Classic
The old town in Gdansk
You cannot avoid the Old Town in Gdansk, whether you want to or not, as it’s the central part and also the main pedestrian street. The street, named Dlugi Targ, or “The Long Street,” is no more than 500 meters long, but you can easily spend several hours here. There is an incredible amount of beauty to admire here. The traditional Gdansk buildings, which almost resemble movie sets, line up one after another. When I’m out for a walk, I usually tend to look down or straight ahead, but if you do that in Gdansk, you’ll miss out on a lot. Lift your gaze, and a whole new world of peculiarities will open up.
Shopping in Gdansk
Whether you love shopping or hate it, the shopping centers in Gdansk are well worth a visit, especially Forum. Forum is the largest mall in Gdansk and is located right at the edge of the Old Town. This is a massive center where you can find everything from Zara to H&M, and more. There is also a cinema here for those who enjoy Polish-dubbed films, a playground for kids, and a food court on the top floor. An insider tip is to exit the mall near Max Burger and turn left. You’ll find the restaurant/bar Jungla. Here, you can enjoy good food and a wide selection of cocktails, all at a very reasonable price.
Motlawa River
At the bottom of the Old Town/Dlugi Targ, you’ll find the Motlawa River, which flows through Gdansk and into the sea near Gdynia. This is a very charming area with small shops, cafes, and restaurants on both sides of the river. In the middle of the river, there is a large island with new buildings but in an old style. You’ll also find some of the best hotels in the city here, such as Puro Gdansk and Radisson Suites, etc. There are also several excellent restaurants here; I recommend visiting Whiskey in the Jar and Billys. If you look around a bit, you’ll also discover Salt, which is a type of food hall with 6-7 different restaurants/pop-ups selling everything from gyros to sushi and Tex-Mex.
St. Mary’s Church
As you stroll around the Old Town, it’s hard to miss St. Mary’s Church, known as one of the world’s largest brick churches. Is it the most beautiful church? No, there are other churches in the city that are much more exquisite. However, if you’re here, you must at least stop by and take a picture or two.
Day Trip to Sopot or Gdynia
If you’re on vacation in Gdansk, you’re just a 30-minute taxi ride away from the two other nearby cities, Sopot and Gdynia. Both are worth a visit, but I would start with Sopot as it is the prettier of the two and offers more attractions. Additionally, in the summer, Sopot is an exciting beach town with a lively atmosphere. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars here.
Nightlife in Gdansk
Gdansk has a good selection of pubs and nightlife spots. The three best ones are all located along the pedestrian street. At the bottom, right by the Motlawa River, you’ll find Sassy. This is a fairly classy nightlife spot, with slightly higher prices than other places, attracting a mostly stylish crowd. The average age tends to be 30+, but everyone is welcome. Be sure to check their Facebook page first, as they often have special events. A bit further up, you’ll find Miasto, which is usually okay but often features karaoke earlier in the evening. At the top of the pedestrian street, you’ll find Tkacka, which caters to a slightly younger crowd but always has a lively atmosphere and reasonable prices. It stays open until 5-6 in the morning.
The Gdansk christmas market
In November and December, there is a large Christmas market in Gdansk. It’s filled with life and delightful smells from early morning to late at night. There are small stalls everywhere selling everything from homemade trinkets to sausages, candied apples, waffles, and more. Expect lots of delicious food smells and a bustling crowd, especially in the evening when all the lights are on.
Pub Crawl in Gdansk
Looking to meet new people while you’re in town? Why not join a pub crawl? Here, you’ll meet a bunch of other people, and a guide will take you from place to place where you can toast, drink, and have a great time. The evening ends at one of the bars (entrance included), where you can continue the party with your new friends.
