Lions, Lovers, and Lost Heads: A Tour of Gdansk’s Old Town

Gdansk is one of Poland’s most dramatic medieval cities. On this walking tour, you’ll hear tales of gruesome public executions, fascinating dark history, and a handful of love stories. You’ll also find out how this Baltic port city became one of Europe’s wealthiest trading centres.

Starting at Targ Sienny (the Hay Market), you’ll follow Długi Targ – the long, historical street nicknamed the Royal Way – where wealthy merchants once flaunted their fortunes. You’ll pass through the magnificent Brama Wyżynna (High Gate) and Brama Złota (Golden Gate). You’ll hear about the vengeful executioner’s daughter, Sydonia, who beheaded her unrequited love, and learn why severed heads once decorated city gates as grim warnings to potential lawbreakers.

As you weave through cobblestone streets where medieval brewers started each day with beer soup, you’ll pass the world’s largest brick church, St. Mary’s Church, and walk along the atmospheric Green Bridge with its Instagram-worthy views. As you make your way to Targ Węglowy (the Coal Market), where the tour ends, you’ll hear stories that bring the city’s turbulent past to life, including tales of WWII destruction and colourful Hanseatic League merchants.

On this 90-minute Gdansk walking tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Take in Neptune’s Fountain and hear the legend behind Gdansk’s famous Goldwasser vodka, made with real gold flakes
• Explore the Main Town Hall, where the city’s wealthy elite once governed this autonomous trading powerhouse
• Visit Fahrenheit’s Meteorological Column, honouring the Gdansk-born scientist who created the temperature scale Americans still use
• Admire the medieval Gdansk Crane, once powered by workers walking inside giant human treadmills
• Walk St. Mary’s Street with its distinctive terraces and spot the gargoyles that spit rainwater at unsuspecting passersby
• See the Great Armoury’s provocatively excited lion sculpture and learn about the ”Old Pharmacy” where bullets were manufactured

Experience Gdansk beyond the guidebooks, where every Gothic facade and cobblestone alley holds secrets waiting to be discovered.