Gdansk

Copyright: In Green/Shutterstock.com

Gdansk

The Tricity area consists of three different urban bodies linked by their unique location on Gdańsk Bay (Zatoka Gdańska) and separated from the rest of the world by post-glacial moraines. Gdańsk is a thousand years old, and is the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship with high architectural and cultural values, joined with Sopot, the most famous health resort and spa, which is located next to Gdynia, a modernistic, cutting-edge city.

The City

Gdansk During its over a thousand-year-long history, the city of Gdańsk has witnessed events that changed the world. It is the place where, on 1 September 1939, the event that changed the world started – World War II. At the same time, Gdańsk is the birthplace of Solidarity, the social movement that led to the fall of communism. Sopot Sopot is a famous health resort and spa. The city never sleeps, with artistes, scientists and tourists mixing around the clock. Sopot hosts various events such as exhibitions, concerts, festivals, conferences and international meetings. The streets are crowded with cafes, restaurants, and art galleries; the beach, visible from various points in the city, offers a pleasant alternative to Gdynia and Gdańsk. It is a place to relax after a long day. Gdynia Gdynia was created from the sea and dreams of the post-war generation of Poles, according to the words of Stefan Żeromski, the Polish writer of the times, “…a poem created in wood, stone, concrete and iron, an overwhelming drama depicting the taking from the sea of the forces of water, depth and power…”. Today it is a modern and dynamically growing city with its modern development and economy, open towards the sea.

Do & See

Most tourist attractions are in the Main Town along or near Ulica Długa (Long Street) and Długi Targ (Long Market), a pedestrian thoroughfare surrounded by buildings reconstructed in historical (primarily 17th century) style and book-ended by elaborate city gates.

Dining

More than just a meat & potatoes paradise, Poland’s cuisine is a mixture of Slavic and foreign culinary traditions. Meals often start with a bowl of soup. Pork is the most popular meat in Poland, but, thanks to its seaside location, Gdansk also offers a great variety of fish. Meals are often accompanied by vodka and beer.

Bars & Nightlife

Just walking around Gdansk, you’ll find a wide range of bars and pubs, from the very off-beat to typical student pubs, from ex-pat hangouts to exquisite lounges. Be warned: Eastern Europe has some of the wildest night clubs in the world, and Gdansk is no exception. Theme parties are everywhere, and the locals love to dress up for the occasion. Clubs tend to be open late, and the DJs are tireless! Not for the faint of heart.

Shopping

Gdansk is a holiday shopper’s paradise as there are plenty of stores in the downtown area as well as a couple of quality shopping malls. Ulica Mariacka – which is known as one of the most beautiful streets in Europe – has many cosy shops and hidden treasures. If the weather turns you, and you’re looking to spend some quality indoor time, there is a shopping mall in the Great Mill building on Ulica Wielkie Mlyny that is great for buying those inevitable souvenirs and trinkets for friends and family. Another, larger shopping mall is on Ulica Rajska, called Madison Park. It has more than 100 stores, including tourist information, fashion stores, a gym and a medical centre. For a change of pace, check out the little shops in seaside spa resort Sopot or the exclusive boutiques of thriving port town Gdynia.

Tourist Information