It's on the edge of the city, reachable by tram, boat or taxi, so plan it as a separate half-day trip rather than a quick stop.
Discover Authentic Gdansk: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Gdansk, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Old Town, the European Solidarity Centre and the Amber Museum, alongside our Mercure hotels.
Top 5 Things to Do in Gdansk
Długi Targ (Long Market)
Gdansk's grand main square, dating back to the 13th century and once known as the Royal Route for the parades that passed through it. Neptune's Fountain, the Golden Tenement House and the main Town Hall all sit along it.
St. Mary's Basilica
One of the largest brick churches in the world, with a 15th-century astronomical clock inside and a tower you can climb for a rooftop view over the Old Town.
Amber Museum
Housed in the 14th-century Great Mill, this museum digs into Gdansk's centuries-old reputation as the world's amber capital, with jewellery, carvings and raw specimens on display.
Westerplatte
The peninsula where the first shots of the Second World War were fired on 1 September 1939. The preserved barracks ruins and the Monument to the Coast Defenders make it a sober, worthwhile stop outside the Old Town.
European Solidarity Centre
Built on the former Gdansk Shipyard, this museum tells the story of the Solidarity movement that helped end communism in Poland. It's a short walk from the historic shipyard gates where it all began.
Explore Gdansk's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Gdańsk
We've mapped local spots around Gdańsk, from Hanseatic streets to wild Baltic beaches.
History & culture
Gdańsk Old Town
Meticulously rebuilt after the Second World War. Walk the Royal Way and the Long Market, past colourful townhouses and Neptune's Fountain, to St Mary's Church and the city gates.
Old Town · Historic centre · Perfect for strolling
European Solidarity Centre
The story of the Solidarity movement, born in Gdańsk in 1980, and its role in Poland's path to freedom – told through interactive exhibitions and archives.
Shipyard area · Museum · Made for modern history
Gdańsk Shipyard
Birthplace of Solidarity, where the Gdańsk Agreement was signed on 31 August 1980. See the monument to the workers of December 1970, then head to 100cznia for art, music and food.
Shipyard · Historic site · Great for history and leisure
Amber Museum
Gdańsk calls itself the world capital of amber. Inside the medieval Great Mill, discover how amber forms, how it was traded and how it's been crafted into jewellery through the ages.
Old Town · Museum · Perfect for culture
Restauracja Kubicki
The oldest restaurant in Gdańsk, open since 1918 on the Motława riverbank, serving traditional Polish dishes with a modern twist.
Old Town · Restaurant · Ideal for Polish cuisine
Manioca
A Brazilian restaurant run by a Brazilian-Polish couple – pão de queijo and a warm South American welcome by the Baltic.
Restaurant · Great for something different
100cznia
A creative venue in the old shipyard: art exhibitions, live music, events and food stalls in an industrial setting.
Shipyard · Cultural venue · Perfect for an evening out
Beaches & day trips
Sobieszewo Island beach
An 11-kilometre beach backed by dunes near the mouth of the Vistula, for walks, swims and windsurfing. The nearby reserve draws more than 300 bird species.
Sobieszewo Island · Beach and nature reserve · Made for nature and calm
Malbork Castle
About an hour by car or train, the largest brick castle in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay on for the town's market squares and regional food.
60 km from Gdańsk · Castle and town · Perfect for a day trip
FAQ
Yes, especially if you're curious why Gdansk is called the world's amber capital. The setting inside the medieval Great Mill adds to it.
Yes, the tower is open to visitors and the climb rewards you with a wide view over the Old Town's red rooftops.
Yes. Malbork is about an hour away by car or train, and its medieval castle is the largest brick fortress in the world.
Visit the European Solidarity Centre and the historic Gdańsk Shipyard, where the Gdańsk Agreement was signed in 1980.
Sobieszewo Island has an 11-kilometre beach backed by dunes and a bird reserve, a short trip from the city.
Where to Sleep in Gdansk
These Mercure hotels appear on our map:
- Mercure Gdańsk Stare Miasto
- Mercure Gdańsk Posejdon