With its fascinating past, bustling waterfront and treasured amber produce, the port city of Gdańsk is a must-visit for lovers of history, politics and culture. The city boasts a contribution to science too, home of the city’s famous son, Daniel Fahrenheit, the physicist and inventor who gave the world the first mercury thermometer. From the rule of Teutonic Knights to the Kingdom of Prussia, and the first shots of World War II to the Soviet downfall, discover tales of this captivating Polish city on this insightful tour. For many years, Gdańsk went back and forth between German and Polish rule, and was once named Danzig during Germany’s reign. Throughout World War II it was occupied by the Nazis, yet just 6 years later, a post-war Gdańsk was under Soviet control. This lasted until the Solidarity movement in 1989, led by the trade unions of the Gdańsk Shipyards. As a result, much of the original German architecture damaged during the war was not rebuilt in the 1950s and is seemingly erased from the landscape, along with many changes to building and street names.  Wander along the Royal Way and bustling Długi Targ towards the old town, where each colourful building is as different and as striking as the next. Follow the path to the impressive Neptune’s Fountain, the focal point of the Long Market which was converted in 1633 and even dismantled and hidden during World War II. You can’t miss the St Mary’s Basilica either, which dominates the Gdańsk skyline as one of the largest brick churches in the world.  The city is located at the mouth of the Motława river, where The Crane, one of the most iconic symbols of Gdańsk dating back to 1367, can easily be recognised on the waterfront. Granary Island is on the opposite side, which, after years of decay following World War II, is now being restored to its pre-war glory, with new hotels, apartments and restaurants.  Embrace the chance to try authentic Polish cuisine in one of the many traditional restaurants, serving up inviting meat platters, popular potato pancakes known as placki ziemniaczane, and rustic stuffed cabbage rolls called golabki. Perhaps view the city on a cruise, by way of the historical Westerplatte peninsula. Or why not hop on a train to the sandy resort of Sopot? Situated around 20 minutes from the main Gdańsk station, Sopot has one of the largest wooden piers in Europe and prospered during the interwar period. Today, you can enjoy the coastal atmosphere with a stroll on the pier and ice-cream waffle in hand. Now part of the Tricity of Poland, Gdańsk is an ever prospering, welcoming city with plentiful history and picturesque sights.