In July 2026, I stopped in Gdańsk for a day while on a 9-day Baltic cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun. Our time in port was very limited, docking at 6:30 am and sailing away at 2:00 pm. Thankfully, Gdańsk’s Old Town is small enough to cover on foot quickly. During WWII, over 90% of Gdańsk’s historical buildings were destroyed. Post-war, the massive rebuild began. While structures themselves aren’t original, the charm still is. This Hanseatic League city has so much to offer, even if you only have a few hours. Here is how to spend a perfect port day in Gdańsk, Poland!
Read More: Full Review: 9-Day NCL Sun Baltic Cruise
Excursion with Norwegian Cruise Line
While the port stop was advertised as Gdańsk, we were actually docked in Gdynia which is about a 30-minute drive away. Given our short time in port and the logistics of getting from the cruise ship into the city and back in time, I decided to book an excursion. I booked Highlights Of Gdańsk, which was round-trip bus transportation and a guided tour around the city. I am not one for guided tours, and didn’t realize that this was part of the excursion when I booked it. That was my fault! Instead, I should have booked Gdańsk At Leisure, which is transportation without a tour. I ended up leaving my group and meeting up with them at the bus. It worked out and I’m glad I was able to have the freedom to explore Gdańsk at my own pace (even if it was only for a couple of hours)!
Stroll Długa (Long Street)
While on a port day in Gdańsk, you must take time to stroll down Długa (Long Street). This wide, pedestrian-only street is lined with everything you can ever want. Restaurants, shops, museums. It’s the heart of the city! Grab a coffee or a bite to eat an open-air cafe and watch the world go by. It’s a bustling street with no shortage of people watching! Długa is over 300 meters long and connects the Green Gate and the Golden Gates (more on those below). This street, while rebuilt after the war, is home to the main town hall, Neptune’s fountain, and beautiful colorful burgher houses. It’s a perfect first stop in Gdańsk and will definitely be a highlight!
Golden & Green Gates
The Golden Gate and Green Gates mark the ends of Długa and what is known as the “Royal Route.” When you’re strolling down Długa, these will likely be your starting and ending points. The Green Gate is located on the far eastern end, right on the Motława River and next to the (appropriately named) Green Bridge. This gate beautifully frames the view down Długa with the iconic town hall spire. This gate was designed after the Antwerp City Hall and was built as a residence for Polish monarchs (though none ever actually lived there!)
At the far western end (near the Prison Tower, Katownia) is the Golden Gate. This gate was rebuilt post-WWII to its original glory. I found this one to be much more grand than the Green Gate, and loved the way the colorful buildings perfectly outline the gate’s facade. Both are such warm welcomes to the hustle and bustle of Długa!
Shop for Amber on Mariacka Street
While the Baltics in general are famous for their amber, it’s actually Gdańsk that is known as the world capital! If you’re looking to snag a souvenir, make your way to Mariacka Street. This street is also known as “Amber Street” and is lined with boutique after boutique selling certified Baltic amber. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, home decor, or just a small bag of amber pieces (like what I got), you can find it on Mariacka Street. If not, strolling down this street is still worth your time. It’s another pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with more burgher houses. A beautiful walk whether you’re shopping or not!
Tip: be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity with your amber purchases, to be sure it is true Baltic amber
St. Mary’s Church
At the end of Mariacka, you will find straight on views of the pride of Gdańsk: St. Mary’s Church. St. Mary’s is a Roman Catholic co-cathedral and is one of the largest brick churches in the world. It also suffered severe damage in WWII and the restoration efforts are ongoing to this day. Thankfully the astronomical clock, one of the most iconic elements of St. Mary’s, survived the war. Prior to the German invasion that leveled most of Gdańsk, the clock was disassembled and taken out of the city. Today, St. Mary’s is free to enter and admire the meticulous re-craftmanship of this church. For a few Polish złoty, you can climb the stairs to the top of the spire for views of the city. It is over 400 steps and no elevator, though!
Walk the Waterfront
When you want to escape the hustle and bustle during your port day in Gdańsk, no better place than along the Motława River. This river flows right through the heart of Old Town and is very slow moving. Because of this, it made for increidble reflections off the buildings onto the water! I couldn’t take enough photos! Because it is such a calm river, there are also kayaks, water-bikes or other paddle boats around the river. Several river cruises also leave from the area of the Green Gate. The promenade along the river is a great place for a stroll. I’d recommend crossing the bridge and walking on the side of Wyspa Spichrzów. That way you can get views of Old Town! Don’t miss the famous and historic Old Port Crane and the rotating bridge (that I almost got stuck on!).
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