Walking the streets of Gdansk is essentially being in an outdoor museum. The historic square and architecture will captivate and take you back in time. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed my DIY Gdansk Poland walking tour in a half-day. Read on and discover the highlights of this picturesque city.

This historic port on Poland’s Baltic coast is a treasure trove of history, dating back for more than 1,000 years. Gdansk sits on the southern side of Gdansk Bay, along with the city of Gdynia and resort town, Sopot.

It lies at the mouth of the Motlawa River. Gdansk is at the center of the Baltic amber (ossified resin) trade. Furthermore, it’s architectural legacy is largely left behind from the “Golden Age” as a city of the Hanseatic League. Overall, the city exhibits a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Rococo architecture styles.

Gdansk is the centre of dramatic history, for example, being taken over by Prussia during the Second Partition of Poland in 1793. Later, Gdansk was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1939, with local Jews facing the Holocaust. After WW II, Gdansk became part of Poland and rebuilt from the war damage. Then, in the 1980’s Gdansk became the centre of Solidarity (trade union) strikes. The Solidarity’s leader, Lech Walesa is recognized as being a central figure for ending communist rule in Poland. In the early 90’s, Poland transitioned to liberal capitalism.

Gdansk Poland Walking Tour Highlights

Long Bridge of Motlawa Riverfront

My shuttle dropped me off near the Long Bridge of the Motlawa Riverfront. Firstly, I walked along the riverfront past historic granaries to the iconic medieval crane, dating back to 1444. Looming over the water you can walk under the crane and see how it works.

Green Gate Entrance

Turning back around, I headed for the Green Gate as the entrance to the Main Town. This gate is actually brick and not green, with 4 arched entrances. The Green Gate is modelled from the Belgian Antwerp City Hall in Flemish architecture. At one time is was the royal residence. Now, it houses the National Museum.

Artus Court

When you first walk through the Green Gate you are in the historic Artus Court, a white building in Dutch Mannerism style. It was a popular meeting place for the merchants during the Hanseatic League. The gorgeously bronzed, Mannerist-Rococo Neptune (God of the Sea) Fountain stands in front of it. The fountain is one of the most significant icons in Gdansk.

Royal Route

Continuing on the from the Green Gate (east) is the 900-metre long Royal Route, taking you to the Golden Gate (west). Most of the colorful architecture here was rebuilt after WW II to replicate the burgher houses, gabled town houses, frescos and bas-reliefs. Walking down the Royal Road, you can’t miss the looming Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall.

Long Market Square — **Royal Road and Town Hall**

St. Mary’s Church

Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — **St. Mary’s Church Interior**

The St. Mary’s Church is another architectural marvel in central Gdansk. More than 500 years old, this Gothic wonder is one of the largest brick churches in the world. The church has capacity for 25,000 people inside its humble, white walls. For me, this was a first time for seeing a brick church this large with such a simple and plain interior.

Mariacka Street

The Mariacka Street is another scenic thoroughfare, stretching from the St. Mary’s Church to the Long Bridge. This narrow passage belonged to rich merchants and goldsmiths. Now, jewelry shops and amber galleries line the street.

Additionally, Gdansk has an Amber Museum with artifacts and displays on how to design amber jewelry. It’s located at the Foregate, a former prison. So, there are also exhibits of medieval torture devices. Quite the combination, yet an opportunity to learn about 2 very different sides of history. Overall, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history and importance of amber in Poland.

Enjoy Gdansk!

Gdansk is such a magnificent place to go back in time to connect with historical landmarks in Poland. And the great thing about Gdansk, tour or not, it’s an awesome place to wander and just take in the atmosphere from all the beautiful architecture and culture echoing its extraordinary history. Wear good walking shoes and enjoy…

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Picturesque Gdansk, Poland Half-Day Walking Tour Highlights