Poland’s Best-Kept Secret for Art and Design Lovers
Lodz has it if you’re seeking a place off the beaten path. It is the second-largest city in Poland and has a distinctive ambience. People sometimes call Lodz the “Polish Manchester” due to its size and thriving textile industry in the 19th century. However, Lodz deserves more recognition for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, lively nightlife, and world-renowned Polish film school. Without a doubt, a trip to Lodz will give you enduring memories and a deeper appreciation for Poland.
HISTORY
Lodz was a tiny settlement when it first appeared in recorded documents in 1332. In 1423, Lodz was granted town rights but remained small and insignificant. The Kuiavian bishops owned it until the end of the 18th century, when Prussia took control of Lodz during the second partition of Poland. After nearly ten years as part of the independent Duchy of Warsaw, Warsaw joined the Polish Kingdom ruled by Russia.
Lodz’s industrial development was consistent during the 19th century. After the first cotton mill in the city was established in 1825, it quickly developed into the most significant textile hub in the Russian Empire. Three dominant ethnic groups emerged due to the influx of workers across Europe: Poles, Jews, and Germans (whose proportions in the 1930s were roughly 50%, 30%, and 15%, respectively). Every ten years, during the height of Lodz’s prosperity, the city’s population would double. The city’s industrial history made it one of the key hubs of the socialist movement.
Lodz has become a significant hub for education and culture. There are 11 colleges and universities in addition to the prestigious Film School. The Festival of Dialogues of Four Cultures (an artistic festival) and the Camerimage film festival are held in the city. Although it isn’t often considered a tourist destination, it is well known for its distinctive industrial setting, intriguing architecture, and welcoming atmosphere.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LODZ
The ideal months to visit Lodz are May through June and September through October when the weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. You can take advantage of the ideal hiking terrain and discover some of Lodz’s most amazing locations. Lightweight clothing is encouraged in the summer, whereas medium to heavy clothing is advised in the winter. All year round, waterproofing is important.
Seasons
Poland typically has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, some people also recognize two more seasons, which are referred to as early spring and early winter. March marks spring’s beginning, bringing sunny days, occasional rain, and light frost, with daily temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in the 20–25 degree range can be extremely hot throughout the summer. Beginning in late May or early June, it runs through the end of August. The weather in the fall is frequently unpredictable; from September through October, you should expect to have reasonably mild temperatures, while November brings rain and cooler temperatures.
The days are noticeably shorter in the winter. It is chilly and gloomy, bringing sporadic snowstorms and little overall precipitation. The temperature in January ranges from -4 to -35 degrees Celsius on average.
HOW TO GET TO LODZ
Although it is the third largest city in Poland, Lodz’s connections to the outside world have improved thanks to the introduction of low-cost airlines recently. Getting outside Warsaw to other parts of Poland cannot be easy. Fortunately, once you arrive, you’ll discover that the city boasts a robust tram and bus network in addition to a plentiful supply of affordable cabs. Use one of the dirt-cheap rickshaws that race up and down Piotrkowska, the main high street, if you’re travelling there.
By Plane (Lodz Airport)
The experience of flying into and out of Lódz, Poland’s third-largest city, has improved thanks to a brand-new terminal and the fact that it receives its fair number of air travellers (well, as pleasant as flying can be, anyway).
By Train
Lodz serves as a junction for several of the country’s rail networks due to its location in the middle of the country. Lódz has three stations to manage the traffic: Widzew (for north/south lines) and Kaliska (usually for east/west routes). The third major station is the new “Lódz Fabryczna,” the largest and most prominent of the three. Additionally, all trains now terminate here, making it a dead stop. However, it will be changed after the connecting tunnel to Lódz Kaliska has been completed in 2022.
By Bus
With EU funds and guidelines during the past ten years, Poland’s poor road quality has been rectified, but the job is undoubtedly ongoing. Numerous experts described the state of the road and rail networks as a significant barrier to the growth of the Polish economy. Still, EURO 2012 and EU investment happily resulted in gradual but notable infrastructural reforms.
GETTING AROUND LODZ
Buses and trams are an effective, quick, and affordable way to get around Lódz; driving through the center may be rather complicated and is better done on foot or by getting a cab. This section contains all the information you need to navigate the city easily by bus, tram, and cab.
A comprehensive network of bus and tram routes crisscross the city may be found in Lódz. Tickets (bilety) must be validated on board the tram or bus by punching them into the metal boxes (kasowniks) next to the doors. Tickets (bilety) can be purchased from automated ticket machines at stops, most streetside kiosks, and certain onboard machines. If you’re caught by one of the undercover ticket inspectors, you’ll be fined 270z (plus the cost of a regular ticket).
One-day passes can be purchased from kiosks (Zone I: 12zl/ 6zl). They are good until 23:59 that day. Zone I and II: 14.40 zl and 7.20 zl. Typically, buses and trams run from 5:00 am to 2:00 am, after which night buses (designated with an N) serve the city.
Taxis
Although most taxis in Lódz are reliable, you should be on the lookout for ones with clearly posted fares to avoid dishonest drivers (normally found in the rear passenger window). Rates should be roughly 6zl when you first enter and 2zl per km after that as a benchmark. You can anticipate paying about 50% extra at night, on Sundays, and holidays. A typical day trip from the city center to the airport will cost 20 to 40 zl.
- iTaxi.pl
- MPT Taxi
- Talixo
- Taxi 400 400
Car Rental
Most tourists only need to be 18 years old, have a credit card (not a debit card), and have a valid international driver’s license to rent a car in PL. Be advised that individuals from nations (such as the United States, China, Australia, etc.) that have not ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic are not permitted to operate motor vehicles on their home country’s licenses; in certain situations, an International Driver’s License is required.
You cannot drive your rental vehicle across the borders of Belarus, Lithuania, or Ukraine if you intend to leave the country.
- Auto Mieszek
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- National
LODZ SIGHTSEEING
Lodz is, in some ways, the black sheep among the biggest Polish cities. Despite being the third-largest city in the nation, it is frequently disregarded as a desirable travel destination. Like Katowice, Lódz is rapidly transforming from a “black sheep” to a “dark horse” as some of the largest investment projects in the city and the nation’s history near their conclusion. Specifically, Lódz is home to the most cutting-edge Science & Technology Museums in Europe now that EC1 fully functions (Deathstar connotation intentional).
Go to Manufaktura
A beach, a mall with around 300 businesses, a hotel, a museum, and even a swimming pool can now be found inside the former factory of Izrael Poznański, one of the city’s major manufacturers.
To comprehend this location’s history, visiting the museum that preserves local history and exhibits tools from the industrial era is essential.
Manufaktura is a bustling, frequently visited location today and a stunning illustration of how the industrial past can be transformed.
Visit the Museum of the City of Lodz
Izrael Poznański had a lavish castle built for himself thirty years after building his factory in response to the success of his enterprise, and it is now the city’s museum.
Although the palace’s interior is lovely, there is no architectural cohesion because each chamber has its distinct style. Poznański allegedly told the architect, “I have enough money to have all styles,” when he asked which style he preferred.
The museum’s collection provides a deeper understanding of the city’s history and depicts what Lodz looked like throughout the industrial era.
The musician Arthur Rubinstein, who was born in Lodz and whose wife donated numerous of his personal belongings to the city, is also the subject of an entire part of the museum.
Walking along Piotrkowska Avenue
The main thoroughfare of Lodz, Piotrkowska Avenue, spans over 4 kilometers. This street is bustling at all hours of the day, with all of its shops and eateries.
Because there are buildings here that are in completely various architectural styles, this street is unusual.
A section of the avenue has stars on the ground that resemble those in Hollywood and serve as a reminder of the great Polish film directors. Because of its renowned film school, UNESCO recognised Lodz as a “creative city.”
Discover the works of street art
Street art has been used to embellish about 70 buildings. Some of them honour the city’s past or residents, such as the sizable fresco honouring Artur Rubinstein.
Entering the cathedral
This cathedral, constructed at the turn of the 20th century, is 104 meters high, giving it an extremely slim appearance.
Visit the Museum of Cinema
The cinema museum, which is housed in the palace of Lodz’s largest industrialist, honors the seventh art, which is hugely popular in this city because it is the location of a very well-known film school. In addition to showcasing some of the movies filmed in Lodz, the museum’s collection of more than 50,000 items charts the development of cinematographic technology.
Stroll through Zródliska Park
This park, which is close to the Museum of Cinema, has several hundred-year-old trees. You can take a relaxing stroll and unwind on one of the numerous deck chairs.
Visit the textile museum.
The Textile Museum, housed in the White Factory, the city’s oldest factory and easily identifiable by its white plaster, exhibits various ancient machines that helped create the city’s golden age.
The workers’ lives in each decade are depicted in the houses built in the museum’s backyard — a new perspective on the development of lifestyles.
WHERE TO EAT IN LODZ
Imber
The restaurant is built on Jewish cuisine’s influence. The location complies; the restaurant is housed in a charming Art Nouveau house’s outbuilding that Jewish industrialist Oskar Kon previously owned.
Due to the restaurant’s two large rooms, guests may rent them for various special occasions. The main room with the bar is upstairs, while the larger room with the fireplace is downstairs in the brick cellar. Concerts and recitation gatherings take place here.
PIEROGARNIA STARY MŁYN
The Pierogarnia is housed in an early 20th-century five-story historic structure with an outstanding façade. The city’s first facility for children and teenagers to rent books debuted in 1945. Whole families, friends, relatives, and strangers are invited to Pierogarnia today to celebrate life’s key milestones, have fun, and make memories. In a cosy setting or with a big, boisterous group, at a table covered in stoves and cups, sweet and savoury.
