Free walking tour Gdansk, incl. Danzig guide to see the best of Gdansk, Poland, in one day!
Gdansk is quickly becoming the most visited city in Poland after Krakow.
Due to its extraordinary beauty, it has been voted several times as a destination of the year and is thus an absolute must-do when traveling to Poland.
There are a few free walking tours Gdansk offers. But, they are tip based, and so technically not free.
If you are on a budget, this post is about how to visit the town with a self-guided free walking tour Gdansk and how to see the best of Gdansk in one day!

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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Poland posts? Have a look at my other posts:
- Reasons Why You Should Visit Podlasie
- Day Trips from Gdansk, Poland
- Polish Food You Must Try in Podlasie Region
Table of Contents
Practical Information for travel to Gdansk, Poland
✈ Book cheap flights to Gdansk, Poland with Skyscanner
✔ Book your tours in Gdansk with GetYourGuide
➳ Find the best hotel deals in Gdansk with TripAdvisor
❖ Get the best car rental deals with DiscoverCars
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at HeyMondo. It’s easy to set up, cheap, and reliable.$ I withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Wise (you’ll get a free card on top)
Overview: Places to see on a free walking tour Gdansk
You can find a Gdansk free walking tour map at the end of the post!
1. Brama Wyżynna (High Gate)

Your self guided walking tour Gdansk begins at the magnificent Brama Wyżynna, a grand Renaissance-style city gate that once marked the entrance to Gdańsk’s historic old town.
Adorned with intricate carvings, coats of arms, and gilded details, this impressive structure is a glimpse into the city’s storied past.
Built in the 16th century, the gate symbolized power and prosperity, welcoming travelers to one of Poland’s most important trading hubs.
If you don’t feel like walking, try joining Gdansk bus tours.
2. Golden Gate Gdansk and Academy of Fine Arts

Walk straight and find yourself at the Golden Gate (Złota Brama), from which you’ll enjoy a gorgeous view of the Town Hall and the Royal Route, which you will get to later.
The gate was built in the Renaissance style in 1612, and the statues represent an allegory of citizen’s virtues: Prudence, Justice, Piety, and Harmony.
When you turn right, you’ll see an impressive house in front of the Academy of Fine Arts, to me, this place was one of the most beautiful corners in Gdansk.
3. St. Mary Basilica

Go straight on Piwna street until you reach St. Mary church, the largest brick church in the world. The church was used by Catholics and protestants.
Its interior is bright white nowadays and forms a welcoming light contrast to the massive, heavy impression you get from the outside.
The main tower is 77 meters high, and after climbing the 400 steps, you’ll enjoy one of the best panorama views of Gdansk. It’s a mandatory stop on every Gdansk walking tour.
Next to St.Mary Basilica is the Royal Chapel, a baroque beauty that is often overseen next to the towering basilica. However it is an absolutely beautiful building to be visited.
4. St. Mary Street (Mariacka Street)

Continue your the self-guided walking tour Gdansk and you’ll see Gdansk’s quaintest street: Mariacka.
Every single house on St. Mary’s Street is absolutely gorgeous: entrances are terraced but narrow, and the richly decorated house fronts testify to the wealth of their former owners.
No wonder that the street has inspired several painters and was a movie setting for several films.
Formerly Mariacka street was mostly inhabited by merchants and goldsmiths, nowadays it’s packed with amber shops.
The Amber museum and amber souvenir shopping are some of the top things to do in Gdansk.
5. Gdansk Main Town Hall

Go back a little way and go back to the Main Town Hall which dominates the skyline of Gdansk.
It is one of the major attractions rebuilt in Renaissance style after a fire.
It’s interior is inspired by Dutch mannerism and certifies the important role of Gdansk in Europe and the worlds.
From the observatory you’ll enjoy a gorgeous view and hear the music from the bells ringing every hour.
6. Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain is situated since 1633 on the Long Market near the Main Hall and has become the symbol of Gdansk.
The statue was made by a Flemish artist and is one of the oldest monuments of Gdansk. It’s a perfect meeting point as well before starting your free walking tour of Gdansk.
The legend says that Neptune created Gdansk’s famous herbal liquor “Goldwasser.”
Apparently he got angry because the extremely rich citizens of Gdansk (10% of the population were billionaires in Gdansk best times!!) kept throwing golden coins in the fountain.
With his trident he moved the water so much that all the gold fell into pieces and created the golden flakes that are typical for Goldwasser.
Just in front of the Neptune fountain you’ll spot the Fahrenheit monument that was built to honor Daniel Fahrenheit that was born in Gdansk in 1686.
It is considered one of the top places to visit in Gdansk.
7. Artus Court (Dwór Artusa)

The Gdansk walking tour map shows many spots in the old town.
One of them is the Artus Court, a grand building that was once a meeting place for wealthy merchants and the heart of social life in the city.
The façade is a feast for the eyes, with intricate sculptures and gilded embellishments. Step inside to marvel at the opulent interiors, including a jaw-dropping tiled furnace—one of the largest in Europe.
Today, Artus Court houses a museum where you can delve into Gdańsk’s rich maritime and trading history.
It’s a must-visit spot to imagine the lively gatherings of merchants in centuries past; one could also get private Gdansk tours to stop here.
8. Royal Route and Long Market Gdansk

Now, in our free walking tour Gdansk, we will be at the Long Market (Dlugi Targ), the heart of Gdansk.
It used to be the nerval center of the town and the place where the main city market was held.
The street that leads from Golden Gate to Green Gate is also known as the Royal Route. Only the wealthiest merchants and patricians could afford to live here.
Like in other towns with Flemish heritage, you needed to pay higher taxes the more windows you had. Thus, the more windows, the richer the owner of the house.
The oldest house on the Royal Route dates back to the Middle Ages. Gdansk has been entirely destroyed during the Second World War.
However, the old town has been reconstructed during the communist regime and some parts of the outskirts are still under construction.
Nowadays, the Royal Route is considered one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in Europe.
9. Green Gate of Gdansk

Head towards the Green Gate (which is not green but rather orange) to continue your free walking tour.
The Green Gate has been inspired by Antwerp City Hall and marks the eastern end of the Long Market and Royal Route.
It is yet another evidence of the Flemish and Dutch heritage and legacy of the Polish town.
Cross the bridge across the River Motława and turn left immediately towards the end of the bridge on Chmielna road to approach the Crane from the opposite river bank.
10. The Crane

The Crane on the Motlawa river bank became one of Gdansk’s symbols and is represented on almost any postcard. It is easy to spot as it sticks out among all other houses.
The crane is the largest wooden crane in Europe and handles cargo coming from the sea.
You can still visit the driving mechanism, which needed several men to make it work. Nowadays, the crane hosts the National Maritime Museum.
The crane is a popular photomotive of every Gdansk shipyard tour and you’ll get your best shot from the other side of the river.
11. Gdansk Marina and Lunch Stop

Now, walk along the marina of Gdansk until you reach a bridge for a lunch stop or a Gdansk food tour.
After my boat hitchhiking adventure, I am obsessed with spotting boats and there were quite a few gorgeous boat models in the harbor.
They made me daydream about a sailing trip on the Baltic Sea.
In this Gdansk free tour, you’ll walk along buildings that are being renovated or even rebuilt in the traditional style.

It’s time to indulge in some typical Pomeranian food with a modern twist. I recommend the restaurant Dancing Anchor at the Puro Gdansk Stare Miasto.
It’s not only a very stylish place to stay, but also the restaurant is top-notch when it comes to food and intriguing interior design.
They serve Polish-Asian fusion cuisine, and it’s one of the top places to eat in Gdansk.
12. AmberSky

As you meander along the Motława River in your Gdansk self guided walking tour, stop at AmberSky, a giant Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of Gdańsk’s skyline.
You can get a photo or hop on a ride. Each cabin provides a panoramic perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the historic old town, the Motława River, and beyond.
Appreciating Gdansk Poland tours from a new angle is a quick but rewarding stop.
13. Museum of the Second World War

Visit the Museum of the Second World War, a modern architectural masterpiece near the river, as you can see on a Gdansk tourist map, for a thought-provoking experience.
This museum offers a profound exploration of the war’s impact, not just on Poland but the world.
Its powerful exhibits, including artifacts, personal stories, and multimedia displays, vividly portray life during wartime.
The building is a striking symbol, with its tilted red structure rising as a reminder of resilience and the lessons of history.
It’s an essential stop on any Gdansk guided tour for reflecting on the past and appreciating Gdańsk’s role in global events.
14. St. Catherine’s Church

Walk for 10 minutes so that you can see St. Catherine’s church which is the oldest parish church of the Old Town.
It was built in 1227 but utterly destroyed during the Second World War.
Fully rebuilt in the after-war years, the church nowadays hosts paintings by Anton Möller and Izaak van den Blocke.
The 76 meters high towers host a carillon and a museum of tower clocks.
15. Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers

From the emblematic St. Catherine’s church, it is only a stone’s throw (or 12 minutes) to the Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers.
The impressive monument stands in front of the Solidarnosc European Center and at the former entrance gate to the shipyards of Gdansk.
More than 40,000 people used to work in the shipyards of Gdansk, one of the most important European harbors at that time.
The imposing crosses with anchors have been built to commemorate the victims of the bloody workers’ strikes in December 1970.
The monument was finished in 1980 and was one of the most essential postulates by workers who fought for their rights. The memorial is considered one of the top things to see in Gdansk.
It’s the first monument to the victims of communist oppression to be erected in a communist country. It is one of the best ways to engage your self-guided free walking tour in Gdansk.
12. European Solidarity Centre

Visiting the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk is an absolute must-do when traveling there.
It is not necessary to be a history buff to visit, in my opinion, a visit to the museum about Solidarnsc movement and the bloody strikes in December 1970.
This is an investment in your general knowledge and an essential lesson about how every single person can contribute to change. All you need to do is take action!
The building itself is stunning, and although it looks quite massive from the outside, it is very light and green inside. It’s full of trees and plants.
The European Solidarity Centre is much more than a museum to this tragic episode of history.
It holds the Solidarnosc offices where Lech Wałęsa is still working today, a library, archives, a winter garden, and a bar. The center is actually an open meeting space for young and old.

The permanent exhibition is organized in a very interactive and realistic way. There is original footage of the negotiations between the communist regime and the dockers.
Original communist-era apartment interiors have been rebuilt and interrogation and prison cells as well.
The museum thus provides a rare, realistic insight into the oppressive system of the communist regime. I definitely learned a lot during my visit.
I particularly liked the hall dedicated to the individual backgrounds of the strikers and the implication of Pope John Paul II in the transformative process.
It’s an absolutely unmissable experience when visiting Gdansk; calculate at least 2 hours.
17. Hevelianum

Hevelianum is an interactive science and technology center in the historic Góra Gradowa fort.
Named after Johannes Hevelius, the famed Gdańsk astronomer, this family-friendly attraction blends education with fun.
From hands-on exhibits about astronomy and physics to a beautiful outdoor area with panoramic city views, Hevelianum offers something for everyone.
It’s a delightful mix of history and modernity, providing a relaxing yet stimulating way to conclude your journey self guided walking holidays Poland.
To make the most of your tours from Gdansk, off you go to the top of the hills for a view.
18. A Local’s Tip: Panorama view from Gradowa Hill

In case you still have some energy left, I absolutely recommend to visit Gradowa Hill to enjoy one of the best panorama views on Gdansk and the immense area of the shipyards.
According to our guide Michal, you haven’t seen Gdansk if you haven’t been to Gradowa Hill.

The hill hosts a 19th-century fort and a large cross that is illuminated at night.
Some of the buildings on the hill are still used for military purposes, and visiting the museums might be a good option in case you’re interested in military history.
19. Celebrate Polish Style in Gdansk

After visiting the most important attractions of Gdansk, I bet you’ll want to experience Polish hospitality and a sense of celebrating food and drinks.
So, why don’t you finish your day with a food tour through Gdansk’s best restaurants or enjoy a local vodka tasting?

My Final Thoughts on Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gdansk

Is Gdansk walkable? Yes. Many people even tour Gdansk for the day from other cities, but if you can stay longer, you should!
The city is so full of history and sights that you can easily spend more than 2 days in Gdansk. On top of that, there is a wide range of day trips from Gdansk that you can choose from.
This self-guided free walking tour of Gdansk, or Danzig as it was known in German, will take you to many of the highlights and attractions that you must see when visiting Gdansk.
This tour is designed to help you see the top sites in Gdansk in one day and includes a lunch and dinner recommendation.
This walking tour is foreseen to be done at daylight, however I strongly recommend to re-do the first part of this Gdansk city tour in the evening, when it’s dark.
At night, Gdansk has a magic of its own, and it’s a paradise for photography lovers.
Gdansk is the largest city in Kashubian, Switzerland, the ideal setting for slow and sustainable travel through Pomerania.
I hope some of these admittedly very personal highlights of my visit to Gdansk, Poland, could convince you to include Gdansk in your travel plans.
I’m biased, but I think this is the best-guided tour in Gdansk to do by yourself, and I hope it helps you!
Have you been in Gdansk? Did you enjoy it? I would love to hear about the things you loved (or loved less) in the comment form.
General Info for Visiting Gdansk
Geographic situation: Polish city on the Baltic coast, capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, and Kashubia, Poland’s principal seaport and the center of the country’s fourth-largest metropolitan area. Complex history with periods of Prussian or German rule, of self-rule as a “free city.”
Language: Polish. English is widely spoken.
Currency: zloty
Where to stay in Gdansk, Poland
It’s key to have your hotel as close to the city center as possible so that you don’t need to take any public transportation.
Budget
Liberum Residence
Hotel Platan ***
Marina Club Hotel ***
Mid-Range
Stay Inn Hotel *** (recommended because of its excellent location)
Puro Gdansk Stare Miasto **** (great interior design)
Luxury
Radisson Blue Hotel, Gdansk
Hotel Gdansk Boutique
How to get there
By airplane: to Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport. Book here your airport transfer to the hotel.
By train: from Warsaw, Gdynia or Sopot. Check railway prices here.
By long-distance bus: (super cheap here) from Warsaw and other Polish cities.
Rent a car: to drive from Warsaw or to explore Kashubian Switzerland. Check rental car prices here.
Activities
Formerly trade and shipbuilding, amber processing, and export.
Major tourist destination with many national tourists visiting the Baltic coast. Read more about tourism and things to do near Bialowieza Forest, Poland.
For foodies: I recommend the traditional food walking tour or with a Polish Food tour.
Walking Tour Map Gdansk

In order to get more information on tourism in Gdansk, Poland, I recommend the site of the Tourism Board of Gdansk and Pomorskie Travel for its surroundings.
Some of the pictures in this article have been taken by the talented Kostas Deko.
Disclaimer: I have been a guest of Pomorskie Travel and the Polish Tourism Board. All my opinions, as always, are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase one of the items, I’ll receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.
Short FAQ
What are the best places for walking tours in Gdansk?
Head to Gdansk city center in order to see all the best sites!
What places to visit in Gdansk by night?
Gradowa Hill has a cross that lights up a night and the Main Town Hall is very picturesque.
What are the attractions on a walking tour in Gdansk?
Some of the highlights of a Gdansk walking tour are Long Market (Dlugi Targ), the Marina, St. Mary Basilica and St. Catherine’s Church.



Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
Wow, I was searching about places in Poland then I found this amazing post. I feel this is a very interesting and informative post. Thanks for the post.
thank you so much!
I stumbled across this blog and it has been so helpful for planning our trip to Gdańsk – thank you
Hi Jac,
I am so happy to hear that! It is a beautiful city!