The charming Polish city of Łódź is the perfect spot to head to if you are looking for a lesser-known travel spot. It is the third-biggest city in Poland and used to be a textile manufacturing hub before WWII. Łódź lies 120 km (75 miles) from the Polish capital of Warsaw and the red-brick city is sought out by travelers for its old-world charm. Walking through the streets of Łódź, travelers will see remnants of the city’s rich Jewish heritage and its impressive architecture. This city is also the heart of the Polish film industry. Tourists will enjoy a visit to the museums and art galleries, especially Muzeum Sztuki. Łódź also has a vibrant nightlife. You can walk down the charming Pasaż Róży alleyway and indulge in some local shopping or go pub crawling. If you’re traveling with children pay a visit to the zoo to see the endangered Asiatic lion or a visit to the aqua park is perfect for unwinding. Experience the city in all its glory by walking around Ulica Piotrkowska and soaking in the atmosphere. Here’s a look at some of the exciting things to do in Łódź, Poland, to make the most of your time in this quaint city.
1. Shop till you drop at Manufaktura
When in Łódź you must head to Manufaktura which is a mall as well as an arts center. Manufaktura also boasts the city’s biggest public square which hosts several sporting and cultural events. The shopping mall has been split into four themed sections: textile, cinema, design and industrial. It houses some renowned brands such as Hugo Boss, Hilfiger, and more so make sure you shop till you drop!
Manufaktura
Address: Drewnowska 58, 91-002 Łódź, Poland
Website: Manufaktura
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 10pm; Sat: 10am – 10:30pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
2. Take a tour of the Księży Młyn (Priest’s Mill)
This quaint red-brick building - a 19th century factory complex - is a popular tourist haunt. Also called Priest’s Mill, Księży Młyn is home to the Herbst Palace Museum. The original site belonged to the rector of the Łódź parish and that’s how it gets the name Priest’s Mill. Księży Młyn is perfect for taking some amazing pictures and the red-brick facades of the building will transport travelers to another era. Marvel at the magnificent architecture of the building and click some amazing pictures here!
3. Walk past the restaurants, shops, and nightspots at Ulica Piotrkowska
If you want to get a feel of Łódź then what better way to explore the Polish city than walking around its longest commercial thoroughfare street - Ulica Piotrkowska. This 2.6-mile (4.2 kilometers) long street is a popular shopping and leisure spot in the city. Ulica Piotrkowska lies between the Independence Square and Liberty Square, forming a straight stretch. It is brimming with eateries and shops and is a popular tourist haunt. Enjoy a meal in a local restaurant and go pub crawling as you down a pint of beer!
4. Visit the graves of famous people at Łódź Jewish Cemetery
The New Jewish Cemetry or Łódź Jewish Cemetery lies in Bracka Street and is spread over 108.7 acres (44 hectares). Opened in 1892, it was at one time the biggest Jewish cemetery not only in Poland, but also the world. It has nearly 230,000 graves including those of victims from the Holocaust and the Litzmannstadt Ghetto. One of the best-known graves is the mausoleum of Izrael Poznański, the Polish textile magnate. His tombstone has decorative mosaic and like all the other tombstones in the cemetery, it faces east. The half-derelict tombs are works of art and as travelers soak in the somber atmosphere, they can marvel at the craftsmanship and intricacies of the etching. The tombs also have beautiful Hebrew sayings and symbols on them.
Łódź Jewish Cemetery
Address: Bracka 40, 91-717 Łódź, Poland
Website: Łódź Jewish Cemetery
Opening hours: 9am – 3pm (daily)
5. Pay a visit to the historical Radegast Train Station
The historic Radegast Train Station - constructed between 1926 and 1937 - is an iconic spot and travelers must visit to get a slice of history. It lies in the northern part of Łódź and played a pivotal role during the Holocaust. The station served as the primary spot from where Jews were deported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Chełmno extermination camps. The station also has a memorial for the victims of the Holocaust. To get to the train station, you can walk north-west for a kilometer (0.62 mile) from the Jewish Cemetery or the Doly tram.
Radegast Train Station
Address: aleja Pamięci Ofiar Litzmannstadt Getto 12, 91-859 Łódź, Poland
Opening hours: Sun – Tue: 11am – 6pm; Wed – Fri: 10am – 4pm (closed on Fri)
6. Admire the Art Nouveau interiors at Izrael Poznański Palace
When in Łódź, a visit to the beautiful 19th century Izrael Poznański’s Palace is a must for any traveler. This L-shaped palace was initially a two-story tenement building and was converted to the new-Baroque style by Izrael Poznański between 1888 to 1903. The palace has stunning Art Nouveau interiors and the southern wing has domed roofs. It also has a gallery that hosts temporary exhibits of artists such as Joan Miro , Salvador Dali, and more to name a few. The garden adjacent to the palace has beautiful sculptures on display which art lovers are sure to enjoy.
Izrael Poznański Palace
Address: aleja Pamięci Ofiar Litzmannstadt Getto 12, 91-859 Łódź, Poland
Opening hours: Tue – Thu:10am – 4pm; Fri – Sun: 12pm – 6pm (closed on Mon)
7. Get acquainted with Poland's textile history at Central Museum of Textiles
The Central Museum of Textiles was built in 1960 in Łódź and the building was an erstwhile factory that has been refurbished. It has two floors that exhibit looms and fabric printing machines, taking you back to the time when cotton, rugs, and lace production was at its peak in Poland. Travelers will enjoy a visit to the museum, which is inside Ludwik Geyer’s White Factory and can marvel at the colossal building, too!
Central Museum of Textiles
Address: Piotrkowska 282, 93-034 Łódź, Poland
Website: Central Museum of Textiles
Opening hours: Tue – Wed, Sun: 9am – 5pm; Thu – Sat: 12pm – 7pm (closed on Mon)
8. Immerse yourself in 20th- and 21st-century art at Muzeum Sztuki ms2
Travelers keen on checking out some avant-garde artwork can head to Muzeum Sztuki ms2, which exhibits some incredible pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. It also hosts some temporary exhibitions and art lovers will have a field day exploring the museum. Browse the sculptures, drawings, and photographs at Europe’s biggest and oldest modern art museum at leisure! The museum is the perfect place for art aficionados as they immerse themselves in some amazing artwork.
Muzeum Sztuki ms2
Address: Ogrodowa 19, 91-071 Łódź, Poland
Website: Muzeum Sztuki ms2
Opening hours: Wed – Sun: 11am – 7pm; Tue: 10am – 6pm (closed on Mon)
9. Take a peek inside Edward Herbst’s villa
When in Łódź, make sure you pay a visit to the villa of one of the most influential and wealthiest Polish families who were well-known industrialists in the second half of the 19th century - Herbst Palace. The villa itself is now a part of the Muzeum Sztuki, but the interiors have been restored to their former glory despite the owner Edward Herbst and his family fleeing prior to WWII. Built in 1876, the massive villa also has a beautiful garden where you can take a stroll and marvel at the villa’s opulence! It’s a wonderful glimpse into life during that period, and also makes for an interesting afternoon.
Herbst Palace
Address: Przędzalniana 72, 90-338 Łódź, Poland
Website: Herbst Palace
Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 5pm (closed on Mon)
10. Take a stroll amidst the gorgeous Botanical Garden
Soak in nature’s bounty as you amble past nearly 3,500 varieties of plants at the Botanical Garden in Łódź. Spread over 158.1 acres (64 hectares), this beautiful garden is divided into 9 different sections: Japanese garden, plant biology and morphology, green plants classification, Alpine garden, Polish flora, collection of ornamental plants, medicinal and industrial plants, park green areas, and Arboretum. You can take a guided tour and learn about the different species or get some gardening advice when here!
Botanical Garden
Address: Krzemieniecka 36/38, 94-303 Łódź, Poland
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)
11. Enter the tunnel and learn about local history at Muzeum Kanału Dętka
Explore an unusually located museum when in the city as you unravel Łódź’s rich past. Located in Wolności Square, Muzeum Kanału Dętka is inside an underground canal system. The corridors of the tunnel are made of red brick and are well preserved. The 142 meter-long (466 feet) and 1.5-meter-wide (4.9 feet) canal was built in 1926. Do note that a walk around here is not for the claustrophobic! It does, however, make for an unusual museum trip.
Muzeum Kanału Dętka
Address: plac Wolności, 91-415 Łódź, Poland
Website: Muzeum Kanału Dętka
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 4:30pm; Fri – Sun: 12pm – 6:30pm
12. Take your children for an educational space show at Planetarium EC1
Travelers with children will have a fun-filled day at the Planetarium EC1 when in Łódź. The planetarium has an exciting space show, which is educational and entertaining. Children will love engaging in the music shows and fairy tales as well! This will not only be a fun but also educational experience for the kids as they will learn more about our world.
Planetarium EC1
Address: Targowa 1/3, 90-022 Łódź, Poland
Website: Planetarium EC1
Opening hours: Tue – Fri: 9am – 7pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 8pm (closed on Mon)
13. Marvel at the Gothic design at Karl Scheibler's Chapel
Walking around the charming streets of Łódź travelers will espy some amazing monuments and buildings bear testament to the rich architectural history. One such example of Polish architectural mastery is Karl Scheibler’s Chapel with its bespoke Gothic elements and the masonry towers with openwork. Located in Ogrodowa Street 43, this church is a must-see. Marvel at the Polish philanthropist’s mausoleum and the chapel with its distinct Gothic Revival architecture style.
Karl Scheibler's Chapel
Address: 90-001 Łódź, Poland
14. Click amazing pictures at Pasaż Róży
Walk down the charming Pasaż Róży (or Rosa’s Passage) alleyway when in Łódź, which is perfect for the curious traveler looking for some photo ops! The street is open from 8am to 10pm and part of its magic lies in exploring at night. Why? Because the mosaic-style tiny mirrors adorning its walls create a mystical feel! The mirrors were a part of artist Joanna Rajkowska’s vision to make the otherwise dark alley lit. The passageway looks equally beautiful during daylight as the sunlight reflects on the glass shards creating unusual patterns!
Pasaż Róży
Address: Piotrkowska 3, 90-004 Łódź, Poland
Website: Pasaż Róży
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm (daily)
15. Enjoy hiking amidst oak trees at Łagiewnicki Forest Nature Reserve
Relax amidst nature as you go hiking or biking at the Łagiewnicki Forest which skirts Łódź and is part of the Lodz Heights Landscape Park. This nature reserve is among the biggest forests that border a city. The forest has massive oak trees while Arturówek Lake is a popular hotspot during summers. It also has the St. Anthony chapel. The well inside the chapel is believed to have miraculous spring water! If you want to spend some down time with nature, this is the place to go.
Łagiewnicki Forest Nature Reserve
Address: Łagiewnicka 305, 91-001 Łódź, Poland
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Delve into the history of Polish filmmaking at Cinema Museum Łódź
Movie-lovers will enjoy a visit to Cinema Museum Łódź and get acquainted with the history of Polish filmmaking. The film museum is housed inside a 19th-century palace which belonged to the cotton magnate Karol Scheibler. The basement and first floor of the museum are dedicated to Polish filmmaking history and you will espy props from movies, posters, and camera equipment from the olden era.
Cinema Museum Łódź
Address: plac Zwycięstwa 1, 90-312 Łódź, Poland
Website: Cinema Museum Łódź
17. Plan a family get-together at Mickiewicza Park
Enjoy a fun picnic with family as you loll around on the lush green grass at Mickiewicza Park. This historic park lies along the Sokołówka river valley and is spread over 49 hectares (121.08 acres). The park also has an Italian Renaissance-style palace that overlooks a pond. There is also a pretty fountain between the pond and the Julianów palace. Take a stroll around the park as you soak in nature’s bounty!
Mickiewicza Park
Address: Zgierska 139A, 91-488 Łódź, Poland
Website: Mickiewicza Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
18. Splash around with friends at Fala Aquapark
Plan a fun day out with friends and head to the child-friendly Fala Aquapark, which has plenty of water-based activities for all age groups. The water park has kiddie pools for the tiny tots to splash around in and the adults can relax in the hot tub. Swim in any of the three pools or enjoy sunbathing. Grab a snack from pool-side eatery and unwind at this all-weather aquapark! If you are a water baby or traveling with kids a visit to Fala Aquapark should be on your to-do list!
Fala Aquapark
Address: aleja Unii Lubelskiej 4, 94-208 Łódź, Poland
Website: Fala Aquapark
Opening hours: Sun – Mon: 9am – 10pm; Tue – Thu:7am – 10pm; Fri: 7am – 11:30pm
19. Witness a live ballet performance at Grand Theatre Łódź
The Grand Theatre Łódź is the perfect spot to acquaint yourself with some classic ballet and opera performances. The opera house was established in 1967 and you can catch some live classical and contemporary performances. The auditorium can hold 1,074 people and the opera house is the second-biggest in Poland. So make sure you catch a live ballet performance here and get enthralled by the finesse of the ballerinas!
Grand Theatre Łódź
Address: plac Generała Henryka Dąbrowskiego, 90-249 Łódź, Poland
Website: Grand Theatre Łódź
20. Have a close encounter with endangered Asiatic lions at Łódź Zoo
Established in 1938, the massive Łódź Zoo is a popular tourist attraction and the perfect way to spend the day with kids. It has nearly 2,245 animals, including the endangered Asiatic lion. Walk around the zoo and watch the baboons and deer in action. There is also a special enclosure for antelopes and you can espy different bird species as well! Children will enjoy a day out at the zoo and once tired, you can enjoy a snack at the restaurant inside the zoo.
Łódź Zoo
Address: Konstantynowska 8/10, 94-303 Łódź, Poland
Website: Łódź Zoo
Opening hours: 9am – 3:30pm (daily)
21. Cheer on a live ice hockey match at Atlas Arena
What better way to get a feel of Poland than cheering for a local team at a live match and crying yourself hoarse! Make sure you experience the frenzy and excitement of a live ice hockey match at the Atlas Arena, which can seat 10,400 people. The indoor arena also hosts music concerts, conferences, basketball, and volleyball matches. The venue is in the city center. Commuting is easy as you can easily take a train to Łódź Kaliska station and walk down to Atlas Arena from here.
Atlas Arena
Address: aleja ks. bp. Władysława Bandurskiego 7, 94-020 Łódź, Poland
Website: Atlas Arena
22. Try some delicious fare at Quale Restaurant
Savor some delicious Polish cuisine at the award-winning Quale Restaurant as you enjoy fine dining and the sophisticated Art Nouveau-style ambiance. It has three restaurant rooms where guests can enjoy authentic Polish and European dishes. Make sure you try the Roe Deer Tartare and the Earl Grey Crème Brûlée when here. Unwind at the whisky bar and cigar room or simply soak in the atmosphere and the old-world charm. Make sure you make a reservation to avoid disappointment at this popular and upmarket eatery in Łódz.
Quale Restaurant
Address: Prez. Gabriela Narutowicz 48, 90-135 Łódź, Poland
Website: Quale Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon – Fri:4pm – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 1pm – 7pm
23. Down some drinks at Irish Pub
Posted by Irish PUB ŁÓDŹ on Thursday, 31 October 2019
Conveniently located in the city center, the Irish Pub with its charming open courtyard is the perfect spot for a pub crawl. The bar has a naval theme and its decor is the perfect blend of the old and contemporary. There are private cubicles where you can cozy up with friends and order from nearly 50 types of fine malts. You can enjoy live music from Thursday to Saturday and if you’re lucky you could catch the illusionist show that happens here sometimes. So make sure you down some drinks at the Irish Pub when in Łódź.
Irish Pub
Address: Piotrkowska 77, 90-423 Łódź, Poland
Website: [Irish Pub]http://www.irishpub.pl/)
Opening hours: Mon: 3pm – 10pm; Tue – Thu: 3pm – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 3pm – 3am, Sun – Sat: 2pm – 10pm
24. Guzzle some beer at Piwoteka Narodowa
Beer lovers cannot afford to miss out on some local brew at this popular bar. The bar has a welcoming decor and you can find beer paraphernalia adorning its walls. Piwoteka Narodowa has 15 taps (2 pumps and 13 drought beers). You can also pick from the bottled beer options. If you get confused thanks to the multiple beer options on offer at this brewery, the helpful staff will come to your aid. Gorge on the delicious snacks on offer as the bar serves seafood, as well as Irish and German cuisine.
Piwoteka Narodowa
Address:6 Sierpnia 1/3, 90-606 Łódź, Poland
Website: Piwoteka Narodowa
Opening hours: Mon – Wed: 3pm – 12am; Thu, Sun: 2pm – 12am; Fri, Sat:2pm – 2am;
25. Knock down some pins at King of Bowling Balls
If you’re looking for a fun day out in town then head to King of Bowling Balls. This kid-friendly place has 24 modern lanes where you can try your hand at bowling and getting a strike! There is also a billiards table and adults can enjoy a drink at the bar as the kids snack on their pizza! It is the perfect spot to unwind, cut loose, and rekindle the child in you as you compete for the highest score!
King of Bowling Balls
Address:CH Sukcesja, aleja Politechniki 1, 93-590 Łódź, Poland
Website: King of Bowling Balls
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm (daily)
26. Relax your mind and soul at Elefant Oriental Massage and Spa
Tired after an exhausting day of exploring Łódź? You can rejuvenate yourself by heading to Elefant Oriental Massage and Spa, which has masseuses and therapists from Bali, Indonesia. The spa has a tranquil atmosphere and you will be able to relax your mind and soul thanks to the traditional and authentic Shiatsu and Balinese massages. The spa also offers Balinese and Javanese beauty treatments so make sure you don’t miss out on these!
Elefant Oriental Massage and Spa
Address: Gdańska 23, 90-706 Łódź, Poland
Website: Elefant Oriental Massage and Spa
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (daily)
27. Grab your seats and a tub of popcorn at Cinema City Manufaktura
Posted by Cinema City - Manufaktura on Thursday, 11 February 2016
If you have time on your hands and want to enjoy a leisurely day, head to Cinema City Manufaktura to enjoy a movie. Grab a tub of popcorn and chill in the comfortable seats as you watch the latest flicks at your preferred timing. The red-brick building looks nothing like a movie theater but don’t let that fool you as the interiors are modern! Cinema City Manufaktura is perfect for unwinding and staying indoors to avoid the cold.
Cinema City Manufaktura
Address: CH Manufaktura, Drewnowska 58, 91-002 Łódź, Poland
Website: Cinema City Manufaktura
28. Practice your shooting skills at Strzelnica C4 GUNS
Posted by Strzelnica C4 GUNS on Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Want to try your hand at something different? Then make sure you pay a visit to Strzelnica C4 GUNS, a shooting range where you can hone your shooting skills. There are professional instructors who let you try real weapons like the Glock, shotgun, AK 47, and more at this shooting club. So hone your sniper skills at this popular spot and unleash the shooter in you without any fear!
Strzelnica C4 GUNS
Address: aleja Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 141, 92-318 Łódź, Poland
Website: Strzelnica C4 GUNS
Opening hours: Sat: 2pm – 10pm; Sun :10am – 6pm; Mon: 10am – 5pm; Tue: 10am – 10pm; Wed: 10am – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm; Thu – Fri:10am – 10pm
29. Buy some local products at Hall Green Market
Posted by Hala Zielony Rynek Łódź on Thursday, 19 May 2016
A great way to taste local flavors and get a feel of Polish life is to visit Hala Zielony Rynek or Hall Green Market. Buy some local produce such as home-made honey, breads, fruits, vegetables, meat, and more. This market is closed on Sunday but open on other days. It is on Plac Barlickiego and an eight-minute walk from the Piotrkowska Station.
Hall Green Market
Address: Plac Barlickiego 5, 90-615 Łódź, Poland
Website: Hall Green Market
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm; Sat: 8am – 4pm (closed on Sun)
30. Enjoy jumping with kids at Saltos
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy a fun day out with family at the Saltos trampoline park in Łódź, which as the name suggests is a spot where you can jump on a trampoline to your heart’s content! There are nearly 60 trampolines you can bounce on but in an organized manner. How? There is an acrobatic class you can undertake! If you wish, you can also watch from the sidelines chill at the relaxation area and sip on a coffee instead.
Saltos trampoline park
Address: Srebrzyńska 2/4, 91-074 Łódź, Poland
Website: Saltos trampoline park
Opening hours: Sun – Thu:10am – 9pm; Fri – Sat: 10am – 10pm
Lose yourself in the charm of Łódź
Travelers looking for a quiet vacation can head to the Polish city of Łódź, which is a blend of the modern and the old. The charming red-brick buildings and quaint streets will make you feel like you’re a time traveler. Explore downtown Łódź and soak in the city’s charm!
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