How to Travel to Lodz, Poland

Planning a trip to Poland? Consider visiting the country's third-largest city, Lodz. Pronounced "Wooj," Lodz is at least seven centuries old and is home to several notable historical, cultural and recreational attractions. Museums, grand, renovated major streets, historic cemeteries and landmarks, beautiful city parks and more all combine to beckon the traveler to this intriguing Polish city. Here's how to get there.

Instructions

1. Arrive in Warsaw, Poland. Round-trip, economy flights from New York to Warsaw typically cost between $650 and $950 (most of which is fees and taxes!).

2. Catch a cab (cost: a few dollars) to Warsaw's central train station (Warszawa Centralna, located on 54 Jerozolimskie Street). There are two other major train stations in the city, an eastern station and a western station, but the central station is the best place to find a train to any other city in the country--including Lodz.

3. Proceed to the main ticket line and purchase a ticket for Lodz. There are several options available to you, from the slow, local trains to the faster, more expensive express trains. Though they cost more, the latter is by far the most practical option, since it will get you to Lodz in a matter of an hour or so.

4. Board the train and enjoy the ride. Polish trains are generally well-maintained, clean and comfortable, and the Polish countryside is beautiful, especially in the spring and summer.

5. Arrive in Lodz and enjoy the city. Don't miss out on the Muzeum Sztuki, probably the best museum of art in the entire country. Stroll down the longest commercial street on the planet, the newly renovated Piotrkowska, and spend time enjoying nature in Lodz's many city parks, including the largest city park in Europe, Lagiewniki. Other attractions include the Jewish cemetery, the Lodz Zoo and the Lodz Botanical Gardens.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid gangs of youth dressed in soccer garb. These boys and young men are nicknamed "hooligani," and are sometimes violent.