Every year in the Old Town of Gdansk the St Dominic’s Fair is held. It’s a market and cultural festival that lasts for three weeks from the end of July to the end of August.

The market dates back over 756 years and in recent years seems to be getting bigger and bigger. In 2016, the organisers expect over 7 million visitors from across the region, from across the country and even from abroad and over 1000 traders are expected to descend on the city for the duration of the festival.

Due to the popularity of the Fair it can be difficult to find hotel rooms during this time which may be a consideration if you were thinking of visiting the city. It may not be as big an issue as some travel guides make it out to be as there are excellent transport connections between Gdansk and the nearby towns of Sopot and Gdynia (both worth seeing) so if room availability is looking sparse in Gdansk then there is always the option of finding something in the other two towns.

Another point worth making is that the Old Town is literally transformed for three weeks with hundreds of stalls, tables and kiosks set up along the pavements taking up every available retail real estate. If your preference is to roam peacefully down the old streets of Gdansk then this may not be an ideal time to visit. However, if you want to experience the buzz of one of Poland’s main events in the calendar and are happy to embrace the atmosphere then it really is an opportunity not to be missed !

You will find a diverse range of products and wares for sale including food, drink, collectibles, world war two memorabilia, clothing, toys and jewellery to name but a few.

St Dominic’s Fair is not only a fair but has now become a major cultural event which includes street performers, theatre shows, street parades and concerts. The weather is usually warm and sunny and there is nothing better than grabbing a seat at one of the pavement cafes with a drink and watching the beautiful madness of the “jarmark”  unfold before your eyes.