Jarmark Dominikański, or St Dominic's Fair, is a seasonal street fair held each summer on Plac Dominikański and the surrounding streets of Gdańsk's Old Town in Poland's Pomeranian Voivodeship. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, when the fair grew around the feast of St Dominic and drew merchants from across the Baltic region. Today it runs for several weeks in summer and fills the Main Town with hundreds of stalls, which makes it one of the largest open-air fairs in northern Poland. The goods on sale differ from ordinary shopping in the city: amber jewellery from the Baltic coast is the best-known product, alongside handmade ceramics, wood carving, leather goods, glass, linen, antiques, books, vinyl records and Kashubian crafts and embroidery. Quality varies considerably. Many stalls sell genuine handmade or locally produced items, but there is also a good deal of mass-produced souvenir stock, so visitors benefit from comparing several stalls before buying. Amber deserves particular care: authentic pieces are lighter than glass or plastic imitations, and reputable sellers will explain whether an item is natural, pressed or treated amber. Light bargaining is more accepted at the fair than in shops, particularly on antiques and multi-item purchases, though prices on handmade crafts are often firm. Payment is mixed: many stalls accept cards or mobile payments, but cash in złoty (PLN) remains useful for smaller sellers. Tax-free refunds for non-EU residents apply only where the seller is a registered retailer in the scheme and issues the right documents, so this should be checked before paying. The atmosphere is lively and crowded, with street performers, music and food stalls selling grilled sausage, oscypek-style smoked cheese, pierogi, fried fish, regional cakes and drinks. The densest areas are around Plac Dominikański and the streets leading toward Long Market and the Motława waterfront, while side streets are quieter and often hold the more specialised antique and craft stalls. The exact dates change each year, so visitors should confirm the schedule locally before planning a trip around it.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Address | Plac Dominikański and Old Town streets, 80-894 Gdańsk |
Location
Plac Dominikański and Old Town streets, 80-894 Gdańsk
54.3528, 18.6520 View on map
Highlights
- Shop for Baltic amber jewellery from many stalls in one place
- Browse handmade ceramics, linen, wood carving and Kashubian crafts
- Hunt for antiques, books and vinyl in the Old Town side streets
- Eat street food such as grilled sausage, pierogi and fried fish between stalls
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the heaviest weekend and evening crowds
- Compare several amber stalls before buying and ask whether the stone is natural or pressed
- Light haggling is acceptable on antiques and bundled purchases, but not on most handmade crafts
- Keep some cash in złoty for small sellers who do not take cards
- Confirm the fair dates locally, as they change each year
When to visit
The fair runs in summer, with weekday mornings the calmest. Evenings are lively but much more crowded.
Accessibility
The fair takes place on cobbled and paved Old Town streets, which can be uneven and very crowded. Wheelchair users may find early weekday hours easier.
Frequently asked questions
When does Jarmark Dominikański take place?
It is held in summer and lasts several weeks, but the exact dates change from year to year. Visitors should confirm the current schedule locally before travelling.
Is the amber sold at the fair genuine?
Many stalls sell genuine Baltic amber, but imitations exist too. Natural amber is light and warm to the touch, and reputable sellers can explain what they are selling.
Can prices be negotiated?
Some bargaining is accepted on antiques and larger purchases. Handmade craft prices are often fixed.
Is the fair suitable for families?
Yes, the fair has street performances, food and open public squares, though the main streets become very crowded at peak times.