Field Guide
Old Town Gdansk, Poland
Old Town Gdansk is not necessarily known for its culinary scene, and truthfully speaking, I spent only one day here so I have very little to report on in regards to where to eat, shop, and drink. Pierogi is the name of the game in Poland, and so I visited the same place for lunch that I did for dinner, and I don’t regret it for a moment. Should you be travelling in Europe, looking for a quick day trip to round out your stay, I do recommend Gdansk - the city is small but charming, highly walkable, and in many ways will make you feel as though you are walking through a fairytale.
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Photography by Chesley McCarty, shot on iPhone
Trip Snapshot
Gdansk is a very old city, in fact, one of the oldest in Poland - construction began in 997 AD. What began as a small trading settlement has grown into a city now recognized architecturally for its colorful facades and medieval motifs and economically for its port access. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, then almost entirely reconstructed over the decades to come, including the city’s cathedrals, port buildings, and grand public spaces.
Some stops that I recommend: Basilica of St. Mary (you can climb a bell tower here for a great view), Ulica Dluga / Ulica Piwna / Ulica Mariacka (3 main pedestrian thoroughfares), Gdasnk Town Hall, The Zuraw (a medieval crane), Browar Piwna (local microbrewery), snap a picture of Dom Cechu Mlynarzy, enjoy pierogies at Pierogarnia Mandu Centrum.
I also recommend taking a train to Malbork Castle, the largest castle by land area in the world. I learned about this spot after my trip, and am disappointed that I didn’t get to see it!
