10 attractions ideal for a weekend in Katowice | PolishTrains
Do you associate Katowice with a very... industrial image? Don't worry, you are not the only one - but this heart of Upper Silesia has a lot to offer if you only let it be discovered. Let us tell you why it is worth visiting Silesia and what 10 attractions you should see during your city break in Katowice!
At a glance
At a glance
- Nikiszowiec was built from 1908 as a workers' estate for the Giesche colliery and attracts tourists worldwide
- Spodek arena in Katowice hosted the 2014 volleyball World Cup final and major international concerts
- Katowice's revitalised Market Square features an artificial river channel and seasonal palm trees
- Train journey time from Warsaw to Katowice is approximately 2.5 hours; from Kraków around 1.5 hours
- Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec represent contrasting approaches to Silesian industrial housing estate design
- The Silesian Museum is located on the grounds of the former Katowice coal mine in the city centre
1. Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec
Where to start when visiting Katowice? Of course, from the former mining settlements - after all, Silesia is famous for its coal mines. These two districts are a true monument to history - Nikiszowiec, with its almost 100-year-old tradition, is a perfect example of the local industrial architecture created for the miners of the "Giesche" coal mine and their families (over 5,000 people!). The charming brick tenements and cobbled streets attract - against all odds - tourists from all over the world to take a stroll, feel the unique atmosphere and immerse themselves in the past of this self-sufficient region.
The second mining district, Giszowiec, on the other hand, has a completely different character. Instead of brick walls, you will see charming houses among the greenery, more reminiscent of a village than an industrial district (composed of Upper Silesian peasant cottages). A walk around these two corners definitely shows the diversity of Katowice's architecture!
2. the market
The market square is a place not to be missed during any city break, right? But unlike Cracow, Wrocław or Poznań, the market square in Katowice is very modern (it was revitalised literally a few years ago). Nowadays, you can find an artificial stretch of river where deckchairs are set up - this place alludes to the River Rawa, which flows under the square's slab. They even set up palm trees here in the summer season! This is probably why this place has earned the nickname of Katowice's California.
As in any big city, there is always something going on at the market - perhaps you can catch a fair, a beer festival or a food truck rally?
3rd Route of Modernism Architecture
If you like walking, you cannot miss the so-called Route of Modernism, which is a tourist route leading through Katowice's most interesting buildings made in the modernist style (located mainly in the city centre). Strolling along this 5.5-kilometre-long trail, you can admire unique buildings - houses, villas, a church, offices - from the 1920s and 1930s, which impress with their simplicity and functionality. This is a real treat for fans of the inter-war period - both in terms of history and architecture!
4 Spodek
Did you know that the mecca of Polish volleyball is actually located in Katowice? Yes, it is the Spodek Sports and Entertainment Hall that hosts the biggest sporting events (the Poles won the 2014 volleyball World Cup final here), but not only that - the Spodek has also hosted the likes of Green Day, Metallica and Leonard Cohen. If you are visiting Silesia, take a look to see if there is an interesting event taking place here in the evening during your city break.
5. Convention Centre
Right next to the legendary Spodek is the International Congress Centre (ICC), one of the most modern conference venues in Poland. Opened in 2015, the venue impresses with its futuristic architecture - it is designed to resemble a lump of coal underground. Attention is particularly drawn to the green roof, which acts as an urban park accessible to walkers and offers the chance to admire the panorama of Katowice.
6. Monument to Silesian Insurgents
While in Katowice, it is also important to bite off a bit of history and remember the 3 Silesian uprisings of 1919-1921, when the Silesians fought to incorporate the region into Poland. How to do it? By visiting the monument to the three eagles' wings with a fire between them, located right next to Spodek and the ICC.
7 St Mary's Street
Cracow has Floriańska Street, Gdańsk has Dluga Street, Sopot has Monciak, and Warsaw has Nowy Świat... So where do we go in the evening in Katowice? To Mariacka Street, which is a party promenade with restaurants and bars on each side. Here you are sure to find something perfect for you - for every hunger or taste.
8. Silesian Museum
Have you ever visited a museum located on the site of a former mine? If not, then a visit to the Silesian Museum in Katowice (the site of the "Katowice" coal mine) is a must, as it will allow you to increase your knowledge of the history and art of the region - and this at a depth of 14 metres below the surface! You can already imagine the unique atmosphere and character of the place. When you have finished viewing the exhibits, sacred art and paintings, ascend the observation tower located at the top of the "Warszawa II" shaft and enjoy the magnificent view of the entire area.
9. Silesian Park with the "Elka" cable car
Who would have thought that Katowice is home to the second largest park in Europe, which is even bigger than... the famous Central Park in New York! So this green land that is the Silesian Park is not to be missed during your city break in this city (although you will find that administratively it belongs to Chorzów, it lies on the border of Katowice, so don't worry that you will have to commute far - remember that Silesia is a real agglomeration).
There are plenty of attractions in the Silesian Park to tempt locals and tourists alike. The Silesian Merry-Go-Round, the ZOO, the Planetarium, the Ethnographic Park, the Silesian Stadium (yes, the one with athletics and concerts by David Podsiadlo) - you choose! Especially recommended is a ride on the cable car "Elka", the longest lowland railway in Europe, which allows you to look at all these places from above!
10. Dolina Trzech Stawów
No, it's not the famous Valley of Five Ponds in the Tatra Mountains, but it's the perfect place to spend a quiet evening in what is considered a very industrial city (the best alternative to Mariacka Street). It is a popular location with the residents of Katowice, as it offers numerous cycling (including a rental point) and walking paths, a volleyball court, a mini beach, and the possibility of a picnic. On warm days, you can also enjoy a swim in one of the lakes and, in the evening, catch a pleasant concert.
City break in Katowice? Take the train!
Katowice - with its unique combination of industrial heritage and modern attractions - is the perfect place for an unforgettable city break. If you are starting to plan a trip to the heart of Upper Silesia, decide to arrive by train to ensure not only a comfortable and economical journey, but also easy access to the city. On the PolishTrains website, you will find all the necessary information about connections and buy your ticket without any problems, which will help you plan a stress-free and enjoyable trip. Choose a train and enjoy a comfortable journey, then discover the unique attractions of Katowice!
