13 Notable Indoor Activities in Gdańsk: Local Experiences Beyond Tourist Crowds

At this hands-on amber jewelry workshop, visitors create their own unique pieces using authentic Baltic amber sourced from Gdańsk's shores. Expert craftsmen guide participants through traditional techniques passed down through generations. The workshop includes selecting raw amber pieces, learning about their formation over millions of years, and crafting personalized jewelry items like pendants, earrings, or rings. Participants work with professional tools in a historic setting while discovering why Gdańsk became Europe's amber capital. The experience combines cultural education with practical artistry, allowing travelers to take home meaningful souvenirs they personally created. Sessions typically last 2-3 hours and accommodate various skill levels from complete beginners to those with some crafting experience.

How to get there. Located within walking distance of the Amber Museum on Długa Street in Old Town. Take tram lines 2, 4, 8, or 13 to the Plac Dominikański stop, then walk 5 minutes toward the Royal Way. Look for workshop signs near amber shops along the historic merchant streets. Reservations include specific address details.

How to buy tickets. Book through the Amber Museum website or local tour operators. Advanced booking essential as workshops have limited spaces and specific schedules. Most sessions require minimum participant numbers to proceed.

The Underground Medieval Chambers beneath Gdańsk's Main Town Hall reveal centuries of hidden history through Gothic brick vaults and ancient cellars. These atmospheric underground spaces showcase medieval architecture dating back to the 14th century when the building served as the seat of city government. Visitors explore narrow passages, examine historical artifacts, and learn about daily life in medieval Gdańsk. The chambers include former storage rooms, administrative spaces, and dungeons that once held prisoners. Audio guides provide detailed explanations of the architectural features and historical significance. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes and offers a unique perspective on Gdańsk's rich past away from the crowded streets above.

How to get there. Located directly beneath the Main Town Hall at Długa Street 47 in the heart of Old Town. Enter through the main building entrance and follow signs to the underground chambers. The chambers are accessible via stairs from the main hall. Tours typically begin at scheduled intervals throughout the day.

How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through the Gdańsk History Museum website or at the entrance. Online booking ensures preferred time slots, especially during peak tourist season. Group discounts available for parties of 10 or more.

Learn to make traditional Polish pierogi from scratch at Metamorfoza Cooking Studio in Gdańsk's Main City district. This hands-on culinary experience teaches authentic techniques passed down through generations. Professional instructors guide participants through creating dough, preparing various fillings including potato-cheese, sauerkraut-mushroom, and sweet varieties. The intimate class size ensures personalized attention while fostering cultural exchange with fellow food enthusiasts. Sessions include preparation, cooking, and enjoying your handmade pierogi with traditional accompaniments. Classes typically last 2-3 hours and provide recipe cards to recreate dishes at home. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking genuine Polish culinary traditions.

How to get there. Located in Gdańsk's Main City near the historic center. Take tram lines 3, 6, or 8 to nearby stops and walk 3-5 minutes. The studio is situated on a side street off the main tourist corridor. Look for street-level signage. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in and apron distribution.

How to buy tickets. Book directly through Metamorfoza Cooking Studio's website or popular cooking class platforms. Advance booking essential due to limited class sizes. Payment typically required at time of reservation with cancellation policies varying by season.

The Historic Pharmacy Museum at Pod Złotym Moździerzem showcases centuries of pharmaceutical history in Gdańsk's oldest operating pharmacy. Located in a beautifully preserved medieval building, the museum displays antique medicine bottles, traditional herbal remedies, and historic pharmaceutical equipment. Visitors explore original wooden cabinets filled with ceramic jars, brass scales, and medical instruments dating back to the 17th century. The pharmacy's golden mortar and pestle symbol gives the establishment its name, representing its long-standing tradition of healing. Interactive exhibits explain how medicine evolved from herbal concoctions to modern pharmaceuticals. The museum maintains its working pharmacy atmosphere while educating visitors about medical practices throughout Polish history.

How to get there. Located on Długa Street in Gdańsk's Main Town. Walk from the Main Town Hall toward the Golden Gate. The pharmacy museum sits at street level with distinctive golden mortar and pestle signage. Look for the historic storefront with traditional pharmacy displays in the windows.

Der Lachs House offers an intimate private tasting experience featuring Poland's legendary Goldwasser liqueur, a clear herbal spirit infused with 22-karat gold flakes. This exclusive session explores the 500-year history of Gdańsk's most famous alcoholic beverage while sampling different varieties in the historic Długi Targ area. Expert guides share stories about the liqueur's creation by Dutch merchants and its significance to local culture. The tasting includes traditional Polish appetizers that complement the unique flavors of this iconic spirit. Guests learn about production methods and the symbolism of gold flakes floating in each bottle. The experience takes place in an authentic setting that captures the maritime heritage of this Hanseatic city.

How to get there. Located on Długi Targ (Long Market) in Gdańsk's Main Town, easily accessible by foot from the train station via Długa Street. Look for the distinctive storefront near the Neptune Fountain. The venue is within walking distance of major hotels and tourist attractions in the Old Town area.

How to buy tickets. Book directly through Der Lachs House website or contact them by phone. Private tastings require advance reservation due to limited availability. Group size restrictions apply for intimate experience quality.

The European Solidarity Centre Library houses Poland's most comprehensive archive documenting the Solidarity movement that helped end communist rule. Visitors explore original documents, photographs, personal letters, and underground publications from the 1980s resistance movement. Interactive digital stations allow deep research into strike records, government surveillance files, and worker testimonies. The archive contains over 100,000 items including Lech Wałęsa's personal papers and clandestine printing materials. Researchers and curious travelers can access rare footage of historic strikes and view authentic solidarity badges, leaflets, and protest banners that shaped European history.

How to get there. Take tram 3, 6, or 11 to Solidarity Square stop. Walk 200 meters to the European Solidarity Centre main entrance on Plac Solidarności. Register at the information desk and request library access. Staff will guide you to the archive reading room on the second floor.

The Great Mill Complex houses historic granary buildings that showcase Gdańsk's maritime trading heritage through guided interior tours. These massive brick structures, dating from the 14th century, reveal original wooden beams, storage mechanisms, and grain processing equipment. Visitors explore multiple floors of the granaries while learning about the Hanseatic League's influence on the city's prosperity. The tours highlight medieval engineering techniques and display artifacts from Gdańsk's golden age as a major grain export port. Interactive exhibits demonstrate how merchants stored and transported wheat, rye, and barley across Northern Europe. The granary interiors feature restored medieval architecture with vaulted ceilings and thick stone walls that maintained optimal storage conditions.

How to get there. Walk to the Great Mill Complex on Wielkie Młyny Street in Old Town, easily accessible from the Main Town Hall via a 5-minute walk. Tours begin at the main entrance facing the Motława River. Look for the distinctive red brick buildings with pointed roofs near the Old Town waterfront.

How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through the Gdańsk Tourism Office website or at the venue entrance. Advanced booking recommended during summer months and weekends to secure preferred tour times and language options.

Local Artists Studio Visits near Stary Browar Gdański offer intimate encounters with Gdańsk's contemporary art scene. The historic Stary Browar complex houses several artist studios and galleries where visitors can meet working artists, observe creative processes, and purchase original works. This cultural area attracts painters, sculptors, and mixed-media artists who showcase their latest pieces. Studios typically feature rotating exhibitions and open-door policies during designated hours. Visitors explore converted brewery spaces transformed into creative workshops. The experience provides authentic insight into Poland's modern artistic movements while supporting local talent. Artists often speak English and enjoy discussing their techniques and inspirations with international visitors.

How to get there. Take tram 3, 6, or 11 to Stary Browar stop. Enter the main Stary Browar complex through the central entrance. Artist studios are located on the ground floor and basement levels. Look for studio signs and open doors indicating active artists. Visit during afternoon hours when most studios are open. Ask at the information desk for current artist availability and studio map.

Jazz Club Żak offers an intimate evening of live jazz in one of Gdańsk's most atmospheric venues. Located in a converted cellar space with exposed brick walls and dim lighting, this cozy club hosts local and international musicians performing everything from traditional jazz standards to contemporary fusion. The venue seats around 50 people, creating a personal connection between performers and audience. Shows typically begin at 9 PM and feature different artists throughout the week. The club serves craft cocktails, local beers, and light snacks. Music lovers appreciate the club's commitment to acoustic performances and high-quality sound systems that enhance every note.

How to get there. Jazz Club Żak is located on Piwna Street in Gdańsk's Main Town. From the Main Train Station, take tram 8 or 13 to Plac Dominikański stop, then walk 5 minutes southeast. The club entrance is marked by a small sign on the street level, with stairs leading down to the basement venue. Look for the address at Piwna 59.

How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through the club's website or at the door. Advance booking recommended for weekend shows and special performances. Contact the venue directly for group reservations or VIP seating arrangements.

St. Nicholas Confectionery offers hands-on marzipan making workshops where visitors learn traditional Polish sweet-making techniques. Participants create their own marzipan figurines using almond paste, sugar, and natural colorings under expert guidance. The session includes learning about Gdańsk's confectionery history and the role of marzipan in Polish culture. Located in a historic building, the workshop provides authentic recipes passed down through generations. Guests take home their handcrafted creations along with recipe cards. The experience typically lasts 2-3 hours and includes sampling various marzipan flavors. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking cultural immersion through culinary tradition.

How to get there. Located on Mariacka Street in Gdańsk's Old Town, two blocks from St. Mary's Basilica. Take tram 3, 6, or 8 to Plac Dominikański stop, then walk 400 meters southeast. The confectionery sits in a restored medieval building with distinctive red brick facade. Look for the hand-painted marzipan sign above the entrance. Sessions occur in the workshop room on the second floor.

How to buy tickets. Book directly through St. Nicholas Confectionery website or phone. Advance booking essential due to limited workshop capacity. Sessions offered Tuesday through Saturday with morning and afternoon slots. Group discounts available for 6+ participants. Payment accepted online or in-person.

Step inside Uphagen House to experience an authentic 18th-century merchant's home in Old Town Gdańsk. This meticulously preserved townhouse museum displays period furniture, decorative arts, and personal belongings that belonged to Johann Uphagen, a wealthy city councilor. Each room showcases different aspects of patrician life, from the ornate reception halls to intimate family quarters. The house features original woodwork, painted ceilings, and an impressive collection of Gdańsk furniture and silverware. Guided tours reveal stories about daily life, trade connections, and social customs of the merchant class during Gdańsk's golden age.

How to get there. Located at Długa 12 in Old Town Gdańsk, directly on the Royal Way. Walk from Neptune Fountain toward Green Gate, and you'll find the entrance marked with museum signage. The house sits between other historic buildings on the pedestrian street. Look for the distinctive baroque facade with ornate window decorations.

How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online through the Gdańsk History Museum website. Online booking recommended during peak summer months and weekends to avoid potential waiting times.

Dom Aukcyjny Sopocki hosts regular antique auctions and maintains a showroom displaying vintage furniture, artwork, jewelry, and collectibles from across Central Europe. The auction house specializes in Polish and German antiques from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can browse items during preview days before auctions or visit the permanent exhibition space. The venue features original oil paintings, porcelain sets, vintage books, and period furniture. Staff speak English and provide historical context about pieces. Located in a restored historic building, the space itself reflects the character of items on display. Auction catalogs are available in Polish and English.

How to get there. Take SKM train from Gdańsk Główny to Sopot station (15 minutes). Walk 5 minutes northwest from the station toward the town center. The auction house is located on a side street near Sopot's main pedestrian area. Look for signage in Polish and German. Check their website for current exhibition hours and upcoming auction preview dates.

Herbaciarnia Czajownia offers an authentic Polish tea ceremony experience in Gdańsk's historic district. Guests participate in traditional tea preparation rituals while learning about Polish tea culture and customs. The ceremony includes sampling various Polish herbal teas, traditional brewing techniques, and explanations of ceremonial significance. Participants sit in a cozy, traditional setting decorated with Polish folk art and antique tea sets. The experience typically lasts 90 minutes and includes light Polish pastries. Local tea masters guide visitors through proper pouring techniques, timing, and appreciation methods. The ceremony emphasizes mindfulness and connection to Polish heritage through this meditative practice.

How to get there. Located on Piwna Street in Gdańsk's Old Town, walking distance from the Main Market Square. Take tram lines 3, 6, or 11 to Brama Wyżynna stop, then walk 5 minutes toward the medieval city center. Look for the traditional wooden sign with Polish script. Enter through the wooden door and ask staff about tea ceremony scheduling.

How to buy tickets. Reservations recommended especially during tourist season. Contact the tea house directly by phone or visit in person to book ceremonies. Some walk-in availability but advance booking ensures preferred time slots and English-speaking guides.