Gdańsk

Gdańsk is Poland's great port city on the Baltic coast — a place of extraordinary beauty, complex history and genuine local character. The colourful Gothic and Dutch Renaissance townhouses of the Long Market, the massive red-brick St Mary's Basilica, and the amber shops of the Royal Way make the Old Town one of the most photogenic in Central Europe.

Krakow Planner offers kayak tours through Gdańsk's historic canals and waterways — one of the most unique and memorable ways to experience the city.

Things to Do in Gdańsk

Kayak Tours in Gdańsk

Gdańsk has a network of historic canals and waterways that wind through the Old Town — and the best way to explore them is by kayak. Krakow Planner offers guided kayak tours through the city's most scenic routes, passing under medieval bridges, alongside the famous Crane (Żuraw), and through channels that most visitors never reach on foot.

Tours operate year-round — including a winter kayak tour with hot chocolate, one of the most atmospheric experiences the city offers. For those seeking something more exclusive, the private Islands of Gdańsk kayak tour explores the lesser-known waterways and islands around the city at your own pace.

Sunset Kayak Tour

One of the most popular experiences on the water — a guided sunset paddle through the canals of Gdańsk, timed to catch the golden light on the colourful facades of the Long Market. Available seasonally, with departures timed to local sunset.

The Old Town — Long Market & Royal Way

Gdańsk's Long Market (Długi Targ) is the centrepiece of the Old Town — a broad pedestrian street flanked by the colourful townhouses that survived World War II and were meticulously restored. Neptune's Fountain stands at the centre; the Golden Gate and Green Gate mark either end of the Royal Way. The Artus Court and the town houses of the merchant elite give the street a grandeur unlike anywhere else in Poland.

St Mary's Basilica

One of the largest Gothic churches in the world — built over 159 years and capable of holding 25,000 people. The interior is vast, austere and extraordinary. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the Old Town rooftops and the Baltic beyond.

The Crane (Żuraw) & Riverfront

The medieval port crane on the Motława River is Gdańsk's most recognisable landmark — a double-towered wooden crane dating to the 15th century, once the largest in medieval Europe. The riverfront promenade running alongside it is lined with amber galleries, restaurants and tour boats.

European Solidarity Centre

One of the most important museums in Poland — located at the site of the Lenin Shipyard where the Solidarity trade union was born in 1980. The permanent exhibition covers the history of the movement and its role in the fall of communism across Central Europe. Essential context for understanding modern Polish history.

Amber

Gdańsk is the world capital of amber — the Baltic coast has been producing it for millennia, and the city's workshops and galleries sell everything from raw specimens to fine jewellery. The amber galleries along ul. Mariacka are the most atmospheric place to browse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gdańsk worth visiting?

Yes — Gdańsk is one of the most beautiful and underrated cities in Europe. The Old Town is extraordinary, the history is fascinating, and the city has a coastal energy unlike inland Polish cities. It works well as a 2–3 day city break or a longer visit combined with Sopot and Gdynia (the Tricity).

How far is Gdańsk from Kraków?

Gdańsk is approximately 650 km from Kraków — about 5.5–6 hours by direct train or 6.5 hours by car. Direct trains run several times daily from Kraków Główny to Gdańsk Główny. For a comfortable visit, 2–3 nights is recommended.

What is Gdańsk known for?

Gdańsk is known for its Gothic and Dutch Renaissance Old Town, the Solidarity movement and the European Solidarity Centre, the world's largest amber market, and its position as Poland's principal Baltic port. It was also the flashpoint for the start of World War II — the first shots were fired at Westerplatte, just outside the city.

What is the best time to visit Gdańsk?

May to September is ideal — the waterfront comes alive, kayak tours are fully operational, and the Long Market terrace restaurants are at their best. December brings one of Poland's finest Christmas markets. The city is worth visiting year-round.

Can I do a kayak tour in winter?

Yes — the winter kayak tour with hot chocolate operates year-round and is one of Gdańsk's most atmospheric experiences. Paddling through the historic canals in winter, with warm drinks waiting at the end, is a genuinely memorable way to see the city.