Gdansk is one of the most visited cities in Poland, and the one I enjoyed the most at a photographic level together with Krakow. Located at the north-east of Poland, it is a port city. What makes it different from other port cities, is the channel that crosses the old city and gives it a very special touch. Moreover, it is packed with interesting and different things to photograph. Would you like to discover the best spots for your photos in Gdansk? Keep reading my Gdansk photography guide!
Introduction
Before getting into specific details, I would like to mention a couple of things about this guide. Most of the spots listed are centric and very well-known locations. However, what I want to do with this guide is to explain its photographic value and opportunities. Moreover, it is possible that I have committed some famous touristic landmarks because I did not find them especially interesting at a photographic level.
Gdansk is a very interesting city for a photographer, especially because all the spots that I will list below are in the same area, at a maximum 5-10 minute walk one from the other. This means that a sunrise mission can end up with lots of photos from multiple locations. In fact, all the images you will see below were taken with 2 sunrises and 1 sunset.
If you like reflections, this is your city. All the old town is built by a channel, once used as a harbour. Therefore, water is an element present all the time in the images you will see. Don’t omit the little alleys and after visiting the 6 spots listed in this Gdansk Photography Guide, get lost in the old town. At the end of this guide, you will find some images of other spots that I deem worth being mentioned. Now that this has been said, let’s go with the first spot:
1 Gdansk Ferris wheel
This is one of the most iconic Gdansk landmarks. Located just by the channel, this Ferris wheel is an ideal place for a sunrise shooting. I recommend staying always by the left-hand side of the channel, so you can get the reflection of the Ferris wheel in the water. Just by the Ferris wheel, there are some letters that say “Gdansk”, being also a very interesting spot for just an Instagram shot.
The exact location of the ferris wheel can be seen in the map below. As I said, stay on the left hand side of the channel, and enjoy the views and the colors of the sky reflected on the water. I did not ride it, although the views from the top are said to be very nice. However, by the time I was there (early morning), the ferris wheel was closed, and when I went back the line discouraged me. No matter when, this is a nice image to get.
2 View from Most Krowi Na Motławie
The second spot of my Gdansk photography guide is the view from the location marked below. This first bridge is at the opposite end of the heart of Gdansk (compared to the Ferris Wheel). I recommend it to be the first stop of the day, as a blue hour and sunrise from there are well worth it. Both sides of the channel are decorated with beautiful houses, and one can get both a vertical and a horizontal photo.
The only problem with this location is that it is a little limited. You rely a lot on the reflection and the sunrise. If the wind is blowing, the image will not be as powerful as if it had the reflection. Luckily, I got an interesting sunrise. Mixed with some edition programs, I got an interesting photo. This is where the bridge is located
3 Gdansk Town Hall
This is the spot where I took one of my all-time favourite images. It was taken on a warm August sunset, while the streets were crowded and full of people. However, taking photos from tall buildings usually allows avoiding adding people into the image. Gdansk town hall is amazing. Not only because of its tower but also because of its location. After crossing the Gdansk Gallery of Photography Building, the tower can be seen from any point of the so-called Long Market (or Długi Targ).
If you visit the city at sunrise before the tourists get out and the restaurants open their parasols, the image of the Long Market empty, with the town hall at the end is one of the most beautiful views I got from Gdansk. The interior of the Town Hall is also interesting, although I think the best thing to do is to wander and find new angles. What do you think of my photo? The exact location of the Gdansk Town Hall is:
4 Gdansk Crane
This is probably the most iconic landmark in Gdansk. This structure, first known in 1367 but rebuilt between 1442 and 1444, due to a fire in 1442, is very characteristic. It was the biggest working crane in the world. Fun fact: it appears in The Witcher III, the videogame.
But let’s talk about photography. This spot is the only one that I think it is best captured from the right-hand side of the channel, to get the reflection of the crane. It can be seen from almost any place of the channel in the central area. To get a nice view, get to the Green Bridge and you will see exactly where I took the photos that I am using for this specific point. This spot is both enjoyable during sunrise and sunset. However, as we aim for a reflection, it is easier to find a reflection on the channel at sunrise. If you would like to learn more about reflections, check my reflection photography post!
Some other places to get a view from Gdansk Crane are the Most Krowi Na Motławie (see spot 2) and Gdansk Ferris wheel (see spot 1). Both places have very interesting views. I also recommend taking some photos of the ships that are usually docked on the channel area.
5 Długa street
This spot is a little bit tricky. I might be overselling it because I shot thereafter a rainy night, and got some beautiful reflection shots. Yet, this is a very beautiful street. In fact, this is the street where the City Hall is located. One must for this location is the time of the day to visit it.
During the day it is crowded, full of tourists and locals. At night, restaurants are the kings, making it slightly difficult to get beautiful photos. However, at sunrise, the city is quiet, and the streets are empty. Earlier I mentioned that I got a reflection in this street, as you can see in the photo. Although it rained, if you do not find a rainy day, there is another way to take this photo.
The city cleaning service uses a vehicle that uses water to brush the street. Thus, wait until the vehicle has passed, and get close to the floor to use the water to take a photo of a reflection. Walk all the street, there are very beautiful photos in both directions, either looking at the City Hall Tower or at the end of the street. Sunsets are also quite enjoyable, although, as I mentioned, the people rushing make it challenging to get a nice photo. This is the exact street:
6 National Maritime Museum
I like museums, but this is not a recommendation to visit a museum. This is a very specific spot, I discovered during my stay in Gdansk. The National Maritime Museum is located by the channel, just in front of the crane. They have nothing special. However, the houses reflected, with the golden light of the sunrise behind them is a very nice view.
Sunset is also a good moment to walk in this area, as the last beams of light illuminate the houses and create a really warm environment. If it rains, or if you visit during winter, of course, the city looks very different, and instead of warm tones, the photos will look more bluish and dark. Can’t wait to visit Poland during winter!
7 Other spots
Don’t stick to this Gdansk Photography guide as if those were the only good spots of Gdansk. There are lots of other possibilities and things to be photographed. The beach is quite close to the city centre, and it is a wonderful and quiet place to start the day. There are lots of alleys and little streets that when empty, are magical. I highly recommend the very well known Chlebnicka street. The contrast between the street, full of jewlery shops at day and the same street empty at night is very interesting. Here you have some of the other images I took during my stay in Gdansk!
This is all! Hope you enjoyed my Gdansk Photography Guide! If you want to see more of my work, follow me on Instagram or Facebook. If you are travelling to Poland, you might want to check my Warsaw photography guide or any of my other photography guides or photography tips and how-to posts. Find below a selection of articles, or explore them in the blog section of the website.
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