When we started planning our Gdansk Itinerary, we were overwhelmed by the number of things to do!
The top attractions in Gdansk revolve around the city’s storied past, amazing architecture and fabulous museums.
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However, we weren’t there to simply tick off a checklist of sights. We wanted to truly experience the city and its surroundings.
3 Days in Gdansk Itinerary
While 72 hours is not enough time to do everything, it’s possible to see a lot. So, we designed a jam-packed Gdansk 3-Day Itinerary that includes all the prime things to do, see and eat!
Later, we share logistical travel tips and honest packing advice for your Gdansk vacation.
Day 1: Gdansk History
Start off by seeing the highlights of the Old Town. Then, delve into the history of World War II at a state-of-the-art museum. End the day by getting a taste of the local cuisine.
Morning: Gdansk Old Town and Royal Route
Kick off your trip with one of the Gdansk top things to do: Walking the Royal Route.
Not only will touring this part of the city help you get acquainted with the landscape, but many of the top tourist attractions in Gdansk are located here.
From ancient city gates to soaring spires to charming lanes, this historic area is the best place to start your Gdansk exploration.
We’ve outlined it all on our Free, Self-Guided Gdansk City Tour. It extends from Upland Gate to Green Gate, taking in famous sights like the Neptune Fountain and Main Town Hall.
The walk continues on Mariacka Street to St. Mary’s Church (with a few hidden gems along the way) before ending at The Crane.
Lunch: Milk Bar
After spending the morning discovering the best things to see in Old Town Gdansk, get your first taste of Polish cuisine by eating at a classic milk bar.
Popular during the communist era, they are known for their hearty fare, generous portions and affordable prices. There are two milk bars in Gdansk that we recommend: Bar Turystyczny and Bar Mleczny Neptun.
Bar Turystyczny has an incredibly authentic feel to it. We waited in a line that stretched out the door for yummy servings of schawoby (fried pork chop) and placek po cygansku (an omelet filled with tender beef and covered in sauce).
Bar Mleczny Neptun’s central location mainly attracts tourists (and they charge a bit more for their meals) – but the cafeteria still retains the classic milk bar atmosphere.
Afternoon: World War II Museum
We debated whether we should visit the Museum of the Second World War…but are so glad that we didn’t skip it.
The impressive institution is both educational and gripping, with a range of interactive displays and personal artefacts telling the story of wartime Gdansk.
While the museum traces the entire timeline of the 6-year conflict, exhibits focus on September 1, 1939 – the date Germany invaded Poland at Westerplatte.
Tickets are required to enter, and we highly recommend renting an audio guide, as well.
Mid-Afternoon: Post Office and Memorial
Continue learning about the impact of the war on the city with a trip to the Gdansk Post Office.
As the Westerplatte Military Depot was being attacked, German troops were also targeting the Polish Post Office. The heroic workers held off the Nazis for an incredible 17 hours.
In front of the building there is a large memorial – and behind it is a moving display of those who were captured and shot on site.
Evening: Food Tour in Gdansk
Eating traditional Polish fare should definitely be on your Gdansk to-do list! Pierogies, naturally, are a good place to start, but there is so much more to the local cuisine.
The ideal way to learn about the gastronomy is on a guided tour. Join a local and fellow travelers on this foodie excursion that will not leave you hungry!
Day 2: More of Historic Gdansk and Solidarity
On the second day of your Gdansk 3-day trip, navigate the urban islands, then delve deep into the city’s most significant social movement at the Solidarity Museum.
Morning: Motlawa River Islands
Two islands – Granary and Olowianka – sit in the middle of the Motlawa River…and they are fascinating places to visit.
For centuries, this waterway was the very heart of the city’s bustling trade – and these islands were the center of commerce.
Granary Island hosted an entire complex of warehouses to store goods. In fact, by the 17th century, there were more than 300 granaries here.
Sadly, only three buildings survived WWII, and the island was left derelict for decades. A recent revival has completely transformed the area. In 10 years, it went from shambles to swanky.
Granary Island is now home to stylish apartments, snazzy hotels, fashionable shops, a classy food hall and three outlets of the uber-popular Chleb i Wino restaurant.
Olowianka Island is a hub of culture and entertainment. It’s home to the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Granary, the Polish Baltic Frédéric Chopin Philharmonic and the Amber Sky Ferris Wheel.
The gargantuan Soldek, the first steamship built in the Lenin Shipyards after the war, is docked here as well. Converted into a museum, visitors are welcome to explore the vessel above and below deck.
Lunch: Montownia Food Hall
Like so many places in Gdansk, the food hall at Montownia is absolutely drenched in history, which is why we suggest it as a lunch spot.
The massive Assembly Hall was built by the Nazis in the 1940s and used to assemble U-boat engines. During communist times, it was renamed 89A and served as a warehouse for the shipyard.
After the boatyard ceased operation in the 1990s, it was renovated into a nightclub, then in the 2000s, a concert hall. The building was overhauled again in 2023 – emerging as an urban dining hall and hotel.
Retaining original features and design elements, the 20 food vendors blend age-old tradition with modern international fare.
Afternoon: Solidarity Museum
After lunch, head over to the European Solidarity Center. The venue details the events that led to the formation of Solidarity and its astounding impact on Poland, Europe and the world.
Solidarity – or Solidarnosc – is a Polish trade union that formed in August 1980 in opposition to the working conditions at the Lenin Shipyards.
The name sparked a social movement – and many attribute it to the beginning of the fall of communism in 1989. Learning more about this time is an absolute Gdansk must-do.
Sitting in front of the museum is the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970. The three soaring steel crosses stand in memory of those who lost their lives fighting for fair wages amongst soaring prices.
Late Afternoon: Gradowa Hill
After 2 full days of history lessons in the city center, stretch your legs on a walk up Gradowa Hill.
Forming part of an old fort complex, the partially buried remains house the Hewelianum Center (an interactive science museum) and is topped with the 50-foot-tall Millennium Cross.
The reason we suggest making the trek to the summit, however, is for the spectacular panoramic vista!
Evening: Pyra Bar and Gdansk Craft Beer
For dinner, indulge in a carb-laden meal at Pyra Bar, a restaurant focused solely on potato dishes. The tuberous, starchy vegetable has been a mainstay of Polish cuisine since the 17th century.
The menu here makes the humble potato shine in savory casseroles and delectable pancakes. Glorious, caloric amounts of cheese and meat are added to create perfect platters of comfort food!
Although vodka is the national drink of Poland, we much prefer sipping the country’s innovative craft brews. Lawendowa 8, Pulapka and Labeerynt are our favorite multitap bars in Gdansk.
That said, Piwna Street – once home to a local brewery – hosts the city’s best nightlife. Themed shot bars are in abundance on the lane, but there are a few gems to seek out – like Jozef K and No To Cyk.
Day 3: Gdansk Day Trip
Today you will venture out for a quick half-day excursion. Afterwards, be back in the city center for additional exploring and a relaxing sunset cruise.
Morning: Half-Day Trip
Visiting Gdansk for 3 days allows just enough time for a quick getaway to a nearby destination.
You can easily plan your own adventure to places like Sopot (seaside escape), Oliwa (nature), Westerplatte (WWII history) and Malbork (castle).
Read our suggestions for fun Day Trips from Gdansk to find one that suits your style. Alternatively, join other travelers and a professional guide on a highly-rated organized tour.
Lunch: Gdansk Market Hall
If you find yourself back in Gdansk by lunchtime, enjoy a casual meal at the Market Hall. The multi-level, late-1800s structure has recently been revitalized with food kiosks and sit-down restaurants.
After you eat, be sure to check out the lower-level museum where you can see the ruins of an ancient Romanesque church!
Afternoon: Gdansk Churches and Radunia Canal
Spend the rest of the afternoon along the Radunia Canal. This is an area that many visitors miss out on.
Stop by the Basilica of St. Bridget; the stout brick structure belies the dramatic interior. A small fee is required to enter, but it’s worth it to see the glittering amber altarpiece and the crypt of skulls.
Next door, the Gothic interior of St. Catherine’s Church (which is free to enter) is architecturally impressive with its soaring ceiling and lofty bell tower.
Streaming alongside the church is the Radunia Canal. It dates to the mid-1300s and was built by Teutonic Knights to power the Great Mill and supply drinking water to residents.
The quaint islet hosts the Small Mill, the Muzeum Bursztynu (Amber Museum) and the half-timbered House of the Millers’ Guild. That said, the best viewpoint is from the charming Bridge of Love!
Evening: Dinner and Sunset Cruise
Wrap up your 3 days in Gdansk by eating at one of the top pierogi restaurants: Pierogarnia Mandu.
Be sure to make a reservation – otherwise you will have to queue for a table. It’s definitely worth it, though. In fact, we liked the food so much, we ate here twice!
In addition to their traditional pierogies, they offer a range of creative handmade dumplings featuring flavors from around the world. Seriously, every single one was absolutely delicious.
After dinner, set sail on a Gdansk river cruise. This 1.5-hour sunset cruise is the perfect ending to your three days in Gdansk!
Gdansk Travel Tips
Now that we have covered what to see and do, we have some logistical advice to hopefully make your trip more enjoyable!
Getting To Gdansk
Gdansk can be reached by plane, train, bus, ferry or car – but most international travelers fly in. We recommend using Skyscanner to find low fares, but read all our Tips for Finding Cheap Flights first!
The Gdansk Airport (GDN) is located 7.5 miles from the city center. You can use Uber or Bolt to quickly get to your accommodation, but the train or bus is cheaper.
Where To Stay in Gdansk
For our trip, we booked an Airbnb that was a 20 minute walk from the Old Town. While we liked having the extra space, staying in the heart of the city would have been much more convenient.
The Stay Inn Hotel is ideally located – plus they get great reviews for the excellent staff and hot breakfast. Use our tips for Booking Hotels for Cheap to get the best price!
What To Pack for Poland
Our final tips are all about packing and organizing your trip. So grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Europe!
Durable Walking Shoes: Pack a pair of comfortable travel shoes; I like these trainers and Kris wears trail shoes.
Quality Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel – it’s a great camera for budget travelers.
Day Bag: Be sure to bring a zippered day pack for all your everyday travel items.
Power Bank: Don’t forget your favorite portable charger for a mid-day boost!
Trip Insurance: Travel doesn’t always go as expected, check rates and consider coverage with World Nomads.
Organization: Use our Trip Planner to keep track of the details of your vacation to Poland!
Start planning your trip to Poland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top Poland Destinations
- What To See in Warsaw (and Unique Sights To See)
- Top Things To Do in Krakow (and our FREE Walking Tour)
- Poznan in a Day
- What To Do in Wroclaw
- Best Food to Eat in Poland
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