Things to do in Gdansk
Gdansk is Poland's major historic trading port, and a good place to visit if you want a holiday filled with visual delights. The best thing about a holiday in Gdansk is strolling the streets of the Old Town to admire the beautiful historic buildings, which were restored after being laid to waste by bombing raids during World War II.
Gdansk also has a lively waterfront area where tourists congregate in pavement cafes and excellent restaurants, and a number of other worthy attractions including Oliwa Cathedral, St Mary's Church, Oliwa Park and the quaint and colourful Mariacka Lane, which is lined with 17th-century houses.
Gdansk forms the Tri-City complex with the modern port of Gdynia and the popular coastal resort town of Sopot, Poland's best spot for a beach holiday. The starting point for the German invasion of Poland was the Westerplatte Peninsula, where some of the barracks and guard houses of the courageous Polish defensive force still stand and a huge memorial has been built in their honour. Westerplatte, which can be reached by boat, car, or bicycle, is now one of the region's most popular tourist attractions.
Summer is the best time to travel to Gdansk, when the weather is warm, although it is still a good idea to take a jumper for the cool evenings. Winters are best avoided as they can be frigid and wet and the sun is seldom seen.
Westerplatte
The peninsula of Westerplatte saw the beginning of Second World War. A small Polish garrison heroically held out against the attack of seven days before surrendering to German forc…
Westerplatte
The peninsula of Westerplatte saw the beginning of Second World War. A small Polish garrison heroically held out against the attack of seven days before surrendering to German forces, with the site now a towering memorial to the defenders. With only 180 Polish soldiers, they fought on knowing they had no chance of reinforcement or resupply. A small museum is accompanied by ruins of the barracks and guardhouses left from the shelling, standing harrowing and dilapidated in an otherwise picturesque setting reachable by bus. Surrounding scenery is best appreciated on a boat or bike trip.
Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is the world's largest brick fortress and one of the most impressive in Europe. The Teutonic Knights built it in 1276 and slowly began to establish themselves as fea…
Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is the world's largest brick fortress and one of the most impressive in Europe. The Teutonic Knights built it in 1276 and slowly began to establish themselves as fearsome rulers, taking control of most of Poland until they were defeated at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The immense brick stronghold incorporates a system of multiple defence walls with gates and towers, guarding an interior of arcaded courtyards, chapels, a treasury, the Knights' Hall, and an armoury. The castle houses several exhibitions of tapestries, coins and medals, medieval sculptures, and weapons. During summer, the courtyard is used as a venue for sound and light shows. Guided tours are available and there are audio guides for those who prefer to explore independently, although the number of audio guides is limited.
Address Staroscinska 1, 82-200 Malbork, Poland
Website www.zamek.malbork.pl
Transport
31 miles (50km) from Gdansk by train or bus
Opens 9am to 7pm, Monday to Sunday.
Sopot
Although still very much a well-kept secret on the mainstream tourist scene, Northern European travellers have been flocking to Sopot for many years for its gorgeous sandy beaches …
Sopot
Although still very much a well-kept secret on the mainstream tourist scene, Northern European travellers have been flocking to Sopot for many years for its gorgeous sandy beaches on the shore of the Baltic Sea. Primarily a beach resort and health spa town, Sopot buzzes every summer. Throngs of visitors walk along its famous wooden pier while enjoying the long sunny days and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. There are a few other tourist attractions in the town, like a museum and a water park, but the beachfront is the highlight. With its vibrant nightlife and relative obscurity, Sopot is the perfect cheaper option for budget travellers and backpackers.