Long Market Square, Gdańsk

Square in Gdańsk

Long Market Square
Long Market Square
CC BY-SA / Diego Delso

Long Market Square (Długi Targ) is one of the best places to visit in Gdańsk, a spectacular boulevard of gilded façades, elegant merchant houses, and centuries-old landmarks that capture the spirit of the city's Hanseatic Golden Age. Originally a merchant road in the 13th century, it evolved into Gdańsk's most prestigious address-a place where diplomats, wealthy traders, and patricians built homes that still dazzle visitors today. Standing here feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting brought to life.

With its vibrant colours, ornate gables, and iconic monuments such as the Neptune Fountain, Artus Court, and the Main Town Hall, Long Market Square is often visited on walking tours of Gdańsk as the essential introduction to the city. The square's lively cafés, seasonal events, and street performers ensure that it remains both a historical showpiece and a thriving public space.

History and Significance of Long Market Square

Long Market Square emerged in the 13th century as part of the trade route connecting the city's main gate to the river port. By the 16th and 17th centuries, it had transformed into the centrepiece of Gdańsk's civic and commercial life. Wealthy merchants-enriched by Baltic trade-built grand residences that reflected the city's prosperity and strong connections to Flanders and the Netherlands.

Key landmarks frame the square's significance. The Neptune Fountain, erected in 1633, symbolises Gdańsk's mastery of the sea and its maritime identity. Artus Court, rooted in the 14th century, served as a meeting place for aristocrats and foreign dignitaries. The Main Town Hall, with its Gothic-Renaissance design and soaring tower, stood as the seat of city governance and a symbol of Gdańsk's independence and cultural sophistication.

Much of the square was damaged during World War II, but meticulous post-war reconstruction revived its original splendour. Today Long Market Square remains the vibrant centre of the city, filled with artistic energy, civic pride, and deep historical resonance.

Things to See and Do in Long Market Square

Walking through Long Market Square is one of the things to do in Gdańsk that immerses you in centuries of architectural beauty. Begin at the towering Main Town Hall, whose observation platform offers exceptional views over the old town. The building's interiors, with their ornate chambers and ceilings, showcase the wealth of the historic city council.

Nearby stands Artus Court, a richly decorated hall that once hosted Gdańsk's elite and now houses part of the city's museum collection. In front of it, the Neptune Fountain draws visitors with its graceful bronze sculpture, a beloved symbol of Gdańsk. This spot is one of the best places to see in Long Market Square's surroundings, especially at sunset when the façades glow warmly.

Strolling the length of the square reveals a display of painted townhouses, each with its own decorative motifs and sculptural details. Numerous cafés and shops offer ideal places to sit, people-watch, and absorb the lively atmosphere. Seasonal festivals, street performers, and open-air markets add even more colour to this vibrant space.

How to Get to Long Market Square

The nearest major airport is Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, which connects the region to numerous European cities and provides easy public transport links into the historic centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gdańsk on Booking.com.

Gdańsk Główny, the main railway station, sits within walking distance of the old town. Visitors can reach the square by tram, bus, or on foot via the Royal Way for an atmospheric approach. 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.

Drivers can access the city via the S7 and local roads, parking in designated lots outside the pedestrian zone before entering the historic area on foot. 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 Long Market Square

  • Suggested tips: Visit early morning or after sunset to enjoy the square with softer crowds and beautiful lighting.
  • Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for festivals and outdoor cafés.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free to enter; museum visits priced individually.
  • Opening hours: Always accessible; museums and town hall operate on fixed schedules.
  • Official website: Check Gdańsk city and museum sites for event updates.
  • How long to spend: 1-2 hours; more if visiting museums or climbing the town hall tower.
  • Accessibility: Flat, pedestrian-friendly surface suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
  • Facilities: Restaurants, cafés, shops, ATMs, and restrooms available nearby.
  • Photography tip: Stand near the Neptune Fountain for a perfect shot of the Main Town Hall tower.
  • Guided tours: Included in nearly all Gdańsk old town walking tours.
  • Nearby food options: Countless cafés and restaurants along Długi Targ and surrounding streets.

Where to Stay close to Long Market Square

Gdańsk’s old town offers a range of excellent accommodation options. Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk sits right on the square with elegant rooms and historic views. For contemporary comfort, PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto is a short walk away near Granary Island. For boutique waterfront charm, Hotel Podewils offers refined hospitality with views across the Motława.

Is Long Market Square Worth Visiting?

Absolutely-Long Market Square is worth visiting for its beauty, history, and atmosphere. Standing among its colourful façades and iconic monuments gives a vivid sense of Gdańsk's heritage and cultural depth. Whether you're admiring the architecture, exploring museums, or simply enjoying a coffee outdoors, the square captures the essence of the city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (15,735)

Długi Targ in Gdańsk is an elongated historic market square lined with Baroque townhouses that now house many restaurants, bars and cafés; visitors praise its striking, colourful gabled architecture, cobbled streets and lively atmosphere, pointing out highlights like the Neptune Fountain near Artus Court and the Main City Hall and noting nearby sights such as the Green Gate and bridge over the Old Motława; it's a photogenic, bustling place to stroll year-round—festive lights and decorations make it especially magical in winter, though some prefer the quieter, more intimate nearby Mariacka Street.

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...."

FAQs for Visiting Long Market Square

Yes, it is accessible 24 hours a day.
Many were reconstructed after WWII but remain faithful to their historic designs.
Yes, weather permitting, and it offers excellent city views.
It can be busy in summer, but mornings and evenings are quieter.
Yes-almost all Gdańsk city tours begin here.

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The Long Market Square appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Long marché, Długa, Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk: 1 km

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