Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
It’s famous for being the birthplace of Solidarity (the group that rose up against Communist rule in Poland) an ex-shipping town and the place where Polish Amber washes up.
It’s perfect for a short break of 2-3 days. It maintains the charm of Poland whilst having some of the perks that the rest of the country hasn’t quite got yet.
Where to sleep
We always stay at Dom Muszyka, a Music College with a Hotel next door. The breakfast is good, the staff, on the whole, speak English and the rooms are clean and airy. Whilst in Gdansk there’s plenty of looking to do, at the shops with amazing Amber, at the market and for a couple of hours entertainment visit the Amber museum, which is also a Museum on Torture, odd combination, but equally interesting. It’s worth remembering when visiting Poland that the entire country was decimated during the war, and most city centres, Gdansk included, was subject to a regenerated project, which, as you can tell here, was very successful, pictures show this under the arch at the top of the street.
Where to eat
There’s plenty of food to take in, and if nothing else go to a different restaurant every night. I’ve never taken anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with the food. Although vegetarians beware, the concept isn’t heard of much so things that seem veggie tend to come with some pork fat on top, just for good measure.
The first recommended restaurant is located at the top left of the main street and is great. Their lemon sole is well worth the plane ride alone. It’s a classy restaurant, and as such a little more expensive than a lot of others, but it’s still cheaper than England, so it’s still a winner. Another great restaurant is Czerwone Drzwi (Red Door.) They do traditional Polish dishes with a modern twist, like the Salmon Pierogi (a bit like stuffed gnocchi). And they give complimentary Goldwasser after the meal, great in the evening, a bit hard-core at lunchtime!
Where to drink
The tipples of choice are Beer (Piwo) try Okocim, Zywiec or the flavoured Freeq, and vodka, and a great deal of it. If you want something a bit sweeter try Wisnowka (cherry vodka) also with coke (just don’t let the Poles see you dilute it) anything with Miod (Honey) added to it or Zubrowka, with apple juice.
What to see
Other things to do near Gdansk are a day trip to Sopot. It’s in the midst of a regeneration project, but with a spectacularly long pier.
The final say
Gdansk is a pretty city, with enough to do to entertain 3 days, and don’t let the fact it’s in Poland put you off. The language may sound harsh but the people are lovely and it’s a country on the up, and one where things have got much more expensive in the last five years, and show no sign of letting up so the sooner you can get there, the better.
I think that most historic cities in Poland are very similar: Krakow was immense. I only have one gripe with this article: the suggestion that the language sounds harsh! I think it's a great language 
Oh and get some ser with your piwo if you can 
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