Motława Riverside & Mariacka Street
A stroll through the old port: Granary Island, the Maritime Museum on Ołowianka, the AmberSky wheel, the medieval Crane, Mariacka Street and St Mary's Basilica.
Route map
Route stops
- 1Granary Island
Granary Island is a historic island on the Motława river, reached by a moveable footbridge. The medieval warehouses have been converted into hotels and restaurants, making it an excellent spot to visit for views of the Old Town's colourful facades reflected in the water below. It's one of Gdansk's most picturesque vantage points.
- 2Gdansk Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum encompasses Gdansk's seafaring heritage across several locations. Visit the medieval Great Crane, the museum ship Soldek—the first vessel built at the shipyards after the Second World War—and exhibitions exploring navigation and shipbuilding traditions. The collections document centuries of maritime trade and industry that shaped this port city's identity and prosperity.
- 3AmberSky
AmberSky is a 50-metre observation wheel on the banks of the Motława river, with fully enclosed cabins offering panoramic views across Gdansk's Old Town and the shipyards beyond. The vistas are particularly striking at sunset. It's a straightforward way to take in the city's key sights from above without the usual tourist theatre.
- 4Gdansk Crane
Europe's largest and oldest medieval harbour crane, built in the 15th century from brick and timber, stands as an iconic feature of Gdansk's skyline on the Motława river. Today, it forms part of the National Maritime Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich maritime heritage and medieval engineering prowess.
- 5Long Riverfront (Długie Pobrzeże)
Riverside promenade along the Motława, once the city's trading and port hub
- 6Mariacka Street
Calle Mariacka is Gdansk's most photogenic street, lined with Renaissance arcades and striking dragon gargoyles. The elevated terraces offer the perfect vantage point for photographs, whilst the street is home to Poland's finest Baltic amber jewellery shops. Situated between the Basílica of Santa María and the Puerta de Santa María, it's a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic architecture and quality craftsmanship.
- 7Basilica of Mary
St Mary's Basilica is the world's largest brick Gothic church, completed between 1343 and 1502. This impressive Gdańsk landmark accommodates up to 25,000 worshippers and houses a remarkable 15th-century astronomical clock. Visitors can climb the 409 steps of the panoramic tower for sweeping views over the city. What to see includes the ornate interior and the intricate mechanics of the famous clock mechanism.
