Don’t want to sift through the pile of garbage Lodz has to offer? Then put on your specs and check our quick picks and top tips:

Crack of Dawn: Early birds and related loons are probably going to be looking for breakfast, and you won’t find a better one than Affogatto. From ten then it’s Blikle, and for coffee it’s Coffeeheaven. Second class sorts should join the line at McDonald’s for instant brekkie packed in a box.

Ethnic: Two places stand out. We can’t say enough good things about Ganesh, it’s that impressive, while Hana do some fantastic sushi – albeit in scaled down miniature.

For a brief Affair: Wine and dine the other half in Ciagoty I Tesknoty, before heading back and placing a ‘Do not Disturb’ sign on your door at the Revelo. If she’s still around the next day then treat the lucky lady to dinner at L’Ecru. The best restaurant in Lodz? Certainly. And with only seven tables discretion is assured.

Cocktails: Paparazzi, Paparazzi, Paparazzi. These guys are pioneers in Polish cocktail culture, and their Lodz enterprise deserves all the awards heaped their way.

Dancing Shoes: We love Cabaret, a decadent venue which nearly looks as good as the kittens inside. Make a break for KoKoo if you want less mainstream deep house and funk sounds, and don’t forget to check out Bagdad: it’s a bit off centre, and so is the music. You’ll find all genres represented, as long they’re utterly offthe- wall sounds you’d usually only hear in a student’s bedroom.

Booze: Two venues spring to mind. The first is Bierhalle, a microbrewery found bang in the centre of Manufaktura. The house beers are gold star stuff, and all the better for being brought to you by buxom country gals squished inside Heidi outfits. Then there’s Peron 6, a foggy bar with possibly the most comprehensive choice of international beers in the whole country.

Polski: Buckle down in Chlopskie Jadlo for a peasant fodder served in a farmhouse interior. Karczma u Chocola offers a similar experience, though for something more swish then swing through the doors of Polska.

To seal a Deal: L’Ecru. The best restaurant in town, with prices to mirror this. Finish round the corner with cocktails in Paparazzi.

A Night with the Boys: Bierhalle and Peron 6 have already been mentioned, so why not peer into Rooster for beer served by cheerleader girls dressed in hotpants and boob tubes. Finish your drunken perving at any of the three strip clubs we list.

Scrooge: Delfin offers homemade dinners at budget prices, and we’re also fans of Pierogarnia. For boozing hit one of the studenty bars like Biblioteka, and check our What to See section to see which museums offer free admission: most museums designate at least one day a week to cheapskates.