At the edge of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is considered the most beautiful city along the Baltic Coast. I came across it on The Amazing Race 23, where the second leg sees the teams in action at the city’s charming old town. And I was intrigued.
Gdansk’s physical beauty belies its tumultuous past. This century-old port city in Poland is a creation of Polish-German history, having fallen several times under German rule. At its prime, Gdansk was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, evidenced today by its bourgeois architecture. Ancient churches lined intimate cobbled streets, monuments are found in all corners of the city, and stretches of sandy beaches run along the coast. The city also makes a good cycling adventure.
Before you begin
Poland is not really an English speaking country, you might feel helpless when trying to get directions from locals. Be prepared. There are five Tourist Information Centers spread around the city for easy access. They offer comprehensive information for your travel needs and are on hand to answer your queries. You can also book your accommodations at these centers.
Tip: Get the Tourist Card at the information center. These cards have over 200 discounts and offers on transport and attractions.
The city center is compact and easily accessible on foot. Trams are a little tricky, they go around the Old Town rather than through it, missing out on many tourist treasures there. By walking, you can take your time admiring the city’s beautiful architecture.
Tip: Avoid the Dolne Miasto and old Orunia area. These are shady areas unsafe for wandering tourists.
Explore the Old Town
A thousand years of history breathes through every pore of Gdansk’s historic Old Town. Restaurants, street cafes and quaint shops along the narrow streets let off a cosy vibe. The Drugi Targ Street (Long Street) and the D?uga Street (Short Street) are good places to start your Gdansk experience. Known as Trakt Królewski (the Royal Route), they are the most beautiful streets in the city. The wealthy used to live here, in houses ornately designed with coat of arms and facades carved with ancient heroes. Each house looks different, all with great stories to tell. One of the most beautiful buildings alone the Drugi Targ is The Golden House, renowned for its elaborate façade.
Then head to the picturesque St Mary Street, which showcases Gdansk at the peak of its wealth. Leading from the St Mary’s church to the Medieval St Mary’s Gate, the narrow street is lined with colourful elaborately decorated houses that once belonged to rich merchants and goldsmiths.
Don’t miss out on one of the symbols of Gdansk, the Neptune Fountain. The imposing Neptune rises above the fountain created in Rococo style, surrounded by a ring of sea creatures.
Visit the Golden Gate and look out for the stone sculptures at the building’s attic, symbolizing the citizens’ virtues of Prudence, Justice, Piety and Harmony. Built in 1614, the gate was designed in Renaissance style and a sight to behold.
Watching over the Motlawa River is the Crane, yet another symbol of Gdansk. The Middle Ages saw the Crane at its prime, handling cargo and putting up ship masts. Now the restructured majestic crane still works, but acts as a city gate and a reminder of the time when it was Europe’s largest port crane.
At the old city hall, there is a museum showcasing a nicely decorated room where the town council once met and some historic exhibits about Gdansk’s history. There are also snapshots of the destruction after World War II.
Wars may have devastated the city but Gdansk folks keep the positive spirit alive through artistic expressions. Not the entire city is drowned in rich architecture from centuries past. Wall art can be seen on the city’s high rise buildings, adding a touch of color to otherwise gloomy buildings. Keep your eyes open when you wander the city.
Tip: There are so many hidden sights in the Old Town, register for the daily Alternative Gdansk free city tour, where experienced guides will take you to little known places, dispense unusual Gdansk facts and lets you in on the local lifestyle. The tour starts at noon daily in front of the St. Mary’s Church.
Marvel at Religious buildings
A devout city, Gdansk has no shortage of places of worship, each steeped in history and thoughtful in design. You don’t have to visit all of them but just a few to admire the details paid to their intricate décor, even if you’re not religious.
The largest brick church in the world, the St Mary’s Basilica has tower battlements and vaults that ascend almost 30 meters above ground level. At the viewing gallery of the main tower’s crown, you get to see a sweeping view of Gdansk. Bear in mind that beauty doesn’t come easy, you need to climb up 400 steps to get to the top.
Other religious buildings worth visiting include The Royal Chapel with Baroque sculptures wrapping the façade, carved by Andreas Schlüter, and the St Nicholas Church- the oldest church in Gdansk, miraculously untouched by the devastation left by the war. The building is Gothic on the out Gda?sk side but its interior is a heavy Baroque style.
Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers
Gdansk is the birthplace of the Communist movement in Poland but the road there was arduous. Communist oppression led to workers’ strikes in 1970 that resulted in 42 deaths. To commemorate the demise of these victims, a monument was erected near the entrance to the then Lenin Shipyard. Three soaring crosses with anchors that symbolize hope stands on a clearing, a reminder of the devastation left by Communism.
Did you know: Gdansk was the flashpoint of World War II. By the time the war ended, the city was in ruins.
Beach Bathing
With the Baltic Sea as its backdrop, a visit to Gdansk’s beaches is a must. Bathing Beaches in Stogi and Brzezno are guarded, making you feel more secure. These stretches also have water slides for some wet fun. The beaches are also ideal for volleyball and football matches if you’re travelling with a group of friends. If you’re a twosome, go on a walking tour or a biking trip, to soak up the sights of the sun, sand and that gorgeous sea.
Transport in Gda?sk
Trams and buses are readily available and cheap. Trams and buses are frequent at 3 zl per trip. Like many places in Europe, tickets can be used for a single trip or based on travelling time, and you stamp your tickets in the yellow machine on the bus or tram when you board.
There is also a 24 hour ticket (15zl) which you can use on all trams and buses.
Have you been to Gdansk? Which are some of your favourite spots?
