Introducing Cultural Holidays to Poland: Discover the Beauty of Gdansk This Summer

Gdansk is one of Poland’s most historic cities. Its perfect blend of quiet beaches, stunning architecture, and cultural heritage make it a great destination for guests who want a leisurely holiday in a warm summer climate with endless things to see and do.

The Old Town itself is a spectacle, with quaint cobblestone streets, brightly coloured buildings and delicate facades leading to Neptune’s Foundation, an iconic symbol of the city and a must-visit attraction for first-time visitors to Gdansk.

Today, we’re spotlighting this city and its one thousand years of history, recommending some of the best cultural sites to see during your tour, and looking at why summer breaks in Gdansk have soared in demand as more and more guests look to combine relaxation and beach days with some of the finest culture in Europe.

Our Shortlist of the Best Historical and Cultural Sites to See in Gdansk

There are countless structures, museums, monuments, and attractions that draw culture lovers to Gdansk, especially in the busiest summer period. Poland’s welcoming climate makes walking tours and days strolling around the Old Town a great way to explore the city.

However, to give you a taste of all Gdansk has to offer, we’ve curated a list of some of the places we recommend you include in your holiday itinerary:

• The Crane, or Crane Gate, is a recognisable landmark in Gdansk. Originally built in the 1300s and rebuilt after burning down in 1442, it was used to erect ship masts and transfer cargo and is one of the few artefacts left from the city’s great trading era.
• In front of Artus Court, Neptune’s Fountain has huge historical significance. This 17^th-century bronze fountain represents the link between modern-day Gdansk and its maritime heritage and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
• St Mary’s Basilica was built in phases over a staggering 159 years and is the biggest brick church internationally. With the capacity to accommodate 20,000 people, the soaring bell tower, captivating baroque chapels, and unrivalled views from the top of the tower—for those willing to climb the 400 steps—are masterpieces in Gothic architecture.

Guests who prefer to spend a long afternoon browsing museums and art galleries will not be disappointed, with varied displays and exhibitions. Uphagen’s House, also called the Museum of Burgher Interiors, is one of the last remaining tenement homes, carefully recreated to replicate the original 18^th-century décor.

The National Museum and Artus Court also deserve a place on your schedule. The former holds an impressive collection, including the famous ‘The Last Judgement’ triptych, while Artus Court is on the well-known Royal Route and has several museum exhibits to educate visitors about Gdansk’s past.

What to Expect From a Summer Break in Gdansk, Poland

Holidays to Poland are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture of Eastern Europe. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that equally caters to modern visitors. It has boutiques, eateries, independent stores, lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife spots.

Travellers can even head to Pyra Bar, a restaurant that serves local potato cake dishes with every topping imaginable. These are ideal for cooler weather or a nourishing evening snack after a long day of exploring.

Poland is highly affordable, and Gdansk is no exception with even restaurants around the charming waterfront area offering accessible prices. Guests can cruise the water onboard a private charter, book tickets for a pirate boat tour, or simply enjoy the atmosphere in the summer evening, with live music and street performances around every corner.

For those who love to recline on a white-sand beach and dip into the water, the city is within proximity of several fantastic coastal resorts, including Stogi Beach, part of the Polish Riviera coastline, and Brzezno Beach, with its distinctive pier, swimming waters and water sports.

The former is just 5.5 miles from Gdansk city centre, about 15 minutes by taxi or car, and Brzezno Beach is 5.4 miles away, with an approximate 18-minute journey time.

Gdansk City Break Packages Available from the Baltic Travel Company

If you’d love to visit Gdansk first-hand, our four-day, three-night package, which can be extended to suit your preferred length of stay, is an excellent way to see Gdansk during the warmth of the summer season.

Guests can pick and choose from several optional tours and excursions during their Gdansk City Break, including:

• A trip to Malbork Castle, around an hour from Gdansk. This is the largest castle by area in the world and is a fantastic opportunity for guests interested in culture, architecture and history to visit the seat of the Teutonic Knights and see the exhibits in a setting steeped in heritage, battles and the history of the region.
• Tours of the Tricity, taking in the sights of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. Each city has its own unique charm and attractions, with Gdynia known as Poland’s sailing capital and Sopot a gorgeous beachside tourist destination with the longest wooden pier in Europe.
• A Kashubian landscape tour, heading to the scenic landscapes of the Kashubian region, which is called the Switzerland of Poland, owing to its miles of forests, vast lakes, and rolling hills.
• Walking tours around Gdansk Old Town, where an experienced English-speaking guide can explain the importance of the buildings, monuments, and features and recommend places to eat, drink, and relax.

Around your chosen activities, you’ll have ample free time to explore the city. All packages include direct return flights, checked luggage, private airport transfers on arrival in Gdansk, breakfast each day, and accommodation at a hand-selected hotel.

If you’d like to learn more about this Gdansk summer holiday package or other alternative itineraries that include this beautiful city and the Polish coastlines, you are welcome to get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company. You’ll also find further details about all our Eastern European summer trips, short breaks, and city getaways online, or you can contact our friendly travel advisers for personalised recommendations.