Epic 3 Days in Gdańsk: Old Town Cobbles to Coastal Gems

Visiting Gdańsk for the first time?  Refreshingly down-to-earth and uncrowded, this city is packed with authentic things to do and local gems (literally) if you know where to look! The Historic Old Town is compact, so easy to explore during your 3 Days in Gdańsk.

As in other Polish cities like Wroclaw or Poznan that we’ve spent time in, Gdansk has a river, in this case the Motlawa, at its heart. The Baltic Sea is also on your doorstep, connected via a huge bay making Gdansk a unique destination in Poland.

So here’s a friendly warning: you might just fall in love with this charming 1,000+ years old city on the Baltic coast, just as we have. Coming back after a few years, there’s been a lot of investment growth and it shows!

Gdansk Itinerary – Quick Overview

Up front we want to say we know planning a trip can be overwhelming! Sometimes we just want a snapshot of a suggested itinerary before delving into the details. So, here it is.

• Day 1: Explore Old Town Gdańsk, Crane & Dine By The River.
• Day 2: WW2 Museum, River/Baltic Cruising, Vodka Tasting.
• Day 3: Amber Museum, Gdynia /Sopot; Sky Ride, Mariacka St.

While this guide is designed for 3 Days in Gdansk, if you have an extra day, consider a day trip to Malbork Castle. This is the largest in Poland and a UNESCO heritage site.

Gdansk Map & Itinerary

Gdansk is a northern Polish coastal city with a vibrant feel that has emerged from countless twists and turns of history from medieval days up to today.

Largely rebuilt after WW2, the architecture is stunning in the Old Town. Tall skinny ornate structures cozy together in rows, home to hotels, restaurants, shops, and museums.

Day 1 – Morning Gdansk Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Honestly, we have found it very easy to explore Old Town on our own. However, if you would prefer a guided walk, we can recommend this Gdansk Walking Tour on a first visit.

If you follow our self-guided tour enjoy being as active as you wish exploring the historic heart of town. Climb over 400 steps at St. Mary’s Basilica or slightly less at Main Town Hall for city rooftop views. Or don’t! There are plenty of modern elevators to other rooftop spots around town.

If you plan to visit most of the museums and attractions we recommend, consider buying a Gdanska Karta Turysty. For a 72-hour Gdansk Tourist Card, expect to pay 85zł (USD$23, £17 at the time of writing).

After breakfast, head to Highland Gate to start your walk through Old Town.

Next to the gate is the Foregate Complex, known as the Old Prison Tower. Walk through here for a sobering sense of what went on in the late 1500s. For a fee, you can go inside the small museum for 18zl. Come on Mondays if you can; it’s free!

Continue to the medieval Golden Gate, the royal city entrance completed in 1614. It survived many rulers and wars since and time has taken its toll! When we last visited (2025), it was undergoing renovations but it is still awesome.

Check out the numerous ornate statues that adorn it. Those facing outward from the city depict freedom, prosperity, peace, and glory.

The 4 facing towards the city reflect justice, harmony, piety, and prudence. Quite the welcome!

Ulica Długa (Long Street) Sights

Now you are in Ulica Dluga (Long Street) or Main Street Gdansk! Pause and soak in the rows of narrow tall colored buildings, each with its own history.

Firstly, stop to admire Uphagen House, recognizable by the letter ‘A’ on its facade. A family home named after the owner’s wife Abigail, you can go in and peek at 18th-century interior design. Allow 30 minutes to tour around.

Next, if you have a view of a church like building with a large clock tower and Gothic dome, great! This is Main Town Hall, 52m high. Listen for the carillon bells as you debate whether or not to head to the top for city views.

Roof access is subject to weather and seasonal, so check the latest visitor information posted outside if you plan to come back later.

Next, have a coffee at one of the street cafes on Long Street and watch the world go by for a little while.

As you walk a little further, look out for a sign for Bar Neptun on your right.

Known locally as ‘milk bars’ these are a legacy of communist times. This restaurant with its non-descript exterior is a hidden gem in Gdansk Old Town.

Food is freshly made (which wasn’t always the case in that era) and inexpensive. Do take a look inside. Or come back for lunch another day!

Royal Walk – Dluga Targ

You’ve reached cross way to the second part of this Royal Walk – Dluga Targ.

We loved the vibe around Neptune’s Fountain, in front of the gorgeous Artus Court. The fountain is both aesthetic and has a nod to folklore. Locals told us that the head of Neptune is slightly bowed in respect of course to the passing royals 🙂

Artus Court (the white building in the photo above) is where leaders came to discuss issues and drink beer. It dates back to the 14th century although like most structures here, it has been rebuilt several times.

As the cobbled area widens a little, check out local artists at work and paintings. Expect this area of the walk to be a little busier. In centuries gone by, this was also a city market and the site of public executions!

On the same side of Artus Court, keep going to the Golden House. The story here is that it is haunted by Maria, the lady of the house back in the 1600s.

It was not destroyed in WW2 so the gilt exterior showcases the opulent original architecture of Gdansk. Unfortunately, It’s not open to visitors so enjoy it from the outside.

Keep going through the arches of the Green Gate which really is a mansion house. Once again it was built for, yes you guessed it, the Royals to stay in. None did except for a French bride-to-be who overnighted here before her wedding in 1646! Today it’s part of the National Museum.

Turn around and look back to the Golden Gate before you leave here – it’s a fabulous view!

And now you’re on a stone bridge looking down at a more modern Gdansk and Motława River. This is one of our favourite views of the city. When the sun is out, it’s simply stunning as rows of tall colorful buildings reflect in the water.

St Mary’s Church – Clocks, Steps & Miracles!

The last stop on this walk is St Mary’s Basilica. You will likely have already spotted this on arrival in town. It’s the largest brick church in the world and up to 25,000 people can come together inside. Honestly, we had no idea until we stepped inside how massive this space is.

Plan your walk so you come here just before noon. This is when the 45-foot-high astronomical clock performance takes place! Wow, this is so much more than a clock striking 12 times!!!

We felt we were looking at an ancient computer from 1460! This clock tracks time, positions of sun/moon, zodiac signs to name a few. Loved it and the passion that must have gone into designing and building it.

The icing on the cake are multiple characters that pop out around the clock face to music. Daily performances end as 3 kings make an appearance at the top section.

If you have been to Prague, it’s similar but this is a much larger clock.

If you are ready for lunch, head to Pierogarnia Stary Mlyn, a well-known restaurant next to the church. They serve high quality traditional Pierogis and other delicious Polish cuisine. Food is freshly cooked to order.

If you love vegetarian food, try mushroom pierogis with cranberry sauce. Yum!

If walking this distance is not possible, book yourself an Electric Golf Cart City Tour. A guide will pick you up and whisk you around in a small 6-person vehicle for 90 minutes.

Day 1 Afternoon: Crane & Nautical Museum

After a good carb loading, it’s time to head back to the river area of town.

Take your time strolling up Motława River embankment to the large brown wooden building jutting out of the street with circular towers. This is Gdansk Crane (Zuraw) and is part of the Museum Complex. You can visit both with one ticket.

Step under the crane and gaze up at 6 meter wide wooden treadwheels. Imagine working here in the 1300s!! Quite the workout we thought standing here and absorbing the scale of this medieval engineering.

Although partly rebuilt after damage and fires, the crane is a ‘must’ in our things to do in Gdansk suggestions, because it is so unique. Inside, Dioramas bring crane history to life and the views from the upper levels are cool.

National Maritime Granary Buildings

Directly across on Ołowianka Island, connected by a pedestrian drawbridge are traditional Granary buildings, now converted into the National Maritime Museum.

With 3 floors, full of life on the ocean history from 15th century to today, it’s also a gallery. If you love Dutch/Flemish 17th century paintings, don’t miss this area.

Finally, if you love classic engineering, buy a ticket to tour SS Soldek moored adjacent to the Granaries. This is another gem of world history: it’s the only steam powered coal and iron ore vessel renovated and protected like this.

Dinner. We have 2 restaurant suggestions and both are on the same side of the river as Gdansk Crane:

Ostro – which has the reputation for the best pizzas around, gets our vote. Their appetizer garlic buns are pretty irresistible too 🙂 Sit outside and enjoy people watching or grab a table upstairs indoors. The staff are friendly and efficient.

If you would prefer a steak and a wider menu, Goldwasser Restaurant is a popular option with great reviews. Also on the riverbank, this is where to try the legendary ‘Gold Liqueur’ which contains gold flakes!

Day 2 Morning: World War 2 Museum

It’s hard to miss the futuristic design of the WW II Museum in Gdansk with its Louvre-like angles peaking over the skyline. This museum opened in 2017 and spending a morning here was totally different from what I had assumed.

From beginning to end, this is a deeply moving experience. Cleverly designed as a human story from start to finish, the audio guide brings hundreds of exhibits to life.

Sad and desperate at times, but hopeful too as you see how Poland rebuilt itself from the ashes of war. It is thought-provoking without preaching. Don’t come to Gdansk without spending a few hours here.

Lunch. Walk back to the river for a casual American-themed lunch at Billy’s American Restaurant. On the water edge enjoy a burger, ribs, or vegetarian options as boats of all types sail by. Billy’s are in most Polish cities and are highly rated.

Day 2 Afternoon: Boat Cruise & Vodka Tasting

Unless you come to Gdansk in the middle of winter, jump onto one of many boat trips on offer. This is a great way to see more of Gdansk including the Shipyards where the famous Solidarity Movement was born.

We took a leisurely 2 hour boat tour to Westerplatte. There is a memorial here to those Polish soldiers who died when the Germans attacked in 1939. Buy tickets at a small booth on the waterfront just outside the Hilton Gdansk Hotel.

Here are 4 different boat trips to consider.

• Guided Round Trip to Westerplatte Memorial – 80 mins
• City sights Eco-Cruise – 50 mins
• Riverside Dumpling and Workshop (At quayside) – 2 hours
• Gdańsk Old Town to Sopot Marina – 90 mins

Alternatively, if you prefer to paddle yourself, book a Guided Kayak tour on the Motlawa River.

Evening: Polish Vodka Tasting Tour

The debate about whether vodka originated in Poland or Russia continues but regardless, it’s been the drink of choice here for centuries. Polish Farmers first distilled it on their farms, reminding us of early whisky distillers on Islay, Scotland.

You can do your own tour around central bars, but we find joining a small group is fun. Guides will share a few hidden gems about Polish vodka at each stop. Check this vodka tasting tour. Pre-book as it’s super popular.

Or, if you prefer dinner and a nightclub experience, Nikka Roof Top might be just the restaurant for you. It’s a Japanese restaurant with views over the city and no steps to climb!

After dark, head over to Sassy (same venue) with its dance floor and cocktails.

Day 3 Morning: Baltic Amber Hunting

You might choose to spend today returning to some of the sights you haven’t seen like the Amber Museum. Gdansk is the amber capital of the world and it’s everywhere around town in all shapes and sizes.

You can go hunting for your own piece of raw amber on the beaches around Gdansk. It particularly washes up after spring storms so if you’re here in this season, get out there and see what you can find!

Alternatively, head back to Ulica Mariacka and do a little amber shopping. Take your pick of the street stalls or head into the lower-level tiny shops for more displays. As you walk, check out the gargoyle drainage system – genius!

When you are done exploring and shopping, pop into the delightful Drukarnia Cafe in Mariacka Street or waterfront Pijalmie Czekolady for a coffee and cake. If you have a sweet tooth like us, try the chocolate flight – delicious!!

Day 3: Afternoon (or All Day) – Gdynia & Sopot

There are various tours to these cities, but we visited independently and if don’t mind walking, it’s a nice option.

However, if you’re short on time, take an Uber as if you take the train, it’s a longish walk in Gdynia to the pier and back. Similarly it’s quite a stroll from Sopot to the boardwalk and beach from the station.

Things to Do In Gdynia

We recommend coming to Gdynia to visit the Polish Emmigration Museum especially if you have any Polish heritage. It’s on Polska 1 street, right on the Baltic Sea within a working port, having opened in 2015.

Walking through there are so many fascinating stories about decisions to leave Poland. Learn about boats that carried people to the other side of the world, mostly to Canada or the USA.

We enjoyed researching Grandma Zofia from several generations back and found some fascinating information about her departure back in the early 1900s.

Relax in Sopot

If Gdynia doesn’t sound fun, head straight to the beach of Sopot. Also known in Poland as the place where Polish pop music was born, it’s a popular summer hangout. Walk out to the end of the long pier (1,680 ft/512 m) and then relax on the beach.

There are plenty of seafood restaurants to enjoy lunch at or treat yourself at the classic Grand Hotel which has stood in this spot in the 1920s. While you are here, check out the quirky crooked house, a bit of a novelty but fun!

Final Evening in Gdansk. If you have time and the energy, ride the Amber Sky Ferris wheel and soak in all you have done these past 3 days in Gdansk.

In your Gdansk Itinerary, we suggest having dinner at one of the best restaurants we’ve eaten at in the city. Literacka Restaurant and Wine Bar is on Mariacka Street.

With only 3 tables downstairs and a small upper level, this is snug and like visiting a friend’s home. The food is delicious, and the wine selection fine. On top of all of this, you’ll be presented with a glass of Granny’s Homemade Vodka before you leave. Cheers or ‘Na zdrowie’ as Poles say!

It’s a bit of a spurge with a good wine, but worth it. Shout out to vegetarian dishes I had; ever tried beetroot carpaccio??

Where to Stay In Gdansk

Our picks are based on location, links to transport hubs and value for money. Most recently we stayed at Gotyk Hotel and loved it, especially the views from our room of St Mary’s and Town Hall at night!

Getting To and Around Gdansk

We have driven to Gdansk (from the Lake District) in a previous visit. More recently we’ve taken the PKP fast train from Poznan which we recommend if you’re coming here from elsewhere in Poland.

On leaving the city, we flew directly from Gdansk back to Edinburgh with Ryanair which is around a 2-hour flight. Flights from within Europe are plentiful, and from the USA you can travel via Warsaw, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam to name a few.

The airport and railway station are easy to get to: here’s our tips to help you plan.

Arriving/Departing By Air: The most efficient way to get into town from Lech Wałęsa Airport is to book a private transfer. We often use Welcome Pickups and recommend pre-booking with them.

There are train services from the airport to the main Railway Station, but this is a 20-minute walk from downtown. So, if you have luggage to carry, probably not the best option.

But if you don’t have much to carry, the walk from the train station (Gdansk Glowny) is a lovely one passing by the Bridge of Love and Millers House.

When leaving Gdansk, we decided to take the #210 bus from Gdansk City; it was easy. Give yourselves up to an hour for this journey if it’s rush hour.

3 Days In Gdansk Planning Tools

If it’s helpful, when planning your trip to Poland’s Baltic City, here are all our TPOP recommended resources. We use these ourselves otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!

FAQs

Why Not Extend Your Time in Poland

Poland is an easy European (EU) country to explore. We’ve crisscrossed it driving, taking trains, and using inter-city buses.

If you have more time and budget, and this is your first trip to Poland, why not combine Gdansk with Wroclaw and go ‘dwarf’ collecting or tick off crossing the hundreds of bridges that weave across the city?

A couple of hours south of Gdansk by fast train (PKP) you will be in Poznan, the very first capital of Poland with a ginormous town square. This is where the EU-protected St Martin Croissant was born and where the enigma machine code breakers came from.