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If you’re looking for information for your 2 days in Gdansk or a long weekend, this travel itinerary covers it all.
Gdansk has a unique history shaped by its strategic location on the Baltic Sea.
First mentioned in 997 AD, it grew as a wealthy port city under the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trade confederation.
Over centuries, Gdansk’s sovereignty shifted between Poland, Prussia, and Germany, each leaving an indelible mark on its identity.
In the 20th century, Gdansk became a focal point for two monumental events: the outbreak of World War II in 1939 at Westerplatte and the rise of the Solidarity Movement in the 1980s, led by Lech Walesa that helped bring an end to communist rule in Poland.
This two-day itinerary will guide you through the city’s highlights, from its picturesque Old Town to its moving museums and scenic Baltic coastline, which is worth a day trip.
Gdansk is also home to some amazing restaurants, breweries, and cafes, and it hosts the yearly summer festival.
I have visited Gdansk multiple times, the last time in 2025, so this 2 days in the Gdansk itinerary is up to date.
Morning: Wander Through Gdansk’s Old Town
This Gdansk itinerary offers a step-by-step guide on what to see in the Old Town, but you may also consider joining this guided city tour. This is an excellent way to learn more about the city in depth through locals’ stories and information.
If you are more independent-minded or prefer to see places with a short overview, my itinerary below will cover those.
Dlugi Targ (Long Market)
Start your journey at Dlugi Targ (Long Market), the heart of Gdansk’s Old Town. I mean, where else can you get a better idea and feel for the city?
The square is a dazzling display of colourful merchant houses, which really make Gdansk look unique.
Many of them were almost completely rebuilt after World War II, but luckily, they maintained their original charm.
It depends on where in the city you are staying (more about accommodation and places to stay in Gdansk later), but you might enter the Old Town via the Golden Gate or Green Gate.
Neptune’s Fountain
Neptune’s Fountain, dating back to 1633, is an iconic fountain symbolising Gdansk’s deep connection to the sea.
Legend has it that the locals once poured gold into the fountain, inspiring the creation of Goldwasser, the city’s famous herbal liqueur. You should try it while in Gdansk.
Artus Court
Near the fountain, you will also see Artus Court at number 44. This is a Gothic meeting hall where wealthy merchants convened.
Today, it houses a museum showcasing Gdansk’s opulent past, with artefacts like ancient ship models and richly carved furniture.
St. Mary’s Basilica
Head to St. Mary’s Basilica, the largest brick church in the world, capable of holding over 25,000 people. This awe-inspiring Gothic structure took over 150 years to complete.
Inside, you’ll find intricate altars and the famous astronomical clock, a medieval masterpiece that still functions today.
I was amazed by it, and I happened to listen to a guide explaining the details.
The clock was built in 1464 by Hans Duringer. Far more than a timepiece, it displays the time, date, phases of the moon, and zodiac calendar while tracking celestial movements.
At noon, it comes to life with a procession of the Apostles, led by Christ, blessing them as Death strikes the hour. I planned to return at midday but never made it back in time.
The clock’s complex blend of science, art, and theology is also incredible. It reminded me of the astronomical clock in Prague, which was built during the same period. The clock is a must-see highlight of the basilica.
For a small fee, climb the 405 steps of the Basilica Tower to enjoy panoramic city views.
After exploring the basilica, head to Mariacka Street, one of Gdansk’s most picturesque lanes.
Lined with charming houses featuring ornate terraces and gargoyle spouts (my favourite part of the street), Mariacka Street is also known as “Amber Street” due to its abundance of amber shops.
I find this street very charming and enjoyed excellent coffee at Kawiarnia Drukarnia.
This cafe has a lovely terrace outside so you can enjoy your coffee with a view of the street and tourists browsing the small vendors with amber.
After your coffee break, stroll down to the Motława River, where charming waterfront buildings once housed merchants’ granaries.
The main highlights here are:
This 15th-century port crane is a marvel of medieval engineering. It was used to load cargo and raise ship masts, symbolising Gdansk’s maritime importance. You can also visit the interior and take a tour here.
Granary Island
Once filled with granaries, this area has been revitalised with trendy restaurants, boutique hotels, and cultural spaces.
This is also where I stayed during my latest stay in Gdansk at the Radisson Hotel & Suites, and the location was terrific.
Enjoy lunch at Pierogarnia in the Old Town, known for its mouthwatering pierogi.
Try the classic potato and cheese dumplings or one of their other Polish dishes. For the best potato-based dishes, head to the Pyra Bar.
This is a popular place with locals, and it’s very affordable. You order and pay at the bar.
After lunch, you can walk off the food by walking about 20 minutes to the Museum of the Second World War.
This is one of Europe’s most comprehensive WWII museums. Opened in 2017, the museum’s striking modern architecture—a tilted cube with a red façade that leans over a sunken plaza—immediately sets the tone for the thought-provoking experience.
The structure symbolises how the war events continue to overshadow modern Europe.
Inside, the exhibits are precisely curated, offering a blend of immersive multimedia displays, artefacts, photographs, and personal testimonies that bring history vividly to life.
The main exhibit spans three narratives: the causes of the war, its global consequences, and the personal stories of individuals caught in the chaos.
Particularly moving are the reconstructed scenes of daily life under occupation and the gripping accounts of survival across Europe.
A highlight is the section detailing Gdansk’s critical role as the flashpoint for World War II, including the brutal events at Westerplatte, where the first shots of the war were fired.
The museum delves into the brutality of this conflict, its profound human cost, and the resilience of those who endured it.
Allow plenty of time to absorb the exhibits and reflect; this museum both informs and deeply moves its visitors.
As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Motława River, where the golden hour light beautifully reflects off the colourful facades of the waterfront buildings.
This is the perfect time to explore Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów), a revitalised area filled with trendy boutiques, cafes, and modern architecture that blends with the city’s historic charm.
Depending on the season, you can also take a sunset cruise.
Wrap up the first of your 2 days in Gdansk with classic Polish cuisine.
For dinner, head to Brovarnia Gdansk, a unique brewery restaurant in the historic Gdansk Hotel Gdanski.
Known for its craft beers brewed on-site, Brovarnia offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu featuring Polish and European dishes.
Pair a freshly brewed lager or dark ale with hearty local specialties like roasted pork knuckle, seafood, or pierogi for a delicious end to your day.
The combination of excellent beer, tasty food, and charming ambience makes this a perfect spot to reflect on the first day of your 2 days in Gdansk.
Love Beer? Join this 2.5 Hour Polish Beer Tasting Tour!
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On your second day in Gdansk, you have a few options. You can start the day by visiting the European Solidarity Centre, or if it is a perfect sunny summer day, head out of Gdansk in the morning on a day trip to the Tricity area.
You could also visit the largest castle, Malbrook; this half-day audio tour from Gdansk is popular.
I am including both options to ensure that your two-day itinerary in Gdansk can be adjusted according to the weather or your preference.
Begin the day at the European Solidarity Centre, which is dedicated to the Solidarity Movement that helped end communism in Eastern Europe.
Interactive exhibits bring to life the labour strikes at the Gdansk Shipyard, led by Lech Wałęsa, and their profound impact on history.
This is an excellent addition for those who love to learn more about history during your 2 days in Gdansk.
The museum is outside the Old Town of Gdansk; you can easily take the tram 8 up here as I did or take a taxi.
I would suggest coming here at 10 am and exploring for an hour. You can get tickets online, and I suggest you do.
Depending on your time here, you can take a taxi/Bolt ride or public transport to Oliwa Cathedral for the midday concert. More on this below.
On my second visit to Gdansk, I discovered Oliwa and the Oliwa Cathedral. Getting here from Gdansk is relatively easy as there is a direct train from the main train station Gdansk Śródmieście.
It only takes 16 minutes, and you get off at Gdansk Oliwa. From the station, it is about a 15-minute walk. Of course, you can also take a taxi here.
The Oliwa Cathedral (Archikatedra Oliwska) is one of Gdansk’s most beautiful and historically significant churches in this leafy and tranquil Oliwa district.
Originally built in the 12th century as part of a Cistercian monastery, the cathedral has undergone multiple reconstructions, so you’ll see the blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo architectural elements.
Its slim, twin spires rise dramatically above the surrounding park, making it one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.
Inside, the cathedral is renowned for its breathtaking Rococo-style pipe organ, one of Poland’s largest and most impressive.
Johann Wilhelm Wulff built this magnificent instrument in the 11th century. It boasts over 7,800 pipes and a unique arrangement of moving sculptures—angelic figures that appear to “play” instruments when the organ is in use.
The cathedral’s acoustics enhance the organ’s tones, making concerts here an unforgettable experience.
When to Hear the Oliwa Cathedral Organ
Visitors can enjoy daily organ concerts, typically lasting around 20 minutes. The regular performance schedule is:
Concert schedules may change depending on religious services, so checking beforehand is always a good idea.
Even without a concert, the cathedral’s serene interior is worth exploring. Its intricately carved wooden choir stalls, beautiful frescoes, and Baroque altars create a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
From Oliwa, you can head to Sopot, a charming seaside town, enjoy a seafood lunch at Bar Przystan, where fresh fish dishes are served steps from the beach, or choose one of the restaurants near the main pedestrian area.
Read more: 18 Popular Foods from Poland
Walk along Sopot’s wooden pier (Molo), the longest in Europe.
This pier offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea. You need to pay for a ticket, but it is a fantastic way to see the coast.
Sopot boasts one of the best sandy beaches in Poland. With soft golden sand and gentle waves, it’s a great place to sunbathe or take a refreshing dip.
So join the locals on the beach, dip your toes in the North Sea, and head to Gelateria Milano for the best ice cream.
For something different, walk to the Sofitel Grand Sopot. Built in 1927, it is an iconic five-star hotel that once hosted famous guests like Marlene Dietrich, Charles de Gaulle, and Fidel Castro.
It’s worth stopping by for a drink at the elegant bar or walking around its historic gardens.
Read more: The Perfect 2 Days in Krakow Itinerary
If time allows, explore Gdynia, the modern sibling of the Tricity trio. I have visited Gdynia, and while it is lovely, I would suggest spending more time in Sopot or heading back to Gdansk.
You can catch the train back or take an Uber.
Return to Gdańsk for dinner at Restauracja Gvara, where Polish dishes are served with a contemporary twist.
Reflect on the incredible moments during your 2 days in Gdansk, its history, culture, and beauty.
Gdansk is well-connected by air, train, bus, and car, making it easily accessible from both within Poland and abroad.
The main gateway is Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN), located about 12 km from the city centre, with frequent flights from major European cities and domestic connections to Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław.
From the airport, you can reach the city centre by SKM train (Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna) in about 25 minutes, by bus, or by taxi and rideshare services like Bolt and Uber.
If travelling by train, Gdansk Głowny Railway Station has regular connections to Warsaw (around 3 hours), Krakow, and other Polish cities via PKP Intercity. Check Trainline for some excellent deals.
For budget travellers, long-distance buses from companies like FlixBus provide an affordable option from cities like Berlin, Vilnius, and Warsaw.
If you’re driving, the A1 motorway connects Gdansk to central and southern Poland, though parking in the Old Town can be limited. Additionally, ferry connections from Sweden operate seasonally, making Gdansk an excellent entry point for travellers from Scandinavia.
I booked car rental with Discover Cars to explore Poland; I recommend them for some excellent deals.
If you are travelling around Poland after or before your 2 days in Gdansk, you might find these articles helpful:
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For a perfect two-day stay in Gdansk, here are six accommodation options for different budgets:
Spending 2 days in Gdansk offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic waterfront charm.
With its compact layout, excellent dining options, and fascinating museums, Gdansk rewards curious travellers. Two days may not feel like enough, but it’s a great start to falling in love with this remarkable place.
If you have an extra day, I highly recommend visiting Malbork Castle. You can do so independently by public transport or join this popular half day tour.
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