Poland's northern gem (Gdansk)

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Gdansk
Date:	05/08/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wonderful old town

Disadvantages: None

Whilst Gdynia is a transport hub for the coastline and the more businessy town of Trojmiasto (Three Cities) and Sopot is a playground of beaches, restaurants, cafes and pubs, it's Gdansk that remains my favourite of the three as it nicely combines a working port with a lovely old town.

To most tourists Gdansk is probably known as the cradle of Solidarnosc (Soldarity Trade Union) that ultimately led to the downfall of communism in Poland in 1989. If not that, then perhaps as the Free State of Danzig, an autonomous republic heavily populated by Germans that existed between 1920 and 1939.

Over the years Gdansk has been in the centre of a tug of war between Germans (Teutonic Knights, Prussia) and Poles, contradictory to what many of the German visitors may think, Gdansk is very much a Polish town having been founded by Polish tribes as well as being under Polish rule for the longest throughout its history. The majority of the most impressive architecture today however is from Hanseatic times and therefore bares German and Dutch medieval designs.

Gdansk's cobbled streets weave through little squares and alleys before eventually leading up to the river that seperates the centre of the old town, walking along it can be a very pleasant experience and you'll find lots of market stalls selling traditional Polish food and goods. It is the tourist centre,so prices are a bit higher than elsewhere but the quality of goods is usually very good. Unless you are a big fan of churches and museums, Gdansk will probably hold your attention for a day or two but I recommend using it as a base to explore the nearby areas.

Gdansk is quite large today and the suburbs vary from communist era blocks through to modern posh housing estates that look like they are out of Weeds or Desperate Housewives, neither of which really appeal to me. For me, it's all about the centre which in retrospect is probably Poland's best looking city centre (I prefer it to either Krakow or Wroclaw) maybe because of the sea air! Walking along the beach front up to Sopot or cycling it is a recommended trip!

Lech Walesa Airport is easily accesible from the UK and Ireland and flights are cheap with Wizz Air. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by buses and trains (which get busy in the summer)

Summary: Impressive city