Close to Krakow and the capital of the Upper Silesian Region in Southwestern Poland, Katowice boasts a rich industrial, farming and mining heritage and yet isn't commonly known as a traditional tourist destination. Recently however, the city has undergone a massive revitalisation, with the city fast emerging as a cultural hub, with an exciting music scene, breweries, theatres and art galleries all waiting to be discovered.
Top Sees for a Fee
Wander around the modern Silesian Museum for a fascinating overview of the city's complex history.
Set on the site of Katowice Coal Mine, the former colliery has been transformed into an impressive art and industry museum housed in striking modern glass buildings and subterranean chambers set over four underground levels.
View entertaining interactive and educational exhibitions, which cover everything from European theatre to striking art pieces from Polish and Silesian masters. Take the elevator to the top of the former mining tower for panoramic views overlooking the city.
Admission 24/16zł. Family & group tickets available. Tuesday free.
Recharge your batteries before embarking on a trip to the city's fun-filled Silesia Park, a colossal park complex covering 620 hectares, packed with a head-spinning number of attractions.
Home to Legendia Amusement Park - Poland's largest amusement park with over forty different rides, the park also features a zoo, Dinosaur Valley and a petting zoo. Take a ride on the boating lakes, cable car or miniature railway or go for a leisurely stroll around the lakes, sculpture park and gardens.
Visit the planetarium, a fully-working observatory - or hire a bike and cycle around one of the forest-lined bike trails. If you're feeling adventurous, head for Silesian Rope Park - an Obstacle Course and Adventure Park or grab some high-octane fun at the skate park.
Tickets:
Zoo: 20/10zł, family 50zł.
Legendia Amusement Park: Adults and children over 12 years: 99PLN; Children 3-11 years: 79PLN
Children's Rope Park: 10 PLN unlimited ticket to go from 3 to 7 years
Big Rope Park: From seven plus years / 130cm: PLN 22; From 160cm: 25 PLN; From 8 plus years / 160cm: PLN 40
Top Sees for Free:
Teeming with architectural treasures, take a tour around the city to discover an array of impressive buildings ranging from industrial to the historic.
See stunning structures such as the ultra-futuristic Spodek sport and entertainment hall - a striking, flying-saucer shaped building - a sign of the new investment and revitalisation which has been breathed into the area.
Visit the Neo-Gothic-style St. Mary's Church, built from Silesian dolomite, a magnificent landmark set in the heart of the city. Don't miss one of Katowice's oldest buildings, Cathedral of Christ the King, a neoclassical building topped by a 40-metre high dome and fronted by four twin-pillars.
Take a step back into history to experience life a century ago, in the old mining neighbourhood of Nikiszowiec. Built between 1908 and 1924 it was named after the Nickisch mine shaft it was built upon, comprising of nine interconnected maze-like red-bricked buildings that form a self-sufficient city.
Visit a Neo-Baroque church in the central market square before exploring court yards and historic areas including a bakery, kindergarten and tavern. Refuel at the homely 'Byfyj' Cafe and sample their delicious range of home-made cakes.
The colony's unique design and layout make it a popular location for movie shoots whilst the area remains home for mining families who have resided there for over a century.
Wander around Wilson Shaft Gallery, Poland's largest private art gallery. Based in the historic setting of a former mine shaft, this atmospheric, post-industrial space often plays host to concerts, festivals and movie shoots.
Admire paintings, sculptures and installations from up and coming artists, both local and international, inspired by values of hard work, culture, beauty and spirituality.
Going Out
Katowice has recently seen a dramatic increase in investment in culture and creativity. Officially designated a UNESCO City of Music, the city boasts one of the best live music scenes in Poland. In the summer, music fans flock to the area for its festivals, with 27 to choose from. Head to the Main Square in the city centre for international markets, beer festivals and festive events.
Take a stroll down lively Mariacka Street, the main, pedestrianised high street and the social hub of the city centre. Lined with everything from pubs and clubs to cafés and restaurants, you can listen to live music at the bar fronts or browse along artisans' stalls to admire their their finest Polish gold products.
Take a wander to the nearby underpass to see a variety of colourful street art installations, murals and graffiti. Katowice has a vibrant street art scene, owing to its political history, with the city's annual StreetArt Festival attracting visitors and artists from all over the world.
Hotels
Luxury
Soak up glittering cityscape scenes from the cocktail bar on the 27th floor of the Courtyard by Marriott Katowice City Center. Occupying the top nine floors of the city's tallest building, all rooms boast scenic city views. Luxuriate in the sophisticated surroundings of this ultra-modern four-star hotel or take relaxation to the next level in the hotel's 24-hour fitness club, sauna and squash court.
Ul Uniwersytecka 13, Katowice 40-007 Poland
Phone: +48 32 438 93 50
From £65
Midrange
Nestled in the heart of Katowice, Best Western Hotel Mariacki is an ideal choice of accommodation for business or pleasure. Decorated in a modern, industrial, loft-style design with exposed red-bricked wall interior, the hotel features ia dedicated business centre. Be sure to call in at the hotel's Mariacki brewery restaurant to sample locally-brewed craft ales from its own mini-brewery.
Mariacka 15, 40-014 Katowice, Poland
Phone: +48 32 708 08 00
From £40
Budget
Ideal for comfortable budget-level accommodation, ibis budget Katowice Centrum is close to the city centre and just a six-minute stroll from the Silesian Museum. Guests are welcome to take advantage of the facilities of neighbouring sister hotel, 4-star Novotel Katowice Centrum, and unwind in the fitness club, swimming pool and sauna.
18 Av. Rozdzienskiego, Katowice 40-202 Poland
Phone: +48 32 350 50 40
From: £19
Fact File
Currency: Polish złoty; Exchange rate: £1 = 4.78zł.
The Flight: From £29 return, Manchester International direct to Katowice – KTW - 2 hours 35 minutes.
Time Zone: GMT+1.
Best Time to Visit: Visit between June and August when the climate is most comfortable or spring and autumn for the most beautiful scenery.
Visas/Injections/Precautions: None needed.
