The Heart of Gdansk: Main City

• HelloCześć
  [cheshch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [doh veed-zen-ya]
• YesTak
  [tahk]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [pro-sheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [jen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [psheh-prah-sham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yahk shyeh mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [doh-bzheh. ah tuh?]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chi mooh-veesh poh ahn-gyehl-skoo?]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nye roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [h-cha-oh-bim zoh-bah-chich meh-noo, proh-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nye yem myen-sah]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [nah zdroh-vyeh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [h-cha-oh-bim zah-plah-cheech, proh-sheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [poh-moh-tsi]
• Go away!Idź sobie!
  [eedzh soh-byeh]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zahdz-vohn poh poh-leets-yeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po doktora!
  [zahdz-vohn poh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-bye-wem shyeh]
• I'm illJestem chory/a
  [yeh-stem hoh-ri/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [h-cha-oh-bim koo-peek]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [tul-koh shyeh rohz-gwah-dahm]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh toh kohs-too-yeh]
• That's too expensiveTo za drogie
  [toh zah droh-gyeh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [chi mo-zhesh ohb-nee-zhoo-ch cheh-neh]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [k-toh-rah yest god-zee-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yest pye-veers-zah]
• Half past (10)Pół do (10)
  [poow doh (dyes-yem)]
• MorningRano
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [poh-poo-wood-nyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyech-oor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-choh-rye]
• TodayDziś
  [jeesh]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [dvah]
• 3Trzy
  [tshih]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-teh-ri]
• 5Pięć
  [pyehnch]
• 6Sześć
  [sheshch]
• 7Siedem
  [syeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [oh-shyem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [dzyeh-vyehnch]
• 10Dziesięć
  [dzyeh-shyehnch]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [gdzhe yest]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [yah-kee yest ah-dresh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chi mo-zhesh mee poh-kah-zach (nah mah-pee-eh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-deh yest nah-stehp-neh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ....)
  [bee-let (doh ....)]

Main City, or Główne Miasto, was officially founded in the late 13th century, becoming a pivotal member of the Hanseatic League. This powerful trade network allowed Gdansk to flourish as a maritime hub, facilitating commerce between Poland and Western Europe. The architectural style of Main City reflects this prosperous era, with its impressive Gothic and Renaissance buildings serving as a testament to its wealth and influence.

In the early 15th century, Gdansk faced significant conflict during the Thirteen Years' War (1454-1466) against the Teutonic Knights. The city was besieged and ultimately liberated, solidifying its allegiance to Poland and enhancing its status as a key port. The impact of this siege is commemorated in local lore and can be explored through various historical markers throughout Main City.

The 16th century brought the influence of the Reformation, leading to a cultural and religious transformation in Main City. Gdansk became a center for Protestantism, and the period saw the construction of significant religious buildings, including St. Mary's Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world. This era also fostered advancements in art, science, and literature, contributing to Gdansk's rich cultural tapestry.

The Second World War had a devastating impact on Gdansk and Main City, with much of its historic architecture destroyed during the Nazi occupation and subsequent Soviet bombardment. The city was at the center of the war's beginning, with the attack on the battleship Schleswig-Holstein at Westerplatte marking the start of hostilities in Europe. The post-war reconstruction of Main City aimed to restore its historical character, though many original structures were irrevocably lost.

In the 1980s, Gdansk became a focal point of the Solidarity movement, led by Lech Wałęsa. The shipyard strikes and protests in the city played a crucial role in the eventual fall of communism in Poland. Main City served as the backdrop for many pivotal events during this period, and today, the legacy of Solidarity is preserved in museums and public spaces, celebrating Gdansk's role in the fight for freedom and democracy.

Main City is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Gdansk. If you're arriving from Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport, you can take a direct bus (Line 210) to the city center, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services are available. From Gdansk Glowny Railway Station, Main City is a short 15-minute walk or a quick tram ride on lines 6, 8, or 10.

Main City is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Public transport is efficient, with trams and buses connecting various parts of the city. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle from one of the many bike-sharing services available. Remember to check the bike lanes and paths for safe cycling.

Main City is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it's wise to stay vigilant. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places like the Long Market. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, particularly around the riverside. While Gdansk has a low crime rate, it's best to remain cautious and keep personal belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospitals are equipped to handle emergencies, and most staff speak basic English. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available throughout Main City. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the weather and consider modest attire when visiting churches. Don't wear beachwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Always ask before taking photos. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a firm handshake. Don't forget to say 'Dzień dobry' (Good day) when meeting someone new. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties, such as pierogi and żurek. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Main City like a local, visit the food markets for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with the locals in cafés or pubs, where they might share stories about the city. Explore off the beaten path by wandering into lesser-known streets and alleys to discover hidden gems, such as small galleries and artisan shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a local walking tour to gain deeper insights into the rich history of Gdansk.