Sopot is situated between Gdansk and Gdynia and forms with them the Tryimiasto agglomeration. Sopot is considered to be the main summer recreation center in Poland. It has well developed transport infrastructure and there are many historical attractions and modern facilities.
The first mention of Sopot dates back to the VII-XI centuries, when the city was something like a fortified village with a fortified settlement. Until the division of Rzecz Pospolita Sopot was owned by the monastery, but then it was possessed by the Prussian kingdom. During the Second World War the city was occupied by the Germans, but was released in 1945.
Sopot's main attraction is its beaches. Beaches stretch along the whole coast, here you can rent any equipment, ride the water hills, eat in cafes and restaurants. There is also a unique longest wooden pier in Europe longer than five hundred meters, an old casino and one of Europe's largest aquaparks.
Sopot is also popular in Poland with its walking street Montyak. There are numerous pubs and galleries, Polonia cinema, are held performances of the street theaters and musicians, as well as expositions of works of the portrait painters.
Another attraction in Sopot is a city museum, which is located in the building of the old villa of the beginning of the XX century, which is restored and adapted for the museum. Here is located the exposition of historical equipment of the beginning of the XX century and also restored the interior of that time. Around the villa is organized a beautiful garden.
No less popular in Sopot is an open air Forest Opera, which is considered to be one of the best facilities of that type in Europe. It hosts concerts of classical and popular music, and has already become a traditional Sopot Festival. On the territory of the Opera and Concert Hall is situated the Polish Chamber Philharmonic.
Popular with tourists in Sopot are Rybatskaya pier with 7 boats, which are operated by hereditary fishermen, as well as a hippodrome, where are held not only horse races, but also various entertainment events.
Culture amateurs will be interested in visiting Sopot Atelier Theater of Agnieszka Osietzkaya, where is annually held the Theater Summer with the views of premiere works of best playwrights of the world, musical performances, as well as the Song Festival of Agnieszka Osietzkaya. Also very interesting is the Archaeological Museum-Reserve with the restored medieval settlement.
Fans of fine art must go to the State Gallery of Art, located in Sopot. Here are exhibited the works of contemporary art and museum collections of art, and also are held meetings with the authors.
