Welcome to Łódź
Photo: Paweł Wojtyczka, Courtesy of Łódź City CouncilWell we’ve done it. We’ve finally tackled, in the simplest way we know how, the questions we get most often about Łódź: how do you pronounce it (woodge), why do you pronounce it that way (those mischievous Polish ‘ó’ and ‘Ł’ are to blame) and what in the world does it mean (“a small boat.” No, really). Read more
here about the toughest four letters in the Polish language and impress your friends with your deep knowledge of all things Łódź.
But we didn’t stop there. Once you’ve grasped that you’re in
woodge, a task that we hope won’t take more than a few minutes of practice, what should you do? This issue we’re directing visitors to OFF Piotrkowska, a conglomeration of businesses tucked inside an old cotton mill building that is, quite literally, just off bustling Piotrkowska. There you’ll find a unique mix of clubs, bars, galleries, studios and all manner of interesting doors to peek through. Consider it a good counterpoint to the stylized, slick creation that is
Manufaktura on the other side of town.
While winter may put Łódź in the classic grim, lighting we expect of a rundown former industrial center, summer is the time to get out and explore the streets. Wander past Księży Młyn, one of the city’s first mills – it’s currently closed, but we promise the outside is worth your wander. Or follow our thorough walking tour of the
Litzmannstadt Ghetto, a sad chapter in Łódź’s history. The Litzmannstadt Ghetto was the second largest ghetto established during World War II (the first being Warsaw’s) and at the outbreak of the war one-third of the city’s 672,000 residents were Jews. Click over to our section about
Jewish Łódź for an in-depth look at what life was like in Łódź’ for the Jewish population at this time.
After all that walking it’s understandable if your legs get tired and your throat yearns for a drink. When that happens its time to get thee to
Ul. Piotrkowska, Europe’s longest pedestrian street, for a well-deserved break. In fact, you can traverse the street via
rickshaw for just 5zl and take your leisurely time in choosing which pub to patronize (we’ve got a
helpful list for that).
As always we sincerely hope you enjoy your time in Łódź and the guide we have put together. Be sure to like us on
Facebook (facebook.com/lodzinyourpocket) and follow us on
Twitter (Twitter.com/lodziyp) for all the latest on what’s happening in the city, and you can leave comments about all the venues listed here (and more) on our
website at inyourpocket.com/Poland/lodz. And of course we welcome your direct feedback at editor_poland@inyourpocket.com
A little about Łódź to get you startedYour 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.
Latest Lodz Comments:
Mazowiecki
Why is this the "not so central Centrum Hotel"? Surely this actually applies to the actual Centrum ...Śledzik u Fabrykanta
This relates generally to the Polish snacks and shots section.Understanding zakąski and przekąski are key to understanding Polish drinking culture, in that culturally, its seen as bad to drink alone, rather than with others and also not on an empty stomach....Śledzik u Fabrykanta
This has become very popular and is a large cheap bar (Tyskie and Żubr4 zloty) but its much more an out and out bar than eatery....Sherlock Holmes Bistro & Pub
"Packed to bursting with hard drinking locals with a love of football"Been here a number of times since it recently opened....A Dong
we like the crab soup! The same waiter has been there forever. It used to have an old and shabby appearance on the outside, but as a historical building, they recently painted it with wonderful results....Fermentacja
A great spot if you aren't into the louder club scene. Plenty of beer to choose from and an environment that lets you have a conversation without the thumping music and crowds of teens....The Eclipse Inn
Popped in here last night. The place was really buzzing with a great atmosphere. Good to see such a nice bar doing good business....Tajmahal
Sultan if you think that the Taj Mahal is Indian food at its best you probably think that MacDonalds is haute cusine....Tajmahal
hahaha maciej is a genius...Jewish Community Centre
IditTry this link to the Radomsko City main web site. Its in Polish as well as English and I am sure if you contact them they can advise you further....Warka
Tony typical smokers reaction. As long as you have somewhere in from the cold (bless) where you can go and subject others to your passive smoking you are happy....Jewish Community Centre
My name is Idit Shahal (Szytenberg or shitenberg) I was born and living in Israel.I am the daughter of Moshe-Ytschak Szytenberg who was born in Radomsko in 1907 and died in Israel in 2006....Warka
proper bar ,good beer,sport,smokers catered for,food ok,i like the no messing approach its a bar where ...Frame Pool & Snooker Club
no body...Teremok Pierogarnia
The best place in Lodz!!!...