Start your weekend in Gdansk from the heart of the Old Town. The first point on the map is the famous Long Market (Dluga Street, 80-831 Gdansk), which is the center of historic Gdansk. It is here that you will find the symbol of the city - the Fountain of Neptune (Dlugi Targ, 80-833 Gdansk). This Renaissance sculpture, unveiled in 1633, is a reminder of the sea power of Gdansk. The fountain is available for viewing all year round, and in the summer season (May to September) you can admire its running sprinklers.

Walking around Dlugi Targ, it's impossible to miss the impressive Main Town Hall (46 Dluga St., 80-831 Gdansk), now home to the Gdansk Museum. It's a Gothic-Renaissance building with a distinctive tower that offers a panoramic view of the city. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 7:00 pm in the summer). Admission tickets cost about 20-30 zloty for adults and 10-15 zloty for children (as of 2023), but it's worth checking current prices on the museum's official website.

Next on the agenda is Artus Court (Długi Targ 43-44, 80-831 Gdańsk), which was once a meeting place for the city's merchant elite. Today it houses a branch of the Gdansk Museum, presenting a rich collection of arts and crafts. Look out for an impressive tiled stove almost 11 meters high - the largest of its kind in Europe! Artus Court is open the same hours as City Hall, and tickets can be purchased at similar prices.

At the end of the first day, head to St. Mary's Basilica (5 Podkramarska Street, 80-834 Gdansk), the largest brick church in Europe. This Gothic temple impresses not only with its size, but also with its rich interior design. It's worth climbing the tower for a breathtaking view of the entire city. The basilica is open to the public every day, and admission is charged (about PLN 10 per adult, children under 7 enter for free).

All of these attractions are in close proximity to each other, so they are easy to visit on foot. The closest parking is on St. Spirit Street, about a 5-minute walk from the Long Market. For families with children, we recommend planning short breaks between sightseeing - you can often meet street performers at Neptune's Fountain, which can be interesting entertainment for the little ones.

The second day in Gdansk should start with a visit to the Amber Museum (16 Wielkie Młyny Street, 80-849 Gdansk). This is a unique place where you can learn about the history of 'Baltic gold' and admire unusual exhibits made of amber. The museum is located in the historic building of the Great Mill, which adds to its charm. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (until 7:00 pm in the summer season). Tickets cost about 25-35 zl for adults and 15-20 zl for children (prices as of 2023, it's worth checking the current ones on the museum's website). Family tickets are available for families at a more favorable price.

After visiting the museum, it's time to relax in nature. Head to the Adam Mickiewicz Oliwa Park (Opata Jacka Rybińskiego Street, 80-320 Gdansk). This historic park is a true oasis of greenery in the city. There are many attractions on its grounds, including a palm house, an alpine park and the famous 'Whispering Grottoes'. The park is open all year round, and admission is free. We especially recommend a visit to the palm house, where you can admire exotic plants. The palm house is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. in the winter season), and admission costs about 5-10 zlotys.

To end the day, we suggest a visit to the Pier in Brzeźno (1 Jantarowa Street, 80-341 Gdańsk). This is the perfect place to take a walk and admire the sunset over the Gdansk Bay. The pier is 136 meters long and is accessible all year round, free of charge. During the summer season, there are many attractions for children, including carousels and bouncy castles. Nearby is a wide, sandy beach, ideal for relaxation and fun for the whole family.

To get to these places, use public transportation. The Amber Museum is most easily reached by streetcar (lines 2, 3, 6, 11, 12) getting off at the 'Wielkie Młyny' stop. Oliwa Park is accessible by streetcar (lines 2, 6, 12) - stop 'Oliwa'. The pier in Brzeźno can be reached by bus (lines 138, 148, 227) - stop 'Hallera'.

For families with children, we recommend taking comfortable shoes for a walk in the park and on the beach. In the summer season, don't forget sunscreen and headgear. There are playgrounds in Oliwa Park, so plan a longer stay there. At the pier in Brzeźno there are many cafes and restaurants where you can have lunch or a snack overlooking the sea.

Keep in mind that attractions can be more crowded during the summer season (June-August). Consider visiting the museum early to avoid queues. Oliwa Park and the pier are particularly charming in the early morning or at sunset.

When planning a weekend in Gdansk, there are a few practicalities to keep in mind that will make your visit easier and your stay more enjoyable.

Transportation: Gdansk has an extensive public transportation network, including buses and streetcars. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket vending machines or through a mobile app. Consider buying a 24- or 72-hour ticket, which allows unlimited rides. For families with children under 7 years old, rides are free.

Accommodations: There are many hotels and apartments in the center of Gdansk. We recommend looking for accommodation near the Old Town or Main Town - you will then be close to the main attractions. Examples of hotels include Hotel Gdansk (Szafarnia 9 Street) or Radisson Blu Hotel (Długi Targ 19 Street). For families with children, apartments may be a good choice, as they offer more space and the ability to prepare your own meals.

Gastronomy: Gdansk is famous for its excellent cuisine, especially seafood. Local specialties such as goldwasser (liqueur with gold flakes) and gingerbread are worth trying. Recommended restaurants are:

• Kubicki Restaurant (5 Wartka Street) - traditional Polish and Gdansk cuisine
• Piwna 47 Food & Wine Bar Restaurant (47 Piwna St.) - modern cuisine in a historic interior
• Familia Bistro (14 Świętego Ducha St.) - family-friendly, offers a children's menu

Additional attractions: If you have more time, consider visiting:

• European Solidarity Center (1 Solidarnosci Square) - an interactive museum showcasing the history of the Solidarity movement
• Westerplatte - the site where World War II began, now a memorial park
• Gdansk Zoo - one of the largest in Poland, ideal for families with children

Safety: Gdansk is generally a safe city, but as everywhere, basic precautions should be taken. During the summer season, the center can be crowded, so it's worth keeping an eye on your belongings.

Weather: Summers in Gdansk are mild, with average temperatures around 20-25°C. In spring and autumn it can be cooler and more rainy, so it's a good idea to bring warmer clothes and an umbrella.

All in all, a weekend in Gdansk is a great opportunity to learn about the city's fascinating history, admire its architecture and enjoy the coastal climate. Whether you're a lover of art, history or simply looking to relax by the sea, Gdansk has something to offer for everyone. Be sure to book tickets to popular attractions in advance, especially during the summer season. Be open to surprises - sometimes the best memories are made when you get off the beaten track and discover the city's hidden gems. Have a great stay in this unique city!