Long Embankment Street, Gdańsk

Street in Gdańsk

Długie Pobrzeże, Gdańsk
Długie Pobrzeże, Gdańsk

Długie Pobrzeże (often described in English as the Motława River Embankment) is the main waterfront promenade running along the west bank of the Motława in Gdańsk’s Main Town. It’s the kind of place you naturally drift toward while exploring the Old Town: a broad pedestrian walkway with river traffic, café terraces, and an uninterrupted line of handsome façades that make the whole area feel like an open-air living room.

The signature landmark is the Żuraw (the medieval port crane), which instantly explains why this stretch mattered for centuries: this was working waterfront, built for trade, loading, and movement. Today, it's one of the easiest “high-reward” walks in Gdańsk-simple to fit into any itinerary, but rich in atmosphere, views, and little architectural details if you slow down.

History and Significance of the Długie Pobrzeże

Długie Pobrzeże developed as Gdańsk’s practical, waterside edge-part promenade, part trading platform-where quays, piers, and goods stages served the city’s port functions for generations. The Motława’s sheltered access made it ideal for river traffic linked to the Baltic, and the embankment became one of the city’s most important commercial front doors, lined with gates that connected inland streets to the water.

Like much of central Gdańsk, the area was heavily damaged during World War II and later rebuilt, with much of today's look based on historical plans and pre-war references. That reconstruction is a big part of what makes the embankment interesting: you're seeing a carefully re-created historic waterfront that still reads as unmistakably “Gdańsk,” even though much of it is the result of post-war and later restoration work.

The Żuraw remains the strongest symbol of continuity. It stands as a reminder that this charming stroll was once an industrial-grade working zone-an engineered landscape of trade, storage, and control-rather than a purely scenic riverside. If you want to understand Gdańsk as a maritime city, Długie Pobrzeże is the most intuitive place to start.

Things to See and Do in the Długie Pobrzeże

Walk the embankment as a sequence of “viewpoints” rather than a straight-line march. The river constantly changes the scene: boats passing, reflections shifting, and the skyline of gables, gates, and cranes rearranging itself every few steps. If you're short on time, prioritise the section around the Żuraw, then extend the stroll toward the Green Gate for a satisfying, compact loop.

Spend a few minutes looking at the water gates and the way the streets feed into the riverfront. One of the distinctive pleasures here is noticing how Gdańsk was planned around access and trade: streets historically ended at the water, and the gates functioned as both practical portals and architectural statements. Even without going inside any museums, you still get a strong “city logic” lesson simply by paying attention to the layout.

This is also one of the best places in Gdańsk to do nothing on purpose. Pick a terrace, watch the river traffic, and let the promenade do what it does best: provide a slow, scenic transition between major sights. In warmer months, the embankment becomes a social hub, and in colder seasons it's calmer, more local-feeling, and often better for unhurried photography.

How to Get to the Długie Pobrzeże

Most travellers arrive via Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN), which has the simplest onward connections into the city for a waterfront visit. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gdańsk on Booking.com. From central Gdańsk, Długie Pobrzeże is in the Main Town area along the Motława, and it's easiest to reach on foot once you're anywhere near the historic centre.

If you come by train, aim for Gdańsk Główny (Main Station), then walk or take a short local connection toward the Old Town and the riverfront. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place. The walk is straightforward and lets you “arrive properly,” moving from the station area into the historic core before the river views open up.

Driving can work, but the historic centre is not designed for casual car access, so it’s usually best to park in a garage or on the edge of the centre and walk the final stretch to the embankment. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Długie Pobrzeże

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://visitgdansk.com/
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon into evening is ideal for atmosphere and waterfront lighting, while mornings are best if you want a quieter walk and cleaner photos.
  • How long to spend: A simple stroll can take 20-30 minutes, but 60-90 minutes is more realistic if you stop for views, terraces, and nearby landmarks.
  • Accessibility: The route is generally easy, but expect occasional cobbles, crowd pinch-points, and weather exposure along the open waterfront.
  • Facilities: Plenty of cafés and restaurants line the promenade, so this is an easy place to plan a comfort break without detouring far.

Where to Stay Close to the Długie Pobrzeże (Motława River Embankment)

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Gdańsk's Main Town (Główne Miasto) so you can walk to the riverfront, the Long Market, and evening dining; if your trip prioritises modern hotels and river views with quick access to transport links, consider the Granary Island side for a slightly quieter base that still sits steps from the promenade.

If you want a waterside-feel with immediate access to Długie Pobrzeże, Holiday Inn Gdańsk - City Centre is a practical choice on Granary Island with excellent walkability to the embankment and Old Town sights. For a boutique stay that feels firmly “Gdańsk” and keeps you close to the marina and waterfront atmosphere, Hotel Gdańsk Boutique is a strong base. If you prefer a polished, reliable classic near the river and the Old Town core, Hilton Gdańsk combines comfort with a location that makes early and late walks along the Motława feel effortless.

Is the Długie Pobrzeże Worth Visiting?

Yes. It's one of the easiest places in Gdańsk to feel the city's identity in a single walk-maritime history, reconstructed Old Town character, and modern café life all layered into a compact, highly scenic strip.

Honest pivot: if you dislike busy promenades lined with tourist-facing restaurants and souvenir energy, you may find it a little “showcase” in peak season. In that case, come early, treat it as a connector walk rather than a destination, and spend your deeper time in quieter streets or museum interiors nearby.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (15,735)

Długi Targ in Gdańsk is a historic, elongated market square lined with Baroque townhouses housing restaurants, cafés and bars, where visitors can admire striking period architecture, a fountain and lively cobbled streets; reviewers praise its photogenic buildings, festive lights and seasonal decorations, note the busy, cosmopolitan atmosphere with vendors and tours, and recommend it as a must-see that's pleasant to stroll even in cold weather though some prefer neighboring, quieter streets.

Sunil Khatri
a month ago
"Beautiful square in the heart of Gdansk that instantly gave me a warm Christmas feeling. The lights and decorations made the walk magical, eventhough the weather was cold. I loved admiring the architecture along the way because every corner looked unique. There were plenty of great restaurants and bars around, making it a pleasant place to explore...."
Merve Y.B
a month ago
"The square is wonderful. I wish we had come in the summer. It’s very cold, but walking around is still very enjoyable. What a beautiful city!"
Kris
4 months ago
"One of the must-see places in Gdańsk. Długi Targ is an extension of the same-named street, forming together the so-called Royal Route. It also servesas Gdańsk's main market square. Its most distinctive feature is the 17th-century Neptune's Fountain, standing near the Artus Court and the Main City Hall, which marks the boundary between the market square and Długa Street. To the east, it is bordered by the largest Green Gate in Gdańsk, which leads to the Green Bridge across the Old Motława River - another must-see tourist attraction. The surrounding Baroque townhouses house mainly restaurants, cafes, and bars. Despite the large amount of cobblestones and the limited greenery for such a large area (which, in my opinion, is always a drawback), I believe that the rather unique type of townhouses and the elongated shape of Długi Targ make it a very nice market square, standing out from other popular destinations like Kraków or Wrocław. However, visually, I prefer nearby Mariacka Street much more, with its more intimate style and quieter tourist traffic...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, Długie Pobrzeże works well because it’s flat, visual, and full of moving “hooks” that keep kids engaged-boats, bridges, and the dramatic silhouette of the crane. A simple plan is to walk in short bursts, stop for a snack, then continue toward a nearby landmark rather than trying to do the whole waterfront in one go.

If you’re travelling with strollers, aim for a quieter time of day to avoid crowd bottlenecks near the most photographed spots. It’s also a good place to build in downtime: benches, wide views, and easy access to indoor breaks if the weather turns.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the embankment is at its best when you treat it as an atmosphere stop, not a checklist. The riverside lighting and reflections can feel genuinely cinematic in the evening, and it’s one of the easiest places to transition from sightseeing into a relaxed dinner plan.

A good approach is to do a slow loop: a short waterfront walk, a warm drink or aperitif with a view, then a gentle drift back into the lanes of the Main Town. It's simple, but it delivers the “Gdańsk mood” very reliably.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers should prioritise Długie Pobrzeże because it delivers maximum experience with minimal spend: it’s essentially a free waterfront “museum” of views and architecture. You can get great photos, see major landmarks from the outside, and soak up the city’s energy without paying for admission.

If you want to keep costs down, build your own mini-itinerary around it: waterfront stroll, Long Market, a church viewpoint or free exterior highlights, then back to the river at a different time of day. That kind of loop makes the city feel generous without needing a paid tour.

FAQs for Visiting the Długie Pobrzeże

Getting There

It runs along the Motława River in the Main Town area, close to the Long Market and the city’s key riverside landmarks. If you’re exploring the Old Town on foot, you’ll naturally reach it within minutes.
Head toward the Long Market area, then continue to the riverfront near the Green Gate and follow the waterline. Once you reach the Motława, the promenade is obvious and easy to follow.
Walk toward the Old Town and continue down to the riverfront; it’s a straightforward route through the central streets. If you prefer, a short local ride can save time, but walking is usually the most pleasant option.

Visiting Experience

It’s both: you can treat it as a quick scenic connector, or you can slow down and make it a “riverfront hour” with stops along the way. The best experience usually comes from mixing a short walk with at least one relaxed pause.
A simple loop is Long Market to the riverfront, a stroll past the crane area, then back inland via one of the side streets for a different perspective. It keeps you close to the highlights while avoiding repetitive backtracking.

Photography

Yes-this is one of Gdańsk’s strongest “leading line” locations, with façades and river views that naturally compose well. You’ll get the best results by alternating wide river shots with close-up architectural details.
Look for angles that frame the crane and the waterfront buildings together, ideally with river traffic or reflections adding depth. The best spot changes slightly with light and crowds, so move around rather than committing to one position.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Promenade seating is unbeatable for views, but streets one block back often feel calmer and better value. A good approach is to do one “view stop” on the river, then a more relaxed meal slightly inland.
Yes-this area is dense with casual options, from cafés to simple takeaway-friendly spots. It’s easy to grab something small and keep walking without turning it into a full sit-down meal.

Safety & Timing

Generally, yes-it’s a central, well-trafficked area that stays lively into the evening. Standard city awareness is enough, especially around busy terraces and nightlife pinch-points.
In peak season it can feel busy, particularly around the most photographed landmarks and terrace clusters. Visiting earlier in the day or later in the evening usually makes the walk noticeably more comfortable.

Nearby Attractions to the Długie Pobrzeże

  • Żuraw (The Gdańsk Crane): The medieval port crane landmark that defines the skyline and anchors the waterfront's maritime story.
  • Green Gate (Brama Zielona): A grand gateway building that links the Long Market area to the riverfront in one satisfying step.
  • Long Market (Długi Targ): Gdańsk's most famous historic street and square sequence, ideal to pair with a waterfront stroll.
  • St. Mary’s Basilica: A major brick Gothic church close by, best known for its scale and the sense of old Hanseatic wealth it conveys.
  • National Maritime Museum area: A cluster of maritime-themed exhibits and riverside landmarks that deepen the context of the waterfront walk.

The Long Embankment Street appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Długie Pobrzeże, Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk: 1 km
Official Website

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