The Main Town — Gdańsk's Showpiece
★★★ Główne Miasto (Main Town)
The Main Town is the historic heart of Gdańsk and a total work of art. Like in Warsaw, it was heavily destroyed during the war and then rebuilt — here, however, not as an exact copy, but as an idealized version of Hanseatic splendor. The result: One of the most colorful and photogenic old towns in Europe.
★★★ Długi Targ & Dwór Artusa (Long Market & Artus Court)
The Długi Targ (Long Market) is Gdańsk's grand boulevard: Narrow, tall patrician houses in all colors — red, gold, green, blue — with ornate facades from the Renaissance and Baroque. In the middle: the Neptune Fountain (1633), Gdańsk's landmark. At the end of the square: the Green Gate (Brama Zielona) with a view of the Motława.
The Artus Court (Dwór Artusa) was the meeting place of Gdańsk merchants — a Gothic grand hall with the tallest tiled stove in Europe (10.64 meters!).
Artus Court: 16 PLN (4€). Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00.
★★★ Żuraw (Crane Gate)
The landmark of Gdańsk: A medieval port crane from the 15th century — the largest port crane of the Middle Ages in Europe. The wooden mechanism could lift up to 4 tons. Today part of the National Maritime Museum with a fascinating exhibition on Gdańsk's maritime trade history.
The view from the Motława Riverbank of the Crane Gate, framed by colorful granaries, is the most iconic photo motif on the Polish Baltic coast.
Ul. Szeroka 67/68. 20 PLN (5€). Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00.
★★★ Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary's Church)
The largest brick church in the world: 105 meters long, 66 meters wide, the tower 82 meters high. It can hold 25,000 people. Inside: an astronomical clock from the 15th century, a Gothic baptismal font, and an overwhelming spatial impression. The climb up the tower (405 steps!) is rewarded with a 360° panorama over Gdańsk.
Ul. Podkramarska 5. Church: free. Tower: 18 PLN (4€). Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 13:00–17:00.
★★ Ulica Mariacka (St. Mary's Street)
The most beautiful street in Gdańsk: Cobblestones, Gothic terraces (porches in front of the houses), amber shops, and cafes. A dream in the evening light. Gdańsk is the world capital of amber — here you'll find the best selection and fairest prices for the "Golden Stone of the Baltic".
★★ Ratusz Głównego Miasta (Main Town Hall)
The Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall (14th–16th century) houses the Historical Museum of Gdańsk. The Red Hall inside is one of the most splendid Renaissance interiors in Northern Europe: 25 allegorical paintings in a hall with gilded stucco ceilings. Tower climb possible.
Ul. Długa 46/47. 16 PLN (4€). Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 (summer until 18:00). Tower: 8 PLN extra.
