30 Interesting Things To Do In TriCity, Poland
TriCity in Poland consists of three famous Polish towns which are situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea. The cities of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. This post lists the best things to do in TriCity, Poland.
Gdynia is a quieter city with a beach, harbour, and museums. On the other hand, Sopot is a gorgeous touristy beach town which comes alive at night.
While Gdansk is a mixture of both – rich in history, art, and places to dine out.
Tri-City is a safe destination for solo travellers. Just be aware of your belongings as you would in any city.
As an option, you can create a base in one city. Or, if you can prefer you can make separate bookings and stay in each town.
For example, when we went we stayed in Sopot and Gdansk, and travelled to Gdynia.
Also, you can travel between cities quite easily. There are great transport links – train, tram and bus. We also used Uber regularly too.
Sopot
Sopot is the main touristy beach resort which is sandwiched between two other cities, Gdynia and Gdansk. Also, it is popular with locals in the summer months as they head to Sopot to enjoy the beach and entertainment.
Ulica Bohaterow Monte Cassino (Monte Cassino Street)
This is the main strip in Sopot which leads to the pier at the sea. The street is always busy, and it is filled to the brim with entertainment, market stalls and artists.
Also, there are plenty of popular restaurants, bars and cafes leading off the street. In addition, at night, the party goers come out and the street is vibrant and full of life.
Krzywy Domek (The Crooked House)
This wonderful building is a mix of stunning architecture and art. For this reason, the overall appearance looks like it is from a cartoon, which is a very popular shot for the Instagram.
The crooked house was built in 2004 and it has shops, cafes, and nightclubs.
Wooden Pier (Molo Sopot)
Molo Sopot is supposedly the longest wooden pier in Europe. The pier was built in 1928 and stretches out 515 metres into the sea.
There is a small entrance fee to get on to the pier during the summer, where you can get some photos, look at fancy boats and enjoy the views of the Baltic Sea.
Also, there is a range of cafes and restaurants if you fancy something to eat or drink. Moreover, you can book boat hires or tours that leave from here.
Sopot Beach
A beautiful golden sand beach that stretches for miles. There are plenty of beach bars, restaurants, sun loungers and hammocks that are scattered along the beach.
Also, all the spas and resorts are only a walkaway away from the stunning location. The Baltic Sea is on the north coast of Poland, unfortunately, the water is not known for warm water.
However, you might catch a good day to swim in the summer. So if you are planning a summer trip make sure you pack a swimsuit and spend an afternoon relaxing at the beach.
Laternia Morska w Sopocie (Sopot Lighthouse)
This spectacular tower was built in 1904, now it is no longer in use. However, it is a popular visitor attraction, where you can climb to the tower.
From the top you get beautiful panorama views of Sopot and the cities beyond. There is a small entry fee and on completion you receive a little certificate.
Church of St George
The neo-gothic building was built in 1901, originally a protestant church then changed to catholic after 1945. It was built in the heart of Sopot, on Market Square.
The 50-metre-high chapel was used as a signpost to bring sailors into the bay. You can go inside and explore the decorative brickwork and stained-glass windows.
Sopot Restaurants
The main hub in Tri-City for food and drink is Sopot. In the summer the town attracts visitors from near and far to the wonderful beach town as there is so much choice to suit everyone.
With almost a restaurant on every corner of the main strip, it can be a struggle to decide where to go. However, this list will hopefully help you decide where to go to fulfil those cravings.
Cocktail Bar Max
This bar faces directly onto the main square in Sopot. Whatever cocktail you are after, they will mix it up for you.
Also, the additional toppings of mass amounts of fresh fruit on each cocktail which is perfect for any Instagram picture. The cocktails are fresh and perfect for after a day of relaxing in the sun.
Whiskey On The Rocks
Located in Sopot Centrum, this American themed restaurant which is very big on whiskey!
There is rock n roll music playing in the background, with Jack Daniels bottles everywhere, even on the roof. In addition, there is live music on the weekends.
The restaurant is big on burgers, steaks, and chicken wings marinated in BBQ sauce. However, if you are not a huge straight whiskey fan, they sell whiskey-based cocktails called whiskey jars, which are delicious.
Also, there is a bar with a wide range of spirits. Everything is at a reasonable price and the atmosphere is very good. Therefore, make sure you stop here.
Pelican
Pelican is a Mediterranean-style tapas restaurant that serves a good selection of wine. We stopped here for dinner one night and loved every bite.
The restaurant set-up is very good, with great indoor and outdoor seating. The tapas portions are a reasonable size and very Instagrammable!
Additionally, many celebs have posted their meals from here on social media. For the main course we ordered a steak which was delicious.
Staff here were nice and it has a very good atmosphere. Will definitely be back to try the rest of the tapas menu!
Prosto
Another restaurant is situated in the Sopot Centrum and it is the best place for pizza! The service is quick, the staff are friendly and the pizza is delicious.
Also, the toppings are loaded onto the pizza so the food is value for money.
In addition, the atmosphere was great. We were sitting outside on a gorgeous summer night.
The only negative is the pizza’s are too small! So, make you stop here for a bite to eat during your stay in Sopot.
Gdansk
Brama Wyznna (Upper Gate)
The tour of the Old Town starts at the Upper Gate. This previously used to be used as a defensive post and it was the main gate of the old city.
Also, the Amber Museum is situated behind it.
The gate was originally built in the 16th century and it has been renovated many times. In addition, the tram station is nearby and there is lots of tourist information inside.
Golden Gate
Next, is the Golden Gates which are situated at the train station side of the Dlugi Targ (Long Market). The gates have been standing from 1612 until now, however, they have been redecorated several times.
The four figures on the side of the prison tower represent peace, liberty, wealth and dame, something which Gdansk has always struggled to achieve.
On the opposite side there are sculptures which represent the Burgh’s virtues including wisdom, religion, justice and harmony.
Dlugi Targ (Long Market)
This is the main street that runs through the heart of the old town in Gdansk. While walking through the street look for some market stalls, performers, restaurants, and cafes.
Also, there are interesting statues and artistic murals that are dotted through the old town which are not far from Dlugi Targ. In addition, above the crowds, you can admire the architecture of the post-war medieval designed buildings.
Main Town Hall
The town hall is situated in the centre of Dlugi Targ. It has a noticeable clock tower, where you can climb to the top for some wonderful views.
Also, there is a museum where you can learn about the history of Poland and the city. Unfortunately, the building, and the whole entire street, is not original.
In World War II the whole area was sadly destroyed and has been rebuilt since.
Neptune Fountain
Situated in the centre of Dlugi Targ sits a water fountain with a sculpture of Neptune situated at the top.
The bronze sculpture was built in 1613 and is the oldest secular monument in Poland. In addition, the sea creatures were added in the 1750’s as part of a restoration.
Also, opposite the Neptune fountain is the original Fahrenheit Thermometer. The man who invented it, Daniel Fahrenheit was born in 1686 and grew up in Gdansk.
In addition, you can also visit the house where he used to live.
Artus Court
Also situated near the town hall is a distinctive building. Artus Court lies in the heart of Gdansk Old Quarter.
The building has a lot of trading history and you can learn more by visiting the museum.
Canoe the Motlawa River
For those who do not like seeing Gdansk the standard way on foot. There are other options, you can unwind in the water and discover the picturesque city from a different angle.
You can kayak your way down to the shipyard through the winding waters or spend some time chilling in the open. Therefore, it is a perfect way to have fun or relax and watch the hustle of Gdansk go by.
Walk the Waterfront
For another nice stroll that you can continue from Dlugi Targ, walk along the banks of Motlawa River. There is a famous building called the crane (Żuraw) which was used hundreds of years ago to lift cargo onto ships.
This bulky mass is an important representation of the trading city that Gdansk used to be. Tours are available from the Polish Maritime Museum if you are interested in Gdansk’s history.
Also, there is a chance to take plenty of photos while walking along the river. One opportunity is at the Gdansk Sign.
Not to mention, there is a pedestrian bridge that lifts up to allow boats and ships to travel through the river.
Mariacka Street
To add more miles to your step count, make sure you explore Mariacka Street.
It is a cool street, with a range of architecture and oversized porches spilling into the street. Also, the gothic themed architecture has Gargoyle themed heads, also known as ‘Pukers’.
During heavy rainfall, the ‘pukers’ spray out water. In addition, this street is filled with shops and small market stalls that are selling Amber.
Also, there are unique cafes and restaurants where you can stop for coffee or wine.
Bazylika Mariacka (St Mary’s Basillca)
Around the corner from the main square is the majestic St Mary’s Basillca. The building was created in 1502.
It is a large roman catholic church which is rumoured to have the highest number of red bricks in the world. You can climb the stairs up to the top to get brilliant views of Gdansk.
The Armoury
Another impressive building is situated near Dlugi Targ.
You can explore the military history in The Armoury which is a building that was used to store weapons. However, now it is usually filled with art exhibitions.
St Catherine’s Church
Finally, the last stop in the old town is St Catherine’s Church, the oldest church in Gdansk, Poland.
It was a protestant church from 1545 to 1945. Then after the war it changed to catholic.
Additionally, there was a dramatic fire in 2006, which tore the building apart. Since then, the building has been restored and there is a small exhibition with TV news footage and photos from the incident.
European Solidarity Centre
Moving onto the outskirts of the old town is to a huge building in the Gdansk dockyard area. In this museum, you can learn about Poland when it was under communist rule.
Outside the building you will see the Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970 to acknowledge the 42 people that were killed in 1970. Furthermore, the entrance to the shipyard consists of a gate that states Stocznia Gdanska, which symbolises the solidarity movement.
The museum takes you through the events that created the solidarity movement, resulting in Poland changing from communist to democratic.
Also, these events contributed to the fall of communism in Poland but also other Eastern European countries.
The Museum of the Second World War
A must-visit museum showing another part of Poland’s important history. The museum was built in 2017 and shows Poland’s involvement and journey through World War II.
The experience beautifully conveys the impact of World War II on the country. In addition, there is in-depth and graphic information on the beginning of World War II at Gdansk.
Also, the unimaginable terror in the concentration camps is well conveyed.
The museum is closed on Mondays so expect bigger crowds on Tuesdays and Sundays. Overall, it takes approximately three hours to complete the whole museum.
Oliwa Catherdral
This impressive worshipping place is mainly constructed of marble. The cathedral is not situated in the Old Town, but it is worth the journey.
Westerplatte
Outside the main city is the area called Westerplatte. This area plays a big part in history as it is where the German’s launched the attacks on Poland on September 1st 1939.
Moreover, the Battle of Westerplatte contributed to a massive part in the invasion of Poland and the beginning of World War II. There is a huge outdoor museum, monuments, and memorials to acknowledge the events that happened.
The Bunker (Walkable Ruin)
Also, at Westerplatte you can walk through the ruins and remains of what used to be a bunker during World War II. There are tours of Westerplatte or exploring Gdansk which will stop here.
Zaspa’s Mural
Also another attraction that is not located in the old town. You can access the trendy neighbourhood of Zaspa by tram or train.
There are over 60 outside walls of schools or apartment buildings that have large art murals on them.
Lech Wałęsa’s House
Lech Wałęsa played an important role in the Solidarity movement and became president of Poland from 1990 to 1995.
His house where he used to stay is now in the trendy neighbourhood of Zaspa. Also, a portrait of Lech Wałęsa is painted on one of the wall murals.
Gdansk Restaurants
In Gdansk, there are plenty of boho bars and restaurants just to suit anybody. Therefore, as a guide, I have listed three of my most memorable places.
Józef K
We popped in here for late afternoon drinks. This is one of my favourite places on the list.
The interior was cool and quirky, and the atmosphere was relaxed. There are old furnishings, retro art and antique trinkets.
Also, a few stained glass windows and multicoloured lighting. Somehow like everything has been randomly thrown together, but strangely enough – it works.
The cheesecake and hot chocolate looked good. So, add that one to the list.
Pueblo
The bright and colourful restaurant will lift up your spirits! They sell the best Mexican selection of food in town.
The staff are so entertaining and upbeat and service was speedy. Also, the margaritas were awesome! We would love to come back here for round two.
Pub Pixel
Finally for Gdansk, we have Pub Pixel. We thought we should check it out after hearing great reviews about the cocktails. On arrival we were greeted with a smile, also we received cucumber water and popcorn.
The interior is fun, and slightly nerdy-chic. You can kill hours there as there are game consoles and board games.
The bartenders did an excellent job. They are a master of their art, making each cocktail to the exact personal taste.
Also, they are attentive, polite and charming as you expect a bartender to be. So, if you are after a good time make sure this bar is on your list.
Gdynia
Monument Displaced Gdynians
This statue is situated near the train station. It is a statue of a mother and her two children heading to the train station with their belongings.
This monument was erected to represent the people that were evacuated from their homes in Gdynia in World War II.
Emigration Museum
Next is an interesting museum which gives more information about the history of Poland. Gydnia used to be Poland’s embarkation point for emigrants to America.
Figures now show that 20 million people who are Polish or from Polish descent live in other countries.
The Emigration Museum has painted a large picture of why and how people left Poland for countries like Brazil, Australia and the USA.
Orp Blyskawica (Lightening)
In the harbour is a destroyer ship which served Poland’s navy in World War II. The destroyer ship was built on the Isle of Wight by Samuel J White.
As well as being built in England, she took part in many wartime operations including as anti-aircraft cover on evacuation for British troops in Dunkirk. Also, she was a museum ship in 1976 then gained independence in 1989.
Dar Pomorza (Gift of Pomeria)
Also, in the harbour sits a preserved clipper ship. The ship was built in 1909, and was used as a training ship in Germany, Poland, and France.
Dar Pomerza was the first ship to go around the world flying Poland’s colours in 1935. Then, in 1982 she was given to the National Maritime Museum in Gdansk.
Skwer Kościuszki (Kościuszko Square)
The city mains square is a very broad promenade that leads to the South Pier where the ships are docked. The square is named after Poland’s national hero who led an uprising against Russia in 1794.
Nearby are 1930’s tenement houses as well as Polish Navy’s command building which was only decommissioned in 2014. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants, cinemas, aquariums and museum’s all within walking distance from the square.
Orlowo Pier
Situated between Sopot and Gydnia, is 180-metre long Orlowo Pier. The pier opened in the First World War and it used to stand at a length of 430 metres.
However, due to bad weather, the pier stands at 180 metres. You can walk along the pier during the day to get good views of the beach and surrounding Orlowski Cliffs.
Or, you walk along the pier to catch a gorgeous sunrise. Not far from the beach is Kepa Redlowska, a coastal nature reserve.
You can walk along the nearby cliffs to get to Klif Orlowski and an amazing view.
Torpedownia Hexengrund Gdynia Babie Doły
Situated 300 metres off the coast of Babie Doly, 10 kilometres north of Gdynia lies a strange derelict industrial site. The site was built by the Germans in World War II to research, build and test torpedoes.
The building was left by the German’s in 1945 and gradually fell into disrepair. In addition, a pier that connected the building to the shoreline was blown up in 1979 to stop people accessing the dangerous site.
It is important to note that you cannot reach the wreck by swimming. However, there are boat or kayak tours that you can do if you enjoy exploring abandoned buildings.
The wreck is easily visible from the beach. As a result of the sea and bitter harsh winters, the sculpture is being torn apart.
Hel
Finally, you can go to Hel. The town is located on the Pomeranian Province and it is a popular touristy seaside area.
There are beautiful beaches, stunning seaside areas and a little naval port. The Hel Peninsula is 34 kilometres long and is quite narrow in places.
Most specifically, at the narrowest point at Kuznica, it is only 150 metres wide.
Hel Lighthouse
A stunning building which is also a historic attraction. The lighthouse is currently active, and it guides ships into Gdansk Bay and the Bay of Puck.
Also, the tower is over 40 metres tall, and the light source has a range of 17 miles. Therefore, it is a good stop to get a photo and an amazing view.
The Museum of Coastal Defence
Next on the list is one of the most interesting fortifications in Poland. The museum is based in two buildings, including the fire control tower and the powerful Schlewig-Holstein battery.
Also, it is a great expedition to learn about the heroes who battled their way through the German’s 1939 attack on Poland.
At the start of World War II Hel was the last place in Poland to surrender to the Germans, a remarkable 3, 000 soldiers defended the area until 2nd October 1939.
Then again, in April 1945, 60, 000 Germans were caught in a Red Army bottleneck. Therefore, the Germans gave up on 9 May, making it the last area of Poland to be liberated.
Hel Restaurants
The final place we stopped at was Hel, at the end of the Pomeranian Peninsula. This is the home to plenty of tiny restaurants and cafes which will leave you spoilt for choice.
Stara Wedzarnia
This restaurant is in a cute little building which is situated on the waterfront. They serve typical polish food, specialising in fish dishes.
We were super impressed with our meal, we got so much food for the price that we paid for it. Also, the salad was fresh and served well, and came in small dishes that you can eat.
If you go there for dinner, make sure you either get a window seat or sit outside. As the location is a dream and you can get the perfect view over the water.
Final Note
In summary, there is so much more to do in Trojmiasto, this list only contains a few things. Therefore, it can be your next city break destination.
As shown above you can relax on beaches or explore the history packed museums. Ultimately, it is the perfect place to go for any traveller.
Hopefully, this blog post has given you inspiration for places to try while you are exploring the top Baltic Coast destination! There is so much more waiting to be discovered.
I have visited other towns in Europe and wrote about them. Check out the posts of Poznan, Poland and Tallinn in Estonia.