17 Best Things to do in Katowice, Poland

While it is seldom visited in comparison with Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk, Katowice actually has a lot going for it. Asides from delving into its interesting industrial past, it has some cool monuments and museums to check out with the city also known for its modern architecture.

Now the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship, it grew rapidly in the nineteenth century thanks to its rich coal seams. Attractive housing estates for the miners and their families were built at Osiedle Giszowiec and Nikiszowiec among other places with numerous museums covering this important part of the city’s History.

Other institutes look at either local Polish artists, the famous Silesian Uprisings or life in the city when it was part of Prussia. With the iconic Spodek Arena also to see and awe-inspiring orchestra performances to catch, Katowice really is one of Poland’s most underrated cities.

17. Zinc Rolling Mill

A really fascinating place to visit, the Zinc Rolling Mill displays loads of amazing old pieces of equipment and a nice collection of vintage vehicles too. Very atmospheric to wander around, its huge factory can be found on the eastern outskirts of the city.

Built back in 1905, alongside both a steelworks and railway line, the massive mill employed generations of Silesians. Its enormous bits of machinery, melting furnaces and engine room now make for some fantastic photos. Detailed plaques also explain how everything worked.

The excellent museum also has some antique motorbikes, domestically made mopeds and iMMAculately maintained Harley-Davidsons for you to inspect.

16. Galeria Katowicka Shopping Gallery

If you get tired of sightseeing at any point, the large Galeria Katowicka Shopping Gallery is a great place to head. Besides all its brand-name stores and innumerable dining options, the modern mall also contains a cinema complex.

Located right next to the railway station, the sparkling glass, seven-story shopping center was unveiled in 2013. Very elegantly designed, its cavernous interior now has about 250 shops and restaurants for locals and tourists alike to peruse.

Other than stopping for a coffee or meal at its food court, you can pick up everything from clothes and accessories to jewellery, electronics and household appliances here.

15. Rondo Sztuki

Once an unremarkable roundabout, Jerzy Zietek Square is now instead home to the superb Rondo Sztuki art gallery. Looking almost like a UFO, its eye-catching glass and steel building lies just a short walk northeast of the station, next to the Silesian Insurgents’ Monument.

Since first opening to the public in 2007, the museum has put on countless exhibitions and concerts by internationally renowned artists. On display too are thought-provoking artworks and installations by young painters, photographers and sculptors from Silesia.

Just as impressive as the exhibitions though is the architecture of the art gallery itself. Quite controversial at first, it is now undoubtedly one of the city’s most unique buildings.

14. National Symphony Orchestra

Not far away though is another incredible building that certainly gives it a run for its money. While the National Symphony Orchestra is not all that much to look at from outside, its vast auditorium and entrance hall are very imaginatively designed.

Part of the Katowice Cultural Zone, the simple building with its red brick pillars and reflective windows is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and fountains. An important part of the city’s regeneration, it was completed back in 2014.

Inside is another story entirely as its humongous concert hall is richly decorated with lovely wood tones and gently-curving balconies. Its acoustics are also outstanding so make sure to check its calendar for orchestra performances and chamber music ensembles when in town.

13. Mariacka Street

The center of life in the city, Mariacka Street is lined by dozens of trendy shops, restaurants and bars. While it is calm and charming to walk along during the day, the evenings see large crowds of young people pack out their outdoor seating areas.

Only pedestrianized back in 2008, the long, lively street is also overlooked by some fine old historic buildings. Stretching 375 meters in total, it extends from the Neo-Gothic St. Mary’s Church, stopping not all too far away from the main station.

Asides from taking in the atmosphere and enjoying a cocktail or some international cuisine, you can snap some photos of the soaring church spire at the end of it.

12. Legendia Silesian Amusement Park

A firm favorite with families, the Legendia Silesian Amusement Park lies just northwest of Katowice, on the way to Chorzow. Full of exhilarating rides and rollercoasters, its sprawling site also has a haunted house and on-site restaurants to stop by.

Actually the oldest theme park in all Poland, it has been delighting generations of young and old alike since 1959. Recently remodeled, its 40 or so fun attractions now have a ‘legends’ theme to them. The most popular has to be the Lech Coaster which was the longest, tallest and fastest coaster in the country for ages.

After braving its three inversions, you can hop on wild and wet water rides and try its more tranquil teacups. From its big Ferris wheel, there are also wonderful views to enjoy over the lush green grounds of the park.

11. Osiedle Giszowiec

A very peaceful and picturesque place, Osiedle Giszowiec was established back in 1907 as a ‘garden village’ for local miners. Set just a ten-minute drive south of the center, the housing estate has loads of cute cottages to amble past, tucked away amidst leafy gardens and little groves of trees.

Initially home to over 600 families, the quaint, quiet neighborhood displays some delightful rustic-style architecture. Although over 40 designs are on show, the hundreds of houses all have whitewashed walls and red tile roofs.

While some concrete blocks of flats have since been erected, the historical district looks very homogeneous overall. Centered around a scenic square, it’s pretty streets and houses create some great photo opportunities.

10. Szyb Wilson Gallery

Another interesting institute to head if you like art is the Szyb Wilson Gallery. Quite a special venue, its constantly changing exhibitions are laid out in an immense hall that once housed the headworks of a mine shaft.

In 2001, the old brick building of the disused mine was renovated so Poland’s largest private gallery could open. Its mission is to showcase the unique talents of up-and-coming artists with plenty of contemporary paintings, photos and sculptures always on show.

Cool concerts and events are also held in its huge industrial hall which is located on the way to Myslowice from Katowice.

9. Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau

Although very sombre and upsetting, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp is an absolute must when in Katowice. Now preserved as a memorial and museum to those who lost their lives during the Holocaust, it lies just under an hour’s drive southeast of town.

Covering an enormous area, the complex has countless bleak barracks, furnaces and rusting railway lines for visitors to wander around. It was here in its gas chambers that more than a million Jews, Romani, disabled people and prisoners of war were brutally murdered.

Besides seeing artifacts and clothing left behind by the victims, photos and plaques further convey the horrors of the Holocaust. Guided tours also teach you all about life in the camps and the unforgivable crimes the Nazis committed.

8. Museum of the History of Katowice

Providing a fascinating look at the development of the city over the centuries is the Museum of the History of Katowice. Very well-done, its extensive artifacts and exhibitions occupy an elegant old tenement building, right in the center of town.

Founded in 1976, it details the growth of Katowice from the thirteenth century right up until the present day. Photos, videos and interactive displays cover its mining heritage and how it came to be the capital of the voivodeship.

The highlights though are its two fully furnished flats that show how middle class and upper-class families lived in years gone by. Beautifully presented, they contain everything from fine antique furniture and artworks to everyday items and musical instruments.

7. Spodek

Often considered to be the symbol of the city, the iconic Spodek boasts some absolutely epic architecture. Meaning ‘Saucer’ in Polish, it looks just like a UFO with the vast arena regularly hosting concerts, sporting events and other cultural activities.

Also part of the Katowice Cultural Zone, the massive multipurpose venue was inaugurated in 1971. Other than its main dome where most events are held, the futuristic-looking complex also has an ice rink, hotel and gym to make use of.

Asides from attending a show or snapping photos of its extraordinary architecture, there are pop-up bars to chill outside at in summer.

6. Guitar History Museum

On the other side of the train station from both Spodek and the nearby National Symphony Orchestra is the Guitar History Museum. A must for music lovers, it has dozens of incredible string instruments to not just examine but even play too!

Only available to visit by appointment, the small, private museum now exhibits about a hundred guitars, lutes and ouds from around the world. Little informative plaques also tell you about each one and where they came from.

What makes the museum so unique though is that its enthusiastic owner Mr. Leszek actually plays the instruments for you. He’s also happy to hand them over if you want to have a go playing some music yourself.

5. Silesian Insurgents’ Monument

Quite dramatic to see, the striking Silesian Insurgents’ Monument commemorates the three uprisings that occurred in Katowice between 1919 and 1921. An important part of the city’s identity, these called on the Weimar Republic to let Upper Silesia join the newly independent Polish state.

Unveiled in 1967, the large monument is made up of three big, bronze wings; one for each of the uprisings. Etched at the foot of each one are all the locations of the battles that were fought and the year they took place.

Now a symbol of Polish nationalism, the intriguing silhouettes and shapes of the giant wings make for some fantastic photos. They can be found right by Rondo Sztuki in the park of the same name.

4. Kosciuszko Park

A lovely place to relax, unwind and walk about, Kosciuszko Park sprawls across a huge area southwest of the center. One of the most popular and picturesque green spaces in town, its scenic confines have plenty of paths and playgrounds to enjoy.

Since being established in 1888, the park has expanded considerably with its classicist-style gardens now home to all kinds of colourful flowerbeds and stylish streetlamps. Named after one of Poland’s national heroes, it is dotted with statues created by famous Silesian artists.

What’s more, it contains the wonderful wooden Church of St. Michael Archangel which dates to 1510. After admiring its fine interior, you can head to the park’s 40-metre-high parachute tower that commemorates those who lost their lives defending Katowice from the Nazis.

3. Valley of Three Ponds

Even more idyllic still is the beautiful Valley of Three Ponds which lies on the way to Osiedle Giszowiec. Sure to delight nature lovers, its pretty forest trails, bike paths and fishing spots all make it a marvelous place to spend some time.

Known as Dolina Trzech Stawow in Polish, the park is actually home to nine ponds of varying sizes. Tucked away amidst lush woods and lawns, their reflective waters are fabulous to jog, walk and run around.

In summer, some even swim at their beaches or sit and enjoy a drink along their banks. In addition to exercising and taking in all its attractive nature, there are a couple of restaurants and bars to try out.

2. Nikiszowiec

Most people’s favourite part of the city though is usually the historic old Nikiszowiec quarter which was again built as a housing estate for coal miners. Much larger than that of Osiedle Giszowiec, it is known for its distinctive red brick buildings and romantic streetscapes.

Very well-preserved, its six immense blocks of apartments were erected between 1908 and 1918. Known as ‘familoki’, these multi-story houses share large inner courtyards with over 8,000 workers and their families having lived here.

Now considered a satellite suburb of Katowice, it was initially intended to be a self-contained city. As such, a church, police station, schools and shops can be found scattered around the neighborhood. Thanks to both the town’s uniform look and old-school feel, it almost seems like you’ve wandered onto a film set when you visit.

1. Silesian Museum

Along with Nikiszowiec, the Silesian Museum is definitely the city’s standout sight. Formerly a coal mine, its site was ingeniously converted into galleries and exhibition spaces, all while retaining its old headframe and industrial architecture.

In total, the excellent museum has six buildings to explore, some made from red brick and others of ultra-modern glazed cubes. Even more impressive are all the galleries that actually occupy its old mining shaft and other subterranean tunnels.

While the architecture and layout are already wonderful, the exhibitions themselves are very interesting. Besides looking at the History of Upper Silesia and its mining past, lots of famed works by Polish artists are displayed alongside religious objects and WWII-era artifacts.