Hidden Treasures of Gdansk: 7 Unobvious Attractions for Adventure Seekers

Hidden Treasures of Gdansk: 7 Unobvious Attractions for Adventure Seekers

June 11, 2025

Gdansk, the pearl of the Baltic, hides much more than the famous Long Wharf or Neptune's Fountain. It's a city full of mysteries, unobvious places and fascinating stories waiting to be discovered by true adventurers. In this article, we will take you on a journey through seven hidden treasures of Gdansk that are sure to delight both adults and children. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will make you see this beautiful Hanseatic city in a whole new light. From mysterious grottoes to fascinating museums, from rope parks to historic fortifications, each of these places has its own unique history and atmosphere. Ready for an adventure? Let's head into the unknown!

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Whisper through history and illusion

Our adventure begins with an extraordinary place that will stimulate your senses and imagination. The Whispering Grottoes, located in the picturesque Oliwa Park, is a real gem for lovers of acoustic phenomena. This is a place where a whisper from one end of the grotto can be heard clearly at the other end, which creates an amazing impression and is great fun for the whole family. The grottoes are easily accessible - just head to Oliva Park, which is well connected to the city center. Admission to the park and grottoes is free, and the attraction is available all year round. Remember, however, that it is best to visit the place on warmer days, when the park is bustling with activity.

After experiencing the acoustic wonders, it's time for another unusual attraction - the DeJa Vu Museum. This is a place that is sure to surprise and intrigue both children and adults. It is located at 18 Dlugie Ogrody Street, in the heart of Gdansk, easily accessible on foot or by public transportation. The DeJaVu Museum of Illusions is a small but thrilling space that provides plenty of entertainment! Each illusion surprises you and makes you wonder how easily we are fooled by our senses.

Tickets to the museum cost about 30-40 PLN for adults and 25-35 PLN for children (prices as of 2023, it's worth checking current prices on the museum's official website). The museum is open daily, usually from 10:00-18:00, but it is worth checking the exact opening hours before visiting. The tour time is about 1-1.5 hours, making this place an ideal stop during a family stroll around the city.

For those who want to combine science with fun, the next point on our itinerary is the Hevelianum. Located on Gradowa Mountain, at 6 Gradowa St., this modern science center is a place where history meets modernity, offering interactive exhibitions and experiments that fascinate both children and adults. The Hevelianum is housed in restored 19th century fortifications, which adds to its charm and educational value.

The easiest way to get to the Hevelianum is by streetcar or bus - the nearest stop is 'Central Station'. From there it's a short but steep walk uphill. The center is open every day except Mondays, usually from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (until 7:00 pm in summer). Tickets cost about £25-30 for adults and £20-25 for children (prices as of 2023, it's worth checking current prices on the official website). It is worth reserving at least 2-3 hours for the tour to fully enjoy all the attractions.

These three remarkable places are just the beginning of our adventure through the hidden treasures of Gdansk. Each of them offers unique experiences that will stay in the memory of the whole family for a long time. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, a camera and above all - curiosity about the world!

In the embrace of nature and history

The next point of our expedition is Port Brzeźno Rope Park, which offers unforgettable excitement for the whole family. Located in the picturesque Reagan Park, next to the Alice and Daniel Pelczarski Path, the rope park is ideal for adventurers of all ages. The easiest way to reach the park is by bus or streetcar - the nearest stop is 'Reagan Park', from where it is a short walk.

The park offers trails of varying difficulty, including a special junior trail for children up to 10 years old. Ticket prices range from PLN 20 to 50, depending on the route chosen (prices as of 2023, it's worth checking current prices on the park's official website). The park is open daily during the summer season, usually from 10:00 am until dusk. It's worth remembering that queues can form on weekends and in high season, so it's best to plan a visit during the week or in the early morning hours.

After the thrilling adventures in the rope park, it's time for some rest and contemplation. Jan Hevelius' Map of the Northern Sky is a remarkable mural located in Jan Hevelius' square, at 2 Bednarska Street. It is not only a work of art, but also a fascinating lesson in astronomy and history. The mural was created in October 2008 by professors and students of the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts using the sgraffito technique.

The sky map is available for viewing all year round, 24 hours a day, free of charge. It is an ideal place for a short stop during a stroll in the Old Town. Nearby is the statue of John Hevelius, and nearby is the Bread Bridge, also known as the 'Bridge of Love,' where lovers hang padlocks as a sign of their love.

We continue our journey towards Bastion Zubr, which is part of the city's historic fortifications. Located on Grodza Kamienna Street, the bastions offer not only a history lesson, but also beautiful views of the city and a chance to relax outdoors. Zubr Bastion is most easily reached on foot from the Old Town or by public transportation - the nearest stop is 'Glęboka'.

The Bastions are available to visit all year round, free of charge. There are information boards, benches, deck chairs and even free telescopes for admiring the city skyline. It's the perfect place for a picnic or a short rest while sightseeing. It's worth bringing your camera to capture the beautiful views of Gdansk.

At the end of our trip, we will visit the Grand Armory, an impressive monument of Mannerist architecture located at 6 Targ Węglowy St. This majestic building, erected between 1602 and 1605, now houses the Academy of Fine Arts and the Art Armory, an exhibition space showcasing contemporary art.

The Grand Armory is easily accessible - it is located in the heart of the Old Town, near the Central Station. Admission to the building and exhibitions at the Art Armory is usually free. Opening hours may change depending on current exhibitions, so it's worth checking them before visiting on the official website of the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts.

These fascinating places show how diverse and rich in attractions the city of Gdansk is. From active recreation, science and history to contemporary art, there is something for everyone. Remember to tailor your sightseeing plan to the age and interests of all family members, and check the current opening hours and ticket prices before your visit.

Practical tips for explorers

When planning a trip in the footsteps of Gdansk's hidden treasures, keep in mind some practical tips that will make your exploration of the city easier and your adventure even more enjoyable.

First, plan your route. All the attractions described are scattered in different parts of the city, so you should think about the order in which you will visit them. It's a good idea to start in the center - for example, with the Great Armory and Jan Hevelius' Map of the Northern Sky, and then gradually move toward more distant attractions, such as the Port Brzeźno Rope Park or the Whispering Grottoes in Oliwa Park.

By public transportation around Gdansk: Gdansk has a well-developed public transportation network that will make it easy for you to move between attractions. Consider buying 24- or 72-hour tickets, which will allow unlimited rides on all lines. Family tickets are also available for families with children. You can find current prices and ticket options on the ZTM Gdansk website.

Preparing for the tour: Remember to wear comfortable shoes - some of the sites described, such as the Bison Bastion and the Hevelianum, require a lot of walking. It's also a good idea to take water and snacks with you, especially if you're planning a full-day trip. If you visit the Port Brzeźno Rope Park, we recommend athletic clothing and shoes with flat soles.

For families with children: all of the described attractions are family-friendly, but it's a good idea to adjust the plan to the age and interests of your kids. For the youngest, the Whispering Grottoes, DeJa Vu Museum or the interactive exhibitions at the Hevelianum may be particularly attractive. Older children will appreciate the excitement at the Port Brzeźno Rope Park.

Best time to visit: Most of the described attractions are available year-round, but the best time to explore them is from late spring to early autumn. That's when the weather is favorable for walks and outdoor activities. However, it is worth remembering that during the peak tourist season (July-August) some places may be more crowded.

Additional attractions in the area: While exploring the hidden treasures of Gdansk, don't forget about the city's other well-known attractions. Near the Great Armory is the famous Neptune's Fountain and the Long Market. Near the Bison Bastion you can see the Cow Gate, and while you're in the vicinity of Oliva Park, visit the Oliva Cathedral with its famous organ.

Remember that discovering the hidden treasures of Gdansk is not a race. Allow yourself a leisurely pace, stopping to admire architectural details, take photos and soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable city. Each of the described places has its own unique history and character, so it is worth taking the time to get to know them thoroughly.

Finally, we encourage you to share your discoveries. Maybe during your trip you will come across yet other attractions unknown to the general public? Gdansk is a city full of surprises that are still waiting to be discovered by true adventurers.

We hope that this tour of Gdansk's non-obvious attractions will inspire you to get to know this fascinating city more deeply and allow you to see it from a completely new perspective. Whether you are in Gdansk for the first time or visiting regularly, these hidden treasures are sure to make your visit unforgettable. We wish you a wonderful adventure and an unforgettable experience in discovering the hidden treasures of Gdansk!

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