Explore unusual attractions in Gdansk and interesting places in the city

Gdansk is a city that impresses not only with the famous Royal Road and the majestic St. Mary's Basilica. Unusual attractions of Gdansk reveal the face of the city that you will not find in popular guides. For those who are looking for exciting adventures for the younger generation or dream of exploring regional treasures in an alternative way, we have prepared a guide to the most interesting hidden corners of the Tri-City metropolis.

Surprising places for adventurous travelers

Are you wondering What to see in Gdansk and are you looking for inspiration for youth attractions? Are you planning to visit Gdańsk and its surroundings in an unusual way? We have for you 7 places where you can spend 2 attractive days.

Catacombs

The first of the unusual attractions of Gdańsk are the fascinating catacombs under the oldest parish church in the city. The Church of St. Catherine, whose history dates back to the 13th century, hides under itself a real labyrinth of underground corridors and halls. This medieval underground once served as a burial place for the most illustrious inhabitants of the city. Today you can find here the tomb of the famous astronomer Jan Heweliusz and valuable epitaphs of the patricians of Gdańsk. The 76-meter tower of the church also houses the Gdańsk Science Museum with a collection of antique tower clocks - the only one in Poland.Practical information: The tower is accessible seasonally (May-September), entrance fee. The observation deck offers a magnificent view of the entire Tricity.

Little Gdansk on Granary Island

Granary Island is a place where history meets modernity in a unique way. This artificial island was created in the 16th century and was the heart of the commercial power of Gdańsk. At its peak, more than 300 granaries stood here, where grain from all over Europe was stored. Today, the revitalized island offers a unique combination of historic architecture with modern apartment buildings and hotels. Particularly noteworthy is the historic Milk Stągwie (Stągiewna Gate) from 1517-1519, an interactive exhibition in the Archaeological Museum, which shows the history of trade and the rotating footbridge connecting the island with the Long Bridge. The complex is crowned with a modern conference center with amazing views of Motława. This place perfectly complements attractions for couples in Gdańsk — evening walks along the Motława River near illuminated monuments create a romantic atmosphere.

Air raid shelters

Gdańsk hides an extensive network of air raid shelters from the Second World War underground. These impressive structures, designed to withstand the impact of a 100-kilogram bomb, are real miracles of military engineering.The most famous shelters are located under the Central Station. One of the largest in the Tri-City (400 m²) is located at Kliniczna Street. It is a three-storey bunker with meters of ceiling thickness. Another shelter worth visiting has been converted into a nightclub. “Bunkier Club” is very impressive and is located at Olejarna Street 3.Some of these buildings have gained a second life as cultural spaces, others are waiting for visitors during special events organized by the city.

M3 crane in the Imperial Shipyard

The M3 crane is an authentic shipbuilding crane from 1963, which for decades served in the Gdańsk shipyard to handle heavy shipbuilding structures. Today, this impressive structure, with a height of more than 30 meters, has gained a second life as one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire Tricity. The facility is located on Zapejeniowców Street, right next to the pontoon bridge leading to Ostrów Island. This is the first of the facilities on the territory of the Imperial Shipyard, which was made available to visitors as part of the process of revitalization of this historic area.From the 360-degree observation platform there is a breathtaking view of:

• To the east: Famous KONE cranes with Wrzescz and Oliwa in the background, Olivia Star skyscrapers, moraine hills
• In the south: Dead Vistula with vessels, working shipyards, urban development
• To the west: Building of the European Solidarity Centre, office buildings, tenement houses at Jan z Koln
• In the north: Energa Gdansk Stadium, wave tower in Nowy Port, panorama of the Gulf of Gdansk

Jewish Cemetery in Bratna

One of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in this part of Europe is located on Chełm in Gdańsk, in the range of moraine hills. The Jewish cemetery on Bratnya (actually at Cmentarna Street) was founded in the 16th century and is an extraordinary testimony to the multicultural past of the city. From the original hundreds of tombstones (matzevs), about 30 visible fragments have been preserved. The oldest surviving matzeva dates from 1841. Particularly valuable is the only surviving ohel - a Jewish tomb resembling a small building, erected over the grave of a deserving rabbin.This place offers not only a history lesson, but also magnificent views of the Gulf of Gdansk and the rising sun reflected in the sea.

Torpedo tower in Babich Doly (Gdynia)

The torpedo tower in Babie Doly is one of the most mysterious objects on the Polish coast. Built by the Germans in 1940-1942, it was part of the complex Torpedowaffenplatz Hexengrund - a research center for aerial torpedoes for the Luftwaffe.The structure was erected on sunken caissons at a distance of about 300 meters from the shore. It was connected to the land by a narrow-gauge railway, which was transported by torpedo components. On land there were assembly plants, a power plant and technical rooms. The entire complex operated until April 1945, when the Germans evacuated from the base.

Today, the dark ruins protruding from the sea form one of the most photographed and picturesque objects on the Polish coast. They look especially impressive during winter storms, when waves crash into concrete debris.

• Availability: The property can only be viewed from the shore (no access to the ruin)
• Best viewpoints: Beach and cliffs in Babich Doly
• Recommendations: It is worth taking binoculars for a better view of the details of the structure
• Best time: Any time of year, especially dramatic views during storms

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Cliff in Orlow (Gdynia)

The Cliff in Orłowo is one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Polish coast and indisputably one of the most beautiful attractions of Gdańsk and its surroundings. Rising 60 meters above the level of the Baltic Sea, it is the highest cliff on the entire Polish coast and offers unforgettable views of the Gulf of Gdańsk. It is a place that combines geological heritage, natural beauty and opportunities for active recreation.

The Cliff in Orłowo is a work of nature that was formed for thousands of years during and after the last glaciation. The waves of the Baltic undercut the base of the cliff, causing the shoreline to slowly retreat. Natural processes make the cliff dynamic and its appearance changes slightly from year to year, making each visit a slightly different experience.

Brygidek Monastery at Profesorska Street

The Basilica of St. Bridget is a place of exceptional historical and social significance. This monastery church, dating from the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, went down in history in August 1980, when it became a center of spiritual support for striking workers. The Brygidek Monastery offers visitors a unique architecture, one of the few surviving monastery buildings in Gdańsk. There we can see the Amber Altar 11 meters high, a historic well from the 12th century, discovered during the cleaning works, and the Solidarity Museum, which documents the role of the church in the opposition movement.

Culinary adventure after intensive sightseeing

Visiting the hidden corners of Gdańsk awakens the appetite for unique culinary experiences. Secret Room is a place that fits perfectly into the atmosphere of discovering unusual attractions of the city. Ta Restaurant in Gdańsk offers more than just a meal — it is a real feast for the senses in an environment that is an attraction in itself. The location impresses with its original approach to mixing European flavors with Asian touches of WOK and street food cuisine. Masterfully prepared cocktails are the perfect complement to the menu, and cozy lighting creates an atmosphere conducive to relaxation after a busy day of sightseeing. The lounge area allows you to calmly enjoy the flavors in comfortable conditions.It is an excellent proposal for all those looking for attractions for couples in Gdańsk and a place where everyone will find their space to relax in a stylish way.

Gdansk without stress — practical advice

How to get to unusual attractions

Most of the described places are located in the city center and can be reached on foot from the main tourist attractions. Public transport in Gdańsk is well developed — trams, buses and SKM connect all districts of the city.

Best time to visit

• Spring and summer - the best conditions for visiting outdoor places
• Autumn - fewer tourists, the perfect time to explore history in peace
• Winter - special events and festive atmosphere in historic interiors

Attraction planning

Many of the described places are located close to each other. Sample Routes:

• Historical route: St. Catherine's Church → Brigidek Monastery → Jewish Cemetery
• Industrial route: Granary Island → Old Slaughterhouse → Anti-aircraft shelters
• Industrial route (all day): Imperial Shipyard → M3 Crane → Anti-aircraft shelters → Granary Island → Old Rzeźnia

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Authentic Gdansk for true seekers

These unusual attractions of Gdansk present a wealth of cultural heritage that goes far beyond the standard tourist guides. Each of the described locations, from mysterious underground to industrial relics, is a key piece of the puzzle of the history of the city on the Motława. Sightseeing Gdańsk outside the standard tourist routes allows for a deeper understanding of the centuries-old history of this place. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend for two full of mysterious discoveries or looking for exciting adventures and riddles for young explorers, the places presented will provide an unforgettable experience. The real Gdansk reveals its secrets to those who dare to go off the beaten tourist routes.

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