Łódź (Lodz) is unlike any other city in Poland. Once it has been nicknamed “The Polish Manchester.” As I have never been to Manchester so I am not sure if I can agree. Łódź was the epicenter of the country’s 19th-century textile boom. After decades of industrial decline, Łódź has reclaimed its identity through urban regeneration, art, and cultural revival. Abandoned factories? Yes, but transformed in cultural and artistic hubs. Imagine ornate 19th-century factory palaces standing beside sleek modern museums, abandoned warehouses turned into galleries, and cobbled alleyways hiding world-class street art. This duality — old and new, raw and refined — is what makes Łódź unforgettable. Ready to discover this underrated city?
How to get there?
Łódź does not have an international airport but you can easily drive there from the Chopin Intl. Airport (aprox. 2 hours). The city is also fairly well connected by train: Warsaw, it’s just over 1.5 hours, Kraków or Poznań 2.5–3 hours.
Must See Places
Piotrkowska Street – The Beating Heart of Łódź
Stretching over 4 kilometers, Piotrkowska Street is one of the longest commercial avenues in Europe and a living museum of Łódź’s evolution.
What will you find in Piotrkowska Street?
- 19th-century architecture
- Art nouveau facades
- Outdoor cafes and restaurants
- Trendy boutiques and concept stores
- The “Walk of Fame” – Poland’s version of Hollywood Boulevard
Keep your eyes peeled for hidden courtyards and urban art installations — Piotrkowska is full of hidden delightful surprises and those are my favorite part.
Manufaktura – A Factory Reborn
Once a vast textile factory complex built by industrialist Izrael Poznański, Manufaktura is now one of Poland’s most impressive urban revitalization projects — and a destination all on its own.
This cultural, shopping, and entertainment hub includes:
- Restaurants and cafes housed in red-brick factory buildings
- Art museums and interactive exhibitions
- A cinema, climbing wall, and water fountain shows in the main square
- Great shopping, from major brands to local designers
If you visit Manufaktura, you cannot miss two special places:
Museum of the Factory (Muzeum Fabryki)
If you speak Polish of you have a translate app on your phone, it is worth to visit this museum. Here you will dive into the gritty glory days of Łódź’s textile industry. Learn about how workers lived, how fabrics were made, and the boom-and-bust story of the city. The original looms and industrial machines will fascinate both kids and adults. The visit last around 2 hours and you can book your tickets on site or online. As said, you need to speak Polish or have a translation App because at the moment of writing, there are no explanations in any other language.
Experimentarium – more than a Science Museum
A family favorite! If you are visiting with kids, this is the number one attraction. Explore mind-bending optical illusions, light tunnels, holograms, and interactive physics experiments. This hands-on experience makes science fun and easy to grasp — ideal for kids, but equally fun for grown-ups. Buy your tickets online (only in Polish) or on site. Usually it is not too crowded so no need to book in advance. The visit usually last around 2 hours and it’s great for a rainy afternoon.
EC1 Łódź – The City of Culture
Housed in a former power plant, EC1 is a masterpiece of industrial transformation. This complex hosts also the most advanced Planetarium in Poland. Here you will also find the Science and Technology Center which is a wonderland of interactive exhibitions where children can explore physics, astronomy, chemistry, and mechanics.
Plan at least half a day here. Families can easily spend hours exploring the exhibits and catching a show at the planetarium. It is worth to buy the tickets online in advance especially if you are planning to visit the Planetarium. Check all the information and the opening hours that changes frequently here. Unfortunately the website in English does not work so you have to figure out the Polish version.
Łódź Street Art and OFF Piotrkowska
Łódź is known as the street art capital of Poland, and for good reason. As you walk around the city, you’ll find massive murals covering entire buildings, painted by world-renowned artists. Check the Łódź City Mural Map, available at tourist info centers or online. Don’t miss works by Etam Cru and Aryz — blending folklore and surrealism!
When you’re ready to relax, head to OFF Piotrkowska, a former factory turned into a lively food court and creative space with food trucks, craft beer bars, and live music. It’s a great place to mingle with locals. Most of them speak English although the website is in Polish only.
Księży Młyn – Time Travel in Łódź
Once a fully self-sustaining factory town, Księży Młyn is now a beautifully preserved district filled with cobbled lanes, red brick buildings, and workers’ houses. This area transports you straight to the 1800s. Here you will be able to explore former factory palaces, small art galleries, charming residential streets and the palace of Karl Wilhelm Scheibler, one of Łódź’s textile barons. Don’t expect bars and live music. This factory was not transformed in a creative center and it is simply a moment- Enjoy a quiet walk along the alleys and discover more atmospheric side of Łódź. Being your camera because it is an excellent place for creative pictures and even photo shooting.
Pabianice Recreational Area
If you are traveling with kids, you should visit this Recreational Center just 15 km south of Łódź. The little town of Pabianice offers a refreshing break from urban exploration and it is perfect for a family day trip.
How to Get There:
- By car: 25 minutes from Łódź city center (raccomanded)
- By train or bus: Frequent connections from Łódź Fabryczna station
Lewityn Recreation Complex is a lakeside park that offers plenty of activities for families. Here you will be able to relax on a sandy beach with a well marked swimming zone. You can even rent a kayak or a paddle boat. There is a huge playground with areas for smaller and older kids, an outdoor gym, football and beach volley fields. Bring your picnic lunch to make the most of this place.
Pabianice is also great for cycling and hiking through the nearby forests and meadows. You’ll find paved and well signed bike trails, perfect for family rides. If your kids allows you, visit the Pabianice Museum, housed in a Renaissance manor, to learn about the area’s textile history and noble past.
Accommodation
The city is growing and you surely can find here all sorts of accommodation, from hostels to 5 star hotels. There are also plenty of airbnb apartments which offer you to live like a local. If you want a special experience, book a place in Manufaktura complex. For example Vienna House Andel’s Lodz offers stylish, spacious, and family-friendly with an indoor pool and a gym.
Where to Eat?
I am not a fan of Polish traditional food and I was worried that there will be nothing for me when it comes to dining out in Łódź. I was wrong again. The city developed quite an international and hipster vibe when it comes to culinary specialties. You will find all sorts of restaurants for any budget. I only dined out twice and I loved both places so I feel like they deserve to be mentioned. In Ato Sushi you will enjoy the delicious and casual Japanese food available also for a take way dinner. The restaurant is situated just a short walk from the Piotrkowska Street and it is a perfect choice for small groups, couples or families.
My favorite place for a lunch in Łódź is Zielona Restauracja in Manufaktura which offers delicious vegetarian meals. The portions are generous and healthy. The service is super friendly so make sure to tip them accordingly.
Łódź Is the Surprise You Didn’t Know You Needed!
I visited Łódź almost by chance and I was pretty skeptical when I was basically obliged to book two nights in this underrated city. I have to admit that Łódź surprised me on so many levels. It is a city that wears its past and future side by side. It’s full of contrasts: industrial grit and artistic beauty, factory ruins and cutting-edge museums, faded grandeur and fresh creativity. It’s also incredibly family-friendly, packed with interactive museums and laid-back green spaces. Last but not least, it offers so many delicious food options. Whether you’re looking for a cultural weekend, an educational adventure with your children, or just a break from the ordinary tourist circuit, Łódź delivers a travel experience that’s rich, real, and completely unexpected.
Nomadlytics 
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