How to Spend a Weekend in Gdansk

Gdansk is a small port city in northern Poland that is perfect for a short trip or weekend away. With a rich history and buzzing nightlife, this city really has it all while being accessible and not too overwhelming for a short trip.

Wander Around the Old Town

Gdansk is a beautiful city and lends itself well to simply being explored on foot., especially the Old Town where there are so many beautiful buildings to see, shops to peruse, and things to taste!

Gdansk suffered badly during World War II and nobody could agree on how best to reconstruct the city. Many people wanted to rebuild it as it stood before the war. However, many of these buildings were typically German-built when they occupied the city, so people thought that this would be too painful a reminder of the atrocities that had happened in the recent war at the hands of the German army. Some wanted the city to be recreated as a modern city, looking forward and not back. 

Instead, the city was reconstructed with a Dutch and Belgian style to reflect the city's good relationship with these countries in the 16th century. And this is why walking around Gdansk can feel like being in Amsterdam!

Shipyard and Food Halls

Gdansk is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and it has always been one of Europe's most important ports. Today, the cranes are visible on the Gdansk skyline.

However, the area has generally been forgotten with many of the warehouses in a state of deterioration. The walk along the river to this area is definitely worth doing, and the buildings offer up some great subjects for any keen photographers.

At the end of this walk, you will find Electricians City (Ulica Elektryków). Here, a disused selection of buildings has been given a new lease of life as a hipster hangout. Here you will find live music, a wide array of street food, art, and bars. With ample seating and a relaxed vibe, it is easy to laze away a few hours here.