I was going through some old travel photo albums from my student years in Stockholm and came across the Gdansk weekend trip photos. So, I thought of sharing them this weekend, as a photo tour.
Given that the cruise lines going past Stockholm used to attract me, I used to watch out for cruise deals and finally came across one, that was too good to miss. So, during the Easter break of 2002, a friend and I decided to go for a weekend cruise to Gdansk. The cruise package was ideal for the budget traveler as it included accommodation in a large, en-suite cabin for the entire weekend on half-board basis so we did not have to find other accommodation while exploring the city.
Gdansk old city was the highlight of our trip. We took the tram from the port to the old city area each morning and walked about. On our first day, we made our way over to ulika Duliga. The main street was a lovely street with an old fountain in the middle and interesting building architecture lining both sides of the street.
While walking around, we came across another lovely street, which looked more of a quiet back street when compared to the flamboyant main street. ul Mariacka was crammed with hand carts selling art crafts and jewellery.
As I had wanted to visit Oliwa cathedral, we took the bus to the cathedral rebuilt in 16th century, after it had been burnt to the ground during the 1577 rebellion of the city of Gdansk. Adjacent to the cathedral was a lovely park area, which we enjoyed wandering around.
A third highlight of our weekend trip was the visit to another coastal city, Sopot, named for its springs, thought to be beneficial to one’s health. After Gdansk, Sopot seemed a much more relaxed place and people seemed more friendlier and prone to ask about us. I enjoyed the fresh sea breeze while walking along the pier.
While I had enjoyed my visit, I really had no plans to revisit until I saw Eff it… I’m on holiday’s recentĀ pictures of Gdansk. Vlad’s beautiful photos made me think that I should revisit the city to see the lovely changes that have occurred over the last 15 years.
[Linking this post to Weekend Travel Inspiration and The Weekly Postcard]
Perspectives Quilt 
Honestly, this is the biggest compliment, knowing that my photos have convinced you to revisit a city š Also, wow, what difference does 15 years make, the city was packed with tourists when I visited, but it looks like you had the whole place almost to yourself back then.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome and your photos did make me realize that the city had changed drastically in the past 15 years. When I visited, most of the visitors in the city were locals and I did not see many tourists from other countries.
LikeLike
it looks really nice #theweeklypostcard
LikeLiked by 1 person
The city’s history interested me as much as that fact that it was my first and so far, only visit to Poland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been seeing a lot of posts about Gdansk lately and before it was not even on my radar. So nice that you visited before it became popular. I hope you get to go back. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’d like to revisit someday as the city seems to have transformed itself over the past decade or so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes! We’re headed here later in the year to visit a friend of mine and I’m incredibly excited! And Vlad’s post definitely helped encourage me too to book a holiday there! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you enjoy your visit to Gdansk! Look forward to reading your post and photos, after your visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the tour! It’s always nice to see cities you’ve never heard of since they’re not capitals or famous for any particular reason.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Becky. Gdansk does have quite the political history, it was the tensions in this city that led to the invasion of Poland, which sparked off the second world war.
LikeLike
I have never been to Gdansk but its name reminds me of the rebellions against the communists in the 1970s and 80s. It’s nice to visit places like this before throngs of tourists discover it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lech Walesa and the solidarity movement, that started in Gdansk, are quite the legend
LikeLike
Beautiful architecture photos. And how fun is it to go back through old albums..I recently did that for a post on Costa Rica and I’m so glad I did because the photos are fading fast. I really need to digitize all my old pics. #wkentravelinspiration
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Corey. I lost several pre 2000 photos, because I had not converted them to digital form. Fortunately, I managed to do that for selected photos post 2000, but prior to my digital camera phase
LikeLike
Beautiful memories. You have a good eye for photography, Ahila. For me Gdansk will always remain tied to the “Solidarity,” the independent self-governing labour union from the 80s. We’ve heard a lot about Gdansk during those years. I’d love to see it someday. #TheWeeklyPostcard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anda. I hope you get to visit Gdansk someday soon.
LikeLike
I have heard a lot about this place and I know I have to visit one day. I went to Krakow last year and fell in love with Poland. To me, it is an underrated country that deserves way more attention. #TheWeeklyPostcard
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sure you will love Gdansk too, and its neighbouring cities – Sopot and Gdynia.
LikeLike
We’ve seen a lot of stories about Poland destinations lately. They’ve really got us curious, and thinking about a visit. We also love the idea of going through old photo albums – something we’re long overdue to do! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Going through old, non-electronic albums and the associated travel memories, is a special experience. Hope you visit Poland someday soon.
LikeLike
I loved your recollection of your visit and think it would be wonderful for you to retake your footsteps to see how things have changed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree and I look forward to when I can revisit Gdansk. Thanks for stopping by, Tania.
LikeLike