You must see this in Gdańsk. The most important attractions you cannot miss.

Gdańsk is a city where the history of the Hanseatic League intertwines with the industrial heritage of the shipyards and the painful chapters of the 20th century. If you're planning a trip, here are five spots that show the city from completely different perspectives – both literally and figuratively.

Żuraw M3 - a view from the former shipyard

On the grounds of the former Imperial Shipyard stands a crane over sixty years old, which for decades helped build ships.

Żuraw M3 was built in 1963, and since 2019 its observation platform has been open to visitors. It's a massive structure weighing over 300 tons, which once lifted loads to a height of 40 meters. Today, instead of ship hulls, it carries tourists – to enjoy the panorama from 30 meters, you need to climb 133 metal steps.

But the effort is worth it: from the top, you can see the Museum of World War II, the Ołowianka footbridge, the Basilica of St. Mary, New Port, and the Energa stadium. Interestingly, the name M3 comes from the Młode Miasto (Young City) district, which was built on post-shipyard land, and the number refers to the third crane at the waterfront. An added bonus – tickets are charitable in nature, with proceeds supporting a local foundation.

When planning to visit Gdańsk and the surrounding areas, it's worth arranging convenient transport right after arrival. Car rental at Gdańsk airport lets you pick up a vehicle quickly and explore both the city's major attractions and places outside the center without restrictions.

Gdańsk Water System Trail – the city from below and above

This is one of the more unusual attractions in the Tri-City area. The trail connects three facilities: the historic Old Orunia Water Tank from 1869, the Old Sobieski Water Tank from 1911, and the modern Kazimierz pressure tower on Sobieszewo Island.

The most remarkable is Old Orunia – an underground red-brick reservoir explored via special walkways, as its bottom is still filled with water. It's also one of the most important winter bat roosts in northern Poland – last winter, 120 individuals of several species were counted there, so the site can only be visited during the summer season.

Meanwhile, the Sobieski Tank impresses with its acoustics – sound travels here up to 200 meters and echoes back even after seven seconds.

It's worth bringing a jacket, as it can be cool underground, and each site is visited only with a guide.

Imperial Shipyard – an industrial evening with street food (100cznia)

The grounds of the former shipyard are now one of Gdańsk's most atmospheric spaces. Container food zones, concerts, and cultural events take place surrounded by old halls and cranes, creating a blend of raw industrial charm with modern, urban energy.

It's the perfect place for an evening – especially in summer, when the nearby Żuraw M3 glows against the sunset over the Dead Vistula.

European Solidarity Centre

Although it's one of the most obvious suggestions in the city, it's hard to skip. The ESC is a modern museum dedicated to the history of the Solidarity movement and the transformations that changed Central and Eastern Europe in the 1980s and 90s.

The building, designed to resemble a rusting ship hull, stands right at the historic Gate No. 2 of Gdańsk Shipyard – the place where the August Agreements were signed in 1980.

Westerplatte

A symbolic place marking the beginning of World War II. This is where, on September 1, 1939, the German battleship "Schleswig-Holstein" fired the first shots, beginning a seven-day defense of a Polish military outpost.

Today, at Westerplatte you can visit the remains of barracks and fortifications, as well as the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast overlooking the Gdańsk Bay. This is a must-visit place for anyone wanting to understand the city's historical context.

How to visit all this efficiently?

These five spots are scattered across different parts of Gdańsk, so the most convenient way to explore them is at your own pace with a rental car. If you're looking for flexibility and want to see more than just the city center, check out YourRent's offer in Gdańsk – it will make discovering Gdańsk easier without the limitations of public transport schedules.