Фотогалерея ‒ Katowice, Poland

Guide to Katowice

A virtual tour of the city

Katowice is a city that proudly carries the title of the capital of Upper Silesia since its establishment. As a relatively young city founded in the 19th century, it has become a cultural, administrative, scientific, economic, and transportation center of the Silesian Voivodeship. Despite its status, its population is just over 300,000 people.

Walking through its streets, one can momentarily forget that Katowice is located in Poland. It was created by an ethnic group of Polish Germans, and some quarters belong to French immigrants. Therefore, the architecture in Katowice is truly unique.

The city is home to several coal mines. Active mining operations still take place today, sometimes giving the impression of a slight earthquake in Katowice. However, this adds a special charm to the city that lasts only for a moment.

Additionally, Katowice is the largest trade and exhibition center in Poland. Several industrial and business fairs are held here annually. The city boasts numerous modern shopping centers that rival those in Warsaw.

Katowice is truly an amazing city where everyone, whether a scientist, industrialist, businessman, architect, or artist, can find what they are looking for in terms of work and leisure.

Photos of Katowice

Tips for tourists

Lovers of gastronomic tours should visit Katowice on May 28 - the annual feast of kašanka (one of the dishes of the national cuisine - homemade sausage).
Cyber athletes will enjoy watching ESL One Katowice, the international cybersports championship, which is also hosted by Katowice.
The Golden Donkey vegetarian place deserves special attention and regularly hosts music and poetry evenings.
Population
325 000
Time zone
GMT+1
Language
Polish
Currency
PLN (Polish zloty)

Tours to Katowice

Katowice is not considered a traditional tourist destination, so the vacation scheme in the city is not as well-established as in other Polish cities. Visitors usually stay in Katowice for a few hours or at most a day to make a transfer during their flight.

A self-arranged vacation in Katowice can cost from 650 EUR for a week-long stay (including flights, accommodation, and meals). During this time, you can thoroughly explore not only the city's attractions but also the entire Silesia region. For example, you can visit a dozen of its ancient castles (such as Olsztyn, Mirów, and Bobolice, which are the most famous), or explore the ruins of former palaces that were once symbols of grandeur (such as Bankowiec, Pilica, and Smolęcin).

Another interesting experience is a walk through the industrial district of Katowice, known as Nikiszowiec, where most of the city's coal mines are located. Guided tours are available to witness the process of silver or coal mining. For those who prefer a more urban atmosphere, beer or bread museums might be of interest.

Interesting places in Katowice

Every guest of Katowice should take a walk around the Main Square of the city to appreciate the comfort created for residents and tourists. For those who are more interested in the historical heritage of Katowice, there are several churches, museums, and palaces to explore.


For those who want to relax in a beer-friendly atmosphere, local bars with barrels of craft beer welcome you with open arms.

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Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

Katowice International Airport (IATA: KTW; ICAO: EPKT) is located in the village of Pyrzowice, about 30 km from the center of the Silesian capital. The airport serves over 3 million passengers annually. Most of the flights are operated by low-cost carriers, earning Katowice Airport the reputation of being Poland's budget air hub.

The best hotels in Katowice

Katowice is a relatively affordable city when it comes to the cost of infrastructure services. There are plenty of budget accommodations available, such as hostels and guesthouses. However, there is also an abundance of luxury apartments in the capital of Silesia.

The price for a twin room with two separate beds in a hostel (e.g., Katowice Centrum) starts from 23 EUR per night. The cost of a twin room in a two-star hotel (B&B Hotel Katowice Centrum, Hotel Katowice Economy) ranges from 40 EUR per night.

A similar room in a three-star hotel (Katowice, Campanile Katowice, Best Western Mariacki Katowice) will cost from 50 EUR, while in a four-star hotel (Novotel Katowice Centrum, Q Plus Katowice, Park Inn by Radisson Katowice), it will be from 60 EUR. Luxury 5-star hotels (Hotel Monopol) offer a twin room for a price starting from 100 EUR per night.

The cost of vacation

Katowice is a modest city, but it can be interesting to spend a few days here before heading to Western European countries. The locals are always welcoming to tourists, and the prices are quite affordable. We have estimated an approximate budget for a four-day and three-night trip, based on the following expenses:

  • Flight to Katowice airport;
  • Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included;
  • Lunch and dinner at a restaurant;
  • Minimal cultural activities (e.g., visiting the Katowice zoo).

The budget for a trip to Katowice
Flight Accommodation from 23 EUR
Average bill in a restaurant from 10 EUR Excursion from 10 EUR
Fare Transport from 0.5 EUR
Total: From 317 EUR per person for a 4-day holiday

Katowice: tips for tourists

Tips from tripmydream will help make your vacation in Katowice perfect!

Visa to Katowice

For European citizens, no visa is required to travel to Italy.

The maximum duration of stay for tourists is 90 days within a 180-day period.

Transfer

The most practical way to get from the airport to Katowice is with a shuttle bus (booked in advance) for 13 EUR. An alternative is a taxi (from 40 to 65 EUR depending on the carrier company and the amount of luggage).

Car rental

To rent a car in Katowice, you must be over 21 years old, have a driver's license and have been driving for more than a year. This can be done in one of the offices or via the Internet. The cost of car rental is from 7.5 EUR per day.

Transport

Public transport in Katowice is buses, trams, trolleybuses. The most popular transport is the tram, there are more than 10 tram lines in the city. The fare in transport ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 EUR. The cost of a taxi, as a rule, does not exceed 18 EUR.

Safety

Katowice is a fairly safe city. More than 20 educational institutions are located here, attracting students from all over Europe. However, you should be careful about your own things. It is better to leave valuables and large sums in the hotel safe.

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