Architecture
by HORSCHECK
As Gdansk used to be one of the most important Hanseatic towns in medieval times, it had many architecturally interesting edifices which were built by the wealthy merchants and burghers.
Unfortunately, 90% of the city was destroyed during WWII, but its historical city centre has been completely restored. Today you will find buildings in Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Roccoco style.
Just keep your eyes open when wandering around the Old Town and its side streets.
There is Old Town and New Town
by Pawtuxet
I got a bit confused about this. I think the New Town is actually a very old town...but it was the new town at the time and so they continue to refer to it in that way.... or something like that. At any rate, it's a little off from the most popular area at the waterfront, but there are some interesting things to explore. For instance, they have taken an ancient granary (built by the Teutonic knights in the 1300's) and turned it into a shopping mall. Another sweet little historic granary is just across the street. There are interesting shops and a nice little park to sit and rest. At the top of the street is the Old Town Hall built in the 16th century. Wish we had more steam and time to explore the area in detail...but it leaves something else to return for.
New, old town
by matcrazy1
Gdansk is over 1,000 years old city. But, keep in mind, that most of very old historical buildings, you can amaze in downtown Gdansk, are not original but rebuilt after WWII. Most of them (but not all) were rebuilt in old style. The old town of Gdansk looks similar, but different than before 1939.
During WWII (1939 - 1945) Gdansk was twice bombed by the Allies. Many Polish citizens of Gdansk were killed by Nazis in executions and in nearby Stuthof Nazi concentration camp. But the worst started in March 1945. Russians burned the conquered city to the ground, special Soviet units set fire house by house. The old town was rebuilt in the late 1940' and in 1950'.
Speedway - a first class experience.
by Askla
When in Poland one should really take the chance to watch a speedway match live. There is an enor-
mous interest and all kinds of people come to the matches, absoloutly not only men or youngsters. When I was in Gdansk for the premier this year the most engaged fan around me was a slightly older woman. You bet she was scolding the riders if they didn't win the heats (and they didn't win many heats in fact...)!! But there are also organized supporter groups with flags, drums, fireworks, banderols and streamers plus lots of cheers. Really an experience to be one of 10 or 15.000 spectators.
I post two links further down the page, the first one to GKS Wybrzeze home page and the second to their description of how to get there. If you point at "Klub" on top and then "Stadion" you can see an oversight on the stadium. The pages are all in Polish but easy to understand. "Terminarz" means match order.
The etrance fee is 30PLN for adults and 20 for reduced price; program is 10PLN. You can sit wherever you want exept for the tribune which would cost you 40PLN (reduced 30PLN.)
For more pictures see my travelogue.
Remember not to bring anything to drink, that will be confiscated.
Take a trip to Gdynia
by Ben-UK
Gdynia and Sopot are on the same train line, so the information re tickets is the same as for Sopot above.
Both Sopot and Gdynia are really nice places and are a pleasure to visit and walk around.