TOURISM
Tourism
Katowice is a booming metropolis in the Southern part of Poland. If you are not Polish, you probably have not even heard the name “Katowice” before.
In fact, it is known that cities like Kraków and Warsaw are more often mentioned and known all over the world and as the major cities that are also popular among tourists.
Polish people have probably already asked you: “Why Katowice? There is nothing for you to do here, this is such an ugly industrial city”.
Well, we suggest you to open your eyes let Katowice shows you it’s beautiful wonders! Go along the city either by bike, public bus, tramway, or car and discover them all!
Katowice: The "City of music"
Katowice is considered the UNESCO city of music since 2015.
This designation is one of the main reasons why tourists come to this city and experience its vibrant concerts especially its Jazz culture and festivals.
In fact, the city hosts annual Jazz festivals like the Rawa Blues Festival, Silesian Jazz, OFF and Tauron Festivals that give importance to the city helping its economy that grows around 2.7 million euros annually.
Festivals, concerts and much more in Katowice
Art and Architecture
If you are an avid lover of architectures and old buildings Katowice will be an incredible surprise for you.
Its neo-classicism, modernism and eclecticism type of architectures make it marvellous. To give you an example, Nikiszowiec (in the pic), Bogucice and Giszowiec are three beautiful districts very interesting to visit characterized by a unique atmosphere and bounded with history and culture.
Having a cup of coffee among one of those old bakeshops and walking among its buildings, will surely takes you back to 19th century. The Arch Cathedral of Christ the King and the former Silesian Parliament are also one of the historic architectures that deserved to be visited.
In addition, you can’t miss one of the famous landmarks in Katowice, “Spodek” (in the pic) which means “mini saucer” in Polish.
Its saucer- UFO like design it is already quite an attraction.
So, taking a selfie as Spodek as our background would surely give you many likes and ticked one bucket list while exploring Poland´s landmarks.
Besides Spodek, there is the International Conference Center – the biggest conference center in Poland. Its unique architecture and design are also an added attraction. It is designed like going up and under a mine.
Adjacent to the Congress Center is the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR), where concerts are being held.
What else to do in Katowice?
Explore the Market Square where you can see other old architectures, the old Silesian Theatre and festive food trucks, events, beer festivals while enjoying the artificial river under a Palm tree taken from a nearby city of Gliwice. The city has transformed and invested a lot to make this market square truly alive to attract locals and tourists alike. It is even still so festive to look at city square even in the tip of winter.
There are many things to do while exploring Katowice. The huge luscious green Silesian Park is also a wonderful place to visit during the summer period. A walk along this huge park would be such a wonderful relief from this busy metropolis. There is a Zoological Garden, Scansen – Ethnographic Museum, Planetarium, Football Stadium- where we hold our annual Football matches of the foundation and other fascinating attraction for all ages.
The live concerts during the summer also represents a wonderful bonus to this area and the Legendia Themed Amusement Park is quiet an attraction to the city for family with children. Katowice have grown from a well-known industrial city, to a city of diverse lively rich culture.
For more information and guided Katowice city guide, please visit: Tourism Information Centre run by Department of Katowice City Hall.
Tourist Information Centre:
Rynek 13, 40-098 Katowice,
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 9.00 – 19.00, Saturday 9.00 – 17.00
Sunday (during summer holidays) 09.00 – 13.00
Phone: (+48 32) 259 38 08
Phone/fax (+48 32) 259 33 69
E-mail: it@katowice.eu