Moving to Poland - Wrocław/Gdańsk?

Hi. This is my first post here after lurking for some time. I've recently decided to give up a job in the finance/software sector in London and move to Poland for an extended period. At least a year, maybe more.

It's difficult to put my finger on exactly why I'm doing this - it's a combination of Polish roots, a fascination with the language, culture and history, polish friends in London and probably also a bit of mid-life crisis!

I've narrowed down my possible destinations to Wrocław and Gdańsk but I'm finding it difficult to make the final choice and looking for recommendations, personal experiences etc. Obviously I like both cities but having spent only about a week in each, I'm sure I've missed more than I've so far seen. I'm interested in many of the usual things cities have to offer - entertainment, especially classical music and theatre, eating out, bars etc. I don't like long commutes, so the ability to live reasonably close to the centre on a reasonable rent (1500pln pcm?) would be important. I'll be looking for a job on arrival in financial software if possible, otherwise in any kind of software.

It's a pretty difficult question to answer, I know, but any personal recommendations or reflections about the life style, friendliness and also cost of living or anything else would be more than welcome!

Thanks in advance

I'll try to be fair to bo-- nah, it's Wro, hands down. Venice of the North! Whatever that means. But really, it's a great place. The Meeting Place! Whatever that means. Great high culture, great cinemas, great malls, great chicks, you name it. I'll go into more depth, but firstly, take a gander at the Wroclove webpage, for a point of ref:

wroclove.pl
Also, there's some outstanding pics on their corresponding facebook page:
facebook.com/wroclaw.wroclove

It would be easier for you to find job in Wrocław. They try to make out of Wrocław Polish Silicon Valley ;)

I agree, although I love Gdansk and have lived here for 4 1/2 years. I think your opportunities are better in Wroclaw.

Thanks for the answers so far. Unanimity! I was all set on Wrocław, my polish teacher is from there and recommends it for job opportunities, culture etc. However after seeing Gdańsk, I wasn't so sure.

It really is a beautiful city and the proximity of Sopot adds another dimension. Also from surveys that I have read, it seems accommodation is cheaper but average salaries are higher. Is there any truth in that?

Jasondmzk - Those pictures are great.

Poznań!

Is it a good location for tech? I thought it was more trade oriented.

because of the rivers canals and number of bridges.


this relates to business.


there are a few tags for this city. wroclove is the most idiotic of them.

wroclaw is always talking about IT, but finding the right job is not so easy.

wroclaw does indeed reach out to all with its various music programmes.

wroclaw will be making a bigger effort with regard to culture as it is/or hopes to be 'city of culture 2016

we also have the 'world games' in a few years. not sure when.

wroclaw is friendly enough and one can manage alone. having a couple of friends with shared interests makes it great.

Get a job... and that will decide which city you move to.

Sure, La Roche Hoffman are here (with - at the last count - 600 working in IT), as are Allegro, plus quite a few other fairly large operations.

If you decide for Wrocław, you may want to consider sending you CV to DEVnet. They do financial software and they are hiring.

Slawekk - thanks very much for that - it's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for.