Łódź, Poland’s third largest city, is an underrated destination with a fascinating history and culture. Once an industrial powerhouse, Łódź has transformed into a lively city with trendy restaurants, unique museums, and a blossoming art scene.
| # | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wander Piotrkowska Street | Enjoy the vibrant pedestrian street with shops and cafes. |
| 2 | Explore Manufaktura | Visit the shopping and entertainment complex. |
| 3 | Łódź Fabryczna Railway Station | See the renovated historic railway station. |
| 4 | Walk Down Piotrkowska Street | Explore Poland’s longest commercial street. |
| 5 | Discover Palaces of Izrael Poznański | Visit museums in neo-Baroque and neo-Renaissance palaces. |
| 6 | Tour Old Town and New Town | Experience medieval and 19th-century architecture. |
| 7 | Relax in Łódź Botanical Garden | Enjoy the natural beauty of this large botanical garden. |
| 8 | Learn History at EC1 | Visit a science center in a former power plant. |
| 9 | Iconic Neon Sidewalk Signs | Spot neon signs on Piotrkowska Street. |
| 10 | Explore OFF Piotrkowska Street | Discover a hub for arts and entertainment. |
| 11 | Alternative Street Art Tour | Join a tour to understand street art stories. |
| 12 | Eat Traditional Polish Food | Try regional specialties like pierogi and sausage. |
| 13 | Shop at the Grand Bazaar | Browse through a variety of goods at a covered market. |
| 14 | Relax at Łódź Kaliska | Enjoy recreational activities in a large park area. |
| 15 | Experience Movie Magic at Se-Ma-For | Tour a film studio and learn about Polish film history. |
In 2024, visitors will find plenty of interesting things to see and do in Łódź. From exploring historic palaces to shopping at vibrant markets, Łódź offers a variety of attractions. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Łódź, Poland in 2024:
Wander Piotrkowska Street
Name and Location: Piotrkowska Street is a famous pedestrian promenade located in the city center of Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: As one of the longest commercial streets in Europe at over 4 km long, Piotrkowska Street has been the thriving heart of the city since the 19th century. It is lined with restaurants, shops, cafes, and historic architecture.
What to Expect: Visitors can stroll down this vibrant street day or night, shop at boutiques, grab a coffee, people watch from sidewalk cafes, and admire the eclectic buildings along the way. Street performers and events are common.
Visitor Information: Piotrkowska Street is pedestrian-only and always open. Trams run along the street for public transportation access.
The main thoroughfare of Łódź, Piotrkowska Street is one of the longest commercial streets in Europe at over 5 kilometers long. Take an evening stroll down this vibrant pedestrian street to enjoy its restaurants, pubs, shops, and street performers. Pop into the many courtyard passages hidden between buildings along the street.
Don’t miss the bronze benches with colorful patterns representing the industries that once dominated Łódź. Look down through the transparent sections of sidewalk to see an excavated part of the old cobblestone road. The elegant townhouses lining the street provide a glimpse into Łódź’s affluent past.
Explore Manufaktura
Name and Location: Manufaktura is a large shopping, arts and entertainment complex located at ul. Karskiego 5 in Łódź.
History and Significance: Manufaktura was renovated from a massive former textile factory into a lively hub with over 300 shops, restaurants, museums, cinema, arts facilities and attractions.
What to Expect: Visitors can shop till they drop, see a movie, admire contemporary art and exhibits, walk through the nostalgic old factory rooms, relax outdoors, or dine at one of many restaurants and cafes.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-10pm. Restaurants and entertainment typically open from noon to 9-10pm.
One of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in Poland, Manufaktura is located on the grounds of a former textile factory. Wander through the spacious interior courtyard to view the carefully preserved red brick buildings.
Inside, you’ll find high-end shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and museums. One museum outlines the history of the factory using interactive exhibits. Kids will love the play areas and Lego displays. Take a spin on the small rail line that passes through Manufaktura offering riders panoramic views of the complex.
See the Łódź Fabryczna Railway Station
Name and Location: Łódź Fabryczna is the central railway station located in Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: This historic and grandiose railway station dates back to 1865. Once dilapidated, it underwent major renovations and reopened in 2016. The impressive façade mixes neo-classical, neo-gothic and neo-Renaissance architectural styles.
What to Expect: Visitors can admire the ornate revitalized interior and exterior of this railway station, which serves as a gateway to Łódź. There are shops and eateries inside.
Visitor Information: Viewing the station is free. It’s open according to train schedules, typically 5am-midnight daily.
Łódź Fabryczna Railway Station first opened in 1865 as one of the first railway stations in Poland. Severely damaged in World War II, the neo-classical building sat abandoned for decades. In 2016, the spectacular railway station reopened after extensive renovations.
The glittering new interior retains the soaring vaulted ceiling and many original details. Be sure to gaze up at the massive murals depicting Łódź’s history. There’s also a museum outlining the renovation. The station serves as a central hub for travel, shopping, and dining in Łódź.
Walk Down Piotrkowska Street
Name and Location: Piotrkowska Street, the main pedestrian promenade in the city center of Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: Piotrkowska Street was once an elegant carriage promenade for factory owners. Today, this lively 4 km street is full of restaurants, cafes, shops, and historic architecture that showcases Łódź.
What to Expect: Walking Piotrkowska Street, visitors can shop, dine, drink, admire intricate building facades, gaze at unique courtyards, and watch street performers. It offers a taste of Łódź.
Visitor Information: The street is pedestrian-only and always open to stroll. Trams run along it for access.
Stretch your legs on Poland’s longest commercial street lined with eclectic architecture. Grab a bite at one of the chic sidewalk cafes or check out the latest exhibit at the avant-garde galleries. Pop into courtyards filled with restaurants, clubs and craft shops.
Don’t miss the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic Hall, one of Łódź’s most prominent concert halls, located at number 1 Piotrkowska Street. Evening is a great time to visit when the street comes alive with lights, music, and people.
Discover the Palaces of Izrael Poznański
Name and Location: The palaces are located at ul. Ogrodowa 15 and ul. Zachodnia 54/56 in Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: Textile magnate Izrael Poznański constructed these lavish 19th century palaces in eclectic architectural styles. They contained his luxury residences and textile empire headquarters.
What to Expect: The palaces offer a glimpse into the affluent side of Łódź’s history. Inside there are museums, boutiques, restaurants and event spaces amid restored interiors.
Visitor Information: The White Palace (Ogrodowa 15) is open 11am-8pm Tuesday through Sunday. The Red and Black Palaces (Zachodnia 54/56) are open 10am-6pm Wednesday through Sunday. Entry fees vary.
Textile magnate Izrael Poznański constructed a trio of astonishing palaces in the late 1800s, which have been preserved as museums. The neo-Baroque Palac Poznańskiego houses the Museum of the City of Łódź with exhibits on the history and development of Łódź.
The neo-Renaissance Palac Izraela houses the Museum of Art, with an extensive collection of Polish paintings and sculptures. The fairy-tale white Palac Włókniarzy holds the Museum of the Factory, which outlines Łódź’s textile manufacturing legacy through machinery displays and recreated workshops.
Tour Old Town and New Town
Name and Location: Old Town is centered around the main market square Rynek Starego Miasta. New Town encompasses the area near Piotrkowska Street. Both are located in the heart of Łódź.
History and Significance: These two central districts showcase Łódź’s dual 19th century history as both a bustling industrial city and a culturally thriving center filled with rich residents.
What to Expect: In atmospheric Old Town, see sites like the Church of St Joseph and Heimatgarten Park. New Town along Piotrkowska Street features lavish old residences, trendy new spots, and fantastic architectural fusion.
Visitor Information: Both neighborhoods are walkable and always open to explore. Guided tours available.
For a taste of medieval Łódź, visit the reconstructed Old Town with its charming narrow streets lined by colorful restored townhouses.
See the Gothic Revival St. Joseph’s Church and climb the church tower for panoramic views. Łódź’s New Town, established in the early 19th century, also has attractive architecture including the grand Cathedral of St. Stanislaus Kostka.
Relax in Łódź Botanical Garden
Name and Location: Łódź Botanical Garden located at Krzemieniecka 36/38 in Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: Founded in 1971, these gardens cultivate and exhibit over 5,500 plant species across 72 acres. It provides a beautiful green respite in the city and hosts conservation and education programs.
What to Expect: Visitors can wander through diverse gardens like rose, rock, Japanese, and greenhouse gardens. Ponds, bridges, and seasonal flower displays provide scenic backdrops to relax in nature.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 9am-4pm April-October, 9am-3pm November-March. Admission 5-10 PLN.
Covering almost 100 acres, the Łódź Botanical Garden provides a peaceful natural escape in the heart of the city. Walk through diverse botanical displays in the glass Conservatory.
Let the kids run wild in the play areas, mini zoo, and planetarium. Have a picnic under the trees or rent a boat for a lazy paddle around the large pond. Seasonal flower shows provide a burst of color and scents.
Learn About Łódź History at EC1
Name and Location: EC1 Łódź – City of Culture is an interactive science & culture center at ul. Targowa 1/3 in Łódź.
History and Significance: EC1 is housed in a former coal-powered electric power station that helped power Łódź industry. Exhibits showcase the city’s industrial innovations and culture.
What to Expect: Visitors can discover permanent interactive exhibits on Łódź manufacturing, everyday life, traditions, and modern culture. Temporary exhibits also featured. Planetarium and roof garden on site.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Friday 9am-7pm, weekends 10am-7pm. Ticket prices vary, children under 6 free.
Housed in a former power plant, EC1 is an interactive science center and planetarium. The center’s exhibitions overview Łódź’s development into one of the world’s textile capitals in the 19th century.
See steam engines, looms, and other industrial machinery in action. Kids can enjoy hands-on science experiments in the Discovery Center. Don’t miss experiencing the state-of-the-art 3D holographic projections at the planetarium.
See the Iconic Neon Sidewalk Signs
Name and Location: The neon sidewalk signs illuminate Piotrkowska Street at night in Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: These iconic neon signs were installed under sidewalk glass in the 1930s to attract commercial customers down to basement shops and bars. Over a hundred survive today.
What to Expect: Visitors can take an evening stroll down Piotrkowska Street to view these glowing pieces of vintage neon art lighting up the night underneath their feet.
Visitor Information: The neon sidewalk signs are visible along Piotrkowska Street after dusk. Best viewed at night.
Keep an eye on the sidewalks of Piotrkowska Street to spot an iconic part of Łódź’s history. Glowing neon signs depict products popular during the communist era in Poland when commercial goods were limited.
You’ll see neon representations of household items like detergent, sausages, and even pantyhose floating on the sidewalks. These fun symbols provide a nostalgic glimpse into daily life in decades past.
Explore OFF Piotrkowska Street
Name and Location: OFF Piotrkowska is an alternative culture and arts complex located at Piotrkowska 138/140 in Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: Housed in a former electricity factory, OFF Piotrkowska is now a hub for Łódź’s creative scene with galleries, workshops, concert venue, bars, and street art.
What to Expect: Visitors can browse contemporary art exhibitions, shop for unique items, admire urban designs, hear live music, or relax in one of the funky, artsy bars and cafes.
Visitor Information: Opening hours vary but typically from 11am-midnight daily. Many events and concerts held in evenings.
Just off Piotrkowska Street lies OFF Piotrkowska, a former cotton mill transformed into a hub for arts and entertainment. Browse the funky shops selling handmade crafts and vintage fashions. Catch a live music performance at one of the cool clubs.
Exhibitions at the modern art galleries provide a taste of Łódź’s thriving contemporary art scene. On sunny days the courtyard fills with locals relaxing at the cafes and bars.
Take an Alternative Street Art Tour
Name and Location: Łódź is filled with alternative street art across neighborhoods like Bałuty and industrial areas.
History and Significance: Łódź has become well-known for its edgy, socio-critical street art that contrasts with its grand bourgeois history. It adds gritty character while enlivening abandoned buildings.
What to Expect: Guided tours take visitors to discover large colorful murals, graffiti, and post-industrial art around the city. Stops include the Kaliska Street art alley and underground galleries.
Visitor Information: Street art tours run daily and typically last 2-3 hours. Book online or through sites like Łódź Kaliska and Za Ścianą. Rates around 100PLN per person.
Łódź has one of the largest concentrations of street art in Europe. Join a street art walking tour to understand the stories behind the vibrant murals sprawling across building facades.
Ex-ironworks, neglected courtyards, and old factories provide the gritty urban backdrop for the colorful artworks depicting Łódź life. Look for quirky additions like a piano embedded in a wall and a supersized needle and thread.
Eat Traditional Polish Food
Name and Location: Traditional Polish restaurants can be found throughout Łódź, especially around Piotrkowska Street.
History and Significance: Hearty Polish comfort food like pierogi dumplings, bigos stew, pork cutlets, borscht, and potato pancakes are local staples in Łódź’s eateries.
What to Expect: Dining on Polish cuisine offers flavors like savory, creamy, tangy, and sweet. Restaurants range from casual to upscale. Don’t skip the classic Polish desserts either!
Visitor Information: Make reservations at higher-end restaurants. Check schedules as some close Sundays or between meal services.
Polish cuisine shines in Łódź where you can try regional specialties. Hearty dishes like pierogi dumplings, stuffed cabbage rolls, potato pancakes, sausage and pork cutlets will satisfy any appetite.
Finish your meal with a savory naleśnik, a Polish crepe filled with sweet cheese, fruit or chocolate. For a delicious homecooked meal, book a table at one of Łódź’s milk bars, no-frills cafeterias serving cheap, authentic fare.
Shop at the Grand Bazaar
Name and Location: The Grand Bazaar is located inside Manufaktura at ul. Karskiego 5 in Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: This lively indoor marketplace is housed in the old Manufaktura factory. Over 300 stalls sell Polish handicrafts, art, jewelry, clothes, ceramics, and more.
What to Expect: Visitors can browse through the bazaar’s stalls and shops to find high-quality Polish made artisan products including amber, woolens, lace, blown glassware, bags, and painted porcelain.
Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday from 9am-10pm, Sundays from 10am-8pm.
Get your fill of shopping at Łódź’s famous covered marketplace. The colorful Baroque interior has hundreds of vendor stalls selling everything from fresh produce and meat to clothes, flowers and souvenirs.
Wander through the market hall browsing spices, handmade crafts, and more. The surrounding area also has specialty shops like a traditional bakery and antique booksellers. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique Polish gifts.
Relax at Łódź Kaliska
Name and Location: Łódź Kaliska is an arts communa located at the old Kaliska rail station, ul. Będzińska 1 in Łódź.
History and Significance: Łódź Kaliska is a creative space inside an unused train station focusing on alternative arts, music, and culture through exhibitions, concerts, events and an urban garden.
What to Expect: Visitors can relax at the garden bar, view edgy art displays, hear live music, wander the area, and absorb the communal creative vibes. Quirky and chill.
Visitor Information: Hours vary by event. Concerts typically in the evenings. Check their schedule online.
Escape the city at Łódź Kaliska, a large recreation area with swimming, sports, and cultural facilities. Sunbathe on the sandy beach or take a dip in one of the lakeside swimming pools. Rent a bike, boat, or kayak and explore the shores.
Attend a concert at one of the outdoor stages or an exhibition at the modern art gallery. With its pristine natural setting, Łódź Kaliska provides a mix of recreation and culture just minutes from the city center.
Experience Movie Magic at Se-Ma-For
Name and Location: Se-ma-for Museum of Animation is at ul. Targowa 1/3 in Łódź, Poland.
History and Significance: Se-ma-for is an animation studio that produced films and shows from the 1950s-90s. Their museum showcases this legacy with behind-the-scenes exhibits.
What to Expect: Visitors can learn about Se-ma-for’s production process and view artifacts like drawings, puppets, sets, and animation equipment from beloved shows. Movie magic!
Visitor Information: Open Wednesday-Sunday from 9am-5pm. Admission 15-25PLN. Guided tours available.
Founded in 1947, the Łódź film studio Se-Ma-For was one of the leading producers of films, TV series, and cartoons during the Communist era. On a guided tour, see props, costumes, and animation equipment used for iconic shows like The Moochies.
Learn about the history of filmmaking in Łódź, which earned the nickname ‘Holly-Łódź.’ Screenings in the studio’s movie theater include classic Polish animations and more recent 3D productions.
Conclusion
With its revitalized historic buildings, striking street art, interactive museums, and trendy culinary scene, Łódź is an underrated Polish destination waiting to be explored.
Spend time wandering the palaces, gardens and markets to immerse yourself in Łódź’s storied past and promising future. From its fascinating industrial heritage to a vibrant arts culture, Łódź offers visitors plenty of interesting things to see and do in 2024.