The Royal Way
The Royal Way is the historic route by which monarchs entered Gdańsk. It leads from the Highland Gate and the Golden Gate along ulica Długa and ends at the Long Market by the Green Gate on the Motława. On both sides stand richly decorated patricians' houses — almost all of them rebuilt after the destruction of 1945.
The main buildings
- The Main Town Hall — with a tall tower and the Museum of Gdańsk inside
- Neptune's Fountain — the Baroque emblem of the city, from the 17th century
- Artus Court — the merchants' former meeting place, today a museum with a monumental tiled stove
- The Golden and Green Gates — Mannerist gates closing the route at each end
In practice along the route
The whole route is pedestrian and a few hundred metres long — you can walk it comfortably in an hour, longer if you go into the museums (the Town Hall and Artus Court). From the Long Market it is a few steps to the Motława, the Crane and ul. Mariacka with its amber.
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- The Main Town, from the Highland Gate to the Motława
- Access to the route
- Free; the museums are ticketed
- From the main station
- About 10–15 min on foot
- Museums
- The Town Hall and Artus Court — separate tickets
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours (more with the museums)
- Nearby
- The Motława, the Crane and ul. Mariacka right beside it
When to go
Pleasant, still without the crowds, with the pavement tables going out.
The busiest time; in August St Dominic's Fair takes over the area.
Quieter, with good light on the house fronts.
Christmas lights and the market on nearby Targ Węglowy.
Other sights in Gdańsk
Straight-line distances from „The Long Market and the Royal Way" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have The Long Market and the Royal Way within walking distance or a short drive.
