A date in Gdansk

Last Saturday, my husband took me on a date. It doesn't happen too often, so yes, it was kind of a big deal.

We went to a theatre and then for dinner.

The day was sunny and warm. Beautiful. We left home around 2 p.m., cause we had to get to Gdansk and pick up the tickets at a given time. We still had some time to spare before the play, so we decided to take a walk around Gdansk Old Town.

It's been almost four years since our last visit in the area. And I already almost forgot how beautiful it is.

The houses are colourful. Vast majority of them is either renovated or under renovation. And they look gorgeous. Renovated with attention to detail and their original character.

The main street of the Old Town, called Long Street (ulica Długa) is free of traffic. So you can walk freely, enjoying the architecture around you. Ok. Not that freely, as it's usually crowded. Keep your kids close to you cause it's very easy to lose sight of them. But, then again, it's quite common in the touristy places. Long Street will take you from the Coal Market (Targ Węglowy) through the Golden Gate, past the city hall (you can climb up the tower for the views),

the Neptune Fountain (the famous one),

King Arthur's Court (Dwór Artusa) - the one right behind the fountain (picture on the right shows the neighbouring buildings)

 to the Long Market (Długi Targ).

 Keep walking and through the Green Gate you'll get to the banks of Motlawa River.

 Get on the bridge that is right in front of you. Stop in the middle and look left. You'll see this:

 the famous wooden crane that is pictured on most postcards and pictures of Gdansk. Opposite the crane, you can see three buildings on an island. The island is called Wyspa Spichrzów and the buildings are historic grain siloses. There's a museum there. If you continue walking the bridge and turn left after the roadworks are over (yes, there's construction work going on right behind the bridge, so the passages are very narrow), you'll get to the museum.

But let me take you back. Get back to the bank on which the crane is situated and walk towards the crane. Right behind the crane, there is another dept of the National Marine Museum, opened in 2012, that is Maritime Culture Centre. Turn left into one of the narrow street called Mariacka Street and you will get to St. Mary's Church (Bazylika Mariacka). I will write next time why you should not hesitate and get inside.

Don't be afraid to take turns into the less crowded streets. They are also gorgeous. And less crowded, which is always a plus :)

The pictures I'm showing you today were taken four years ago. Obviosuly, I didn't take my camera with me this time. It didn't fit in my tiny purse. Plus, we were on a date, so no phones, no camera. Just us. Refreshing. And always good.

Have you ever been to Gdańsk? What did you like about the city most?