Best things to do in Gdansk

One of the largest brick churches in the world, St. Mary's Church was begun in the 14th century and can hold 25,000 people. The large hall has enough space for three aisles under the high white arches with carved relief star vaulting. The plain brick Gothic-sytle architecture stands tall in the city center and is an iconic structure for the city. Artwork inside the church, such as the Holy Mother of God sculpture and the Ten Commandants sculpture, date to the 15th and 16th centuries. The organ is a 21st-century addition; its sound fills the space with music.

Old Town represents a historic section in one of Poland's first cities. Although much of this area features post-World War II reconstructions, you'll also have a chance to experience the spirit of the Middle Ages as you explore. Begin at the famed city hall, constructed in the final decades of the 14th century when Teutonic Knights ruled this region. The imposing five-story building, topped by a gilt statue of King Sigismund Vasa, houses a renowned museum dedicated to the history of the city. As you continue, admire the many Gothic and Baroque buildings that appear frozen in time from centuries ago.

The Museum of the Second World War (Polish: Muzeum II Wojny Światowej) is a state cultural institution and museum established in 2008 in Gdańsk, Poland which is devoted to the Second World War. Its exhibits opened in 2017.

The Kwadrat architectural team won an architectural competition for the building of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk.

Explore the cafes, shops, and array of Dutch architecture along Dluga Street (ul. Dluga), a pedestrian walkway that is one of the city's most popular attractions. The buildings alternate between pink, yellow, and green pastel colors, giving the area a cheerful atmosphere. It is a tourist hub with many hotels, restaurants, museums, nightlife, and shops, so take your time touring the street.

Celebrating the bravery of the Polish solidarity movement, Europejskie Centrum SolidarnoSci includes exhibition halls, a theater, and impressive architecture. Reopened in 2014, the attraction's building is as much a reason to visit as the engaging exhibits. Designed to resemble a ship's hull, the structure pays tribute to its location in the shipyards. Inside the "ship's hull," historical exhibits tell the story of Poland's fight against Russia through videos, audio recordings, and documents accompanied by visuals and interactive displays. Visit the attraction's website for a calendar of upcoming events and to purchase tickets in advance.

Once home to a spa complex and baths, Westerplatte was also home to a Polish military transit depot. Today the ruins of a World War II battle fought over this depot serves as a museum, and a totem-like monument stands tall on the peninsula. Carvings on the side pay homage to the Polish soldiers who died defending the piece of land. In fact, the peninsula is filled with memorials: some gravestones, some ruins of barracks. Each monument can be reached on foot or by water taxi along the coast.

Known for the booths selling amber jewelry that line the street, Mariacka Street (ulica Mariacka) is also home to cultural curosities, such as a sculpture of a tightrope walker balancing high above shoppers' heads. The narrow, cobbled road with walk-up townhouses recalls the city's golden age. The Krzywy Domek building represents an architectural oddity, with warped walls that make it appear as if it is a mirage materializing on the horizon. Take your time exploring this narrow pedestrian street.

One of the largest castles in the world by surface area, Muzeum Zamkowe w Malborku was once home to an order of Teutonic Knights and today ranks as a World Heritage Site and national historical monument. After being nearly demolished in a battle during World War II, the castle has been completely restored. Besides the large number of knights that used the castle as a home base, Prussian kings from the 15th century also resided here until the 18th century. Wear walking shoes to tour the grounds comfortably. Consider combining your visit with a tour of the town, which offers historical sites from the same period.

Full to bursting with valuable artwork, Archikatedra Oliwska serves as the final resting place of many of the region's prominent families. The great organ was designed in the 18th century by a Cistercian monk and features dramatic carved wood against the white vaulting above the congregation's heads. The angels balanced on top of the organ are movable. Other notable artworks adorn the walls and are worth a closer look as well.