ULTIMATE: Katowice Travel Guide 2024

Katowice is a very charming little city in southern Poland. It’s a great place to visit for a few days, and it is a great base if you want to visit other popular places in Poland, such as Krakow or Auschwitz. This is the ultimate Katowice travel guide – covering everything you need to know about the fantastic city.

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History of Katowice

What is the history of Katowice? Katowice is a city located in the Silesian region of southern Poland and is the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship. It is one of the most populous and important cities in the region. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages.

The area around Katowice has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological finds from the Neolithic era. The first known settlement in the area was founded by the Polish tribe of Silesians in the 12th century. In the following centuries, the city grew and prospered, becoming an important trading centre in the region.

In the early 19th century, the city was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia and later became part of the German Empire. During the interwar period, Katowice played an important role in the industrialization of Poland and served as the industrial capital of the region.

After World War II, the city was incorporated into Poland as part of the country’s western borderlands. In recent decades, Katowice has become an important economic and cultural hub in the region. It is home to a number of universities, scientific research centres, and cultural institutions and hosts a variety of cultural events, such as the annual Tauron New Music Festival and the Wratislavia Cantans. The city is also known for its nightlife and vibrant sports scene.

Today, Katowice is a bustling and modern city, but it still retains its unique character and charm. Its long and rich history and its vibrant culture make it one of the most interesting cities to visit in Poland.

Why visit Katowice

Why visit Katowice? Katowice is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located in the Silesian region of Poland. It is home to a number of universities, scientific research centres and cultural institutions and hosts a variety of cultural events each year.

The city is also well known for its vibrant nightlife and sports scene. Katowice is a great place to visit for those looking to experience a unique and exciting Polish city. The city has a long and fascinating history and is home to some stunning architecture.

There are many historical sites to explore, including the Silesian Castle, the old city walls, and the churches of St. Mary’s and St. Wojciech. The city also has a number of interesting museums, such as the Silesian Museum of Technology and Science, the Silesian Museum of Art, and the Museum of Katowice.

Katowice is also known for its lively nightlife and entertainment scene. The city is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants, and there is always something going on in the city. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year,

Katowice Travel Guide: Best Things To Do in Katowice

Check out these best things to do in Katowice if you’re visiting:

1. Silesia Park (Park Śląski)

Silesia Park (Park Śląski), Katowice, is a beautiful park located in the city of Katowice, Poland. It is one of the largest parks in the country, spanning over 620 hectares – making it double the size of Central Park in New York! It contains lush green spaces, ponds, and a wide variety of trees and pretty plants.

The park also features a number of attractions, such as a mini-zoo, a playground, a botanical garden, and a sports complex. The park is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with friends, or simply relaxing and enjoying nature.

2. Silesia Zoo

Silesia Zoo is a zoological park located in the city of Chorzow, Poland – but it’s right next to Katowice, which is why I’ve included it. The zoo is home to plenty of animals from more than 200 different species. It is especially renowned for its extensive collection of birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.

The zoo also features a number of educational exhibits, such as a replica of an African savannah, a butterfly garden, and dinosaurs! Silesia Zoo is a great place to take the family and learn more about the amazing world of animals.

3. Spodek

It wouldn’t be a true Katowice travel guide without mentioning the Spodek! The Spodek is a multi-purpose arena in Katowice, Poland, that is renowned for its unique, saucer-shaped design. It was built in 1971, and has since become a popular venue for sporting events, concerts, and other cultural events.

The arena has a capacity of 11,500 people and features a state-of-the-art sound system. It has also hosted a number of prestigious events, such as the World Junior Championship of Ice Hockey and the Euro 2012 football match between Poland and Russia.

Spodek is an iconic landmark of the city of Katowice and a must-see for any visitor – even if you’re not into sports.

4. National Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio

Visiting the National Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio, Katowice, is an unforgettable experience. Founded in 1945, the orchestra has become one of the most renowned orchestras in the country, performing a wide range of repertoire from Baroque to contemporary music.

The orchestra also regularly tours abroad and has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious venues. A visit to the National Symphony Orchestra is a great way to enjoy some of the finest music in the world and to experience the unique atmosphere of the beautiful city of Katowice

5. Silesian Museum

The Silesian Museum Katowice is an important cultural institution in the city of Katowice, Poland. The museum has hundreds of unique items, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Silesian culture in the world.

The museum is home to a number of interesting exhibits, such as archaeological artefacts, paintings, sculptures, and cultural artefacts. It also hosts a variety of educational and cultural events, such as concerts, lectures, and workshops. A visit to the Silesian Museum is a great way to learn more about the region’s rich history and culture.

Related post: Best things to do in Katowice

Is Katowice worth visiting?

Is Katowice worth visiting? Yes, absolutely! Katowice has so much to offer for almost every type of tourist. It is the perfect base if you would like to stay somewhere with a good transportation system and is less “touristic” than other places in Poland. Additionally, there are a number of great things to do in Katowice, nice shopping centres, restaurants serving tasty food, and is very close to nature.

Katowice nightlife

What is Katowice nightlife like? Katowice is home to a vibrant and exciting nightlife scene. The city is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes. The city centre is full of lively pubs and clubs where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best local and international music.

There are also plenty of live music venues, with great local – and not-so-local – bands and musicians playing on certain days. For a more relaxed atmosphere, you can visit one of the city’s many cafes and restaurants.

The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, meaning there’s usually something interesting going on. These events draw in locals and tourists alike, with some of the best international acts performing at the events.

Katowice is a great place to experience the nightlife of Poland. With its vibrant atmosphere and variety of entertainment, it is no wonder why so many people flock to the city for its nightlife.

Katowice Travel Guide – Best Nightlife Venues:

If you’re looking for the best nightlife venues in Katowice, it’s worth having a look at these places:

1. Klub Pomarańcza

Klub Pomarańcza is one of the biggest clubs in Silesia, making it a fantastic place to go for a night out in Katowice. There are three different music rooms to dance and have fun in, as well as a restaurant serving real street food. Additionally, the club was designed by world-class interior designers who have designed some of the best clubs in Las Vegas and Ibiza.

2. Katofonia

Katofonia is a jazz and blues club located in the heart of Katowice. There is a bar, which serves very nice drinks at great prices, as well as live music playing very frequently. It’s styled very fashionably inside and has a brilliant atmosphere that will be enjoyed by everyone who visits. Even if you’re not a very big jazz and blues fan, you will be sure to have a good time here.

3. Rajzefiber

Rajzefiber is the perfect nightlife venue in Katowice to visit if you want something old-school – as they have lots of nostalgic old-school music playing for those who love that style. There is a very friendly atmosphere at this club, which is always a good thing – especially if you’re interested in meeting other people – which you should do as the people are one of the best reasons to visit Poland!

Is Katowice safe?

Is Katowice safe? Yes, Katowice is generally a very safe city to visit. Of course, it’s advised to exercise common sense at all times, but most people will be completely safe when visiting Katowice. In fact, Katowice has a score of 62.50 on Numbeo when it comes to safety – which is very high, especially when compared to London, which has a score of 46.31. If you’ve ever visited London, you would know that it is quite a safe city – so Katowice being higher, should make you feel even safer about visiting.

Day trips from Katowice

Katowice is a great base for exploring the nearby attractions in the Silesia region of Poland – and even Czechia, as it’s very close to the border. There are plenty of day trips from Katowice to choose from, whether you’re looking to explore historic sites, explore nature, or just get away from the city for a while.

No matter which kind of day trips from Katowice you’re looking for, Katowice has plenty of options for you to explore. Whether you’re looking to explore the region’s culture, history, or nature, there’s something for everyone in the Silesia region.

Katowice Travel Guide: Best Day Trips from Katowice

If you’re reading this Katowice travel guide for some inspiration for the best day trips from Katowice, read on:

1. Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located about an hour away from Katowice. This memorial and museum is a must-see for any visitor to the region, as it shows the true reality of the Holocaust and what millions of people sadly had to experience.

From Katowice, you can take a guided tour of the former concentration camp and museum and learn more about the events of the Holocaust, or you can take transportation there independently.

2. Sosnowiec

Sosnowiec is located just a short drive/ tram ride away from Katowice. This city is the perfect place to visit to experience the unique culture of the region, as here you can explore some informative museums, take a tour of the historic old town, or take a stroll along the river. There are some great shopping centres to be explored here, making it the perfect day trip from Katowice if you love to shop till you drop!

3. Kraków

Krakow is just about an hour and a half away from Katowice. Krakow is the perfect place to explore more of Poland’s incredible history. In Krakow, there are plenty of things to visit, such as the historic old town, the Wawel Castle, and the Jewish Quarter. It’s also very close to one of the prettiest places in Poland, so make sure to give Krakow a visit!

Related post: 10 Ways to Spend One Week in Krakow, Poland

4. Czestochowa

Czestochowa is a city which is located about two hours away from Katowice and is home to the Jasna Góra Monastery. The Jasna Góra Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the whole of Poland.

This is a great place to visit to learn more about the history and culture of the region, and it is very simple and cheap to visit Czestochowa from Katowice, and makes for a great day out, so it needed to be included in this Katowice travel guide.

5. Ostrava

Ostrava, Czechia, is another great day trip from Katowice that needs to be included in this Katowice travel guide! It is located around two and a half hours away. Here, visitors can explore the city’s historic old town and take in the sights at Stodolní Street, which is the city’s main street.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore, as well as the Ostrava Zoo and the Museum of Natural History. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Ostravice River and enjoy the scenic views of the city. The Ostrava Castle is another great attraction located nearby. There’s plenty to do in Ostrava, making it the perfect day trip from Katowice.

Where to stay in Katowice:

If you’re looking for some great places to stay at in Katowice, check these out:

Katowice Hotels

• Novotel Katoice Centrum – This hotel is ideally located in the centre of Katowice, just 2km from the train station. It is a modern hotel, with a restaurant serving tasty Polish and European food, as well as even a pool to relax in.
• Hotel Diament Plaza Katowice – Offering stylish rooms that promote a relaxing atmosphere, this hotel is located right in the heart of Katowice, next to all the major shops and attractions. There is even a restaurant that serves a hearty buffet to be enjoyed every morning.
• Vienna House Easy Katowice – Boasting trendy rooms with plenty of space and modern decor, a stay here is sure to be enjoyable. In addition to the great rooms, there is also a restaurant, cafe, fitness room and even a sauna!

Katowice Hostels

• Hostel Katowice Centrum – This hostel offers very warmly decorated rooms and dorms, and is a very sociable place to stay if you’re looking to meet others as a solo traveller. It is very close to Katowice train station, and there are often lots of activities being put on.
• Good Times House – Boasting colourful rooms and a lively atmosphere, this hostel is a great choice to stay in if you want to stay somewhere fun and close to the centre. The staff are said to be very friendly and helpful too, which is always a great thing!

How do you get around Katowice?

How do you get around Katowice? The best way to get around Katowice is by tram! Katowice has a very accessible and reliable tram system, which runs through most parts of the city.

Apart from taking the tram, the city has a comprehensive public transportation network consisting of buses and taxis also. Furthermore, it is also possible to rent bicycles and e-scooters or use ride-sharing services such as Uber or Bolt.

Driving in Katowice is also a good way to get around, although there can be a lot of congestion which causes traffic jams on the major roads. Due to this, it is best to factor in extra time to prevent being late if you’re needing to be somewhere by a certain time.

Katowice Facts

What are some Katowice facts? Check out these interesting Katowice facts that may surprise you:

• Katowice is home to the University of Silesia, which is the largest university in the region and attracts students from all around the world.
• Katowice is known for its rich cultural and industrial heritage, including being the home of the Silesian Museum, the National Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Silesian Philharmonic.
• Katowice is the largest city in the region of Silesia.
•  In 1953, the Polish communist government renamed it ‘Stalinogród‘, which means ‘Stalin Town’ in English.

Related post: 15 Katowice Facts that you NEED to know!

Katowice Travel Guide: Best Restaurants Katowice

If you’re in the mood for some good food, check out these best restaurants in Katowice:

Polish

• Chata z Zalipia – This restaurant is definitely the place to go to if you want some of the tastiest Polish food you will ever try. There is plenty of traditional dishes to choose from, and the whole atmosphere of the restaurant is very cosy and comfortable.
• Restauracja u Babuni – If you’re after some great hearty Polish food, then head over to Restauracja u Babuni. There are so many different dishes to choose from that you’ll have a hard time deciding which to try – luckily, you can always go back for more!
• Restauracja Wiejska Chatka – This restaurant has some of the warmest vibes in the whole of Katowice, making it one of the best restaurants in Katowice, especially if you’re after traditional Polish food! Make sure to try the Pierogi – it’ll be some of the best you’ve ever tried.

Kebab

• Amir Kebab – Serving some of the most delicious kebabs in Katowice, if you’re a kebab lover, then you have to give Amir Kebab a go! There’s a wide range of different items to choose from, and one thing is for sure – you will be very full after eating them!
• Antalya Kebab – This kebab shop is another must-go place if you want good value, tasty kebabs! There is no going wrong when ordering from Antalya Kebab, as everything on the menu is as equally delicious as each other.

Mexican

• Biała Małpa Mexico – This trendy Mexican restaurant is actually also a microbrewery which serves some of the best Mexican food and beer that you can find for miles around. The atmosphere is very warm and trendy, making it the perfect place to go and relax for a few hours.
• Kartel – Located in Chorzów, this Mexican is so good it needed to be mentioned. The food is some of the tastiest you can try, and there is a very vibrant and friendly ambience to be enjoyed. Furthermore, they also serve some great cocktails that you need to try!

Vegetarian & Vegan

• Dobra Karma – This restaurant serves a wide range of mouth-watering, fresh vegetarian and vegan food that you will be sure to love. There are plenty of different items to try, and it is all at a very reasonable price too, which is important when it comes to plant-based food!
• Złoty Osioł – A cafe in the centre of Katowice which serves some of the best plant-based food in the area. It’s a very trendy place with lots of different combinations to choose from, so there will certainly be something you will love to try.

University of Katowice

The University of Katowice, also known as The University of Silesia in Katowice, attracts students from all over Poland and the world to go and attend as it is one of Poland’s oldest and most prestigious universities – so it has to be included in this Katowice travel guide. It was founded in 1968 and is located in the heart of the city of Katowice.

The university offers a wide range of courses and programs, including a number of international programs that have attracted students from around the world.

With its modern facilities, excellent library and research resources, and dedicated faculty and staff, the University of Silesia in Katowice is a great place to study and a great choice for those looking to pursue higher education in Poland.

Academy of Fine Arts Katowice

The Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice is an institution of higher learning devoted to the study and practice of the visual arts, and also attracts students from all over the world to attend.

Founded in 1945, the Academy has a history of excellence in teaching and research that has enabled it to become a leading centre for the study of the fine arts in Poland. The Academy offers a wide range of courses in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, video, and multimedia, among others.

With its exceptional faculty and students, and its commitment to providing a comprehensive education in the visual arts, the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice is an ideal place to pursue a degree in the visual arts.

ULTIMATE: Katowice Travel Guide 2023 – Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this ultimate Katowice travel guide, you’ve learnt about everything you need to know for travelling to Katowice. What did you learn from this Katowice travel guide that surprised you the most? Is there anything that you think needs to be included in this Kaotwice travel guide that wasn’t? Feel free to contact me if you’d like any more information. If you’d like to read some similar posts, then have a look at these:

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