Holidays in Sopot, Poland

Sopot, Poland

As far as holiday resorts are concerned, it is always a question of taste what one considers a perfect venue for relaxation. Some of us just want to go to the seaside to have loads of sand around them, great weather, warm water and a place where they can have a beer and eat a fish fried to the last bone reminding them of their childhood summer camps. What I am looking for at the Polish seaside is more than a crowd of people lying down like a herd of tired and fat seals preparing to be sun-burnt.

What fun at the seaside means to me is the city of Sopot. In my opinion, it is the greatest combination of entertainment and the attractions related to a natural and refreshing sea breeze. It is certainly one of the favorite summer holiday destinations for young people. Firstly, Sopot is a small city in which it is almost impossible to get lost and everything is within reach. Main shopping street, Bohaterow Monte Cassino is packed with art galleries, clothing stores, movie theatres, restaurants, bars and ATMS. If you are a shopping addict you can spend hours there and than within 5 minutes of time reach the beach and famous Sopot pier.

Whenever I am at Sopot beach I cannot resist visiting the small restaurant called Bar Przystan, which is located just next to the sea. At the beginning, it used to be a hang-out location for the inhabitants of Sopot and now it is one of the must on every tourist list of things to see. You can either sit inside and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and splendid view through enormous windows or you can eat outside and feel the wind and breathe the sea. The menu consists mainly of all kinds of Baltic fish, which are all great. There is a wide choice of alcohol there. If you are lucky enough, you may spot Polish celebrities. Last time I was there I saw one of the most popular Polish actors Marek Kondrat who is known for his great admiration of good wine and cuisine, so I assume it is a splendid recommendation for the place.

When you have enough of natural sea attractions, you can head back to the city. There are plenty of bars with great atmosphere. In the evening I will certainly recommend dark and gloomy Kinski bar and gallery. I do not think a lot of people know that this famous actor was born and spent the first years of his life in Sopot. This place is like his tomb with posters and his images painted on the walls everywhere. You can drink absinth and feel like being the part of Nosferatu Vampire story.

If you want to dance, listen to a great music or see the real Sopot nightlife which according to some party-goers is the best in Poland, the best places are all located near to the beach: Atelier, Sfinks, Paprika. Each of these clubs offers all kinds of music from house, electronic music, to old musicals and modern punk.

Atelier is a place located near the Theatre of Agnieszka Osiecka. It is a special place famous for all kinds of cultural events. You can dance there to jazz or music from old musicals and be dressed like the people from times of Prohibition. It is not so easy to get in there because the bouncers require club cards or invitations. However, I can assure you that if you really try hard, you can melt the metal hearts of the door selectors. I succeeded in doing it. However, a trick is not to mention the fact that you are from Warsaw because they did not seem to be a great fans of this city. Sfinks, is the place with the best new electronic music in Poland. It is designed in a very modern way and you can take also have some food there. Paprika is a place in the haunted old stylish villa which reminds of Pippi Langstocking house with its red walls, old comfortable sofas, good food. However, if you do not like to be in a company of kids in their late teens, this is not a place for you.

After all partying you will probably need a good and healthy breakfast. The place offering the best breakfast and brunch in Sopot is a mysteriously named Sanatorium The name should speak for itself. They have incredible service, good modern art on the walls, omelette better than your mom could ever prepared and amazing drinks offered as early as 11 am as part of a brunch. Ask the waitress for their special variation of home-made caphirinias. There are also Brazilian, French and German cuisine weeks and parties at night). You can find very good deals in the internet as far as accommodation is concerned and if you get bored with Sopot you can always end up in Gdansk or Gdynia in about 20 min.

Isn’t that a perfect holiday destination?

AnnaJ

good post annaj

I'm glad you like it

have you spent a lot of time there?

I was in Sopot a few times (on holidays with my parents) and then in the Tri City area on my own.

somebody needs to get to grips with marketing poland as a major tourist destination... with your writing skills... maybe you should get in touch...

Hopefully some interested people will find the information in the article useful.

I must just say a big thank you for a good review of Sopot. This is the town that first got me interested in Poland (before I made some Polish friends) as it is the birth town of my Grandfather, and it is really reassuring that when I do visit I wont be dissappointed. Although I have no plans of yet. THANKS.

like anna's review suggests... its a magic place...

Thanks Anna.

Just come back from a short break to the Tri City-my first ever visit !

It was fantastic !!!

Just to add to Anna's excellent advice:-

* The pier in Sopot (Molo) is the longest wooden pier in Europe and is wonderful for an afternoon stroll.

* Krzywy Dom (sorry for the spelling) on Ul. Monte Cassino. A building that looks like it's come right out of a Salvador Dali painting. Made to look like the structure is melting it certainly catches the eye. Not much inside to get excited about but there you go.

* WielkoRyb (sorry for the spelling again). A very eccentric pub/bar walking distance from Monte Cassino. The interior looks like a dream of Jacques Cousteau after he's tripped on some absinthe. Well worth a look !

* The cliff face at Orlowo is a beautiful place to walk as are the beaches along the Hel Peninsula

I would love to visit but need a large accomodation for 10 people, and can not . seem to find one, can you help

i might be able to help what and where do you need?

come lodz

not quite the same

Somewhere in Sopot to accomodate 4 adults and six children near the beach, in july or august. I have searched all the sites and con only find apartments for 2 or 4 people

i can organise self catering accommodation for a group of this size. 3 mins from the beach and 5 from monte casino - just by the grand hotel if you know it

rooms are in a courtyard complex, twin, en suite cost about 175 zl per room per night but more beds could be put into one room if need be... eg for kids

happy to send you pictures

BubbaWoo, have you gone back to lodz?

Yes I know the Grand Hotel, would it be suitlabe for small children

dont follow your question dolly, sorry

didnt follow the lodz question...

i wouldnt take small children to the grand... a little stuffy...

Hello Dolly, just like to say have visited the accomodation Bubba is refering too, very nice, clean and central, definately worth checking out.