Katowice

Poland

Katowice Katowice is the largest city in Upper Silesia and Poland's main industrial centre. A rich cultural life with theatres, the Silesian Museum and Philharmonic Orchestras and the Spodek concert hall caters for a population of about 300,000 in the city and 2 million if the surrounding cities of the Upper-Silesian Metropolitan Union are taken into account. The Spodek concert hall is emblematic of the city, appearing in many postcards and other images.

Located in the very middle of Silesia on the banks of the small river Rawa, Katowice's mix of modern and historical architecture, easy access to the Beskids and other Silesian cities makes it a top visitor destination. Spodek by night

Map of Katowice The city is at the intersection of major road and rail routes connecting Poland to the rest of Europe in all directions, with Katowice International Airport in nearby Pyrzowice. Until recently, the dominant economic sectors in the Katowice region were mining, steel, electrical machinery, electronics, and chemicals. Due to economic changes in Poland, heavy industry has given way to commerce and services.

The settlement of Kuźnica was founded here in 1397. Katowice was first mentioned as a village in the middle of dense forests in 1598. In the 18th century numerous work colonies sprang up here and around 1769-70 the Duke of Pless established an underground coal mine. The next industrial sites were the Hohenlohe steelworks in the village of Wełnowiec, founded in 1805, the Baildon steelworks in 1828 (named after their founder, a Scotsman), and the Wilhelmina zinc works in 1834.

Thanks to one of the first railway stations in the region, Katowice grew quickly and in 1873 it achieved the status of county town. In 1897 Katowice was formed into a separate urban district, which also included the suburban municipalities of Bogucice - Zawodzie, Dąb, Wełnowiec and Załęże. In 1889 one of the largest companies in Upper Silesia, the Kattowitzer Aktien-Gesellschaft, was set up with its headquarters in Katowice. As a result, major insurance companies and large-cap banks were attracted to the city. During the First World War, the steel industry continued to develop at a frenetic pace. Rail connections were also developed.

In the aftermath of the First World War and the three Silesian Uprisings, Katowice ended up within the borders of the Polish state. The Polish Government decided to give Silesia considerable autonomy with Katowice as a capital and home of the Silesian Parliament. It was the time of city's most intense growth (1922-1939). Second World War inflicted some light damage to the city: most of the pre-war architecture in the city center survived, through some of the more damaged buildings were replaced by new communist-era architecture.

In 1975 the neighbouring municipalities of Piotrowice, Ochojec, Panewniki, Kostuchna, Wełnowiec, Szopienice, Giszowiec, Dąbrówka Mała and Murcki were merged with Katowice. The main communications artery (al. W. Korfantego) was widened, old industrial buildings to the west of this road were demolished. To the east the historic Tiele-Winckler Palace was also demolished. On the market place, old buildings were replaced by communist-style shopping malls: "Zenit" and "Skarbek", and also the "Dom Prasy".

The construction of the Roundabout and the "Flying Saucer" (Spodek) Sports Hall (1962–71) had a significant impact. Other major constructions of the communist period include a number of outlying residential districts, such as Tysiąclecie district on the border of Katowice and Chorzów, the Paderewski district to the east of the city, the Południe district covering the suburbs of Kostuchna, Piotrowice, Ligota, and the Roździeński district.

In first decades of 21st century Katowice is going through another development phase. A new main train station connected to the modern shopping mall has built in the town center. The town square has been redeveloped, as has been the Roundabout area. A new Silesian Museum, National Radio Orchestra and a country's largest conference center were constructed near the town center in mid-2010s. Renovation of town center is still ongoing; the historic Old Train Station has been partially renovated as of 2019 and will likely be fully open to the public in 2020 as a new commercial center.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel Mural by Belgian artist ROA in Mariacka Tylna street The finest examples of Modernism (International Style inspired architecture (see suggested official map for a quick tour option) can be easily found in the city downtown. Central Katowice also contain a many Art Nouveau (Secesja) buildings along with the Communist-era giants such as Spodek multipurpose arena complex or Superjednostka housing block.

  • St. Michel Archangel. A small wooden church in the Kościuszko Park. One of the oldest buildings in the town. Dating to 1510, it formerly stood on a nearby village.
  • Cathedral of Christ the King, ul. Plebiscytowa 49a. Constructed in the mid-20th century, it is the largest archcathedral in Poland.
  • Jewish cemetery, ul. Kozielska 16. 06:00—19:00. Small Jewish cemetery within a larger communal cemetery, one of the few relics of the Jewish history in the town.
  • Franciscan Monastery in Panewniki and Basilica, ul. Panewnicka 76. Church and monastery from early 20th century. Surrounding it a park with small Catholiic shrines (a calvary).
  • Nikiszowiec. Part of the administrative district of Janów-Nikiszowiec, built between 1908 and 1912 to house workers in the backyard of their place of employment – Giesche (now Wieczorek) coal mine. Nikiszowiec is de facto an entire city district on its own, with a distinct architectural style, and one of the must-see locations. It hosts several museums and galleries, and an occasional festival.
  • Giszowiec. Another historical district of the town, similar to Nikiszowiec and nearby.
  • Silesian Zoological Garden. Large zoo on the border of Katowice and Chorzów
  • Silesian Amusement Park Legendia. The oldest amusement park in Poland, on the border of Katowice and Chorzów.
  • St. Mary's Church. A neogothic church in the city center.
  • Goldstein Palace. A neo-renaissance palace, which was built by two brothers, Abraham and Joseph Goldstein. The palace is representative for the building style of second part of the 1870s. Front elevations and interior staircases are decorated in typical neo-renaissance ornamentation. The opulent use of marble and sandstone testifies of the owner's wealth. It has two floors. It is owned by the city, which uses it as a marriage hall, and it can be accessed by the public.
  • Former Municipal Bathhouse. The oldest still surviving municipal office in the city, dating to late 19th century.
  • Church of the Resurrection. A neo-Roman Evangelical-Augsburg church in the Śródmieście district, built in 1856–1858, the first masonry church in Katowice. It is also one of the relatively few non-Catholic churches in this predominantly Catholic country.
  • Silesian Insurgents' Monument. A characteristic monument from 1967 to those who took part in the three Silesian Uprisings of 1919, 1920 and 1921. The wings symbolize the three uprisings, and the names of places where battles were fought are etched on the vertical slopes.

  • History of Katowice Museum, ul. Szafranka 9. Medium-sized museum containing exhibits relating to the local history.
  • Silesian Museum - Old Site, al. Korfantego 3 (next to the city square. The old site of the museum is a relatively small building with few exhibition rooms. Don't expect to spend more than half an hour there at most. Go the new much larger and better new site which is within easy walking distance.
  • Silesian Museum - New Site, ul. Dobrowolskiego 1. The new museum is a very large complex with world-class display of how people in Silesia lived through the times, plus a number of more traditional sections (paintings, sculptures, etc.) The museum complex stands on the grounds of an old mining complex, re-purposed for the museum.
  • Archdiocesan Museum, 39 Jordana St. Small church museum.
  • Silesian Pipe Organ Museum. University collection of pipe organs.
  • Wujek Coal Mine Memorial Museum. Small museum dedicated to one of the local coal mines, focusing on the major anti-communist demonstration from the 1980s, part of the Solidarity movement.
  • Katowice Neon Museum. A small museum of neon advertising signs.
  • Katowice Museum of Computers. Has over 3,000 different computers in its collections.
  • Walcownia - Museum of Zinc Production. A museum dedicated to one of local industries: zinc extraction and production.
  • Polish Radio Katowice Chamber Museum. A small museum dedicated to the history of local radio stations.

History of Katowice Museum, ul. Szafranka 9. Medium-sized museum containing exhibits relating to the local history.

Silesian Museum - Old Site, al. Korfantego 3 (next to the city square. The old site of the museum is a relatively small building with few exhibition rooms. Don't expect to spend more than half an hour there at most. Go the new much larger and better new site which is within easy walking distance.

Silesian Museum - New Site, ul. Dobrowolskiego 1. The new museum is a very large complex with world-class display of how people in Silesia lived through the times, plus a number of more traditional sections (paintings, sculptures, etc.) The museum complex stands on the grounds of an old mining complex, re-purposed for the museum.

Archdiocesan Museum, 39 Jordana St. Small church museum.

Silesian Pipe Organ Museum. University collection of pipe organs.

Wujek Coal Mine Memorial Museum. Small museum dedicated to one of the local coal mines, focusing on the major anti-communist demonstration from the 1980s, part of the Solidarity movement.

Katowice Neon Museum. A small museum of neon advertising signs.

Katowice Museum of Computers. Has over 3,000 different computers in its collections.

Walcownia - Museum of Zinc Production. A museum dedicated to one of local industries: zinc extraction and production.

Polish Radio Katowice Chamber Museum. A small museum dedicated to the history of local radio stations.

  • Rondo Sztuki, Rondo im. Gen. Jerzego Ziętka 1 (in the middle of a roundabout, close to Spodek hall. Two galleries and a cafeteria with concerts and parties.
  • Gallery "Szyb Wilson", 1 Oswobodzenia St. Motto: Before swallow us the fires - about spirituality of our factories. The gallery is inside the historical buildings that were formerly part of the local coal mine.
  • BWA Contemporary Art Gallery Katowice, 6 w. Korfantego. 10:00-18:00 except Mondays.
  • Parnas Contemporary Art Gallery, 10 Kochanowskiego St.

Rondo Sztuki, Rondo im. Gen. Jerzego Ziętka 1 (in the middle of a roundabout, close to Spodek hall. Two galleries and a cafeteria with concerts and parties.

Gallery "Szyb Wilson", 1 Oswobodzenia St. Motto: Before swallow us the fires - about spirituality of our factories. The gallery is inside the historical buildings that were formerly part of the local coal mine.

BWA Contemporary Art Gallery Katowice, 6 w. Korfantego. 10:00-18:00 except Mondays.

Parnas Contemporary Art Gallery, 10 Kochanowskiego St.

  • Katowice has several large parks, and some small forests in the city and nearby.
  • Katowice Forest Park. Large park and forest complex, the largest green area in the city. Popular site for walking and biking.
  • Kościuszko Park. A large park near the town center.
  • Valley of Three Ponds. Another large park in the city, connected to the Katowice Forest Park.
  • Silesian Park. One of the largest parks in Poland and Europe, on the border of Katowice and Chorzów. The Zoo and Amusement Park are (small) parts of it.

Katowice Forest Park. Large park and forest complex, the largest green area in the city. Popular site for walking and biking.

Kościuszko Park. A large park near the town center.

Valley of Three Ponds. Another large park in the city, connected to the Katowice Forest Park.

Silesian Park. One of the largest parks in Poland and Europe, on the border of Katowice and Chorzów. The Zoo and Amusement Park are (small) parts of it.

St. Michel Archangel. A small wooden church in the Kościuszko Park. One of the oldest buildings in the town. Dating to 1510, it formerly stood on a nearby village.

Cathedral of Christ the King, ul. Plebiscytowa 49a. Constructed in the mid-20th century, it is the largest archcathedral in Poland.

Jewish cemetery, ul. Kozielska 16. 06:00—19:00. Small Jewish cemetery within a larger communal cemetery, one of the few relics of the Jewish history in the town.

Franciscan Monastery in Panewniki and Basilica, ul. Panewnicka 76. Church and monastery from early 20th century. Surrounding it a park with small Catholiic shrines (a calvary).

Nikiszowiec. Part of the administrative district of Janów-Nikiszowiec, built between 1908 and 1912 to house workers in the backyard of their place of employment – Giesche (now Wieczorek) coal mine. Nikiszowiec is de facto an entire city district on its own, with a distinct architectural style, and one of the must-see locations. It hosts several museums and galleries, and an occasional festival.

Giszowiec. Another historical district of the town, similar to Nikiszowiec and nearby.

Silesian Zoological Garden. Large zoo on the border of Katowice and Chorzów

Silesian Amusement Park Legendia. The oldest amusement park in Poland, on the border of Katowice and Chorzów.

St. Mary's Church. A neogothic church in the city center.

Goldstein Palace. A neo-renaissance palace, which was built by two brothers, Abraham and Joseph Goldstein. The palace is representative for the building style of second part of the 1870s. Front elevations and interior staircases are decorated in typical neo-renaissance ornamentation. The opulent use of marble and sandstone testifies of the owner's wealth. It has two floors. It is owned by the city, which uses it as a marriage hall, and it can be accessed by the public.

Former Municipal Bathhouse. The oldest still surviving municipal office in the city, dating to late 19th century.

Church of the Resurrection. A neo-Roman Evangelical-Augsburg church in the Śródmieście district, built in 1856–1858, the first masonry church in Katowice. It is also one of the relatively few non-Catholic churches in this predominantly Catholic country.

Silesian Insurgents' Monument. A characteristic monument from 1967 to those who took part in the three Silesian Uprisings of 1919, 1920 and 1921. The wings symbolize the three uprisings, and the names of places where battles were fought are etched on the vertical slopes.

  • Concert Hall The Spodek, 35 W. Korfantego Ave (next the roundabout. A very characteristic building, shaped like a flying saucer. Hosts wide variety of concerts, performances and sports events.
  • International Congress Centre, Plac Sławika i Antalla 1 (next to the Roundabout and Spodek near the city center. Poland's largest conference center, built in mid-2010s.
  • Silesian Library, plac Rady Europy 1. Large modern regional library.

Katowice has several new, multi-screen cinemas and some surviving old, traditional ones. Check if films are shown dubbed or sub-titled.

Światowid, 7 3-rd Maja Street. The primary place for art-house film in the city centre.

Rialto, 24 St Jana St. An artist-run venue which specializes in more experimental film and music and has a lovely café too.

Cinema City - Punkt 44, 44 Gliwicka St. Modern multiplex cinema with approx 13 screens and IMAX 3-D system.

Cinema City - Silesia City Center, 107 Chorzowska St (inside Silesia City Center. Modern multiplex cinema with 13 screens.

Centrum Sztuki Filmowej - Kino Kosmos, 66 Sokolska Pl. For art-house films.

  • Silesian Theater, 2 Main Market. Katowice's main repertory theatre, the largest theater in Silesia, dedicated to Stanisław Wyspiański.
  • Theatre Korez, 2 Main Market. 2 Plac Sejmu Slaskiego. Well known for being involved in some of the most cutting-edge theatre in the city.
  • Theatre A Part. A contemporary visual and physical theatre group, formed by Marcin Herich, actor, director and organizer of theater events. They are also organizers of A Part Theater Festival
  • Silesian Theatre of Doll and Actor Ateneum, 10 Sw. Jana St. One of the oldest doll's bands in Poland. They are organizers of International Festival of Doll Theaters Katowice - For Children.
  • Teatr 'Gry i ludzie', 2 Niepodległości Av. Experimental and mainly outdoor theatrical group having their scene in the old railway station.
  • Teatr Żelazny Katowice, Armii Krajowej 40 40­ 698, +48 577-380-377. US$15.

Silesian Theater, 2 Main Market. Katowice's main repertory theatre, the largest theater in Silesia, dedicated to Stanisław Wyspiański.

Theatre Korez, 2 Main Market. 2 Plac Sejmu Slaskiego. Well known for being involved in some of the most cutting-edge theatre in the city.

Theatre A Part. A contemporary visual and physical theatre group, formed by Marcin Herich, actor, director and organizer of theater events. They are also organizers of A Part Theater Festival

Silesian Theatre of Doll and Actor Ateneum, 10 Sw. Jana St. One of the oldest doll's bands in Poland. They are organizers of International Festival of Doll Theaters Katowice - For Children.

Teatr 'Gry i ludzie', 2 Niepodległości Av. Experimental and mainly outdoor theatrical group having their scene in the old railway station.

Teatr Żelazny Katowice, Armii Krajowej 40 40­ 698, +48 577-380-377. US$15.

  • Silesian Philharmonic, 2 Sokolska St.
  • National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra Katowice, 2 Plac Sejmu Slaskiego (near the new complex of the Silesian Museum. The Orchestra got a new concert building in 2014. It's among the largest and most modern music venues in Poland and the world

Silesian Philharmonic, 2 Sokolska St.

National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra Katowice, 2 Plac Sejmu Slaskiego (near the new complex of the Silesian Museum. The Orchestra got a new concert building in 2014. It's among the largest and most modern music venues in Poland and the world

There is a lot of cultural events in Katowice. Exhibitions, concerts, festivals, spectacles and so on - they all happen in galleries, clubs and theaters. It is impossible to mention here all of them as they appear without any regular schedule. To get information on 'what's on', have a look at up-to-date Internet releases of conventional press like Ultramaryna or Gazeta Wyborcza: Co jest grane bringing cultural news for whole agglomeration. Below there is a list of events that happen at regular schedule.

  • Polish Directors' Art Festival "Interpretacje". Festival of theatres and TV drama - it's a competition of directors for "Konrad Prize".
  • "A Part" Theatre Festival. International review of alternative and experimental "OFF" theatres rather than classic ones.
  • Summer Theater Garden. "LOT" are summertime outdoor every weekend theatre meetings with comedy and cabaret spectacles. It is organized by Korez theatre.
  • ARTerie young art festival. Annual festival of students of art universities and faculties that take place in the autumn.
  • Grzegorz Fitelberg International Competition for Conductors. Prestigious open competition for conductors of all nationalities.
  • International Students' Festival of Folklore. Annual festival of folkloristic music and dance takes place at the end of August and the beginning of September in Katowice and in many other places in the region. It is organized by the Silesian University.
  • Mayday. Polish edition of international technoparty in "Spodek".
  • OFF Festival. First weekend of August. Possibly the most important new music festival in Poland.
  • "Rawa Blues" Festival. The biggest indoor blues festival in the world. It has happened every year since 1981, from the beginning Rawa Blues is led by the bluesman Irek Dudek.
  • Tauron Festival. Techno and dance rave that takes place in the Industrial Museum Complex, during August, not far from Spodek.

Polish Directors' Art Festival "Interpretacje". Festival of theatres and TV drama - it's a competition of directors for "Konrad Prize".

"A Part" Theatre Festival. International review of alternative and experimental "OFF" theatres rather than classic ones.

Summer Theater Garden. "LOT" are summertime outdoor every weekend theatre meetings with comedy and cabaret spectacles. It is organized by Korez theatre.

ARTerie young art festival. Annual festival of students of art universities and faculties that take place in the autumn.

Grzegorz Fitelberg International Competition for Conductors. Prestigious open competition for conductors of all nationalities.

International Students' Festival of Folklore. Annual festival of folkloristic music and dance takes place at the end of August and the beginning of September in Katowice and in many other places in the region. It is organized by the Silesian University.

Mayday. Polish edition of international technoparty in "Spodek".

OFF Festival. First weekend of August. Possibly the most important new music festival in Poland.

"Rawa Blues" Festival. The biggest indoor blues festival in the world. It has happened every year since 1981, from the beginning Rawa Blues is led by the bluesman Irek Dudek.

Tauron Festival. Techno and dance rave that takes place in the Industrial Museum Complex, during August, not far from Spodek.

  • for board gaming, collectible card gaming, and similar pursuits, get in touch with the Silesian Fantasy Club, or visit the "Erpegie" store/gaming club in the city center, or the "Ludiversum" board gaming cafe.
  • Katowice has a zoo, an amusement park, and a planetarium

for board gaming, collectible card gaming, and similar pursuits, get in touch with the Silesian Fantasy Club, or visit the "Erpegie" store/gaming club in the city center, or the "Ludiversum" board gaming cafe.

Katowice has a zoo, an amusement park, and a planetarium

Concert Hall The Spodek, 35 W. Korfantego Ave (next the roundabout. A very characteristic building, shaped like a flying saucer. Hosts wide variety of concerts, performances and sports events.

International Congress Centre, Plac Sławika i Antalla 1 (next to the Roundabout and Spodek near the city center. Poland's largest conference center, built in mid-2010s.

Silesian Library, plac Rady Europy 1. Large modern regional library.

Katowice has several large supermarkets, from general to specialized (electronics, home equipment), department stores (malls), and a wide variety of smaller shops. The largest, very modern department store include the shopping malls Silesia City Center (near the Roundabout) and Galeria Katowicka (in the city center connected to the Main Train Station).

For local handcrafts, gifts and such, ask or google for "Cepelia" stores. There are also several stores at the Katowice Airport, through selection is a bit smaller than what you'll find at the Krakow or Warsaw airports. The airport stores will carry more of the international tourist oriented items; Cepelia stores will have some rarer items.

There are many restaurants in Katowice, including international chains such as McDonald's, Burger King or Pizza Hut. Like elsewhere in Poland, majority of restaurants in Katowice represent European-style cuisine, in particular, Polish one, with a number of Silesian regional dishes. It is not uncommon for a restaurant menu to have an English description; similarly, younger staff may speak passable English.

In addition to restaurants accessible from the streets, there are also some to be found in large malls and shopping centers.

  • Bar Mleczny "Europa", ul. Mickiewicza 8, one of so-called "milk bars" where you can have a meal without spending a lot of money; milk bars are preferred by students and travelers without a fat wallet.
  • Deka Smak, Ul. Stawowa 10. Self-service restaurant where you pay for the weight of the food you chose.
  • Dobra Karma, Ul. św. Jacka 1. Healthy food (breakfasts, pizzas, soups, pastas), nice interiors, children welcome.
  • Złoty Osioł, Ul. Mariacka 1. Vegetarian bar having unusual atmosphere and events like poet meetings or concerts.

Bar Mleczny "Europa", ul. Mickiewicza 8, one of so-called "milk bars" where you can have a meal without spending a lot of money; milk bars are preferred by students and travelers without a fat wallet.

Deka Smak, Ul. Stawowa 10. Self-service restaurant where you pay for the weight of the food you chose.

Dobra Karma, Ul. św. Jacka 1. Healthy food (breakfasts, pizzas, soups, pastas), nice interiors, children welcome.

Złoty Osioł, Ul. Mariacka 1. Vegetarian bar having unusual atmosphere and events like poet meetings or concerts.

  • Buddha, Ul. Drzymały 9. Indian restaurant. Vegetarian and carnivore options.
  • CityRock, Ul. Chorzowska 9B. Kitschy American-style. The names of meals are in English.
  • Fantasmagoria, ul. Gliwicka 51. Polish and Ukrainian cuisine. Bright interior and a terrace in summer.
  • U Babuni, Ul. Kilińskiego 16. Rustic, wooden interior, traditional meals.
  • Zaklęty Czardasz, Ul. Kopernika 9. Hungarian restaurant and a winery in the cellar.
  • Hurry Curry, ul. Stanisława 1. Indian and Southeast Asian food, some vegetarian and vegan options available
  • Patio, ul. Stawowa 3. Lengthy menu of Silesian and Polish specialties from a family with 70 years in the business. Always high quality and served with a smile.
  • Wiejska Chatka, Plac Grunwaldzki 4, +48 32 350 30 10. 10:00-22:00. Traditional Silesian cuisine.

Buddha, Ul. Drzymały 9. Indian restaurant. Vegetarian and carnivore options.

CityRock, Ul. Chorzowska 9B. Kitschy American-style. The names of meals are in English.

Fantasmagoria, ul. Gliwicka 51. Polish and Ukrainian cuisine. Bright interior and a terrace in summer.

U Babuni, Ul. Kilińskiego 16. Rustic, wooden interior, traditional meals.

Zaklęty Czardasz, Ul. Kopernika 9. Hungarian restaurant and a winery in the cellar.

Hurry Curry, ul. Stanisława 1. Indian and Southeast Asian food, some vegetarian and vegan options available

Patio, ul. Stawowa 3. Lengthy menu of Silesian and Polish specialties from a family with 70 years in the business. Always high quality and served with a smile.

Wiejska Chatka, Plac Grunwaldzki 4, +48 32 350 30 10. 10:00-22:00. Traditional Silesian cuisine.

  • Patio-Park, Kosciuszki 101. The slightly more upscale cousin of Patio. Wonderful Polish cuisine, including a new seasonal tasting menu. Beautiful setting.
  • Kryształowa, Ul. Warszawska 5. Elegant place, Polish and Silesian meals. No prices in drinks menu; 10% for service is added to the tab.
  • Karcma pod Strzechom, Ul. Grzyśki 13. Polish mountain style cottage in the area of blocks of flats. They serve folk dishes mainly.
  • Marysin Dwór, Ul. Pukowca 17a. It is styled as countryside noble residence from old days and located in industrial area.

Patio-Park, Kosciuszki 101. The slightly more upscale cousin of Patio. Wonderful Polish cuisine, including a new seasonal tasting menu. Beautiful setting.

Kryształowa, Ul. Warszawska 5. Elegant place, Polish and Silesian meals. No prices in drinks menu; 10% for service is added to the tab.

Karcma pod Strzechom, Ul. Grzyśki 13. Polish mountain style cottage in the area of blocks of flats. They serve folk dishes mainly.

Marysin Dwór, Ul. Pukowca 17a. It is styled as countryside noble residence from old days and located in industrial area.

  • Hipnoza Jazz Club, Pl. Sejmu Śląskiego 2. One of most active places in Katowice. A lot of concerts, drinks and interesting dishes.
  • Elektro, pl. Sejmu Śląskiego 2, Hipnoza's cellar.
  • 2B3, Ul. Sienkiewicza 28.
  • GuGalander, Ul. Jagiellońska 17A. A bar, a scene, a gallery place with good music, concerts, spectacles and so on. Mariacka Street has the highest density of drinking establishments, among others:
  • Cooler Club & Lounge.
  • KATO. Local patriots, bar is in a constant state of being built.
  • Katofonia. Live rock, blues concerts.
  • Lemoniada, 4 Mariacka St. Two floors; the first with dance and pop music, the second with electro.
  • Lorneta z Meduzą. A bar inspired by bistros from the 1920s. Open 24/7. Every drink costs 4 zł, every snack - 8 zł. Full of bums and hipsters.
  • Pub Śruba. Students' place.

Hipnoza Jazz Club, Pl. Sejmu Śląskiego 2. One of most active places in Katowice. A lot of concerts, drinks and interesting dishes.

Elektro, pl. Sejmu Śląskiego 2, Hipnoza's cellar.

2B3, Ul. Sienkiewicza 28.

GuGalander, Ul. Jagiellońska 17A. A bar, a scene, a gallery place with good music, concerts, spectacles and so on.

Cooler Club & Lounge.

KATO. Local patriots, bar is in a constant state of being built.

Katofonia. Live rock, blues concerts.

Lemoniada, 4 Mariacka St. Two floors; the first with dance and pop music, the second with electro.

Lorneta z Meduzą. A bar inspired by bistros from the 1920s. Open 24/7. Every drink costs 4 zł, every snack - 8 zł. Full of bums and hipsters.

Pub Śruba. Students' place.

  • Inqbator, Ul. Dworcowa 2.
  • Mega club, Ul. Dworcowa 4.
  • Spiż, Ul. Opolska 22. A club with its own small brewery.
  • Carpe Diem, Plac Wolności 14. Katowice branch of Kraków's rock club.

Inqbator, Ul. Dworcowa 2.

Mega club, Ul. Dworcowa 4.

Spiż, Ul. Opolska 22. A club with its own small brewery.

Carpe Diem, Plac Wolności 14. Katowice branch of Kraków's rock club.

  • Arkada, 14a Bogucicka St.
  • Kwadraty, 10 Franciszkańska St.

Arkada, 14a Bogucicka St.

Kwadraty, 10 Franciszkańska St.

  • Katowice's area code (for landline numbers) is 32 when dialed from within Poland or +4832 from outside Poland.
  • There are not many places that offer web and other Internet access. But there are some:
    • Costa Coffee - on Stawowa Street near the station. Free good wireless.
    • Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport - Hot Spot
    • Dekadencja Private Club - 20 Mariacka St. Hot Spot (free of charge). Wireless does not always work.

There are not many places that offer web and other Internet access. But there are some:

  • Costa Coffee - on Stawowa Street near the station. Free good wireless.
  • Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport - Hot Spot
  • Dekadencja Private Club - 20 Mariacka St. Hot Spot (free of charge). Wireless does not always work.

Katowice is a generally safe city to stay in. Beware of the usual nuisance of petty theft (especially at Railway Station).

  • Important phone numbers: police: 997, fire department: 998, ambulance: 999, all three at common, universal number 112
  • Municipal guard: +48 32 986
  • Watch out for pickpockets in public transport and busy places.
  • Park your car in safe place, on a guarded parking if possible.
  • Most long-distance trains have compartments, choose the occupied ones so you don't ride alone. Also, during night, make sure that at least one person is not asleep.