Things to do in Gdansk - top experiences by the Baltic Sea

Gdansk is also very well connected by train, which makes travelling here comfortable and stress-free. Many routes from Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław or Poznań take you directly into the heart of the city, without traffic and parking problems. If you want to compare connections or plan the cheapest option, you can easily check it with PolishTrains.

Below you’ll find the best and fun things to do in Gdansk, including ideas for young adults, families with kids, couples, and travellers visiting in winter or summer.

Best and fun things to do in Gdansk for all types of travellers

Walk along the Motława River promenade

Start your visit with a slow walk by the water. The Motława promenade is one of the most recognisable places in Gdansk, lined with restaurants, cafés and ships. It’s especially beautiful in the evening, when the lights reflect in the water.

Explore the Long Market (Długi Targ)

This is the heart of the Old Town and one of the busiest streets in the city. You’ll see colourful tenement houses, street artists, the Town Hall tower and the famous Neptune Fountain. It’s a perfect place to take photos, try local food or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Visit the European Solidarity Centre

One of the most impressive museums in Poland. The exhibitions explain the history of the Solidarity movement and the fall of communism in a simple, modern and interactive way. Even if you’re not a museum person, this place is absolutely worth it.

Climb the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica

St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the largest brick churches in Europe. If you feel like a short workout, climb the tower for a panoramic view over Gdansk’s rooftops and the Baltic coast. On clear days you can see all the way to the Hel Peninsula.

Discover the Amber Museum

Gdansk is known as the world capital of amber. The museum is small, easy to visit and full of unique pieces - from natural stones to jewellery and artworks. It’s a great stop especially if you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs.

Try traditional food from the Baltic region

Warm pierogi, smoked fish, żurek soup, bigos, gingerbread, and freshly baked pastries are part of the city’s flavour. If you like trying local cuisine, this is a perfect place to do it. Many restaurants offer cosy interiors, ideal for winter evenings or rainy afternoons.

Relax on the beach in Brzeźno or Jelitkowo

Even if you visit outside of summer, the seaside is worth a walk. Brzeźno and Jelitkowo are easy to reach by tram or bike, offering long sandy shores, cafés, viewpoints and plenty of space to simply breathe and rest.

Exploring Gdansk Old Town - history, highlights and hidden corners

Gdansk Old Town is one of the most unique historic centres in Europe. Rebuilt with great care after the Second World War, it still feels authentic, colourful and full of life. Here are the most important places to see, plus a few quieter corners that many travellers miss.

The Royal Route

This is the most famous part of the Old Town. Walking along the Royal Route, you’ll pass the Golden Gate, the Long Lane, the Town Hall and finally reach Długi Targ. It’s busy, lively and perfect for your first walk in the city.

Mariacka Street - the most beautiful street in Gdansk

Narrow, romantic and lined with historic terraces, Mariacka Street is a must-see. It’s also the centre of the amber trade, so you’ll find small workshops, elegant boutiques and tiny cafés hidden between the houses. Visit in the morning for a quieter, more magical atmosphere.

The medieval Crane (Żuraw)

The medieval Crane (Żuraw) is another icon of Gdansk: a huge 15th-century port crane once used to load ships. Today it houses part of the Maritime Museum.

The Green Gate

This gate leads straight to the riverside promenade. It’s a lovely place to sit, watch the boats and take photos of the colourful buildings reflected in the water. From here, you can also catch a boat to Westerplatte or the nearby island of Ołowianka.

Uphagen House and Artus Court

If you want to see how wealthy merchants lived in the past, visit Uphagen House. Artus Court, nearby, is another beautiful example of Gothic interiors and once served as a meeting place for Gdansk’s most important guilds.

Top things to do in Gdansk for young adults

Gdansk is super fun Poland for young travellers. It’s pretty affordable, lively, full of creative spaces and great food. Whether you enjoy nightlife, outdoor activities, culture or unique experiences, you’ll find something for yourself.

Explore the Stocznia (Shipyard) nightlife district

The former shipyard area has turned into the most energetic cultural zone in Gdansk. Ulica Elektryków, 100cznia and Drizzly Grizzly are filled with bars, concerts, street food, art installations and open-air events. In summer, this is where you’ll find the biggest crowds and the best atmosphere.

Kayak through the Motława River canals

Perfect activity if you want a bit of adventure. Guided kayak tours take you around the Old Town, under the bridges and along quiet waterways. It’s a great way to see the city from a different angle and enjoy peaceful parts of Gdansk.

Hang out in Sopot - Gdansk’s lively coastal neighbour

Just a short train ride away, Sopot is famous for its nightlife, long beaches and the wooden pier. Trains run frequently and the journey takes around 15 minutes, so you can easily combine both cities in one evening. If you’re staying longer, Gdynia is also worth a visit.

Watch the sunset at Westerplatte or Stogi Beach

Whether you’re travelling with friends or solo, sunsets by the Baltic Sea are a must. Westerplatte is peaceful and historic, while Stogi Beach is wide and uncrowded. However, always bring a jacket - the sea breeze can be chilly even in summer.

Things to do in Gdansk with kids - family-friendly attractions

Hevelianum - science made fun

Located on a hill near the city centre, Hevelianum is one of the best places for kids in Gdansk. It’s an interactive science centre with experiments, light shows and hands-on exhibitions about space, nature, energy and everyday physics. Children can run between rooms, play with installations and learn through movement and touch.

Gdańsk Zoo in Oliwa

The largest zoo in Poland, set in a forested valley perfect for long walks. You’ll see giraffes, lions, monkeys and rare species. There’s also a mini-train that helps families move between the most popular sections. The zoo is easy to reach by tram or train. The nearest stop is called Gdańsk Oliwa.

AmberSky Ferris wheel

Kids love the big Ferris wheel by the Motława River. It’s safe for all ages and offers a slow, comfortable ride with incredible views of the Old Town. It’s especially beautiful in the evening, when the city lights reflect in the water.

Museum of Illusions

A great option for rainy days. The Museum of Illusions is full of mirrors, tricks, optical puzzles and colourful rooms where children can take fun photos. It’s located in the very centre of Gdansk, so you can easily add it to your Old Town walk.

Family-friendly beaches: Brzeźno and Jelitkowo

These beaches are wide, clean and perfect for families. Brzeźno has a long pier and a promenade with playgrounds, while Jelitkowo offers calmer areas, shallow water and lots of space to play. Even in colder months, kids enjoy running on the sand and collecting shells.

Take the kids on a short trip to Sopot

The SKM trains between Gdansk and Sopot run every few minutes, making it a simple and stress-free journey even with small children. In Sopot, you’ll find the famous pier, the Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), cafés, ice cream stands and a lively promenade perfect for a family stroll.

Romantic things to do in Gdansk for couples

Oliwa Park and the Oliwa Cathedral with your other half

Oliwa Park is ideal for slow, romantic walks. You’ll find ponds, bridges, winter gardens and long alleys surrounded by greenery. Inside the nearby Oliwa Cathedral, couples can enjoy one of the daily organ concerts. A truly unique, but romantic experience.

Climb Gradowa Góra for sunset

Just a short walk from Gdansk Główny station, Gradowa Góra is a small hill with panoramic views of the shipyard cranes, Old Town rooftops and the Baltic sky. The sunsets here are stunning, and the spot is far less crowded than the main riverside promenade.

Relax in seaside spas and saunas

Several beachside hotels offer spa zones with saunas, pools and massages. In winter, some spots even organise seaside sauna sessions with Baltic plunge pools, a refreshing activity to enjoy together.

Things to do in Gdansk in winter

While all activities above are best done in the spring or summer, winter visits have their own magic! Winter in Gdańsk is truly beautiful. The colourful houses look even more charming covered in snow, the streets are calmer, and cosy cafés invite you to warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Visit the Gdansk Christmas Market (Targ Węglowy)

If you’re travelling in December, this is a must-see. The Christmas Market fills the city with lights, wooden stalls, decorations, carousels and the smell of gingerbread. You can try regional food, buy handmade gifts, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Walk along the winter seaside

The Baltic coast is incredibly peaceful in winter. Wide empty beaches, soft light and fresh air make it perfect for a quiet walk.

Enjoy saunas by the Baltic Sea

This is one of the most unusual things to do in Gdansk in winter. Several beach clubs organise seaside sauna sessions with cooling pools right by the water. It’s a refreshing, energising experience and a great way to relax after sightseeing.

Try “morsowanie” - winter swimming in the Baltic Sea

If you want to experience something truly unique, try morsowanie - winter swimming in the Baltic Sea. It’s a growing trend in Poland, especially in Gdansk and Sopot, where local groups meet on the beach early in the morning or around sunset.

The idea is simple: a quick dip in cold water followed by warm clothes, tea and lots of laughter. It’s safe when done properly, and many travellers say it leaves you energised for the whole day. The most popular places to try morsowaniem are Brzeźno Beach, Jelitkowo, and Stogi.

If you’re a beginner, join an organised group or watch others first to see how it’s done. Bring warm layers, a hat, gloves and a thermos with hot tea. Even if you don’t go into the water, watching the winter swimmers is an unusual and fun thing to do!

Conclusion

Gdansk offers something special in every season. It’s a place where every traveller can find their own favourite corner.

Because Gdansk is so well connected by rail, arriving by train is one of the most comfortable ways to travel. You get off right in the city centre, avoid traffic, and can start exploring immediately. If you want to check timetables, compare routes or book the best fares, you can easily do it through Polishtrains.

No matter how long you stay, Gdansk rewards slow walks, good food, curiosity and a bit of Baltic adventure!