The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Łódź, Poland
Having historically been an industrial city, Łódź is mostly shunned by tourists in favor of the more popular Polish cities, Krakow, Warsaw or Wroclaw. There are, however, many fascinating and beautiful things to see in the city, whether you prefer shopping, visiting parks or learning more about the city’s history. Here is our selection of the 10 best places to visit in Łódź.
Manufaktura
Manufaktura
If you enjoy both shopping and history you should definitely come to Manufaktura. The shopping center is located in the beautiful brick buildings of the former 19th-century industrial estate that belonged to the textile magnate Izrael Poznanski and is well worth a tour. There are 240 shops and boutiques to browse through as well as many restaurants, a cinema, pubs, hairdressers, theaters, a fitness center, a bowling alley, a laser game center, and an interactive museum of science and technology. The Museum of the Factory can also be found here, which details the history of the former industrial estate and the textile industry in general and is fun for all ages.
The Łódź Ghetto and Cemetery
Cemetery, Museum
The Łódź Ghetto and Cemetery
Over 160 000 people are buried in Łódź’s largest Jewish Cemetery which was established in 1892. Its charm lies in the half-derelict state of the cemetery which is still being renovated. The beautiful stones covered with Hebrew sayings and symbols are half hidden between trees or covered in moss. One part of the cemetery called the ‘Ghetto Field’ is reserved to the 43 000 victims of the Holocaust who were living in the neighboring ghetto ‘Litzmannstadt’, one of the largest in Poland. You can still visit the ghetto, and the former Radegast Station House is now converted into a museum. In this sad historical site time seems to have stood still.
Herbst Palace and Museum
Museum
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Cathedral, Church
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This incredibly colorful cathedral really stands out in the heart of Łódź. It belongs to the Orthodox church and was built at the end of the 19th century. The Cathedral was financed by the most prominent factory owners at that time, Karl Scheibler, Izrael Poznanski and Luliusz Kunitzer (none of whom were actually Orthodox Christians), to celebrate the miraculous survival of Russian Emperor Alexander II from an assassination attempt in 1879. (Poland was a part of Russia at the time). Come and admire this beautiful, distinguished church.
Museum of Modern Art
Museum
Mickiewicza Park
Park
Karl Scheibler Chapel
Cemetery
Karl Scheibler Chapel
This mausoleum-like chapel was built in memory of Karl Scheibler, an important textile magnate from the 19th century, and he and his wife are buried here. The architecture is characteristic of the neo-gothic style, and the chapel was highly praised as a fine work of craftsmanship at the time it was built. The chapel and the surrounding Old Evangelical-Augsburg Cemetery became quite derelict towards the middle of the 20th century, which adds to its charm even though the chapel itself has partly been restored. This is a magical place for a wonderful walk.
The Grand Theater
Building, Theater
The Grand Theater
Łódź’s Grand Theater was founded in the 1950s under communist rule. It can still be found in the same location and the building is typical of that era. It specializes in opera and ballet although it also hosts choirs, orchestras, soloists and musicals. There is a ballet festival organized every other year and world-famous companies have performed here, such as Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet and John Neumeier’s Ballet. The interior is modern and comfortable, and the acoustics are excellent. You are in for a good evening.
plac Dąbrowskiego, 90-249 Łódź, Poland, +48 42 647 20 00
Museum of the City of Łódź
Building, Museum
Museum of the City of Łódź
The Museum of the City of Łódź is housed in the beautiful Palace of Poznansky. Izrael Poznanski was a rich industrial businessman who owned a Cotton Products Company. The building has been home to a museum since 1975. The permanent exhibitions revolve around history, politics, music and art. There is ‘The Triad of Łódź’ exhibition that introduces the city’s three biggest communities: Jews, Germans and Poles, the Pantheon of Great Citizens of Łódź, Arthur Rubinstein’s Music Galler, and a collection of paintings by Jewish artists. The place showcases a fascinating history and fabulous décor.
Address: Orgrodowa 15, Łódź, Poland, +48 42 254-90-00
Piotrkowska Street
Piotkowska Street is the heart of Łódź, measuring five kilometers in length which makes it one of the longest commercial streets in the world. It stretches between Independence Square (Plac Niepodleglości) and Liberty Square (Plac Wolności), and along the street you can find the city’s best restaurants, bars and shops. This street also houses Łódź’s Museum of the Textile Industry as well as several wonderful, life-size statues of famous Łódź figures such as those of Julian Tuwin, a poet, and Arthur Rubenstein, a classical pianist.
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