Photoshoot in Gdańsk

The heart of the Royal Route: Neptune's Fountain, Artus Court, the Main Town Hall and a row of colourful merchant houses ending at the Green Gate. Beyond the gate is the Long Embankment along the Motława, with Granary Island opposite and the houses reflected in the water. It is the most recognisable frame in Gdańsk.

Best time

Sunrise and the hour after it; very busy after 10:00, especially in summer.

Access

About 15 minutes on foot from Gdańsk Główny station through the Golden Gate. Pedestrian zone, cobbles and stone slabs.

A medieval port crane with a timber structure between brick towers, now part of the National Maritime Museum. It looks best from the opposite bank, from Ołowianka or Granary Island, with its reflection and moored ships. In summer, tourist galleons sail from here and add a harbour feel to the frame.

Best time

Evening golden hour, when the sun lights the façades from the west; the waterfront is lit after dark.

Access

On the Long Embankment, 5 minutes from the Green Gate. Footbridges lead to the far bank.

The most photogenic street in Gdańsk: stone front terraces with balustrades, dragon-head gargoyles, amber workshops and the brick bulk of St Mary's Basilica closing the view. It is narrow and shaded, so the light stays soft for most of the day. The terrace steps belong to the houses, so do not block entrances.

Best time

Early morning before the shops open; on a rainy day the wet stone gives lovely reflections.

Access

Through St Mary's Gate off the Long Embankment, 3 minutes from the Crane.

The island between the Motława and the New Motława, where ruined granaries stand among new buildings. Its quay gives a panorama of the Long Embankment and the Crane, and the museum ship Sołdek is moored at Ołowianka. Far fewer passers-by than on the other bank.

Best time

Afternoon and sunset, when the Main Town panorama is in light.

Access

Footbridges from the Long Embankment; the drawbridge opens from time to time to let yachts through.

A historic park beside Oliwa Cathedral, with a French garden, long clipped hornbeam alleys that form green tunnels, ponds and a palm house. It is a calm, elegant setting for family, maternity and wedding sessions. Check the rules for sessions in the park and around the cathedral with the operator.

Best time

May and June for fresh green, October for colour; late afternoon.

Access

SKM to Gdańsk Oliwa or a tram, then about 10 minutes on foot. Flat paths.

The place where the Second World War began on 1 September 1939, with the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast on its mound and views over the harbour entrance. It is first of all a memorial, so it does not suit a light-hearted shoot; quiet portraits along the harbour channel with passing ships work better. Check current rules with the Museum of the Second World War.

Best time

Weekday afternoons, avoiding the 1 September anniversary.

Access

City bus (line 106) or, in summer, a boat from the Long Embankment.

A wide sandy beach with a wooden pier, calmer than Sopot. A coastal path runs from Brzeźno all the way to Sopot, so you can change backdrop without a car. Sea, dunes and open sky give bright, spacious images, ideal for couples and families with children.

Best time

Sunset from May to September; empty and moody in the cooler months.

Access

Tram from the centre to Brzeźno, about 20–25 minutes. Sand, so go barefoot or wear flats.