#lovelodz

[szymson75]

Łódź XXI wieku... Połączenie XIX i XX, Taką mamy historię #lodz #łódź #park #brama #elektrownia #XXIwiek #kochamlodz #lovelodz

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Piotrkowska - the heart of the city - and Roman Polanski’s star on the “Walk of Stars” - an alumni of the Łódź college of cinema. Also pictured is the underground: Muzeum Kanalu “Detka” (the “inner tube”).

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Unexpected surprises.

There are lots of useful practical tips on traveling to and in Łódź on Wikitravel here, but these are my top tips as a person who has visited Łódź several times - and I plan on going back soon !

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Day 1: Explore Piotrkowska Street

Piotrkowska Street (or "ulica") is the heart of the city, with an almost endless selection of bars and restaurants along its 5km length, with some intersting street art as well. It needs at least half a day to see properly. A "must see" is the new OFF Piotrkowska project, which gathers creative industries in one place: fashion studios, design studios, music clubs, restaurants, exhibition spaces, rehearsal rooms, showrooms, concept stores and coffeehouses - at 138/140 Piotrkowska Street.

Lunch:  Brednia is a new cafe on Piotrkowska ul. in a beautiful building, baking its own delicious bread.

Afternoon:  Wander Piotrowska - find the "Walk of Fame" - how many firm directors who learned their craft in Łódź do you know? (Polanski and Kieślowski are the easy ones.)

Pre-dinner: Some shots at ShotMe is never a bad idea - a mind-boggling choice of inventive shots. 

Dinner:  OFF Piotrkowska is a lively urban scene with many mid-priced restaurants and funky bars. Try Drukarnia for chicken curry or modern burgers, then Spaleni Słońcem ("Burnt by the Sun") for some drinks - cool artwork inside the bar.

After dinner:  Scenografia bar/club is a good start to a late evening - an old cinema converted into an impressive cocktail bar.

Late night:  Łódź Kaliska is probably Łódź's best known bar and nighclub, with three floors and multiple areas to people-watch, enjoy drinks, and dance the night away. Bedroom is a stylish club for the in-crowd. Lordi's Club is another hot-spot.

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Day 2: Culture & History

Łódź rode the industrial revolution in the 19th century, growing because of the textile and manufacturing industries at an incredible pace. It attracted hundreds of thousands of immigrants, becoming the "City of Four Cultures" - Polish, Jewish, German and Russian - living in harmony for over 100 years. Today, many factories that fell into ruin after WWII are being restored and converted into public spaces and museums.

Morning:  The Museum of Art in Łódź is famous for its modern art collection - Muzeum Sztuki ms2 (in the Manufaktura complex) - this is a must-see in Łódź, but it pays to check the open-dates - many exhibits are sometimes on loan! Poznański Palace is a testament to the wealth generated within Łódź during its heyday, and is well worth a tour.

For a more impactful morning, the Jewish Cemetery is a fascinating look into the past prosperity of Łódź, before history swept away so much and so many. This is required reading before your visit: Polish Righteous among the Nations. (See reviews on TripAdvisor and guides can be arranged - plan before you arrive.)

Lunch:  GreenWay on Piotrkowska is a great choice for vegetarians.

Afternoon:  Under Plac Wolnosci ("Freedom Place") is a short tour that packs a punch, if you like being underground: Muzeum Kanalu "Detka" (the "inner tube"). A circular labyrinth, it was a water run-off canal. The entrance is basically a stairway heading down, near the statue of Kościuszko. The "White Factory" museum - Biała Fabryka - (aka the Museum of Textiles) has interesting art exhibitions. The Museum of Cinematography is another crowd favourite.

For architecture buffs, Księży Młyn is a historic neighbourhood, preserved as it was almost over 150 years ago. 

Dinner:  Try House of Sushi if you feel like Japanese - excellent sushi & tempura. Or for English-stlye fish & chips, try "The Dorsz" - ask for Alistair (from England), and he'll join you for a beer!

After Dinner:  The Lizard King on Piotrkowska is a relaxed bar often with live music.

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Currency: Some tips on value - the Polish Zloty (PLN)

Today: 1 GBP gets 4.8 PLN. 1 EUR gets 4.2 PLN. 1 USD gets 3.2 PLN. Your money still goes a long way in Poland - the PLN has not recovered its higher value since the financial crisis 4-5 years ago.

An excellent meal for 2, with drinks, can be had in Łódź for less than £20 / €25 / $25.  A large beer at most bars costs the equivalent of about £1.35 / €1.65 / $2.10.

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Day 3: Recharge and Relax (and maybe some shopping)

Łódź is blessed with plentiful parks and open spaces. When all the partying catches up with you, it's time to chill-out. 

Morning: Lagiewniki Park is a huge area that gets excellent reviews on TripAdvisor - beautiful at any time of year. Closer to the city centre is Park Źródliska, relaxing and peaceful for walks and fresh air.

Lunch & Afternoon:  A visit to the Manufaktura shopping, restaurant and entertainment complex provides a stunning example of modern architectural preservation and re-purposing of a historic site. Multitudes of restaurants, cafes, shops and other attractions are presented. The complex’s trademark is the old, five-story textile spinning mill, built between 1877 and 1878. Certainly worth seeing. 

A visit to the Andel's hotel in Manufaktura for a swim and sauna is not cheap (about GBP20), but the roof-top pool is superb, providing views of the city sky-line and Manufaktura itself. Recommended for relaxing.

Before Dinner:  If you're at Manufaktura and are thirsty, I recommend the BierHalle there for its tasty beers and friendly waitresses.

Dinner:  The Italian-Polish restaurant at Manufaktura "Restauracja Marcello" is well regarded and good value. Out of Manufaktura, Piknik offers delicious home-made pasta and an enjoyable atmosphere.

After Dinner: The trendy bar/cafe "Owoce i Warzywa" ("Fruit & Vegetables") has excellent cocktails and coffees.