The Polish City That Will Surprise You in Every Way
Gdańsk is a beautiful city on the northern coast of Poland, beside the Baltic Sea.
It is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with a history of over a thousand years.
The city is famous for its colourful buildings and its stunning old town, known as the Royal Road area.
Many of the historic buildings were carefully rebuilt after the Second World War, when much of the city was destroyed.
The Long Market, called Długi Targ in Polish, is the main street in the old town and a popular place to visit.
Tourists love to walk along the Motława River and admire the beautiful waterfront, known as the Long Embankment.
The Crane, or Żuraw, is one of the most famous landmarks in Gdańsk and was once used to load and unload ships.
Gdańsk has a very important harbour, and trade by sea has been central to the city's success for many centuries.
The city is also known for its amber, a golden gemstone found along the Baltic coast, and there are many shops selling amber jewellery.
In 1980, Gdańsk became world-famous when workers at the shipyard started the Solidarity movement, which changed Polish history.
Today, the city is home to around 470,000 people and is one of Poland's most visited tourist destinations.
Gdańsk has excellent museums, including the Second World War Museum, which is one of the largest history museums in Europe.
The local food is delicious, and you should try traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi and żurek while you are there.
The city has a lively café and restaurant scene, especially along the waterfront and in the narrow streets of the old town.
Whether you enjoy history, architecture, or simply walking by the sea, Gdańsk is a city that is well worth a visit.