Long Street and Long Market, Gdańsk (Royal Route)

Long Street (ulica Długa) and the Long Market (Długi Targ) form the main axis of Gdańsk's Main Town and the heart of the Royal Route. The unofficial name recalls the ceremonial entries of Polish kings, a tradition begun in 1457 by Casimir IV Jagiellon. The route runs from the Upland Gate through the Golden Gate and past the town hall to the Green Gate on the Motława river. Along the way it passes merchants' houses, Artus Court and the Neptune Fountain.

History: Longa Platea

As early as 1331 town records call this street Longa Platea, the "Long Street". Before the war it was known by the German names Langgasse and Langer Markt. In the 14th and 15th centuries meat was sold on the Long Market every Saturday. The stretch between the Neptune Fountain and the town hall was called the Piglet Market, because live piglets were sold there. Later a tram line ran along the street until 1959. In 1945 Long Street was completely destroyed. After the war the houses were rebuilt, the rails removed and the old cobbles replaced with polished granite.

What to see along the way

• The Upland Gate (1587–1588), designed by Willem van den Blocke, and the Foregate complex with the Torture House and Prison Tower, now the Amber Museum.
• The Golden Gate, a showpiece city gate from Gdańsk's golden age.
• Uphagen House (Długa 12), a museum since 1911 and now a branch of the Museum of Gdańsk.
• The Lion's Castle (Długa 35), where King Władysław IV Vasa stayed in 1636.
• Main Town Hall. The first brick building dates from the first half of the 14th century. After a fire in 1556 it was rebuilt in Renaissance style, and today it houses the Museum of Gdańsk.
• The Neptune Fountain. The statue of the sea god, attributed to Peter Husen, was carved in 1612–1615.
• Artus Court, the meeting place of wealthy burghers and now a branch of the Museum of Gdańsk.
• The Golden House (1609), with carved figures of kings and allegories on its façade.
• The Green Gate, a water gate built as a residence for Polish kings visiting Gdańsk. Today it is a branch of the National Museum.

Interesting facts

Look up at the top of the town hall tower: since 1561 a gilded statue of King Sigismund II Augustus has stood there. The tower helm was built in 1559–1560 after the fire of 1556. It burned down in March 1945, and in 2000 a 37-bell carillon was installed in the tower. After the Second World War the town hall was due to be demolished, but it was saved and rebuilt from 1946.

Tripto tip

You can stroll along the street at any time, and it costs nothing. Walking from the Upland Gate to the Green Gate takes about 20 minutes, but with visits to the town hall and Artus Court allow 2–3 hours. In the summer tourist season the Museum of Gdańsk opens a viewing gallery on the town hall tower, at a height of about 50 m. Last entry to the town hall is 45 minutes before closing, and the building sometimes closes for civic events. Check opening hours and prices on the museum's website. It is quietest early in the morning, before tour groups fill the Long Market. Beyond the Green Gate lies the Motława waterfront with the medieval Crane.

Christmas market 2026

Gdańsk Christmas market runs from 20 November to 23 December 2026. Stalls open Sunday to Thursday from 12 noon to 8 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 9 pm. The market fills Targ Węglowy and the Royal Route from the Upland Gate to the Golden Gate, right where Długa Street begins. More in our guide Gdańsk Christmas market 2026.