How to spend one day in Gdańsk – the best things to do

Gdańsk is one of Poland’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. Nestled on the Baltic coast, it’s part of the famous Tricity area, which consists of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. Known for its maritime heritage, charming architecture and dramatic history, Gdańsk offers a unique mix of old-world charm and a tough, storied past. Even if you only have one day to explore, the city delivers an unforgettable experience.

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While this blog post was written with the help of ChatGPT, all of the content (photos and text) is my original work. I actually went to Gdansk and visited all of the places featured in this blog post.

This one-day itinerary will take you through the best things to do in Gdańsk. You’ll stroll through Gdańsk’s postcard-perfect Old Town, admire the colourful facades and iconic Neptune Fountain. You’ll pop into the fascinating Amber Museum to learn about the city’s golden gems and make a meaningful visit to Westerplatte — the site where World War II began. Cute coffee shop stops and pierogi time are naturally planned as well. So whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover or simply curious about Poland’s northern gem, Gdańsk won’t leave you hanging.

Is one day in Gdańsk enough?

In my opinion, it is. If you want to explore the whole of Tricity (Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia), then yes, you need 3-4 days. But Gdańsk itself it totally doable in one day. Especially if you follow my itinerary. Wink wink.

Before we begin…

Keep in mind that:

• this itinerary was curated for spring, summer and early autumn visits – you do need at least 10 hours of daylight;
• the starting time should be 9 am at the latest. In fact, the best time I had in Gdańsk was at 6-7 am, when the city was still waking up, so there were not many people around and the light was perfect for photos. So if you have the opportunity to be there that early, take it! You can always sleep it off another day;
• there is a breakfast/pastry stop included, but it’s not right away. So if you need some food-fuel first thing in the morning, have it before we start;
• you won’t need to use public transport. Your legs will do…ok, for the most part. There is a one stop that will require you taking a bus or a Bolt or an Uber. Download the apps if you don’t have them.

And last but not least:

• this itinerary involves spending the whole day in Gdańsk. You can obviously pick and choose if you can spend only a few hours there. But if you want to follow my itinerary to the letter, you’ll need a full day.

So if you need to stay in Gdańsk the night before or after…

I recommend Radisson Hotel & Apartments Gdańsk You simply can’t beat its location! And it has a nice spa area that will help you relax after a long day.

Book your perfect stay at Radisson Hotel & Apartments Gdańsk!

Ok, we covered all the basics.
So lace up your comfiest shoes, grab your camera and let’s hit the cobblestones!

Btw, is this your first time in Poland? If yes, check out my “Poland for first timers” blog post. All your questions will be answered!

How to spend one day in Gdańsk – the best things to do and see

Below you can find a map with all the places from my “one day in Gdańsk” itinerary.

First stop: Walk along the Motława River

I chose the Motława River as a first place to “visit” for a few reasons. The riverside promenade offers postcard-perfect views of Gdańsk that are the best to admire without massive crowds around. Morning hours may offer you more quiet surroundings. You might also be able to capture this most iconic view of the city in a better light, with buildings creating a perfect reflection in the river. And…if you stayed in the Radisson Hotel and Suites, you literally just have to walk outside the hotel.

A leisurely walk beside the Motława River it’s the perfect way to ease into the city’s charm. As you stroll along the beautiful waterfront, you’ll pass colourful merchant houses, the warehouses-turned-restaurants and the iconic Crane (Żuraw), that used to load ships in the Middle Ages. This area, once the heart of Gdańsk’s trading empire, is now a living timeline of the city’s past. It’s a great spot to get a feel for Gdańsk’s unique mix of history and energy before heading into the heart of the Old Town. And naturally, to snap a few photos.

Second stop: Gdańsk Old Town: Długi Targ and Neptune Fountain

After strolling down the riverside, make your way towards Zielona Brama (Green Gate) to enter the magical world of Gdańsk Old Town.

And no visit to Gdańsk is complete without a walk down Długi Targ (The Long Market) – the vibrant heart of the Old Town. Once the city’s main route for royal processions and merchant activity, today it’s lined with elegant, ornately decorated buildings that showcase Gdańsk’s rich Hanseatic past. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Neptune Fountain, Artus Court, and Main Town Hall (which we’ll come back to) – each with its own story to tell. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and snap some classic Gdańsk photos.

Don’t forget to look up! Many buildings are “finished off” with beautiful little monuments and ornate facades.

Third stop: Main Town Hall Tower

If you love viewpoints as much as I do, you’ll appreciate this one. Main Town Hall tower offers the best panoramic views of Gdańsk. The steps might get your heart pumping, especially on a hot summer day, but the reward is worth it – sweeping views of the red rooftops, church spires, and the Motława River winding through the city. It’s the perfect spot to get a fresh perspective on the Old Town and snap some epic photos before continuing your day of exploring.

Important tip:

The tower is only open during the Summer. It can also be closed without much notice due to bad weather.

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Another important tip:

I only recommend visiting the tower, but Gdańsk Main Town Hall is also a museum that covers the history of Gdańsk. If you think you’re doing alright time-wise and you’re a museum geek, you can visit the museum as well. Or if you’re visiting during the time when the tower is closed for tourists.

Third important tip:

You can either buy tickets to the tower or to the museum – there are no combined tickets (at least at the time of writing this blog post: July 2025). If you want to visit both, the museum and the tower, make it clear to the seller and buy separate tickets. The musem costs 26 PLN, the tower costs 20 PLN.

Fourth important tip:

Haha Sorry about that.
The museum and the tower open at 10 am. If you’re there earlier, simply head to the next place from the list and come back when the tower is open. All the spots in the Old Town are very close to each other.

Fourth stop: St. Mary’s Church

Whether you’re a church enthusiast or not, you should pay a quick visit to St. Mary’s Church (Bazylika Mariacka in Polish). Why?
Completed in 1502 in the Brick Gothic architectural style, it’s considered the largest brick church in the world, with room for up to 25,000 people inside. You can admire it from the outside, but if you step inside you’ll find several treasures worth a closer look, including the impressive 15th-century astronomical clock, intricate altarpieces and a beautiful pipe organ. Add to that whitewashed walls and elegant Gothic arches and you found yourself a place to take a breather from the bustling streets outside.

Little tip:

St. Mary’s Church also has a tower you can climb up to admire Gdańsk from above. So if you couldn’t climb main Town Hall Tower, this one is always an option.

Fifth stop: Mariacka Street + a Coffee/breakfast stop

My absolute favourite street in Gdańsk. Weirdly also the street I can never take nice photos of…so don’t judge this street by my photos.

After visiting St. Mary’s Church, take a stroll down Mariacka Street – one of the most atmospheric and picturesque lanes in Gdańsk. With its cobbled path, decorative terraces and rows of amber shops tucked into centuries-old buildings, it feels like stepping back in time. The street is full of charm and character, no matter what time you visit. In the morning, it will delight you with its calm and beauty. In the afternoon, you’ll experience its vibrance and hopefully witness street performances. Plus, it’s the perfect place to browse for a piece of Baltic amber.

While you’re there, make sure to stop for a coffee at Drukarnia – a specialty coffee shop housed in a historic building. And I will be honest with you here…for me, coffee at Drukarnia is only ok. But I don’t go there for coffee. I go for the views.

Being located where it is located – on the prettiest street in Gdańsk, Drukarnia is the perfect spot for a bit of people-watching, especially if you manage to snag a seat outside. Stairs are up for grabs too. There’s a really relaxed vibe there, perfect for a little midday break. If you’re not a coffee fan, they also offer tasty lemonades – perfect for hot summer days. And if you’re hungry for something sweet or didn’t have breakfast yet, you can easily get both there too.

Sixth stop: Amber Museum

Now, when you’re done chilling, time to learn something. Set off from Drukarnia on an 11 min walk to the Museum of Amber. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the museum takes you on a journey through the history, science and artistry of Baltic gold. You’ll learn how amber is formed, see ancient pieces with insects trapped inside and admire stunning amber jewellery and carvings. It’s a short but fascinating stop to your Gdańsk itinerary and might just inspire you to pick up a souvenir or two!

Honest opinion?

If visiting the Museum of Amber is not something you feel like doing, feel free to skip it. Yes, Gdańsk is known as the world capital of amber, so it might be useful to learn about amber, but I don’t think your Gdańsk trip will be worthless if you don’t go.

Enjoying Gdańsk? Then don’t miss Warsaw! Hop on a train and explore Poland’s vibrant capital with my one day in Warsaw itinerary.

Seventh stop: Boat trip to Westerplatte

That might be my favourite part of this itinerary, because it’s time for a boat trip!

Yes, to add a bit of adventure (and fresh air) to your one day in Gdańsk, you’re hopping on a boat from the riverfront and cruise up to Westerplatte. “What’s Westerplatte?” – you might ask.

Westerplatte is the historic site where World War II officially began. On the morning of September 1, 1939, the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein fired the first shots at the Polish garrison stationed there, marking the start of the war. Today, Westerplatte stands as a powerful symbol of resistance and remembrance, with memorials, preserved ruins and outdoor exhibits that walk you through its tragic yet heroic past.

The scenic boat ride takes about 40 min and offers a unique view of the city’s old port and shipyard areas along the Motława River. It really was a peaceful and reflective experience that adds a deeper layer of history to your visit – and gives your feet a welcome break from walking!

The commentary on the ship was quite informative and presented both in Polish and English.

How to get the tickets?

The tickets can be purchased on the ship (cash payment only!) or in the ticket office (where you can pay with card) located at Wartka 4 Street. A one way ticket for an adult costs 70 PLN. Despite what AI and ChatGPT tells you, I DID NOT find the option to buy the tickets online. You can simply go 20-30 min before the departure to secure your spot.

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The schedule is available on this website. The ship departs on every hour starting at 10 am from Targ Rybny (a 2 min walk from where the ticket office is located). You will either board Małgorzata or Elżbieta ship – depending what time you go.

Important tip:

The English version of the website is a bit misleading, especially regarding where the ticket office is located. So trust me when I tell you, that you can find it at Wartka 4 Street.

Eighth stop A: 100cznia – optional

You’re probably already starving, I know I was, so it’s time to get some food. I have two options for you: you can either go to a fun and hip place, or you can return to Gdańsk Old Town for more traditional dining. Either way you’ll have to grab a Bolt or an Uber to leave Westerplatte.

If you chose option one, I invite you to 100cznia – a lively food, art and drink destination in the old shipyard area.

Fun fact:

The name 100cznia is a clever play on words in Polish. It combines the number “100” (read as sto) with the word “stocznia”, which means “shipyard” in Polish. So, when you say 100cznia out loud, it sounds just like stocznia – tying directly to its location in Gdańsk’s historic shipyard area.

Anyway, built from recycled shipping containers and historic halls, it’s a “city within a city” filled with street‑food bistros, bars, a city beach, art gallery, playground and more. You can grab a bite from one of the many cuisine options, like Italian, Middle Eastern, Korean, and enjoy it with a drink in a hammock or on the sandy beach area, with shipyard cranes looming overhead.

The only negative about 100cznia – I don’t think there was a Polish cuisine to choose from. And, it’s open only from late spring through summer. So ok, those are two negatives.

Eighth stop B: European Solidarity Centre – Optional

If you choose to grab a bite in 100cznia, take a short walk to the European Solidarity Centre. Another important place to visit in Gdańsk, it’s dedicated to the history of the Solidarity movement and Poland’s fight for freedom, making it one of the country’s most meaningful museums.

NOW…I didn’t include it in this one-day itinerary because the museum deserves 2.5–3 hours of your time – that’s what the staff recommend if you want to experience it properly. So, if you’re staying in Gdańsk for longer, I’d definitely put it on your list. The centre also hosts smaller temporary exhibitions from time to time, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your visit.

Even if you don’t plan to go inside, I’d still recommend walking over. Right outside you’ll find the iconic Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers (the three famous crosses) and the historic Gate No. 2 of the Gdańsk Shipyard. This gate became one of the symbols of the Solidarity movement, which played a key role in the fight against the communist regime in Poland and eventually helped bring about democratic change across Central and Eastern Europe.

Back to dinner plans!

If you’d rather enjoy a more traditional dining experience than the container bars at 100cznia, head back to the Old Town for…

Ninth stop: Dinner (optional) and an evening stroll

Gdańsk Old Town is filled with traditional Polish restaurants where you can enjoy hearty local cuisine, cozy atmospheres, and a taste of regional flavours. If you don’t know which one to pick, here are some suggestions:

• Pierogarnia Mandu – known for handmade pierogi with classic and creative fillings. There are even a few vegan options;
• Gdański Bowke – known for hearty Polish dishes and riverside views;
• Restauracja Kubicki – known for elegant takes on traditional Polish cuisine;
• Tawerna Dominikańska – known for polish seafood dishes and historic atmosphere.

Little tip:

For all the vegans out there, I recommend Manna 68. Although they don’t have Polish cuisine.

And last but not least…

There’s no better way to end your one day in Gdańsk than with an evening stroll through the Old Town. As the crowds thin out, the air cools down, Gdańsk Old Town takes on a magical glow. The beautifully lit facades along Długi Targ and the Motława riverfront create a calm atmosphere, with the reflection of historic buildings shimmering on the water. So have a walk, a nightcap if you fancy and simply soak up the charm of Gdańsk one last time before calling it a night.

Little tip:

If you do want to finish the day with a nightcap, a colourful cocktail or a pint of craft beer, head to Piwna Street. It literally means: “beer street” in Polish. Coincidence? It is filled with pubs and bars that have an outdoor sitting area in the summer.

And that’s it!

Your one day in Gdańsk has come to an end. From exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Town and learning about amber, to cruising to Westerplatte and enjoying delicious food along the way, this city has a way of leaving a lasting impression. I hope you had a wonderful time discovering Gdańsk!

And if your love for Poland has only just begun, how about Warsaw next? You can see all the highlights in just one day with my Warsaw itinerary. Or, if you prefer discovering places that fly under the radar, head to my hometown of Bydgoszcz. It’s one of Poland’s most underrated cities and also makes a perfect one-day trip.

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Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!

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