Sopot Overview

Poland’s premier resort town, Sopot (pop. 50,000) draws visitors to its sandy beaches and renowned nightlife. Restaurants, shops, and street performers dot the pedestrian promenade ul. Bohaterów Monte Cassino. Europe’s longest molo (wooden pier; 516m) provides sweeping views of the Baltic. (Open M-F. 3zł, Sa-Su 3.80zł.) During the summer months, the beachside Copacabana becomes the place to see and be seen, attracting hard-partying locals and tourists alike. (www.copacabanasopot.pl. 10zł after 10pm. Open 24hr.) Soho clubogaleria, ul. Monte Cassino 61, spins electropop, house, and lounge with attitude. (☎058 551 6527. Beer 7zł. Open daily noon-5am.) For a less-packed, more Bohemian feel, head over to Sfinks on Ul Mamuszki 1 (www.myspace.com/sfinks_sopot. Open Oct.-June Th-Sa 6pm-6am, July-Sept. M-Th and Su 4pm-4am, F-Sa 4pm-6am.) Mandarynka , ul. Bema 6, off ul. Monte Cassino, offers three tangerine-splashed floors of partying. (☎058 550 4563. Beer 7zł. Open M 1pm-2am, Tu-Th and Su midnight-2am, F-Sa noon-5am.)

Affordable university dorms, which can be arranged through the tourist office, are available, but only during the months of July and August. If visiting during the off-season, reserve a room in advance to get a reasonable price. A Sopot staple,   Bar Przystań , al. Wojska Polskiego 11, complements its beachside location with decorative fishing nets and an array of fresh seafood. (☎058 550 0241; www.barprzystan.pl. Fresh fish 6-9zł per 100g. Fish salads from 4zł per 100g. Open daily 11am-11pm. Cash only.)

The SKM commuter rail connects Sopot to Gdańsk (20min.; 1-6 per hr.; 3.10zł, students 1.40zł). Ulica Dworcowa begins at the station and leads to ul. Monte Cassino, which stretches out to the sea by the pier. Ferries (tramwaj wodny; ☎604 837 793) head from the end of the pier to Gdańsk (1hr.; 4 per day; 8zł, students 4zł) and Hel (1hr., 3 per day, 12/6zł). The IT tourist office, ul. Dworcowa 4, by the train station, sells maps (4-5zł) and arranges rooms. (☎058 550 3783. Open daily June to mid-Sept. 9am-8pm; mid-Sept. to May M-F 10am-6pm.)