21 Best Things To Do In Katowice, Poland - Updated 2024

Jovannie
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 10 min read
things to do in katowice poland

Behind all the negative stereotypes about Katowice, it’s truly one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. It’s a developing city promising tourists a fun-filled vacation. From an exploration of different cultures to indulging in local food, and from witnessing unique architectures to breathtaking city scenes, there’s so much to see and to discover about this enigmatic place. One of the best places to visit while in Katowice is the famous Culture Zone, which is known for its relaxing atmosphere. It is where most museums are and where the revitalization of the city is most evident. If ever you want to break the stereotypes, listed down below are the things to do while you’re in Katowice, Poland.

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1. Enjoy a traditional Polish food walking tour

things to do in katowice poland | enjoy a traditional polish food walking tour

Indulge in a three-hour traditional Polish food walking tour to fully enjoy everything Katowice has to offer you. Joining this food tour will enable you to discover historic sights of Katowice while stopping occasionally for food tastings in the city’s famous restaurants. Also, you’ll learn the city’s history during the tour. Moreover, there are a lot of perks to this tour, such as getting to know Polish cuisines, tasting sample foods from local restaurants, and having a fun time with a small group. If you want to fully experience the place in a short time, joining a food tour is the best option.

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2. Go on a vodka tasting adventure

things to do in katowice poland | go on a vodka tasting adventure

One of the activities you shouldn’t miss while you’re in the city of Katowice is to get to know its vodka culture. Join a private vodka tasting tour to fully experience Poland’s culture. The tour will bring you to carefully chosen places that will show you different atmospheres reflecting various periods of Polish culture. You’ll get to discover a lot of things including which vodka suits you best and which appetizers match your taste. Also, it will include six shots in three different places, Polish snacks, and souvenir photos after the tour.

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3. Stroll around the striking district of Nikiszowiec

Posted by Nikiszowiec - magiczne miejsce on Thursday, 14 February 2019

Known as the home to many unique architectural buildings of the early 20th century, Nikiszowiec is famous for its modern art galleries, magnificent church, and other attraction spots. It offers tourists a plethora of breathtaking scenes while exploring the whole district of Nikiszowiec. Also, while strolling around the place, you’ll get glimpses of what the place used to look like while watching other tourists hanging out around the area. Moreover, it’s the perfect spot for both professional and amateur photographers for the place will be a great subject to capture.

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4. Learn about the early life of the city of Katowice


Showcasing most of the interesting aspects of the life and times of the city of Katowice and its people, Katowice Historical Museum is an outstanding gallery giving a sneak peek into the life before of the city. Divided into two main sections, guests can wander around the well-conceived rooms of the three floors. Its interiors are a combination of the middle and upper classes decades ago. One of the famous exhibits it showcases is the ‘Z dziejów Katowice 1299 - 1865’ which tells the story of the early life of the city. Moreover, all the exhibits are in English.

Museum of the History of Katowice

Address: Szafranka 9, 40-025 Katowice, Poland

Website: Museum of the History of Katowice

Opening hours: Tue, Thu: 10am - 3pm; Wed, Fri: 10am - 5:30pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm (closed on Mon)

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5. Marvel at the uniqueness of the architecture of St. Mary's Church


St. Mary’s Church in Katowice is built from Silesian dolomite. This beautiful neo-Gothic church dates back to the 19th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Katowice. It features an eye-catching Langer 71-meter (233 ft) octagonal tower, although the church, as it stands today, is far smaller than was originally planned for. Nevertheless it is still one of the prettiest sights in Katowice and guests are welcome to visit every day. St. Mary’s Church is one of the loveliest churches in the country which is why tourists always make sure to visit whenever they’re in the area.

St. Mary’s Church

Address: plac Szramka 1, 40-014 Katowice, Poland

Website: St. Mary’s Church

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6. Explore the lovely Silesian Museum


Silesian Museum is known for hosting great art exhibits showcasing local and international talents. It’s perhaps the most beautiful museum in Katowice, from the quality of its exhibitions and architectural valor of subterranean chambers, it’s truly a sight to see. One of the prominent elements of the museum is the mine shaft hoist tower of the former Katowice Coal Mine. Today, its impressive steel structure has become an elevator-accessible viewing tower offering breathtaking views of Katowice and other Silesian suburbs. It’s a great place to go for a unique perspective of the town.

Silesian Museum

Address: Dobrowolskiego 1, 40-205 Katowice, Poland

Website: Silesian Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

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7. Visit Cathedral of Christ the King for its distinctive features


Known as Poland’s largest cathedral, Cathedral of Christ the King is a neo-classical piece of architecture which stands in the beautiful city of Katowice. Built during the ‘90s, it still has its old charm despite the development and renovation it undergoes. Its features include a large dome, colorful stained-glass windows, and a unique wheel crucifix making it a model of simplicity. Behind the church, you’ll be able to see the famous Archdiocesan Museum which contains a wide selection of a sacred art form from the past centuries up to the present. Visiting the church will be killing two birds with one stone.

Cathedral of Christ the King

Address: Plebiscytowa 49A, 40-041 Katowice, Poland

Website: Cathedral of Christ the King

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8. Check out the music festivals in Spodek

things to do in katowice poland | check out the music festivals in spodek
Source: instagram

Located in the heart of Katowice, Spodek is a multipurpose complex arena which is known as the largest indoor venue in Poland. It’s an icon and one of the most beautiful architectural objects of the country. Spodek started as a modern sports and entertainment facility which officially opened years ago. Since then, it continuously becomes a home to many great entertainment events, including concerts, sports events, and large festivals. It can accommodate thousands of guests, which is why it is where most international concerts take place. If ever you want to attend music festivals, this is the perfect place to experience them.

Spodek

Address: al. Korfantego 35, 40-005 Katowice, Poland

Website: Spodek

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9. Watch a play in Silesia's oldest theatre house


Known as the largest theatre in Silesia, Silesian Theatre is on the market square of Katowice. It’s also Silesia’s oldest theatre spot offering various types of plays to enjoy. From modern and bold staging plays to entertaining and comedic ones. There is surely something to choose for everyone. If you’re bringing your whole family with you, it’s ideal to watch their comedic kid-friendly plays. One of the things to love about this old theatre is the fact that it’s able to retain its old charm despite its modernization and redeveloping. Moreover, you will surely enjoy their plays because of the great portrayals of the characters.

Silesian Theatre

Address: Rynek 10, 40-003 Katowice, Poland

Website: Silesian Theatre

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10. Visit Katowice's largest monument


Known as one of the most significant monuments in Poland, this vast structure is a famous landmark of Katowice. Silesian Insurgents’ Monument signifies the commemoration of the three post-WWI Polish uprisings against the German authorities. Its enormous bronze wing symbolizes the heroism and sacrifices of the insurgents. Its wings reach approximately 14 meters (46 ft) tall, making it one of the tallest monuments in Poland. Also, it stands on the city’s Red Army Cemetery. It’s a beautiful place to see for yourself and take pictures.

Silesian Insurgents’ Monument

Address: al. Korfantego, 40-959 Katowice, Poland

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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11. Grab a beer at Browariat Craft Beer Zone


If you’re looking for a place with great music and great drinks, Browariat Craft Beer Zone is the place to go. Located in the heart of Katowice, this intimate bar welcomes travelers with a good drink. Starting from Bavarian brews, Browariat has grown significantly since then. It offers a wide selection of alcohol that will fit all, from personal preferences to must-try beverages. Surely, everything it serves will quench your thirst in the most pleasant way. What are you waiting for? Visit Browariat and enjoy the richness of bitter and sweet crafted flavor beers.

Browariat Craft Beer Zone

Address: Francuska 11, 40-015 Katowice, Poland

Website: Browariat Craft Beer Zone

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11pm; Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 5pm - 2am; Sun: 6pm - 10pm

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12. Learn about computer history at Muzeum Historii Komputerów i Informatyki


Founded in 2012, Katowice Museum of the History of Computers and Computer Science houses over 200 machines which include dozens of computers that the country is no longer producing. It exhibits large exposition of native computers like Elwro 804, Wrocław, and Meritum 3 that don’t exist anymore. The museum shows the history of the existence of computers year ago–what these machines look like before the Digital Age. It’s the perfect place to visit for tourists who love learning a thing or two about computer history.

Muzeum Historii Komputerów i Informatyki

Address: Sienkiewicza 28, 40-061 Katowice, Poland

Website: Muzeum Historii Komputerów i Informatyki

Opening hours: Sat: 3pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Sun)

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13. Tour the grand Goldstein Palace

Katowice - Pałac Goldsteinów 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lestat used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Built by Abraham and Joseph Goldstein, Goldstein Palace is a two-story Neo-Renaissance mansion featuring an Italian style. It is currently undergoing a renovation including front elevations, a garden elevation with an adjoining terrace, a balcony, and a five-story tower. To match its former decor, the interiors and stylings are the same with a touch of modernity. The palace was for solemn meetings of the City Council, but, it has now become one of the famous tourist spots in the city. Tourists will surely love the grandeur and luxury of the whole place.

Goldstein Palace

Address: plac Wolności 12A, 40-078 Katowice, Poland

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14. Visit the famous Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

Katowice NOSPR
Source: Photo by user EwkaC used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Known as the leading Polish orchestra, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice Poland is the cultural ambassador of Poland. It represents the country on the international art scene and has been the home to many greatest composers of the 20th century. It’s not only one of the most striking architectural buildings but it’s also one of the most acoustically pristine performance venues of all Europe. Its architecture is a result of the combination of Konior and Yasushisa Toyota collaboration making this a rich and visually striking performance hall that can seat thousands of people.

Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

Address: plac Wojciecha Kilara 1, 40-202 Katowice

Website: Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

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15. Indulge in delicious seafood at Via Toscana


Located on the second floor of the famous Altus Tower, Via Toscana contains an intricate interior, with archways, vines, lampposts, and mock balconies. While it’s already pleasing to the eyes, it’s also a dream place for food lovers. Featuring Argentinean beef, seafood, and great pickled salmon carpaccio on its menu, Via Toscano is as gratifying on the palette as it is on the eye. One of its specialties you should try is its octopus dipped in a white wine sauce with cherry tomatoes and arugula. Moreover, it’s both suited to romantic dates and business dinners.

Via Toscana

Address: Uniwersytecka 13, 40-007 Katowice,

Website: Via Toscana

Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)

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16. Spend a relaxing time at Vanil Day Spa

Przygotuj swoją skórę na wiosnę!!! Zapraszam na peeling kawitacyjny(oczyszczanie za pomocą ultradźwięków) z maską algową...

Posted by Vanilla Day Spa-Instytut Zdrowia i Urody on Monday, 18 March 2013

If you want to have some time relaxing, Vanil Day Spa in Katowice is the place to be. It offers a plethora of treatment to choose from such as beauty treatments and vegan body massage which includes a foot bath, foot scrub, and a relaxing massage. Guests can enjoy having hard massages and light massages–whichever they prefer. Also, its features include a sauna, a steam room, and a spacious relaxing room for guests to stay after their treatments. Moreover, it serves cold drinks, dried fruits, and nuts upon guests’ arrival. So if you’re looking for the perfect spot to get a natural glow, this is the place to go.

Vanil Day Spa

Address: Kłodnicka 31, 40-703 Katowice, Poland

Website: Vanil Day Spa

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

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17. Let your kids have fun at Nibylandia


Known as Nibylandia, Hall Playroom Neverland Katowice is a complex built with children’s enjoyment in mind. It’s an ideal place to bring your children at while in Katowice for it will guarantee the enjoyment of your kids will be experiencing during your visit. Located in a large hall with a floor area, it contains safety facilities to make sure the children will not be exposed to harm while playing games. Also, its interior and decor contain colorful designs and characters from fairy tales, which will surely bring happiness to your kids.

Hall Playroom Neverland Katowice

Address: Pawła Kołodzieja 44, 40-749 Katowice, Poland

Website: Hall Playroom Neverland Katowice

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

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18. Shop in Katowice's famous Silesia City Center

Silesia City Center
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kris Duda used under CC BY 2.0

Nestled between Katowice and Chorzów on an old coal mine site, Silesia City Center is something to explore while in the city. It easily trumps all, from retail, gourmet, and entertainment–tourists will surely have a lot of fun exploring the whole place. Various shops, restaurants, beauty salons, and massage studios fill the place. Also, its Gothic architecture adds attractiveness to the place. Moreover, tourists will also be able to see the famous red-brick St. Barbara’s Chapel and the historic remains of the tower, which is now the symbol of the center. It’s the best spot to indulge in a little bit of shopping.

Silesia City Center

Address: Chorzowska 111, 40-101 Katowice, Poland

Website: Silesia City Center

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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19. Explore the beauty of the woodsy Kościuszko Park


Known as one of the most central parks of Katowice, Kościuszko Park is a beautiful wooded park which has grown in size and variety. Featuring unique species of trees and shrubs such as linden, cherry, azaleas, and beech, guests will surely love exploring its beauty. Also, it contains classic English gardens having an avenue of roses and the usual English flower beds. Moreover, there are crafty sculptures, the wooden Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the exotic Parachute Tower to see while in the park. If you want to see rare sights, this is the place to be.

Kościuszko Park

Address: Kościuszki, 40-001 Katowice, Poland

Website: Kościuszko Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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20. Stroll along scenic Ulica Mariacka

things to do in katowice poland | stroll along scenic ulica mariacka
Source: instagram

Known as one of the most photogenic lanes in Poland, Ulica Mariacka is the most atmospheric streets of Gdansk. Nestled between the waterfront of St. Mary’s Gate and the beautiful St. Mary’s Church, it’s truly a beautiful place to visit. Also, it’s the only street containing a complete row of terraces making the place look like its something out of the movies. Moreover, for the past few years, it has been continuously being filled with life. With artisan jewelry shops, great cafes, and bars, this place has never been more alive.

Ulica Mariacka

Address: 80-833 Gdańsk, Poland

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21. Indulge in a delicious breakfastat Lokal Bakery


Located in the busy streets of Misjonarzy Oblatow, Lokal Bakery is the best place to visit for tourists who can’t live without having their taste of bread, especially in the mornings. Lokal Bakery is a craft bakery which serves various types of dishes apart from bread, of which the ingredients are their own products. Also, its menu has a plethora of croissants, brioches, and more. One of the tasty treats to try is the bagel with salmon and cheese, which is popular to both locals and tourists. Moreover, you’ll surely love the place for its cozy ambiance and, well, its to-die-for bread meals.

Lokal Bakery

Address: Misjonarzy Oblatów MN 29, 40-129 Katowice, Poland

Website: Lokal Bakery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 8:30am - 4pm

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Visit the most underrated city of Poland

Vista of Katowice, Poland
Source: Photo by user Midnight Believer used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Ever wonder what would it be like to wander around the magical city of Katowice? Imagine yourself walking along with cobblestones, witnessing architecture you’ve never seen before, and experiencing scenes you only get to see in the movies. Katowice may be the most underrated city of Poland, but it sure has a lot of things in store for you. To start your exploration, listed above are the things you can do while you’re in this amazing city.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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