At the height of Autumn, I decided to go Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland, a nestled on the Baltic Coastal line. Gdansk is a historical city that suffered the worst fate during WWII when it was completely destroyed. Being the centre of the world’s Amber Trade, it made perfect sense to go Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland.
Because the city is rich in history and heritage, it makes for the perfect location to enjoy an autumnal city break. The city is filled with museums, cute pubs and an impressive skyline, it is worth Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland. I had such a lovely time gallivanting alone in Gdansk over 2.5-days and can not recommend it enough.
Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland
Gdansk is one of the most underrated cities in Europe which is a big shame because it’s a quant city. Over the course of my 2.5-day solo journey, I made sure to explore the city at a more relaxed pace. Whilst the city is cheap (Poland is in general), I wouldn’t recommend Uber as the city is walkable.
Even though Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland during Autumn can be quite cold, it is totally worth it. The city has so much to offer from impressive architecture all across the city to museums carrying its legacy. In this article, I will highlight the places I was able to visit.
How to get to Gdansk
Like most European cities, Gdansk is accessed by Plane, Train, Sea and Bus from various European destinations. I flew to Gdansk with Ryanair for £20 return, flights are much cheaper during Autumn and Winter. Other European cities like Vilnius in Lithuania are a mere 1.20hr away. Gdansk is conveniently located making it a seaside town and perfect for Autumn Adventures.
Where to Stay & Eat in Gdansk
When it comes to the perfect location to spend the night, I can think of no better place than the Old Town. I wanted some close by where I could easily retire to after a day Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland. It was hard to choose just one from the other but in the end I opted for some luxury. I booked the IBB Hotel Długi Targ a four star hotel in the heart Gdansk.
The hotel is located close to the Neptunes Fountain and opposite TGI Friday plus other restaurants and cafe. What I loved about the hotel was they had in house restaurant on the top floor with great views of the city. Check in was pretty swift and access to the rooms is only with a key card. The rooms where large with a double bed, walking in shower, bath rob and slippers were provided.
I slept like a log every single night, the room was freshly cleaned every morning and bed made. What I loved the most about the room was the bar, refilled daily with no charge to you. The only thing they charged for was the wine which I was fine with not drinking. When it came to my dinning experience, I can not recommend it enough, everything was absolutely delicious.
Top 11 Things To do in Gdansk
Gdansk is one of the the three cities that make up the Trojmiasto or Tri-City in the Northern Baltic Coastline. It is over 1000 years old and is the largest and biggest of the Tri-City areas. Traveling between the three city area is made easier by the SKM Koljka
Gdansk is a city full of history but also tragedy, the Swedes, Germans, Russians and Poles have fought over it. It was in Gdansk where the first shots where fired and where the first cracks in the Iron Curtain where made.The city has lots to offer, during my time Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland, I was able to visit this place.
World War II Museum
The WWII museum was opened in March 2007 with an email to show events that unfolded before, after and during WWII. The exhibit is called “the most comprehensive public exhibition in Europe” which documents the WWII and remembers the fallen.
Amber Museum
Gdansk is the centre of the world’s Amber Trade, the museum is housed in the Prison Tower and Torture Chamber. Deposits of Amber as found in abundance in the Baltic Sea region and this museum is devoted to the history of Amber in Poland.
Main Town Hall
Home to Gdansk History Museum and a great place to enjoy some aerial view of the city. During the war, the town hall was completed destroyed but was later rebuilt.
Ul Długa {Long Street}
One of the cities oldest streets in the city and most notable tourist attractions. Staring from the Golden Gate all the way through to the Long Market. The houses on the street run in the opposite direction and the street opens up in an array of colours.
Neptune Fountain
Neptune Fountain is a bronze statue that was erected in 1949 and is the focal point of the long market. This area Długi Targ, was home to the richest residents and executions where also carried our here.
St Mary’s Church Gdansk
The Catholic church is the largest brick church in the world and the most unparalleled 360 views of the city. To get such views, you need to climb 405 stairs which the none athletic body of mine cried afterwards. The Basilica has 31 chapels, 37 windows and over 300 tombstones and can hold up to 25,000 people.
Ferris Wheel
I am not one for heights and often avoid anything taller than me and because the weather was horrid, didn’t get to rid it. But it is another place to get an aerial view of the city, unfortunately the windows are too dirty. The wheel is 50m high and is is situated besides the Motwala River.
Motlawa River Embankment
Like most European cities, the Motlawa River Embankment is filled with colourful buildings lined up. During the few days I spent in the city, I made a point of walking up and down the embankment.
Zuraw Crane
The Zuraw Crane was built between 1442 and 1444 and at one point was the largest working crane, it was severely damaged in 1945 and has since been donated to the Maritime Museum. The first crane was erected around 1387 but was burnt down in 1442 and the current design is new.
Artus Court
Located in the centre of Gdansk, Artus Court used to be the meeting place for merchants. The mansion was named after King Arthur of England and was a symbol of power in the 16th-17th century. Today it is one of the most popular buildings situation in the centre of the city.
⬇️ Day Trip to Sopot⬇️
Read all about our adventures to Sopot, how to get there and things you can do there. It is so worth the trip, such an unsuspecting little port city.
I had a wonderful time Gallivanting in Gdansk Poland and can not recommend it enough. Visiting the city during Autumn was a good idea, even though it was freezing.
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Thena Franssen says
This looks amazing, and beautiful! Love seeing your recommendations!
Kaz | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels says
I have never visited Poland – it looks fascinating. Your hotel looks like a great place to stay. Kaz
Vanessa Palma says
I have been wanting to visit Gdansk forever! Especially during the fall.
Dena Jayne says
Ah Poland is on my bucket list! I really need to go, it looks beautiful xx
Ricci says
Oh gosh! I would love to travel to Poland one day!! I love all of your photos!!
Tracey Kifford says
I love Gdansk, especially in August when they have the Amber Festival!
Jennifer Gladwin says
A friend of mine has just returned from Poland and loved it. It’s definitely on my bucket list.
Kara says
Hubby is obsessed with learning about the wars and would love a trip like this
Wendy Polisi says
I have a friend who just went to Poland. He said it was such an amazing trip!
Tabitha Blue says
I just love the architecture in old towns like this! Poland is in my heritage, would LOVE to visit someday!
Brandy says
This is so awesome! I want to travel more and love that you’ve provided some ideas on where to stay!
Melissa Dixon says
Wow what a beautiful post. All of your photos are so great. I would love to see everything in person.
Mary Louise says
We forget how inexpensive and easy it is to hop off and explore. I love seeing and reading about different places. Looks great and thank you for sharing
Dom Dalston says
Gadansk looks really interesting. You’ve seen some amazing sights and obviously experienced some life changing or memorable events there. It’s stocked with interesting places to visit. I’m a fan now – the flight cost was inexpensive and the hotel seemed really good value.
Chubskulit Rose says
Wow, lots of beautiful and intriguing/interesting structures, I’d love to see them. The food looks delicious.
Cindy Ingalls says
Gdansk has such interesting architecture. I love the mix of old and new and how you can explore it all on foot.
Shraddha Tripathi says
These pictures are beautiful. I would love to go there, added in my wishlist. You made everything clear and include all the things.
Natasha D'Anna says
Love these awesome photos of Poland. The simplicity of the room décor is just stunning
Emily says
What a beautiful place to explore! The hotel looks gorgeous and all of the architecture would interest me so much. Thanks for these great tips!
Marysa says
Poland looks like it has so much to offer and lots to explore. It would be nice to take a trip there and check out all the different places. Lots of great history too.
Brianne says
Poland looks like a beautiful country! I’ve always wanted to go there! Maybe some day.
Pam says
Gdansk seems like such a coo, historic place to visit. I love places that are steeped in history and culture.
angie says
what a lovely place to visit love the enchantment of the vintage era in the grand buildings
Demi Perera says
Oh wow, it really looks like a great city. Must go there next year.
Our Seaside Baby says
Gdansk looks and sounds wonderful. I never had Poland on my bucket list until recently and I’d like to visit one day. The architecture is beautiful, love the colours.
Heather says
While I’ve never been to Poland, I’ve heard from friends and family how beautiful it is. I actually have a good friend that was born there!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
This looks like such a beautiful, inviting city. There’s so much to see and do. I absolutely love the hotel bathroom!
Treasure Every Moment says
This place looks absolutely stunning! I would love to visit Poland one day, mainly due to seeing it in a completely different light through your blog posts 🙂
Gina Hidalgo says
What an absolute gorgeous city to explore! I am envious that it is so easy for you to fly to so many places so rich in history from where you live. Incredible pictures. I am adding Gdansk to my must travel list!
Kate says
Poland is on my bucket list for once my kids are a little older, it looks like such an amazing place to visit – and so much history! Great recommendations!
Nicole Wilder says
Wow this is definitely on my radar now for when I go to Europe! Lovely that you can walk around easy and not take uber.
Terri Steffes says
I love learning about new places. I hadn’t heard of Gdansk but I can see it is full of rich history. I would love to explore it, too!
Lian says
I have never been to Poland. This town looks so beautiful! The Motlawa River Embankment is my favourite of your stops. It looks so bright and amazing. I am so happy you had such a wonderful time on your visit!
Jeanette says
I have never been to Poland but I’ve heard it is really pretty. From these pictures it looks like a great place to go. At some point I hope I can get out there. It looks like you had a wonderful time.
Kim Seghers says
Your photos are beautiful! I would to visit Poland one day! Thehotel and food look amazing! And, I love your hotel room too!
Alli Smith says
What a beautiful city! I love how warm and cozy your room looks and the bathroom is so cool. The food looks amazing as well. I’d love to visit someday.
Rebecca | AAUBlog says
a colleague of mine is from here, and has really made me want to visit. Sounds like there is plenty to see and do there “)
Kita Bryant says
I am not an avid traveler but this sounds like a great place to go and explore. The buildings are beautiful and the food looks good as long as I have the food….I’m good to go
Amber Myers says
I would love to explore this town. It looks so cool and unique. I just love these buildings. My husband would be all about the World War 2 museum.
candy says
Never really thought about visiting Poland before reading your post. Sounds like an interesting place to visit and the accommodations where you stayed look really comfortable and clean.
Yeah Lifestyle says
I love museums and have been thinking about going to Poland, Gdansk sounds like a fab place to head to as I have not head of it. I will use your review as my guide.
Erica Hughes says
It sounds like the perfect place to go galivanting. I’d like to visit Gdansk because I know friends who originated there.
robin rue says
Poland is on my bucket list. I would love to get there someday. For now, I will keep dreaming of the day I get there.
Tasheena says
I love the decor of this hotel. So much to see and do around this location. Would love to visit and stay here.
Nadia says
I’ve driven through once and it looked so pretty which your post confirms. The food looks good too.
Mellissa Williams says
Gdansk looks lovely. The architecture is amazing. We enjoyed Krakow which has similar architecture. How much was your hotel, as it looked like the sort of place we would stay?
Miranda says
I am yet to visit Krakow but i was told the same. This hotel was £95 for 2 nights plus room bar was refilled daily