Places to See

The Tricity

Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia are considered jewels of Poland's Pomorskie region. Each of the cities has it's own unique character and charm. Collectively known as Tricity, the metropolis is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations - all cities are connected by a network of trains, but I (Manuela) like to walk the beach to get from one to another.

Gdańsk (city you will probably land in)

Gdańsk is the largest of the three cities and established in 1263 which makes it one of Poland's oldest!

The city's history is complex, with periods of Polish, Prussian and German rule, and autonomy as a free city-state.

  • Its ambiguous political status created tensions that culminated with the invasion of Poland and the first clash of the Second World War at nearby Westerplatte (still accessible).

  • If war history is your thing, check out the Museum of the Second World War.

In the 1980s, Gdańsk was the birthplace of the Solidarity (Solidarność). If you know at least one polish name there is a good chance it is either Lewandowski, Iga Światek or Lech Walesa. Solidarity was a movement, which played a major role in bringing an end to Communism in Poland.

The photo on the left is a part of the city center by The Royal Route, so Długi Targ and Długa Street.

  • Take a walk in the center, starting from the Golden Gate, that the most famous route in the city is located. Polish monarchs used to enter the city this way, and along this street there are beautiful houses, tenement houses of wealthy Gdańsk merchants.

Sopot

Sopot is the Tricity seaside resort located between Gdynia and Gdańsk.

A major health spa and resort destination (yes! yes! you will find me there), it's home to the longest wooden pier in Europe and

  • Wes Anderson-esque Grand Hotel that at one point served as Nazi's HQ.

Sopot is giving the vibe of what used to be a resort of wealthy by the beach, where everything feels slower.

  • Good idea is to rent a bike to cycle along the coast towards Gdańsk or Gdynia Orłowo.

Gdynia

Home to Poland's most famous music festival, Open'er Festival in July, Gdynia is a relatively young city (less than 100 years old). In the 19th century this used to be a small fishing village.

Today Gdynia is famous for its modernist cityscape and port.

  • It's home to the Polish Navy headquarters and not one but two anchored museum ships.

  • Recommend a stroll along the promenade (bulwar, pronounced 'bul-vahr') to the brewery (Browar Port-Gdynia) on the beach.