Gdansk, Poland

Hi Eveliina, I don't know what Gdansk is like during the winter months, but it is a real working city and not just a tourist destination, so I would think that it is still active even though some areas my be more active than others. I thought Gdansk was really beautiful and had a lot to offer; I didn't have the chance to see everything that I had wanted to see. I enjoyed Long Street (Ul. Dluga) which becomes Long Market (Dlugi Targ)- lots of gorgeous buildings. That runs into Long Quay (Dlugie Pobrzeze) which has cute little shops and cafes, but since it's along the water, it might not be so lively in winter. There are of course many beautiful churches; the most memorable to me was St. Mary's (the largest brick church in the world)which has an amazing view from the main tower if you have the energy to climb the 400+ steps (that took me a while:)) and a famous astronomical clock. St. Nicholas' was also very impressive. I was really interested in the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers and the site of the Solidarity museum. The museum itself wasn't open when I was there, but there were a few displays on the grounds that were worth seeing. Even though I was a kid at the time of the Solidarity movement, it made a big impression on me and has stayed with me all these years so I found the shipyard area very interesting and moving. I also liked the Millers' Guild and the Great Mill. I hope you enjoy your trip to Gdansk!

Great question. I have spent time in August in Gdansk but not in winter. There are three cities very near each other and connected by public transit. Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia. Gdansk has the medieval streets, churches, and of course shopping for Baltic Amber and other evocative souveniers. Sopot is the party city and Gdynia is where the work gets done:) I recommend a trip to Malbork Castle if you have the chance. It is a day trip from the Tri-City but is well worth the time. My advice is dress warm and have fun!

My family visited my relatives in Poland this summer. Gdansk was one of the cities we visited in a day trip out fo Torun. We were fortunate in that one of my relatives is a cab owner and was able to shuttle us around in his Mercedes cab. We covered a hell of a lot of Poland in a week and it is a very nice country to visit. For our day trip to Gdansk, we did the following. Morning was spent at Westerplatte, the site of the initial Nazi invasion of Poland and the start of WW2. It is located in an industrial/shipping area and is a somber site to visit. The displays are very informative and help in understanding what happened in Sep of 1939. WHen we were there I noticed that many small Polish children were there along wit many older Poles who lost someone during the Nazi invasions and occupation. We were very moved by the groups bringing flowers and singing the Polish National Anthem.

From there it was just a short drive to the Old Town of Gdansk. Very nice area and full of many restored buildings and churches. We enjoyed the outdoor concert given by a local music society. Lunch is very affordable and scenic. A short drive from there is the Solidarity memorial. This is in a gritty shipyard area and makes more sense when you are familiar with the plaques, monuments and symbolism. Study ahead of the visit using Rick's book. From there we drove to Sopot. Parking is easy in in one of the water side hotels. There is a very nice boardwalk and beach area. Sopot and the surrounding area is very lively and a resort area . We spent time on the boardwalk and enjoyed ice cream and the views. From Sopot we drove back to Torun and stoped by Malbork castle. This is a huge castle with great grounds to enjoy. Great history to learn and enjoy. Poland is in in the midst of building highways to connect the major areas. Tourism is also up and coming and I found the scenery driving through Poland a good study in how far the country has progressed. Bathrooms cost a few zloty. Cheap food/drink I don't know about the winter, but I think that there is a boat which can take you from the Gdansk Old Town to Sopot. Also check up on evening hours at Malbork.