May 8, 2026
Now that spring is returning, you might be looking for new places to explore in town, new itineraries or neighbourhoods worth visiting. And as a foreigner in Łódź, I’ve done a fair bit of food exploration, museum hunting, bar-hopping…
My first time in Łódź was when I moved there for a 9 months volunteering mission in Poland with LEVEL UP. I knew nothing about the city and was eager to walk around, do some sightseeing and learn more about a place that seemed to be overlooked by both Poles and tourists (despite being only one hour away from Warsaw via train). But the best part when you move somewhere new and actually get to stay for a while, is the habits you will form there and all the favorite spots you”ll acquire along the way.
So here’s my short (non-exhaustive) guide on how I would spend my ideal weekend in the fourth-largest city in Poland, with some of my go-to cafés, museums, parks, main attractions and more…
A one-day itinerary along Piotrkowska street
If I had a day only to spend in the city centre, I would start at the bottom of Piotrkowska street (the 4km long main artery of Łódź), where one of the most important museums of the city can be found : the Central Museum of the Textile Industry.
If there is anything you need to know to truly understand Łódź, it’s that it used to be a very industrial city and that aspect shaped its architecture and culture. In this museum, you will be able to learn everything about this really long time period :
- discover the factory’s machines through different centuries (and see live demonstrations on how some of them were used!)
- visit original (transposed) worker’s houses where you will find so many historical informations covering their lives from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- see for yourself some of the clothes and outfits that were created during the different decades of the city’s textile dominance.
The south side of Piotrkowska street might be less busy and attractive than other parts of the centre, but finding yourself down there is the perfect excuse to make a stop at Piotrkowska 217.
This revitalised factory remains one of my favorite places to eat or have a coffee as it is calm and charming with a quiet industrial style to it. When the weather is nice and you’re looking for a spot to have a coffee or brunch outside, don’t skip this place as you will easily find something to your taste there. My personal go-to for excellent veggie options, good coffee and a chill place to read or get some work done was Klubokawiarnia Owoce i Warzywa.
If after the museum and good meal you still have some time left, get into a tram and head to Manufaktura. This huge revitalised complex is usually busier than the rest of the city, but its recently created shops, restaurants and cultural spots fitted into an imposing 19th-century red brick factory is worth seeing. (If you can, stop at the pączki stand next to the big wheel to try the famous and incredibly tasty Polish doughnuts!)
My tip : be there for the golden hour and sunset to see the factory’s colours at their best and, from there, head back to the north of Piotrkowska street to begin your evening in the city!
An evening on Piotrkowska street
Dinner
I was already really fond of Polish food (and you will easily find some traditional cuisine in Łódź) but during my stay I got to discover (and fell in love with) Georgian food. If you are into tasty comfort food and want to try some really good wines, head to Piotrkowska street, there will be many options there to try some khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali(dumplings) and more.
Drinks
Between Plac Wolności and the “Unicorn” tram station, you will find many different terrasses, bars and courtyards to have a drink with your friends. Especially during summer, when everyone is sitting outside and the nightlife becomes more interesting.
Some of the regular spots are to be found at OFF Piotrkowska, where you’ll be able to appreciate the factory-style buildings surrounded by a collection of bars and lounge chairs.
Or head to Niebostan (also a café during the day that I absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a place to work or catch up with someone) and enjoy seasonal cocktails and games.
Day two : A cozy tour around Księży Młyn
This calm neighbourhood is located in the outskirts of the centre and had become one of my regular spots when the weather was nice. It’s a mix of green and industrial, quiet, and the perfect place for a chill day out.
You will find a few cafés (I recommend finding a place to try some homemade cakes) between the former rail tracks of the old factories and the renovated workers’ lodgings. Don’t forget to stop at the “souvenirs” shop in front of the cafés to have a look at the lovely antique pieces.
Must-do attractions in Księży Młyn
There are many historical villas in Łódź that can be visited, but Herbst Palace Museum is probably my favorite. Right across the road from Księży Młyn textile complex, you will be able to visit the whole furnished interiors and preserved house of the factory owners, see the works of some of the most famous Polish painters and walk along the beautiful gardens of the villa where I could spend hours during summer. If I only had two days to spend in the city I certainly wouldn’t miss this place!
If you’re still looking for things to do after that, head to Źródliska Park (go back to Scheibler’s Railway train tracks and keep going, the park is across Fabryczna road) and find yourself a bench to read or observe the many squirrels living there under the big trees.
Located at the other end of the park, the Cinema Museum is also worth a visit, as it is one of the most famous cultural spots of the city. Łódź is the Polish city for movies, after all.
And if you were looking for a nice place to enjoy lunch or dinner in the neighbourhood, the former factories turned into apartment complexes also harbour a collection of restaurants where you will definitely find something for your taste. Outside the factories, a bit further along the road, you will even find a local brewery, perfect to end a relaxing day on a good note!
There are many more locations to explore around Łódź, but if I had only two days to spend in the city again, you would be sure to find me in one of these spots!
Looking for more ideas on what landmarks to visit or events to attend? you can check out our other articles that will give you all the details about what to do in the city!
Author : Sacha Lefèvre