Sep 5, 2024
Northern Poland, whose shores are washed by the Baltic Sea and where in summer it is usually a few degrees cooler than in the Czech Republic, attracts many tourists and visitors. The city of Gdańsk is often their destination. Among the top recommended places not to miss in Gdańsk is Długa Street, which is frequently mentioned. I had it on my list as well, but I have to say that walking through it was exhausting. Tourists gather in groups, trying at all costs to capture a nice photo, while local business owners do their best to extract as much money as possible from them in return. However, just walking one street over, the atmosphere of the city changes completely. Among the typical touristy establishments lacking soul, you can easily find authentic spots with friendly staff and quality offerings.
What attracts me the most in Gdańsk is undoubtedly the architecture. The Poles have a natural sense of aesthetics and courage, which has been evident for years in other fields as well, such as graphic design. In Gdańsk, a bold dialogue unfolds between historic buildings with typical narrow facades and modern structures. The shapes are similar, but the architects have opted for different construction materials. You can also find meaningful architecture outside the city center, such as in the area around the Stary Maneż building, located in the pleasant and less touristy part of the city called Wrzeszcz. This part of the city serves as a cultural and gastronomic hub for local residents and is well-designed from an urbanistic perspective.
Walks to the beaches are also worth mentioning. They lead through long pine groves and sandy paths, where various grasses grow, looking like something out of a modern garden design magazine. On the other hand, the sea is often shallow and murky far from the shore, and the water is not as salty as we are used to in southern Europe. Besides the city beaches of Jelitkowo and Sobieszewo, which I recommend, it’s certainly worth making a trip to the Słowiński National Park. Just be aware that dogs are not allowed through the official entrance. However, you can bypass this and see at least part of this magnificent area from the nudist beach in Łeba, accessible via pine forest trails that are not monitored.
KR
