Gdańsk Main Town

Gdańsk's Main Town is the rebuilt historic heart of a Hanseatic port on the Baltic. Its centre is Długi Targ (Long Market) and the Royal Way, lined with tall, narrow merchant houses, with the Motława river and old crane waterfront just beyond. Much of it was rebuilt after the Second World War, but the streets keep the look of the city's trading past.

It makes a good alternative to a busier summer city break: the sea is close, and Sopot's beach and Gdynia are close by. The European Solidarity Centre, in the old shipyard area, tells the story of the movement that began in the city. We'd allow two full days, wander the side streets away from Długi Targ for cheaper meals, and plan any beach time for June to early September.