Gdansk is one of the oldest cities in Poland, having a history stretching back a millennium, during which there were periods of Polish rule, German rule and autonomy, all of which helped this port on the Baltic Sea coast to acquire its reputation for tolerance and cultural diversity. Here is where the first shots of the Second World War were fired and where the downfall of communist oppression in Europe began, thanks to Lech Walesa and his Solidarity movement.
This rich history, abundance of cultural and architectural relics and bustling vitality means that when you choose JiveHippo.travel for your holiday in Gdansk you will certainly not be short of fascinating things to do. The city enjoys a temperate climate with moderate winters and comfortably mild summers, and so can be visited at any time of year.
Additionally, there's plenty of first rate restaurants, bars, clubs and shops to enjoy, including the famed amber shops, where a classic Gdansk souvenir can be found. The compact nature of much of Gdansk means that it's easy to make the rounds of the city's major attractions on foot; a wonderful way to get to know this charming and friendly city.
Things to do / must-see in Gdansk
The heart of Gdansk is undoubtedly the fascinating Dluga Street, with its elegant merchant houses and architectural reminders of the city's Hanseatic past. The National Museum holds a vast collection of artefacts and paintings, including the famous The Last Judgement by Hans Memling. Not far away is St. Mary's Church, said to be the largest brick built church in Europe. Built in the 13th century and extensively renovated in the 15th century, it was the only one of the major buildings in Gdansk to make it unscathed through World War II. At the top of the building you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
The long and venerable seafaring history of Gdansk is commemorated in the Central Maritime Museum. Here you can also find the museum ship the SS Soldek. The Wrzeszcz District offers a distinctly late 19th and early 20th century ambience and includes a 19th century brewery. Anyone interested in significant late 20th century events shouldn't miss the Gdansk Shipyard, an imposing but absorbing legacy of the Soviet era. Here is where the Solidarity protest movement spearheaded by Lech Walesa took shape, sparking events that are commemorated in the stirring and inspiring multimedia Roads To Freedom exhibition. Then why not enjoy the ferry ride to the Westerplatte peninsula, where a small Polish garrison held out for six days against the advancing German forces at the very start of the Second World War?
Other places of interest in Gdansk that are well worth visiting include the Great Armoury, originally built at the beginning of the 17th century and still the finest example of Renaissance architecture in the city, the Gdansk History Museum, the stunning Oliwa Cathedral, the Balrtic Cultural Centre and the world famous Neptune Fountain. Once you have savoured the incredibly rich cultural life of Gdansk, you may feel you want to take it easy and enjoy the beautiful clean beaches of the city. There are two fine bathing beaches in Stogi and Brzezno, offering plenty of watersports recreation, including waterslides, and a great choice of nearby bars and restaurants.