Vistula River, Gdansk © Polish Tourist Board
Why? Choose to travel to Gdansk, which is Poland's major
historic trading port, if you want a holiday filled with visual
delights. The best thing about a holiday in Gdansk is strolling the
streets of the old quarter to admire the beautiful buildings which
were sympathetically restored after being laid waste during
bombings in World War II. Gdansk also has a lively waterfront area
where tourists congregate in pavement cafes and excellent
restaurants.
When? Summer is the best time to travel to Gdansk, when the
weather is warm (sometimes even hot), although take a jumper for
the cool evenings. Winters are best avoided as they can be frigid,
wet and the sun is seldom seen.
Who for? A holiday in Gdansk is for anyone who enjoys an
interesting, relaxing city break, or is interested in exploring
Europe's great historic cities. It is now possible to travel to
Gdansk on low cost flights which makes this intriguing Polish city
accessible for people from all walks of life.
More Info: Find out how to travel to Gdansk, what to do and
how to get around when you get there by consulting our Gdansk
travel guide which is updated frequently to ensure the most current
information is available.
Overview
Gdañsk is an important port, situated at the mouth of the
Vistula River on the Baltic Sea, and throughout its history has
been a major trading centre. It is the best known of the Tri-City
complex that it forms with the modern seaport of Gdynia and the
fashionable beach resort town of Sopot.
Its turbulent history includes the rule of the Teutonic Knights
in the 14th century, who then lost it to Prussia, and after the
first shots of World War II were fired at the nearby Polish
garrison, Westerplatte, it came under occupation of Nazi Germany in
1939. Like many Polish towns Gdañsk lay in ruins after the
war, but it was meticulously rebuilt over a 20-year period,
returning it to its former glory, and the interesting architecture
and beautiful painted buildings are part of the town’s
historic charm.
The richest architecture is visible in the historic quarter of
the Main Town. Its main thoroughfare, known as the Royal Way, is
spectacular. Lined with magnificent buildings featuring beautifully
painted facades and entered through grand stone gateways at either
end, this was the route along which the Polish Kings paraded during
their visits. The most splendid façade in town belongs to the
Golden House, one of Gdañsk’s most impressive buildings,
along with the Town Hall and Artus Court. In front of the Court,
the gathering place of the old merchants, stands the
Renaissance-style Neptune’s Fountain. Along the waterfront
with its fashionable restaurants and cafes, the huge Gdañsk
Crane dominates the promenade, the largest crane in medieval Europe
and today housing the Maritime Museum.
Parallel to the Royal Way is Gdañsk’s most
picturesque street, Mariacka Lane, lined with quaint 17th century
burgher houses with decorative steps and iron railings. The
gigantic St Mary’s Church towers over the city and offers
splendid panoramic views.
