He studied law at the University of Gdańsk, where he also became a prominent student movement member. He was one of the organizers of the 1988 strike and became the headperson of the strike commity. Between 1990 and 1993 served as a vice-rector at his alma mater.
In 1990 Adamowicz was elected the member of the City Council in Gdańsk and held this post until 1998, when he was elected the Mayor of Gdańsk. On November 10, 2002 he was re-elected and gained 72% of votes.