If you’re planning on visiting Poland, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore Katowice. This vibrant city located in the Silesian Voivodeship offers a diverse range of attractions and things to do for travelers of all ages and interests. From world-class museums to stunning architecture and fantastic shopping and dining, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in Katowice. In this blog post, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best attractions and things to do in Katowice to help you plan an unforgettable trip. So, let’s dive in!
The 2 Best Things to Do with Kids in Katowice
The 2 Best Things to Do with Kids in Katowice
1. Katowice Vodka Tasting Tour
Take part in a private Katowice Vodka Tasting Tour and explore the history, culture, and customs of drinking Polish vodka with a local expert guide. Try 5 to 10 different kinds of vodka, including a flaming absinthe shot, perfectly matched with traditional Polish appetizers. With your private guide, discover how to drink vodka in the Polish tradition and learn about the occasions when Poles drink vodka. The tour takes you to 4 top pubs and shot bars in Katowice, each carefully chosen to showcase different atmospheres. Round up your friends for a fun and immersive experience of Polish vodka tasting and culture.
2. From Katowice Auschwitz Birkenau Skip the Line Guided Tour
Explore one of the darkest chapters in human history with the From Katowice Auschwitz Birkenau Skip the Line Guided Tour. This tour includes skip-the-line entrance to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of Nazi Germany’s concentration camps. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will tour the original buildings and important sites within the camp grounds, learning about the history of genocide along the way. The permanent exhibition at the main Auschwitz camp is one of the highlights of the tour. Note that this tour is not suitable for children under 13 years old. Hotel pickup and equipment rental are included with the option to arrange pickup and drop-off at hostels, Airbnbs, or private residences. Food and drink, however, are not included. Come and experience this poignant and important piece of history on the From Katowice Auschwitz Birkenau Skip the Line Guided Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists About the City Katowice
1. Where is Katowice located?
Katowice is a city located in southern Poland, in the Silesian Voivodeship. It is situated in the heart of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, which is a part of the Silesian Metropolis. The city is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) south-west of Warsaw, 100 kilometers (62 miles) north-west of Kraków, and 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the Czech border.2. What is the history of Katowice?
Katowice’s history dates back to the 16th century when a settlement called “Bogucice” was established in the area. In the 19th century, the town underwent a major industrialization wave, becoming a regional center of mining, metallurgy, and heavy industry. During World War II, the city was under German occupation, and after the war, it became a part of Poland again. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest economic centers in the country, with a thriving cultural scene and many modern developments.3. What are the top tourist attractions in Katowice?
There are many great tourist attractions in Katowice, ranging from historical landmarks to modern cultural centers. Here are the top must-visit places in the city:- The Silesian Museum
- The Spodek Arena
- The Silesian Park
- The Nikiszowiec District
- The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
4. What is the best time to visit Katowice?
The best time to visit Katowice is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. Another great time to visit is during the winter, from December to February, when the city transforms into a winter wonderland with many seasonal events, such as Christmas markets and ice skating rinks.5. What is the local cuisine in Katowice?
The local cuisine in Katowice is largely influenced by the traditions of Upper Silesia, which is known for its hearty and meat-based dishes. Some of the must-try local specialties include:- Golonka (pork knuckle)
- Kiełbasa z grilla (grilled sausage)
- Zapiekanka (Polish-style pizza)
- Knysza (meat-filled pastry)
- Śląski makowiec (poppy seed cake)
6. What are the transportation options in Katowice?
Katowice has a well-developed public transportation system, consisting of trams, buses, and trains. The city is also served by the Katowice Airport, which offers connections to many European destinations.7. Are there any festivals or events in Katowice?
Yes, Katowice is known for its vibrant festival and event scene, with many cultural and music events happening throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include:- OFF Festival
- Tauron New Music Festival
- Katowice Street Art Festival
- Pol’and’Rock Festival
- International Silesian Jazz Festival
8. What is the nightlife like in Katowice?
Katowice has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, pubs, and clubs catering to different tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular nightlife spots include:- Awangarda
- Spółdzielnia 43
- Ulica Mariacka
- Bomba Club
- Prozak 2.0
9. What is the shopping scene like in Katowice?
Katowice has many great shopping options, from modern malls to traditional markets. Some of the best places to shop in the city include:- Galaxy Katowice
- Silesia City Center
- Katowice Open Market
- Galeria Libero
- Supersam
10. What are some day trips from Katowice?
Katowice is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby cities. Some of the best day trips from Katowice include:- Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains
- Wrocław
- Częstochowa and Jasna Góra
- Kraków
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Katowice
Katowice may not be as well-known as some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, but this Silesian city, located in southern Poland, has a lot to offer. From cultural museums to stunning parks, this guide will show you how to make the most of your time as a tourist in Katowice.1. Visit the Silesian Museum
The Silesian Museum, located in the former Katowice coal mine, showcases the history and culture of Silesia. The permanent and temporary exhibitions feature works of art, archaeological finds, and displays that focus on the region’s craft and industry. You’ll have the chance to learn about the history of Silesia in a well-curated manner.
2. Explore the Spodek Arena
The Spodek Arena is a multipurpose sports and culture arena in Katowice. It was built in the late 1960s and has hosted several significant events, including concerts and sports competitions. It has also been listed as one of the city’s most iconic buildings. You can experience the unique atmosphere of the Spodek Arena first-hand by attending an event here.
3. Admire the architecture
Katowice has some impressive examples of modernist architecture. The most famous example is the modernist housing estate, the Wojewódzki Square. Here you can find several buildings designed by prominent architects, including the Spodek arena and the Silesian Museum.
4. Go for a walk in the Silesian Park
The Silesian Park is one of the most extensive parks in Europe and is considered to be one of the best parks in Poland. With lakes, walking paths, gardens, and plenty of recreational areas, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. There are also designated areas for cycling and roller skating.
5. Visit the Nikiszowiec district
Nikiszowiec is a historical district of Katowice and a former mining settlement founded in the early 20th century. The architecture here is unique, with red brick buildings and courtyards that resemble tenement houses. It’s an excellent spot for tourists interested in architectural history and photography.
6. Try Traditional Silesian cuisine
Silesian cuisine is known for being hearty and flavorful. Some of the most popular dishes to try in Katowice include pyzy, which are boiled potato dumplings, rolada śląska which is a traditional rolled meat dish, and kiełbasa włoska, which is a Polish-style Italian sausage. One of the best restaurants to try traditional Silesian cuisine is ‘Kredens’ in the city center.
7. Enjoy the Nightlife
Katowice has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes. Try visiting the ‘Królestwo,’ which is known as the city’s most popular night club. Other famous spots include the ‘W Katowicach’ Jazz Club, and ‘Elephant Club’ known for its electronic music.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Katowice may not be as well-known as some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, But is an excellent city to visit, with a rich cultural history, stunning parks, and vibrant nightlife. This guide should provide you with some ideas and inspiration for how to spend your time in Katowice. Don’t forget to try some traditional Silesian cuisine and admire the unique modernist architecture. Happy travels!Table of Contents
