Gdansk Old Town: Artus Court Private Tour & Tickets

Summary

Stories, legends, and tiled stoves in Gdansk’s Old Town with a private guide

You’ll wander Gdansk Old Town’s colorful streets with a private guide who shares stories you won’t find in any brochure. Pause at Neptune Fountain, step inside Artus Court to see Europe’s tallest tiled stove, and soak up centuries-old legends at your own pace. It’s not just sightseeing — it feels like borrowing someone else’s hometown for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I almost walked right past our meeting spot — the High Gate is bigger than I expected but blends into the morning shuffle of Gdansk. Our guide, Marta, waved me over with that kind of easy energy you get from people who really love their city. She started us off with a story about merchants arguing over herring prices (apparently a big deal here centuries ago). I didn’t expect to laugh before we’d even left the square.

The cobblestones in Gdansk Old Town have this way of making you slow down. Maybe it’s the unevenness or just all the colors — golds, reds, those greenish copper roofs. We wandered through Long Market while Marta pointed out the Neptune Fountain (she called him “the city’s unofficial bodyguard,” which made me grin) and then ducked into Piwna Street where the smell of fresh bread drifted from some bakery I never found. There was a wedding couple posing by St. Mary’s Church — everyone stopped to watch for a second, even Marta.

Artus Court was next. The outside is almost too ornate, like someone wanted to show off every color they could find. Inside, though, it’s quieter — cool air and that old-wood smell I always associate with museums but richer somehow. The tiled stove is massive (over ten meters tall!) and covered in these blue-and-white tiles that look hand-painted up close. Marta told us about royal feasts held right there; I tried to picture it but mostly just felt small under all that history. She let us wander a bit on our own — I liked that she didn’t rush us or hover.

I still think about one painting we saw upstairs, something about the way the light hit it through those high windows. Anyway, if you’re curious about Polish history or just want to feel like you’ve stepped into another era for two hours, this day trip in Gdansk Old Town really does it — especially with someone local showing you around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Gdansk Old Town and Artus Court

• Meet guide at High Gate
• Walk through Gdansk Old Town sights
• See Neptune Fountain and Piwna Street
• Visit inside Artus’s Court

Top questions

How long does the Gdansk Old Town & Artus Court tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is entrance to Artus Court included in this private tour?

Yes, entry tickets to Artus Court are included.

Where does the tour start in Gdansk?

The meeting point is under the High Gate (Brama Wyżynna), near Wały Jagiellońskie 2A.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does this day trip include public transportation?

No transportation is included, but public transport options are nearby if needed.

What will we see besides Artus Court?

You’ll visit Long Market, St. Mary’s Church, Town Hall, Neptune Fountain, Cranz and Piwna Street along with other Old Town highlights.

Is lunch or food included on this private tour?

No meals are included; only guided walking and entry tickets are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes two hours exploring Gdansk Old Town and Artus Court with a licensed private guide who adjusts everything to your pace; entry tickets for Artus Court are sorted ahead of time so you don’t have to queue or worry about logistics along the Royal Route.