15 Free Things to Do in Gdańsk: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Guide (2025)
Are you planning a trip to Gdańsk and hoping to keep your budget in check? You’re in luck. This beautiful Baltic city offers plenty of unforgettable experiences—completely free. From medieval gates and cobbled streets to world-class museums and iconic landmarks, Gdańsk is one of Europe’s best budget destinations. It’s absolutely perfect for travelers who want rich history without spending a cent.
Here are the best free things to do in Gdańsk—perfect for a day trip, weekend getaway or full-on Poland itinerary.
🎟️ 1. Get Free Entrance to the Museum of the Second World War (on Tuesdays)
I completely understand that not everyone wants to dive into heavy, emotional topics while on vacation. I had the same hesitation myself — I wasn’t sure if visiting the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk was the right choice during my short weekend trip. But now, I’m so glad I went.
This museum is powerful, heartbreaking and incredibly important. The past can be ugly, traumatizing and hard to face, but I truly believe that learning about it is the least we can do — especially if we want to avoid repeating it. Walking through the exhibitions, I saw things that shocked me, moved me and stayed with me long after I left. It was one of the most intense museum experiences I’ve ever had; and also one of the most meaningful.
This museum is so worth a visit in Gdansk
And the best part? It’s completely free to visit every Tuesday.
If you’re planning your Gdańsk itinerary, this museum deserves to be in it. Even if it’s a heavy experience, it’s beautifully curated, deeply educational and one of the most impactful things you can do in the city — especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
✨ 2. Walk Through the Iconic Golden Gate
The Golden Gate was one of the first places in Gdańsk that genuinely made me stop in my tracks. I remember walking toward it and thinking, “Wow… this looks like the entrance to a storybook city.” Its elegant arches and intricate details almost feel too perfect to be real—like a beautifully painted backdrop that somehow came to life.
The Golden Gate is one of Gdansk’s most iconic landmarks
As you get closer, the noise of the modern city fades just a little and gets replaced by street musicians, camera shutters and the soft background noise of people wandering through Old Town.
Passing under the arch feels almost symbolic—like you’re stepping straight into the heart of Gdańsk’s history. On one side, everyday life rushes by; on the other, colourful facades, cobbled streets and the beginning of the city’s famous Royal Route stretch out like an invitation.
I love moments like this when traveling—those little transitions where everything shifts, and you suddenly feel the place you’re in. Walking through the Golden Gate is such a simple act, but it sets the tone for the entire Old Town experience. It’s the perfect “I’m really here!” moment and one of those completely free experiences that stays in your memory long after you’ve left.
🎨 3. Admire the Colourful Buildings on Długa Street
Stepping onto Długa Street felt like walking straight into the postcard version of Gdańsk—the one you see online and secretly hope looks the same in real life. Spoiler alert: it looks even better. The buildings here are tall, elegant and bursting with colour, each one painted in soft pastels or rich jewel tones that make the whole street feel so vibrant and alive.
No question that this is one of Gdansk’s most beautiful streets
As I wandered down the cobblestones, I caught myself slowing down just to take it all in. Every facade has some tiny details that you don’t notice at first glance—little statues, carved faces, ornate windows and decorative flourishes that hint at the city’s long merchant history. It’s the kind of place where you look up constantly, because every time you do, you notice something new.
The buildings there are so colorful and truly impressive
There’s always a gentle buzz along Długa Street: locals chatting on benches, travelers snapping photos, street performers adding a bit of magic to the atmosphere. It’s energetic without being chaotic—alive, but still charming and relaxed.
Just walk slowly, let your eyes wander and soak in the colours that make Gdańsk’s Old Town so iconic. It’s one of the simplest free things you can do in the city. And honestly, it’s one of the most memorable.
🏰 4. See the Iconic City Hall Tower
Gdańsk’s City Hall Tower was one of those landmarks that kept pulling my eyes upward no matter where I stood on the street. It rises above the colourful buildings like a proud guardian of the Old Town. Its tall spire catches the light in a way that makes it impossible to ignore.
One thing I absolutely love—and didn’t know before visiting—is that the street leading from the Golden Gate is actually slightly arched. It was designed this way so that the moment you walk through the gate, the City Hall Tower appears perfectly framed at the end of the Royal Route. It’s such a small detail, but it makes the whole scene feel almost theatrical, as if Gdańsk wants to reveal its beauty to you at just the right moment.
As I strolled toward it, I kept having that wonderful travel feeling where history suddenly becomes real. Even if you don’t step inside, standing beneath the tower gives you a sense of connection to the centuries of stories it has watched unfold.
It costs nothing to admire it from the outside, but it adds so much character to your walk through Old Town. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up taking way too many photos of it—from far away, up close and everywhere in between.
There’s no way you can miss this building in Gdansk
Are you visiting during summer? Then you’re in luck! The City Hall Tower opens only during the warmer months, and the view from the top is one of the best in Gdańsk. You’ll get a stunning panorama of the colourful Old Town and the entire Royal Route laid out beneath you. Totally worth the climb.
🔱 5. Snap a Photo at Neptune’s Fountain
Neptune’s Fountain is one of those landmarks that instantly makes you feel like you’ve arrived in Gdańsk. The bronze statue of the sea god stands proudly in the middle of the square, with water glistening around him, and it’s surrounded by colourful buildings that almost seem to frame him perfectly.
I remember approaching the fountain and feeling that little thrill you get when a place looks exactly like you imagined—and somehow even more magical in person. Tourists and locals alike gather here, snapping photos, enjoying a coffee or simply pausing to admire the intricate details of the statue.
This statue is such an iconic landmark in Gdansk
Even if you’re not big on photography, stopping at Neptune’s Fountain is one of those simple, free experiences that makes wandering through the Old Town unforgettable. And yes—take the photo. You’ll want it as a memory of the heartbeat of Gdańsk.
💎 6. Walk Along Mariacka Street: The Prettiest Street in Gdańsk
Mariacka Street instantly stole my heart. I remember my first steps onto the narrow, cobbled street, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It felt like I’d stepped into a Polish fairytale. Every building seemed to have its own personality—elegant townhouses, carved doorways, little wrought-iron lanterns and those whimsical gargoyle drainpipes peeking down at me as if they were keeping an eye on my wanderings.
This street is often considered the most beautiful in Gdansk
Mariacka Street is often called Gdańsk’s most beautiful street—and I can see why—but to be honest, I would have a very tough time deciding between this one and Długa Street. Both have so much charm and character that it really depends on the mood of your walk and which details catch your eye that day.
For me, wandering Mariacka was more than just a stroll—it was a moment to feel the city’s history, charm and quiet magic all at once. No guide, no plan, no ticket—just soaking it all in. It’s one of those free experiences in Gdańsk that stays with you long after you leave.
⛪ 7. Visit St. Mary’s Church: The World’s Biggest Brick Church
Walking up to St. Mary’s Church for the first time, I remember feeling completely dwarfed by its size. It’s massive—so much so that it’s hard to take it all in at once. Yet, somehow, it still feels welcoming.
Inside, the church is equally impressive. The vaulted ceilings, intricate wooden altars and quiet corners give the space a sense of calm and reverence. I spent a good while wandering and imagining the generations of people who have passed through these doors over the centuries. Even if you don’t go inside, just stepping onto the plaza and gazing up at the brickwork is awe-inspiring.
Did you know that this is the World’s biggest brick church?
It’s free to enter, which makes it a perfect budget-friendly stop to include in your Gdańsk itinerary. For me, walking inside St. Mary’s was more about taking a moment to notice the details. It’s impressive without feeling over-the-top, and even a short visit lets you appreciate why it’s such a central part of the city’s history and character.
Wanna get one of the best views of Gdańsk? Then head up to the top of St. Mary’s Church tower. Honestly, the view isn’t quite as impressive as the one from the City Hall Tower, but this one has a big advantage: it’s open all year round. And it only costs 32 złoty to go up, which feels like a pretty good deal for seeing the city from above.
🍺 8. Stroll Down Ul. Piwna (Beer Street)
Ulica Piwna, or Beer Street, is one of those little corners of Gdańsk that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem, even though it’s right in the heart of the Old Town. I loved wandering down this narrow, cobbled street, lined with colourful townhouses, small cafés and shops that invite you to peek inside.
Despite its name, you don’t need to drink anything to enjoy it. The street has a relaxed, charming vibe that makes it perfect for slowing down and soaking up the atmosphere. I found myself smiling at the quirky details—the painted signs, hanging lanterns, and tiny decorative touches on the doors and windows.
Gdansk has some gorgeous streets and this is one of them
For me, Beer Street was a nice contrast to the busier main streets. It’s a simple, free stop where you can just wander, take photos and enjoy the quieter side of Gdańsk’s Old Town. Sometimes, it’s the small streets like this that leave the biggest impression.
🏛️ 9. See the Great Armoury (Wielka Zbrojownia)
The Great Armoury is one of those buildings that made me do a double take the first time I saw it. At first, I wasn’t even sure what it was — the ornate façades, the red brick, the gold details… it almost looks like a palace.
Today, you can’t go inside unless there’s a special event happening — like the famous Gdansk Christmas Market. But honestly, the real magic is in the exterior. The front of the building is so beautifully designed that you can’t help but slow down and notice all of its beautiful details.
This is one of Gdansk’s most beautiful buildings
It’s a quick, completely free stop, but one that adds a burst of history and beauty to your walk around the Old Town.
📜 10. See the Famous Katownia
Katownia, the former prison and torture house, is one of the most striking buildings along Gdańsk’s Royal Route. Its brick tower, arched gateway and decorative details make it look almost too charming for the dark history it holds — which is exactly what makes it such an interesting stop.
You don’t need to go inside to appreciate it. The building itself tells a story: this was once the place where justice was served, punishments were carried out and prisoners were held before facing the city’s executioner. Even today, you can still sense its historical weight just by standing outside and taking in the architecture.
Don’t miss this historical building if you visit Gdansk
It’s a quick, free, and memorable landmark that adds a different layer to Gdańsk’s otherwise colourful and cheerful Old Town. Katownia is a reminder that the city’s past wasn’t always pretty — but it’s these contrasts that make Gdańsk so fascinating to explore.
🔗 11. See the Traces of the Torture That Took Place There
Right next to Katownia, you’ll find small but powerful reminders of what this place once was. If you look closely, you can still spot traces of its darker past — details on the walls, old architectural elements and subtle signs that hint at the torture and punishment that took place here centuries ago.
It’s not a cheerful stop, but it is a fascinating one. These remnants add context to the beautiful buildings around you and remind you that Gdańsk’s history isn’t just decorative façades and colourful streets. The city has layers, and this is where some of the more unsettling ones show through.
Gdansk is beautiful but there are still traces of its dark History
It only takes a moment, it’s completely free, and it adds a deeper understanding of the Old Town’s past — something most visitors walk right past without even noticing.
📍 12. Admire the Highland Gate
The Highland Gate is one of those landmarks that instantly sets the tone as you enter Gdańsk’s Old Town. With its sturdy stone façade, decorative crests and elegant Renaissance details, it looks more like the entrance to a grand estate than a traditional city gate.
It once served as the main defensive entrance to the city and even today it still feels like a proper “welcome” into the historic center.
Make sure you add this beautiful gate to your Gdansk itinerary
What I love about the Highland Gate is how unexpectedly beautiful it is. Most people pass through it on their way to the Golden Gate or the Royal Route, but if you pause for a moment, you notice all the little things: the carved symbols, the stonework and the way the gate perfectly frames the street behind it.
It’s another completely free stop, but one that adds a sense of arrival and history to your walk. Think of it as the opening chapter to Gdańsk’s Old Town — and a pretty impressive one at that.
🎄 13. Visit Europe’s Best Christmas Market (Free Entrance!)
If you’re visiting Gdańsk in late November or December, you’re in for a treat. In 2025, the Gdańsk Christmas Market was officially crowned Europe’s Best Christmas market — recognized by a massive public vote and praised for its festive atmosphere, historic setting and holiday magic.
This was considered Europe’s Best Christmas Market
The moment you step in, you’re surrounded by twinkling lights, wooden stalls, festive music and that cozy winter vibe that makes you forget about the cold. The streets of the Old Town transform into a beautiful winter wonderland, blending history and holiday vibes in a way that few places can.
Gdansk’s Christmas Market is so worth visiting
Whether you’re browsing handcrafted ornaments, sipping mulled wine, listening to carols or simply soaking in the decorations — it’s a truly special experience. And the best part? Entrance is completely free.
Even if you don’t spend a single zloty, walking through the market is one of the most magical things you can do in Gdańsk during winter.
Planning to visit? Check my complete Gdańsk Christmas Market Guide 🎄 with insider tips, best times to go and what to expect!
🌅 14. Walk Along Długie Pobrzeże (The Long Riverside)
Długie Pobrzeże is one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of Gdańsk — the kind of place where the city feels lively, historic and relaxed all at once. The riverside walkway stretches along the Motława River, lined with colourful façades, cafes, boats gently rocking in the water and the sound of people strolling past. It’s one of those spots where you naturally slow down and just enjoy the atmosphere.
This part of Gdansk is gorgeous on a sunny day
What makes this area so special is how much there is to look at. On one side, you have the charming old merchant houses and the famous Crane rising over the waterfront. On the other, reflections of the buildings shimmering on the river, especially beautiful in the early evening when the lights start to glow. It’s the perfect place for a casual walk, take a few photos or simply sitting on a bench and watching the world go by.
Completely free and full of character, Długie Pobrzeże is one of those places you’ll likely return to more than once during your visit — not because you planned to, but because it’s so beautiful.
🏗️ 15. See the Old Port Crane (Żuraw)
The Old Port Crane, or Żuraw, is one of Gdańsk’s most recognizable landmarks along the Motława River. Built in the 15th century, it was once used to load cargo and lift ship masts, playing an important role in the city’s trading history.
Today, the crane stands as a reminder of Gdańsk’s maritime past. Its wooden frame and stone base give it a distinctive, slightly industrial look that contrasts nicely with the colourful waterfront buildings nearby. Even if you don’t go inside the small exhibition, walking along the riverbank and seeing it up close is completely free—and it’s a nice spot for photos with the river and Old Town in the background.
It’s not just a structure—it’s a quiet piece of history that fits naturally into a stroll along the Motława, giving a glimpse of the city’s trading days.
This is one of Gdansk’s most iconic buildings
Gdańsk is one of those cities that proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable experience. From wandering colourful streets and historic gates to admiring riverside views and iconic landmarks, the city is full of moments that cost nothing but your time. Whether you’re exploring the Old Town for a day, strolling along the Motława or soaking in the festive atmosphere at the Christmas Market, Gdańsk invites you to slow down, notice the details and enjoy its history, charm, and energy—completely for free.
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