Nikola Mazur lives in Gdansk – one of three cities situated alongside each other on the beach along Gdansk Bay in northern Poland. She gives us some tips on how to enjoy a visit to the area…

WHERE TO… HIT THE BEACH
“It’s really nice that Gdansk is by the sea. The beach is awesome. In the summer it is a big holiday resort but even in the winter there are lots of people getting in the sea. There are saunas along the way where you can get straight into the sea. The locals love walking here in autumn and winter, because it’s less busy.” 
Sauna to sea at Marina Wellness Centre, Jelitkowska 20 Hotel Novotel 

WHERE TO… SOAK UP THE HISTORY
“I love to wander in the streets of the Old Town. There is lots of really nice history there. There are some great buildings and nice architecture. There are some churches, and there is a famous statue of Neptune. It’s nice to wander around and think about the people who have lived here.”
Długi Targ (Long Market), Gdansk

WHERE TO... GO FOR COFFEE AND PARTYING
“There is a big variety of restaurants in Gdansk. My favorite place is called Plenum. It’s great for coffee and food, and it is all in a big old warehouse building. There are often events, art and parties going on, and the music is usually good. It is a nice ambience in a brutalist space. A good place to celebrate after a competition!”
Plenum, Elektryków, 80-980 Gdańsk

WHERE TO… GO FOR FOOD TO TRY
“I don’t eat too much traditional Polish food as it can be very heavy, but lots of it is delicious. Try some pierogi, boiled dumplings with lots of different fillings. There are also great sausages, lots of potatoes.”
Top-rated Polish restaurants in the city include Swokski Smak, Gdanski Bowke and Motlava 

WHERE TO… SEE THE SHIPYARDS 
“Gdansk is famous for its history and shipyards and the part it played when Polish people were fighting for their freedom. The shipyards are still there and very interesting, and you can go to the European Solidarity Centre to learn all about it. It’s a huge museum and very interesting.”
pI. Solidarności 1, 80-863 Gdańsk

VISIT THE OTHER TWO CITIES
“We call the area Tricity because it is made up of three cities – Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. They are lined up along Gdansk Bay. Each of the cities is different, Gdansk is the biggest. Gdynia has really nice architecture. The transport is good, so you can be there in 15 minutes, or you can walk or run along the shore between them. There are nice cliffs, a lighthouse, lots to discover.”

Gdansk hosts stop #3 of the ISU Short Track World Tour November 20-23, at the Hala Olivia. 

Experience the speed, energy, and excitement as the world’s best Short Track skaters race for Olympic qualification right here in Gdansk.