I was attending a meeting in the area so decided to add a few days of exploring as this was my first visit to the Gdansk area. I came away wishing I had another couple of days to explore further. I had rather limited information before my arrival and I had to keep my schedule flexible so I wasn't able to pack as much in and travel as efficiently as I like to do, but I still enjoyed my time.

First, I wish I knew more Polish for reading signs and train/tram schedules and destinations, etc. I stumbled through with English as locals spoke anywhere from very little to fluent English. Second, I didn't know whether I would need cash. Turns out almost all transactions can use credit card and clerks in stores and restaurants assumed card. Google maps did not work well for me or for others at the meeting--seeing us at wrong place and sending pedestrians along strange routes as if we cars using one-way streets. Uber was available in Gdansk and reasonable price. I didn't get the hang of local bus/train/tram, such as validation of paper ticket in the tunnel before going up stairs to platforms but I found buying longer distance train tickets online easy. The small tourist map from the hotels was useless as it lacked detail and nothing was labeled. On my last day I bought a souvenir picture book--"Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia and Surroundings" published by Festina and a labeled map. I wish I had them from the start.

I was disappointed I couldn't get to the WW II museum during its open days/hours. I thought I could slip in one afternoon but after following Google map instructions, I missed the one hour before closing cutoff. I did make it to the Solidarity Museum. I really enjoyed the artifacts, the information about the movement, and all the first person interviews on video. I eventually found a folding chair to carry and sit before the videos, which improved my enjoyment immensely (look for them hidden behind entry and exit doors on each level). The building is interesting as well. Lots of fabulous rebuilt after WW II architecture throughout New Town. I liked the vistas down the side streets and getting off the main drag away from the crowds and street entertainers. Prices in souvenir shops off the main street were also cheaper. I found a local potter who also made souvenir magnets so I was able to get a "made in Poland" souvenir. I enjoyed just walking up and down, getting an ice cream, and snapping lots of photos.

I took the train to Malbork Castle. No advance purchase was necessary the day I went--a Sunday, I think. I enjoyed following the audioguide throughout the buildings. I didn't spend much time on the various museum exhibits, including amber and armaments because my feet were complaining of so many days of standing and walking on concrete and cobblestones. No folding chairs here. I also did not pay extra and climb the tower. Easy to spend half a day at the castle, especially when pausing to let the tour groups move on and taking breaks to sit down. I didn't see any more of the castle grounds. It was horrendously hot. I had seen an ice cream window on my route so planned to get their largest cone to help me to the station but there was a line so I had to choose between ice cream cone + one hour wait for next train or ice cream bar from convenience store and quick walk to catch train. I went for convenience and headed toward the station but Google directed me down the wrong street to a bus stop for the station, so I really had to hustle to get to the station--where the train was 3 minutes late...

Sopot was popular on the weekend. Lovely old hotel near the pier. I'm sorry I didn't have time to go to the beach. I'm sure there is more to explore there.

Now that I am home and reading through the guidebook, I can see other architectural gems and historic sites I missed. With another day or two, I would have tackled the local transit system to see more. I would also have taken a day trip to Torun. I tried the famous gingerbread in Gdansk and can't say that I was impressed, but it is an interesting history and I understand the city wasn't bombed in WW II so original, not rebuilt. Someone told me his impression was "more red brick" but I think it would be worth a visit.

Kay2, thanks for the interesting read! My sister was in Sopot for a conference end June where she presented a paper, she said it was beautiful. She took the train to Gadansk two afternoons, but wasn’t able to see much else. Their closing Gala Dinner was held at the Solidarity Center and was apparently a grand affair.

Thanks for the report on a less frequently visited destination, will share your comments with my sister.

Thanks for the short trip report. I am not sure I am reading your last sentences right, but I wanted to say that Gdansk was bombed heavily in WWII. It was one of the first cities occupied by the Nazis. The Germans arrested/killed many Poles and sent Germans to resettle there. Towards the end of the war, the town was bombed by the Soviets and nearly 90% destroyed. Post war, a decision was made to rebuild based on old photographs and so many of the charming "buildings" are just facades. If I remember correctly, you can see some dates on buildings alluding to the dates they were rebuilt. The old town is nonetheless charming and I can't blame them for wanting to rebuild what must have been a beautiful city.

Yes, Gdansk suffered heavy bombing in WW II . Lots of photos show what was left as basis for rebuilding. Malbork damaged as well.
I was referring to Torun as supposedly surviving the war with little damage.

I would be amazed if anything wasn't flattened. On many occasions people have shown me photos of Warsaw...look how little damage! Just built back to the old design.

Malbork castle, I've seen photos with shell holes in the walls and the roof gone.