Cool attractions in Gdańsk – more than just postcard views
- Damian Brzeski
- May 15
- 6 min read
Gdańsk is not only the Neptune Fountain, St. Mary's Basilica in Gdańsk or Długa Street. It is a city full of surprises, monuments with soul and cultural attractions that are not mentioned in every guidebook.
If you have already had a typical tour of the Main Town and are dreaming of something more extraordinary, you have come to the perfect place.
We have prepared a list of the most interesting, niche and often overlooked attractions in Gdańsk – from underground cellars, through shipyard cranes, to cruises on wooden boats. Perfect for those who want to look behind the scenes of the city and discover its other face.
Gdansk's Niche and Unusual Attractions - A Guide Off the Obvious Trail
The Romanesque Cellar – a journey to the 13th century (Śródmieście) Hidden between the Market Hall and St. Nicholas Church, the Romanesque Cellar is the oldest preserved interior in Gdańsk. Formerly the Dominican kitchen and dining room, today a fascinating place with illuminated vaults and a medieval ossuary. A guided tour lasts about 45 minutes – it is worth arriving just before the hour.
Zaułek Zachariasza Zappio – a corner for lovers (Main City) Right behind the Gothic church of St. John, there is a quiet, cobbled street with a legend in the background. Although there are a lot of tourists around, Zaułek Zappio is blissfully quiet. An ideal place for a moment of respite with a view of the rear facades of tenement houses and the brick walls of the temple.
Gallery of Old Toys – a sentimental time machine (ul. Piwna) Sawdust bears, celluloid dolls, trains and toys from the Polish People's Republic – you will find all of this in this small gallery full of memories. Over 4 thousand exhibits from the years 1920–1989. Adults are overcome with nostalgia, children open their mouths in surprise. It is worth a visit!
Forum Gdańsk Observation Deck – a bird's eye view of the city (Śródmieście) On the roof of the Forum shopping mall there is a free viewing point – a panorama of Gdańsk at your fingertips. In the evening it is the perfect place for a romantic delight over the sea of lights.
Plac Wałowy – history on the sidelines (Stare Przedmieście) There are no selfie sticks or crowds here. Instead, there is a unique atmosphere – 19th-century barracks, baroque tenement houses and the silence of old walls. In the vicinity: the Holy Trinity Church and a branch of the National Museum with a work by Memling.
Park Poforteczny – greenery, silence and fortifications (Góra Gradowa) Near Hevelianum there is a green oasis with Prussian bastions, a moat and old monuments. A perfect place for a quiet walk and catching views from a lesser-known perspective.
Bastions and Motława River Flow – a walk through the watery Gdańsk (Dolne Miasto) A green labyrinth of bastions, a historic sluice and ducks in the moat – all this right next to the city centre. Perfect for a picnic, jogging or a photo session at sunset.
Murals in Zaspa – art on blocks (Zaspa-Młyniec) The largest open-air mural gallery in Poland – over 60 large-format works on the walls of blocks. Each mural is a separate story – it is worth taking a map and going out into the field.
Nowy Port Lighthouse – with a time ball! (Nowy Port) Every day at noon the historic time ball goes up – an unusual spectacle! In addition, a small museum and a view from the gallery of Westerplatte, the port and Hel. It operates seasonally – check the hours.
Wisłoujście Fortress – a fort on the water (Vistula Mouth) A monumental fortress that guarded the mouth of the Vistula River – reopened after conservation. With a guide, you will learn the secrets of fortifications, bastions and old sea battles. Summer season is in effect!
Galar cruises on the Motława River – like the old raftsmen (Motława) An intimate journey on a wooden boat with a guide-storyteller. Only 12 people on board and stories about the shipyard, granaries and port. Sunset over the Motława River? A dream!
The M3 Crane – a shipyard giant with a view (Young City) The M3 Crane is a former shipyard crane converted into a viewing point. 130 steps and you are 30 meters above the ground. A panorama of the shipyard and the city like from a movie. Check their profile before visiting.
Ulica Elektryków and 100cznia – an alternative life centre (Młode Miasto) Between the halls of the former shipyard, life is vibrant – concerts, DJs, street food and design fairs. This is the most artistic and night-time part of Gdańsk. Open mainly in the summer – best in the evening.
Artists' Colony - cultural ferment (Wrzeszcz Dolny) In Garnizon Kultury there is an independent gallery and café with soul. Experimental exhibitions, niche concerts and coffee among vinyls. Follow their social media - it's worth it!
Kosycarz & Beneda Gallery – history in pictures (Ogarna Street) Unique photographs of Gdańsk from the 20th century, handicrafts and paintings. A place full of nostalgia, ideal for a quiet walk among art and a conversation with the owners.
Granary Błękitny Baranek – a street from 600 years ago (Wyspa Spichrzów) Inside the 16th century granary, a medieval street awaits with craftsmen's workshops and old figures on a 1:1 scale. Archaeological magic in its purest form.
Holy Trinity Church – a Gothic pearl far from the hustle and bustle (Stare Przedmieście) A massive, yet delicately detailed temple. With baroque organs and gothic stalls. Cool in summer, always calm. The proximity of Memling is an additional plus.
Biskupia Górka – Gdańsk as you don’t know it (Śródmieście) Pre-war tenement houses, cobbled streets, an old Mennonite house of prayer and a view of the city from an unusual point. A district with an atmosphere that tells its own story.
Sobieszewska Island and Bird Paradise – nature in the city (Sobieszewo) Wild beaches, bird sanctuary, observation towers and the sound of reeds. A paradise not only for ornithologists. Quiet, green and natural. Perfect for a reset.
FETA Festival – theatre where you don't expect it (July) Performances in squares, parks and courtyards. FETA is summer in street theatre – performances from all over the world, fire shows, interactions and the magic of night performances. Free, for everyone.
NARRACJE Festival – light and sound in the dark (November) In autumn, Gdańsk turns into a gallery of light. Art installations in alleys and ruins, projections on walls. Each edition in a different district, each one discovers something new. It is worth having a warm coat and an open mind.
Attractions that are also worth seeing in Gdańsk
It is impossible to talk about interesting places in Gdańsk and not mention some of the biggest attractions of Gdańsk , which create its soul. If you do not have them on your list yet – be sure to add them:
St. Mary's Basilica Gdańsk - the largest brick church in Europe and one of the most important places in Gdańsk. The tower offers a panorama of Gdańsk , and the interior houses, among other things, the famous astronomical clock.
Mariacka Street in Gdańsk – a cobbled gem full of amber galleries and charming tenement houses. One of the most atmospheric streets in the Old Town of Gdańsk .
The Royal Route (Royal Road) – from the Upland Gate to Zielona through Długi Targ. This is the heart of Gdańsk with such hits as the Main Town Hall in Gdańsk , the Neptune Fountain in Gdańsk or the Artus Court in Gdańsk .
European Solidarity Centre Gdańsk – a modern centre of history and emotions. A must-see not only for history fans.
The National Museum in Gdańsk – or rather several of its branches, including the phenomenal triptych "The Last Judgement" by Memling. It is also the national museum of Gdańsk of great importance.
National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk – with its main seat in a granary on Ołowianka and the famous Sołdek Ship . A must-see for lovers of the sea and shipyards.
Hevelianum – a multimedia science centre on Góra Gradowa , great for families and fans of experiments.
Oliwa Park and Oliwa Archcathedral – a romantic park with alleys and old trees, ideal for a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Gdańsk Crane (M3 Crane and Żuraw Gate) – the symbol of the port of Gdańsk, part of the exhibition of the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk .
Pier in Gdańsk-Brzeźno – for those who want to breathe the sea air without the crowds like in Sopot.
The Gdańsk War Museum and the Polish Post Museum in Gdańsk – the most interesting museums in Gdańsk , which show lesser-known chapters from the true history of Gdańsk .
Gdańsk is a city of museums, art and the sea – that is why it is worth visiting Gdańsk more than once. Every district, every courtyard and every exhibition can be a new adventure.
And you, which of these cool attractions in Gdańsk are you going to choose first? 😄
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