For those visiting the Łódź Design Festival, there is much more to the city than the design festival. Discover here the hidden gems of Łódź!

Łódź: Discover the artistic centre of Poland!

Łódź

As the third largest city in Poland, Łódź is known as the artistic centre of Poland and has a vivid past as an industrial city. For shopaholics, the Piotrkowska street is not only the heart of the city, it is also a 5 km long shopping street and the longest in all of Europe. For design lovers, this street is also a must-see because of the beautiful modernistic styled buildings and shops. Since 2007, Łódź has also become a part if the UNESCO Creative City Network for being the Polish filmmaking centre.

Hotels

Vienna House Andel’s

As a part of the famous Manufaktura industrial site, a current top spot for shopping, arts and cultural events, the Vienna House Andel’s is located in a top spot and exudes the industrial past of the city. Throughout the hotel, you will see how the industrial red brick is combined with bright colours to give a modern touch to the spaces. The hotel has over 250 designer rooms and suites and also provides 16 beautiful conference rooms for businesses. The ultimate delight, you will find in the “Delight” restaurant of head chef Miroslaw Jablonski who is known for his fusion cuisine.

Stare Kino – Cinema Residence

For film lovers, the Stare Kino – Cinema Residence is the place to stay while in Łódź. Located on the most famous street in Łódź, the Piotrkowska Street, you not only get a good location but also a nice view. The theme of the hotel is all about movies and filmography, even the building is located where once the first Cinema in Poland was built in the late 19th Century by the brothers Antoni and Władysław Krzemińscy. The interiors of the apartments as such all have the theme of famous films that were made in Łódź. If you are looking for a place with a film spirit, the Stare Kino – Cinema Residences are the place to be.

Tobaco Hotel

As you might have noticed, history is important in Łódź. As such the name of the Tobaco Hotel was also not that far fetched. The hotel was once the Kretschmer’s wool mill until it was converted into a tobacco and cigarette factory after World War II. The hotel still has that same industrial style in most of the rooms, but they have also been updated with some of the more recent modern innovations. The hotel itself is located in the centre of Łódź, near the Central Station. For visitors that are staying here, the hotel is probably the first attraction they are visiting.

Attractions

The Unicorn Stables

A quite recent landmark that has become a real attraction for visitors is the Unicorn Stables. This beautiful tram station was inspired by the Art-Nouveau elements that are scattered throughout the city. Designed by architecture practice Foroom, the design of geometric shapes and stained colourful glass has rightfully earned the tram station its name as the Unicorn Stables. So when in Łódź, this is certainly worth a visit.

Manufaktura

As mentioned earlier Manufaktura was once an industrial site that belonged to textile magnate Izrael Poznanski. Built in the 19th century, this beautiful red brick building has been transformed into an enormous shopping centre. There are over 200 shops and boutiques, several pubs, hairdressers and theatres. Furthermore, there are many restaurants to dine at and ample entertainment options with a cinema, a fitness centre, a bowling alley, a laser game centre and an interactive museum of science and technology. If you are interested in more history of Manufaktura, then do visit the Museum of the factory when visiting.

Piotrkowska street

Another landmark we have already touched upon, but is a must visit when in Łódź, is the Piotrkowska street. This 5 km long commercial street is the longest in Europe and one of the longest in the world. It stretches between the Independence Square, Plac Niepodleglości, and the Liberty Square, Plac Wolności. The street not only houses the best restaurants, bars and shops, you will also be able to admire amazing architecture along the way. Furthermore, you will also pass the Museum of the Textile Industry and life-size statues of famous figures in Łódź’s history like the poet Julian Tuwin or the classical pianist Arthur Rubenstein.

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