The 10 things to do in Katowice

Visit Katowice: what to see in the capital of Silesia and the tenth largest city in Poland?

Katowice, the capital of Silesia's voivodship Poland , is famous for its industrial past and its excellent artistic scene. Located about 1 hour 30 from Krakow, it is a step not indispensable, but nevertheless friendly, during a stay in Krakow . In fact, some airlines offer airlines direct flights to Katowice .

Here are some of the best things to do and see in Katowice:

1. The theatre of Silesia Stanisław Wyspiański

The Modernist theatre Wyspiański was designed by a famous German architect from Cologne, Carol Moritz, in the early 20th century. At the time, the province of Silesia belonged to Germany. The theatre is located in the market place (Rynek) and offers the largest drama scene in the region. He was appointed by one writer and painter Polish of the modernist period, which was one of the most prolific and remarkable European artists of its time. Today, the theatre offers Polish and foreign comedies and plays, mixing traditional theatrical movements with contemporaries.

2. The Museum of Silesia (Muzeum Śląskie)

This beautiful museum survived a Nazi attack and was restored in 1984. You will discover the history and art of Silesia by visiting the exhibitions on the ethnology and archaeology of the region as well as on the collection of Polish paintings, artists like Stanisław Wyspiański and Olga Boznańska . In addition, the collection of photographs is rich in 35,000 photographs and daguerreotypes, some of which document the First World War or the Insurrection of Silesia . Others represent beautiful portraits.

Silesia Museum, al. Korfantego 3, Katowice.

3. The Cathedral of Christ-Roi of Katowice

Katowice's Cathedral of Christ-Roi is an impressive architectural project designed and built between 1927 and 1955. Its design recalls classical architecture. The difficult period of World War II forced the city to pause during the construction of the cathedral. The building often hosts organ concerts and other events, and interior decorations are quite successful, especially the mastery of light. This is the largest church built in Poland during this century.

4. Have a drink in Browariat

The most popular artisanal brewery in Katowice, Browariat, boasts a wide selection of international beers from the best European breweries such as Camba or Schonramer (Germany), Meantime (United Kingdom) and Jopen (Hollande). Among their large selection of beverages from more than 50 types of beer, there are some award-winning artisanal beers. The relaxed atmosphere and super friendly staff only add to the wonderful fame of this place. Browariat remains open until 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 2am on Friday and Saturday. A great place to drink good beers and start or finish an evening in Katowice.

Browariat, ul. Francuska 11, Katowice

5. Fly in the Nikiszowiec district

Katowice’s main cultural heritage is found in the buildings and sites built during the intense industrialization of the city, in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was then that 250 neighbourhoods for minors were built. Nikiszowiec is the one that offers you the best insight into this type of architecture and history. The neighbourhood is registered on several heritage registers and there is a great chance that it joins the UNESCO World Heritage List in the future.

6. History of Computer Science and Computer Science Museum

This fascinating museum retraces the 40 years of computer and information technology development, a period that seems short, but during which computers have evolved considerably. In fact, these 40 years can be compared to 400 years in the history of architecture. This museum has 250 different computers that, when compared to each other, open our eyes to the complexity of their structure. In addition to the main exhibition, the museum sometimes offers temporary exhibitions for a particular event.

Muzeum Historii Komputerów i Informatyki, pl. Oddziałów Młodzieży Powstańczej 1, Katowice

7. Walk around the Goldstein Palace

Goldstein Palace is one of the most representative palaces in Katowice. Built at the end of the 19th century in a neo-Renaissance style, the palace once served as a chamber of commerce, theatre and other institutions. Today it belongs to the city, but it is worth entering to see the beautiful golden staircase, as well as the ceiling in the hall.

Goldstein Palace, plac Wolności 12a, Katowice

8. A stroll through Tadeusz Kościuszko Park

This charming park is located in the center of the city. It was only a tiny park in 1888 and evolved into a park of 72 hectares. It seduces by its variety of trees, such as cherries and rhododendrons, and also for its roses. You can also see sculptures created by local artists and the wooden church of St Michel l’Archange. The park also includes a commemorative plaque in honour of Tadeusz Kościuszko , the protector of the park and one of the greatest names of Polish history and American history.

9. Attend a Spodek event

Spodek (usually in Polish), the largest arena and concert hall in Katowice, is a cultural must. From the outside, it looks like a flying saucer or an unidentified spaceship. It was built in 1972 and, in addition to a concert hall, it houses a number of recreational attractions such as sports halls, restaurants, a rink and a hotel. This is where the greatest and best concerts, sports events, and cultural activities take place. In 1987 Metallica came here for the first time in Poland. In 1998, the venue hosted the Modern Talking group. More recently, there was Depeche Mode, Rammstein, Green Day, Leonard Cohen, and many famous national and singer groups.

Spodek, al. Korfantego 35, Katowice

10. The skyscraper Drapacz Chmur

Drapacz Chmur (which means skyscraper in English) is a 14-storey structure, 60 metres high, which was the largest building in Poland from 1934 to 1955. It is considered the best example of functionalism Poland.

Drapacz Chmur, ul Żwirki i Wigury 15 Katowice

Where to eat in Katowice?

A particular address has taken our attention: Restauracja Tatiana. It serves a variety of contemporary Polish dishes in an elegant interior with many touches of wood. On the menu, you can find the famous homemade pierogis with spinach and walnuts (Polish purple), or the rabbit thigh in a mustard sauce. A chic place to relax in the evening.

Tatiana, ul. Staromiejska 5, 40-013 Katowice

How to go to Katowice?

Katowice is about 1h30 drive from Krakow. To go from Krakow, you can find buses in the city bus station, located behind the railway station. Buses regularly depart from Krakow for the price of 14 Polish zloty, about €3.20.

To fly to Katowice from France, low-cost Wizzair offers flights from Paris-Beauvais to Katowice Airport. To find cheap flights to Katowice, you can go to the flight comparison Skyscanner .

Note that if you land in Katowice, and you want to go directly to Krakow, there are buses that make the trip from Katowice Airport .

Where to sleep in Katowice?

Katowice is not a gigantic city, the ideal is to stay in the city center, near the Rynek (main place) preferably. To find a cheap hotel in Katowice, search our website Compare hotels .

Have you visited Katowice? Feel free to comment in the section below!

Main photo credit: Flickr – Michał Kasprzak