Elbląg brings together three distinct areas to explore: the historic Old Town, contemporary art and Bażantarnia Forest Park. This can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: would you like to centre it on architectural history and exhibitions, or on outdoor activities? When looking for a hotel in Elbląg, this decision can be a useful first point of reference.

The Old Town: architectural history and views

The Old Town of Elbląg is defined by its historic street layout, a bailey, a monastery and hospital complex, reconstructed townhouses and the distinctive Ścieżka Kościelna. Sights include St Nicholas’s Cathedral, the Galeria EL Art Centre and the Market Gate. This gives you several different options for an Old Town-focused visit, from the cathedral to the Market Gate.

In 2026, the observation deck on the tower of St Nicholas’s Cathedral was open to visitors from 1 May to 30 September. If you are planning a later trip, check visiting hours in advance.

Galeria EL and art in public spaces

The Galeria EL Art Centre is housed in a two-aisled Gothic former Dominican church in the Old Town. The centre primarily presents and creates contemporary art. Its programme includes exhibitions, concerts, performances, theatre productions and film screenings; individual events vary. This brings together different forms of today’s cultural programme within a historic church building.

Art is also present in several locations across the city: “Otwarta Galeria” comprises more than sixty spatial artworks. Several dozen works from the first and second Biennales of Spatial Forms are also spread throughout Elbląg. You can therefore consider the art centre and the works scattered across the city as different aspects of the local art scene.

Truso at the Archaeological and Historical Museum

The exhibition “Truso – legenda Bałtyku” at the Archaeological and Historical Museum in Elbląg offers a different historical focus. It is dedicated to a Viking-age trading settlement founded on the shores of Lake Truso. Its subject differs from the architecture of the Old Town and the contemporary programme at Galeria EL: here, the history of the settlement takes centre stage. The current presentation may change; if Truso is a key part of your plans, check what is currently on offer before your visit.

Bażantarnia: outdoor activities in the forest park

Bażantarnia is a forest park and an important recreational area in Elbląg. The area is suitable for hiking, horse riding and cycling; in winter, the forest trails are suitable for cross-country skiing. The season therefore also affects your choice of activity.

Along its stretch through Bażantarnia, the red Kopernikus Trail follows the Srebrny Potok, passing the Elewów Bridge and Parasol, then crossing Góra Jagiellońska to the car park by the forestry office in Dąbrowa. Its named points give the route description specific reference points along the stream, at the bridge and at other stops on the trail.

Plan a trip on the Elbląg Canal

A trip on the Elbląg Canal can begin in Elbląg’s Old Town. If you include this option in your travel plans, check the departure times for your travel dates. This adds a trip along the waterway to the choice of Old Town, art and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Wopity, Kadyny, Pilona, Komorowo Żuławskie, Kazimierzowo, Tolkmicko, Szymbory, Pasłęk.

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