A Guide to All Things Katowice, Poland

Katowice, the capital of Silesia, is one of Poland’s most fascinating cities with a rich history and cultural legacy. Located in the heart of the county, Katowice is a vibrant metropolitan centre offering numerous attractions and activities both within the city and its surrounding areas. From engaging cultural events, to fascinating historical sights and delicious Polish cuisine, the city has something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, we take a closer look at what Katowice has to offer and provide you with useful tips and advice.

History of Katowice

Katowice was founded in 1857 as a nearby trading centre and quickly developed into a thriving industrial city. With the discovery of coal in the late 19th century, Katowice grewrapidly and became known as an important centre for industry, transport and business in Poland. During the Nazi occupation of World War II, the city was severely damaged, but was quickly rebuilt after the war. In 1945, Katowice became the capital of Silesia and the administrative centre of the region. Today, Katowice is a lively cosmopolitan city with a population of more than 300,000 citizens.

What to Do in Katowice

Katowice is well known for its cultural and historical attractions, but there are plenty of other exciting things to do in the city. Here are just a few of the activities boasted by Katowice:

Experience Katowice’s Food Scene

Katowice has a rich food scene. The city offers a variety of traditional Polish dishes such as pierogies, kielbasa and bigos as well as international offerings. Stodola Restaurant is one local favourite that offers a mixture of classic Polish dishes. Meanwhile, Cafe Bar Bracia is a hip spot with great coffee and excellent pizza.

Explore Cultural Sites

Katowice is home to many captivating cultural sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Centrum Megalitowe Swietokrzyskie provides spectacular views of three megalithic sites that date back to between 4000-2500 BC. Meanwhile, The Silesian Museum offers art and history lovers an array of fascinating exhibits on Silesian culture, from medieval costumes to musical instruments.

Go Shopping

Katowice is well-known for being a shopping mecca. The 3 Stawy Shopping Centre is one of the city’s most popular malls that pulls in shoppers from all over Silesia. Here, you’ll find shopping options ranging from luxury brands to international chains and local boutiques. Kaliska Shopping Centre is another great spot to explore, with dozens of clothing and homeware stores in addition to cinemas and cafes.

Take a Tour

For visitors looking to get an in-depth tour of Katowice, there are several excellent tour companies offering unique guided tours of the city. Polish Tours offers several options including morning market tours, afternoon city tours and evening sightseeing trips. They also offer package tours that combine multiple activities for the ultimate Katowice experience.

Try a Polish Beer Tasting Tour

Katowice’s famous beer tasting tour offers a unique way to sample some of Poland’s best brews in a fun atmosphere. GetYourGuide’s Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour takes visitors on an exciting journey through the local breweries and pubs where you’ll learn about traditional beer-making methods as well as sample delicious traditional beers from some of the best brewers in the region. It’s a great way to sample what Polish beer has to offer while immersing yourself in Silesian culture.

Accommodation in Katowice

Katowice offers visitors an array of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxurious resorts. Hotel Emilia is one of the city’s most lauded boutique hotels situated in the heart of town. It boasts stylishly decorated rooms that come complete with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Hotel Sympozjum is another great option located near Market Square and offers affordable accommodation as well as an on-site bar and restaurant making it an ideal choice for budget travellers. For luxury lodgings, Hotel Monopol is the perfect option with its spacious rooms and pampering spa services.

Getting Around Katowice

Katowice provides visitors with a comprehensive and reliable public transport network featuring trams, buses and rapid rail links. The trains are operated by Transsilesia Kolej which connects neighbouring cities such as Kraków, Wrocław and Tychy as well as other important cities throughout Poland such as Warsaw. The OneCard system allows visitors to purchase tickets quickly and easily taking the hassle out of making multiple trips.

Katowice has much to offer visitors from its rich cultural heritage and fascinating history to its delicious cuisine and variety of activities, it is sure to be a memorable destination for all travellers looking for an authentic Polish experience. With this guide and a trip full of anticipation in hand – what are you waiting for? Book your Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour now and prepare yourself for an unforgettable visit to this exciting city!