Łódź: A city break to the Manchester of Poland
Anyone wishing to experience authentic and historic Poland without having to jostle through dense crowds of tourists should set their sights on Łódź (Lodz). In recent years, this former textile hub has transformed itself into one of the country’s most exciting cultural centres.
In Łódź, life buzzes along Ulica Piotrkowska, one of Europe’s longest and most famous shopping streets. The street stands up well in comparison with the grand boulevards of other major cities. The meticulously restored Art Nouveau façades of the former industrialists’ mansions, adorned with intricate ornamentation, exude a unique, urban elegance. Anyone strolling along the Polish ‘Walk of Fame’ (Aleja Gwiazd) can still sense, at every turn, the era when the city was regarded as the Hollywood of Poland.
An absolute highlight of any city break in Łódź is the former textile factory site of Izrael Poznański. It has been converted into a shopping, arts and cultural centre. The Manufaktura is an architectural masterpiece built from red brick, glass and steel. Another must-see is the historic workers’ housing estate of Księży Młyn (Pfaffendorf).
If you need a break from sightseeing in Łódź, don’t miss Źródliska Park. Here, you can relax wonderfully on vast meadows beneath ancient trees. Those who prefer something a bit wilder should head to Las Łagiewnicki, one of Europe’s largest inner-city forests.
Łódź is a city for foodies. It offers an interesting blend of Polish tradition and cutting-edge, international cuisine. Away from the classic restaurants, OFF Piotrkowska is home to cafés, vegan bistros, food trucks and top-class craft beer bars.
Łódź is still an undiscovered gem for the wider public. Anyone looking for the perfect blend of post-industrial architecture, fantastic street art, excellent food and urban flair will feel right at home in this city.
Sights in Łódź
Almost everywhere in the streets of Łódź, you encounter the heritage of its industrial past. The city, once known as the "Polish Manchester," owes its rapid rise to a textile metropolis in the 19th century to the pioneering spirit of a few entrepreneurs. One of the most important among them was Louis Geyer.
Book your city experience
Food and drink in Łódź
Tips on finding accommodation
Grand Hotel
Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Lodz
PURO Łódź Centrum
Stare Kino Cinema Residence
Qubus Hotel Łódź
Travel information
Getting there
By train
From the DACH region via Berlin to Poznań or Warsaw. Arrive at the spectacular Łódź Fabryczna station, one of the most modern and architecturally impressive underground stations in Europe, right in the heart of the city.
By car
Take the A2 motorway from the German border (Frankfurt/Oder)
By plane
Łódź Airport (LCJ) has a limited number of flights. Many travellers therefore fly directly to Warsaw (Chopin or Modlin). From there, direct train services take you comfortably to the centre of Łódź in just around 1.5 hours.
Tolls on the route to Łódź
As Łódź is extremely centrally located, the country’s main motorways (the A1 and A2) intersect here. Good news for car drivers: since mid-2023, all state-run motorways in Poland have been toll-free.
From the west (from the German border / Frankfurt/Oder):
A2 motorway: the first, privately operated section (Świecko to Konin) is subject to a toll. At the toll booths, you can pay conveniently by bank card (contactless) or use an app (video tolling).
Cost: Around 108 PLN (approx. 25 euros) for this privately operated section.
From Konin: The remainder of the A2 from Konin to the Łódź Północ (Stryków) junction is state-operated and completely toll-free for passenger cars.
From the south or north:
A1 motorway (the “Amber Motorway”) or expressways (S8): no tolls apply to vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.
Parking in Łódź
In Łódź, parking in the city centre around Piotrkowska Street is regulated.
On-street parking: The parking zones (Strefa)
The city centre is divided into paid parking zones A, B and C. Charges generally apply from Monday to Friday (08:00 – 18:00). On weekends, on-street parking is often free of charge.
Close to the city centre (Zone A): Charges here are around 5 PLN per hour.
Payment: At the on-site parking ticket machine (cash or card). You must enter your vehicle registration number.
Convenient alternative: Use apps such as SkyCash, moBiLET or AnyPark. This allows you to start and stop your parking time down to the minute via your smartphone.
Secure multi-storey car parks and underground car parks
Łódź Fabryczna railway station
Location: State-of-the-art underground car park directly beneath the main railway station, just a few minutes’ walk from the new city centre (NCŁ).
Advantages: Secure, huge and sheltered from the weather
Costs: Often very affordable rates or even free time slots (conditions change occasionally, but it’s one of the best options).
Manufaktura
Location: North of Piotrkowska Street, right next to the huge shopping and entertainment centre.
Advantages: Huge range of parking spaces (outdoor and multi-storey car park).
Costs: The first few hours are usually free for visitors.
Getting around Łódź
On foot:
Most of the hotspots are lined up along Ulica Piotrkowska (which is largely a pedestrian zone) and the route to Manufaktura.
Tram (Tramwaj) & Bus:
Public transport (MPK Łódź) is well developed. You can reach all the main attractions with ease. Tickets can be bought from machines at stops, directly on board (card payments) or via apps such as Jakdojade.
Ridesharing & e-scooters:
E-scooters are available everywhere for short journeys.
Alternatively, you can use apps such as Uber, Bolt or FreeNow for a convenient, transparent and affordable ride around the city.