Gdynia is one of those places that doesn't really appear on a traveller's "to see" list which is a pity as the town is a real gem on the Baltic coast.
The town was only created in the 1920's but has grown quickly to become the 12th largest city in Poland.
It is part of the three city conglomerate (including Gdansk and Sopot) also known as the Tri-City.
Often overlooked by tourists who gravitate to the Old Town of Gdansk or the more bohemian town of Sopot, there are still many worthwhile things to see in Gdynia.
The first port of call when visiting Gdynia should be the port.
Head for the Southern Pier (Molo Poludniowe) at the end of which is Square Kosciuszki.
Right at the tip of the pier is a monument to the writer, Joseph Conrad.
Now Conrad didn't exactly originate from Gdynia so it's a bit of a mystery as to why a monument to him was erected here but he was Polish and was most famous for writing "Heart of Darkness" the book which inspired the Marlon Brando flick, "Apocalypse Now".
Moored just a few yards away are two ships that saw active service some years ago but are now museum ships.
The Blyskawica is a Polish destroyer that saw it's fair share of action during World War Two.
Now painted in it's rather groovy Winter camouflage style the ship is open to the public and .
A few steps away is another museum ship named the Dar Pomorza.
This elegant Tall Ship was originally German but was later bought by the Polish Navy as a training ship.
It is also open to the public.
You can't miss the monumental building being contructed just across the waterfront.
This will be the "Sea Towers" a building that will house both residents and offices.
It will be the largest building in Poland outside of Warsaw with prices to match.
Square Kosciuszki is a very popular hang-out place for the locals.
Leading upto the Square are bars, beach huts, and jazz cafes.
There is also the Gemini shopping mall which includes a multiplex cinema.
The bar on the top floor has great views of the pier from it's terrace.
Looking away from the sea you should be able to see a large cross on a hill.
The area is known as Kamienna Gora and offers a splendid view of the bay and Hel Peninsula.
Gdynia has a staggering amount of shops, many of them high quality designer stores.
This is partly due to the fact that Gdynia is supposedly the most affluent town in Poland.
The Kliff shopping centre in Orlowo is an example of how a shopping mall can be stylish and elegant without making it too obvious they're only after your money! The main throughfare of Gdynia, Ulica Swietojanska, is filled with hundreds of shops, restaurants, designer bars, coffee houses etc.
The street is also several miles long so wear comfortable shoes if you want to see everything! The Orlowo district of Gdynia is considered to be one of the more exclusive areas of the town.
It is famous for it's dramatic cliff face which appears to just crumble away into the sea.
The wooden pier offers a perfect platform to do what do many Poles seem to love doing and that is take a "promenade" Sandwiched between the deep blue sea and the green pines of the Tri City National Park, gdynia is a secret that can't be held for any longer.
The town was only created in the 1920's but has grown quickly to become the 12th largest city in Poland.
It is part of the three city conglomerate (including Gdansk and Sopot) also known as the Tri-City.
Often overlooked by tourists who gravitate to the Old Town of Gdansk or the more bohemian town of Sopot, there are still many worthwhile things to see in Gdynia.
The first port of call when visiting Gdynia should be the port.
Head for the Southern Pier (Molo Poludniowe) at the end of which is Square Kosciuszki.
Right at the tip of the pier is a monument to the writer, Joseph Conrad.
Now Conrad didn't exactly originate from Gdynia so it's a bit of a mystery as to why a monument to him was erected here but he was Polish and was most famous for writing "Heart of Darkness" the book which inspired the Marlon Brando flick, "Apocalypse Now".
Moored just a few yards away are two ships that saw active service some years ago but are now museum ships.
The Blyskawica is a Polish destroyer that saw it's fair share of action during World War Two.
Now painted in it's rather groovy Winter camouflage style the ship is open to the public and .
A few steps away is another museum ship named the Dar Pomorza.
This elegant Tall Ship was originally German but was later bought by the Polish Navy as a training ship.
It is also open to the public.
You can't miss the monumental building being contructed just across the waterfront.
This will be the "Sea Towers" a building that will house both residents and offices.
It will be the largest building in Poland outside of Warsaw with prices to match.
Square Kosciuszki is a very popular hang-out place for the locals.
Leading upto the Square are bars, beach huts, and jazz cafes.
There is also the Gemini shopping mall which includes a multiplex cinema.
The bar on the top floor has great views of the pier from it's terrace.
Looking away from the sea you should be able to see a large cross on a hill.
The area is known as Kamienna Gora and offers a splendid view of the bay and Hel Peninsula.
Gdynia has a staggering amount of shops, many of them high quality designer stores.
This is partly due to the fact that Gdynia is supposedly the most affluent town in Poland.
The Kliff shopping centre in Orlowo is an example of how a shopping mall can be stylish and elegant without making it too obvious they're only after your money! The main throughfare of Gdynia, Ulica Swietojanska, is filled with hundreds of shops, restaurants, designer bars, coffee houses etc.
The street is also several miles long so wear comfortable shoes if you want to see everything! The Orlowo district of Gdynia is considered to be one of the more exclusive areas of the town.
It is famous for it's dramatic cliff face which appears to just crumble away into the sea.
The wooden pier offers a perfect platform to do what do many Poles seem to love doing and that is take a "promenade" Sandwiched between the deep blue sea and the green pines of the Tri City National Park, gdynia is a secret that can't be held for any longer.
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