Linda K Sienkiewicz

What to See in Old Town Gdansk

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Gdansk does not have a main square, as most other Polish towns. Instead the town has a wide pedestrian-only street, Dlugi Targ. Dlugi Targ dates back to the Middle Ages, and has been the center of trade and important decisions in Gdansk. Much of Old Town Gdansk was destroyed during WWII, but buildings are exact reconstructions of the original houses in late Gothic style and baroque. Any building that is brick (or partial brick, since they saved what they could) is likely original; buildings that have painted fronts are reconstructions.If you plan a trip to Old Town Gdnask in Poland, here’s what not to miss.

Dlugi Targ. The clock tower is the Town Hall, which houses the Gdansk Museum — a must see.
Gdansk Town Hall
The Great Council Room of the Gdansk Town Hall/Museum. The oldest parts of the hall date from 1327.
The ceiling paintings are an allegory for the moral norms and rules of conduct for city authorities. I really wished I could have studied them longer.
Street artists along Dlugi Targ
Gdansk Neptune Fountain
Neptune’s Fountain, 1633, was damaged during World War II. It was renovated and put back to operation in 1957. By the way, the statue’s penis was covered with a fig leaf in 1988. 
Motlawa River, Gdansk
The Motlawa (mot-LA-va) River Embankment. The tall building is the crane (see below). Our hotel was at the far end where the river turns.
Crane in Gdansk
The Medieval Port Crane is one of the most famous symbols of Gdańsk’s maritime past.
Goldwasser, Gdansk
One of our favorite restaurants was the Goldwasser, along the Motlawa River embankment.
motlawa river, gdansk
Motlawa River at night
Amber Sky view
The Amber Sky Wheel took us up high for great views

If you plan a trip to Gdansk, don’t miss:

  • Walk along Dlugi Targ. We spent several long afternoons here visiting shops, little museums, restaurants, cafes, and taking in the street entertainment.
  • Visit the Amber Museum (Muzeum Bursztynu), housed in a former dungeon. The children enjoyed it, too, but two rooms near the end have torture devices and illustrations you’ll want to dodge.
  • Near the Amber Museum you can hop on a bus tour of the city.
  • Ride the Amber Sky Wheel for a twenty minute ride high above Gdansk
  • Take the Galeon Lew & Czarna Perla Boat Tour
  • Visit the The Crane and Maritime Museum– the museum has a fun hands-on section for children
  • Tour the Museum of the Second World War – best to leave little ones behind if you can because it’s fascinating, educational, and intense. I could have spent a full day here
  • Visit the Main Town Hall and Gdansk Museum – stunning
  • Take a day trip to Malbork Castle (world’s largest brick castle)
  • Mariacka Street is the best place to buy amber, plus it’s simply beautiful
  • Walk along the Motlawa River Embankment, and also the marina on the opposite side
  • Take time to make your way through all the side streets. There are terrific shops, cafes and restaurants everywhere!

Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer, poet, and artist.
Learn more about her award winning novel, In the Context of Love.
Learn more about her picture book, Gordy and the Ghost Crab.
Learn more about her poetry chapbook, Security

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