Rzgów: The Tiny Polish Town I Never Knew I Needed
you know those places you stumble into by accident and suddenly wonder why you ever planned anything? that’s rzgów for me. i was supposed to be in łódź, but my train decided to take a scenic route and dropped me here instead. and honestly? best mistake ever.
i just checked and it’s 6°c with 99% humidity right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s the kind of cold that sneaks into your bones but somehow feels cozy when you’re wrapped in a scarf and wandering cobblestone streets.
first thing i noticed? the silence. not the creepy, abandoned kind-more like the “people here actually have time to breathe” kind. i walked past a bakery where the smell of fresh bread hit me like a warm hug, and i immediately bought three pastries i didn’t need. (pro tip: always trust the smell of bread.)
“you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the pierogi at that little place by the church,” a local told me. “but don’t tell anyone-it’s our secret.”
i heard that kind of gossip everywhere. rzgów feels like a town that’s hiding something magical, and everyone’s in on it except tourists. which, let’s be real, is the best kind of place.
if you get bored, łódź and kraków are just a short drive away, but honestly? i wouldn’t rush it. rzgów has this way of making you slow down. i spent an afternoon in a tiny park, watching kids chase pigeons and old men play chess. it felt like stepping into a movie where nothing dramatic happens, and that’s exactly why it’s perfect.
food-wise, i didn’t expect much, but rzgów surprised me. the pierogi i mentioned? they were chef’s kiss. and the coffee at this little spot called *kawa i ciastka? honestly, better than some hipster cafes i’ve been to in bigger cities. check out their yelp page if you’re ever in town.
someone told me that the best views are from the old church tower, but i chickened out halfway up the stairs. (i’m not great with heights, okay?) instead, i found this hidden bench by the river that felt like my own little secret. if you’re into photography, bring your camera-the light here is unreal.
and the people? so warm. i accidentally walked into a family gathering at a park (long story), and instead of being weirded out, they invited me to join. we didn’t speak the same language, but we laughed over shared food and awkward gestures. that’s the kind of place rzgów is.
so yeah, rzgów isn’t on most travel lists, and that’s exactly why you should go. it’s messy, unpolished, and utterly charming. just don’t tell too many people-i like it better when it feels like our little secret.
quick tips:*
- bring layers (it’s colder than you think)
- try the pierogi (trust me)
- don’t rush-this is a slow-down kind of town
if you’re planning a trip, check out tripadvisor for more hidden gems in the area. and if you go, let me know-i might just join you.