Long Market

Długi Targ, or the Long Market, is the grand main square of Gdańsk's Main Town and one of the city's best-known tourist attractions. It continues Ulica Długa, and the two together form the Royal Route, the ceremonial path once followed by Polish monarchs arriving in the city. Today it is the natural starting point for any walk through the old town.

What is Długi Targ and where is it?

The square lies between the end of Ulica Długa and the Green Gate, which opens onto the Motława River. Its elongated shape is lined with tall, richly decorated townhouses. Historically it served as the city's main marketplace and a stage for ceremonies, fairs and merchant gatherings.

What to see on Długi Targ

Neptune's Fountain is among the most recognisable symbols of Gdańsk. Work began in 1606: the stone elements were designed and carried out by Abraham van den Blocke, while the figure of the sea god was cast by Peter Hausen. The work was finished in 1615, but technical difficulties delayed its installation on the square until the second half of 1633. The formal unveiling, with a decorative wrought-iron grille around it, took place in spring 1634.

Artus Court stands right behind the fountain. Its name refers to the legendary King Arthur and his Round Table, a symbol of equality among knights. Gdańsk merchants used the image to express that, within their circle, commercial wealth carried the same standing as noble birth. The court was a meeting place for merchants and a centre of the city's social and business life, and it is mentioned in Gdańsk as far back as the mid-14th century.

The Main Town Hall, with its tall tower, dominates the square and now houses a museum. It is worth stepping inside to see its representative interiors and climbing the tower for a panorama of the old town.

Patrician townhouses, including the Golden House, draw the eye with ornate facades, carved portals and rich detail. Many were rebuilt after wartime destruction, so a stroll along the square is also a lesson in the city's postwar reconstruction.

How to visit

Start at the Golden Gate and Ulica Długa, then walk the length of the square to the Green Gate by the river. The walk itself takes a quarter of an hour, but with a visit to the town hall or Artus Court and a pause at a cafe terrace you can easily spend two to three hours here. Mornings are calmer and better for photographing facades without crowds. In the evening the townhouses are nicely lit and the area is lively.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the square is a public space in the city centre. Only the interiors, such as the town hall or Artus Court, have their own visiting rules.

What is the Royal Route? It is the historic sequence of Ulica Długa and Długi Targ, along which Polish kings passed during visits to Gdańsk. Today it is the main walking route through the Main Town.

How long does a visit take? A walk takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes. With a museum visit and a coffee break, plan on a few hours.

Can I walk here from the train station? Yes, the Main Town is close to the railway station and the whole area is pedestrian-friendly.