Things to See in Katowice

Katowice, the capital of Silesia, is a hotspot of modernity and energy; it is one of the most interesting cities to discover in Poland. It is known for its industrial past and vibrant artistic and cultural scene. From its former mining city status, the history of Katowice and Upper Silesia is incredibly complex and marked by uprisings, plebiscites, and an autonomous state within Poland.

Walking through the city, you will admire the perfect mix of modernity, industrial past, and experimentation. It is the city in Poland where the past and present coexist best, making it an intriguing place.

The Katowice region is rich in coal; mining has put this area on the map and contributed to its prosperity. In addition to factories and repurposed industrial sites, the city boasts numerous historic attractions and Art Nouveau buildings. This is why we've created a guide on what to see in Katowice and the surrounding area in one or more days.

Silesian Museum

The first thing that will catch your attention is the gigantic frame of the former Katowice mine that now houses the Museum. The large industrial-era structure has been transformed into a beautiful museum covering an area of 25,000 square meters over three levels.

The Silesian Museum tells the complex story of Silesia bordering Germany and the Czech Republic. It was established around the 1920s, was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, and was rebuilt after the war. Visiting the Silesian Museum means taking a journey through history, where you will find a collection of Polish art from the 19th century to the present, along with photography and archaeology.

Silesian Theater

It is one of the city's wonders dating back to 1907, when Katowice was under German territory. It was designed by the famous German architect Carol Moritz from Cologne. The theater is located in the market square and is the largest building dedicated to the dramatic arts in the region.

It is named after a Polish writer and painter from the modernist period. Today, the theater presents a calendar of Polish and foreign dramas and comedies.

Cathedral of Katowice

The Cathedral of Christ the King in Katowice is an imposing structure made of sandstone, designed and built between 1927 and 1955. It is the largest Archcathedral in Poland and features stunning artwork and impressive stained glass.

Nikiszowiec District

The main cultural heritage of Katowice consists of buildings and sites constructed during the city's intense industrialization in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was then that new neighborhoods were built for miners. The Nikiszowiec district offers the best insight into this type of architecture and is certainly worth a visit.

Museum of Computer History and Informatics

This fascinating museum showcases 40 years of computer and information technology evolution. You will find 250 different computers that will make you reflect on the complexity of their structure. In addition to the main exhibit, the museum sometimes features temporary exhibits related to specific events.

Zoo

For the little ones, don't miss a visit to the zoo, which features 3,600 plant specimens and 400 animal species, a peaceful and fun corner in the heart of the city.

Museum of the History of Katowice

Housed in a 1908 palace on Ulica Szafranka, the Museum of History is the perfect place to learn about the city's rise and its industrial past. You can admire a permanent exhibit alongside several temporary ones. You will see period furniture, personal items, appliances from bourgeois and wealthy industrial families, and learn about Katowice's humble origins as a rural settlement in 1200.

Goldstein Palace

Goldstein Palace is one of the most representative buildings in Katowice. Built in the late 19th century in neo-renaissance style, it has served as a chamber of commerce and a theater over the years.

Today, it houses a civil registry, but it's worth entering to see the beautiful staircase and the gilded halls.

St. Mary's Church

With the city's boom in the mid-19th century, all the new residents needed a place of worship. Thus, St. Mary's Church was built in 1860. Although a relatively new construction, it was created by incredible artists of the time. The stained glass was painted by Adam Bunsch, while the paintings on both sides of the nave, known as the "Marian Cycle," were done by Józef Unierzyski.

Downtown

In Śródmieście, the downtown area, created in the 19th century, you will find some of the most stunning examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Stroll down Ulica Mickiewicza, especially admiring the corner building at No. 22, and reach the Monopol Hotel at Ulica Dworcowa 5. Visit the Market Square, a masterpiece of 19th and 20th-century architecture, featuring modernist, neoclassical, and socialist buildings.

Spodek

Don't miss a visit to Spodek, one of the oldest structures in the city. The building, resembling a flying saucer, hosts sporting events, concerts, and events.

After a stroll at Spodek and the city's attractions, there is no better place to take a break than at the green space in downtown: Kościuszko Park. Surrounded by an English-style park composed of dozens of different species of trees, you will find long pathways, flower beds, and playgrounds for children. In winter, the park features a large skating rink. Don't forget to visit the Guitar Museum, where you will find an incredible collection of instruments.

Valley of Three Ponds

Krakow

Auschwitz

Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Jasna Gora

Cieszyn

Ustron

Skokzov

Beskid Mountains

Silesian Castles

When to Visit Katowice? The best time to visit is from June to September when temperatures are mild, making it pleasurable to walk around the city.

Katowice is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. During winter, temperatures drop below zero, which is why you will find frost and snow in many areas. Summer temperatures can reach up to 77°F.

Below is the map with the best attractions in Katowice.