As one would expect for a city dating to the 10th century, the history of Gdańsk, Poland, played a significant role in trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Baltic Sea. In the late Middle Ages, Gdańsk became an important harbor and was part of the Teutonic State (1308–1457). Heavily impacted by World War II, today the city thrives as an important economic and cultural center … although, unfortunately, it’s often overlooked by North American leisure tourists.

The Main Town district houses many historical landmarks, including Main Town Hall, where parts of the building originated in the Middle Ages. Recent restorations in the area make it an ideal place for exploring. Its waterfront location offers numerous new bars, restaurants and shops to discover. In addition, the nearby Olowianka District features revitalized granaries that transformed this area into a trendy and bohemian neighborhood.

Neptune Fountain © Pawel Przybyszewski | Dreamstime.com

Nearby Old Town Gdańsk offers Neptune Fountain, an iconic, 17th-century bronze statue of the sea god Neptune. In this reconstructed medieval quarter, colorful merchant houses line cobblestone streets, and the well-known Long Market stretches through the district’s center, connecting historic gates and fountains. Restaurants serve delicious pierogi and local beer in atmospheric cellars, and nearby museums offer collections from the city’s Hanseatic League past. The 5-star Hotel Podewils in Old Town Gdańsk offers 10 rooms (singles, doubles and suites) and amenities including an excellent sauna and a terrace with a view of the Motlawa River. It is often named one of the best boutique hotels in the city.

Przymorze, Gdańsk’s modern seaside district, boasts wide beaches and contemporary residential housing. This planned neighborhood, just 15 minutes by public transport or car from Old Town, was developed during the communist era and features wide boulevards, green spaces and easy access to both the sea and city center. Visitors find a mix of local Polish life and coastal attractions here, including the popular Jelitkowo Beach.

Oliwa Stream at
Przymorze © VisitGdansk.com

Be sure to visit Wrzeszcz, located seven to eight minutes by car from Old Town but not on the Baltic coast. The vibrant neighborhood provides lots to see and do, including open-air concerts at Teatr Leśny in Jaśkowa Valley Park and football (soccer) games at Energa Stadium. Music lovers can get tickets for classical performances at the Baltic Opera House or dance to rock bands at the Stary Maneż arts center. This neighborhood (pronounced somewhat like “vjeshch”) also proves a great shopping destination.