Gdańsk Christmas Market: amber, lights and Hanseatic charm

Gdańsk's Christmas market sets up on Targ Węglowy, right at the gateway to the historic Main Town and the Long Market. With a Ferris wheel, wooden stalls and gabled merchant houses glowing with lights, the old Hanseatic port feels especially atmospheric in winter.

Fun facts

• Gdańsk was one of the wealthiest Hanseatic trading ports on the Baltic for centuries.
• St Mary's Church is among the largest brick churches in the world.
• Goldwasser, a herbal liqueur with flakes of gold, has been made in Gdańsk since the late 16th century.

What to see

• Neptune's Fountain and the Artus Court on the Long Market.
• The Christmas stalls and Ferris wheel on Targ Węglowy.
• Mariacka Street, with its stone terraces and amber jewellery shops.

What to taste

• Grzaniec, hot spiced wine that keeps you warm in the Baltic wind.
• Pierogi with cabbage and mushroom, a Polish Christmas Eve classic.
• Smoked Baltic fish such as mackerel or herring, sold at stalls and bars.

What to do

• Climb the tower of St Mary's Church for views over the red roofs.
• Walk along the Motława river past the medieval wooden crane.
• Visit the European Solidarity Centre to learn about the Solidarity movement.

💡 Tip: From the airport take the PKM train or bus 210 into the city. Evenings by the sea are cold and windy, so pack a warm hat and gloves.