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Places of interest #9 in Gdańsk

Długi Targ

4.8 · 15,776 reviews
Lively and bustling
Długi Targ, Długa, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland
Interesting facts
1

The Neptune Fountain was commissioned by Mayor Bartholomew Schachmann and cast in Augsburg in 1615.

2

The Artus Court originally served as a meeting place for local merchant brotherhoods and wealthy burghers during the Middle Ages.

3

The Main Town Hall tower houses a 37-bell carillon that performs hourly melodic sequences.

4

Most of the buildings on Długi Targ were meticulously reconstructed after suffering near-total destruction during World War II.

5

The Green Gate at the square's eastern end was originally intended to serve as the official residence for Polish monarchs.

6

The Uphagen House is one of the few merchant residences that survived the war with its original 18th-century interior layout intact.

7

The square traditionally marks the beginning of the St. Dominic's Fair, an annual event dating back to 1260.

Overview

Długi Targ, known as the Long Market, serves as the primary ceremonial axis of Gdańsk’s Main Town, extending from the Golden Gate to the Green Gate. The square acts as the eastern continuation of the Długa Street, forming the central spine of the historic Royal Route. It is framed by rows of restored merchant houses featuring colorful, narrow facades and ornate gables that reflect the city's 17th-century architectural peak. The Neptune Fountain, a bronze symbol of the city's maritime connection, occupies a central position near the Artus Court. The area hosts the Main Town Hall, which houses the Museum of Gdańsk and features a high tower overlooking the district. The cobblestoned expanse functions as a pedestrianized hub for outdoor dining, amber jewelry boutiques, and historic architecture. The layout follows a design established during the 13th century, though much of the current infrastructure reflects post-1945 reconstruction efforts to mirror original blueprints. It remains the primary site for local festivals, markets, and municipal gatherings.

Photo spot

From the steps of the Green Gate looking west towards the Neptune Fountain and the Town Hall tower.

Insider tips

Look up at the roof gables to see the varying architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Renaissance and Mannerist.

Visit the courtyards tucked behind the main facades to find quieter cafe seating away from the central thoroughfare.

Check the local events calendar before visiting, as the square is often occupied by seasonal artisan fairs.

What to avoid

Avoid dining at the immediate terrace cafes if you are looking for high-quality, authentic regional cuisine, as these are primarily tourist-focused.

Good to know

Outdoor markets and fairs increase in frequency during the summer months; the square itself remains open 24/7 as a public thoroughfare.

Etiquette

None.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-2 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning before the crowds arrive or late evening when the facade illuminations are active.
Address
Długi Targ, Długa, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland
54.348, 18.654
Get directions
Details
Architectural StylesGothic, Renaissance, Mannerist, and Dutch-inspired Baroque
Key LandmarksNeptune Fountain, Artus Court, Main Town Hall, Green Gate

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning before the crowds arrive or late evening when the facade illuminations are active..

From the steps of the Green Gate looking west towards the Neptune Fountain and the Town Hall tower.

Close by you'll find Neptune's Fountain, Museum of the Second World War, St. Mary's Church.