Gdansk is Gorgeous: Why you should see this Polish town
Aerial view of Gdansk, Poland (ISO 400, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/25 s)
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The first time I went to Poland was to visit the city of Krakow and after how much I enjoyed that city, I told myself that I needed to visit more cities in this country (see my blog post on Kraków, Poland here). The city of Gdansk isn’t very popular, but it is extremely underrated. It has an interesting history, such as it was also called ‘Danzig’ since Germany also had a role in ruling over the city pre-WWII, and was where the Germans first invaded at the start of WWII.
Gdansk is usually included in the same conversation as the nearby cities of Sopot and Gdynia, the three forming the so called Tri-City Metropolitan Area. A weekend trip to see Gdansk is usually plenty of time due to its smaller size, however any trip including the others will usually require half a week or longer (in order to fully appreciate the surroundings).
What perhaps stands out the most is the exceptional architecture in the Gdansk city center. Each buildings bears the same overall shape and similarities, though their colors range from light/dark neutral tones to pastel shades of purple and pink. Furthermore, even the more modern buildings in the area (in the form of new restaurants and hotels) will still have the same architectural features, with a present-day touch, thereby preserving the architectural identity of the city.
Check out my drone video below on Gdansk, Poland!
I set out to see this city (as well as Sopot) over a fall weekend break and it continues to be one of the best trips I have ever had. I’ll explain more below with some of the sights I saw and some details that may make your stay quite memorable like mine. You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post.
Upon arriving in this city, you can’t go wrong with just heading towards the Motlawa river where many of the older buildings and boats congregate around the canal. Here you will see old rustic buildings as far as the eye can see. You can walk towards the river from the main street, called Dluga Targ. This street is home to many of the coffee shops and restaurants that you come to find with cities like these.
Neptune’s Fountain, Gdansk, Poland (ISO 1000, 75 mm, f/4, 1/800 s)
Also on this street is Neptune’s Fountain, cast in bronze centuries ago (in 1615). It has been modified over the years depending on what political movements were prevalent at the time.
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As an American, history is taught to us in a very different context with regards to World Wars (among other topics). I find it fascinating to learn more about mainland Europe’s experiences during these times. I was told by a Polish colleague to not miss the World War II Museum in Gdansk and I am glad I went. The museum itself is full of exhibits that start from post-WWI era through the Cold War.
What I didn’t realize was due to Poland’s geographical location, between Germany and Russia, the hardships faced by the Poles during WWII were quite unique and frankly, terrible. Germany and Russia shared Polish territory from the onset of the war, however when the countries turned on one another, Poles were conscripted into BOTH armies. This is in addition to the atrocities that were already underway against the Polish people. Furthermore, AFTER WWII ended, Poles who had fought for the Allies in other countries were persecuted by their new communist government upon returning home.
Through all of this, I found it so fascinating to learn about Polish heroes who defied their captors and steadfastly maintained their allegiance to their country, despite harrowing ordeals and consequences.
World War II Museum, Gdansk, Poland (ISO 1000, 29 mm, f/4, 1/3200 s)
Every charming city such as this has one iconic church that can’t be missed. Here, it’s St. Mary’s Church, or formally the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is a Roman Catholic church that was constructed in the 14th century. It is the most identifiable building in the city since it is the largest. For a small fee, you can go up the tower of the church to get sweeping city views (for those who don’t have a drone). The only thing standing in your way is the over 400 steps that take you to the top!
View from the top of St. Mary’s Church, Gdansk, Poland (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/4, 1/500 s)
I don’t often write about bars in these posts but one such place I really enjoyed while in Gdansk. Along the Motlawa river that goes through the city, you’ll see a strip of modern restaurants on the ground floor. Some of these places have rooftop terraces as well, which brings me to Sassy Cocktail Bar. It is located on the east side of the Motlawa river (the more modern side), and requires taking an elevator up to the top floor of the building. You will see the words “SASSY” in lights outside the building itself, so just enter through the ground floor. This place is a bar, club, and restaurant, the trifecta. You will love it.
Dwór Cechu Młynarzy, Gdansk, Poland (ISO 250, 24 mm, f/4, 1/250 s)
The Great Mill is also another OLD landmark in the city, constructed by in 1350, but still functioned until the end of World War II. It is currently closed to the public but that doesn’t stop you from walking around the grounds and taking in the cool architecture and (for me), being in awe of a building that is older than my homeland.
The Great Mill, Gdansk, Poland (ISO 250, 32 mm, f/4, 1/640 s)
The Crane located on the Motlawa river is the last reminder of the city’s great trading period. It functioned as a means of moving cargo and placing masts on ships. It worked until the mid-19th century and was nearly completely destroyed during the Battle for Gdansk in 1945 (80% damaged). Since then, it is under the ownership of the Polish Maritime Museum.
The Crane, Gdansk, Poland (ISO 100, 16 mm, f/4, 4.0 s)
There are many trains that go to and from Sopot at any time of day. If the weather and sunshine are on your side, it’s smart to head this way and take in the beachside views in this very wealthy part of the Tri-City area. Indeed, when leaving the train you will immediately notice how different the buildings look from Gdansk and get a sense of how the posh the area is.
Gdansk, Poland by Night (ISO 100, 16 mm, f/4, 4.0 s)
