There are numerous viewpoints in Gdansk. This includes, of course, city panorama if you are close to the city centre, but it’s not only the old Gdansk that you can see. Here are some viewpoints in Gdansk to choose from:
Viewpoints in Gdansk close to the city centre
St Mary’s Church
This is the biggest brick-made church in Europe, and the most popular Gdansk viewpoint at the same time. Visiting it inside is a must. And once you’re inside, look for the entrance to the tower, on your left when you enter the church. The entrance to the tower costs 8 PLN (reduced price: 4 PLN), and then you are going to take the narrow steps up. It’s a bit claustrophobic until you get to the bells. They are still working, so if you happen to be there at a full hour, you’ll see (and hear) them in action. Then a short way up, and you get to the top. There’s a lot to see from here, not only the Main Town but also the shipyard, the sea, and green terrains outside the centre.
The ascent to the tower is available from 25th of March till 30th of November
Zieleniak – Restaurant Panorama
The high, green building close to the main train station is quite interesting for an office building. This is the first “skyscraper” in Gdansk, and its name “Zieleniak” derives from its colour (zielony means “green” in Polish). It was constructed on two pillars, and its floors were built from the highest to the lowest. At the very top of the building, there is a restaurant “Panorama”. So if you want to eat dinner and have a great view of the city at the same time, this is the place to go.
Main City Hall
Although it’s not the best known for being a viewpoint, the City Hall of the Main Town provides a good view of Gdansk’s most popular places. Its central location makes it the best option to see Dluga Street and Dlugi Targ. There is also a nice view of St Mary’s Church. A ticket to the tower costs 5 PLN
St Catherine’s Church – Clock Tower’s Museum
50 metres above the ground, in the tower of St Catherine’s church, there is a small viewpoint. There’s a great view to the Old Town, with the former Dominican Cloister close to the church. The ticket price is 10 PLN.
Archaeological Museum
It’s not the highest viewpoint in Gdansk, but that one is closest to the Motlawa river, in one of the most beautiful streets – Mariacka Street. It offers the best view of the river – including Soldek ship – and towards St Mary’s church. The ticket to the museum costs 8 PLN + 5 PLN for the tower.
The Archaeological Museum is temporarily closed.
Amber Sky Gdansk
London has the London Eye and Gdansk has Amber Sky. It is the newest, and the most expensive, viewpoint in Gdansk. It was first run in 2014 and became a great success. Gdansk’s Amber Sky is 50 meters high, and the whole turn lasts about 15 minutes. It is located on Granary Island and provides a good view of Motlawa River and Main City.
Amber Sky Gdansk ticket price is 37 PLN, 27 for children (up to 1,4m of height)
Viewpoints in Gdansk outside the city centre
Gradowa Hill
Gradowa Hill can be seen from many places in Gdansk, and definitely from all the other viewpoints in Gdansk – this is the hill with the Millennium Cross on it. It’s a bit outside the centre, but worth visiting, as you can see the entire old Gdansk from there and many, many more. To get there, you should take a path going up from the Main Bus Terminal. Passing by old military fortifications will lead you to the top of the hill. It’s accessible all the time, though if you plan to go there after sunset, take a torch with you.
Old Fortifications in Dolne Miasto
Dolne Miasto is becoming more and more popular recently, due to the latest renovation works and the Feta festival, which used to take place here every year in July. There are some old fortifications here, including Bastion Zubr and St Gertruda’s Bastion. They can be climbed to see the Motlawa river and the old moat that complemented the fortifications.
Pacholek Hill in Oliwa
If you go to see Oliwa park and Cathedral or Oliwa Zoo, don’t miss the Pacholek Hill – if you want to see the green part of Gdansk, that is the place you should go. To get there, you should go east from Oliwa Park towards ZOO, and then take a steep path, that starts opposite to big Mill’s Pond. It’s about 5–10 minutes from here, but the walk can be tiring.
If you come here during the day, you’ll see Trojmiejski Landscape Park on one side, and Oliwa and residential zones on the other. The latter looks beautiful at night too, but you should remember to take a torch to get to the tower.
Olivia Star building
There is another viewpoint in Gdansk Oliwa, and it may be seen in the picture above. On the 32nd floor of the Olivia Star building, there is a terrace that offers the view of this part of the city, as well as parts of Sopot and Gdynia. The ticket to the terrace costs 27 PLN if bought at the cash desk, or 25 PLN if bought online.
Kozacza Hill
This is the newest viewpoint in Gdansk, located in the south-eastern part of Gdansk, in the residential zone. I don’t recommend coming here unless you live nearby and want to see your neighbourhood from a different perspective.