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I continue to travel guides for Poland with my favorite city of this beautiful country, Gdansk.
Yes, I loved this city, I don’t know why. Maybe because it is unlike any of the other Polish cities, maybe because it makes you feel the Baltic Sea to the end… Gdansk is a city that must be visited!
History of Gdansk:
Gdansk has always been a trading hub, as it is one of the continent’s gates to the Baltic Sea. In other words, it was always a wealthy city throughout history. Of course, the amber that comes from the Baltic Sea and is processed in this region has a great share in that.
During the Second World War, this place was heavily damaged like many other cities. The interesting thing is that it is mentioned as the place where the war started. Cannon shots against Westerplatte near Gdansk are considered the beginning of the Second World War. Although the war started here, the city survived until the end of the war without much damage. But unfortunately it has been bombed at the end.
How much time should be planned for Gdansk?
We are in a very small but also very beautiful city. If you only plan to walk around the streets, 1 full day is enough. But the night view is so beautiful, that I think you should stay at least 1 night and enjoy.
What to do in Gdansk?
During your stay in Gdansk, deeply breathe the scent of the Baltic Sea, wander through its streets watching its beautiful buildings, get some memories of amber stone and eat in the best Pierogi restaurant I have mentioned in my Polish cuisine post.
Golden Gate:
As in all old cities, the old gates of the city are preserved here. Golden Gate, is one of them. It is an ideal place to start the city tour. There are also pictures showing the damage the city got in the war. The interior, which used to be a prison, is converted into a museum.
Długa Street
This can be considered the main street of the city. When you walk through the Golden Gate towards the river, you walk through this street. There are of course many cafes and restaurants around.
Town hall
Gdansk’s old town hall is on Długa Street. It is currently used as a museum, but the bell tower is still active. In the bell tower, instead of the bell, a very beautiful instrument, whose name I cannot remember anymore, was used. Every hour, it fills Gdansk’s streets with a really nice melody.
Neptune Fountain and Golden House
Just below the town hall is a fountain that is impossible to overlook. This is of course the Neptune Fountain. When you turn your face to the river, the beautiful house on the left, just behind the fountain is called the Golden House. The interior of this house, built by a famous architect, is said to be quite beautiful and garish, so it was turned into a museum.
Fahrenheit meteorological column
Towards the end of the street, you will see a rather small glass column on your right. This is a monument for the famous scientist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who was born in Gdansk There is of course a Thermometer in it 🙂
Green Gate:
At the end of the street, the gate you will pass through to reach the river is called the Green Gate. This was the place where the royal family used to stay when they came to Gdansk. Now it is the national museum.
And we’re by the river!
I think the most beautiful Gdansk view is watched over the bridge to your right. I drank my coffee every morning on this bridge, against this lovely view
St. Mary’s Gate and Mariacka Street
We enter a very nice street through this door. This street is the Mariacka Street where you can find all kinds of amber products. The prices are affordable and many stores also give you the certificate of the stone you bought. But apart from shopping, I think it should be seen for its beautiful buildings and pleasant atmosphere.
St. Mary’s Basilica
The big church at the end of Mariacka Street. You can visit it. I continue by the river, as I have seen much more beautiful ones 🙂
Historic Crane
Here we come to the iconic structure of this city. Almost every Gdansk photo you come across on Google, has this crane.
This crane, which remained from the middle ages, was of course used to load or unload the ships coming through the river. The interesting part is that it works with human power. On big wooden wheels that you can see on both sides while standing under it, people would walk like hamsters and make the crane to work. The best place to see the crane is, of course, the opposite shore.
If you continue walking on the river bank, you can see the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra on the opposite side.
Gdansk Post Office
This is a post office that still works as well as a war memorial. Made on behalf of post office workers who managed to block SS forces for 15 hours, who wanted seize the post office. Apart from the large statue that will immediately catch your eye, there is a wall where the handprints of the employees are illustrated, who were lined up before the execution. Which I think is much more impressive and touching.
Westerplatte
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, this place is considered as the starting point of the Second World War. Outside the city, it stays by the sea. If you have time, you can reach it by public transport or by car. A monument was built here, but the first bombed structures were preserved in their ruined state.
Last word:
I traveled Gdansk with great pleasure, it had a special place in my heart. Hope you have a great time in this beautiful city!
