Gdynia

Gdynia is a relatively young Polish city that has quickly developed into one of the country's most important port cities since its establishment in the 1920s. Located on the Baltic Sea coast, it forms part of the Tri-City metropolitan area along with Gdańsk and Sopot. Unlike its historic neighbors, Gdynia boasts a more modern feel with its clean lines of modernist architecture - many buildings are actually listed as historical monuments despite being less than 100 years old.

The city's heart is deeply connected to the sea. The waterfront area features the impressive Dar Pomorza and Błyskawica ships that serve as museums, offering insights into Poland's maritime history. The aquarium near the harbor is worth checking out too. What makes Gdynia stand out is how it combines urban life with nature - beautiful beaches like Babie Doły and the nearby forests provide easy escapes from city life.

Gdynia comes alive during summer with several major events like Open'er Festival, one of Poland's biggest music festivals, and the Polish Film Festival. The city has a fascinating backstory as it was purposefully built by the newly independent Poland after WWI to secure access to the sea. This gives the whole place a sense of national pride and purpose that you can still feel today. The locals are known for their relaxed attitude and openness, making it a friendly place to explore.