The long weekend at the beginning of May, and this year and at the end of the month, is a perfect time to relax and discover the charms of the city. Gdańsk – city full of history, culture and unique charm, offers plenty of attractions for everyone who visits this city during the May weekend.
Here is an extensive list of inspirations that will help you make the most of this special spring time:
An Encounter with History
Gdańsk is a true treasure trove of historical monuments. May Long Weekend is the perfect time to explore the Main and Old Towns, with their picturesque townhouses, monumental churches, and the stately Town Hall. Be sure to visit St. Mary’s Basilica and St. Bridget’s Church with its impressive amber altar. It’s also worth exploring less obvious places, such as the charming streets of Mariacka and Piwna, which allow you to experience the atmosphere of old Gdańsk.
History buffs can enjoy thematic guided walks that present the city’s history in an interesting and engaging way.
Westerplatte is a must-see – a walk around the peninsula allows you to feel the significance of the events of 1939 and see historical sites up close. There, you can visit Guardhouse No. 1 or admire the exterior of the former barracks.
Right next door is the Wisłoujście Fortress, the oldest seaside fortress on the Polish coast. In the past, it served as a lighthouse, a mooring place for the Polish fleet, and a prison.
A Stroll Along the Motława River
A stroll along the Motława River is a great way to admire the charming views of the historic Crane, colorful townhouses, and ships. Long weekend is also the perfect time to take a boat cruise on the Motława River, allowing you to see the city from a completely new perspective. An interesting alternative is renting a kayak or pedal boat – a perfect combination for active people.
Themed cruises, such as historical or culinary cruises, are also becoming increasingly popular, offering the opportunity to sample local specialties. Take an evening stroll along the Motława River when the city is illuminated, as the light creates a particularly romantic atmosphere.
Tasting Regional Specialties
You can’t leave Gdańsk without trying local delicacies. May Day is the perfect time to sample traditional pierogi, Baltic fish, and the famous Gdańsk gingerbread – also known as “brukowce.” Visit one of the numerous restaurants in the city center and indulge in a true feast of flavors. Goldwasser, a Gdańsk herbal liqueur distinguished by its gold flakes (hence the name), is also very popular.
Also, try fresh fish straight from the cutter at the seaside fish and chip shops in Jelitkowo, which offer authentic flavors of the region. More and more establishments are also emphasizing modern and seasonal cuisine, combining tradition with new culinary trends.
Visit a museum
Gdańsk offers a wide range of museums and art galleries. The long May weekend is a great time to visit the National Museum in Gdańsk, the European Solidarity Centre, many branches of the Gdańsk Museum, or the Museum of the Second World War. Some of them also organize special exhibitions and events to celebrate the May long weekend. However, it’s worth remembering that there can be a very large number of visitors during this time, so it’s worth purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Many institutions also offer interactive exhibitions that engage both adults and children.
For World War II, we recommend a visit to the Stutthof Museum – a Nazi concentration camp located 36 km from Gdańsk – there you’ll see not only the original concentration camp, but also photographs and relics related to the war.
A visit to the seaside…
If the weather is nice, May Weekend is the perfect time to relax on the beach. Gdańsk offers several charming beaches on the Baltic Sea, such as Stogi, Brzeźno, and Jelitkowo. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a beach picnic with friends or family, or relaxing in your apartment.
Even if the temperature doesn’t allow for swimming (unless you enjoy winter swimming 🙂 ), a walk along the seashore and listening to the sound of the waves is incredibly relaxing.
Many places also offer cafes and beach bars, perfect for a relaxing time by the water.
May Day with Kids? Majaland
Majaland is an amusement park designed for the youngest, but both older children and their parents will have a blast here. Although the park is located on the outskirts of the city, it’s easily accessible even by public transport – there’s a direct bus route from the city center (Main Station), line 210.
Another interesting option for families is the Hewelianum Center, which brings science closer to children through fun and experiments.
Our little ones will definitely enjoy a visit to the Oliwa Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Poland and offering spacious animal enclosures. Here, children can see elephants, giraffes, and lions, among others, as well as enjoy playgrounds and educational zones. Furthermore, there’s also a Small Zoo, where you can feed, pet, and even cuddle goats, rabbits, and even alpacas.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, it’s worth a visit to the Gdynia Oceanarium, where you can admire the fascinating underwater world from around the globe. It’s a great opportunity for your little ones to see exotic fish up close and learn more about ocean life.
Another interesting attraction is the Parrot House, where children can go inside and interact with colorful, exotic birds. This interactive experience allows them to feed the parrots and take souvenir photos in a unique setting.
Exploring the Gdańsk Area
May Long Weekend is a great time to explore the surrounding area. From Gdańsk, you can easily reach Sopot, where you can stroll along the famous pier or beach. You can also organize a trip to the picturesque town of Malbork, home to the famous Teutonic Castle.
Also consider a visit to Kashubia, where lakes, forests, and local culture await. For example, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Wdzydze Kiszewskie, the oldest open-air museum in Poland, or the stone circles in Węsiory, remnants of a community dating back almost 2,000 years.
We particularly recommend the Kashubian Ceramics Museum in Chmielno, a legacy of the Necel family. The pottery workshop still produces decorative and utilitarian vessels, including very traditional ones dating back to ancient times. This is a living museum where you can not only view exhibits but also observe a potter at work on the wheel and try your hand at pottery making. Of course, there is also a shop on site where you can buy an original souvenir.
Are you looking for an active holiday?
Gdańsk is a great city for those who enjoy active leisure. Numerous bike paths make it easy to get around the city and its surrounding areas. A popular bike route runs through the entire Tricity area, allowing you to combine sightseeing in Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia in a single day.
You can also try water sports such as windsurfing and paddleboarding.
A May long weekend in Gdańsk is a sure-fire hit!
A long weekend (not just in May) in Gdańsk will allow you to gain unforgettable experiences and create interesting memories. Whether you prefer sightseeing, relaxing on the beach, or sampling regional specialties, Gdańsk is sure to meet the expectations of every traveler.
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