100 interesting facts about Gdańsk

Damian Brzeski
3 days ago
29 min read

Gdańsk – a city with a thousand-year history – hides many extraordinary facts and anecdotes. Here are a hundred interesting facts about Gdańsk 💯, from statistics and records to local sayings, legends and contemporary phenomena:

list of 100 interesting facts about Gdansk

Largest city in Poland (area): Gdańsk currently covers an area of 683 km² , making it the largest city in Poland in terms of area . It even overtook Warsaw (517 km²), which became possible thanks to the expansion of administrative borders in 2023. At that time, over 420 km² of the waters of the Bay of Gdańsk were officially incorporated into the city, which significantly "inflated" its square footage - at least on paper.

But it is also worth knowing the other side of the coin. The actual land area of Gdańsk is about 258 km² , and before the reform it was 262 km² . In other words – the city has not changed in terms of land, it has simply "entered the wide waters" administratively.

For comparison, before 2023, Gdańsk was only 6th in the country in terms of area. It was overtaken by, among others:
1. Warsaw – 517 km²
2. Krakow - 327 km²
3. Szczecin – 301 km²
4. Lodz – 293 km²
5. Wroclaw – 293 km²
6. Gdansk – 262 km²
Only after adding the maritime "foreground" did Gdańsk take the lead. So if someone says that Gdańsk is the largest in Poland - they are right... although most of this "size" lies under the waves of the Bay 😉
Population and location in the country: Gdańsk has a population of around 487 thousand , which gives it 6th place in Poland in terms of population – just behind Wrocław and ahead of Szczecin. Together with Gdynia (approx. 240.5 thousand) and Sopot (approx. 31.7 thousand), it forms the Tri-City – a vibrant agglomeration with a total population of around 760 thousand people .

If we add to this the so-called small Kashubian Tricity (i.e. Rumia, Reda and Wejherowo ) and the cities and communes that co-create the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area (OMGGS) – such as Tczew, Pruszcz Gdański, Żukowo or Puck – it becomes a really large organism. The entire metropolitan area currently has about 1.69 million inhabitants , making it one of the largest and fastest growing urban regions in Poland.

Interestingly, unlike many other parts of the country, OMGGS is not losing residents, but on the contrary – it is growing . This is due to, among other things, internal migration, infrastructure development and the increasingly better quality of life in the surrounding municipalities.
Administrative division: The city is divided into 35 districts – each with its own district council and local communities. The names of many districts (e.g. Oliwa, Wrzeszcz, Orunia) are derived from former villages or features of the terrain.
Largest district (area): Sobieszewska Island is the largest district of Gdańsk in terms of area (35.8 km²) – a green island on the Vistula River, known for the Ptasi Raj and Mewia Łacha nature reserves. Interestingly, it is the only district that is a river island (separated from the mainland by the Vistula canal).
Most populated district: The district of Chełm has the most inhabitants – about 32 thousand. New housing estates are built there every year, although in the 1990s a large part of Chełm was occupied by farmland. (In 2018, a new district of Orunia Górna–Gdańsk Południe was separated from Chełm).
The smallest district: Wzgórze Mickiewicza is the smallest district in terms of area – only 0.52 km². It is located on a small hill and was formerly called "Piekarówka". For comparison – the largest Sobieszewska Island is almost 70 times larger!
Population density: Przymorze Wielkie is a housing estate district with the highest population density – approx. 8,340 people per km². The concentration of high-rise blocks (including the famous wave blocks) means that as many people live there as in a small town, in a very small area.

For comparison – at the other extreme is Sobieszewska Island , where the population density is only about 390 people per km² . It is similar in districts such as Brzeźno or Osowa , where the space is more expansive and the development is much more loose.

The climate there is dominated by peaceful, green enclaves – ideal for those who value peace, nature and the lack of crowds outside the window.
The longest residential building: The longest residential block in Poland is located in Gdańsk – the so-called Falowiec in the Przymorze housing estate. It has 11 storeys, is about 800 meters long and has 1,792 apartments; it is inhabited by about 5-6 thousand people. The characteristic, wavy shape of this block has become one of the architectural peculiarities of the city (Gdańsk has a total of eight "falowiec" from the 1970s).
The longest street: Kartuska Street is the longest street in Gdańsk and the entire Tri-City – it is about 11.6 km long. It runs from the city centre through Siedlce and the southern districts to outside the city. Its name indicates the direction – it leads towards Kartuzy in Kashubia.

The Shortest Street: At the other end of the spectrum is Plebania Street – the shortest street in Gdańsk, measuring just 31 metres long . Located right next to St. Mary’s Basilica, between the Royal Chapel and the Main Town tenement houses, it has a real historical charm. It has existed since the 14th century and walking along it takes less than the blink of an eye – but the atmosphere? Priceless.

And what about Kurkowa? Although Kurkowa Street is about 300 meters long, it is often jokingly called the longest street in Gdańsk. Why? It is on it, at number 12, that the Detention Center is located, where some "guests" spend many years. Hence the saying: "Kurkowa - the longest street in the city, because if you get there, you stay there for a long time."
The largest zoo in Poland: The Gdańsk Zoological Garden (in Oliwa) covers an area of 125 ha, making it the largest Polish zoo in terms of area. You can see about 160 species of animals here. Interesting fact: in 2015, four lion cubs were born in the Oliwa zoo - the offspring of a pair of rare white Angolan lions, which was a big sensation.
City of carillons: Gdańsk is the only city in Poland that has working carillons – three of them. These huge instruments, consisting of dozens of bells, are installed in the tower of St. Catherine's Church, the Main Town Hall and (mobile) in the tower of the Solidarity Museum.

The sound of the Gdańsk carillons has echoed over the city for over 350 years, and in the summer it hosts an international carillon music festival.
Free City times two: Gdańsk has had the status of a Free City – an autonomous territory – twice in history. The first time was when Napoleon created the Free City of Gdańsk in the years 1807–1814, and the second time was when Gdańsk was a Free City in the interwar period of 1920–1939 (under the protection of the League of Nations). In both cases, Gdańsk was outside of direct Polish control.
World War II began here: on September 1, 1939, at 4:45 a.m., the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein fired at the Polish military depot on Westerplatte in Gdańsk – these were the first shots of World War II. The defenders of Westerplatte defended themselves for 7 days, and this place became a symbol of Polish resistance. At the same time, on the same day, the postmen at Gdańsk Post Office No. 1 also heroically defended themselves.
Heroic Post Office: On September 1, 1939, employees of the Polish Post Office in Gdańsk put up 14 hours of armed resistance to German troops. After the capitulation, most of them were shot by the Nazis. Today, the Polish Post Office building is a museum commemorating this heroic defense.
War damage and reconstruction: The historic city centre of Gdańsk was approximately 90–95% destroyed during the fighting in 1945. After the war, the city was meticulously rebuilt – tenement houses were reconstructed based on preserved plans, photographs and paintings.

Walking around today's beautiful Main Town, let us remember that it is a post-war reconstruction of its former glory (next to Warsaw and Wrocław, Gdańsk was the most destroyed of all Polish cities).
Solidarity and the Fall of Communism: The Solidarity movement was born in Gdańsk. In August 1980, a strike at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk led by Lech Wałęsa led to the creation of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union "Solidarity".

It was the beginning of a peaceful revolution – 10 years later, communism in Poland fell. To this day, the shipyard gate is decorated with historical plaques with the 21 demands of striking workers, which were entered on the UNESCO "Memory of the World" list.
The Three Crosses Monument: The symbolic Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970 (three crosses with anchors) stands at the gate of the Gdańsk Shipyard. It was erected in 1980 – it was the world's first monument to the victims of the communist regime in an Eastern Bloc country (it was created on a civic initiative, right after the strikes). Three 42-meter crosses commemorate over 40 victims of the suppressed protests of December 1970.
Lech Wałęsa – an electrician who changed the course of history: Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa was an electrician at the Gdańsk Shipyard. Within a decade, he became a global symbol of the fight for freedom – in 1983 he received the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 1990 he became the first democratically elected president of Poland after the war. He still lives in Gdańsk.
One million people in Zaspa: In 1987, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in Gdańsk's Zaspa for about one million believers. It was one of the largest gatherings in the city's history. Today, Zaspa features a monument to the pope and a cross commemorating that event – and Zaspa itself has been given a second life as the "Gallery of Monumental Painting" (the estate is famous for dozens of large murals on apartment blocks).
The oldest preserved port crane: The Gdańsk Crane on the Motława River (today a branch of the Maritime Museum) is the oldest existing port crane in Europe – it dates back to the 15th century. In the Middle Ages, it was used to load goods and put up masts on ships and served as a city gate. It was powered by human muscle power – through treadmill wheels, into which several people entered as if into a “turnstile”.
The Great Mill – a medieval factory: The Great Mill in the Old Town (built around 1350 by the Teutonic Knights) was for centuries the largest mill in Europe. It had 18 water wheels, each 5 m in diameter – a real flour factory powered by the Radunia Canal. In record years, it milled around 5,000 tons of grain per year. Today, the restored mill building houses the Amber Museum.
St. Mary's Basilica - the largest brick church in the world: St. Mary's Basilica in Gdańsk (medieval, built 1343-1502) is considered the largest brick church in the world. It is 105 m long, its vault is supported by 27 huge pillars, and the interior with a volume of ~155 thousand m³ can accommodate up to 20 thousand people. Inside, it is worth seeing the 14-meter astronomical clock from the 15th century - in its time also the largest in the world.
The largest tiled stove: Inside the Artus Court (the former seat of the merchant brotherhoods at Długi Targ) stands a gigantic Renaissance tiled stove from 1546. It is 10.6 m high and consists of 520 heraldic tiles – it is the largest stove of its kind in Europe (and according to many sources – even in the world). For centuries, it heated the Great Hall of the Artus Court, while also being a breathtaking decoration.
Record port and trade: Gdańsk has been a trading power for centuries – in the 16th and 17th centuries it was the richest city in the Republic of Poland and one of the richest in Europe. It was called the granary of Poland and the window to the world.

On Granary Island there were over 300 grain granaries – the largest warehouse complex on the continent. Today, the Port of Gdańsk is the largest seaport in the country and one of the largest on the Baltic Sea (in 2022, a record 68 million tons of goods were transhipped here).
Water tram and ferries: Gdańsk is a city by the water, so in addition to traditional transport, there is also a water tram – passenger ships of the Gdańsk Shipping Company run from the city centre to Westerplatte and Hel in the summer . Interestingly, the first modern Polish seagoing ship was built in Gdańsk: the coal-ore carrier SS Sołdek (launched in 1948) – today moored as a museum ship at the Ołowianka quay.
The Martwa Wisła Tunnel: In 2016, the first underwater road tunnel in Poland was opened in Gdańsk – running under the Martwa Wisła, connecting the city with the Northern Port. The tunnel is 1,377 m long and is also the longest road tunnel in the country. Construction took 4 years and cost almost PLN 900 million, but significantly improved traffic to the port.
Green city: Despite its industrial character, Gdańsk is one of the greenest Polish metropolises. Over 24% of the city's area is made up of forests, parks and green areas, including the vast Tri-City Landscape Park to the north and the strip of seaside parks with the modern Reagan Park. There are even nature reserves within the city limits (Ptasi Raj and Mewia Łacha on Sobieszewska Island - bird and seal sanctuaries).
Oliwa Park and the Whispering Cave: Oliwa Park, founded by the Cistercians , is famous for its exotic plants (a palm house with a 170-year-old date palm) and the Whispering Cave . It is a semicircular gazebo – if two people stand on opposite sides of the wall and one whispers, the other will clearly hear the whisper a dozen or so meters away. This acoustic curiosity is eagerly presented to tourists.
Wisłoujście Fortress: At the mouth of the Martwa Wisła River stands the Wisłoujście Fortress – a unique round sea fortress. Its central tower served as a lighthouse already in the Middle Ages. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fortress defended access to the port – it was armed with several dozen cannons and was never taken by assault. Today, it is a historical monument (a branch of the Gdańsk Museum), and its walls offer a view of the port.
The former suburbs – today's districts: Wrzeszcz, Oliwa or Orunia used to be separate settlements near Gdańsk, incorporated into the city only in the 19th/20th century. That is why to this day older residents of Wrzeszcz say that they are "going to Gdańsk" when they go to the city centre – as if Wrzeszcz was a separate world. Similarly, someone from Oliwa will say about a trip to the city centre "I'm going to Gdańsk", which can be funny for visitors.
Starówka or Główne Miasto?: In Gdańsk, the historical centre is not called “starówka”. Officially, there is the Stare Miasto district (the northern part of Śródmieście, around the train station and St. Catherine's Church) and Główne Miasto (the representative part with ul. Długa). Colloquially, the charming Główne Miasto is called “starówka”, although purists are offended by this – they prefer precise nomenclature.

Either way, the Gdańsk "Old Town" is not an old town in the Warsaw sense – because it mainly comprises the rebuilt Main Town.
Language and dialect: Pre-war Gdańsk had its own dialect – the so-called Gdańsk dialect – which was an original mix of Polish, German and Kashubian. To this day, some Germanisms can still be heard in the speech of older Gdańsk residents, such as bilety na kontuktorka tramowej or beją na ubikacja. These words are slowly disappearing from everyday language, but here and there they can still be heard – like relics from another era.

Nevertheless, meeting a person speaking the “pure” pre-war dialect of Gdańsk is a real rarity today . Firstly – time takes its toll, older generations pass away. And secondly – we must remember that pre-war Gdańsk was a specific creation . Although it functioned as a Free City, Poles were a minority here , and German was the dominant language.

After 1945, the city was practically repopulated – most of the current residents of Gdańsk are people resettled from the Borderlands or their descendants . It is for this reason that in the local speech, especially in everyday speech, one can find eastern influences , characteristic of the Borderlands language – sometimes more visible than Kashubian influences. Because Gdańsk, although today considered a bastion of Pomerania, is linguistically a melting pot of influences and human fates , in which history is recorded not only in walls, but also in words.
Gdańsk's porches: One of the symbols of the architecture of the Main City are porches - decorative terraces in front of tenement houses. Wide stone stairs with wrought-iron balustrades led to raised doors, and from the street, the porch was protected by a balustrade with gargoyles (stone gargoyles) that drained rainwater.

The most beautiful porches can be seen at Mariacka, Długa and Chlebnicka streets. They used to serve as a "café garden" – the social life of merchants and townspeople took place there.
Piwna Street – the name speaks for itself: The old name of this street (Jopengasse) came from the famous Jopejski beer brewed in Gdańsk. Already in the Middle Ages, there were several breweries operating on Piwna Street. The Gdańsk Jopejski beer was extremely thick and strong – it was said that before serving it was diluted with water or poured with a ladle like syrup. Today, local craft breweries are trying to revive the tradition of brewing this drink.
Johannes Hevelius – astronomer and brewer: Johannes Hevelius (1611–1687) from Gdańsk was one of the most outstanding astronomers of the 17th century, called the "father of selenography" (cartography of the Moon).

On the roofs of his tenement houses he built the most modern astronomical observatory in Europe, equipped with telescopes he made himself. In 1647 he published Selenographia with the first detailed maps of the Moon – so accurate that no one would surpass them for the next 200 years.

Few people know that Heweliusz was also a brewer - he ran an inherited brewery in the Old Town and brewed excellent beer ( the aforementioned Jopejskie) , and also served as a juror and city councilor.
First female astronomer: Heweliusz's second wife was Elżbieta Koopman-Heweliusz (1647–1693) – a gifted astronomer, considered one of the first female scientists in the field. She collaborated with her husband in observations and after his death published his star atlas. She is sometimes called the "mother of lunar maps" – King Jan III Sobieski personally recognized her as a pioneer of female astronomy.
From Gdańsk: Fahrenheit and Schopenhauer: Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736) was born in Gdańsk, a physicist and engineer, inventor of the mercury thermometer and the temperature scale named after him. Although he spent most of his life in the Netherlands, on the tenement house on Ogarna Street we will see a plaque commemorating the place of his birth.

The outstanding philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) also comes from Gdańsk – he was born on Św. Ducha Street and grew up here until he was 5, before his family left the city after the Second Partition of Poland. Gdańsk motifs can be found in the works of both Fahrenheit (e.g. astronomical names) and Schopenhauer (childhood memories).
Nobel Prize for a Gdańsk resident: Günter Grass – famous German writer and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature (1999) – was born in the Free City of Gdańsk in 1927. His most famous novel The Tin Drum takes place in pre-war Gdańsk (fictional city of Danzig ). Throughout his life, Grass emphasized his connection with the city – today, the Günter Grass Centre operates in Gdańsk, and a monument to Oskar – the hero of The Tin Drum – stands in Orunia.
The Amber Capital: For centuries, Gdańsk has been famous for its amber , called the "Baltic gold". Already in the 17th century, renowned amber workshops were operating here, and today the city is called the world capital of amber - the prestigious Amberif fair takes place here, attracting exhibitors from all over the world. In 2021, a new seat of the Amber Museum was opened (in the Great Mill), where you can admire, among other things, huge lumps of amber with insect inclusions and replicas of the famous Amber Room.
Amber-like stadium: The Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk (formerly PGE Arena), a football stadium built for Euro 2012, has a façade made of around 18,000 semi-transparent amber panels. The stadium was originally designed to resemble a block of amber – in reference to the city’s amber tradition. The facility can accommodate over 40,000 spectators and has hosted matches at Euro 2012 and the UEFA Europa League final in 2021.
Neptune and gold in liqueur: The Neptune Fountain on Długi Targ (cast in 1615, launched in 1633) is one of the most recognizable symbols of Gdańsk. There is a legend associated with this Baroque fountain - supposedly in the 17th century, the people of Gdańsk threw coins into the fountain's water, which displeased the god of the sea.

Neptune struck the water with his trident and shattered the coins into tiny gold flakes, which can still be found in Goldwasser liqueur today. This spicy liqueur with 22-carat gold flakes has been produced in Gdańsk since 1598 and has become a local specialty.
Motto "Nec temere, nec timide": The coat of arms of Gdańsk (red with two crosses and a crown) is decorated with the Latin sentence Nec temere, nec timide , meaning "Neither boldly nor timidly". This motto has guided the people of Gdańsk since the 17th century - encouraging them to act prudently but courageously. The inscription can be found, among others, above the gate of the historic Main Town Hall. In 2019, on the 50th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Town Hall, the gilding of this motto on the façade was restored.
Multicultural melting pot: Historically, Gdańsk was a multinational city – Poles, Germans, Jews, Dutch (Mennonites) and Scots lived here side by side. Remnants of this include the Dutch canals and polders in Żuławy and the Scottish surnames of Gdynia residents.

Nowadays, Gdańsk is also open and diverse – in 2022, after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the city accepted tens of thousands of refugees.

It was estimated that at one point, as many as every fourth resident of Gdańsk could have been Ukrainian (in April 2022 , approximately 184,000 Ukrainian citizens were registered in Gdańsk, which constituted 28% of the city's population! ). Although many of them later moved on, Gdańsk became famous for its solidarity and help for those in need.
Stench maps and trollface: Residents of southern districts (like Szadółki, Ujeścisko) have been complaining for years about the bothersome smell from the municipal landfill. A "Stench Map" was even created socially - a website where Gdańsk residents report where and when they can smell the stench from Szadółki.

In 2021, this map was... trolled - an anonymous prankster added hundreds of fictitious reports of stench in Kashubia, arranging a large trollface image (the famous internet "troll face") on the map. It was an unusual form of joke about a very serious (for residents) problem. Below: a screenshot of the "stench map" with a visible trollface created from odor reporting points.
Nudist beach in Stogi: Gdańsk boasts one of the oldest and most famous naturist beaches in Poland . Off the beaten track, to the east of the Stogi bathing area, there is a section of the beach marked as nudist (entrance no. 23).

Already in the 1980s, this place was popular with naturists. The beach, sheltered by forest and dunes, provides privacy – “naked” people feel at ease here , and the locals treat it as a local curiosity.
Gdańsk trams: On June 19, 1873, the first horse tram ran through Gdańsk, and since 1896, electric trams have been running – Gdańsk was one of the first cities in this part of Europe with electric tram transport . Interesting fact: currently, in the summer season, a heritage line is launched – a historic tram from the 1950s runs through the city as a tourist attraction.
A station like a palace: Gdańsk Główny, a historic railway station from 1900, impresses with its architecture. Built in a style referring to the Dutch Renaissance and Mannerism, it has a clock tower inspired by the tower of the Main Town Hall. There are four clocks at the top of the station tower - their faces have the number "IV" instead of "IIII" (which is interesting for railway enthusiasts). This station is considered one of the most beautiful in Poland.
Gdańsk University of Technology – a university with traditions: The Main Building of the Gdańsk University of Technology (1904) is an architectural gem – it is decorated with sculptures of allegorical figures (including architecture and mechanics) and the coats of arms of the Hansa cities.

During World War II, the building was severely damaged, and during the reconstruction, part of the damaged pillar in the vestibule was intentionally left as a memento of the war damage. Today, the Gdańsk University of Technology is one of the best technical universities in the country.
The Baltic Opera and the musical about the general: The Gdańsk Baltic Opera (est. 1953) made history by staging the famous musical "1989" in 2018, telling the story of the fall of communism in the form of a rap performance – with the characters of Wałęsa and General Jaruzelski on stage. The performance gained huge popularity and showed that the Gdańsk opera scene is capable of undertaking innovative projects.
Murals in Zaspa: The Zaspa district, known for its large-panel housing, has become a mecca for street art lovers in recent years. Over 60 large-format murals have been created on the walls of apartment blocks here – they form the Gallery of Murals in Zaspa , one of the largest of its kind in the world.

The first murals were painted in 1997 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Gdańsk, and each year during the Monumental Art festival, artists from different countries add new works. The themes of the murals are diverse – from a portrait of Lech Wałęsa to abstractions – and each block is a different open-air gallery.
KS Gedania 1922: In the Free City of Gdańsk there was a Polish sports club KS Gedania , founded in 1922 by Poles from Gdańsk. Gedania was a symbol of Polishness - its footballers played in white and red kits, and the fans sang the Polish anthem.

Unfortunately, during World War II, the Nazis murdered many Gedania activists and athletes for their patriotism. Currently, the Gedania club (reactivated after the war) continues its activity, and its fate is commemorated by a monument at the stadium in Dolne Miasto.
Monument "To Those Who Deserved Polishness of Gdańsk": On the Old Town Square stands a monument commemorating the victims of Nazi crimes - Poles from the Free City of Gdańsk who died in the years 1939-1945. The inscription on the monument reads "To Those Who Deserved Polishness of Gdańsk" . The monument was unveiled in 1969 and consists of three tall granite columns symbolizing the three occupying powers between which Gdańsk was torn apart in history.
Global awards and rankings: In 2017, Gdańsk won 3rd place in the prestigious European Best Destination plebiscite – as one of the best cities to visit in Europe. Only Porto and Milan beat it, and Gdańsk left behind, among others, Athens and Vienna. It was a huge success, because Gdańsk took part in this competition for the first time. The city is also appreciated for its hospitality – in 2020, readers of Travel + Leisure magazine recognized Gdańsk as one of the friendliest cities in the world.
Astronomy trivia: The name of Gdańsk has been immortalized in space – there are two asteroids named after the city. The asteroid 764 Gedania (from the Latin name for Gdańsk) was discovered in 1913 by German astronomer Franz Kaiser, who worked at the Gdańsk observatory. In turn, the asteroid (1419) Danzig (from the German name) was discovered in 1929. Both of these small celestial bodies orbit in the main asteroid belt, commemorating Gdańsk among the stars.
Hevelianum – science in fortifications: On Gradowa Hill (above the PKP train station) is the Hevelianum Centre – an interactive science centre named of course after Jan Heweliusz. It is located in restored 19th century Napoleonic forts. There you can experiment with the laws of physics, visit historical exhibitions, and admire the panorama of the city from the viewing point next to the inscription I love Gdańsk .
Chopin's Grand Piano in Gdańsk: Although Fryderyk Chopin is not associated with Gdańsk, the city houses a valuable relic of his – an 1848 Broadwood piano that once belonged to Chopin. The instrument came to Gdańsk as a gift from the famous pianist's family and can be seen in the Museum of Music at the Polish Baltic Philharmonic.
Freedom Day: Gdańsk calls itself the city of freedom . In June 2019, on the 30th anniversary of the elections of June 4, 1989, the central celebrations of Freedom and Solidarity Day took place in Gdańsk. Former oppositionists and thousands of residents met at Solidarity Square, celebrating the anniversary of the fall of communism. It was then that slogans were raised , "It all started here," emphasizing Gdańsk's role in the history of the fight for democracy.
New Shipyard – UNESCO?: The former grounds of the Gdańsk Shipyard, the cradle of Solidarity, are gradually changing their appearance. New museums, lofts and cultural spaces are being built there (the famous club 100cznia and the European Solidarity Centre). The post-industrial landscape with cranes has such historical value that in 2020 Poland nominated the Gdańsk Shipyard for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If successful, Gdańsk will have its second UNESCO site (after the nearby Teutonic Castle in Malbork).
Following the amber trail into space: In 2023, Gdańsk amber literally flew into space – a piece of Baltic amber was taken on a space mission by Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański. It was part of the promotion of the “Gdańsk – World Capital of Amber” project and probably the first amber to orbit the Earth.
European Solidarity Centre: In 2014, a modern European Solidarity Centre was opened in Gdańsk – a museum and educational centre dedicated to the history of Solidarity and human rights. The shape of the ECS building resembles the hull of a ship, and its rusty steel facade is a reference to the hulls of ships built in the shipyard. Interestingly, a public terrace with a garden was set up on the roof of the ECS, from where you can see the panorama of the shipyard.
The oldest church and clock: The oldest church in Gdańsk is St. Catherine's Church (founded around 1227). Its tower houses a huge carillon made in 1738 and a historic clock with figures of the Apostles. Inside the church lies the famous scholar - Jan Heweliusz, who was its parishioner. Every now and then, a chime can be heard from the Catherine's tower - it is one of the oldest working bell mechanisms in Poland.
Mostostal and the "Gdańsk giraffes": The silhouettes of the shipyard cranes (cranes) are an integral part of the Gdańsk panorama. Some residents affectionately call these huge cranes "Gdańsk giraffes" . At night, several of them are illuminated - colorfully illuminated cranes greet those entering the city from the shipyard and remind of the industrial heritage of Gdańsk.
Mosques, synagogues, temples: Gdańsk is a city with a spirit of religious tolerance. Protestant communities were already operating here in the 16th century, and the 17th-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza planned to settle in Gdańsk because of the freedom of religion. Today, Gdańsk is home to the oldest active mosque in Poland ( the Tatar mosque in Oliwa , opened in 1990) and a reconstructed historical synagogue in Wrzeszcz.
The oldest preserved hospital: On Kołodziejska Street stands the former Holy Spirit Hospital – founded in 1342, considered the oldest preserved hospital building in Poland. It currently houses the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre, but the medieval walls remember the times when the poor and sick were cared for here (back then, the hospital functioned as shelters run by the clergy).
Tenement houses rebuilt "falsely": Although most of the tenement houses in the city centre were rebuilt faithfully, in several places the architects of the Polish People's Republic allowed themselves an "artistic joke". For example, the façade of the tenement house at ul. Długa 1 (the so-called Kamienica Czerwona Szopa) bears the date "1681", although the building was built only after the war - this is an element intended to make it similar to the old buildings. There are more similar post-war "antidates" in Gdańsk, which a keen observer can spot.
Church on the Water: A little-known monument in Gdańsk is the 17th-century Chapel of St. Anne and St. James on Sobieszewska Island. It is the only church in Gdańsk built on piles in the water – it stands on the bank of the Vistula River, and its foundation consists of 1,800 oak piles driven into the ground (similar to Venice). This church survived the Swedish Deluge, World War II and still serves the local community of the Island.
Record-breaking pierogi: In 2018, Gdańsk entered the Guinness Book of Records for… the largest pyramid of pierogi. During St. Dominic's Fair, 16,000 pierogi were made and arranged in the shape of a pyramid! The structure was over 1.8 meters high. Although pierogi are not a traditional Gdańsk dish, the record was set to promote the fair – and then, of course, the pierogi were eaten by the audience.
Dominican Fair – 760 years of tradition: St. Dominic's Fair has been held in Gdańsk every summer since 1260, when the Pope established the Dominican indulgence.

Today, it is one of the largest outdoor events in Europe – it lasts three weeks, with over 1,000 commercial and catering stands on the streets of the Main Town, and the event is accompanied by concerts, parades and shows.

The Fair is visited by several million people every year. For centuries, goods from the Far East were traded here, and buying souvenirs, such as amber products or pretzels, has become a tradition.
Tunnel in the slide: In the center of Gdańsk (Park Świętopełka) there is an unusual attraction for children - a historical slide in the shape of a U-boat (a German submarine) . It commemorates the fact that at the end of World War I, submarines were built in the Gdańsk Shipyard for the German fleet. This educational slide is a funny reminder of the military accents of the city's history.
The farthest district: Osowa , located on the outskirts of Gdańsk on the border with Sopot and Gdynia, has such a communication system that, paradoxically, it is faster to get from there to… Sopot than to the center of Gdańsk.
City plan in the coat of arms: The crown and two crosses in the coat of arms of Gdańsk are symbols granted in the 14th century by the Polish King Casimir IV Jagiellon.

According to some interpretations, the two crosses symbolize two hills (Góra Gradowa and Biskupia Górka) or two pillars of the gate, and the crown means subordination to the kings of Poland. Interestingly, the layout of these elements is sometimes compared to the plan of a medieval city with a main axis (ul. Długa) and two main gates.
Gdańsk legends: Gdańsk has its legends – for example, about the bell “Katarzyna” from St. Catherine’s Church, which was supposed to have cracked during ringing upon hearing the news of King Sobieski’s death. Another legend tells of the steel lion from the shipyard gate, which the Soviets allegedly shot at in 1945, mistaking it for a real one (however, no bullet marks were found). Such stories add colour to the city.
Fairytale Tenement Houses: On Lektykarska Street (a side street of Długi Targ) there is a row of tiny, colorful tenement houses, commonly called the "Three Brothers" . They are so narrow that they look like dollhouses squeezed between larger tenement houses. This is one of the favorite places for photographers - it proves that Gdańsk architecture was also delicate and charming, and not just monumental.
Modern museums: Gdańsk is investing in modern exhibitions – the Museum of the Second World War (opened in 2017) is considered one of the most modern in Europe, with an interactive exhibition connecting the fates of ordinary people with great history. In 2021, the Solidarity Health and Safety Museum was opened in the Góra Gradowa Fort – in the building where the August Agreements were signed in 1980, you can see the authentic interior of the Health and Safety Hall from that time.
European capitals of Gdańsk: Gdańsk is a member of the prestigious network of Hanseatic cities (New Hansa) - it refers to the tradition of the powerful Hansa League, to which it belonged since 1361. In 2023.

Gdańsk also played the role of the European Capital of Volunteering , appreciated for the civic activity of its residents (e.g. crowds of volunteers during the Fair or the service of EURO 2012). The city also hosted major events, such as the Council of Europe summits or the World Congresses of Gdańsk residents.
Hevelius on the Moon: Jan Heweliusz is commemorated not only in Gdańsk – a crater on the Moon ( Hevelius ) and one of the moons of Jupiter discovered by him were named after him. What's more, a beer called Hevelius was brewed until the 1990s in a Gdańsk brewery – with a characteristic portrait of the astronomer on the label.
AmberSky Sightseeing Wheel: Since 2016, a huge 50-meter-high AmberSky Sightseeing Wheel has been rotating on Granary Island. The glass gondolas of the Ferris wheel offer a beautiful view of the Main City, the Motława River and the shipyard cranes. At night, the wheel is effectively illuminated. This is another tourist attraction that appeared as part of the revival of Granary Island, which was ruined after the war.
Tram to the beach – then and now: Before the war, you could take the tram line straight to the pier in Brzeźno – the tracks led all the way to the entrance to the beach (now gone). Today, tram line no. 3 is extended to the beach in Stogi on summer weekends, to make it easier for Gdańsk residents to get to the seaside. This is one of the few places in Poland where you can take a tram almost to the beach itself.
Letnica District – from industrial to representative: Letnica, once a neglected industrial district, is today a symbol of urban transformation. It is here that the amber Polsat Plus Arena stadium is located, as well as modern housing developments that attract young residents. The streets of Letnica, once forgotten, are now becoming a fashionable place to live.
The Cable-stayed Bridge in Sobieszewo – the only one of its kind in Poland: The drawbridge leading to Sobieszewska Island is opened every hour for shipping. Its opening mechanism is impressive – the bridge lifts up to let vessels through, which attracts crowds of tourists.
Oliwa date palm – a record-breaking plant: Until recently, a palm tree grew in Oliwa Park that was over 170 years old – it was the oldest date palm in Poland. Due to its height (over 17 meters), it forced the construction of a conservatory so that it could continue to grow. Unfortunately, due to the prolonged construction, it froze and could not be saved. Such a paradox.
Gdańsk street food from stalls – a tradition not entirely known: In many parts of the city, there are still small stalls selling zapiekanka, pies and fish in a bun. Some of them have been operating continuously since the 70s, and among Gdańsk residents they have almost a cult status – for example, the bar "Przystanek Zapiekanka" at Hucisko.
Kashubian influence on Gdańsk: Although the centre of Gdańsk is mainly associated with its Hanseatic past and German architecture, the spirit of the Kashubians hovers over many districts, especially those on the outskirts – such as Kokoszki , Osowa , as well as parts of Matemblewo and Jasień .

Regional groups operate in schools and kindergartens , which introduce children to tradition, music, and handicrafts, and also teach simple words and phrases in Kashubian . For many children, this is their first contact with this unique culture, and at the same time a great opportunity to feel part of the local identity.

Interestingly, the Kashubian language is the only officially recognized regional language in Poland , which means that in some schools it can even be taken as a secondary school leaving exam. And this is also the case in Gdańsk – not only in the villages of Pomerania! Kashubia reaches here through education, the activities of associations and enthusiasts, as well as through the presence of Kashubian media , local festivals and cultural events.

Although the influence of the borderlands and the incoming population shaped post-war Gdańsk, the Kashubian element is still going strong – as an inseparable part of the identity of Pomerania. It is also worth noting that Kashubian is not limited to language – it is also a mentality, a sense of pride in one’s roots and attachment to the land.
"Love" installation in Zaspa: Among the many murals in Zaspa is an installation with the word "Love" written on it, made of... dozens of pink mailboxes. This installation has become an Instagram hit and a symbol of the romantic side of this housing estate district.
Anna Walentynowicz Roundabout – a symbol of remembrance: In the Chełm district, there is a roundabout named after the legendary Solidarity activist. Interestingly, for several years after the name was given, the plaque with her name was regularly removed or painted over – the topic aroused political controversy.
First female mayor in Gdańsk: Aleksandra Dulkiewicz became the first female mayor of Gdańsk after the tragic death of Paweł Adamowicz. Her election in 2019 was an important symbol for residents and showed that Gdańsk focuses on dialogue and the continuation of the values of openness.
Green roofs of Gdańsk: More and more buildings – especially office buildings and apartment buildings – have green roofs. Roof gardens, city beehives and even small vegetable gardens are being introduced. Gdańsk is a leader in this type of ecological urban solutions in Poland.
Kindertransport Monument: At the Main Station in Gdańsk stands a monument commemorating Jewish children who were saved by the Kindertransport before World War II – they were sent to Great Britain to save them from extermination. Many of these children came from Gdańsk.
FETA Festival – theatre on the streets: The Gdańsk FETA Festival is one of the most important theatre events in Poland. It takes place in the urban space – in parks, courtyards and squares – and brings together artists from all over the world. The festival is proof of how Gdańsk integrates culture with public space.
How to recognize visitors? Gdańsk residents who live in districts far from the city center – such as Wrzeszcz, Zaspa or Oliwa – rarely say that they are "going to the city center". Instead, they say that they are "going to Gdańsk", even though they are technically in Gdańsk all the time. This is a linguistic curiosity that reveals whether someone is a visitor or has already blended in a bit with the local atmosphere.
Gdańsk has its own version of pizza – zapiekanka gdańska: This is a local version of zapiekanka with mushrooms, cheese and lots of ketchup, often sold from a cart or a small stand. In many districts, older residents have their "cult" spots, which they have known since the 80s.
In Oliwa there is one of the oldest working sundials in Poland: It is located at the Oliwa Archcathedral and dates back to the 18th century. Although simple, it still shows the time – as long as the sun shines.
Stary Sobieski Water Reservoir – a mysterious rotunda on a hill: In the Siedlce district there is a monumental water reservoir in the shape of a rotunda. Built in the 19th century, it was used to supply the city with water. Today it is an attraction for fans of industrial climates.
Gdańsk was the first city in Poland with a legal graffiti zone: In 2011, an official graffiti wall was designated in the Dolne Miasto area. Since then, other street artist-friendly spaces have been created in various parts of the city.
The viewpoint on Biskupia Górka – a hidden treasure: Although less known than Góra Gradowa, the viewpoint on Biskupia Górka offers a view of the entire city centre and the shipyard. There is also the atmosphere of old Gdańsk – cobbled streets, old buildings and the legend of the ghost of the White Lady.
Gdańsk neon signs are coming back into favor: In several places in Gdańsk, old neon signs from the 60s and 70s are being restored, e.g. at Hala Targowa or in Zaspa. This is part of a larger project called "Neon Gdańsk", which documents and preserves the city lights from decades ago.
Radunia Canal – a hidden stream of energy: This medieval canal through the centre of Gdańsk still serves as a source of water power. It used to power mills, but today it is also used to power small turbines.
Gdańsk has its own flea market – at Kolonia Uroda: Every Sunday, there is an antiques market at Trakt św. Wojciecha Street. You can buy everything there – from vinyl records, through militaria, to porcelain figurines from the Polish People's Republic. In the summer, there is also a seasonal flea market at 100-cznia, which attracts young collectors, artists and lovers of the urban lifestyle.
Latin School – reactivation of old traditions: In the city centre there is a modern educational and cultural centre called Latin School, which refers to the old humanistic schools of Gdańsk. It organises workshops, rhetoric lessons and Latin classes for children and adults.
A new district is emerging in Gdańsk – Młode Miasto: On the former shipyard grounds, between the ECS and the Motława River, a completely new residential and cultural district is being built. There will be lofts, museums, co-working spaces and boulevards – it is the largest urban project in Poland in years.