Guys, Gdansk totally surprised me! The moment I walked into the Long Market square, with those narrow Dutch-style buildings in shades of pink, yellow, and red, I couldn’t believe my eyes. And when I climbed St. Mary’s Basilica (the largest brick church in the world!), the view over the city’s red rooftops and the Baltic Sea left me speechless.
From watching the sunset at Motlawa River, where amber sellers display their treasures, to exploring the massive medieval Gdansk Crane standing guard over the water, these are the most beautiful places in Gdansk that made me fall in love with this Polish city. Let me tell you, the photos don’t do it justice at all. This place has a magic that just hits different, and I can’t wait to show you why!
Best Places to Visit in Gdansk
Looking for the coolest things to do in Gdansk? Explore the diverse wildlife at Gdansk Zoo, enjoy panoramic city views from Gradowa Hill, and unwind on the sandy shores of Jelitkovo Beach. Step back in time at the historic Malbork Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in the world. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or scenic landscapes, here are the top attractions to visit in Gdansk.
1. Gdansk Zoo
- 🏆 Best For: Animal lovers 🦁, family outings 👨👩👧👦, nature enthusiasts 🌿
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Diverse wildlife collection, spacious natural habitats, lush green surroundings
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the elephant feeding, exploring the lion enclosure, visiting the colorful tropical house
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Radisson Hotel & Suites – Modern accommodation with easy access to the zoo
Dreaming of where to unleash your inner child while still impressing your Instagram followers? Gdansk Zoo offers wild thrills just 15 minutes from downtown. I couldn’t believe how close I got to the majestic elephants during feeding time!
Located in the city’s western district, this expansive zoo houses over 1,000 animals in naturalistic habitats. The recently renovated big cat area lets you safely observe lions lounging just meters away.
Families love the petting zoo section where kids interact with friendly farm animals. Don’t miss the tropical house with its colorful birds and butterflies fluttering freely overhead.
After exploring, grab a local craft beer at the zoo’s garden café overlooking the giraffe enclosure. The well-maintained paths make navigation easy, even after Poland’s famous craft beers.
2. Gradowa Hill
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, panorama seekers 🔭, fortress explorers 🧭
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Sweeping city and harbor views, historic fortifications, lush green spaces
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to the viewing platform, exploring the Hewelianum Centre, watching sunset over the Baltic
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Scandic Gdansk – Contemporary hotel with views toward Gradowa Hill
Craving that perfect skyline shot that’ll make your friends back home jealous? Gradowa Hill rises dramatically just west of central Gdansk, offering the city’s most Instagram-worthy panoramas without the tourist crowds.
This historic site houses Fort Gradowa, part of the 19th-century Prussian fortification system. Today it’s home to the interactive Hewelianum Centre, where history comes alive in renovated fort buildings.
The summit rewards visitors with breathtaking views stretching from the medieval spires of Old Town to the shipyards and Baltic Sea beyond. Locals know sunset transforms the scene into pure magic.
Explore underground passages and artillery positions that tell Gdansk’s strategic story. The surrounding park provides a perfect escape from city bustle while still being just minutes from downtown.
3. Jelitkovo Beach
- 🏆 Best For: Sunbathers 🏖️, water sports enthusiasts 🏄, relaxation seekers 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Golden sandy shores, clear Baltic waters, charming seaside promenade
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in the Baltic Sea, strolling the wooden pier, enjoying fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Novotel Gdansk Marina – Beachfront hotel with direct access to Jelitkovo
Need that perfect beach day without Mediterranean prices or crowds? Jelitkovo Beach stretches along Gdansk’s northern coastline, offering a seaside escape just a quick tram ride from the city center.
This pristine golden sand beach boasts surprisingly warm summer waters. The vibrant promenade buzzes with energy as locals and visitors alike enjoy waterfront bars and cafés.
Water sports rentals dot the shore, offering paddleboards and windsurfing equipment. The wooden pier extends into the Baltic, providing spectacular coastal views and the perfect sunset selfie backdrop.
My favorite discovery was the beachside restaurants serving the morning’s catch straight from Baltic fishing boats. After a day of sun, transition to night at stylish beach bars where craft cocktails flow as freely as the conversation with friendly locals.
4. Malbork Castle
- 🏆 Best For: Medieval enthusiasts 🏰, architecture admirers 🧱, history lovers 📜
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Massive red-brick Gothic architecture, riverside setting, meticulously restored interiors
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Grand Master’s Palace, exploring the medieval kitchen, walking the castle battlements
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Centrum Malbork – Historic accommodation within walking distance of the castle
Game of Thrones fans, prepare for your jaw to drop! Malbork Castle, just 60km southeast of Gdansk, stands as the world’s largest brick castle and makes Winterfell look like a garden shed.
This UNESCO site dominates the banks of the Nogat River with imposing 13th-century walls. The complex encompasses three distinct sections – High, Middle, and Lower Castles – each more impressive than the last.
Inside, explore the Grand Master’s Palace with its soaring ceilings and the enormous kitchen that once fed thousands. The amber museum showcases stunning pieces of Baltic gold.
For maximum impact, visit during summer evenings when light shows transform the medieval walls into cinematic storytelling canvases. The on-site restaurant serves medieval-inspired feasts paired with local meads and beers.
5. Old Town
- 🏆 Best For: Culture seekers 🎭, photography enthusiasts 📸, architecture lovers 🏛️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Colorful Dutch-influenced facades, ornate Gothic buildings, picturesque waterfront location
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling along the Royal Way, exploring Długi Targ (Long Market), visiting St. Mary’s Basilica
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk – Luxury accommodation in a restored historic building in the heart of Old Town
Searching for those perfect European cobblestone street photos without the Prague or Amsterdam crowds? Gdansk’s Old Town offers colorful merchant houses and medieval vibes that’ll blow up your social feed.
The Royal Way forms the district’s spine, lined with elaborately decorated facades featuring ornate gables and gargoyles. At its heart, Długi Targ (Long Market) showcases the iconic Neptune Fountain, perfect for that classic European landmark shot.
Don’t miss Mariacka Street with its distinctive terraces and amber jewelry shops. The towering brick St. Mary’s Basilica offers breathtaking city views from its tower.
The waterfront Motława River promenade adds another layer of charm, with the medieval harbor crane (Żuraw) standing as a perfect sunset photo spot. After dark, hidden cocktail bars come alive in centuries-old cellars beneath the historic streets.
6. Oliwa Cathedral
- 🏆 Best For: Music lovers 🎵, sacred art enthusiasts ⛪, peaceful retreats 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Majestic Gothic architecture, world-famous pipe organs, serene park surroundings
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending an organ concert, admiring the ornate Rococo interior, strolling through Oliwa Park
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dwór Oliwski – Elegant country house hotel near the cathedral grounds
Need a break from the tourist hustle? Oliwa Cathedral in Gdansk’s peaceful northern district offers a jaw-dropping musical experience that’ll give you actual goosebumps.
This 13th-century Cistercian abbey church houses one of Europe’s most remarkable pipe organs. The intricate instrument features moving angels with trumpets and stars that dance during regular concerts.
The cathedral’s stunning Rococo interior provides the perfect backdrop for these musical performances. Check the schedule at the entrance for concert times.
Surrounding the cathedral, Oliwa Park offers a tranquil retreat with French-style gardens and ancient trees. After exploring, I stumbled upon the hidden Japanese garden – a perfect spot for quiet reflection before heading back to Gdansk’s livelier center, just 15 minutes away by tram.
7. Oliwski Park
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌳, history enthusiasts 🏛️, peace seekers 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Centuries-old trees, meticulously designed landscape gardens, historic monastery setting
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Oliwa Cathedral organ concerts, strolling through the botanical garden, exploring the Abbots’ Palace
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dwór Oliwski – Elegant hotel set in a historic manor house surrounded by forest
Need a serene escape that’s still Instagram-worthy? Oliwski Park in northern Gdańsk offers with its perfect blend of nature and history. This lush 18th-century garden surrounds the historic Cisterian Monastery complex with cascading terraces and peaceful ponds.
I’ve never seen such a seamless transition from French formal gardens to English-style landscapes in one compact space. Don’t miss the charming Chinese Pond with its quaint bridge or the impressive Palm House with exotic plants.
Located just 20 minutes from downtown, this tranquil oasis comes alive during spring when colorful flowers bloom throughout the grounds. For an unforgettable experience, time your visit with one of the world-famous organ concerts at Oliwa Cathedral next door.
8. Orunski Park
- 🏆 Best For: Families 👨👩👧👦, joggers 🏃♂️, picnic enthusiasts 🧺
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Rolling hills, serene lakes, wide open green spaces with city skyline views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Paddleboat rides on the lakes, walking the network of scenic trails, sledding down hills in winter
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Novotel Gdańsk Centrum – Modern hotel with easy access to both the park and city center
Craving outdoor adventure without leaving the city? Orunski Park in southern Gdańsk offers an urban playground spanning 65 hectares of picturesque landscapes. This former military training ground now features rolling hills and three tranquil lakes perfect for active travelers.
The varied terrain provides countless spots where you can spread out a blanket for an impromptu picnic. My favorite time to visit is early morning when locals jog through misty trails before work.
Just 15 minutes from downtown by tram, this green oasis transforms with the seasons. Summer brings paddleboaters and sunbathers to its lakes, while winter turns its slopes into sledding paradise. The newly renovated amphitheater hosts cultural events throughout the warmer months.
9. Sobieszewo Island
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🦅, cyclists 🚲, eco-tourists 🌿
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Pristine Baltic beaches, protected nature reserves, untouched dune landscapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting rare birds at Ptasi Raj reserve, cycling forest trails, watching sunrise over empty beaches
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Bartan Gdansk Seaside – A charming retreat offering comfortable rooms with free internet and private bathrooms, located a 15-minute walk from the beach
Looking for that perfect beach photo without photoshopping out crowds? Sobieszewo Island, just 15km east of Gdańsk, offers pristine shores without the tourist masses. This unique Baltic peninsula combines sandy beaches with UNESCO-protected ecological diversity.
Two nature sanctuaries—Ptasi Raj and Mewia Łacha—protect habitats for over 300 bird species. The wooden observation towers let you snap amazing wildlife photos without disturbing their environment.
You won’t believe how empty these gorgeous 16km of beaches remain, even in peak season. Rent bikes near the bridge connecting to the mainland and explore fragrant pine forests on well-maintained paths. The quiet fishing villages showcase traditional Polish coastal culture that I find refreshingly authentic compared to busier resorts.
10. Sopot Beach
- 🏆 Best For: Beachgoers 🏖️, nightlife enthusiasts 🍹, wellness seekers 💆♀️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Fine golden sand beaches, historic wooden pier, elegant resort architecture
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the longest wooden pier in Europe, sipping cocktails at beach bars, enjoying spa treatments at historic buildings
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sofitel Grand Sopot – Iconic beachfront hotel with old-world elegance and modern luxury
Want the ultimate beach-meets-nightlife destination? Sopot Beach delivers Poland’s answer to the French Riviera just 20 minutes north of Gdańsk. The powder-soft golden sands stretch 4.5km along the Bay of Gdańsk, with the iconic Sopot Pier extending 511 meters into the Baltic.
By day, the meticulously maintained shoreline welcomes sunbathers and paddleboarders. The beach’s gradual slope into shallow waters makes it ideal for swimming after a late night out.
Evening transforms Sopot into the region’s hottest nightlife spot. After watching sunset from the pier, you’ll find me exploring Monte Cassino Street with its open-air cocktail bars. The historic spa facilities have been rejuvenating guests since the 19th century with modern wellness treatments.
11. St. Bridget’s Church
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📜, art admirers 🎨, spiritual seekers 🕊️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Spectacular amber altar, Gothic architecture, powerful historical significance
- 📸 Top Experiences: Marveling at the world’s largest amber altar, exploring solidarity movement artifacts, attending organ concerts
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Radisson Hotel & Suites – Contemporary accommodation in Gdańsk’s historic Old Town
History and artistry collide in spectacular fashion at St. Bridget’s Church in central Gdańsk’s Old Town. This 14th-century Gothic brick church rose to prominence during the 1980s as a sanctuary for anti-communist activists.
The breathtaking amber altar—the world’s largest—stands 11 meters tall. This masterpiece incorporates over 2 tons of Baltic amber in designs depicting biblical scenes and Polish history moments.
Visiting during afternoon light creates the most dramatic effect as sunbeams illuminate the amber to golden perfection. The church sits just steps from the Royal Way and Long Market. Its blend of spiritual atmosphere, artistic beauty, and Solidarity movement connections creates an experience that left me speechless during my first visit.
12. Stogi Beach
- 🏆 Best For: Local culture seekers 🌍, water sports enthusiasts 🏄♂️, off-the-beaten-path travelers 🧭
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Wide sandy shoreline, dramatic industrial backdrop, authentic local atmosphere
- 📸 Top Experiences: Kitesurfing in perfect wind conditions, enjoying sunset barbecues, exploring dune ecosystems
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Zatoka – Comfortable accommodation with easy access to both beach and city attractions
Tired of picture-perfect but personality-free beaches? Stogi Beach on Gdańsk’s eastern edge offers a refreshingly authentic Baltic experience with fascinating contrasts. The expansive sandy shoreline stretches for kilometers against a backdrop of distant port cranes.
This local favorite provides excellent kitesurfing conditions due to its consistent wind patterns. The beach infrastructure has improved significantly with new boardwalks and seasonal bars while maintaining its unpretentious charm.
A convenient tram from downtown Gdańsk reaches Stogi in under 30 minutes. Weekend evenings bring locals grilling and playing music along the dunes. I can’t recommend enough joining them for sunset views where natural landscapes meet industrial silhouettes in a uniquely photogenic combination.
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