War II the building was damaged and later rebuilt to the current state.
Nowadays, inside you’ll find a branch of the Gdansk Museum housing a permanent exhibition within the 3 beautiful rooms: the Hall, the White Room, and the Red Room.
However, the biggest highlight of Gdansk Town Hall is its observation deck on the top of the tower. From there you can admire the magnificent panorama of Gdansk and its surroundings. Unfortunately, it looks like this attraction is seasonal and only available in the summer months.
To check out current ticket prices and opening hours of Main Town Hall visit muzeumgdansk.pl website (remember to select a desired museum from the list).
Neptune’s Fountain
Neptune’s Fountain (pl. Fontanna Neptuna) is one of the most recognizable attractions of Gdansk. It’s a historic fountain dating back to the early 17th century, proudly standing in front of Artus Court and next to the Town Hall. The fountain depicts Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, surrounded by sea creatures. Be sure to take a good look at all the beautiful, carefully crafted details.
Like everything else in the area, the fountain was damaged during World War II and later renovated and put back into operation in the 1950s. Polish Eagles, which Nazis removed when they were getting rid of traces of the city’s Polish history, were restored too.
Book now: Gdańsk: Old Town Private Walking Tour with Legends and Facts
Artus Court
Artus Court (pl. Dwór Artusa) is one of the most representative monuments located in Gdansk Old Town on Długi Targ Street right behind Neptune’s Fountain. It’s a restored 14th-century building that over the centuries served as a merchant’s meeting house and a venue for meetings and events. Nowadays it’s a museum housing many works of art and artifacts important for local history among its beautiful rooms. There you’ll also see the largest tiled stove in Europe!
To check out current ticket prices and opening hours of Artus Court visit muzeumgdansk.pl website (remember to select a desired museum from the list).
St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Mary’s Basilica (pl. Bazylika Mariacka) is a brick church in the heart of Gdansk Old Town. It was built in stages for over 100 years, finally completed in 1502. Its interior is very simple and plain, with a huge 15th-century astronomical clock as one of the most interesting points (every day at 11:57 you can also see a short figure show).
The highlight of St. Mary’s Basilica is the view over Gdansk and its surroundings from its almost 80m high bell tower. To get there you’ll have to climb around 400 steps which surprisingly is a very long, exhausting, and thigh-burning task. But thankfully the views are worth it!
Its biggest downside is that a viewpoint terrace is a bit small and tight, and the number of people isn’t controlled at all. We can only imagine how big of a problem it might be in a high season! But even despite this fact, we think it’s a must-have thing to do during 1 day in Gdansk.
Entrance to St. Mary’s Basilica is free, and the entrance to the bell tower is paid. To check out current ticket prices and opening hours of St. Mary’s Basilica visit bazylikamariacka.gdansk.pl website.
Foregate Complex
Foregate Complex (pl. Zespół Zespół Przedbramia) consists of two buildings: Prison Tower and Torture House. Once, it was a place where people were sentenced and executed or kept prisoners. Now within its walls, you can see two exhibitions. What’s more, Prison Tower is another viewpoint of the city offering nice panoramic views.
The complex is located just a few steps from Golden Gate. While there, be sure to also check the Upland Gate (pl. Brama Wyżynna) – a late 16th-century gate that used to be the main entrance to the city. Inside it, you’ll find the Gdansk Tourist Office.
Discover: Accommodation options in Gdansk
Mariacka Street
While in Gdansk Old Town, you can’t miss a stroll along Mariacka Street. It’s one of the prettiest and most popular streets in the city, and not without a reason! It managed to retain some of the old, pre-war German vibe. Mariacka Street is full of beautiful townhouses with stone porches extending to the street, some with unique gargoyle heads!
If you wish to buy some amber products as a souvenir, Mariacka Street is also the best place in Gdansk to do that! There you’ll find many small shops full of amber jewelry and other amber products. The choice is wide! And of course, some cafes await you here too for a short relaxing break.
Book now: Gdansk: City Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart
Motława river side: Długie Pobrzeże & Islands
At the edge of the Gdansk Old Town, you’ll find the Motława River, one of the prettiest areas in the city. Along Długie Pobrzeże (eng. Long Riverside) you’ll spot many beautiful buildings like historic gates, townhouses, and 15th-century Żuraw (eng. The Crane) which was used for the transshipment of ships and became one of the most recognizable symbols of Gdansk. Oh, and a fun fact is that almost the same Crane was recreated in The Witcher 3 videogame!
Right next to the Crane, you’ll also find the Maritime Culture Centre (pl. Ośrodek Kultury Morskiej) – a modern and interactive center teaching about the sea, ports, and ships. There you’ll also find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars.
You can also cross the river to one of two islands: Ołowianka or Wyspa Spichrzów. On Ołowianka island you’ll find photo-perfect Gdańsk letters, and Ambersky – 50m high ferris wheel from which you can admire the city from a different perspective during a 15-minute-long ride. You can also admire or enter Museum Ship “Sołdek” from there – the first seagoing ship built in Poland after World War II and now the world’s only steam-powered coal and ore carrier preserved until today.
Wyspa Spichrzów is known for restored grain warehouses now mostly being home to waterfront restaurants, live music venues, and some shops selling ceramics, amber, and various souvenirs. Wandering along Mołtawa riverside and its islands is definitely one of the most relaxing things to do during 1 day in Gdańsk.
Book now: Gdansk City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat
Gdansk museums
There are 3 amazing museums in Gdansk. But unfortunately, during only one day you won’t have time to see them all. Choose one that interests you most and enjoy it.
In our opinion, the most important one is the Museum of the Second World War, the European Solidarity Centre, and then the Amber Museum.
Museum of the Second World War
Museum of the Second World War (pl. Muzeum II Wojny Światowej) is a fascinating place educating about the tragic events of World War II, its origins and consequences, perpetrators and victims, and its impact on humanity. The museum’s purpose is to teach us a history lesson about one of the darkest chapters in history that we should never forget or repeat.
The museum is located not far from the Motława riverside. To see all that the museum has to offer you’ll need about 2-3 hours. For current prices and opening hours of the Museum of the Second World War visit muzeum1939.pl website.
European Solidarity Centre
European Solidarity Centre (pl. Europejskie Centrum Solidarności or ECS) is a modern museum and cultural institution dedicated to Poland’s modern history, focusing on events that led to the victory of the Solidarity movement and the fall of Communism in Europe. Once you are done with the exhibitions, go to the observation deck on the ECS rooftop to admire the nice views of the shipyard and Gdansk.
The European Solidarity Centre is located not far from the old town area, in the shipyards. To see all that the museum has to offer you’ll need about 2-3 hours. To check out current prices and opening hours of ESC visit ecs.gda.pl website.
Amber Museum
Amber Museum (pl. Muzeum Bursztynu) tells the story of amber’s origins, properties, extraction, and processing throughout the centuries. A unique collection of natural lumps of resin, inclusions, fossilized resins, and finished products await there. Actually, inside the museum, you’ll find the largest collection of amber in the world!
Museum is located within Gdansk Old Town borders, inside the beautiful medieval Great Mill. To see all that the museum has to offer you’ll need about 1 hour. To check out current prices and opening hours of Amber Museum visit muzeumgdansk.pl website (remember to select a desired museum from the list).
Take advantage of a guided tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. During your 1 day in Gdansk, you can for example take part in this interesting Gdańsk City Sights & History Guided Walking Tour, or if you’re a foodie in this Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour.
For a wide selection and more well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator website.
How to get to Gdansk, Poland?
Gdansk is located about 340km from Warsaw, 310km from Poznan, 480km from Wroclaw, and only 12km from Sopot. The most convenient way to get to Gdansk is by car, train, or bus.
Airports near Gdansk
Gdansk has its own airport located only about 15km from the Old Town. The next closest ones are in Poznań (320km away) and Warsaw (350km away). The easiest way to get from Gdansk airport to the city center is to take a bus or train. You can also take a taxi or rent a car. To learn more about possible options visit airport.gdansk.pl website.
Where to park in Gdansk?
If you choose to travel by car you need to know that it isn’t easy to find a parking place for a car (especially a free one). Your best option is to find accommodation with parking space and then walk or travel by bus/tram in the city center.
You can also leave a car in one of the underground parking lots, like Interparking Centrum or Parking Forum Gdańsk, or try to find a place along the streets and pay by parking meter or via app.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
To Gdansk by train
You can also get to Gdansk by train, as Poland is quite well connected by trains. For example, a trip from Warsaw will take about 2.5h (€11-19), 3h from Poznan (€45-70), and 4.5h from Wroclaw (€60-90). To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rozklad-pkp.pl website.
To Gdansk by bus
You can easily get to Gdansk by bus, especially from other big Polish cities. For example, the trip from Warsaw will take 3h45min (€28-40), and 3.5h from Poznan (€25-35). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com or Flixbus website.
Explore local attractions
One day in Gdansk, Poland – Summing up
As you can see by now, Gdansk is a beautiful and fascinating Polish city that deserves at least 1 day of your time. It’s a place with many things to do that will satisfy every traveler’s taste. It’s one of the best Polish cities, and we hope that now you understand why it should be visited along with other popular names like Kraków, Warsaw, or Wrocław.
Now, with our guide, you’re ready to explore Gdansk in the best possible way during one day. We showed you the minimum, the most important landmarks that can be seen in just a few hours. Enjoy your 1 day in Gdansk!
Pss. Do you have more time to spare or are already planning your second trip to Gdansk? Awesome! Be sure to check out our post with all the amazing things to do in Gdansk!
Our video from Gdansk
Our opinion about Gdansk
As we mentioned at the beginning, over the years we visited Gdansk a few times, mainly during the holiday season while relaxing in one of the nearby smaller towns. Out of all the big Polish cities, it has a solid position in our subjective TOP5 ranking – although we can’t agree if it should be in 3rd or 4th place if we like it slightly better or less than Krakow! Anyway, it’s a must-see destination in Poland.
What we like most about Gdansk it’s its beautiful old town, seaside area, and good food. What we don’t like? Well, it’s a big and usually super busy city that can be overwhelming, especially during summer months and weekends.
If we can give you some advice, try to avoid visiting Gdansk (or basically anywhere on the Polish seaside) during the summer months. July and August are for sure the worst as it’s the time when kids have summer school holidays and thousands of families head to the Baltic Sea for vacations.
Book now: Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in 1 Day in Gdansk?
Here are your best, high-rated options in 1 Day in Gdansk:
Where to sleep in 1 Day in Gdansk?
Hotel Gdańsk Boutique
Hotel Gdańsk Boutique is a luxurious accommodation set in a beautifully restored 18th-century granary, combining historic charm with modern elegance. Located by the marina, the hotel offers stunning views, comfortable rooms, and a renowned on-site brewery serving award-winning craft beers. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring Gdańsk's Old Town and nearby attractions.
Montownia Lofts & Experience
Montownia Lofts & Experience offers unique, stylish loft-style accommodations in the heart of Gdańsk, blending industrial design with modern comfort. Located near the vibrant Old Town, it provides easy access to the city’s main attractions, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. With spacious apartments, high-end amenities, and a trendy atmosphere, it's an ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable and contemporary stay.
Hotel Almond Business & Spa
Hotel Almond Business & Spa is a modern and elegant hotel located along the scenic Motława River, offering both comfort and luxury. Its spacious rooms, on-site spa, and gourmet restaurant create a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication for both business and leisure travelers. Conveniently situated near the Old Town, it provides easy access to Gdańsk's top attractions while serving as a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
