Fast facts

• Three cities of Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia
  
• Population: 1 million plus
  
• Currency: Polish zloty (100 groszy = 1 zloty)
  
• Conversion rate: 1 = 5.56 zloty (late April)
  
• IDD country code: +48, city code 58
  
• Flying time from London: 2 hours 10 minutes
  

Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia epitomise the New Europe, offering visitors an enticing blend of history and brash newness. Clich餠as it may sound, TriCity has something to offer everyone from lush woodlands and imposing castles to pristine beaches and sophisticated nightlife.

Each city has its own personality, allure and reasons to linger so don't set out to fully explore all three in a weekend visit. And make time to get out into the TriCity hinterland - an hour away is the medieval fortress Malbork Castle, the world's largest brick castle, and once the chief stronghold of the Teutonic Knights

TriCity, Poland's most affluent urban agglomeration, lies along the Bay of Gdansk facing the Baltic Sea, beside the delta of Poland's longest river, the Vistula. Gdansk may be the best known to Western Europeans, but Gdynia is a busy, modern seaport, and Sopot a fashionable beach resort playground.

For centuries Gdansk was one of the Baltic's most important commercial and industrial cities, and by the 16th century some 75 percent of Polish exports went through its port - chiefly grain, which went to all the countries of Europe. Its citizens were drawn from all of its major European trading countries, and their arrival also influenced its architecture and cosmopolitan view of the outside world.

Historical hotspot
The city has continued to play its part in European history milestones. The Second World War began in the city with the attack by Nazi forces on the Westerplatte peninsula. The city lay in ruins in 1945 after sustained bombing but was meticulously rebuilt over the next two decades.

Gdansk was, of course, also the focus of world attention a quarter of a century ago. It was here, in the Lenin Shipyard, that the social movement Solidarity was born and Lech Walesa led the 1980 strike that ultimately led to the downfall of Polish communism. The trade-union leader went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and become the country's president.

Nowadays many visitors fail to realise that the historic heart of Main Town - brightly painted buildings and narrow, cobbled streets - are only 50 years old. Its main thoroughfare, the Royal Way, is lined with magnificent buildings featuring painted facades. Grand stone gateways guard each end of the Way. A great place to relax, linger and watch the world float by is on the waterfront, which is lined with fashionable restaurants and cafes.

Parallel to the Royal Way is picturesque Mariacka Lane, filled with quaint 17th century burgher houses with decorative steps and iron railings. Towering over all is the gigantic St Mary's Church, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Gdansk is a city that begs to be explored on foot. Its cobbled streets are easy to navigate, and o0verflow with gabled townhouses and church spires. In the summer months restaurants set up pavement tables. An excellent bus and tram system enable visitors to explore a little further.

The city has a well-earned reputation as a stronghold of Poland's contemporary art scene. Art lovers should not miss the Laznia Centre of Contemporary Art and the Sculpture Gallery on ul. Dlugi Targ.

There's not escaping this is a port city, however, and sea dogs won't be disappointed by the Maritime Museum on ul. Olowianka.

The fast train system (SKM) is the most efficient way to get between the three towns comprising the Tri-City area.

Gdansk's nightlife fails to match its daytime allure. Instead, head for Poland's premier party destination, Sopot, a 20-minute train ride to the north

Sopot - entertainment unlimited

Sopot has a 4.5 kilometre long coastline with pristine, sandy beaches. It's a haven for water sport fans, beach volleyballers or visitors who simply want to lie back in the summer sun.

After a day at the beach, and before the famed nightlife gets into full swing, there's time to stroll through the TriCity Landscape Park or along the historic seaside promenade. It's no surprise this is known as the summer capital of Poland.

The centre of Sopot is Monte Casino Heroes Street, a vehicle-free promenade lined by imposing 19th and 20th century houses. This is an ideal place for a leisurely walk, exploring the side streets, historic parks and gardens. Expect to mingle with street artists and performers.

It's impossible to miss the famed Wooden Pier at the end of the Monte Casino Heroes Street. At more than 500m it is the longest pier in Europe and juts out from Sopot beach. For a sea-side view of the shore, take a water taxi along the coastline.

Gdynia makes three

Gdynia makes up the northern edge of the TriCity, a major port facility that almost unbelievably was a tiny fishing village of only several hundred people before being selected as the site of a major port development in the 1920s.

But this is far more than a modern working port and the business hub of the TriCity region. While it may lack Gdansk's historic charm and Sopot's cosmopolitan chic, Gdynia (population 250,000) is itself a trendy seaside resort with a famed coastline.

Its seaside walks are marinas are worth exploring - the perfect way to work up an appetite before dining and one of the many outdoor restaurants. Not surprisingly seafood of every hue is available here and the decidedly upbeat night clubs offer the perfect way to burn off all those calories afterwards.

Despite being one of the most successful examples of Poland's economic reforms, Gdynia is not just all business. It is home to one of Poland's top film festivals (the "Polish Cannes") as well as a popular Summer Jazz festival.

Flights of fancy

Travelling to Gdansk by air is an increasingly easy option with Polish budget airline Wizz flying direct from London. London Stansted, Luton, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin all have budget flights to Gdansk.

The Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport

For sun lovers, July and August are the warmest months to visit with average highs of between 66F and 70F. But pack warm clothes even during the summer months as it can get chilly on the coast, especially at night, and rain can arrive without warning.

A final tip for taxis users - ask for a taxi to be called for you rather than flagging one down in the street - that will cost you 30 percent more!