Poland
Gdańsk
Gdańsk, known in German as Danzig, is a historic port city situated on Poland's Baltic coast. Celebrated for its stunning architecture and rich maritime heritage, it ranks among the most picturesque cities along the Baltic Sea. Visitors can explore its vibrant streets filled with centuries-old buildings, reflecting a deep history intertwined with its cultural significance.
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Things to do
## Things to do in Gdańsk Wondering what to do in Gdańsk? Start in the historic Main Town, where the Royal Route leads along Długa Street and Długi Targ past the Main Town Hall, Artus Court and Neptune’s Fountain. Wander down atmospheric Mariacka Street, known for its ornate façades and amber shops, then visit St Mary’s Church, the world’s largest brick church, for its monumental interior and city views from the tower. Along the Motława waterfront, the historic Gdańsk Crane and riverside promenades offer a glimpse of the city’s maritime past; AmberSky on Ołowianka Island provides a 50-metre-high view across the roofs, shipyard cranes and harbour. What Gdańsk is famous for goes beyond its picturesque architecture. The city’s modern history is explored at the European Solidarity Centre, whose permanent exhibition tells the story of the Solidarity movement and the fall of communism in Europe. The Museum of the Second World War presents the conflict through personal stories and a wide-ranging main exhibition, while the nearby shipyard area connects these histories to the places where they unfolded. For a different cultural experience, see a concert at the Polish Baltic Philharmonic or explore the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, whose distinctive architecture recalls the city’s theatrical heritage. For what to do in Gdańsk city centre, combine the Main Town’s churches, courtyards, museums and cafés with a walk beside the river. Artus Court, the Main Town Hall and St Mary’s Church are especially rewarding for architecture and history, while Mariacka Street is a good place to browse amber jewellery and enjoy an evening stroll. If you want green space, travel to Oliwa to walk through Oliwa Park and visit its cathedral, known for its historic organ and concerts. The city’s beaches add a seaside dimension: Brzeźno has a pier and is convenient for a break from sightseeing, Jelitkowo combines sand with restaurants and leisure facilities, and Stogi offers a broad shore backed by woodland. For a quieter escape, take the trails around Sobieszewo, where wide beaches meet the Birds’ Paradise and Sea Gull Backwater nature reserves, habitats for many bird species and seals. Weekend activities in Gdańsk can easily mix history, culture, food and the Baltic coast: spend a morning in the Main Town, an afternoon at one of the major history museums or the Solidarity Centre, and a later evening by the Motława, at a concert or in the theatre. In warmer months, look out for open-air concerts, cultural events and festivals, including the long-running St Dominic’s Fair. With its compact historic core, shipyard heritage, museums, parks and beaches, Gdańsk works equally well for a culture-focused city break or a relaxed seaside weekend.
Things to do
## Things to do in Gdańsk Wondering what to do in Gdańsk? Start in the historic Main Town, where the Royal Route leads along Długa Street and Długi Targ past the Main Town Hall, Artus Court and Neptune’s Fountain. Wander down atmospheric Mariacka Street, known for its ornate façades and amber shops, then visit St Mary’s Church, the world’s largest brick church, for its monumental interior and city views from the tower. Along the Motława waterfront, the historic Gdańsk Crane and riverside promenades offer a glimpse of the city’s maritime past; AmberSky on Ołowianka Island provides a 50-metre-high view across the roofs, shipyard cranes and harbour. What Gdańsk is famous for goes beyond its picturesque architecture. The city’s modern history is explored at the European Solidarity Centre, whose permanent exhibition tells the story of the Solidarity movement and the fall of communism in Europe. The Museum of the Second World War presents the conflict through personal stories and a wide-ranging main exhibition, while the nearby shipyard area connects these histories to the places where they unfolded. For a different cultural experience, see a concert at the Polish Baltic Philharmonic or explore the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, whose distinctive architecture recalls the city’s theatrical heritage. For what to do in Gdańsk city centre, combine the Main Town’s churches, courtyards, museums and cafés with a walk beside the river. Artus Court, the Main Town Hall and St Mary’s Church are especially rewarding for architecture and history, while Mariacka Street is a good place to browse amber jewellery and enjoy an evening stroll. If you want green space, travel to Oliwa to walk through Oliwa Park and visit its cathedral, known for its historic organ and concerts. The city’s beaches add a seaside dimension: Brzeźno has a pier and is convenient for a break from sightseeing, Jelitkowo combines sand with restaurants and leisure facilities, and Stogi offers a broad shore backed by woodland. For a quieter escape, take the trails around Sobieszewo, where wide beaches meet the Birds’ Paradise and Sea Gull Backwater nature reserves, habitats for many bird species and seals. Weekend activities in Gdańsk can easily mix history, culture, food and the Baltic coast: spend a morning in the Main Town, an afternoon at one of the major history museums or the Solidarity Centre, and a later evening by the Motława, at a concert or in the theatre. In warmer months, look out for open-air concerts, cultural events and festivals, including the long-running St Dominic’s Fair. With its compact historic core, shipyard heritage, museums, parks and beaches, Gdańsk works equally well for a culture-focused city break or a relaxed seaside weekend.
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Gdynia
Poland
Nestled along Poland’s northern coast, Gdynia is a dynamic port city on the Baltic Sea. With around 239,000 residents, it ranks as Poland’s 12th-largest city and the second-largest in the Pomeranian Voivodeship after Gdańsk. Part of the lively Tricity area—alongside Gdańsk, Sopot, and surrounding suburbs—Gdynia is a hub of maritime activity, boasting a modernist skyline, a bustling seaport, and a navy base. This city’s roots trace back to a humble 13th-century fishing village, but it was reborn after World War I as a meticulously planned urban center, complete with striking architecture and a significant military harbor. Today, Gdynia remains a vital gateway for cargo ships and cruise liners exploring Scandinavia, blending its historic charm with contemporary vibrancy.
Olsztyn
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Olsztyn stands as a vibrant hub in northern Poland, blending rich history with a lively modern scene. With a population of around 175,000, this city is renowned for its stunning Gothic Old Town, nestled around picturesque Masurian lakes that have shaped its growth. Sitting along the Łyna River, Olsztyn’s medieval charm is complemented by cultural landmarks like the Castle of the Warmian Cathedral Chapter and St. James Co-cathedral—both over 600 years old. The city’s connection to Nicolaus Copernicus adds a historic flair, with the castle hosting an astronomical table made by the famed astronomer. Today, Olsztyn is a thriving center of education, culture, and outdoor beauty, making it a must-visit for those seeking a mix of history, lakeside leisure, and contemporary Polish life.
Bydgoszcz
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Nestled along the Brda River, Bydgoszcz is a vibrant Polish city with a population of around 360,000, which swells to nearly 500,000 when including its suburban areas. Often called the 'Little Berlin' for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, this city offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and green spaces. Once renowned as a major cultural hub with its striking concert hall, Opera Nova, and the Paderewski Academy of Music, Bydgoszcz also boasts a lively music scene and numerous museums. It’s a city that combines educational excellence—home to universities like Casimir the Great and Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology—with a thriving water sports and athletics community. Just 45 kilometers from Toruń, Bydgoszcz shares the role of capital of the Kuyawsko-Pomorskie province, forming part of a larger metropolitan area of over 850,000 people, rich in history and modern vitality.
Toruń
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Toruń, a captivating medieval gem nestled along the Vistula River in North-Western Poland, offers an authentic step back in time. Its remarkably preserved Gothic architecture escaped the destruction of World War II, making it one of Poland’s most exquisite examples of medieval craftsmanship. Still relatively under the radar for many European travelers, this charming city promises a genuine Polish experience free from the crowds. Recognized as the capital of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999, Toruń also boasts a rich history as the former capital of the Toruń Voivodeship (1975–1998) and the Pomeranian Voivodeship (1921–1939). Positioned near the geographic center of Europe, its UNESCO-listed Old Town, or Starówka, exudes timeless allure. Birthplace of the legendary astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, the city preserves his childhood home and the chapel where he was christened. Famous for its gingerbread from the Middle Ages, Toruń is a city where history, culture, and legend intertwine—home to approximately 201,000 residents as of 2019.