Travel Guide by Shuttle Direct
  • Home
  • WHAT WE OFFER
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Guides
    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Bulgaria
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Korea Republic
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukranie
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • News
    • Web Discounts and Coupons
MY BOOKING
  • en
HELP

Discover the Cultural Gems of Gdańsk

Poland, Travel Guides | 11 August, 2017 | 0 | by Nick Woodroof
Discover the Cultural Gems of Gdańsk

With a beautiful Old Town, stunning cathedral and engaging museums, it’s easy to see why Gdańsk has enjoyed such attention from discerning holidaymakers in recent years. A successful post-war reconstruction has reinvigorated this Baltic city, and it’s not an overstatement to say that it surely ranks alongside Bilbao, Liverpool and Marseille when it comes to port cities that have cut a dash on the European cultural scene in the past decade. With this guide to one of Poland’s most fascinating destinations, you’ll get to sample the spirit of this distinctive city and discover its many cultural gems.

St Mary’s Church

Allegedly the largest brick church in the world (its cavernous interior has a capacity of up to 25,000), St Mary’s Church is an excellent place to begin an exploration of the city. Construction on this icon of Gdańsk began in 1343 and culminated in 1502. Aside from containing a number of notable works of art – including a copy of Memling’s The Last Judgement – St Mary’s is perhaps most intriguing for its giant astronomical clock, made in 1464.

Once you’ve managed to get to grips with its sheer size, you’ll start to notice its intricate dials, one of which shows the position of the sun and moon relative to the signs of the zodiac while another has the slightly more mundane function of showing the time and date. The 78 metre-high church tower is also well worth ascending (all 405 steps of it!) for a viewing platform which allows you to savour the entrancing sweep of city and sea.

Gdansk

National Museum’s Department of Early Art

A fine array of Polish and international art and crafts can be found at the National Museum’s Department of Early Art, including late medieval textiles from across Europe, woodcarvings and a renowned collection of Renaissance Dutch and Flemish paintings. Amassed through donations from city burghers and craft guilds since the museum’s foundation in 1872, the collection is housed in a former Franciscan monastery which, like so many of Gdansk’s historic buildings, was damaged during World War II but thankfully restored.

For a taste of the crafts that have been historically produced in the region, make sure you see the wonderfully elaborate Danzig wardrobes, which have long been popular throughout the country.

Dlugi Targ

This square in the heart of the Old Town contains yet further reminders of Gdansk’s prominent place in Polish history – as well as some quirky local tales.

The beautiful Golden House, finished in 1618, has a striking façade which includes carved scenes and busts of Polish historical figures.

The Green Gate, at the east end of Dlugi Targ, was constructed in the 1560s with the intention of being a royal residence; ultimately it was never used however – Poland’s monarchs instead chose to stay in other houses close by.

From a historical perspective, the Neptune Fountain has a claim to fame as the country’s oldest non-religious monument, dating from 1613. However, the people of Gdańsk know it fondly for the story of how Goldwasser, the city’s famous liqueur, flowed from the god’s trident one night, much to the delight of passers-by soon after its completion. Sadly there’s been a wrought-iron barrier around the fountain since 1634, so should the Lord of the Sea decide to put on a display during your visit you’re still probably better off visiting a bar for a taste of Goldwasser!

How to Get to Gdańsk

Ryanair has a direct flight from London Stansted to Gdańsk Airport that takes just over two hours. One-stop flights are also available from a number of airlines, including SAS – prices start from approximately £375. Before you travel, make sure to pre-book an airport transfer from Gdańsk Airport to your hotel with Shuttle Direct. Don’t take a risk with unreliable local transportation; start your holiday off the right way with Shuttle Direct’s punctual and efficient transfer service.

Where to Stay

Focus Hotel Premium Gdańsk – This modern 4-star hotel is located in Wrzeszcz district which, as well as being an excellent area for shopping, is also only 3 miles from the Old Town and under 6 miles from the airport. With a sauna, gym and in-house restaurant waiting for you after a day of cultural stimulation, the Focus Hotel Premium Gdańsk offers class and comfort in abundance.

Radisson Blu Hotel – Set in a former Gothic-style tenement building, the 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel strikes the perfect balance between aesthetic charm and modern comforts. Its superb in-house restaurant, the Verre en Vers, serves excellent French cuisine and there is also a sauna and steam room onsite. Dlugi Targ is right on the Radisson Blu Hotel’s doorstep too, so you won’t have to travel far to explore the wonders of Gdańsk.

 

About Shuttle Direct

Shuttle Direct is the leading provider of airport transfer services in Europe and North Africa. For years travellers have entrusted Shuttle Direct to handle their transport needs, and our excellent range of low-cost and efficient services provide holidaymakers with a stress-free start to their vacation. Book your transfer through our easy to use online booking system and let us do the rest while you plan your dream holiday to Gdańsk!

GDANSKGDNPoland

About the Author

Nick Woodroof

Nick Woodroof

Nick is a freelance writer, travel blogger and wannabe flâneur who has lived, studied and worked in India and is always seeking an excuse to go back! Nick has been published in The Travel Magazine and has written for several organisations in the travel industry while working for LeadGeneratorsDigital. Outside of travel and writing, Nick enjoys the occasional half-marathon, whipping up a curry (not always successfully) and volunteering with local heritage organisations.
View all posts by Nick Woodroof →
Previous
Splashing Around in Marmaris
Next
Much to Rave about Rhodes

Related Posts

  • The Hidden Gems of Krakow for Solo Adventurers

    The Hidden Gems of Krakow for Solo Adventurers

  • Glean Knowledge in Gdansk: Two Must-Visit Museums

    Glean Knowledge in Gdansk: Two Must-Visit Museums

  • Polish Off a Polish Meal: Tasty Traditional Eats

    Polish Off a Polish Meal: Tasty Traditional Eats

  • Wonders of Wroclaw: Historical and Cultural Sites

    Wonders of Wroclaw: Historical and Cultural Sites

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Origin not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

Destination not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

You should at least select 1 passenger.

No

Additional Luggage?

Passengers Done
  • + -

  • + -

You should at least select 1 adult passenger.

Please indicate child age.

Additional Luggage Done

Each passenger may carry one standard piece of luggage and one small item of hand luggage (for example a handbag or laptop). If you have additional or extra large baggage or sporting equipment, select from the options below:

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

Outbound journey Done
Flight arrival date
Flight arrival time

Please insert the date and time of your flight arrival (not take off), as informed by the airline. The driver will take into account luggage collection and inmigration formalities.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

Return journey
Done Flight return date
Flight departure time

Please insert the date and time the flight takes off, as informed by the airline. The pick-up time will be calculated automatically taking into account journey time and check-in time at airport.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

ShuttleDirect

    banner

    Search

    Follow

    Categories

    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Azerbaijan
    • Bahrain
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Country Profile
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Discounts & Coupons
    • Dominican Republic
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • Foodie Posts
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Indonesia
    • Infographics
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Katar
    • Korea Republic
    • latest news
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macau
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Recipes
    • Romania
    • Route Guides
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Sin categoría @en
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Travel Guides
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukraine
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • vietnam
    • vietnam
    • Rhodes Shore Excursions

      Rhodes Shore Excursions

      24 February, 2017 | 0
    • Enjoy a Budget Break in Augsburg

      Enjoy a Budget Break in Augsburg

      2 February, 2016 | 0
    • Best Places to Stay in Phuket for Families and Couples

      Best Places to Stay in Phuket for Families and Couples

      3 December, 2019 | 0

    Archives

    • November 2020 (3)
    • October 2020 (2)
    • September 2020 (2)
    • August 2020 (3)
    • July 2020 (5)
    • June 2020 (13)
    • May 2020 (6)
    • April 2020 (6)
    • March 2020 (8)
    • February 2020 (6)
    • January 2020 (7)
    • December 2019 (11)
    • November 2019 (8)
    • October 2019 (8)
    • September 2019 (10)
    • August 2019 (15)
    • July 2019 (13)
    • June 2019 (15)
    • May 2019 (22)
    • April 2019 (22)
    • March 2019 (21)
    • February 2019 (20)
    • January 2019 (22)
    • December 2018 (33)
    • November 2018 (32)
    • October 2018 (34)
    • September 2018 (35)
    • August 2018 (35)
    • July 2018 (30)
    • June 2018 (32)
    • May 2018 (31)
    • April 2018 (30)
    • March 2018 (31)
    • February 2018 (34)
    • January 2018 (30)
    • December 2017 (33)
    • November 2017 (26)
    • October 2017 (23)
    • September 2017 (24)
    • August 2017 (37)
    • July 2017 (23)
    • June 2017 (26)
    • May 2017 (27)
    • April 2017 (27)
    • March 2017 (28)
    • February 2017 (24)
    • January 2017 (23)
    • December 2016 (20)
    • November 2016 (29)
    • October 2016 (30)
    • September 2016 (32)
    • August 2016 (41)
    • July 2016 (38)
    • June 2016 (40)
    • May 2016 (34)
    • April 2016 (36)
    • March 2016 (58)
    • February 2016 (33)
    • January 2016 (69)
    • December 2015 (37)
    • November 2015 (45)
    • October 2015 (50)
    • September 2015 (36)
    • August 2015 (33)
    • July 2015 (31)
    • June 2015 (28)
    • May 2015 (37)
    • April 2015 (35)
    • March 2015 (34)
    • February 2015 (17)
    • January 2015 (13)
    • December 2014 (5)
    • November 2014 (5)
    • October 2014 (6)
    • September 2014 (1)
    2003 - 2016 Shuttledirect operated by Viajes Alameda CV-Mm037A

    SHUTTLEDIRECT.COM

    • Service types
    • About us
    • help & FAQ
    • Sitemap

    LEGAL INFORMATION

    • Credit card security
    • Privacy policy
    • Terms & conditions

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • google +
    • linkedIn
    • YouTube
    • pinterest

    BUSINESS SERVICES

    • website owners
    • transport companies

    This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience.

    Find out more or adjust your settings.

    Powered by GDPR plugin
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

    3rd Party Cookies

    More information about our Cookie Policy