Gdansk and Krakow

I spent a total of 8 hours over two days last week at the Gdansk World War II museum. It is chock full of videos and photos as well as artifacts. Exhibits are centered on the war in Europe and especially the effect on Poland. Not much on the Asian front. However it's definitely worth visiting.

Lest you think sjwordlover is a bit weird, I spent 20 hours in that museum!

The Solidarity Center is also great and doesn't take as long, but perhaps the tour spends some time there. (That was 8 hours for me.)

I was also just in both cities. For Gdansk, I believe RS was overly critical of the WWII museum in the guidebook - it's well done and definitely worth a visit. I also enjoyed the maritime museum and climbing through the ship outside, and in retrospect should have taken one of the boat rides out to Westerplatte. Being there in the height of summer, a quick train ride to Sopot could be fun. The amber altar at Lech Walesa's church is worth a look. If you're at the Admiral Hotel you'll be treated to an amazing breakfast buffet.

For Krakow, try to spend additional time in Kazimierz, which I found to be more enjoyable than the area around the main square. Auschwitz seems to be the default extra-time activity - if you intend to go, book your tour or tickets ASAP. The salt mine looked too touristy to me, but it's another popular destination - just don't do the combo tour with Auschwitz. I enjoyed the Rynek Underground Museum. At breakfast one morning an American couple that I had crossed paths with in Warsaw told me that the Schindler factory was not a pleasant experience due to the crowds. If you're adventurous, seek out Sausages from the blue Nysa -
Kiełbaski z Niebieskiej Nyski - one evening. And Bar Grodzki for lunch - pork kutlet.

I flew from LAX - just curious why you're asking. I was on KLM via AMS - excellent flights in both directions, although the 6:35 departure from Krakow was a bit early for me.

Hi smhgesundheit !!

My name Is Vic and my wife's name is Roh....we are on the same RS Poland tour but flying from Chicago. We're flying directly into Warsaw several days early then taking a train up to Gdansk. We are looking at a day excursion to Sepot although I do understand it will be crowded. I'd like to take in the WWII museum as both our families were heavily affected by the war. I've also added several days to the end of the trip as I must see Auschwitz....my wife won't go...too much family history.

Cya soon !!

Vic

@ markcw

Fantastic suggestions and advice !!

Would the ship be one of the destroyers operated by the Polish Navy-in-Exile during WWII? A friend of mine Dad served on one of the ships during the war.

Thank you again
Vic

Vic - the ship is actually a freighter - I believe the first one built at the shipyards after the war. It's large and they let you crawl around inside, including the engine room. Another possibility in Krakow is the aircraft museum - I assume easy to get to via tram.

If you have time in Warsaw, the Warsaw Uprising museum is interesting - check out the nearby food hall that RS mentions in the guidebook. I read that the Polish military museum is now open as well.

Transportation in Warsaw - indeed everywhere - is easy - I bought 72 hr passes for Warsaw & Krakow. Just be prepared for Warsaw - think mid-town Manhattan.

@markcw

Gotchya...thanks!!

I looked on the internet and found one of the WWII Polish destroyers is a floating museum in Gdynia!! She received the Militari Virtuti!!

https://muzeummw.pl/en/orp-blyskawica-a-real-war-veteran/

Vic - that's good news - Gdynia is just down the street...

Thank you very much for suggestions for Gdansk, Warsaw, and Krakow. I have noted them all. Vic and Roh, I look forward to meeting both of you very soon.