Top 12 Best Things To Do in Gdansk

Map out an exciting journey with the best things to do in Gdansk. Imagine walking through streets where kings once strolled, sailors traded amber like gold, and revolutions reshaped the world. With so much to do, this guide will lead you through the city's must-try activities.

Think you know what to expect? Think again. One moment, you're marveling at St. Mary's Basilica; the next, you're kayaking past the historic Gdansk Shipyard. And with the widest selection of tours in Gdansk, there's always something new waiting to be explored!

Are you ready to plan your vacation? Choose from the extensive range of Gdansk travel packages to enrich your journey. This list will help you craft the best itineraries in Gdansk, ensuring every moment is packed with adventure, history, and unforgettable flavors. Let’s dive in!

12. Savor Food Tours in Gdansk

Exploring this historic port city wouldn’t be complete without food and drink experiences in Gdansk. A taste of the city's food scene is a treat for everyone, offering a flavorful dive into Polish culture and history. 

Ready your appetite for the traditional meals that'll keep you coming back to Gdansk. Dishes like pierogi dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat deliver creamy, hearty, and savory flavors that are impossible to resist! 

If you love vodka, you’re in for a good time! Gdansk is known for its wide variety of vodkas that reflect Polish traditions. Savor its smooth warmth as you indulge in hearty local dishes. Trying different food and drink combos is one of the best things to do in Gdansk at night.

Take a Gdansk private traditional Polish food tour that offers a perfect variety of dishes and settings. Meanwhile, a seven-course Gdansk tasting menu with cocktail pairing provides an immersive culinary experience. 

Explore the city's food scene and sink your teeth into amazing flavors. Enjoy tasty dishes and hear stories that make every bite unforgettable!

11. Stroll Along Gdansk St. Mary’s Street

Walking along St. Mary’s Street is one of the richest cultural experiences in Gdansk, a city known as the Amber Capital of the World! While strolling through the streets, you’ll see many storefront displays of amber jewelry tempting you to stop and admire (or shop).

The street’s colorful townhouses and charming vibe lead to one of Gdansk’s most iconic landmarks: Bazylika Mariacka, also known as St. Mary’s Basilica. This is one of the largest brick churches in the world, and climbing its tower is one of the best things you can do in Gdansk.

Check out the basilica’s amazing architecture, or marvel at the array of shops selling amber jewelry. St. Mary’s Street is the perfect spot to feel the true charm of Gdansk!

10. Glide on a Segway Tour in Gdansk

Why walk when you can take a 1.5-hour Segway tour in Gdansk for more exciting and unique sightseeing? Glide through the historic streets and take in the beauty of its architecture and top attractions.

With a Segway, you can cover more ground in less time, meaning more sights, more stories, and more fun! With a guide leading the way, every turn reveals something new, like the grandeur of the Royal Route, the towering Gdansk Crane, or the lively energy of Long Market.

Ride through history with the wind in your hair and the chance to uncover new adventures. With stunning views around every corner, you’ll want to keep your camera close at hand!

9. Enjoy Biking in Gdansk

Touring the city will never be boring with a biking tour that takes you through Gdansk's highlights. With more than 373 miles (600 kilometers) of bike paths, cycling is definitely among the best things to do in Gdansk to unlock the city’s secrets.

Ride through the historic Old Town, follow the canals in Low Town, and learn about the Solidarity movement at the Gdansk Shipyard. A cycling tour offers a fantastic way to dive into the city’s past while enjoying its scenic routes.

What makes it even better? Local guides keep things interesting with fun facts and hidden gems. Cycling is an active, eco-friendly way to explore the city while making some great memories along the way.

8. Take a Close Look At Gdansk’s Artus Court

Take a deeper dive into history and get your ticket to explore Artus Court in Gdansk Old Town. This 14th-century Hanseatic gem features a stunning Gothic hall, beautiful murals, and a towering 33-foot (10-meter) Renaissance tiled stove decorated with 520 hand-painted tiles.

Inside, you’ll see the Great Hall, packed with epic paintings of knights, battles, and legendary tales. The Portrait Gallery puts faces to Gdansk’s power players, while the medieval arms and armor collection brings its warrior heritage to life.

A list of the best things to do in Gdansk wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Artus Court. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that this important landmark has to offer!

7. Admire the Details of Gdansk’s Neptune Fountain

Neptune Fountain is definitely a worthy addition to your Gdansk sightseeing tours. This towering bronze sea god has ruled Dlugi Targ Square since the 17th century, keeping watch over years of history and celebrations.

Get up close and check out the incredible details—his mighty trident, the swirling seashells, and the fierce sea creatures below. Legend says Neptune got fed up with people tossing coins into his fountain. So he struck the water, creating Goldwasser, Gdansk’s famous gold-flecked liqueur.

Day or night, this legendary fountain is pure magic. Even if you're capturing the moment or simply taking in the surroundings, visiting this iconic attraction is one of the top things to do in Gdansk. It’s a must-see part of the city's past with a touch of myth.

6. Visit the Gdansk Museum of the Second World War

History fanatics will love a private tour of the Gdansk Museum of the Second World War. The museum offers a powerful look at one of humanity’s darkest chapters. Located near the Motlawa River, this striking modern building stands as a reminder of the war’s impact on Poland and the world.

Immersive exhibits will greet you and take you through personal stories, wartime artifacts, and interactive displays. Walk through life-sized reconstructions of war-torn streets and see rare objects that bring history to life.

You’ll discover war's effect on ordinary lives, resistance movements, and its long-lasting consequences. Thought-provoking installations make it an emotional yet essential visit.

5. Cruise Along the Motlawa River

After exploring the Gdansk Museum of the Second World War, why not take a cruise in the Motlawa River? The river, once a lifeline for the city’s medieval trade, now offers a scenic route past historic landmarks and modern attractions.

Sail by the iconic Gdansk Crane, admire the colorful merchant houses of Dlugi Targ Square, and spot hidden gems like Granary Island. Some cruises even take you all the way to Westerplatte, where World War II began.

A river cruise is a chance to unwind and take in Gdansk’s maritime charm. Some boats serve dinner or set sail at sunset to make your experience even more special. As one of the top things to do in Gdansk, a cruise offers a smooth, scenic ride through the city’s past and present.

4. Kayak Through Gdansk’s Islands

Another must-try activity is a guided kayaking tour through the Gdansk Islands. Paddling through the Motlawa River and its hidden canals brings you up close to historic shipyards and medieval gates. It also reveals lesser-known corners that most visitors never see.

Glide past the towering Gdansk Crane, navigate under old stone bridges, and soak in the views of Granary Island’s restored warehouses. Some routes may reveal traces of the city's maritime past, adding a touch of mystery to the journey.

A Gdansk sunset kayak tour makes the experience even more magical. As the sky glows in shades of gold and orange, the city lights flicker on, casting shimmering reflections on the water. The quiet canals take on a whole new charm, creating an unforgettable way to see Gdansk.

3. Discover Malbork Castle

A private tour of Malbork Castle from Gdansk takes you beyond the city and straight into the world of medieval knights. As the largest brick castle in the world, this UNESCO-listed fortress was once the stronghold of the Teutonic Order, dominating the region with its sheer size and power.

Explore grand halls, Gothic chapels, and hidden passageways while uncovering stories of battles, secret rituals, and royal feasts. The castle’s collection of medieval weapons and amber treasures adds even more intrigue to the experience.

The views from the castle towers are worth the climb and offer breathtaking panoramas of the Nogat River and surrounding landscapes. As one of the best things to do in Gdansk, a day trip to Malbork Castle turns history into an unforgettable journey, where every stone and corridor has a story to tell.

2. Visit Stutthof Concentration Camp

Take a half-day trip from Gdansk to Stutthof Concentration Camp for a somber yet important glimpse into the past. As one of the first Nazi concentration camps built outside Germany, it became a site of unimaginable suffering, where over 100,000 prisoners passed through its gates.

Walking through the preserved barracks, watchtowers, and gas chambers brings the past into sharp focus. Exhibits display personal belongings, photographs, and survivor testimonies that powerfully illustrate the human experiences behind the historical event. 

As one of the most important things to do near Gdansk, visiting Stutthof is a chance to reflect, remember, and honor the past. It’s a deeply moving experience that stays with you long after you leave.

1. Explore Gdansk Old Town

The highlight of your adventure is a private walking tour in the Gdansk Old Town. The area's beautifully restored streets transport you to a time of wealthy merchants, markets, and grand architecture that has shaped the city's identity for centuries.

You’ll see the Dlugi Targ square, where Gdansk’s past comes to life in a swirl of color, history, and energy. The Neptune Fountain watches over like an old guardian of the sea, while the Golden Gate and Green Gate feel like portals to another era.

Cobbled streets lead to glowing amber shops, inviting cafes, and quiet courtyards waiting to be found. The tower of St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world, offers breathtaking views for those willing to climb. From up top, the city unfolds like a medieval masterpiece.