15 Cool Things to Do in Katowice, Poland

Katowice, together with Lodz, is one of the most misunderstood cities in Poland. For years, it was considered to be a dull, industrial place with not much to offer. But the reality is so opposite.

I’ve been visiting Katowice often, either for sightseeing, cultural events, or as a starting point for an international trip (the local airport offers flights to numerous destinations), and with each trip, I was falling more and more for the place. Now, I think this is one of the best places to visit in Poland, albeit really overlooked, with an impressive list of diverse things to do in Katowice. Spending time there is always such a treat for me. 

If you are planning a trip to Poland and are looking for a cool, unusual place to include in your itinerary, try Katowice. You will be surprised by how great a place it is and how much you can see and do there! You can also visit Katowice on an easy day trip from Krakow, although I think this city (and the surrounding region) deserves more attention. 

After my numerous visits there, I put together this guide to the best things to do in Katowice, so you can use it on your trip and enjoy the city to the fullest. Read on and discover Katowice, Poland.

Why visit Katowice

Katowice is known mostly for its rich industrial heritage, and you will find numerous examples of it throughout the city. There are mines that are still operating, as well as places that were closed and now serve a different, usually cultural, purpose.

But the history of Katowice is much longer, dating back to medieval times (although the city was first officially mentioned in 1598). The real change came with the urbanization in the 18th and 19th centuries. Katowice developed rapidly and became the region’s main industrial hub. Back then, the Silesia region was part of Prussia, but after the First World War, Poland regained independence, and even though Katowice voted to remain in Germany, the surrounding region decided to be part of Poland, so the city had to follow.

Today, with around 300,000 inhabitants, this is the 10th-largest city in Poland. Even though many industrial workplaces have closed today, the city offers a vibrant atmosphere, and numerous Katowice attractions can guarantee an interesting travel experience.

Things to do in Katowice

Here are the best things to do in Katowice

Visit the Silesian Museum

Located on the grounds of the former coal mine “Katowice”, the Silesian Museum is a perfect place to start your sightseeing in Katowice. For someone who doesn’t know much about the region, it’s a perfect introduction to the history of the city and Silesia. Not only are the exhibitions diverse and interesting, but the museum is interactive and educational. 

The highlight of the Silesian Museum is the exhibition on the region of Upper Silesia through the centuries. You can learn about earlier times and more recent events up to 1989, and see why Katowice and Silesia played such an important role in Polish history. 

If you appreciate art, you are in for a treat as well. In the Silesian Museum, you will find amazing works by some of the greatest Polish artists, including Matejko, Wyspianski, and Malczewski, to name a few. There is also a section dedicated to art naïve, which is such a lovely yet underrated style. 

Once you are done with visiting the Silesian Museum, be sure to go to the top of the nearby “Warszawa II” shaft. The viewing platform is included with the museum ticket, and the panorama from up there is really good.

Enjoy the Culture Zone

The Silesian Museum is part of the so-called Culture Zone, which spreads across the center of Katowice and is a perfect example of the revitalization of urban areas. I remember not so long ago, after the Katowice mine shut down, this part of the city was just a waste, a blank space on the map. 

Besides the Museum grounds, the Culture Zone consists of the headquarters of NOSPR (Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra), the International Conference Center, and Spodek – the spaceship. All the buildings (except Spodek) are new, designed in a modern style yet reflecting the city’s best features, such as Nikiszowiec.

Altogether, Culture Zone is a perfect place to spend free time and relax, whether at one of the numerous cultural events or just hanging out on the rooftop of ICC, enjoying the place. 

Visit the Katowice History Museum

Another great place to learn more about Katowice and its background is the History Museum.  It’s different from the Silesian Museum but also very interesting. Located in a beautiful townhouse, it shows how different social classes used to live and how everyday life was at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the history of Katowice. 

Find modernist architecture

Katowice is also a great destination for fans of architecture, especially from the 20th century. Since this is a fairly young city, gaining its rights in 1865, a fair share of its development occurred at the beginning of the 20th century, when modernism was at its peak. Katowice was even known as “Polish Chicago” for its architectural style and for being the first city in Poland to build skyscrapers. After Gdynia and Kaunas in Lithuania, this is one of the best places in Central Europe with modernist architecture.

You can find so many great buildings in that style, especially in the area near the train station. At the tourist information, you can get a map of the 17 best modernist buildings in Katowice and their short descriptions. Following the so-called modernist trail is a great way to discover this unique architectural style. 

Discover Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec

If you ask local people which places you cannot miss when you visit Katowice, they will most likely point you to Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec, two workers’ quarters located on the eastern outskirts. They were both built at the beginning of the 20th century for workers at the nearby mines, and they couldn’t be any more different! 

While Nikiszowiec is entirely made of red brick and full of tenement houses, Giszowiec was created as a garden city with small, distinct houses, each designed for two families. Both settlements are beautiful and charming, but it was Nikiszowiec that stole my heart.

It felt like a city on its own, with everything a resident might need: a church, a shop, numerous workshops, a tavern, or a cafe. Even if all the houses look the same at first, after a while, you realize they are not. A tiny detail that distinguishes houses from each other is the front door – it was designed that way on purpose so men, after a night at the tavern, would find their home easily. 

When you visit Nikiszowiec, you can stop at Cafe Bryj, a charming bistro on the main square, where you can try local dishes or have coffee with homemade cakes. This is also a perfect spot to observe everyday life in Nikiszowiec. 

Enjoy art at Wilson Shaft Gallery

Located near Nikiszowiec, the Wilson Shaft Gallery is the largest private gallery in Poland. Its motto, “What industry took away, culture must regain,” is a perfect description of the transformation that has been happening in Katowice in recent years.

The gallery is located in the former bathhouse of the Wilson shafts of the Wieczorek Coal Mine, dating back to 1826. This site created a perfect background for showcasing art. I’ve been to the Wilson Shaft Gallery a few times, and on each visit I’ve equally enjoyed the exhibitions and the industrial surroundings.

The entrance to the Wilson Shaft Gallery is free. Last time I was there, I was completely alone in the building, which made the whole experience so much more exciting. It takes a bit of a detour to reach the place, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Admire brutalist architecture in Katowice

Katowice is home to the most iconic masterpiece of brutalist architecture in Poland – Spodek (the saucer), the unofficial symbol of Katowice. Opened in 1971, after seven years of construction, the building resembles a UFO in shape. This building looks good from every angle, so photography fans will surely appreciate its distinctive structure. Over the years, Spodek has been used for numerous music, sport, and entertainment events; I’ve attended many concerts there too (and it’s one of my favorite venues in Poland as it’s very functional).  

But Spodek is not the only example of brutalism in Katowice. Across the roundabout from Spodek, you can see a massive block of flats – a so-called “Superjoednostka”. Built in 1970, this is one of the largest residential buildings in Poland, with 18 floors and 764 flats.

Another great brutalist place in the center of Katowice is the department store “Skarbek”. Built in the 1970s, it was recently renovated, and its aluminum scales and outdoor elevators still look really impressive.

In the past, the main train station was another great masterpiece, but after the recent renovation, only the characteristic concrete cups remained, as a way to preserve the building’s architectural legacy. 

Enjoy the vibrant center

The central part of Katowice, vaguely between the railway tracks and the Culture Zone, is a vibrant area, packed with shops, beautiful architecture, cultural institutions, restaurants, and bars. In the summertime, on the Rynek square, you can even find the so-called relax zone, with palm trees borrowed from the palm house in nearby Gliwice. This part of the city is a popular spot for locals to hang out, as there’s always something going on.

The center of the events is the pedestrian Mariacka Street. You will find there art nouveau townhouses, numerous art installations, and plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The place is alive until late-night hours, so if you want to enjoy some downtime after exploring Katowice, this is a place to be. 

Find great street art

Katowice is one of the best places for street art in Poland, with over 100 murals and art installations covering its walls. Many of them refer to the industrial side of the city or commemorate famous locals. You will find some good Katowice street art in the center, especially along and near Mariacka Street. Wander with curiosity, pay attention to the details, and you will see some great works of art all over the place.

Visit the former Zinc Rolling Mill

The former Zinc Rolling Mill from the early 20th century is home to the museum dedicated to zinc smelting and a fascinating place to visit. It is the largest post-industrial hall in the Silesia region, where you can learn about the history of zinc metallurgy and see old production lines. The site is huge, and the old factory smell is still very present in the air, making this place even more unique and real. 

A nice addition to the place is a collection of vintage motorcycles from 1920 to 1986, mainly Harley-Davidson. Even if I’m not very much into those, I really enjoyed this exhibition and found it very interesting. 

See the Silesian Insurgents Memorial

One of the most important landmarks in Katowice is the Silesian Insurgents Memorial, standing across the street from Spodek. It commemorates fighters in three uprisings, in 1919, 1920, and 1921, to make the Upper Silesia region part of Poland (which regained its independence shortly before, in 1918). The structure was a gift from the people of Warsaw to Upper Silesia, and it was erected in 1967. It’s a truly impressive site, with three massive wings symbolizing three uprisings. 

Find remnants of colorful neons

In communist times, neon signs were an indispensable part of most cities, including Katowice. The central part of the city was illuminated with colorful signs. Many of them were recreated and are back on the streets of Katowice, adding a real charm to the city. 

But you can also find remnants of the old neon signs – there are numerous displays with the smaller versions of the signs that used to adorn the city. You can also learn more about each of the neons and their background. You will find those displays all over the center of Katowice, so keep your eyes open for them when wandering around.

Relax in the Silesian Park

Technically, the Silesian Park is located in another city, Chorzów, right on the border with Katowice. At 620 hectares, it’s one of the largest urban parks in Europe, twice the size of Central Park in New York City.

Not only is this a wonderful green space to relax in, but there are plenty of attractions to enjoy as well. You can visit the planetarium, the amusement park, the zoo, Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park, and many more spots. There’s also a cable car to move around the park quickly. 

Try local food

The local Silesian cuisine is slightly different from typical Polish dishes, as it was heavily influenced by surrounding countries and regions. It’s also a bit heavier (but still healthy), as the dishes were meant to provide energy for long, exhausting work.

Some of the most popular Silesian dishes are kluski śląskie (round Silesian dumplings), rolada z modrą kapustą (beef roll stuffed with pickled red cabbage), or wodzionka (soup with garlic and cubes of dried rye bread). You should definitely try some of those during your trip to Katowice! Fortunately, there are many restaurants where you can find local dishes on the menu. 

Go for day trips

Upper Silesia is one of the most underrated regions in Poland, but it’s packed with attractions. While there are so many great things to do in Katowice itself, you can also use the city as a base to explore more of the region and see what it has to offer. With good public transport, you can easily go on day trips from Katowice.

There are numerous amazing industrial sites to see, including the UNESCO-listed Historic Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry or the Guido Mine and Queen Louise Adit in Zabrze. You can also visit Bytom, with its beautiful (though a bit decayed) Art Nouveau architecture, or Bielsko-Biała, known as “little Vienna”.

A short train ride from Katowice, you will find one of the most beautiful castles in Poland, in Pszczyna, or one of the most fascinating places in Central Europe – Cieszyn, a city divided by the Polish-Czech border.

Other places not too far from Katowice include the ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle from the 14th century (and other ruins on the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests), Częstochowa (the city known for its monastery, one of the most important religious places in Poland), and Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. You could easily spend a week or more in Katowice to see the city and its surroundings!

Visiting Katowice – practical information

Where is Katowice

Katowice is located in the southern part of Poland. Warsaw, the capital, is 300 kilometers north of Katowice, Krakow is 85 km east, and Wroclaw is 200 kilometers west of Katowice. The Czech Republic and Slovakia are not too far away either.

How to get to Katowice

Katowice Airport is located about 30 km from the city and serves numerous destinations across Europe. From the airport, you can take the bus (direct) or train (with a change) to the center. 

You can also take a direct train to Katowice from numerous places in Poland and abroad. The train station is located in the center of the city, within walking distance of numerous attractions. 

How to get around Katowice

There are some great Katowice attractions located a bit away from the center. Fortunately, the public transport in the city works really well. It’s best to get a 24-hour ticket to travel around – it is valid not only in Katowice but in the whole region.

Where to stay in Katowice

Since this is a popular destination, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here are the recommended ones:

• Hotel Diament Plaza Katowice (9.2/10)
• voco Katowice by IHG
• Qubus Hotel Katowice (9.3/10)

Where to go next

From Katowice, you can continue your trip in either direction to one of the great destinations in Poland, such as Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, or Warsaw. You can also travel south to the Czech Republic (like Ostrava) or Slovakia.

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Further reading

I published many articles about Poland that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
• 20 Great Places to Visit As Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland
• Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Lublin, Poland
• The Complete Guide to Visiting Slownski National Park, Poland
• Visit Grudziadz – One of the Hidden Gems of Poland
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
• Visit Sandomierz, Poland – One of the Prettiest Towns in the Country
• Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World
• 25 Amazing Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

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• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Poland too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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