Lodz is Poland's third-largest city with a rich historical heritage that reflects the diverse mix of its residents. Take a stroll down one of Europe's best shopping streets, relive Jewish history, and get back to nature in a city park.
The Ulica Piotrkowska thoroughfare features life-size statues of city natives. Take a photo next to bronze sculptures of pianist Arthur Rubinstein or novelist Władysław Reymont.
The Muzeum Sztuki displays works from modern Polish painters and international masters like Piet Mondrian and Max Ernst.
Lodz's Museum of Cinematography has a rich collection of films and film memorabilia from Poland and around the world.
Lodz is home to several sacred buildings. Must-see stops include the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Protestant Karl Scheibler's Chapel.
The old-fashioned delights of Lunapark include a 53-foot-tall roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and carousel. There is a small charge for each ride.
Lodz endures bitterly cold winters, but the rest of the year offers fairly moderate temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A good time to visit is early fall when the city hosts film, music, and photography festivals.
Most international visitors will arrive via a connecting flight to Lodz Wladyslaw Reymont Airport (LCJ). You can take a bus or taxi to the city center. Bus tickets are sold in time increments beginning at zł2.60 for 20 minutes.
Lodz is connected by train to Poland's other major cities. Visitors will arrive at the Lodz Kaliska station.
Visitors can enter Lodz via the A2 highway from Warsaw or the A1 highway from Gdansk.
PolskiBus runs lines from Berlin, Prague, and all of Poland's major cities.
If you are looking for inexpensive accommodation, try Hotel BOSS on Tatrzanska 11 where you'll find clean rooms and a good restaurant. If you want to splurge, stay at andel's by Vienna House on Ulica Ogrodowa, which won the prestigious Architecture of the Year award in 2009.
City Center - this neighborhood is where most of Lodz's hotels, restaurants, and shops are located. Get in some retail therapy at Manufaktura or tour the Museum of History of the City of Łodz.
Lodz Ghetto - this historic neighborhood just east of the city center was once home to Lodz's thriving Jewish population. There are still vivid reminders of their presence, such as the synagogue and large Jewish cemetery.
Baluty - this northern neighborhood has an abundance of natural beauty. Enjoy an afternoon picnic in Old Town Park or hike and bike in Lagiewnicki Forest.
Lodz has an efficient bus and tram system. Tickets are sold in time increments starting at zł2.60 for 20 minutes.
Taxis are quite cheap in Lodz with the price of zł1.80 per 0.62 miles.
Lodz is easily accessible by car, but be prepared to pay a parking fee of zł2 per hour throughout the city. The airport has car rentals from international companies like Avis and Hertz, and prices can start at zł75 per day.
Ulica Piotrkowska offers stores of every description from high-end fashion boutiques and art galleries to souvenir shops selling mementos of Pope John Paul II.
Supermarket chains Tesco and Lidl provide basic groceries at affordable prices. Milk costs zł9.73 per gallon and bread costs zł2.03 per loaf.
If you're looking for cheap eats, you can get a great meal at one of the many food stands along Ulica Piotrkowska for zł6 per person. Those looking for authentic Polish flavors should make reservations at Restauracja Anatewka on Ulica Sierpnia. The restaurant offers traditional Jewish cuisine and live Klezmer music at an average price of zł2,500 per meal.