Hi,
For knowing ‘urban’ Poland so well, I have never visited its 2 biggest cities, Warsaw and Lódz respectively. As the capital of an increasingly impressive European state, I hear that Warsaw is being cleaned up and is becoming more upbeat every year. Nevertheless, considering its history with WWII bombardment, my question is: “Has enough of Warsaw been restored or at least authentically recreated to give the city an overall beautiful appearance?” I ask because I have seen gorgeous places in Poland like Krakow, Lublin, Torun, Gdansk and Poznan (I’ve been to Wroclaw too). I do not know whether Warsaw will keep me smiling or whether it is not really on par with the great tourist destinations I did visit already. Otherwise, I have a very similar question for Lódz. I know very little about this city, other than this ‘Manchester of Poland’ is known for its industrial architecture. Again, compared to the likes of Krakow, Lublin, Torun, Gdansk and Poznan, do you personally think Lódz is anything worth going out of your way to see or ‘only if you are in the area’? Thanks for your opinions, which I welcome plenty of!1
anonymous
Warsaw is a lovely city with many very friendly people. Its ancient and modern architecture is very diverse. There are tall ultra modern office blocks close to old Soviet style buildings that just go so well together. Warsaw certainly keeps me smiling. Out in the older quarters, it is interesting to listen to the older generation talking about how things used to be years ago. The younger generation are very hard working and and have a very much 'work hard party hard' attitude. Good for them. The weather in Warsaw and in fact much of Poland, varies so much. I have been to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev, Tallin and outside of Eastern Europe, up to Northern Norway, to mention just a few places of many and temperatures in Warsaw in winter are some of the coldest I have ever experienced when the wind is blowing. It may very well have not officially been as cold as in Moscow etc., but felt like it was at times. In the summer it is really nice. Outside bars, restaurants, street entertainment and light till gone 10pm. I have only been in Łódź briefly so it would not be fair to give an overall opinion of it.
2
jeroen
Beauty is perhaps not so important - Warsaw and Lodz both are very lively, interesting, welcoming places. Seems to me you like Poland, having seen many of the main sights, so seeing at least Warsaw would be essential to understand the country. The former Jewish district is butt-ugly but impressive; the old town is nicely restored though I don't like that it's purely touristy, across the river the Praga district is great for nightlife. Warsaw's museums also are worth the trip.
3
ae123456
the recreation of Warsaw does look and feel a little false but I found it a great city for walking around. Plenty to see. Great parks, etc.
4
ronin28
you won't get bored in Warsaw...but Lodz may be depressing...that's my opinion...anyway its always nice to check many places if you have time/ occasion to do so...I would you recommend you going to some small polish cities, especially in Silesia/Malopolska/Podkarpacie/Mazury/ regions.....for sure they have more charm than Lodz...(especially between March-early November). so, skip the big cities and go to some smaller/medium ones. Tarnow, Przemysl, Cieszyn, Elk, Ostroda, Rajgrod,Pszczyna,Klodzko,Walbrzych (little depressing too, but has its charm) , Sandomierz,Jaroslaw,Bialystok is what comes to my mind first....you should also check all these small cities in Polish mountains...they are beautiful whole year....
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