Gdańsk

Poland

Długa Street with the Main Town Hall in the background Gdańsk (also known by its German name Danzig) is a city in Poland on the Baltic Sea. It is the capital of Pomerania. Gdańsk with nearby Sopot and Gdynia are often referred as Tricity (pl: Trójmiasto). Gdańsk is considered one of the most beautiful cities on the Baltic Sea and has magnificent architecture.

Its position on the Baltic has made Gdańsk one of the most important port cities in Northern Europe, and the scene of a disturbing past. Gdańsk used to be the biggest and richest city in the Polish Kingdom. The first claim to fame for Danzig (as it was then known) was its membership in the Hanseatic League as an important Baltic port on the crossroads of North East and Central Europe.

World War II was ignited by a dispute over the control of the city. By the end of the war the city lay almost completely in ruins. The German population was expelled and replaced by Poles as the city came under Polish rule and changed its name to Gdańsk. However, the impact of its former German ties are still evident. Although most of the old buildings were damaged or destroyed in World War II, they have been painstakingly restored or rebuilt.

In modern history, Gdańsk is known as the birthplace of Solidarity (pl: Solidarność), the labour and democracy movement that helped to bring down the Communist government in Poland, which marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War and subsequent collapse of communism in other European countries. The movement was led by the charismatic leader, Lech Wałęsa, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 and in 1990 became Poland's first post-Communist president.

Do not be fooled by the fact that Gdańsk is famous for its shipyards, as it is a beautiful city with a charm of its own.

Tourist Information Centre, Długi Targ 28/29 (Next to Green Gate (Zielona Brama), +48 58 301 43 55.

Tourist Information Point, Podwale Grodzkie 8 st. (In the tunnel near the Main Railway Station (Gdańsk Główny), +48 58 721 32 77.

Tourist Information Point, Słowackiego 200 st. (At Lech Wałęsa Airport, +48 58 348 13 68.

PTTK Tourist Information, 45 Długa st (Just opposite the Town Hall (Ratusz Głównego Miasta), +48 58 301 91 51, +48 58 301 37 52.

At every Tourist Information point you can buy the Tourist Card.

Within the "Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia-Plus" Tourist Card nearly 220 offers are available, including: accommodations, performances, concerts, exhibitions, souvenirs, books, amber jewellery purchase, dinners and other meals, water equipment hiring, car rental, paintball, Aquapark, visits in beauty salon, and entertainment.

Hall of the Main City (Ratusz)

The main city (Główne Miasto) is the historic part of Gdańsk and contains most of the sights. The Long Street (ulica Długa) and Long Market (Długi Targ) are two of the most beautiful streets in the city. They are enclosed first by the Upland Gate, then by the Golden Gate to the west and the Green Gate to the east close to the riverside. This entire stretch is also referred to as the Royal Way. Along those two streets there are many interesting sights.

  • Main Town Hall, ul. Długa 46/47, +48 58 76 79 100. Tu-Su. The old city hall (built 1378-1492) has a museum inside showing off a nicely decorated room where the town council once met and some historic exhibits about the history of Gdańsk. There are also impressive photos of the destruction after World War II. It is possible to purchase tickets to the tower, which offers a great view of the surroundings and St. Mary's Church. 12 zł adults, 6 zł concessions, tower 5 zł, Tue free.
  • Artus Court, Długi Targ 43-44, +48 58 76 79 180. Tu-Su. Impressive mansion, a symbol of the city's power in the 16th and 17th centuries, served as an exchange and as the seat of St. George and the brotherhoods of rich patricians. Now part of the Gdańsk History Museum. 10 zł adults, 5 zł concessions, Tue free.
  • Neptune Fountain, Długi Targ. Statue of Neptune, patron of the city, installed in 1549. During World War II, the statue was hidden. In 1954 it was put back to its original location on the Long Market.
  • Golden House, ul. Długi Targ 41/42.
  • Uphagen House, ul. Długa 12, +48 58 301 23 71. Tu 10:00-13:00, W F Sa 10:00-16:00, Th 10:00-18:00, Su 11:00-16:00, M closed. Named after the merchant, Johann Uphagen, who bought this house in 1775. It was destroyed during the war in 1945, but completely rebuilt within ten years. In the 1990s, it was opened to the public. There are temporary exhibitions on the second floor. It is part of the Gdańsk History Museum. 10 zł adults, 5 zł concessions, Tu free.
  • Highland Gate. Also called Upplands Gate. It was built in 1576 as part of the city's fortifications. Once the main entrance to the city where the Polish Kings were officially welcomed.
  • Prison Tower and Torture Chamber, Targ Węglowy 26 (between the Highland Gate and the Golden Gate. The viewing platform of the tower is open in summer months. This building also houses the Amber Museum. 12 zł for admission to the Amber Museum, +5 zł for the tower.
  • Golden Gate.
  • Green Gate.
  • Motława River bank, Długie Pobrzeże. Impressive houses stand along the river bank. They can be nicely observed from the other bank of Motława.
  • Crane over the Motława River, ul. Szeroka 67/68, +48 58 301 69 38, +48 58 329 87 60. Opening hours for Dec and Jan: Tu-Su 10:00-15:00, M closed. The former port crane is one of the most well-known buildings in Gdańsk. It is first mentioned in 1367, but was rebuilt several times since then. During World War II it was partially destroyed again. In 1962 after final reconstructions it was turned over to the National Maritime Museum. It now houses an exhibition about the former port of the city. The mechanism for lifting the crane can be observed as well. 8 zł adults, 5 zł concession, 1 zł children. Last tickets sold 30 min before closing. Tickets available in the museum next door.
  • St. Mary's Street.
  • Maiden in the window.

Main Town Hall, ul. Długa 46/47, +48 58 76 79 100. Tu-Su. The old city hall (built 1378-1492) has a museum inside showing off a nicely decorated room where the town council once met and some historic exhibits about the history of Gdańsk. There are also impressive photos of the destruction after World War II. It is possible to purchase tickets to the tower, which offers a great view of the surroundings and St. Mary's Church. 12 zł adults, 6 zł concessions, tower 5 zł, Tue free.

Artus Court, Długi Targ 43-44, +48 58 76 79 180. Tu-Su. Impressive mansion, a symbol of the city's power in the 16th and 17th centuries, served as an exchange and as the seat of St. George and the brotherhoods of rich patricians. Now part of the Gdańsk History Museum. 10 zł adults, 5 zł concessions, Tue free.

Neptune Fountain, Długi Targ. Statue of Neptune, patron of the city, installed in 1549. During World War II, the statue was hidden. In 1954 it was put back to its original location on the Long Market.

Golden House, ul. Długi Targ 41/42.

Uphagen House, ul. Długa 12, +48 58 301 23 71. Tu 10:00-13:00, W F Sa 10:00-16:00, Th 10:00-18:00, Su 11:00-16:00, M closed. Named after the merchant, Johann Uphagen, who bought this house in 1775. It was destroyed during the war in 1945, but completely rebuilt within ten years. In the 1990s, it was opened to the public. There are temporary exhibitions on the second floor. It is part of the Gdańsk History Museum. 10 zł adults, 5 zł concessions, Tu free.

Highland Gate. Also called Upplands Gate. It was built in 1576 as part of the city's fortifications. Once the main entrance to the city where the Polish Kings were officially welcomed.

Prison Tower and Torture Chamber, Targ Węglowy 26 (between the Highland Gate and the Golden Gate. The viewing platform of the tower is open in summer months. This building also houses the Amber Museum. 12 zł for admission to the Amber Museum, +5 zł for the tower.

Golden Gate.

Green Gate.

Motława River bank, Długie Pobrzeże. Impressive houses stand along the river bank. They can be nicely observed from the other bank of Motława.

Crane over the Motława River, ul. Szeroka 67/68, +48 58 301 69 38, +48 58 329 87 60. Opening hours for Dec and Jan: Tu-Su 10:00-15:00, M closed. The former port crane is one of the most well-known buildings in Gdańsk. It is first mentioned in 1367, but was rebuilt several times since then. During World War II it was partially destroyed again. In 1962 after final reconstructions it was turned over to the National Maritime Museum. It now houses an exhibition about the former port of the city. The mechanism for lifting the crane can be observed as well. 8 zł adults, 5 zł concession, 1 zł children. Last tickets sold 30 min before closing. Tickets available in the museum next door.

St. Mary's Street.

Maiden in the window.

The huge St. Mary's Church

  • St. Mary's Church, ul. Podkramarska 5. Open daily. Tower closed in winter months (around Dec-Mar) and at bad weather conditions. One of the largest Gothic churches in Europe and one of the three (almost equal sizes) second largest brick churches in the world. There is space for more than 20,000 people in the church. It is possible to take the stairs to the tower (78 m), but the view is not as inspiring as the one from Main Town Hall. The church also contains a large astronomical clock from 1464. There are tickets to visit the church and tickets to the tower, sold in different places. Apr-Nov: 6/3 zł including tower, 4/2 zł without tower; Dec-March: free (tower closed).
  • St. Nicholas Church.
  • St. John’s Church.
  • St. Catherine's Church.
  • St. Bridget’s Church.
  • Royal Chapel, ul. Świętego Ducha 58. Open only during Sunday mass. Differs from typical Gdańsk architecture.
  • Oliwa Cathedral, ul. Biskupa Edmunda Nowickiego 5 (at the western side of Oliwa Park. Contains an organ built in the mid-18th century as the largest organ in Europe at that time with slightly fewer than 8,000 pipes. There are daily organ recitals which are generally free (with some exceptions).

St. Mary's Church, ul. Podkramarska 5. Open daily. Tower closed in winter months (around Dec-Mar) and at bad weather conditions. One of the largest [[Gothic]] churches in Europe and one of the three (almost equal sizes) second largest brick churches in the world. There is space for more than 20,000 people in the church. It is possible to take the stairs to the tower (78 m), but the view is not as inspiring as the one from Main Town Hall. The church also contains a large astronomical clock from 1464. There are tickets to visit the church and tickets to the tower, sold in different places. Apr-Nov: 6/3 zł including tower, 4/2 zł without tower; Dec-March: free (tower closed).

St. Nicholas Church.

St. John’s Church.

St. Catherine's Church.

St. Bridget’s Church.

Royal Chapel, ul. Świętego Ducha 58. Open only during Sunday mass. Differs from typical Gdańsk architecture.

Oliwa Cathedral, ul. Biskupa Edmunda Nowickiego 5 (at the western side of Oliwa Park. Contains an organ built in the mid-18th century as the largest organ in Europe at that time with slightly fewer than 8,000 pipes. There are daily organ recitals which are generally free (with some exceptions).

  • Hall of the Old City, ul. Korzenna 33/35. Built in the 16th century. Its most famous resident was the councillor and mayor of Danzig, Johannes Hevelius, who was also an astronomer in his later life and a brewer in his earlier life. The building is now home to the Baltic Sea Culture Centre.
  • New City Hall. The current seat of the Gdańsk City Council.
  • Memorial to fallen Shipyard Workers, Solidarity Square. Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers shot during communist regime in 1970
  • Grand Mill, ul. Wielkie Młyny 16. Old mill (built 1350), with 18 water wheels up to 1939 produced 200 ton of flour daily, but now used as shopping centre.
  • Günter Grass Monument, Plac Wybickiego (close to the train station Gdańsk Wrzeszcz. A statue of the author Günter Grass, who was born in Danzig, facing his famous character Oskar Matzerath from The Tin Drum. Installed in October 2015, six months after his death, and on his 88th anniversary.
  • Great Armoury, ul. Targ Węglowy. Old city arsenal from 1605. Great example of Dutch design with astonishing stonework. These days the Great Armoury belongs to the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts and visiting inside is only possible during art exhibitions which are organised from time to time by the Academy.

Hall of the Old City, ul. Korzenna 33/35. Built in the 16th century. Its most famous resident was the councillor and mayor of Danzig, Johannes Hevelius, who was also an astronomer in his later life and a brewer in his earlier life. The building is now home to the Baltic Sea Culture Centre.

New City Hall. The current seat of the Gdańsk City Council.

Memorial to fallen Shipyard Workers, Solidarity Square. Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers shot during communist regime in 1970

Grand Mill, ul. Wielkie Młyny 16. Old mill (built 1350), with 18 water wheels up to 1939 produced 200 ton of flour daily, but now used as shopping centre.

Günter Grass Monument, Plac Wybickiego (close to the train station Gdańsk Wrzeszcz. A statue of the author Günter Grass, who was born in Danzig, facing his famous character Oskar Matzerath from The Tin Drum. Installed in October 2015, six months after his death, and on his 88th anniversary.

Great Armoury, ul. Targ Węglowy. Old city arsenal from 1605. Great example of Dutch design with astonishing stonework. These days the Great Armoury belongs to the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts and visiting inside is only possible during art exhibitions which are organised from time to time by the Academy.

  • Archaeological Museum, ul. Mariacka 25/26.
  • Tower Clock Museum, ul. Wielkie Młyny 10 (located in the tower of Saint Catherine’s Church, +48 58 305 64 92. M-W F-Su 11:00-19:00, Th 10:00-17:00. Part of the Gdańsk History Museum.
  • European Solidarity Centre, plac Solidarności 1, +48 506 195 673. May-Sep: daily 10:00-20:00, Oct-Apr: daily 10:00-18:00. It's quite new (opened in 2014) center dedicated to the history of Solidarity (trade union which "fought" with communist government). Among other things, the building contains a museum and viewpoint at the roof terrace (freely accessible via elevator). There is free Wi-Fi in the building. Entry to the ECS building is free. 17 zł for exhibitions.
  • Gdańsk Post Office and Museum, ul. Obrońców Poczty Polskiej 1-2. M 09:00–13:00, Tu–Th 09:00–16:00, F–Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 10:00–16:00. There is a small museum which documents the events that happened on September 1, 1939 at the beginning of World War II. It also contains a small active post office. Even if the museum is closed, the square in front has a great (and free) series of billboards summarizing the start of the war. 8 zł adults, 5 zł concesssions, Mon free.
  • National Maritime Museum, +48 58 3018611.
  • Sołdek Ship (Museum), ul. Ołowianka 9-13, +48 58 301 86 11. Closed in winter. The ship was launched in 1948 as the first Polish ocean-going vessel and used as a coal and ore carrier. It was named after the "shock worker" Stanisław Sołdek. It is part of the National Maritime Museum.
  • Museum of the Second World War, pl. W. Bartoszewskiego 1.

Archaeological Museum, ul. Mariacka 25/26.

Tower Clock Museum, ul. Wielkie Młyny 10 (located in the tower of Saint Catherine’s Church, +48 58 305 64 92. M-W F-Su 11:00-19:00, Th 10:00-17:00. Part of the Gdańsk History Museum.

European Solidarity Centre, plac Solidarności 1, +48 506 195 673. May-Sep: daily 10:00-20:00, Oct-Apr: daily 10:00-18:00. It's quite new (opened in 2014) center dedicated to the history of Solidarity (trade union which "fought" with communist government). Among other things, the building contains a museum and viewpoint at the roof terrace (freely accessible via elevator). There is free Wi-Fi in the building. Entry to the ECS building is free. 17 zł for exhibitions.

Gdańsk Post Office and Museum, ul. Obrońców Poczty Polskiej 1-2. M 09:00–13:00, Tu–Th 09:00–16:00, F–Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 10:00–16:00. There is a small museum which documents the events that happened on September 1, 1939 at the beginning of World War II. It also contains a small active post office. Even if the museum is closed, the square in front has a great (and free) series of billboards summarizing the start of the war. 8 zł adults, 5 zł concesssions, Mon free.

National Maritime Museum, +48 58 3018611.

Sołdek Ship (Museum), ul. Ołowianka 9-13, +48 58 301 86 11. Closed in winter. The ship was launched in 1948 as the first Polish ocean-going vessel and used as a coal and ore carrier. It was named after the "shock worker" Stanisław Sołdek. It is part of the National Maritime Museum.

Museum of the Second World War, pl. W. Bartoszewskiego 1.

  • Westerplatte. Park with many information panels about the first battle of World War II that took place here in September 1939. You can also see disused bunkers and a crumbled command-post, as well as a large monument to those who fought in the battle. From the monument you have a view of the Nowy Port area and the lighthouse. The bus ride also takes you past the enormous (now defunct) shipyards. Free.
  • Nowy Port Lighthouse, ul. Przemysłowa 6a (Tram 3 to Nowy Port, tram stop Latarnia Morska, +48587601642. May-August daily 10:00-19:00, September only on weekends 10:00-17:00. A 28m high lighthouse built in 1893. It features a time ball which was used to synchronize clocks on ships. 10 zł/6 zł for students.
  • Brzezno pier. A nice white-painted wooden pier. There is a small restaurant and an ice cream parlour. Free.
  • Gdańsk Zoo, ul. Karwieńska 3, +48 58 5520042.
  • Tricity Landscape Park.
  • Wisłoujście Fortress, Stara Twierdza 1, +48 58 351 22 44.

Westerplatte. Park with many information panels about the first battle of World War II that took place here in September 1939. You can also see disused bunkers and a crumbled command-post, as well as a large monument to those who fought in the battle. From the monument you have a view of the Nowy Port area and the lighthouse. The bus ride also takes you past the enormous (now defunct) shipyards. Free.

Nowy Port Lighthouse, ul. Przemysłowa 6a (Tram 3 to Nowy Port, tram stop Latarnia Morska, +48587601642. May-August daily 10:00-19:00, September only on weekends 10:00-17:00. A 28m high lighthouse built in 1893. It features a time ball which was used to synchronize clocks on ships. 10 zł/6 zł for students.

Brzezno pier. A nice white-painted wooden pier. There is a small restaurant and an ice cream parlour. Free.

Gdańsk Zoo, ul. Karwieńska 3, +48 58 5520042.

Tricity Landscape Park.

Wisłoujście Fortress, Stara Twierdza 1, +48 58 351 22 44.

  • Polish Baltic Philharmonic. Major orchestra for symphonic concerts and chamber music.
  • Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, ul. Wojciecha Bogusławskiego 1. Guided tours (in English and Polish) are available.
  • Wyspa Institue of Art, ul. Doki 1/145 B, +48 58 718 44 46. Tu-Su 12:00-20:00, M closed. Art Institute on the shipyard grounds. Exhibitions, concerts, performances. A bookshop, Zła Buka, has a selection of books on art and design.
  • Swim in the sea. The water is usually cold. Almost all of Gdańsk's coast consists of sandy beaches accessible for recreation. There are multiple areas with lifeguards, food stands and bars; the most popular ones are in Brzeźno and Jelitkowo. A less crowded one is in Stogi. The beach that's the furthest from the city center (and thus not well accessible using public transport) is on Sobieszewo Island.
  • Canoe-tour through the canals, ul. Żabi Kruk 15.
  • Play laser tag, Garncarska 18/20, +48 509 70 75 72. Great laser tag arena with four levels and a labyrinth.
  • Walk the Mariacka street, Mariacka. Take an evening walk down one of the most picturesque Europe's streets.
  • St. Dominic's Fair. Large fair held since 1260 during mid-July and mid-August every year.
  • Water tram ride. ZTM offers a seasonal water tram service: route F5 Żabi Kruk - Westerplatte and F6 Targ Rybny - National Sailing Centre. A single ticket costs 10 zł.
  • Watch football ie soccer at Lechia Gdańsk, who play in Ekstraklasa, the top tier of Polish football. Their home ground is Stadion Energa Gdańsk, capacity 43,000, three km north of town centre.

  • "Cult" Film Festival. Festival of esteemed films tqking place in June. There are many indoor and outdoor movie shows and concerts. Until 2017 the festival was organised in Katowice.

"Cult" Film Festival. Festival of esteemed films tqking place in June. There are many indoor and outdoor movie shows and concerts. Until 2017 the festival was organised in [[Katowice]].

Polish Baltic Philharmonic. Major orchestra for symphonic concerts and chamber music.

Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, ul. Wojciecha Bogusławskiego 1. Guided tours (in English and Polish) are available.

Wyspa Institue of Art, ul. Doki 1/145 B, +48 58 718 44 46. Tu-Su 12:00-20:00, M closed. Art Institute on the shipyard grounds. Exhibitions, concerts, performances. A bookshop, Zła Buka, has a selection of books on art and design.

Swim in the sea. The water is usually cold. Almost all of Gdańsk's coast consists of sandy beaches accessible for recreation. There are multiple areas with lifeguards, food stands and bars; the most popular ones are in Brzeźno and Jelitkowo. A less crowded one is in Stogi. The beach that's the furthest from the city center (and thus not well accessible using public transport) is on Sobieszewo Island.

Canoe-tour through the canals, ul. Żabi Kruk 15.

Play laser tag, Garncarska 18/20, +48 509 70 75 72. Great laser tag arena with four levels and a labyrinth.

Walk the Mariacka street, Mariacka. Take an evening walk down one of the most picturesque Europe's streets.

St. Dominic's Fair. Large fair held since 1260 during mid-July and mid-August every year.

Water tram ride. ZTM offers a seasonal water tram service: route F5 Żabi Kruk - Westerplatte and F6 Targ Rybny - National Sailing Centre. A single ticket costs 10 zł.

Watch football ie soccer at Lechia Gdańsk, who play in Ekstraklasa, the top tier of Polish football. Their home ground is Stadion Energa Gdańsk, capacity 43,000, three km north of town centre.

Market hall Gdańsk is sometimes called the Amber Capital of the World. The surrounding area is the richest known source of this semi-precious stone, and the product can be found in many of the city's shops. The ones with insects in are much more expensive.

  • Galeria Sztuki Kaszubskiej, ul. Św. Ducha 48 (near St. Mary's church: one block left when facing church entrance, +48 503 0059783. Hand-embroidered items in traditional and contemporary designs and colours including clothing, tablecloths, napkins, curtains, and other regional folk art souvenirs.
  • Market Hall, Plac Dominkański 1. Fresh produce in the basement level.

Galeria Sztuki Kaszubskiej, ul. Św. Ducha 48 (near St. Mary's church: one block left when facing church entrance, +48 503 0059783. Hand-embroidered items in traditional and contemporary designs and colours including clothing, tablecloths, napkins, curtains, and other regional folk art souvenirs.

Market Hall, Plac Dominkański 1. Fresh produce in the basement level.

  • Bar Neptun. A milk bar serving hearty Polish meals at affordable prices.
  • Kafe Delfin, ul. Opata Jacka Rybińskiego 17, Oliwa (Take a tram 2,6,11 or 12 and get off at the Oliwa Pętla Tramwajowa stop, +48 58 552 03 44, +48 698 46 88 33. A charming, cozy cafe serving delicious apple pie and coffee. Try also cheap and tasty bread toasts.
  • Kafëbë Coffee&Bistro, ul. Piwna 64/65, Main Town (in between The Great Armory and St. Mary's Church. A cozy, regional cafe bistro with a view of the most important monuments of Gdańsk - the Great Armory and St. Mary's Basilica. Located in an original tenement house with a typical Gdańsk dome, one of the few remaining after WWII. Local products, drinks and dishes in traditional or modernized versions. Taste the riches of Pomeranian and Kashubian cuisine: Kashubian coffee, traditional cakes and desserts, delicacies (classic Kashubian Sunday dish), fish soup, baked fish, vegetable pies, dumplings and seasonal menu. The owners prepare their own preserves: juices, silages, honey and Polish wines. You can try them in prepared dishes and desserts, you can also buy a take-out jar. Kashubian beer from family brewery 10 zł.

Bar Neptun. A [[Poland#Milk bars|milk bar]] serving hearty Polish meals at affordable prices.

Kafe Delfin, ul. Opata Jacka Rybińskiego 17, Oliwa (Take a tram 2,6,11 or 12 and get off at the Oliwa Pętla Tramwajowa stop, +48 58 552 03 44, +48 698 46 88 33. A charming, cozy cafe serving delicious apple pie and coffee. Try also cheap and tasty bread toasts.

Kafëbë Coffee&Bistro, ul. Piwna 64/65, Main Town (in between The Great Armory and St. Mary's Church. A cozy, regional cafe bistro with a view of the most important monuments of Gdańsk - the Great Armory and St. Mary's Basilica. Located in an original tenement house with a typical Gdańsk dome, one of the few remaining after WWII. Local products, drinks and dishes in traditional or modernized versions. Taste the riches of Pomeranian and Kashubian cuisine: Kashubian coffee, traditional cakes and desserts, delicacies (classic Kashubian Sunday dish), fish soup, baked fish, vegetable pies, dumplings and seasonal menu. The owners prepare their own preserves: juices, silages, honey and Polish wines. You can try them in prepared dishes and desserts, you can also buy a take-out jar. Kashubian beer from family brewery 10 zł.

You can buy fish on one of bars on Motława River bank (25 zł/meal)

  • La Cantina, ul. Długa 37/39 (up from Neptune Fountain, +48 58 3016071. Typical Polish restaurant. Try stuffed cabbage (19 zł) or the Polish sausage with sauerkraut (20 zł). They have heat lamps in the evening so you can sit comfortably outside.
  • Goldwasser. Hearty Polish fare. End the meal with a Goldwasser.
  • El Paso, Stary Rynek Oliwski 7, +48 58 5520641. Mexican restaurant.
  • Pierogarnia U Dzika, ul. Piwna 59/60 (on Piwina, +48 58 3052676. Apparently known as the best Pierogarnia (Polish dumplings) in Gdańsk. This place is a large restaurant with an outside seating on the street behind the main drag (ul. Długa). Dzik is Polish for boar and this place is done out with all sorts of boar skins and stuffed animals. Try the specialty Pierogarnia Dzika (Wild Boar and Game Dumplings) - 22 zł, other fillings also available. Beer 9 zł.
  • Swojski Smak, ul. Heweliusza 25/27. Good value, nice food, in a nicely decorated venue.

La Cantina, ul. Długa 37/39 (up from Neptune Fountain, +48 58 3016071. Typical Polish restaurant. Try stuffed cabbage (19 zł) or the Polish sausage with sauerkraut (20 zł). They have heat lamps in the evening so you can sit comfortably outside.

Goldwasser. Hearty Polish fare. End the meal with a Goldwasser.

El Paso, Stary Rynek Oliwski 7, +48 58 5520641. Mexican restaurant.

Pierogarnia U Dzika, ul. Piwna 59/60 (on Piwina, +48 58 3052676. Apparently known as the best Pierogarnia (Polish dumplings) in Gdańsk. This place is a large restaurant with an outside seating on the street behind the main drag (ul. Długa). Dzik is Polish for boar and this place is done out with all sorts of boar skins and stuffed animals. Try the specialty Pierogarnia Dzika (Wild Boar and Game Dumplings) - 22 zł, other fillings also available. Beer 9 zł.

Swojski Smak, ul. Heweliusza 25/27. Good value, nice food, in a nicely decorated venue.

  • Restauracja Filharmonia, ul. Olowianka (in Philharmonia Baltica building, +48 58 3238358. 12:00-22:00 or until the last guest. "Molecular" cuisine in lovely building with great view on the river. Excellent service, but no vegetarian dishes. ~100 zł for 3-course meal.
  • Fellini, Moltawa area, near Hilton. High-quality Italian cuisine and top-notch service. ~100 zł for three-course meal.
  • Gdańska, ul. Św. Ducha 16, +48 58 3057671. An entertaining place to visit. The rooms are filled with antiques according to the principle less is not more, and the waiters are dressed like in the good old days. From 18-100 zł.
  • Tawerna Mestwin, ul. Straganiarska 20/23 (Old Town. A regional restaurant serving traditional Kashubian dishes. Pretty expensive, but worth it.

Restauracja Filharmonia, ul. Olowianka (in Philharmonia Baltica building, +48 58 3238358. 12:00-22:00 or until the last guest. "Molecular" cuisine in lovely building with great view on the river. Excellent service, but no vegetarian dishes. ~100 zł for 3-course meal.

Fellini, Moltawa area, near Hilton. High-quality Italian cuisine and top-notch service. ~100 zł for three-course meal.

Gdańska, ul. Św. Ducha 16, +48 58 3057671. An entertaining place to visit. The rooms are filled with antiques according to the principle less is not more, and the waiters are dressed like in the good old days. From 18-100 zł.

Tawerna Mestwin, ul. Straganiarska 20/23 (Old Town. A regional restaurant serving traditional Kashubian dishes. Pretty expensive, but worth it.

Danziger Goldwasser, root and herbal liqueur which has been produced since 16th century is considered the city's drink (it is now made in Germany though). It's vodka-based, creamy and has small flakes of 22- or 23-karat gold in it. Cheaper alternatives include Gdańska Złotówka or Złota Woda.

"Gdańsk national drink" before World War II was Stobbes Machandel juniper vodka. After the war it was rejected and slightly forgotten due to association with German soldiers occupying the city, but today is gaining popularity again. There is a special ritual to be followed while drinking a shot of Machandel with a dried plum for a snack.

  • Brovarnia Gdańska, Szafarnia 9 (on the other side of the river next to the old city. A mini brewery making their own really good beers in the basement of a hotel in restored 18 century granary. Food also served. Beer: 10 zł.
  • Buffet, Doki 1 (entrance through the Historic Gate at pl. Trzech Krzyży. 12:00 - 23:00 daily. A club on the premises of the famous shipyard. The interesting interiors are reminiscent of communist times.
  • Bar Shpinx, Długi Targ (Main street. Another bar on the main street. Beer: 9 zł.
  • Cafe Absinthe, ul. Św. Ducha 2 (in the theatre building, on the square, +48 58 320 3784. A crazy little Bohemian bar, open almost 24 hours a day, frequented by artists, actors, freaks, among others, gets very, very crowded and people dance on the tables or on the bar. One of the best bets for an off night too - if there are no people there, there are no people anywhere.
  • Loft, ul. Młyńska 15 (near Jacks Tower. Nice late bar/club, no entry charges, free food late on weekends, good music and good young crowd. Beer: 6 zł, tatanka 8 zł.

Brovarnia Gdańska, Szafarnia 9 (on the other side of the river next to the old city. A mini brewery making their own really good beers in the basement of a hotel in restored 18 century granary. Food also served. Beer: 10 zł.

Buffet, Doki 1 (entrance through the Historic Gate at pl. Trzech Krzyży. 12:00 - 23:00 daily. A club on the premises of the famous shipyard. The interesting interiors are reminiscent of communist times.

Bar Shpinx, Długi Targ (Main street. Another bar on the main street. Beer: 9 zł.

Cafe Absinthe, ul. Św. Ducha 2 (in the theatre building, on the square, +48 58 320 3784. A crazy little Bohemian bar, open almost 24 hours a day, frequented by artists, actors, freaks, among others, gets very, very crowded and people dance on the tables or on the bar. One of the best bets for an off night too - if there are no people there, there are no people anywhere.

Loft, ul. Młyńska 15 (near Jacks Tower. Nice late bar/club, no entry charges, free food late on weekends, good music and good young crowd. Beer: 6 zł, tatanka 8 zł.

Gdańsk provides an extensive network of public, free of charge wi-fi hotspots in public places, such as bus stops, parks, etc. clearly marked with 'GD@NSKwifi" logo. The map with all the hotspots is available on the project website. Free wi-fi is also available on all three major train stations, and in the majority of restaurants and bars.

If you take the usual precautions against pickpockets, you will feel perfectly safe wandering around Gdańsk. Gdańsk seems very well organized from a tourist's point of view. There are frequent police patrols and visitors usually get the feeling of Gdańsk being a secure and tourist-friendly city. Despite it's industrial heritage, Gdansk is a really safe place, and violent acts are rather uncommon.

In an emergency, telephone "112". This number connects to Police, Ambulance and Fire/Rescue services. You will be asked which of these three services you require before being connected to the relevant operator.

On the whole, Gdańsk is a safe place to visit and explore. Normal precautions for the safe keeping of your personal possessions, as you would in any other city, are suggested.

Gdańsk Bay:

  • sea resort Sopot with the longest European pier
  • sea resort and port Gdynia with the biggest Baltic port
  • sea resort Puck

Many of the boats, to Sopot in particular, end up fully-booked and that you can't buy your ticket at the boat itself. This is a harsh lesson to learn when you have already waited in a huge queue. Tickets for the Sopot ferry must be purchased from an office directly across from the terminal. Also be aware that in Sopot you will need to buy an access ticket for the pier (around 5 zł, even if you already have a return ticket to Gdańsk) in order to board your boat back.

Vistula Bay:

  • medieval town of Elbląg
  • sea resort and medieval town of Frombork with the grave of Nicolaus Copernicus.
  • sea resort Kadyny with one of the best European studs.

Kashubian Coast:

On the Vistula Peninsula:

On the Hel Peninsula:

Take the train to Hel. It's at the end of the peninsula opposite Gdańsk. SKM trains are the cheaper option. Train from Gdańsk Główny to Gdynia every 15 minutes and then SKM diesel to Hel. If you get the 09:45 from Gdańsk you have 7 minutes to change about 4 platforms across the underpass. The journey is wonderful - straight through pine forests and sometimes with the sea on either side. Single ticket costs 21.50 zł (get a 5.40 zł single from Gdańsk to Gdynia - and then the 16.10 zł single from Gdynia to Hel, just in case you miss the connection.) When you get to Hel have a walk into town - it's just a Polish beach resort full of holiday makers. You should have time for lunch and then get the hydrofoil from the end of the pier at 15:30. But make sure you buy the ticket from the office halfway down the pier or you could be walking back! The trip is 24 zł back to Gdańsk but it will be the best value trip you can get. It takes 1hr 50 min but the first hour is getting across to Gdańsk, then the next 50 minutes is navigating the canals back to the town centre. You could pay a tourist company for this trip - but the cost is in your ticket, you see Westphalia lighthouse where the first shots of World War II were fired, the huge ships and the massive remains of the former Lenin Shipyards.