10 Reasons to Visit Katowice

10 Reasons to Visit Katowice

Katowice might not be the fist name on your holiday destination list, but it's well worth a visit. Here's why you should visit Katowice.

1. Katowice has a long history, and has changed hands many times. Today it's a multi-ethnic city, and is home to Poles, Germans, Jews and Silesians, who are native to this region of Poland.

2. The Industrial Revolution saw the city become important for coal and steel production. Katowice played a hugely important role in the development and modernisation of Poland.

3. Although it's arguably not as cultural as some other Polish cities, there is still plenty to see and do. The Wyspianski Silesian Theatre, as well as the many museums such as the Silesian Museum and the History of Katowice Museum, are well worth visiting whilst you're here. Many festivals and music concerts are held in the city all year round.

4. Katowice is well known for it's green spaces and parks, despite being an industrial city. This helps it to have amore relaxed atmosphere than some other industrial cities. Why not visit the Silesian Cultur and Refreshment Park, or the Tadeusz Kosciuszko Park, or the Zadole Park if you want to sit and watch the world go by. There are also many other smaller parks to be found within the city.

5. Modern skyscrapers, Drapacz Chmur which was one of the first skyscrapers in Europe, can be found in the city, as well as Modernist and Art Nouveau architecture, such as the Katowice Cathedral. If you're a fan of architecture and buildings, you'll be impressed with Katowice.

6. The Rynek area offers many shops and restaurants, if you want a break from he parks and buildings. You won't want to miss St Stephen's church, as it's well worth a visit too. The Silesian Insurgents Monument, the Silesian Library, and the Goldstein Palace shouldn't be missed either.

7. Perhaps surprisingly, Katowice has a thriving live music scene. As well as smaller local venues, such as the Jazz club, larger foreign acts tend to play concerts at the Spodek venue in the city. As well as playing modern music, Katowice is the home of the Polish National Orchestra too.

8. If you're looking to visit Katowice, then you'll be pleased to know that there is accommodation available for all budgets. No matter whether you want a bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel, you'll find somewhere to meet your budget.

9. Because there is a good transport infrastructure, it's easy to get round the country. If you're feeling adventurous, Vienna and Prague are only a few hours away by train.

10. A weekend in Katowice is not the normal weekend away, but it will make a pleasant and refreshing change if you're trying to avoid the usual stag or hen weekend destinations, and want something more than a beach and some sun.

Now you know more about some of the many things to see and do here, isn't it time you booked your flights to Katowice?

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