Łódź is a former textile city in central Poland, about 120 km south-west of Warsaw and the capital of Łódź Voivodeship. In the 19th century it grew from a small farming town into a large industrial city, drawing German-speaking weavers, Polish and Jewish industrialists, and workers. Its textile and clothing trade earned it the nicknames "Polish Manchester" and "lingerie capital of Poland." Today it is Poland's fourth-largest city, with 639,890 residents.
Most visits center on Piotrkowska Street, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe and lined with 19th-century façades. The Manufaktura complex, a former cotton factory, now holds shops, restaurants, a hotel, a cinema and a factory museum. The city also has a National Film School, founded on March 8, 1948, whose graduates include Andrzej Wajda and Roman Polański, and Łódź became a UNESCO City of Film in 2017. Winters are cold and summers are warm, so late spring through early autumn is the easier season for the parks and outdoor sights.
Łódź in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Łódź
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
6
- Feels like
- 3°
- Humidity
- 95%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 10%
Łódź
09:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today7°5°10%Monday: Drizzle. High 7°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Tue9°4°12%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Wed8°2°7%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 7%.
- Thu8°-1°0%Thursday: Fog. High 8°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri7°3°4%Friday: Drizzle. High 7°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sat6°2°0%Saturday: Fog. High 6°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun6°0°5%Sunday: Cloudy. High 6°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 5%.
Updated 06:55 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 3.951 PLN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Łódź
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Rules for Łódź, checked
- Poland is in the Schengen Area. Check whether you need a visa on the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs site (gov.pl/web/dyplomacja) before you fly.Source
- Non-EU travelers may be registered at the border under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Check the current rules on the European Commission's travel information pages.
- The Radegast station and Radogoszcz prison memorials mark sites of Nazi crimes. Dress and behave with respect there and at the Jewish Cemetery on Bracka Street.
Plan around Łódź
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideŁódź FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.