Where is the Tri-City of Poland?

When you think of Poland, the first things that may come to your mind are the top quaint historical places in this country. But have you ever thought about the sun, sandy beaches, and pretty little coastal towns? A beach may sound highly unlikely. But here’s where you’re mistaken. The country can be a dazzling seaside destination! What’s more, the Polish Riviera can be a welcome surprise to travelers who visit the north coast of Poland.

Agreed, it might not be as great or impressive in comparison to the Italian or French Riviera, but it has its own charm and should definitely be added to your travel itinerary.

The Tri-City comprises the neighboring cities of Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia. The metropolitan area in the Tri-city is a fantastic place to travel to. This place combines the historical character with inviting beaches and seaside in a way that can keep you thoroughly entertained for days! You would need a minimum of five days to visit the city and explore it to the fullest.

You can spend two or three days in Gdansk and the remaining two days in Sopot and Gdynia combined, as they are relatively smaller in comparison to Gdansk.

Tri-city lies in the north of Poland on the Gulf of Gdansk. The area is very well connected with trains and buses going from one city to another throughout the day. Tickets are also easily available for people who prefer to travel. This factor makes it easier to move in between the cities.

This is the reason why people who visit one city tend to go to other cities as well. Even among the Polish, it is one of the most popular destinations. Thanks to the wonderful monuments and its proximity to the beach, this place is an ideal summer escape.

You can plan to visit this unusual and attractive side of Poland by knowing what is in store for you. Keeping all such details in mind, take a look at the list we’ve compiled for you about the three cities, what you can do there, and the souvenirs you can buy from this amazing destination.

Want to explore a different city? Try Wavel Castle Tour in Warsaw

Gdansk

This is the most popular and the largest city among the cities that make up Poland’s Tri-city. It is one of the most awesome cities to visit in Poland. This port city also has an old name, ‘Danzig’. The city has been a major fixture on the sea coast of the Baltic. Despite all this lovely city has gone through during its more recent history, this place never disappoints anyone who travels here. Many people fail to realize that Gdansk was the setting for the first military offensive of Germany during World War II. Just like many places in Poland, this city was also devastated by the war. The captivating town centre which you see today was rebuilt to perfection.

However, you would not be able to distinguish the fact that the city was rebuilt when you just glance and walk through the city. The beautiful waterways and the magical architecture of Gdansk make it a favourite among tourists. This is the city where you can spend the majority of your time sightseeing.

What to Do in Gdansk

Get Lost in the Old Town of the City: A must for every visitor is going to the Old Town. You can take a whole day to explore the amazing area without rushing at all. Let the architecture, food, street performers, and cafes mesmerize you – soak it all in. This can all create a special vibe and you can make memorable moments in Gdansk Old Town.

Explore the World War II History of Gdansk: Some of the sculptures and imagery in the city will remind you about the war-torn history of this city. You can stop by the World War II memorial in Gdansk to pay your respects. One of the first battles of World War II was fought here when Poland was invaded by the Germans. One side of the Motlawa River features the ruins from World War II which were not rebuilt. The rubble still stands in the memory of the destruction that fell upon Gdansk.

Browse the Covered Market (Hala Targowa): You can stop by the Hala Targowa and discover the wonders of Polish baked goods. Even if you have a book of ‘Polish for Beginners’ and try to communicate with the locals, they would be very welcoming and would patiently listen to you and talk back slowly, so that you can try and understand the language. You can find dried sunflowers and can buy sunflower seeds to snack on when you take a walk down the city.

Step Back in Time to Medieval Gdansk along the Motlawa River: A medieval crane that was built in the 14th century to unload ships can be seen along the Motlawa River. This sight is quite impressive. You can also find an imposing round tower dotted with doomed windows beside the river. Old galleon with ornate mastheads takes tourists to Westerplatte. This was the place where the first shots of World War II were fired.

Discover the Street Art of Gdansk: You can wander through the city and alleys and can find various street arts, made by the locals. Some of the street art may even surprise you.

Discover the Beauty of Amber: Amber is called the Gold of Baltic. It is very popular in Poland. You can find a lot of shops in Gdansk that sell beautiful amber jewellery, furniture, and decorative objects. Never miss out on the opportunity to visit the Amber Museum where you can see more of this precious gemstone. You can also see the prehistoric insects trapped in some of them and can admire the most expensive items made of amber by foreign as well as Polish artists.

Visit the European Solidarity Centre: You can find out more about the people who fought for the country’s freedom during the communist regime and learn more stories about the same. You can also learn about the political scene in Poland post the war and why Solidarność is special for Polish people. This interactive museum can spark your interest in history. You just cannot forget a visit to this museum.

Enjoy the Best Beer in Gdansk: Brovarnia Gdansk is one of the only four real micro-breweries in Gdansk. The beer is produced at the back of the bar and flows straight from the brewery to the taps. The beer you taste here would be one of the best available in Poland.

Admire the Grandeur of St. Mary’s Church: You may get taken aback by Gdansk’s breathtaking architecture and we recommend a visiting spot that would allow you to take in the panorama of the city. The city is filled with history. So, it’s best you don’t miss out on the opportunity of climbing the steps to the tower of the famous St. Mary’s Church, which is considered the largest brick church in the world! Once you reach the top, you will get an incredible view of this beautiful city. Now strike this off from that checklist of yours! The church holds over 25,000 people which made it a place of refuge for people of the solidarity movement. Walking along the corridors of the church is a spellbinding experience with the natural light bouncing off the walls through the church’s colossal windows. There are roughly 30 chapels to discover and over 300 grave slabs tiling on the floor, which adds to the size of the structure.

Walk down Ulica Mariacka (St Mary’s Street): This lovely cobblestone street starts at St. Mary’s Church and continues all the way east to the Motlawa River. Majestic gateways of merchants’ houses fringe this charming street which is often part of movie scenes. The entire area is extremely delightful and will definitely take you back in time. Like many other places in Gdansk, this street too was restored and repaired due to the damage caused by World War II.

Visit Malbork Castle: Malbork is a 13th century castle and fortress, not too far from Gdansk. This place was used to protect the mainland from intruders coming over the water. The castle has a rich history and has switched its ownership various times. The castle, as of now, is beautifully renovated and is worth the visit.

Interested in Gdansk City Tours?

Sopot

Sopot is one of the smallest cities amongst this destination along the Polish Riviera and it is a seaside resort city. It is more of a town rather than a city. Sopot is safely nestled between Gdansk and Gdynia along the Bay of Gdansk. Even though it was just a small village back in time, Sopot acted as that favored spa getaway for the wealthy in Gdansk for centuries.

It is still a well-known spa destination that also entertains visitors all over the world. As it is known as a resort destination, this place enjoys an inviting and leisurely atmosphere. Even during the lively weekend crowds, you will experience a peaceful feeling when compared to its bigger neighboring cities. Considering the size of Sopot, you wouldn’t need much time to feel like you have comfortably covered the entire place.

What to Do in Sopot

Marvel at the Crooked House: This place is famous for its masterpieces in architecture. Krzywy Domek or the Crooked House is a must-see place. You can come across this place randomly in the middle of the pedestrian zone. Although it doesn’t look like it, you can find several bars, restaurants and a cafe inside. You can take your own time exploring the place and enjoy a coffee in one of the many charming cafes.

Explore and Find Architectural Gems: If you want to get away from the busy tourist spots and explore together as a family, you can head off to the beaten path to find many amazing sights you might just encounter. There is far more to Sopot than Monte Cassino and the beach. You can explore this place and one of the best ways to do so is without a map! Yes, you read that right. You can explore this place without a map by heading away from the main tourist areas to take the side roads. You can easily discover an amazing mix of restored old houses and various architectural styles, dilapidated buildings yet to be cared for, and soviet-style apartments. Hence, take the roads that are less travelled!

Visit Monciak: It is the central point of Sopot. It is also one of the most famous streets on the Polish coast. You can shop for souvenirs, clothes and handmade goods here.

Enjoy the View from the Beach: Visiting the beach in Sopot is one of the main things to do in Tri-City. The beach can be overcrowded in the summer. However, if it is off-season, it can be a quiet and perfect place for a romantic walk with the love of your life. The beach can be relaxing even in the summer amidst the crowd. You can even shop for souvenirs by the water. However, you have to pay a small fee to get access to the pier.

Take a stroll along the Pier: The pier in Sopot is the longest wooden pier in Europe. In autumn, spring and summer, the evenings here are very pretty. Despite many people visiting this place, it can still be a romantic walkway. Do you feel inspired to visit this lovely place in Poland? You can cruise with various cruise lines from your native place to Poland and experience a range of onboard adventures including arcades, cinemas, mini-golf, and many more.

Gdynia

This can be the final stop on your Tri-City tour. This is the least known city among the three. Gdynia is also known as the port city of Gdynia. It sits at the northern end of the Tri-City metropolitan area. This city is a little over half of the size of Gdansk. Unlike the historic beauty of Gdansk and the pretty and relaxing Sopot, Gdynia is a modern city. However, that does not mean that there aren’t plenty of things to do in Gdynia.

The main focus of Gdynia is and has always been the waterfront it proudly flaunts. Gdynia evolved rapidly from a fishing village to a major port and shipyard in the 20th century. There is nothing much of a Gdynia Old Town to speak of but the charm of the city is related to its coast, relaxed city comforts, and culture.

What to Do in Gdynia

Browse for Hand-crafted Handbags at Mana Mana: Away from the maritime history of Gdynia, you can find a successful handbag shop called Mana Mana that had very humble beginnings. This handbag shop is something more than just a retailer with an excellent story to share. The bag manufacturer proudly uses the best quality materials to make handbags here with fun and modern designs. Mana Mana was originally started in a tiny apartment in Gdynia in 2011 and grew rapidly through word of mouth and social media. This helped the place to expand so rapidly that finding a new place and extra employees was the need of the hour. It is very inspiring to learn from the history of such booming small businesses and to see the artisans at work.

Chill at Kościuszko Square: The place amazes each of its visitors with the clean beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. You can spend the entire afternoon walking around the place and listening to the sound of seagulls and waves. It is one of such places that can make you fall in love with it in one instant.

Admire the View from Stone Mountain (Kamienna Góra): The Stone Mountain is right beside the Kościuszko Square. You can reach here easily on foot or with the help of a modern cable car. This place is a great viewpoint, especially when it is sunny.

Spend a Romantic Evening in Gdynia Orlowo: Gdynia, similar to Gdansk and Sopot, is divided into a couple of parts. One of them is the Gdynia Orlowo. It is a very small section of the entire city, inhabited mostly by those who might afford expensive homes. The pier and the beach in Gdynia Orlowo are lovely. You can see fishing boats parked at the shore and a few restaurants that serve fish on the narrow beach. This place can be great for spending romantic evenings.

Visit the Emigration Museum: If you ask the locals what to do in Tri-city, they might not mention this place. Not many people know of this place and its existence as it has been opened recently. This fun and interactive museum highlights the history of Polish emigrants from the early 16th century. There are plenty of exhibitions in this place and it might take a good couple of hours to see the entire Emigration Museum to its fullest. But visiting this museum can be an unforgettable experience for many tourists and even the local people.

Interested In Gdynia Shore Excursions?

How to Get Around in the Tri-City

The easiest way to get around in these cities is by taking a car, train or opting for cab services. You can also get around the place on a bus or a tram. However, taking a bus or a tram can be a bit complicated as you are not well aware of the surroundings.

Souvenirs You Can Get from the Tri-City

Amber: Tri-City is famous for its amber called the Gold of the North. This valuable gem is believed to have healing properties and was used in medicine in ancient days. It supports the treatment of rheumatism, asthma and helps in reducing blood pressure. If there is a storm, you can find small pieces of amber on the seashore, post the storm. You can easily find various shops that sell beautiful jewellery with sculptures, amber, and much more. They also sell small pieces of the bottle to prepare their tincture to use when there is a viral or bacterial infection or to relieve bone and muscle pain. Everyone is not an amber lover by heart. However, it is the best souvenir you can get from Poland.

Kashubian Pattern: Gifts with Kashubian patterns are other nice souvenirs you can get for your family. ‘Kaszuby’ is a cultural region with its dialect and tradition. Some people consider Gdansk as the capital of this region. When you are buying a bag, tablecloth, or a napkin with Kashubian embroidery, you can make sure that you are keeping a typical souvenir from Gdansk. The design uses five main colors – blue, black, red, green, and yellow. Besides, motifs with local flowers like cornflower, pansy, lily, and gillyflower can also be seen.

Goldwasser: This idea can be perfect for people who would love to taste different types of alcohol. Goldwasser means ‘Gold water’ in German. It is a spicy and herbal liqueur with small gold flakes in it. The Dutch refugee, Ambrosius Vermeulecentury had brought the recipe to Gdansk back in the day and this alcoholic drink became popular very quickly. Russian Tsar, Peter I the Great and Tsarina, Catherine the Great were great enthusiasts of Goldwasser. The liquor was produced in Gdansk till 2009 but now the production takes place in Germany. You can also find some other liquor produced with tastes similar to the original one. You can buy a bottle of liquor in big supermarkets or try it out in restaurants.

Dried Mushrooms to Satisfy your Taste buds: The smell of wild forest mushrooms can easily bring back the memories of Poland. You can buy the local dried mushrooms to make delicious warming soups for Christmas, a mushroom soup, barszcz (beetroot soup) or a traditional Polish dish with Cabbage, ‘Bigos’. Mushrooming becomes very popular during the autumn in the forests of Poland. It can also be very pleasant. If you get a chance, do try out having wild forest mushrooms.

Keepsake Box for the Sentimental: Everyone loves to have a box to store away tiny things that might be lost, if misplaced. You would need a keepsake box for this purpose. Grab it from the shops in Poland! This box has various choices. These are wooden boxes that are beautifully ornamented from large sizes to tiny ones. All these boxes are decorated with traditional Polish folk designs. If you want to find the best quality items, we suggest you check out the art galleries.