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Lodz introduction

Lodz introduction

Your first lesson in Polish: Łódź may look like it’s pronounced Lódź, but it most certainly isn’t. You are now in Woodge, and three hundred years ago the bar or cafe you find yourself sitting in would probably have been a wooden hut with a leak in the roof. In terms of age Łódź is one of the youngest cities in Poland, and a direct product of the Industrial Revolution, which explains its oft-used nickname, ‘The Manchester of Poland’. You may ask why anyone would go on holiday to Manchester? And why in heavens name go on holiday to Poland’s version of Manchester? But while Łódź cannot boast the twee charisma of Prague and Kraków a scratch of the surface rewards the intrepid traveller with a city stuffed with wacky stories, dark history and some of the country's finest after-dark venues – you’ll find them all here. First mentioned in the 14th century it was the industrial revolution that saw the population balloon, and the city emerge as Poland’s youngest metropolis. The birth of the textile industry saw Łódź dubbed The Promised Land, with thousands flocking from central Europe, England and even Switzerland to make their fortunes. WWII saw the city's rich ethnic balance destroyed, the Jewish population butchered, the Germans exiled and the Russians heading back whence they came. Now, in spite of massive unemployment, Łódź remains an important cog in the Polish wheel, and the Manufaktura project ranks as one of the most impressive urban regeneration projects in Europe. More surprisingly, the city is also at the heart of Polish art and counter-culture. The famous film school, founded in 1948 as a pet project of Stalin, has nurtured the talent of Polanski, Wajda and Kieślowski while ul. Piotrkowska, Europe’s longest pedestrian street, rates as one of Poland’s most famous party streets. Whatever your pleasures enjoy the city.


 

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OUR Lodz HIGHLIGHTS

  • Galeria Łódzka

    Galeria Łódzka
    Opened in 2002 Galeria Łódzka became the first modern shopping centre in the city, with some 160 retail units occupying a space of 45,000 sqm. On the fashion front consumers needs are m
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  • Qubus Hotel Łódź

    Qubus Hotel Łódź
    The best hotel in the city centre with full air-conditioning throughout, disabled access, top range conference facilities and all the western trimmings one expects from this upmarket brand. Crea
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  • Palm House

    Palm House
    Completely renovated in 2003 and now the most modern example of its kind in Poland, the quirky Palm House is a delight for green-fingered jungle types. One of the warmest and most relaxing place
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  • Stacja Nowa Gdynia

    Stacja Nowa Gdynia
    The best hotel in town, though technically just outside the city limits. A quiet lakeside location, superb health facilities and an electronic gate in the driveway lend an exclusive, country club ton
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  • Manufaktura

    Manufaktura
    Filled with lunar curves and a light, bright atmosphere the shopping mall side to Manufaktura is as aesthetically appealing as the rest of the construction. Over 9,000 m2 of wooded flooring has been
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  • Edward Herbst Palace

    Edward Herbst Palace
    One of the most intriguing places in Poland, Księży Młyn (Prince’s Mill) was first mentioned in 1484 in reference to a mill built on the Jasien River in 1387. Passing
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Latest Lodz Comments

  • Bierhalle
    A very nice atmosphere, good food and service but I had a bad experience with drink. My moijto contained mostly ice and mint leaves which seemed to remember times when manufactre were stll operating- overprice too.whole complex-priceless![...]
  • Istambul
    By far the best kebab in town. I believe that this is the only kebab quick eat that gives you a choice of chicken and lamb. In the front of the restaurant is a place to grab a speedy bite, in the back is a proper restaurant that serves up traditio[...]
  • Kebab House
    Kebab House pulls a Jekyll and Hyde depending on what time you dine here. During the day you will order and receive a plate of a meat and cabbage combination. The sandwiches are bearable. However, as the sun sets on Lodz, hoards of hungry clubber[...]
  • In Centro
    Just ate here for the first time this week. In Centro offers you a thin crust pizza different than any other in Lodz. Pizza comes in 2 sizes, medium and large but there is no real difference after the pizza comes out of the oven. Always busy and [...]
  • Wook
    Not a bad choice when it comes to oriental food in Lodz. Compared to the other "Chinese" food places that are operated by Vietnamese and Thai immigrants, Wook offers you traditional tasting dishes made as you watch. Portions are minuscule...which [...]
  • Rooster
    When it comes down to it...the only things worthwhile in this restaurant are the girls who are trying very hard to compete with their Hooters counterparts, the abundance of TV's to catch a football match and the decor. Food is mediocre at best [...]
  • The Mexican
    Been a student in Lodz for 4 years and I've eaten here many times. The interior is filled with Corona bottle chandeliers, tons of Mexican decor, a wood fire in the winters and a beautiful staff dressed like they are ready to go do the cha cha. [...]
  • Chłopskie Jadło
    I don't like this place. Food is nothing special.[...]
  • Bacówka
    I love this place! Food very good, romantic atmosphere. It's my favourite restaurant in Lodz.[...]
  • Magnes
    no crackers from caracas when our lot turned up, but plenty of other ladies who were more than willing to put the Pole into pole dancing. Great.[...]
  • Łódź Kaliska
    yep, every bit as mental as it says. you don't notice it first, then come beer number X and you find yourself dancing to throwback music and chatting with nutty professors. and the party goes way late too.[...]
  • Football Pub
    It's a bit grubby, a bit down and out, but if you're a football bloke it's bloody great. tiny little room, but friendly natives, cheap beer and lots of football chat - and kebabs served practically on their doorstep for afters[...]
  • Bacówka
    Food ok, nothing special, but atmosphere lovely, especially after a day snapping factories and skips. Decent experience, all round, and right on cheap street.[...]
  • Ciągoty i Tęsknoty
    Absolutely divine, everything from service to food was excellent. As you say, shame about the location, but I’ll be back, and next time with a girlfriend instead of a boss.[...]
  • The Mexican
    How right you are. How does this chain continue to survive is beyond levels of comprehension. Call that salsa?[...]