Katowice In Your Pocket - March - June 2020

Events Events Maps Sightseeing Sightseeing Restaurants Restaurants NightlifeNightlife Shopping Shopping Hotels Hotels Maps

Katowice & Upper Silesia

No. 39, March – June 2020

Katowice’s Insta spots!

p.8

Industriada 2020

p.15

Art Naif Festival

p.15

City Guide

Contents

Katowice

Feature Selfie Time! Katowice's Top Insta spots!

p.8

Everybody look! They're taking selfies! Location: ul. Mariacka Tylna (p.30).

Foreword Feature Selfie Time! Katowice's Top Insta spots!

6 8

Events 12 Arrival & Transport

18

Polish Facts & Language

22

Katowice Sightseeing

26 Downtown Katowice 28 Cultural Zone 32 Southern Katowice 34 The Porcelain Factory 36 Nikiszowiec 38 Chorzรณw: Silesia Park 41

Activities & Experiences

44

Kids & Families

46

Around Upper Silesia The Eagles' Nests Cycle Trail 48 Industrial Tourism 50 Auschwitz-Birkenau 54 4

Cafes & Ice Cream

56

Local Flavours Traditional Silesian Dishes Polish Alcohol

58 76

Restaurants

60

Nightlife

78

Shopping

84

Directory

87

Hotels

88

Index

90

Maps

City Map Katowice Centre Nikiszowiec Silesia Park

Explore more content online: katowice.inyourpocket.com

24 29 39 43

Galeria Katowicka

3 rd oor, mezzanine 3 maja 30, Katowice

+48 577 818 088

Galeria Katowicka 3 rd oor, mezzanine 3 maja 30, Katowice

+48 577 818 088

Foreword Welcome to Katowice and issue 39 of Katowice In Your Pocket – your guide to the city and Upper Silesia! We've been in Poland over 20 years now, bringing you up-todate information every few months, and with a dedicated team of researchers and editors, you can rest assured our content hasn't languished for years! It's been an unusually warm winter, and with Spring in the air, this ushers in the beginning of a jam-packed festival season. Katowice as a UNESCO City of Music has a reputation for hosting some of the best music festivals in Poland (Tauron, OFF and Rawa Blues etc.) and this June will Tauron 2020 (p.16) will kick off the season! You can find all upcoming events in Katowice and beyond in our Events section (p.12). Don’t forget the transformation in Silesia has industrial tourism (p.50) leading the way, and unwittingly giving rise to #selfie crowds looking for the perfect Instagrammable spots to show off - no, really, we've even listed them (p.8)!. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing for kids to enjoy too (p.46) - there’s plenty to do indoors and out. Join us as we guide you through the best of what's on offer. Let us know how you get on via our Facebook page (/katowiceinyourpocket. com) and/or show us what you’ve seen by using the tag #Katowiceinyourpocket, or if you prefer, just use good old fashioned email: poland@inyourpocket.com.

Andrew Elliott, who has close ties to Poland, has been living here since 2016 when he finally decided to make the big leap from Scotland to get a more in-depth grasp of this fascinating country. Personal interests include astronomy, current affairs, food & drink, photography & videography! He even has a slight penchant for history.

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COVER STORY Two UFOs, Spodek (p.32) and the craft from Flight of the Navigator (1986) wait at the starting line in Silesia’s first UFO race! It’s easy to see why this is one of Katowice’s top Instagram spots (p.8), right?

Photo: Nomadic Julien @ Unsplash

PUBLISHER & STAFF Publisher IYP City Guides Sp. z o.o. Sp.k. ul. Karmelicka 46/51, 31-128 Kraków iyp.com.pl poland@inyourpocket.com Circulation 10,000 copies published 3 times per year Writer & Editor: Andrew Elliott Sales Consultant: Monika Szymanek (+48) 668 876 351 Events: Monika Boguszewska-Stopka (+48) 728 87 94 94, Katarzyna Mrozewska-Fenz, Patrycja Ples Research: Zuzanna Onuszko, Dominika Sosnowska, Aleksandra Sosnowska Layout & Maps: Marcin Jakubionek Social Media & Marketing: Juan Sarabia Copyright Notice Content and photos copyright IYP City Guides Sp. Z o.o Sp.k. unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

The brand name In Your Pocket and maps are used under license from UAB In Your Pocket (Bernardinu 9-4, Vilnius, LT, tel. (+370-5) 212 29 76).

Katowice's Rynek at night is a top Insta spot! | Photo: Kamil Feczko @ Unsplash

Selfie Time!

Katowice's Top Insta spots!

It's unavoidable these days, but anywhere you go on holiday, you'll see social media obsessed people taking part in mini photo sessions. Regardless of how you feel about the selfie crowds clogging up tourist spots, they certainly have an eye for top locations! Luckily for you, whether you're a selfie freak or not, the recommendations we have for you are great sightseeing spots in their own right - worthy of a good photo even for the family album!

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Selfie Time! Katowice's Top Insta spots!

With the prevalence of smartphones and their forever improving in-built camera tech, it’s been a blessing to be able to take high quality photos and videos whenever and however we want. Remember years ago when you’d see something cool as hell but not have the chance to capture the moment, only for your friends to think you were a bullshitter with no proof to your fantastical claims? No? Is it just us that are old enough to remember those times?

Well, we’re all experiencing a renaissance in photography, the chance to take amazing photos and videos within a heartbeat, all for the entire world to admire our artistic skills within minutes. True, this is the positive, but for the most part, despite having highly advanced tech in the palm of their hands, most people are just content to take photos of... their faces. Or cats. Even food. Endlessly. The all important Hashtag is added and the salivation begins; the very thought of their ‘like’ counter clocking up thousands of thumbs up or love hearts being the key driver. Sigh. It is an unfortunate negative that for some, social media has become an obsession, the photo being more important than truly experiencing what’s right in front of them.

Take a photo with a pretty bird on ul. Mariacka Tylna (p.30)!

Photo: Photo: Pawel Czerwinski @ Unsplash

Photo: Eaters Collective @ Unsplash

There’s a lot you can learn from a hashtag, inspiration, if you will, if you just take the time to scroll through endless photos using any given hashtag, there are often some true gems. To be more unique and stand out from the rest of the crowd, some people employ various camera techniques and angles to produce some quality photos that can put professionals to shame. Across Katowice there are some awesome places to take photos, whether they’re for selfies, photos to show friends and family, or for professionals to add to their portfolios. Here is a collection of our favourite spots we always love checking out. You’ll now have the locations, it’s just up to you to get creative.

It’s time to snap out of our little rant without delving further into an issue that is probably best handled by Psychiatrists. We’re writing a travel magazine for you, guiding you to the best sights across Silesia, so what gives with this social media analysis? It’s all fairly straight forward: on our travels across Poland, we often visit tourist hotspots or places along the way, and without fail, we always encounter groups of people taking simple holiday snaps, or as has become more common, people, often teens, unashamedly partaking in mini photo shoots. At first it seemed almost selfish to us, the #Instagram and #TikTok crowds hogging up perfect spots to take photos and videos for minutes at a time, posing in all manner of positions (one leg lifted, bum back, all to look taller and thinner, yeah! crouched, showing gang symbols with their hands, badass!), or dancing, but we realised that a lot of the time, these were not simply holidaymakers out to take some holiday snaps. These were people who had researched the best places to get that perfect photo. We were intrigued.

DOWNTOWN KATOWICE Whether you’re in Katowice for a day trip or slightly longer, the downtown area is compact with everything you need to see no more than 10 minutes walk away. On the modern main market square (Rynek, p.28), the space is a great place to just chill out during the day, but as the sun disappears and the luminescent lighting kicks in, observe as people begin to pose for photos in front of the lit up block shapes and multicoloured water fountains. We’ve done it, why don’t you?! The main strip, ul. Mariacka (p.28), is far more impressive these days than it was 10+ years ago when it was a normal road filled with parked cars, dodgy massage parlours, drunks and prostitutes. Now it’s filled with bars (the haunt of students!) and the impressive St Mary’s Church (P-12) at the end, observing all the sinners below! As photogenic as the street itself is, head round the corner to ul. Mariacka Tylna (and its connecting underpass) to find a mini street art Mecca (p.30)! Huge murals and small pieces of art adorn both sides of the street, making the perfect arty backdrop to any photo!

Document EVERYTHING you eat!

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Selfie Time! Katowice's Top Insta spots! great vibe for any visitor; so soak it all up and get your creative mind flowing and snap away. The district itself is quite small, so even aimlessly walking around, you’ll find some perfect photo locations. One of the top spots is the old Post Office with flower pattern painted on the outside, or the arches at the entrance to Centrum Zimbardo (p.40) on the Main Square (below).

Spodek, and the cultural zone (p.32), are full of selfie spots!

Heading back to the main square and in the direction of the UFO looking building in the distance, you will walk past what looks like a river...and palm trees?! Yup! Katowice’s own ‘urban beach’, even kitted out with deck chairs! Show off on a sunny day at the water’s edge and snap away!

CULTURAL ZONE One of the highlights of the entire Silesian region, let alone Katowice, is the cultural zone (p.32). Not only does it look cool as hell, and functioning as a top tourist sight in its own right, it embodies the exciting new face of the region, full of events and things to see and experience.

Very multifunctional, indeed! But that’s not what this is about, right? Sure, there’s a full calendar of events and exhibitions (p.12) to take in here, whether it’s in the UFO Spodek, EMCEK International Congress Centre, the fantastic NOSPR or the Silesian Museum... the fact is, all these buildings are designed in such a funky way that they’ve become a bit of a Mecca for locals and visitors alike to take some awesome photos. Be it in front of Spodek, on the grass covered roof of EMCEK, the distinctive red walls of NOSPR or the glass blocks at Silesian Museum, your photos are going to turn out great, and all while sightseeing!​​​​​​​

BE ONE WITH NATURE! There’s no image quite like any other than when you show yourself connecting with nature, whether it’s hugging a tree, laying amongst a nice green patch of grass with flowers, or going full on Dr. Dolittle with the wildlife. We don’t quite expect you to talk to the animals (your call), but we have two perfect locations to get away from the bustle of the city - two green gems in Silesia! The first is the Valley of Three Ponds in Southern Katowice (p.34) which is essentially a vast park joining onto Katowice Forest, dotted with large ponds, it’s a pleasant place to relax...or takes selfies with nice trees. Easier to get to is Chorzów’s Silesia Park (p.41), again, a huge park with numerous attractions from a modern sports

Pose - check. Filter - check. On form selfie game!

Photo: Adobe Stock

stadium, zoo and dinosaur park, cablecars, rope park, amusement park, alley with murals, and most importantly for you, a Rosarium. Huh? Well, it might not sound too exciting, but inside is the rather funky Aleja Róż (Rose Alley) which is made up of a framed canopy with roses lining the entire length, and when in bloom, looks bloody fantastic! Unsurprisingly, it’s popular with teenage girls looking for the perfect photo with the flower that symbolises love!

Intriguing #Nikiszowec (p.38) - use any tags you like #Kato #Katowice

NIKISZOWIEC Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better for photos, it’s time to take a step back in time, to some real postindustrial tourism (p.50) - the former workers’ district of Nikiszowiec (p.38). Practically every nook and cranny is awesome. The old darkened bricks, with red painted window sills, the characteristic streets, they all play a part in creating a 10

These are just a few top recommendations from us on where to take some awesome photos on your visit to Katowice, whether it’s for your social media profile to give yourself an ego boost, or to show the folks back home how pleasantly surprising Silesia is, the photo ops even in the handful of suggestions we’ve provided are HUGE. To show everyone how you got on, the main hashtags to use are (fairly obviously) #Katowice #Kato and to keep us informed, go on, also use #Katowiceinyourpocket - we’re sure to love your photos! Happy snappin’.

Boutique - Atelier

Symbols of precious moments Lilou is an upscale polish jewelry brand created by Magdalena Mousson-Lestang.

Lilou’s philosophy is to create unique, engraved j e w e l r y , customized and customizable to mark events, small and big stories of your life, emotions or simply to please or be pleased. Real caskets in terms of architecture, Lilou Boutique - Atelier are warm and inviting stores where engraving is handmade on demand.

Lilou jewelry is made of 14k gold, 925 silver or 23 k. platedgold, and can be accessorized with strings, ribbons, leather bracelets and precious stones, crystals and pearls.

Mark stories of your life by creating unique, engraved jewelry.

KATOWICE, 15 Dworcowa Street SILESIA CITY CENTER, 107 Chorzowska Street lilouparis.com /bemylilou

/bemylilou

Events

Industriada 2020 (p.15 ) | photo:radoslaw_kaz

EVENTS BY DATE 20.03 19:00-23:00 » ST. PATRICK’S DAY @ GUIDO MINESHAFT

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a fantastic holiday of revelry and celebration of everything Irish by descending 320 meters into the Guido coal mine, where the amazing Celtic journey awaits you! The multimedia spectacle featuring music, dance and spectacular animation will be performed by the Celtic music band Jig Reel Maniacs, the Irish dance group Tuatha & Ellorien and Visual Jokey Tomasz Frąszczak. There will also be plenty of soulful Scottish, Irish and Welsh prose and poetry, recited in the original Celtic language. Join the green celebration! QGuido Mineshaft, ul. 3 Maja 93, Zabrze (Centrum Południe), tel. (+48) 32 271 40 77, Tickets 45zł, www.kopalniaguido.pl.

27.03-29.03 » GLOBALLY TOURISM FAIR

GLOBally International Tourism Fair is one of the biggest events of this kind in Poland, boasting thousands of visitors each year. The trade fair is an excellent opportunity for travel agencies, as well as companies providing services to the tourism industry to exchange information, prepare for the summer season, and establish new business contacts. It is also an opportunity for customers to take advantage of a wide range of offers from tour operators and travel agencies.

The fair is open both to professionals as well as tourists 12

looking for individual solutions and ready-made forms of recreation, hiking, cycling, and mountaineering. QO‑10, International Congress Centre, Plac Sławika i Antalla 1, Tickets 12/8zł. Three day pass 30/20zł, www.globalnie. fairexpo.pl.

26.03 - 10.04 » EASTER FAIR

After December’s Christmas Fair, it’s time for the Easter Fair - this time around the wooden stalls will be filled with decorated eggs, woven baskets, sheep made out of sugar lumps, Easter palms, seasonal baked goods, and various pastel-colored craft items. Might be a good place to pick up a souvenir or two and sample some rye soup and dumplings.QN‑12, Rynek, Admission free, www. jarmarkslaski.pl.

17.04 - 03.05 » RESTAURANT WEEK

Calling all foodies: Restaurant Week is taking over Poland: with restaurants participating in over 30 cities scattered across 13 Polish regions, the festival presents us with the opportunity to partake in a unique dining experience that varies depending on your city of choice. For a week this Spring, you’ll have the chance to sample special threecourse meals from top Katowice restaurants for the price of 49 PLN each - close to a bargain, given the usual prices.

QO‑10, ISTO, Al. Walentego Roździeńskiego 1A, tel. (+48) 519 07 38 80, Admisison 49zł/ per person, www. restaurantweek.pl.

Events 19.04 19:00 » JAZZ BAND MŁYNARSKI MASECKI

Polish jazz traditions go back to 1920s when famous composers like Henryk Wars, Jerzy Petersburski or Artur and Henryk Gold were creating compositions for film, cabaret, and theatre. These traditions are kept alive by Marcin Masecki and Jan Emil Młynarski, the founders of Jazz-Band, performing the interwar jazz compositions. Their repertoire features pieces of unknown swing music, as well as popular tango pieces. The concert pays a tribute to Adam Aston, a celebrated singer, and Henryk Wars, the most important pianist and composer of pre-war Poland. QO‑10, NOSPR Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Pl. Wojciecha Kilara 1, tel. (+48) 32 732 53 12, Tickets 90-150zł, www. nospr.org.pl.

27-29/03/2020 KATOWICE

HELLO ADVENTURE!

TRAVELS FULL OF EMOTION

24.04 - 25.04 » GLIVITUNE FESTIVAL

Glivitune Hip Hop festival will be one of the biggest music events in 2020. The festival will be launched by Popkiller Young Wolves 7 performance. There will be dozens of attractions waiting for thousands of Polish hip-hop enthusiasts, from the Expo Zone where the art of hip-hop will be exhibited to meetings with artists and creators of labels. The accompanying events will include competitions, presentations, and workshops, among them DJ, dance and graffiti classes. In the provided relaxation zones the participants will have an opportunity to play video games. The most unique additional event will be the exhibition “Zajawka” - the 3D walk in the 1990s scenery. QArena Gliwice, ul. Akademicka 50, Gliwice, Tickets 79-119zł; 2-days pass 149-209zł, www. glivitune.pl.

www.globalnie.fairexpo.pl

25.04 - 30.04 » JAZZART FESTIVAL

As April 30th has been donned International Jazz Day by UNESCO, Katowice has taken celebrations into its own hands for several years now. This year marks the 9th edition of the festival, which is not only dedicated to celebrating the world of jazz, but has also begun experimenting and branching out to feature different musical sounds. You’ll find some great jazz musicians of legendary-status as well as new talent scattered across various locations and cultural institutions across the city throughout the days of the festival.QN‑14, Katowice Miasto Ogrodów, Pl. Sejmu Śląskiego 2, tel. (+48) 32 609 03 31, Info about tickets soon, www.jazzartfestival.eu.

09.05 10:00 » FAIRYLAND OF ART AND FLOWERS

A fairyland of flowers and landscapes created by a painter Zofia Fabiańska are on display at the Ogrodzieniec Castle, the picturesque Silesian castle dating back to the 14th century, and located in the beautiful Cracow – Częstochowa Upland. The artist is inspired in her works by the land of her ancestors of the Irządzka Land and Szczekociny, where she continues to live with her family. QOgrodzieniec Castle, ul. Zamkowa, Podzamcze, tel. (+48) 32 673 22 85, www.zamekogrodzieniec.pl.

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Events 16.05 18:00 » NIGHT OF MUSEUMS

The first Night of Museums took place in Berlin in 1997, and the concept spread through Europe like wildfire: currently over 120 major European cities (and many minor ones) organise their own museum nights. It’s a pretty big deal, with thousands of people heading out to take part and visit museums big or small. If you’re into this kind of stuff, keep in mind that Kraków is organising the event a night early, giving you a chance to swing by both cities (they’re certainly both worth it).QAdmission free, www. histmag.org/Noc-Muzeow-2019-Katowice-programlista-muzeow-18043.

18.05 - 22.05 » MILLENNIUM DOCS AGAINST GRAVITY FILM FESTIVAL

Proclaiming itself to be not only the biggest documentary film festival in Poland, but also the only one such festival to simultaneously take place in 6 cities, the Docs Against Gravity Film Festival is back again this year for round 17. This year’s edition brings over 100 nonfiction works to the silver screen, all around the theme “Free Your Mind”—in other words, anything goes (as long as it’s defying what you think you already know about anything at all).QInfo about tickets soon, www. mdag.pl.

23.05, 24.05 10:00 » XVII BARBARIAN INVASION IN OGRODZIENIEC

Tickets available on NOSPR.ORG.PL

Come to the Ogrodzieniec Castle to participate in the 17th Barbarian Invasion! This picturesque Silesian castle dating back to the 14th century, and located in the beautiful Cracow – Częstochowa Upland is a perfect place to find yourself feeling like one of your ancestors.

The Barbarian Invasion historical festival creates an opportunity to transport you into the early days of the Middle Ages. The castle, transformed into a colourful settlement, inhabited by Vikings and Slavic people, becomes a site of clashes between them and warriors arriving from various corners of Europe. There will also be numerous crafts’ workshops offering the products from the era: jewellery, weapons, clothes and food prepared according to original recipes. The programme also features show fights, tournaments, and the final great battle. This year’s event’s theme is Leif Eriksson’s expedition to Vinland. QOgrodzieniec Castle, ul.

Zamkowa, Podzamcze, tel. (+48) 32 673 22 85, www. zamek-ogrodzieniec.pl.

26.05 19:00 » GREAT ANNIVERSARY GALA

The Great Anniversary Gala of the Silesian Philharmonic will be the most spectacular multimedia show featuring such stars as Leszek Możdżer, Katarzyna Hołysz, Małgorzata Walewska, Andrzej Lampert and Aleksander Teliga, as well as three orchestras and a choir. The Silesian Philharmonic Choir, the Silesian Chamber Orchestra, the Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra will be conducted by Mirosław Jacek Błaszczyk. The concert will be inaugurated by Mikołaj Górecki’s Fanfare, followed by his piano and violin concerto, and Leszek Możdżer’s 14

Events compositions for piano and violin. The symphonic poem Krzesany composed by Wojciech Kilar will be performed next, and the concert will end with the Symphony No. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven. QO‑10, Spodek, Al. Korfantego 35, Tickets 90/70zł, www.filharmoniaslaska.eu.

04.06 15:00 » METAL HAMMER FESTIVAL

Metal Hammer Festival takes place in Katowice’s coolest (albeit weird) space, Spodek, the structure that looks like a flying saucer. This year’s festival’s headliner is an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, Deftones. The band is known as one of the most experimental groups to have come from the alternative metal scene, and are sometimes dubbed by critics as “the Radiohead of metal”. They have released eight albums to date, with two Platinum (Adrenaline, White Pony) and two Gold certifications (Around the Fur, Deftones). The band consists of Chino Moreno (lead vocals and guitar), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), Frank Delgado (keyboards and turntables), Abe Cunningham (drums and percussion).

Since 2009, and Sergio Vega (bass). QO‑10, Spodek, Al. Korfantego 35, Tickets 199-420zł, www.eventim.pl.

05.06 - 07.06 » INDUSTRIADA FESTIVAL

Silesia is known for its industrial tourism - and it even has its own festival for you to experience the best of the over 40 industrial sites Silesia has to offer in almost 30 towns and cities across the region. During Industriada, these sites are not only open to the public, but special workshops, tours, performances, family programmes and more are organised. Spend this summer weekend exploring unique sites like the Guido Coal Mine (p.51) in Zabrze, and the UNESCO-listed Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry (p.52). In Katowice alone you can visit the Porcelain Factory (p.36), Silesian Museum (p.33), Wilson Shaft Gallery (p.39), Nikiszowiec (p.38) and Giszowiec districts, and last, but not least, the Zinc Rolling Mill (p.52). Check the Industriada website for complete details of all the special events happening at each participating location.QGuido Mineshaft, ul. 3 Maja 93, Zabrze (Centrum Południe), tel. (+48) 32 271 40 77, www.industriada.pl.

05.06 - 21.08 » ART NAIF FESTIVAL

Naïve art, also known as art brut, outsider art, in other words, art predominantly made at the hands of an artist who lacks the training and formal education that a professional artist typically undergoes. The industrial shaft in Katowice transformed into a Contemporary Art Gallery is the home of the International Festival of Naïve Art. This unique festival brings together artists from all over the world who fill the Wilson Shaft Gallery with paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. The event aims to encourage diversity and to impact the lives of people through art. The leading country of the 13th Art Naif Festival is Brazil. QZ‑14, Wilson Shaft Gallery, ul. Oswobodzenia 1 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 32 730 32 20, Admission free, www.artnaiffestiwal.pl.

06.06 15:00 » FESTIVAL OF COLOURS

The world might be becoming increasingly Westernised, but - luckily - culture and customs still flow both ways, and the Indian spring festival of colours and love, Holi, seems to have found more than a few enthusiasts in many European countries, including Poland. The date might be wayyyy off, as the real Holi is traditionally celebrated in March (sometimes February), but you’ve gotta make adjustments for us Northern folk who only get a few months of real warmth. This year’s Festival of Colours extravaganza will take place on Pole Marsowe (Mars Field) in Chorzów.QAdmission free, www. festiwalkolorow.pl.

11.06 15:00 » HUSSARS - WINGED CAVALRY

This picturesque Silesian castle dating back to the 14th century, and located in the beautiful Cracow – Częstochowa Upland is the site of a spectacular horse show, performed by Polish 16th-18th century “winged cavalry” hussars. The Hussars were famous for their huge “wings”, a wooden frame carrying eagle, ostrich, swan or goose feathers. The most common theory is that the hussars wore the wings because they made a loud, clattering noise which made it seem like the cavalry was much larger than in reality and frightened the enemy’s horses.QOgrodzieniec Castle, ul. Zamkowa, Podzamcze, tel. (+48) 32 673 22 85, Admission 17/10zł, www.zamek-ogrodzieniec.pl.

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Events 11.06 - 14.06 » TAURON NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tauron New Music is as old (young?) and as influential as OFF Festival, and its goal is showcasing the best new electronic music. They have reason to boast, as they won the title of Best Small European Festival at the European Festival Awards in 2010, 2012, and 2014; and they’ve certainly succeeded at popularising Katowice and Silesia.

2020 lineup is the definition of international and intergenre, bringing in some of the best and most intriguing musicians and artists..QP‑10, Katowice Cultural Zone, ul. Henryka Mikołaja Góreckiego, Pass ticket for 2 days 239-329zł. Pass ticket for 3 days 299-379zł, www. festiwalnowamuzyka.pl.

EXHIBITIONS UNTIL 03.05 » THE SPIRIT OF NATURE AND OTHER FAIRY TALES

The collection of the ING Polish Art Foundation is comprised of Polish artworks created in the last three decades. The displayed art deals with portraying a man in relation to nature. The question posed by the artists is whether a man understands nature at all? He/she is after all its integral part.

If humans are in the process of destroying nature, are they destroying themselves? Visitors to the exhibition will be given an opportunity to enter the story and help create it.

The works displayed were created by a very diverse group of artists, and the exhibition is a great representation of Polish art of the last thirty years. QP‑11, Silesian Museum, ul. Tadeusza Dobrowolskiego 1, tel. (+48) 32 213 08 11, Admission 14/9zł, www.muzeumslaskie.pl. Open 10:0020:00. Closed Mon.

14.02 - 22.03 » WORKS OF ASP ARTISTS

The stereotype of “cultural desert” often associated with the Silesian region could not be further from the truth.

Katowice BWA hosts yet another fascinating exhibition presenting works of young Silesian artists associated at some point in time with the Fine Arts Academy. Previous exhibitions, “Katowice Underground Art after 1945”, “Active Silesia”, and “Savages” attempted to summarise creative attitudes of the young generation of Silesian artists. Silesia is often viewed as conservative and traditional, therefore the exhibition that juxtaposes the ideas of change and movement with those of traditional art fulfils the need to re-evaluate and break the stereotypically dominant images of Silesian art. QN‑11, BWA Contemporary Art Gallery, Al. Korfantego 6, tel. (+48) 32 259 90 40, Admission 5,50/3zł, www.bwa.katowice.pl. Open 10:00-18:00.

Closed Mon.

UNTIL 26.04 » COUNTING MEMORIES. CHIHARU SHIOTA

In her large-scale thread installations that include a variety of common objects and external memorabilia, Chiharu Shiota explores the essence of human existence. Katowice exhibition features the installation comprised of nine tables and chairs, with a massive cloud of intertwined threads and entangled numbers 16

floating above them. Chiharu Shiota’s interactive installation connects people and proves that we are all part of the same organism. The artist asks a viewer to reflect on his/her inner self, on the past, present, and future life, and to see beyond the object that is displayed in front of him/her. QP‑11, Silesian Museum, ul.

Tadeusza Dobrowolskiego 1, tel. (+48) 32 213 08 11, Admission 24/16zł, www.muzeumslaskie.pl. Open 10:00-20:00. Closed Mon.

18.01 - 31.05 » ART LABELLED AS NAIF AND WHAT’S NEXT...

The exhibition presents works by artists belonging to the 'naive art' movement, such as Nikifor, Teofil Ociepka, Stanisław Zagajewski and Erwin Sówka. There are also paintings by socially engaged painters who dared to criticize and comment on political life, such as Bronisław Krawczuk, Stanisław Żywolewski, and recently Damian Stachowski. The exhibition is divided into several segments representing various aspects of non-professional art.

Different themes, different means of expression resulting in a wide range of artwork exhibited. QP‑11, Silesian Museum, ul. Tadeusza Dobrowolskiego 1, tel. (+48) 32 213 08 11, Admission 14/9zł, www.muzeumslaskie.pl.

Open 10:00-20:00. Closed Mon.

22.02 - 20.03 » SIMPLE GESTURES

The exhibition “Simple Gestures” is an attempt to depict an artist’s influence on the process of creation of a common good. Both artists and invited participants worked together on creating a variety of works of art - happenings, art installations, etc. The process of creation via collaboration was the most important element, and the lines of actual authorship consciously blurred. Artists were to initiate certain creative processes, that would include saving, caring, filming, listening, sharing or simply looking ahead. The work of art in this context is an intermediate moment in the communication process, an incentive to act together. QN‑11, BWA Contemporary Art Gallery, Al. Korfantego 6, tel. (+48) 32 259 90 40, Admission 5,50/3zł, www.bwa.katowice.pl. Open 10:00-18:00.

Closed Mon.

05.06 18:00-22:00 » XIII ART NAIF FESTIVAL VERNISSAGE

A festive vernissage will mark the beginning of the two-month-long International Festival of Naïve Art. This year’s focus will be on Brazil. Dozens of nonprofessional artists from all over the world will exhibit their paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other works of art. It will be an unprecedented opportunity for all visitors to meet many genuine and unknown artists, whose passion for art creation is unlimited! The visitors will also be able to taste South American delicacies and listen to the Brazilian tunes. It is a perfect way to spend many of your lazy summer days. QZ‑14, Wilson Shaft Gallery, ul.

Oswobodzenia 1 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 32 730 32 20, Admission free, www.artnaiffestiwal.pl. Open 09:0019:00.

Events

17

Arrival & Transport

Katowice and the wider area has a reliable transport network! As these super fast trams prove! | Photo: AdobeStock.

BY TRAIN For decades Katowice had a serious PR problem in the menacing shape of its own central train station - a truly ghastly architectural abomination that sheltered all manner of strange smells and a host of dubious characters.

Having ourselves survived many a close encounter with tunnel dwelling riffraff and several existential dilemmas while commiserating in the communist era cafeteria, we are overjoyed to announce that those days are gone and no longer will travellers have to live in fear of drawing near to this huge communication hub. The loooong awaited, fully renovated and totally reconceptualised Katowice train station officially opened in October 2012 and was fully operational from April 2013. The finished product is indeed a thing of beauty (wait, are we still in Katowice?), and while it will undoubtedly take time for some people to fully scrub the industrial stain of the old train station from their memory, those arriving in the city for the first time will find themselves greeted by a fully modern metropolis that exceeds expectations. Congrats Katowice, it’s nice to meet you.

KATOWICE TRAIN STATION With a total investment estimated at 240 million euros, the new station welcomes 12 million passengers per year with 520 trains running through it every 24 hours. The station also incorporates an enormous and modern shopping mall (Galeria Katowicka) and an underground parking 18

lot, with additional shopping and entertainment venues on Szewczyk Square. The regional bus station under the station is already operational so if you are travelling somewhere in Silesia beyond Katowice, or on your way to the airport, head down one of the escalators in the main train terminal to grab a bus.

Besides the bevvy of modern conveniences and prestige the new station brings, perhaps the greatest advantage is its location and full integration as a local, national and international transport hub. There are direct trains from Katowice to Kraków. Departure times: 2:09, 3:38, 4:37, 5:24, 5:51, 8:08, 8:14, 10:26, 11:25, 12:56, 13:40, 14:18, 15:54, 16:15, 16:46, 18:19, 20:09, 21:26 (check their site in case of change to timetable). The average journey time is between 2:05 - 2:15. It is also possible to travel between the cities of the Silesian Metropolis by local train (Koleje Śląskie) from around 5am-midnight; the trip to Zabrze is about 20 minutes, to Gliwice 30 minutes. Station departure boards (odjazdy) are indicated by their yellow timetables while arrivals (przyjazdy) are white. The ticket offices for Intercity Trains are open 24hrs and for Koleje Śląskie 05:00 - 21:30. For connections to other destinations in Poland or abroad, check the website or call the infoline.QM‑12, Pl. Szewczyka, tel. (+48) 22 391 97 57 (from foreign mobile phones), www.pkp.pl. Open 24hrs. Note that due to system maintenance seat reservations cannot be made from 24:00 to 01:00.

Arrival & Transport

BY PLANE

TRANSPORT TOOLS/APPS

KATOWICE AIRPORT Katowice Airport is located 34km north east of Katowice in Pyrzowice, with frequent shuttle bus connections to and from Katowice. Two Departure Terminals, A and B, are situated side by side with a brand new Terminal C serving as the main Arrivals hub. Terminal C raises the airport’s projected passenger capacity from 3.6-4 million annual passengers to 5.5-6 million. All three terminals feature spotless toilets, money exchange counters, ATMs, information points, refreshment stops, pharmacy (Terminal B only) and car rental counters.

The Airport has also recently updated its VIP & Business services for more comfortable arrivals and departures.

Services included an expanded Business Lounge, Fast Track check in and a new Meet & Assist program that provides all encompassing concierge and valet services. For more info check out their new website.

Taxis wait directly outside and can deliver you to Katowice for 95-160zł (always confirm price first). ‘Airport Bus Service’/’Matuszek’ shuttle service makes the same journey for only 25zł (to Kraków for 43zł), and departure times from in front of both terminals are coordinated with flight arrivals (shuttles are even cheaper if you book online). Dropping off at ul. Andrzeja (M-12), you can pay cash to the driver on the spot or book ahead on their website: www.matuszek. com.pl.

Airport Buses arrive (and depart) in the new local bus terminal located under the central train station in the city center and you can find their schedule here: www.pkm. katowice.pl/lotnisko. Full schedules for flights, as well as other essential travel information can be found at the userfriendly www.katowice-airport.com. Qul. Wolności 90, Pyrzowice, tel. (+48) 32 392 72 02, www.katowiceairport.com.

JAKDOJADE Despite the fact that Katowice’s tram and bus network is easy to use, even for foreigners, we’ll still admit to being a bit put off from using it at first; that is until we discovered the veritable skeleton key to unlocking public transport: the katowice.jakdojade. pl website and the jakdojade app for your smartphone. The former is a wonderful and free tool for advance planning, but the paid app is more practical for figuring out how to get from point A to B once you’re out in town and away from your computer. Just type in your starting address (the app does this automatically) and destination, or pin the locations on a map; select the time you want to depart or arrive, and Jakdojade magically churns out the best method for you to get there. Finished at the museum and want to head back to the hotel? This app will tell you exactly which bus or tram to get on, lead you to the correct stop and even tell you which ticket to buy. It’s brilliant and absolutely worth the couple euros you’ll spend to download it.

E-PODRÓŻNIK This site can also help you get from point A to point B within Katowice, but is really invaluable when it comes to planning the journey to your next destination by bus or train. Use e-podroznik.pl to easily search bus and train connections and timetables, compare prices and even buy tickets in one of seven languages. There’s also a free mobile app (Android only).

FREE NOW Formerly MyTaxi, Free Now is the new taxi app in Katowice. Free Now is present in over 100 European cities, including Kraków, Poznań, Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot, Warsaw and Wrocław, and allows you to select the type of ride you need, pre-book a taxi up to 4 days in advance, track your ride’s progress and share it with others, pay within the app, save addresses and more. free-now.com UBER Not only has Uber (uber.com) arrived in Poland, but the company recently opened their European hub in Kraków. If you’re already an Uber user, you’ll find that the alternative taxi service - whose free mobile app offers cheap one-tap, no cash, no tip rides from local drivers - has good coverage across Silesia and all of Poland, however there are some drawbacks. Specifically, Uber drivers don’t have the same permissions as regular cabbies and may not be able to take you as close to your destination, or get you there as directly; such is the trade-off for slightly cheaper rates.

Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport

Photo: UserPiotrus, CC BY-SA 3.0

19

Arrival & Transport

BY BUS

BY CAR

To call Katowice Bus Station (ul. Skargi 1) a bus station is a bit of a misnomer. In reality travellers will find themselves faced with a small tin shed; give a child ten minutes with some Lego pieces and they are sure to construct something more durable. It’s in here you’ll find a small waiting room, a Eurolines counter and all departures (odjazdy) and arrival times (przyjazdy) noted up on the board (all tickets have to be purchased directly from bus drivers). Outside the few departure lanes offer no shelter from the elements. At least you find yourself in the heart of town: all you have to do is walk forward and take a swift left turn at ul. Mickiewicza and within three minutes you’ll find yourself staring at the principal main street, ul. Stawowa. You’ll have to go further onto the Rynek to find the nearest tourist information point, however. While it doesn’t offer tickets or phone cards, it does offer maps and advice and there is also internet there. If you want to buy a phone card or to connect to the Polish mobile network you’ll need to go to one of the many kiosks dotted around. For info on local city buses see Public Transport. ​For info on local city buses see Public Transport.QM‑11, ul.

Skargi 1, tel. (+48) 703 40 33 15, www.katowicedworzec.pl.

Poland is one of Europe’s leading nations in road fatalities, a statistic that will surprise few who have had the pleasure of using the roads here. Although the quality of the roads has improved greatly in the last decade, with the resurfacing of old roads and the addition of new expressways and motorways (a work still ongoing), aggressive and impatient driver behaviour still results in many accidents. Be cautious and keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. The speed limit in Poland is generally 50km/hr in cities (60km/hr between 23:00 and 05:00), 90km/hr outside urban areas, 120km/hr on dual carriageways and 140km/hr on motorways. All cars must have their headlights switched on at all times and carry a red warning triangle, first aid kit, replacement bulbs, a national identity sticker and proper registration and insurance documents. Poland also has strict drunk-driving laws: 0.2‰ is the maximum blood/alcohol limit, so forget about having even a single beer. You can use your home driving license or an international driving permit for six months from the entry date on your passport. Carry your license and passport at all times when driving.

CAR RENTAL All most travellers need to rent a car in PL is 18 years of age, a credit card (not debit), and a valid foreign driver’s licence. Be aware, however, that those from countries that didn’t ratify the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (United States, China, Australia...) cannot legally drive on their home licences; technically an International Driver’s License is required in those cases. Though some rental companies (the dodgier ones) will still rent you a car, be aware that you are assuming full liability for any damages if you get behind the wheel; you also run the risk of getting a citation from the police for driving without a valid license.

If you’re looking to leave the country, be aware that you can’t cross the Polish borders into Ukraine, Belarus or Lithuania in a rental car.

AVIS Avis is Poland’s biggest car rental company and offers a complete range of vehicles for rent throughout Poland.

They are located in the city center in Altus and at ul.

Wolności 90, Pyrzowice (Airport), tel. (+48) 601 35 48 12.

Open Mon-Fri 08:30-00:00, Sat & Sun 09:00-00:00.QO‑11, ul. Uniwersytecka 13, tel. (+48) 695 36 14 66, www.avis. com. Open 08:00-18:00; Sat 08:00-12:00; closed Sun. EUROPCAR Europcar offers a full range of vehicles from small hatchbacks, through Mercedes and up to mini-bus and vans. Check the website for additional offers. Also at ul. Wolności 90, Pyrzowice (Airport), tel. (+48) 32 285 50 41, Open 09:00-24:00.QM‑10, ul. Chorzowska 50, tel. (+48) 32 209 57 45, www.europcar. com. Open 09:00-17:00; closed Sat, Sun. The offices can be staffed outside of these hours for extra payment.

20

Katowice is a straight 75km drive west from Kraków along the A4 highway, one of the better stretches of road in the country, but it’s smooth asphalt doesn’t come free. Toll gates can be found at either end at which you will need to pay 10zł (one way) if driving a car. This brings you in on Al. Górnośląska (J-5). The other major route in will bring you along route 79 onto ul. Chorzowska (B-1). Driving around Katowice can be a bit hellish for those uninitiated to the complexity of the city’s oneway streets and the constant presence of roadwork, so we recommend you ditch your vehicle at the earliest opportunity. Car crime is not unheard of and you’ll be safest leaving your ride in one of the guarded parking lots listed below. Street parking is also available and generally operates under the control of a local parking warden. He will be wandering along his patch wearing a bib of some colour checking to see who’s naughty and nice.

Parking prices are 2 zł for the first hour, 2,40zł for the second hour, 2,80zł for the third and 2zł per hour after that.

GUARDED PARKING QQ‑14, ul. Sikorskiego 20, tel. (+48) 660 78 85 51.

The Polish Fiat, or ‘Maluch’ - produced in PL from 1972-2000; considered a family car during the communist era.

Arrival & Transport

PUBLIC TRANSPORT n extremely well developed system of trams and buses operated by the wonderfully named ZTM providing a simple and fast way of getting around Katowice and its surrounding towns, now all part of the Silesian Metropolis. The tickets for the network are valid for both buses and trams. A three-zone system is used, of which Katowice is in zone-one and Chorzów in zone-two. Accordingly, a one-zone ticket is required for the former and a two-zone ticket for travelling between the two.

A one-zone ticket costs 3.40zł and now also serves as a 20 min ticket allowing you to swap forms of transport (bus to tram and onto a different tram for instance) within that time period.

A two-zone ticket costs 4zł and also serves as a 40 min ticket.

There is also a three-zone/ 90 min ticket available for 5zł. For extended stays/trips across the entire metropolitan area, a 10zł 24hr paper ticket can be purchased from machines, and a non-personalised urban travel card (ŚKUP) can be purchased (temporarily with 5zł deposit) in the ZTM Passenger Services in the main train station or next to the main square (Rynek) at ul. Pocztowa 11 (N-12). This allows for 7 day travel (44zł normal, 22zł reduced), though it’s hard to imagine getting your money’s worth out of this without spending the whole week on the tram.

Almost all travel within Katowice and Chorzów can be accomplished using trams, most of which run through the new stops on the Rynek. Tram no.s 6, 11 and 19 run between the Rynek and Chorzów via Silesia Park and are the most useful trams for getting there and back. Tickets can

be bought from any kiosk, or from bright yellow machines found at many tram stops around the area. Make sure you validate your ticket when entering the tram or bus. The penalty for riding without a validated ticket is 90zł (plus the price of the ticket) on the spot. (The normal price of the fine if you pay within 7 days is 125zł plus the price of the ticket.)

KATOWICE PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANY QN‑11, tel. (+48) 32 743 84 46, www.metropoliaztm.pl.

TAXIS Taxis are more honest than they were once were in Poland but it still pays to be on your guard especially when getting into a taxi at the main train station or airport. Make sure you choose a clearly marked taxi with a phone number displayed as well as a sticker showing its prices which you should find in the window. Check the price with the driver before setting off and make sure he turns his meter on. Taxis are now legally obliged to give you a printed receipt for your journey. Most firms will charge you 7zł to get in and then a further 3zł per kilometre when travelling in the city. Travelling outside of city limits and at night is likely to cost up to 50% more than normal.

AIRPORT TAXI SERVICEQtel. (+48) 784 84 68 66, www.taxipyrzowice.pl.

CITY TAXIQN‑10, tel. (+48) 32 203 77 77, www. citytaxi.katowice.pl.

21

City Basics Polish Facts & Language

The Polish language can feel like a maze, or an optical illusion at times... | © Alana de Haan

Some of you arriving in a new country may like to know some basic facts about the place. So, in a whirlwind: Poland covers an area of 312,685km2 and is the 9th largest country in Europe. Its population is 38,858,000 with Warsaw, the capital, being the largest city (1,763,615 inhabitants) and Katowice the 11th largest (295,449). The local currency is the Złoty (gold), with a 0.5L of beer costing you roughly 2.75zł in a shop and 10.00zł in a bar. Now that you’re here, attempting discourse in the Polish language can be intimidating, but fortunately most Poles have a healthy command of English. Still, learning some Polish phrases will smooth your time here and may even win you a few friends. On the downside, Polish is considered one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers.

On the upside, words in Polish are actually pronounced the way they are spelled, so once you learn basic pronunciation, you can go one step further and learn some Silesian (there’s still no consensus if this is a dialect or separate language)! We’ve listed the letters whose pronunciation diverges from English, and some basic words and phrases to get you started. Powodzenia (Good luck)!

BASIC PRONUNCIATION ‘ą’ sounds like ‘on’ in the French ‘bon’ ‘ę’ sounds like ‘en’ as in the French ‘bien’ ‘ó’ is an open ‘o’ sound like ‘oo’ in ‘boot’ ‘c’ like the ‘ts’ in ‘bits’‘ ‘j’ like the ‘y’ in ‘yeah’ ‘w’ is pronounced like the English ‘v’ ‘ł’ like the ‘w’ in ‘win’ ‘ń’ like the ‘ny’ in ‘canyon’ ‘cz’ and ‘ć’ like the ‘ch’ in ‘beach’ ‘dz’ like the ‘ds’ in ‘beds’ ‘rz’ and ‘ż’ like the ‘su’ in ‘treasure’ ‘sz’ and ‘ś’ like the ‘sh’ in ‘ship’ ‘drz’ like the ‘g’ in ‘George’ ‘r’ is always rolled

POLISH WORDS & PHRASES

22

Yes No Hi/Bye (informal) Hello/Good day (formal) Good evening (formal) Good-bye Good Night Please Thank you Excuse me/Sorry

Tak Nie Cześć Dzień dobry Dobry wieczór Do widzenia Dobranoc Proszę Dziękuję Przepraszam

(Tahk) (Nyeh) (Cheshch) (Jen doh-bri) (Doh-bri vyeh-choor) (Doh veet-zen-ya) (Doh-brah-noats) (Prosheh) (Jen-koo-yeh) (Psheh-prasham)

My name is...

I’m from England.

Do you speak English?

I don’t speak Polish.

I don’t understand.

Two beers, please.

Cheers!

Where are the toilets?

You are beautiful.

I love you.

Please take me home.

Call me!

Mam na imię...

Jestem z Anglii Czy mówisz po angielsku?

Nie mówię po polsku.

Nie rozumiem.

Dwa piwa proszę.

Na zdrowie!

Gdzie są toalety?

Jesteś piękna.

Kocham cię.

Proszę zabierz mnie do domu.

Zadzwoń do mnie!

(Mam nah ee-myeh…)

(Yehstem zanglee) (Che moo-veesh po an-gyel-skoo?)

(Nyeh moo-vyeh po pol-skoo.)

(Nyeh row-zoo-me-ehm.)

(Dvah peevah prosheh.)

(Nah zdrovyeh!)

(Gdjeh sawn toe-letih) (Yes-tesh pee-enk-nah.)

(Ko-hahm chuh.)

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One of the gems of Silesia - the Nikiszowiec former workers’ district (p.38). | Photo: Katowice City Council

Katowice Sightseeing Industrially designed & thoroughly mined, Katowice is well and truly on its way to shaking its former reputation as an ugly city. Over the years this dynamic city has grown on us and we hope that it does the same to you.

Read on to see what is waiting to be discovered.

Katowice Sightseeing Katowice, despite its recent architectural and cultural renaissance, can still only dream of achieving the enviable tourist status of neighbouring cities Kraków and Wrocław, which better fit the profile of a top European travel destination. In contrast, much of Katowice’s charm is in its complete non-conformity to that standard template for tourist appeal; here you won’t find a castle or palaces, no ancient ruins...no ‘Old Town,’ per say, no picturesque waterfront. What the region does possess, however (and which you won’t find in haughty Kraków), is a raft of odd and eclectic industrial heritage sites, as well as an increasing range of cultural venues and events which have earned Katowice status as a UNESCO City of Music.

A blue collar city to this day, Katowice and its neighbouring cities in Upper Silesia were born into the working class, growing up during the Industrial Revolution and put to work in sooty mine shafts, factories and railway yards. The area’s history is inextricably entwined with the manufacture of coal and steel, and the stacks, shafts and massive waves of migrants that followed the discovery of the region’s mineral resources. As such, any mention of tourism in the district is usually preceded by the word, ‘industrial.’ Enthusiasts of this topic are advised to get their hands on a copy of Silesia’s Industrial Monuments Route, which can be picked up free of charge in any Silesian tourist information office, and while we’ve covered many of the entailed sites in this very guide, the region has plenty more to offer than we have space to include here.

After decades of decay, Katowice has undergone massive redevelopment in the post-communist era to become a growing business and cultural centre. Although there was a time, not long ago in fact, when being a tourist in this town was a very strange and lonely enterprise, the times have very much changed. Today Katowice’s city centre is packed with modern architecture, and filled with cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and shops to match all tastes.

Those seeking more conventional interpretations of the word ‘attraction’ will find plenty of cleaned-up 19th century architecture in the form of handsome townhouses in Downtown Katowice (p.28), particularly along ulica 3-go Maja between the Rynek (p.28) and Plac Wolności (L-12)). The Silesian Museum (p.33) - located on the site of the former Katowice Coal Mine - is one of the best museums in southern Poland, and forms the fulcrum of the city’s new Cultural Zone (p.32). Outdoor types can visit the fantastic Valley of Three Ponds (p.35) featuring everything from beaches to cycle paths; or head over to the vast Silesia Park (p.41), which is packed with family attractions (including an amusement park and zoo), and offers great views via the Elka Cableway (p.43). Finally, shutterbugs should visit Nikiszowiec (p.38) for its offbeat art, architecture and photo ops galore.

We hope you embrace the city for its curiosities and use our guide to go out and enjoy yourself. And the next time you hear someone slagging off Katowice for its slag heaps and smokestacks, you set the record straight.

TOURIST INFO & TOURS If IYP’s authoritative print guide, exhaustive web portal (iyp.me/katowice) and handy app (iyp.me/app) just aren’t enough and you need someone to literally take you by the hand (hey, we kid), here are the best tourist resources in town.

CITY INFORMATION OFFICE With a several-storey, blinking blue and yellow neon sign, Katowice’s City Information Office is hard to miss and isn’t it just downright adorable to see them trying so hard?

The super-friendly staff can offer time-killing suggestions in English or German and they stock a range of materials about the many things you’ll probably never see or do across Silesia. Free maps and lots of information on daily cultural events, as well as one computer for public use. There is also a luggage storage available.QN‑12, ul. Rynek 13, tel. (+48) 32 259 38 08, www.welcome. katowice.eu. Open 09:00-17:00; Sun 09:00-13:00. From April open 09:00-19:00; Sat, Sun 09:00-17:00.

PTTK KATOWICE Feeling a bit lost or uncertain about Katowice? Take a guided tour with an English, German or Frenchspeaking guide and get an inside perspective on what Katowice has to offer (sometimes you need a second opinion). Demand for the service being what it is, dropping by the office won’t do; ring PTTK to make an arrangement and you’ll probably make their day as well. Services available year round.QN‑12, ul. Rynek 13, tel. (+48) 32 253 03 62, www.pttk.katowice.pl.

Open 09:00-17:00; Sat 09:15-16:00; closed Sun. SILESIATRIP.PL Silesia Trip is a useful and comprehensive way to comfortably explore much of the region around Katowice. Offering 24/7 pick-up services from both Katowice and Kraków airports, Silesia Trip has a plethora of tours, locales, and sights included in their itineraries, including Downtown Katowice, Nikiszowiec, and trips to the Guido Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, the historic silver mine in Tarnowskie Góry, Częstochowa, Trail of the Eagle’s Nest in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, the Queen Louise Adit and the Tyskie Brewery in Tychy.

Tours are available in English, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish and Russian and are aimed at those who have a particular interest in the history, culture and people of Silesia. They also offer traditional tours with an audio guide starting from their info point and souvenir shop on ul. Mariacka. From May, the same tours are available on bike, along with a new Witcher inspired tour! Pick up some sweet Silesia swag and Katowice related gadgets before or after your trip or tour.QO‑12, ul. Mariacka 11, tel. (+48) 505 51 12 08, www.katowice-tours.com.

Open 09:00-17:00; Sat 10:00-16:00; closed Sun. 27

Downtown Katowice

Katowice’s newly renovated Rynek (market square). | Photo: Courtesy of Katowice City Council

Katowice’s city centre was once a bleak, drab place. Just ten to fifteen years ago, early readers of this guide might find themselves standing near Katowice’s Rynek (market square) - which was nothing more than a giant roundabout - pondering what brought them there, questioning their very existence even, as rain poured down their faces.... Wake up from that frightful image! Kato’s city centre, though not exactly comparable to its more famous neighbouring city (K...Kra...yeah, that one), looks much better than it has ever looked before. And that sums up Katowice as a whole, which has undergone a huge regeneration in the last decade to become a post-industrial city of culture. The area around the Katowice train station, the main street - ul. Mariacka - full of bars and restaurants, all of them have been spruced up and no longer ooze with sadness (and urine) as you walk through. There’s plenty to see and do here, even if you’re only in the city for a short time. Read on for our recommendations.

RYNEK (MARKET SQUARE) Until recently, one could easily be forgiven for standing in the middle of the market square and trying to find the market square. The construction works finished and the snazzy new Rynek 2.0 is complete with a flowing river, deck chairs, benches, and a spattering of flowers beds and trees. Before the massive overhaul (and we mean massive!), Katowice’s ‘Rynek’ was basically a large traffic roundabout and tram stop surrounded by a faded collection of mismatched buildings in architectural styles that had mostly fallen out of favour, if they ever engendered any enthusiasm to begin with. For years the city has known that turning its market square into, you know, an actual market square, would be a crucial step towards 28

becoming a respectable Polish city. A plan to modernise and pedestrianise the Rynek was put in place as far back as 2008. The first step was modernising the Soviet-era monstrosity at ul. Młyńska that uglied up an entire block of the Rynek, before they elegantly transformed it into the new modern City Hall.QN‑12, Rynek.

UL. MARIACKA This is Katowice’s main high street, located a mere 5 minute walk from the Rynek (market square), and arguably a better starting point for visitors than the city’s market square itself. It’s best to think of Mariacka as not only the central ‘strip’ of the city’s bar scene, but also a magnet for the surrounding area, which is a hotbed of pubs and clubs, cafes and restaurants. Charming, relatively calm and clean by day, at night Mariacka becomes a hotbed for partiers and anyone looking to feel the pulse of the city. In summer, there are beer gardens aplenty, and in winter,

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Downtown Katowice STREET ART Poland has a long, lauded tradition of graphic art, with large-scale Polish advertising and poster designs known internationally for high artistic quality. The art form flourished under communism and these stylish high-minded aesthetics (although faded) can still be found around the country’s walls. With such a knack for graphics, it stands to reason that Poles would have a penchant for street graphics as well. And they do.

In Katowice, street art is going through a tidal wave of popularity. In the last decade new street murals have become a common sight around the city. City authorities have even taken the surprising step of sponsoring some large scale murals. In fact, the emergence of street art as a growing and legitimised artistic discipline has created an interesting dichotomy in Katowice’s urban landscape between sanctioned and unsanctioned works of ‘graffiti art’ and the prolific gang signs, slurs and football-related graffiti that city paint crews have targeted in their war on ‘vandalism.’

The best thing about street art is that you can visit it anytime, wind, rain or shine, and we wholly recommend checking out the yearly plans for the Katowice Street Art Festival (AiR, for short), and you may even be lucky enough to see some street art being created.

At any rate, those with an interest in street art will have little trouble tracking it down in Katowice, and we’re making it even easier. In addition to cataloguing and GPSing street art addresses throughout the city, we’ve also marked each place with a spray can symbol on the maps in the back of our print guide, so you can literally use them to give yourself a tour of Katowice’s urban art. As for online, we’ve even listed old pieces of street art to keep you informed if they still exist or not, to save you time from visiting a site, only to discover that once fantastic mural has been painted over, or worse, the building it was on is gone (if you find that piece has been painted over since we’ve last been, please, do let us know)! Even if you’re here for a short time, you can visit city centre art, from the fantastic ‘Zachód Słońca’ (Sunset) neon sign above the River Rawa in the Rynek (N-12) to the crowning glory, ul. Mariacka Tylna (parallel to ul. Mariacka, O-12) and the immediate surrounding area, where there are more than enough murals by international and local artists to appease your appetite for murals!

From Belgium’s ROA, Spain’s ARYZ, and local Polish and Silesian talents Raspazjan, Miszmasz and Mona Tusz, you won’t be left disappointed on your street art walkabout. Wandering around the city you are bound to stumble across some rather fine and less ‘in your face’ little creative acts. We particularly like the painted and stencilled gas and electricity boxes which are dotted around town. They are frequently changed and too many to mention, but keep your eyes peeled, you’ll no doubt see plenty on your travels. Happy hunting.

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Rooster by ARYZ on ul. Mariacka Tylna.

despite the cold, people still flock here to get their drink on.

Exactly 378m long, Mariacka was laid out in 1875 and stretches three city blocks before terminating at St. Mary’s Church (Kościół Mariacki), from which the street’s current name hails. Originally named Holtzestraße after local doctor, statesman and city co-founder Richard Holtze, the street has been known as ul. Mariacka since Katowice became part of Poland following WWI, with the exception of WWII, during which Holtze’s name was reinstated. Once lined with drab buildings and parked cars on both sides, but also littered with strip clubs and dubious massage parlours, in 2008 Mariacka was utterly transformed from a seedy side-street into the pedestrianised high street it is today, with new lamps and benches and a more modern aesthetic making way for a more classy crop of tenants. While some still complain that the sheer number of cheap bars in such a short stretch impacts the overall atmosphere of the street, the truth is that this is a street of two extremes. The western half, starting at ul. Mielęckiego, is where the majority of the bars are, whereas the closer you get to the church, the atmosphere gradually changes as nicer restaurants and cafes reign, providing a calmer, more pleasant experience.QO‑12, ul. Mariacka.

KATOWICE HISTORICAL MUSEUM This outstanding museum showcasing some of the more interesting aspects of the life and times of the city and its people is divided into two main sections. You can wander the well conceived rooms on three floors including a superb recreation of house interiors of the middle and upper classes from 20, 50 and 100 years ago. The other main exhibit “Z dziejów Katowic” covers the breadth of the city’s early history before officially being founded. Entrance to the exhibit is limited to 15 people every half an hour, all descriptions are in English, and the films also have English subtitles. One of the best museums in southern Poland.QO‑13, ul. Szafranka 9, tel. (+48) 32 256 18 10, www.mhk.katowice.pl. Open 10:00-17:30; Tue, Thu 10:00-15:00; Sat 10:00-16:00; Sun 11:00-15:00; closed Mon. Admission 12/8zł. Tue free.

SILESIAN PARLIAMENT A standing testament to Katowice’s short-lived ‘golden age,’ the Silesian Parliament complex covers an entire city block between Jagiellońska, Reymonta, Ligonia and Lompy streets and was the largest structure in PL before Stalin ‘gifted’ Warsaw with a certain monstrosity. Completed in 1929, the

Downtown Katowice Parliament complex served as the governing seat of Silesia after the province was inexplicably granted autonomy following WWI. Unfortunately Hitler failed to observe the region’s sovereignty when he reclaimed it for the Reich after a short 19 years of self-government. After WWII, the new Polish government stripped Silesia of its prestige, confused by how Katowice could possibly have ever been considered the second capital of PL. Today the Parliament buildings house the offices of the Silesian Voivodeship, though many have changed function and more still are solely occupied by wistful memories of bygone days.QN‑13, Plac Sejmu Śląskiego.

KATOWICE MIASTO OGRODÓW To give it its full name, ‘Katowice Miasto Ogrodów im.

Krystyny Bochenek’ (Katowice City of Gardens named in honour of Krystyna Bochenek) was founded in 2016 after the Katowice Institute of Culture merged with the Katowice Centre for Culture and is now located across from the Silesian Parliament. The centre has become a cultural hub focusing on funky art shows and music events taking place throughout the year. The Hipnoza jazz club bar and Strefa Centralna cafe are also located in the building. Checking out their events calendar online is a must.QN‑14, Pl. Sejmu Śląskiego 2, tel. (+48) 32 609 03 31, www.miasto-ogrodow.eu. Galleries open 11:00-19:00. Closed Mon. Admission free.

BWA CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY In Katowice since 1949, BWA showcase works by both established and budding young artists, exhibiting the most modern trends in contemporary art and promoting the work of local artists. The building the BWA is located in is just along from the Rynek (p.28) and is a typically brutal building inspired by socialist modernism - some may hate this style, but others may just love it. All works are spread out between independent spaces over two floors and a visit is a must if you wish to see what up and coming Silesian artists are producing after rolling up their sleeves...

QN‑11, Al. Korfantego 6, tel. (+48) 32 259 90 40, www. bwa.katowice.pl. Open 10:00-18:00; closed Mon. Admission 5.50/3zł.

THE MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE TRAIL This one’s definitely for fans of architecture - take your kids on this trail at your own peril! The modernism movement was actually quite strong in Katowice during the interwar period of the 1920s and 30s, and beyond Gdynia, it was actually Katowice which was a bit of a hub for this functional movement, with buildings built which ranged from churches, public buildings to private residences. Starting in the city centre, you work your way outward (but not too far) and take in 16 buildings over a total distance of 5.5km, where you’ll see highlights such as the Silesian Parliament to Katowice’s very own 60m high cloud scraper (come on, it was considered huge when originally built!). We fully recommend getting yourself a leaflet with map from the city information office (p.27) on the corner of Katowice’s Rynek (p.28).

Qwww.moderna.katowice.pl.

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Cultural Zone

The true heart of Katowice. | Photo: Katowice City Council

The days of heavy industry in Katowice are over, and now, the beating heart of Silesia is found in its rich culture.

Nowhere is this more visible than on the territory of the former Katowice Coal Mine, which has been drastically rejuvenated and redeveloped as part of the city’s official ‘Cultural Zone’ (Strefa Kultury). Linking the city centre’s iconic Spodek arena with the former pitheads of the Katowice mine, the Cultural Zone consists of four core venues: the other worldly Spodek; the pristine NOSPR (along with its outdoor amphitheatre), home to the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, as well as one of the best concert halls in Europe in terms of acoustic quality; the International Congress Centre, with its grass-covered rooftop from which you can view the Katowice skyline; and at the far end of zone, the fantastic Silesian Museum situated 13m underground in the former coal mine. The addition of these buildings has not only visually and architecturally enriched a once potholed moonscape, but packed the cultural calendar with highcalibre events attended by thousands throughout the year, the highlight arguably being the Tauron New Music Festival each summer.

Spodek

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SPODEK In 1958 the Association of Polish Architects ran a competition to design a new stadium in Katowice. Won by a Warsaw company and designed by Maciej Gintowt and Maciej Krasiński, the resulting Wojewódzka Hala Widowiskowo-Sportowa w Katowicach (translating something like ‘Katowice Province Spectator & Sports Arena’) was built in stages between 1964 and 1971, and at 246,624 square metres is the one of the largest, certainly one of the strangest and, to some, the most beautiful piece of reinforced concrete in Poland. Nicknamed ‘Latający Spodek’ (Flying Saucer) the building was originally going to be built in Silesia Park but because of its avant-garde appearance finally landed in the city centre. Holding 11,000 people part of the building was in use in 1969, though the grand opening only took place on May 9, 1971. The reason for this delay was simple – in their wisdom the designers had picked a landsite suffering ‘medium mine damage’.

That meant the possibility of cave-ins and collapse so the building was road-tested by 3,500 stamping (and dare we say it, nervous) soldiers. Given the thumbs-up by equally relieved engineers the building has been inspiring and amusing people ever since. A popular sporting venue, Spodek is also Katowice’s number one place for international concerts, having hosted a disparate collection of stars including Metallica and Depeche Mode. Today it also houses the Diament Spodek Hotel, and according to urban legend, the classic tune from Spielberg’s ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ plays every time the building’s lights go on.QO‑10, Al. Korfantego 35, tel. (+48) 32 438 40 30, www.spodekkatowice.pl.

Cultural Zone INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS CENTRE The newest architectural jewel in Katowice’s eclectic crown and this one comes with lush green rooftop carpeting (keep off the grass!). And like any good carpet, it really ties the proverbial ‘room’ together (ie the Cultural Zone) by forming a highly functional and even elegant emerald ‘bridge’ between the socialist Sci-Fi Spodek and the more modernist NOSPR building. This huge multipurpose facility is more than just its mossy exterior though. With the capacity to accommodate 15,000 visitors, coupled with the Spodek Arena next door, it is one of the largest venues in Poland for conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs and sporting events.QO‑10, Plac Sławika i Antalla 1, tel. (+48) 32 438 40 30, www.mckkatowice.pl.

NOSPR - POLISH NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Considered the leading Polish orchestra, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR) was founded in 1935 in Warsaw. As a cultural ambassador representing Poland on the international art scene, it has cooperated with some of the greatest composers of the second half of the 20th century presenting first performances of their works.

In 2014 Katowice celebrated the unveiling of its newest architectural and cultural jewel - the new headquarters of the NOSPR. Not only is this one of the more striking and architecturally astonishing buildings to be built in Poland in recent years, it is also one of the most acoustically pristine performance halls in all of Europe. To perfect the pin drop precision of the main hall’s acoustics, the Katowice based Architecture firm Konior collaborated with Yasushisa Toyota - founder of the Japanese Acoustics solutions company Nagata Acoustics (creators of the Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles, among others). Their collaboration resulted in a sonically rich and visually stunning performance hall that can seat over 1,800 people with no obstructed views. The main concert hall is also equipped with cutting edge technology to both broadcast concerts live and record multi track albums live.

This is truly a building fitting of Poland’s finest orchestra and is set to solidify Katowice’s place in the classical music

NOSPR

© Radek Grzybowski

Silesian Museum

world. Check NOSPR’s website for concert tickets or plan your next trip to Katowice around a trip to this absolute shrine of a Symphony Hall. The ticket box office is open Tue-Sat 10:00 - 20:00 and on Sun-Mon 2 hours before a performance.QO‑10, Pl. Wojciecha Kilara 1, tel. (+48) 32 732 53 12, www.nospr.org.pl. U SILESIAN MUSEUM The grand opening of the brand new home of the Silesian Museum is perhaps the biggest of Katowice’s recent investment unveilings. The museum’s scope, quality of the permanent exhibitions and the architectural prowess of the newly adapted subterranean chambers are all equally impressive. Approaching the Silesian Museum from the city centre, the first visible element of the museum is the prominent mine shaft hoist tower of the former Katowice Coal Mine. There are dozens of such towers spread all over Silesia, many of which remain operational.

This particular mine shaft hoisted its last load of black diamonds in 1999 when the entire mine complex was closed for good after operating for 176 years and hauling over 120 million tonnes of coal! Today, this impressive steel structure has been adapted into an elevatoraccessible viewing tower which offers spectacular views of Katowice and other close-lying Silesian suburbs (open dependent on weather conditions). The next striking feature you will notice are the large transparent glass buildings that cover the entire expanse of terrain. Their presence offers a thoroughly modern counterpoint to the 18th century historical buildings which make up the rest of the museum’s exhibition space. There are six main ‘buildings’ (both old and new) that make up the Silesian Museum campus, a few of which have yet to be opened to the public. Descending into the subterranean chambers of the Silesian Museum the impressive interiors open up before your eyes. The main museum is spread out over four underground levels and has a floor area of nearly 25,000 m², of which 6,000 m² is devoted to exhibition space (both permanent and temporary) - all of which has been adapted from the former tunnels, shafts and workshops of the former mine.QP‑11, ul. Tadeusza Dobrowolskiego 1, tel. (+48) 32 213 08 11, www. muzeumslaskie.pl. Open 10:00-20:00; closed Mon. Admission 24/16zł. Tue free.

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Southern Katowice

The Valley of Three Ponds is a great place to relax. Or listen to loud music festivals... | Photo: Radoslaw Kazmierczak

If the hustle and bustle of urban exploration is not your thing, there’s always the relative calm, relaxation and leisure possibilities to be found in the south of the city. Fear not, it’s not too far from the centre at all - only 15 minutes by bike, 10 by bus; in fact the huge Katowice Forest Park is within city limits, as well as the Valley of Three Ponds with its fantastic spaces for beach lounging in summer, cycling, skating and jogging anytime of the year, a seasonal bar, and a waterpark for the kids. If all this sounds a bit too noisy for you, there’s always the enjoyment of relaxing in the squirrel-filled Tadeusz Kościuszko Park with child play areas, the famous Parachute Tower and plenty of quiet areas to just enjoy some silence. If history is your thing, check out the Silesian Solidarity and Freedom Centre, which is focused on the events surrounding the pacification of the Wujek Mine. Muchowiec Airport is also nearby; although mainly used for training pilots, sightseeing tours of Katowice can be arranged.

The Parachute Tower in Tadeusz Kościuszko Park.

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Photo: UMK

TADEUSZ KOŚCIUSZKO PARK The most central of Katowice’s parks, though it gets outmuscled in acreage by the Silesia Park and Katowice Forest Park, Kościuszko Park is still an impressively sizeable 72 hectares. Starting life as a mere six-hectare municipal wooded park way back in 1888 the park has grown in size and variety and now features over 90 species of trees and shrubs including linden, beech, cherry, rhododendrons and azaleas. There are also classic English gardens including an avenue of roses and typical English flower beds. Other features include sculptures by local artists, the gorgeous wooden Church of St. Michael the Archangel, and the extraordinary Parachute Tower close to its southern border. Allegedly the only thing of its kind in the country, it was on top of this tower that a group of Polish scouts attempted to defend the city from the Germans on September 4, 1939. A small monument next to it marks the event.QK‑16, ul. Kościuszki.

PARACHUTE TOWER Originally 50 metres tall, the parachute tower was built in 1937 for the training of parachute jumpers, however it found its place in the Polish national consciousness when for two days in 1939, Silesian scouts defended the city of Katowice from this tower. Exchanging fire with German troops into the evening of September 4th, the tower was finally destroyed when the foul-playing Germans used an antitank gun to rid themselves of the darn kids. The tower that stands in the park now is a 35m reconstruction of the original and the only parachute tower in Poland today. The scout’s heroic defence of the tower, doomed as it was, grew so legendary that it became the literary subject of poems and songs. A granite obelisk commemorates their brief but noble ascent into adulthood atop that fabled tower.

QK‑16, Park Tadeusza Kościuszki.

Southern Katowice SILESIAN FREEDOM & SOLIDARITY CENTRE This museum is a dedication to, and indeed a memorial, to the events surrounding 16 December 1981, known as the ‘Pacification of Wujek.’ Shortly after Martial Law was declared in Poland on 13 December 1981 by General Wojciech Jaruzelski, workers at the famous Wujek mine went on strike and were immediately met with a brutal show of force, which left nine dead. The museum itself has one permanent exhibition - ‘the Memorial Room of Wujek Coal-mine’, and uniquely, the guides themselves are former workers of the mine that took part in the protest. English speaking guides are on offer, however, you must call in advance to arrange.QH‑16, ul. Wincentego Pola 38, tel. (+48) 32 601 21 08, www.scwis.pl. Open 09:00-15:00; Tue, Thu 09:00-17:00; closed Mon, Sun. Admission free.

KATOWICE FOREST PARK Occupying a whopping 420 hectares of land between the train tracks, highways, coal mines, airports, apartment blocks and other signifiers of Silesian sprawl that shape its boundaries, this predominantly wooded wilderness just south of the city centre is the best place in Katowice to convince yourself you are not in Katowice. Within Forest Park’s protected natural area territory, which includes Valley of Three Ponds, you’ll find miles of marked trails through woods full of deer and wild boar, ponds in which you can swim, sail or fish, places to eat, a campground, dozens of sculptures, gardens and more. This is a perfect place for walks (especially for the outdoor types!) anytime of the year. To get there catch buses 674 or 910 to Osiedle Paderewskiego Trzy Stawy shopping mall near Valley of Three Ponds.QN‑19, os. Paderewskiego-Muchowiec.

VALLEY OF THREE PONDS If you’ve ever been to that other Polish city beginning with a K, you may have noticed the riverfront is a popular place for locals to go hang out. In Kato things are no different.

Although the river in the centre is nothing to boast about, slightly south you will find the city’s most popular recreation area - Valley of Three Ponds. First established as a 125 hectare leisure space in the 1960s before being absorbed into the 420 hectare Katowice Forest Park which today surrounds the small Muchowiec airfield south of the centre. Though ‘Valley of Three Ponds’ is generally applied to all woodless areas surrounding ul.

Trzech Stawów and Forest Park’s 11 (not 3) ponds, the name technically refers to the smaller, more cultivated area located just beyond. In this vicinity you’ll find a seasonal campground, tennis courts and a fine restaurant (Pan de Rossa) with inspiring views overlooking the water. Of the ponds in the immediate vicinity, the most popular has a beach for bathing, another is reserved for water sports, and several are available for fishing. The entire park is also full of trails, making it a popular place for cyclists and joggers. In the summer months, it’s also a great place for kids to visit with its outdoor water park. Most easily accessed by bike (use City by Bike) or instead take buses 674 or 910 from the centre, getting off at the Trzy Stawy shopping mall. It’s a short walk east from there.QS‑16, ul. Trzech Stawów.

Learn about the pacification of the Wujek Mine in the Freedom & Solidarity Centre.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK LA CANTINA Here we go dropping the superlatives: Located 4km from Katowice’s centre in lovely Dolina Trzech Stawów (wait for it), those who make the trek out to this Mediterranean charmer (wait for it) will be rewarded with not only the beautiful surroundings of Valley of Three Ponds (wait for it), but also Katowice’s finest restaurant, hands down and undulating in adulation (!!). The stone and wood interior - comfortably casual, but with all the expected finery creates a warm dining atmosphere that will ripen any mood. Top off your superb meal of decadent delights with a killer wine list and it’s easy to forget Katowice isn’t located somewhere in Provence.QS‑16, ul. Trzech Stawów 22, tel. (+48) 32 256 29 27, www.la-cantina.pl. Open 09:0024:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-24:00. €€€. X­T­U­B­6 POZYTYWNA KAWKA NEW As positive as any cafe can be in reality. We know each small cafe owner puts their life and soul into making the best of their cafes, it’s often been a life long dream to setup such a venture! Pozytywna Kawka (Positive Coffee) lives up to its name, in that the focus (other than the usual cafe treats) is the ethos of positive thinking. The interior is a mix of bare walls, parts painted a bright vibe of yellow, surrounded with framed positive mottos and mantras, and books about how to turn your life around.

Relax, there’s no indoctrination taking place here, just good vibes flowing, There are no savoury snacks here, only tea/coffees and sweets, however, it’s a useful relaxation point, and only a short distance away from the Valley of Three Ponds.QR‑14, ul. Sikorskiego 45/04, tel. (+48) 690 84 44 79. Open 10:00-20:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-20:00.

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The Porcelain Factory

The revamped Porcelain Factory. | Photo: Fabryka Porcelany

If you’ve ever been to Łódź’s ‘Manufaktura’ or ‘OFF Piotrkowska’ then you’ll kinda get the idea of what this place is trying to be (no, there’s no large shopping centre, but the rest fits the bill). Here since the 1920s and originally the Giesche Porcelain Factory, the modern day ‘Fabryka Porcelany’ is now run by the Giesche Foundation (created in 2012) which has revamped the site to be a post-industrial and technological park housing design offices, art galleries, interior design shops and a concert/event venue known as P23 - any techno fiends among you will know this place means business, oh, yes! You will also find here the fantastic Prodiż Bistro & Prodiż Nero Restaurant - they’re easy to find, as they provide a warm welcome to all visitors at the entrance to the whole complex. Amazingly, the site has been creating porcelain since the 1920s and still has a working furnace involved with production! Even when you arrive, you will

GETTING THERE This is a fairly easy task, as there’s only one direct bus.

Take bus 940 from the bus station on level -1 of Galeria Katowicka (M-12) to stop ‘Fabryka Porcelany’ (U13), although, to save yourself the hassle of travelling through nearly all of the city centre in one big loop, it may be best to get on at the nearby eastbound stop ‘Strefa Kultury NOSPR’ on Al. Roździeńskiego (O11), right in front of NOSPR in the Cultural Zone (p.32). A 20 minute ticket is more than enough to get you there.

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immediately spot the huge chimney stack, but if you look to your left (says the tour guide), you will see an odd looking mural. This piece was created by artist Artur Wabik in 2018 and represents porcelain cats that were once made here - to anyone with Polish roots, almost every grandparent in the land had these cats adorning their properties! There are a few porcelain shops here for you to check out (it feels like more than is necessary to epmhasise the site's porcelain roots), should you wish to see the many forms porcelain can be shaped into! A visit to Fabryka Porcelany is worth it, if even just to see this post-industrial plot, which is part of the Industrial Monuments Route (p.50) - a collection of over 40 of the most interesting industrial heritage sites found in 30 towns and cities throughout the Silesian region.

WHAT TO DO P23 Remember you’re officially in a UNESCO: City of Music with such an accolade, the city’s venues no doubt punch well above their weight. We guarantee they do. At Fabryka Porcelany, the post-industrial vibe is perfect for one of the top music venues in Poland to be located. Hello, P23. If you haven’t been, we recommend finding yourself an event via their Facebook page and getting some tickets! The interior is spartan, with a knock-up style bar, but with an awesome sound system, the shows that go on here are legendary.

And if you’re a fan of techno, then wow, you’re in for a treat at this place. Need we say more? To do so would spoil the fun of going and seeing it all for yourself.QU‑13, ul.

Porcelanowa 23.

The ThePorcelain PorcelainFactory Factory WHERE TO EAT PRODIŻ BISTRO Hearing about this place had us excited for many reasons, not least because we were delighted when Fabryka Porcelany underwent revitalisation - we love old buildings that are given a new lease of life through a perfect blend of traditional elements mixed with modernity. And that’s exactly what Prodiż Bistro offers. A great place to come Mon-Fri for breakfast (until 12:00) and lunch (from 12:00). Choose from daytime favourites like omelettes, sandwiches, (special mention goes to their burgers!) with great coffees, but be aware, the menu changes regularly, so best check out their Facebook page for the latest offerings.

One consistent element is the pizza, made in a woodfired oven (Poland’s tallest, apparently!), which gives that extra oomph to the taste. If you miss out on the daytime eating, no worries, for the new venture by the owners is Prodiż Nero, which raised our eyebrows even more - as if one good place wasn’t enough, huh? Enjoy both. We did.QU‑13, ul. Porcelanowa 23, tel. (+48) 667 16 21 05.

Open 08:00-20:00; Fri 08:00-22:00; closed Sat, Sun. €€.

T­U­6 PRODIŻ NERO RESTAURANT Bistro by day, and Nero by...well, nero. Following on from the success of Prodiż Bistro’s rise in popularity after its opening in 2016 in the revamped Fabryka Porcelany, the owners have stepped up their game with their latest venture - the perfect blend from bistro to fine restaurant has culminated in the arrival of Prodiż Nero. If you’ve been impressed by Bistro, Nero offers up that little bit extra. Italian dishes, offered with the local flare of the chef, which to us perfectly sums up the impressive changes in gastronomy in Katowice over the last 10 years - traditional, mixed with a confident modernity.

Nero serves up some fine pizzas from a wood-fired oven (ahem, the tallest in Poland, apparently!) and a frequently changing menu means you’ll always be surprised by each visit (best check their Facebook page for menu updates).

The location is unique, the bistro is already awesome, and Nero just continues the good vibe of the area. QU‑13, ul.

Porcelanowa 23, tel. (+48) 667 16 21 05. Open Sat 12:0022:00; Sun 12:00-20:00 only. €€. T­U­6

Porcelain cats mural by Artur Wabik.

Prodiż 0.5V

Photo: Fabryka Porcelany

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Nikiszowiec

Nikiszowiec | Photo courtesy of Katowice City Council

The former workers’ district of Nikiszowiec is home to some highly unique early 20th century architecture as well as an excellent modern art gallery, a magnificent church and a few additional offbeat attractions. This forgotten attempt at plebeian paradise is earmarked on Silesia’s ‘Industrial Monuments Route’ (available at all Silesian tourist information offices) and offers intrepid visitors a confounding, yet fascinating glimpse at a foregone age. While not long ago a walk around the neighbourhood may have been a dicey prospect, cafes and culture are now beginning to creep into this part of town and you’re no longer likely to be the only tourist prowling around. Perfect for a photo essay, charge up your camera battery and off you go.

GETTING THERE Only 8km/20mins from Katowice’s city centre, getting to Nikiszowiec is simple. There are four bus options numbers 30 (every 30 mins) and 920 (every 30/60 mins) travel from Al. Korfantego in front of the Katowice Hotel (N-11), with the no.30 going straight to Nikiszowiec’s ‘Szyb Wilson’ stop (near Wilson Shaft Gallery), and the 920 taking a longer route to the ‘Szyb Pułaski’ stop via Giszowiec. From Katowice Dworzec (M-12) bus no. 674 (every 30 mins) also goes to the ‘Szyb Pułaski’ stop via Giszowiec, while bus no. 930 (every hour, from Katowice Dworzec and Al. Korfantego) goes directly to Nikiszowiec’s main square the ‘Nikiszowiec Kościół’ stop. All stops are within Zone 1 of Katowice’s public transport network, so you only need a normal 3.20zł fare ticket.

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Built between 1908 and 1912 to house workers in the backyard of their place of employment – the large smoke-churning Wieczorek (formerly ‘Giesche’) coal mine – the enclosed residential complex of Nikiszowiec is composed of six compact four-sided three-storey blocks with inner courtyards. Distinguished by its uniformity of style – red brick buildings accented with red-painted windowframing, and narrow streets joined by handsome arcades – the neighbourhood was designed by Georg and Emil Zillman of Berlin-Charlottenburg to be a completely self-sufficient community for 1,000 workers with a school, hospital, police station, post office, swimming pool, bakery and church. Thanks to WWI and the subsequent Silesian Uprisings – during which time Nikiszowiec saw fierce fighting, and was afterwards incorporated into Poland – St. Anne’s Church (Pl. Wyzwolenia 21) wasn’t able to be finished until 1927, but became the crowning glory of the neighbourhood as soon as it was. Though it would ironically seem to be a socialist planners’ wet dream, Nikiszowiec actually makes a happy, handsome departure from downtown Katowice and has become a prized location for amateur photographers and budding filmmakers due to the fact that it has remained virtually unchanged since the Second World War. City marketers have also recognised the district’s uniqueness with increasing efforts to draw tourist attention to the area and a long campaign afoot to fasten Nikiszowiec to the UNESCO Heritage List.

Though the district is generally safe to wander, you should still exercise sensible precautions about where you stick both your nose and that fancy new digital camera; and who you do it in front of.

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WHAT TO SEE Begin your adventure by hopping on a bus to the Wilson Shaft Gallery. From the Wilson Gallery it is a short eight minute walk (or one bus stop) down ul. Szopienicka into Nikiszowiec proper; you’ll know it by its uniquely uniform architecture, gruesome water tower, leering smokestacks and the church spire marking its centre. Make a left onto ul. Zofii Nałkowskiej (towards Eurohotel and the ice rink complex) and then your first right to officially enter the district on ul. Rymarska and you’ll pass the Tourist Information Office inside the Industrial Ethnography Museum. Special mention goes to ul. Czechowa which can be described as the artistic heart of Nikiszowiec, with galleries and workshops found here.

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1 WILSON SHAFT GALLERY This seemingly obscure and certainly under appreciated modern art gallery is arguably Katowice’s best art space and one of the primary highlights of a trip to Nikiszowiec.

Located in the pithead building and bathhouse of the old Wilson shaft of the Wieczorek mine, the buildings now occupied by the gallery date back to 1918, and were designed by the same Zillman brother tandem behind the Nikiszowiec housing district. The dilapidated mineshaft, where excavations began back in 1864, can still be seen in glorious ruin behind the gallery buildings, having ceased operation in 1997. The area is now filled with exhibition and office space, and brightly-painted outdoor sculptures in sharp contrast to the industrial surroundings, as well as a muraled entrance wall full of colourful pop culture icons (making it hard to miss).

Not only is admission free but the mini-buffet is a great option for breakfast or lunch (Mon - Fri 09:00 - 15:00).

QZ‑14, ul. Oswobodzenia 1 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 32 730 32 20, www.szybwilson.org. Open 09:0019:00. Admission free.

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2 ST. ANNE’S CHURCH A welcome diversion from the smokestacks dominating the roofline of the district’s other side, this magnificent building incorporates Baroque design with two bell towers and a timepieced steeple, while blending into its surroundings without any of the ghastly and gratuitous exterior decoration associated with the style; make sure you take a stroll down ul. Św. Anny for the most photogenic views. If you’re lucky enough to get inside, take notice of the amazing 5,350 pipe organ and highly ornate Zillman chandelier. Please be respectful though and no visiting during masses.QY‑16, Pl. Wyzwolenia 21 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 32 356 96 22, www.swanna.wiara.org.pl. Open 10:00-17:00; Sun 14:0016:00.

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Nikiszowiec EAT & DRINK CAFE BYFYJ This is the heart and soul of Nikiszowiec. Grab a table inside in the bright white and soft light interior, or outside on their breezy bricked terrace (with all year gas heater should it get cold!). The friendly waitstaff will take it from there and catch you up on all the breakfast options (09:00-12:00), savoury and sweet options from cakes, tarts, pizzas and daily lunch specials. Don’t overlook the beverages because they serve up some of the best coffee drinks around, not to mention organic juices, cool-colas, beers (low alko % as well) and prosecco. Above all, come to Byfyj for the ambience and start to get a knack for what Niki’s really all about. Opening hours subject to change.QY‑16, ul.

Krawczyka 5 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 696 73 08 01, www.piekarniamichalski.pl. Open 09:00-21:00; Fri, Sat 09:00-22:00; closed Mon. T­U­B­6 MAOLA BISTRO NEW This sophisticated bistro brings a bit of class to Niki’s central square. The exposed brick and dark wood interiors correspond swimmingly to the hushed and jazzy atmosphere that almost demands companionship in the form of international/Polish cuisine - the trend for modern takes on old Polish and Silesian classics shows no sign of slowing down!

Whether you stop in for a morning cappuccino, or you slip in to sip a local microbrew in the afternoon, or some seriously good grub in the evening, MAOLA Bistro will accommodate you quite nicely. Classy.

QY‑16, Pl. Wyzwolenia 3/1 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 32 708 25 74. Open 11:00-21:00; Sat 10:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-20:00. T­B­6 ŚLĄSKA PROHIBICJA Up until recently in Nikiszowiec, there were only cafes to eat in should you get peckish, but that has now changed with the opening of Śląska Prohibicja (Silesian Prohibition). Going with a modern take on 1920s decor, this is a building with a whopping 700m2 of space across 5 rooms (one main area and 4 smaller rooms that accommodate 50-60 people); not just for restaurant use, but also for events such as weddings, and even musical performances (which take place Fri/ Sat evenings and Sun lunchtime). Fans of gastronomy will be eager to know that the head chef is Magdalena Nowaczewska, winner of the 5th edition of Poland’s Master Chef, and it shows, for the food (taking inspiration from international and regional cuisine) is delightfully prepared, with the taste matching the appearance. A fantastic addition to this charming part of Katowice.QY‑16, ul. Krawczyka 1 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 32 723 28 99, www.slaskaprohibicja.pl.

Open 12:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-24:00. €€€. T­U­ B­E

3 CENTRUM ZIMBARDO Centrum Zimbardo is one part of Stowarzyszenie Fabryka Inicjatyw Lokalnych (FIL Association), a non-profit organisation founded in 2009 by a group of local friends who wanted to improve things in Nikiszowiec, all borne of a passion for their district, Silesian culture, history and traditions. Not only does the association organise local events, such as concerts and markets, educational programmes and conferences, but Centrum Zimbardo provide guided tours for people wishing to visit the area, going into detail about the revitalisation of the area and the socio-economic history.

Tours cost 170zł up to groups of 25 and it is necessary to book in advance by phone or via email - fil@fil.org.pl. Zimbardo is a great local project which connects you to the area by means of 1st hand accounts of life in Niki - it’s genuine and should be supported. Check their site for any updated opening hours.QY‑16, Plac Wyzwolenia 5, tel. (+48) 664 22 20 44, www.centrumzimbardo.pl. Open 14:00-18:00; Sat, Sun 12:00-16:00.

4 INDUSTRIAL ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM This branch of the Katowice Historical Museum is unique in its emphasis on ethnography and folk culture, approaching the topic from an urban, rather than rural, perspective. A collection of artefacts and cultural assets tells the everyday stories of Upper Silesia’s working class (primarily miners) from the period of early industrial development (mid-19th century) to the 1960s. They have three permanent exhibitions on display. The first is devoted to the Janowska Group - a collection of Nikiszowiec miners including Teofil Ociepka, Paweł Wróbel, Erwin Sówka and Ewald Gawlik who gained renown for their ‘naive’ painting. Another exhibit is a replication of a typical Nikiszowiec worker’s house. The final exhibit goes even deeper and delves into the various laundering techniques used in the district’s heyday (it’s more interesting than it sounds and has English titles).

The helpful Nikiszowiec Information Centre (open 10:00 - 17:30; Sat 11:00 - 14:30; closed Mon, Sun) is also in the same building, where you can get advice, pick up maps of the district and free audioguides in English, Polish or German.QY‑16, ul. Rymarska 4 (Nikiszowiec), tel. (+48) 32 353 95 59, www.mhk.katowice.pl. Open 10:00-18:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-15:00; closed Mon. Admission 12/8zł. Tue free. U

Nikiszowiec

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Courtesy of Katowice City Council

Chorzów: Silesia Park

Enjoy some free time in Silesia Park

Aside from perhaps Warsaw, Upper Silesia, and particularly its ‘capital’, Katowice, has always felt like the region of Poland most buggered by the communists. The scars are dotted around from the severe socialist apartment complexes to the towering smokestacks. However, Poland’s communist regime was not completely without forward vision and only a few years after ‘inheriting’ the stripped industrial wastes of Upper Silesia after World War II, party leaders earmarked a vast 620 hectare plot on the borderlands of Katowice and Chorzów with the intention of creating the largest urban park in Europe. The land in question was far from an untouched patch of wilderness. On the contrary, the designated area was 75 percent devastated by mining and industrial waste, with the rest being undesirable marshland and dead trees. Under the direction of local hero Jerzy Ziętek, an important Silesian Insurrectionist

GETTING TO SILESIA PARK Getting to Silesia Park from Katowice is as easy as hopping on a tram or bus (tram being the fastest).

There are four tram and bus stops along the course of the park: ‘Park Śląski Wesołe Miasteczko’ (amusement park), ‘Park Śląski Ogród Zoologiczny’ (the zoo), ‘Park Śląski Wejście Główne’ (main entrance) and ‘Chorzów Stadion Śląski’ (Silesian Stadium). Take trams 0, 6, 11 or 19; or buses 6, 820, 830 or 840 (getting off at Park Śląski Ogród Zoologiczny). Chorzów is in zone 2 of Katowice’s public transport system so we recommend getting a 3,80zł zone 2 ticket which will get you to the park comfortably and beyond.

turned politician, work began as early as 1950 on what was known as the Provincial Park of Culture and Recreation (Wojewódzki Park Kultury i Wypoczynku or WPKiW): one of the most ambitious and pioneering environmental renewal projects ever undertaken in Europe.

In typical party fashion, Silesia’s working class was strongly encouraged to participate in the creation of this ‘people’s park’ - industrial workers to school children joined in the digging and planting of an astounding 3.5 million trees and shrubs in the first year alone, as the project moved forward at a record pace. In total 3.5 million tonnes of soil were moved to shape the area of the park, and 500,000 cubic metres of humus used to fertilise it. After completing the rehabilitation of the landscape, the park committee systematically set about establishing a series of attractions in the vast space of WPKiW, including an amusement park, zoo, planetarium (currently closed for renovation), the Silesian Stadium, Elka cableway and others as the park developed intensively in the 1950s-70s.

In 1989, when the regime crumbled, the park began a period of stagnation. However, since it became a public enterprise subsidised by the state budget in 2003, it has re-established itself as one of southern Poland’s biggest attractions. The last several years have seen an official name change to the much more parsable ‘Silesia Park,’ world-class rides added to the Legendia amusement park, as well as the opening of parks for more popular modern pursuits including the rope park and dirt bike course. Silesian Stadium (Stadion Śląski) has been totally modernised, and numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels continue to open in and around the park.

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Chorzów: Silesia Park WHAT TO SEE & DO ELKA CABLEWAY So you’ve arrived at Silesia Park and you realise just how big the whole place really is. You now have a choice walk, find a city bike, take the narrow gauge railroad or, to get a birds eye view, take the Elka Cableway, carrying you conveniently from one end of the park to the other in 40 minutes (a distance of 2185 metres!), and you’ll get some absolutely great views on the way in your choice of an 8-person cabin or a 4-person chair. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at either Point A, found at Legendia Amusement Park, or Point B, at the Silesian Stadium. Adults pay 13zł one way, 20zł return. Kids aged 3-16 and those with a disability pay 10zł one way, 15zł return. The last journey of the day leaves 15mins before closure.QI‑7, Promenade Gen. Jerzego Ziętka, Chorzów, www.elka.parkslaski.pl. Open 11:00-18:00; closed Mon. Please check their website for more information.

EAT & DRINK CAFÉ CHOPIN A comfortable, classy café off Chorzów’s high street (not far at all from Silesia Park), Cafe Chopin makes a perfect diversion for those with a sweet tooth. Serving decent coffee, good cakes and deliciously extravagant ice cream concoctions, chocolate is a proven pacifier of the stress attributed to a trip to Chorzów, so we suggest you take a time-out here. The spirits, beer and fresh squeezed juices will also do the job.QA‑1, ul.

Wolności 18, Chorzów, tel. (+48) 32 241 43 43, www. cafechopin.pl. Open 09:00-21:00; Sun 11:00-20:00.

U­6 RESTAURACJA CESARSKA NEW Not much surprise that in Chorzów’s finest hotel you would also find its finest restaurant. Wonderfully elegant French interiors feature pristine antique furnishings with a few columns and credenzas to match the fine table settings. The menu of consisting mainly of Polish dishes is such a masterpiece that it even makes delicacies out of the local Silesian fare. Start things off with a light appetizer before graduating on to the sumptuous Silesian beef roulade. The desserts are also to die for. Very impressive start to finish.QC‑2, ul. Paderewskiego 35, Chorzów (Diament Arsenal Palace Hotel), tel. (+48) 32 606 84 40, www.restauracja-cesarska.pl. Open 12:0022:00. €€. T­U­B

SILESIAN ROPE PARK Give yourself a new high navigating this awesome ropes park in the Silesia Park. Nicknamed ‘The Furnace’, the park offers an adrenaline-boosting and safe challenge for everyone thanks to a brief training, helmets and harnesses. Batory Zajezdnia Three prepared routes of varying difficulty plus a special mini route designed for children ages 3-7 and a climbing wall. In total the routes run a total of 620 metres with 49 obstacles, 36 platforms and no less than eight thrilling ziplines. Partially opened in May-Jun, functioning normally in Jul-Aug.QJ‑6, Silesia Park, Chorzów, tel. (+48) 509 34 34 41, www.parklinowysilesia.eu. Open 11:00-19:00. 10zł per mini-park. TODDLER route (green) 22zł (2 passes) ages 8+, MEDIUM route (yellow) 25zł (1 pass) ages 14+, DIFFICULT route (red) 40zł (1 pass) ages 18+.

SILESIA PARK MURALS If the size of Silesia Park is a little bit daunting to you and you want to catch your breath, then sitting on a bench is certainly an option, or perhaps, you could view an outdoor street art gallery - murals, to be precise, along a long outer wall of the Silesian Zoo. Here you will find a whole selection of works by various artists, including local Silesian artists MiszMasz, Mona Tusz and Raspazjan, with some depicting animals in

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Jerzego Ziętka 7 (Park of Culture & Recreation, Chorzów), tel. (+48) 666 03 14 96, www.zoo.silesia.pl. Open 09:0016:00. In April open 09:00-17:00; Sat, Sun 09:00-18:00. From May open 09:00-19:00. Tickets 15/5zł. From April 20/10zł.

Ethnographic Park

the zoo, others just bright and colourful artistic expressions.

It’s well worth seeing and is located in the heart of the park, just off the main walkway, which is marked on our Silesia Park map (p.43) with a spray can symbol.QI‑6, Aleja Leśna.

SILESIAN ZOO Located in Silesia Park, PL’s largest zoo is a massive 50 hectare extravaganza with 2,465 animals of 390 species from all over the world, including crowd favourites such as rhinos, Siberian tigers and cheetahs. The kids will be thoroughly enthralled thanks to a petting zoo and Dinosaur Valley, which features some rather silly concrete dinos. Feeding times in the warmer months for red pandas daily at 13:30, pelicans 10:00 and brown bears Tue, Thu & Sat at 14:00.QH‑5, Promenade Gen.

UPPER SILESIAN ETHNOGRAPHIC PARK This fantastic open-air folk park presents rural Silesian life through its aged architectural monuments. Since the late 60s, Chorzów’s ‘skansen’ has been rescuing endangered or forgotten Silesian structures by hoisting them up and dropping them in this makeshift village laid out over 20 hectares of idyllic countryside. Grouped into six ethnographic regions, visitors explore some 100 buildings dating from the late 18th to early 20th century, including traditional thatched-roof homes, granaries, historic wooden churches, wayside shrines and windmills (please note, on Mondays, you can only walk around them without entering).

Many of the buildings are open with indoor exhibits and an informative staff on hand. There’s even an old karczma (inn) where you can get a bite to eat and a beer. There are even a few goats, sheep and horses around the site, adding some extra magic to this romantic village of architectural artefacts saved from extinction.QD‑2, ul. Parkowa 25, Chorzów, tel. (+48) 32 241 07 18, www.muzeumgpe-chorzow.pl. Open 09:00-16:00; Sat, Sun 10:00-16:00. In April open 09:0017:00; Sat, Sun 10:00-17:00. From May open 09:00-19:00; Sat, Sun 10:00-21:00. Admission 12/8zł. Children under 3 enter for free. Mon free.

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Kids & Families

Activities & Experiences If you’re looking for a more alternative way to see and experience Upper Silesia, or simply enjoy letting ‘the pros’ organise your time, check out the ideas below. More online at iyp.me/polandshop

ARTHOUSE CINEMAS KATOWICE

If you prefer going for the feel of independent communal cinemas halls, rather than the commercial feel of a cinema chain, then arthouse cinemas are the way to go. The arthouse cinema network is strong in Poland, and Katowice has its fair share of them run

by Silesia Film, where you can watch high quality artistic movies, both International and Polish, from fiction to educational. While in Katowice, you have a choice of three great cinemas to choose from: Kino Kosmos, Rialto and Światowid, which we fully recommend you check out. Check their websites for all the latest events and screenings.QN‑12, ul. 3 Maja 7, www.silesiafilm.com.

CITY BY BIKE

Katowice’s city-organised bike rental system (available Apr-Oct) makes exploring Silesia capital’s easier than ever with 632 bikes found at 76 locations around the city including Katowice Rynek, the cultural zone, ul. Mariacka, Park Kościuszki and Park Dolina 3 Stawów (Valley of Three Ponds). Bikes are available 24/7 but you have to register on their website first where you can also find a list of bike locations. Log onto: www.citybybike.pl/en/ to find out how it works.QN‑10, Pl. Wojciecha Kilara 1, www.citybybike. pl. 10zł for registering on their website, 0-15min - 0zł, 16-60min - 1zł, 2 hrs - 2zł, 3hrs - 3zł, every additional hr is 4zł.

FLYSPOT KATOWICE

One of only three Flyspot’s in Poland (the others being in Warsaw and Wrocław), enter the wind tunnel and spread your wings...or your arms, if you don’t have feathers. The wind tunnel is the same type used by professional skydivers and military for training, and now you get to try it out too. This is an experience you’re not likely to forget! Prices: 229zł (Mon-Thu) or 249zł (Fri-Sun) for adults, and 199zł (Mon-Thu) or 219zł (Fri-Sun) for those under 18. The price includes 2 flights in the freefall simulator/1.5 mins.QK‑9, ul.

Chorzowska 100, tel. (+48) 698 62 65 00, www.flyspot.com.

Open 08:00-22:00.

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OGRODZIENIEC CASTLE

Just 50km from Katowice, Ogrodzieniec Castle is the highlight of the Eagles’ Nest fortifications (p.48), offering stunning views in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Tourist interest has increased after featuring in the Netflix series, The Witcher, based on the book series by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. In summer it livens up with knight tournaments, medieval folk dancing and night tours.Qul. Zamkowa, Podzamcze, tel. (+48) 32 673 22 85, www.zamek-ogrodzieniec.pl. Open 09:00-18:00. From April 25 open 09:00-20:00. Admission 17/10zł. Free English-language audioguides available (50zł deposit).

LILY NAIL SPA

A lovely and relaxed interior, sharing the space with Thai Sabai, the mood is set for your treatment. On offer are a choice of manicures (20% off first visit) from hybrid, gel to classic with a huge selection of colours and pedicures! Highly professional and friendly service, your comfort is of the upmost importance.

The nail spa is located in the mezzanine above the food court in Galeria Katowicka. Please note, during the Sunday trading ban, the spa is closed.QM‑12, ul. 3 maja 30 (Galeria Katowicka), tel. (+48) 577 81 80 88. Open 09:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-20:00.

THAI SABAI

It might look painful, but a Thai massage (acupressure mixed with assisted yoga) is a truly refreshing experience. Thai Sabai offer various services, from face, feet and leg massages, to a full body traditional Thai massage which costs 120zł. Each session lasts at least 1h.

During your visit, you will experience the relaxed atmosphere with Thai music, aromatic oils, warm stones, facial peeling and masks. For the less faint-hearted, a gentler Balinese massage is available. Thai Sabai’s 2nd location is in Silesia City Center.QM‑12, ul. 3 maja 30 (Galeria Katowicka), tel. (+48) 577 81 80 88, www.thaisabai.pl.

Open 09:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-20:00.

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Kids & Families

Relax, this isn’t some crazy experiment, it’s Flyspot! (p.44)

Judging by first appearances, Katowice may not look like an obvious tourist destination for anyone, let alone kids. But this is a city which has undergone a huge transformation, resulting in a major kick-start to the cultural and leisure landscape. So, you’re here now with the younglings, who you can only expect to be quiet in museums for so long, and you can’t expect them to enjoy bars or clubs at all (if you did, your credentials as a parent may be called into question!). There must be something for kids to do in this town, right? Yup! What we’ve learned during our time exploring is that Katowice and the surrounding area has quite a lot of stuff for kids to see and enjoy, come rain or shine! To help you along, we’ve listed family-friendly destinations that covers indoor and outdoor options. Some venues are described in more detail elsewhere, so follow the references. Don’t worry, folks, we’ve got you covered.

HELPFUL HINTS Of course the first step to having a great family trip is to accept that what you want to do, and what your kids want to do are hardly one and the same. That said, there’s no reason you can’t find common ground in Katowice’s major attractions. Everyone has Industrial heritage/tourism in mind when they visit Kato, but that doesn’t have to mean it’s boring old buildings for the kids, oh no. If you choose to go the Silesian Museum (p.33), it’s super modern and will have the kids as interested in the multimedia elements as you will be. You’ll be glad to know the city has a few kid46

friendly venues up its sleeve (where you’ll no doubt have fun too)! If leisure is more your thing, then Multikino (in Galeria Katowicka, M-12), Cinema City Silesia (p.82) and/ or Cinema City Punkt 44 (with IMAX screens, K-11) to see the latest kids’ movies can be good for a rainy day. If you prefer more action packed indoor attractions, Katowice also has a Laserhouse (p.47), a Jump City (p.47) and a Flyspot (p.44) centre to get suited and booted to fly around in a wind chamber.

Sometimes the best thing to do when there’s easy-tiring kids involved and you want to see as much as possible is to simply walk, or take advantage of good weather and ride a bike around the city. From Apr-Dec, the ‘City by Bike’ (p.44) scheme is in effect, and with each year more bike paths being built, you’re spoilt for choice, with the only limitation being your own decision where you want to go. Riding around Downtown Katowice (p.28) is always an option, but you’ll have to tussle with pedestrians in the heart of the city, but heading to the Cultural Zone (p.32) is one option, from where you can even ride onward to the Nikiszowiec (p.38) district, if you’re all super fit!

In the warmer months especially, the Valley of Three Ponds (p.35) is a welcome retreat for locals who want to get away from the bustle of the city centre, and we wholly recommend a visit - it’s like another world entirely, perfect for loungers on the public beach areas of the lakes, but also a haven for keep fit and outdoor types, who wish to walk, run, roller skate or ride a bike.

Kids & Families Another great idea is to head over to Silesia Park (p.41) - either by bus, tram or bike. Although this is now going beyond the official city limits of Katowice, the wider metropolitan area is well connected and you’ll barely notice where one city ends and the next one begins. Even if you choose to get to the park by bus or tram, when you get there, we’d recommend renting one of the aforementioned bikes if your aim is to see the whole park - it’s truly huge! Near the main entrance to Silesia Park is Poland’s oldest amusement park, Legendia (H/I-7).

Your next port of call may be the Silesian Zoo (p.43) - it never fails to amuse the kids, especially the petting area and Dinosaur Valley! Getting there is a pleasant walk through the park to the zoo, 1km away) or go further and traverse on the Elka Cableway (p.42). For the kids bursting with energy, going to the Silesian Rope Park (p.42) is a safe choice! As for the sports obsessed children (and adults!), head over to the modernised Silesian Stadium (E-3) where you can join a tour. In the far corner of the park, you may wish to visit the Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park (p.43), whose skansen (open-air museum) showcases how rural life once looked in the region - one of the farms here even has animals (goats, sheep and horses), which the kids will love.

Whistle while you work in the Queen Louise Adit (p.51).

Photo QLA

will certainly have fun, while at the same time learning about the complexities of the mining industry, and how important it is to Silesia and its culture. Fun through learning, huh? If this is more your thing, check out our Industrial Tourism section (p.50) for more details.

We hope you and your kids enjoy the city and the surrounding area, but no doubt even if you are here alone or only with adults, the kidult within you will certainly consider going to check out some of our recommendations, and why not? We all deserve to have fun!

INDOOR ATTRACTIONS

Pose for a family photo, like these camels, at the Silesian Zoo (p.42).

Going further afield, if you and the kids are interested in an altogether different experience, there are places across Silesia where you can go deep underground, to some truly great depths of some mines - 355m underground in the Guido Mineshaft (p.51) in Zabrze, for example! Not only do you get to experience the dark depths of the earth, seeing how miners have worked throughout the centuries, you can try your hand at being a miner by using the very same equipment. In some cases, you can also travel through mine complexes by boat along underground rivers such as in the Black Trout Adit and the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Historic Silver Mines, both of which are in Tarnowskie Góry. A similar boat trip can be experienced in the Queen Louise Adit (p.51) in Zabrze, however, here there is also a child-friendly zone where the kids can learn about the history of the mines in a multimedia and fun focused manner. Not only are these unique places to visit, the kids, and you,

JUMPCITY Are you hip to this? The newest fitness/recreation craze sweeping the globe (we’ve been told) is jumping like a madman around a room filled with trampolines and occasionally taking a dip into pits filled with foam. Release your inner six year old and literally bounce off the walls, ceilings and navigate some interesting obstacles. The perfect way to spend a rainy day, blow off some steam or just have some good old fashioned fun. Entrance is every hour and you must turn up 15 minutes before to get ready and have your anti-skid socks, available for purchase on the spot for 5zł.Qul. Tadeusza Kościuszki 227, tel. (+48) 32 781 88 84, www.jumpcity.pl. Open 12:00-21:00; Sat, Sun 10:00-21:00. Prices start from 32zł per session.

LASERHOUSE This excellent 600m2 laser tag arena near the centre of Katowice is equipped with strobe lights, florescent graffiti, dry ice, dynamic music and elaborate backdrops to fully immerse gamers into an exciting futuristic world. Engage your opponents in a sci-fi shootout while using barrels and tyre pyramids for cover, or take a crack at the challenging laser maze (30 mins for 50zł) with varying levels of difficulty.

Laser Tag games are 30mins and cost 20zł Mon-Thu before 15:00, 25zł after 15:00, and 20zł on a Friday before 15:00, 28zł after. Weekends are 28zł all day. Also at ul. Wojska Polskiego 47 in Sosnowiec, Pl. Tadeusza Kościuszki 1 (C.H. Agora) 3 floor in Bytom.and ul. Bolesława Chrobrego 6 in Rybnik.QL‑12, ul.

Kamienna 9, tel. (+48) 32 229 00 21, www.laserhouse.pl.

Open 10:00-22:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-22:00.

47

The impressive historic Silver Mines of Tarnowskie Góry. | Photo: Kopalnia Srebra, SMZT

Mirów Castle, one of many fortifications along the trail! | Photo: T Gębuś, www.slaskie.travel

Get on Your Bike: The Eagles' Nests Cycle Trail The Kraków-Częstochowa Upland is one of the most scenic regions of Poland. And no wonder – the characteristic landscape alone is enough to take your breath away, let alone the castles and fortifications that make up the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. A truly magical area, it is a mecca for lovers of outdoor pursuits, from walking, rock climbing to winter sports, but none more popular than cycling! The best way to experience it all is to use leg power and cycle the entire route!

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The Eagles' Nests Cycle Trail The Kraków-Częstochowa Upland is a regional gem, consisting of natural landscapes dotted with limestone caves, cliffs, and impressive 14th century fortifications found along the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests (Szlak Orlich Gniazd); a collection of 25 castles and outposts, mostly ruins, which make up the former defensive lines of Poland’s then western border. Today, there’s a lot to take in on the trail, however, there’s more fun to be had, and distance covered in a shorter time with the aid of a good ole pushbike on The Eagles’ Nests Cycle Trail!

THE ROUTE Starting in Częstochowa (70km north of Katowice) and ending in Kraków, the route takes you through some of the wilder terrain found in the Silesian (Woj. Śląskie) and Lesser Poland (Woj. Małopolskie) regions. The 186 km long cycle trail is well sign posted and distinguishable with the ‘Szlak Orlich Gniazd’ logo on markers along the way (as seen on p.48, along with a QR code showing the route itself). From Częstochowa, the first stop is also the location of the first castle in Olsztyn (15 km away) followed by Złoty Potok (another 15 km), location of Raczyński Palace and the Krasiński Manor House. And this is how the route continues, with distances of 5-15 km between points of interest. A wise man (or meme?) once said it’s not the destination but the journey that counts... we’ll agree, as the scenery throughout is pretty inspiring! Seeing more castle ruins in Ostrężnik and Przewodziszowice (good luck pronouncing it), you’ll eventually encounter the castles in Mirów and Bobolice, and it’s worth staying longer due to the breathtaking scenery. In nearby Podlesice, a bit of a hotspot for tourists with places to eat and sleep for the night, it’s worth getting

off your bike to climb the impressive Góra Zborów (Zborów Hill), a chain of pointy limestone karsts offering stunning views, or if going underground is more your thing, delve into Jaskinia Głęboka (Deep Cave). And so the trail continues, leading from one castle or fortification to the next, from Morsko to Kromołowo, before reaching one of the highlights: Ogrodzieniec Castle (p.45) in Podzamcze. This has long been one of the top spots to visit, however, with the release of the Netflix series The Witcher, based on the book series by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, tourist no.s have increased since the castle was the backdrop for the Battle of Sodden in the show. Going further, Ryczów with its watchtower ruins, and Smoleń with its castle, are the final stops in Silesia.

Next up in Lesser Poland there are more karsts at Zegarowe Skały, and more ruins in Bydlin, Jaroszowiec and Rabsztyn.

The villages of Racławice and Paczółtowice each have their own wooden churches, part of the Wooden Architecture Trail. The village of Czerna has a 17th century Carmelite monastery. The best is usually saved until last, and in the village of Rudno, the mighty Tenczyn Castle is the final Eagle’s Nest of the trail. From here it’s onward to Kraków.

Such an adventure!

18.09 - 20.09 » JUROMANIA

If you enjoyed The Trail of the Eagles’ Nests solo or as part of a small group, great, but there’s one major event you can’t miss that brings fans of the trail together - JUROMANIA. The celebration is rich in presentations of medieval costumes, cannons, instruments of torture, historical reconstructions, dance shows, workshops, tournaments and concerts plus the excellent regional cuisine. And all this in the unique atmosphere of the medieval fortifications along the trail! Q www.juromania.pl.

SILESIAN TOURISM ORGANISATION

Rock formations are prominent in the Upland trail.

Photo: T. Renk, www.slaskie.Travel

The Silesian Tourism Organisation (Śląska Organizacja Turystyczna) is a fantastic resource that can help you with your planning! Happily visit their site www.silesia.travel for in-depth information, or visit the tourist information office in Katowice’s main square for a wealth of useful resources and guides to the gems of the Silesian region.

Silesian Region Tourist Information Site: www.slaskie.travel ‘Silesian Tastes’ Culinary Trail: www.slaskiesmaki.pl The Eagles’ Nests Trail: www.orlegniazda.pl The Industrial Monuments Trail: www.zabytkitechniki.pl Kraków-Częstochowa Upland Site: www.jura.travel Beskid Mountains Site: www.beskidy.travel Silesian Cieszyn Site: www.slaskcieszynski.travel Land of the upper Odra river: krainagornejodry.slaskie.travel 49

Industrial Tourism

Lull the kids into a false sense of security before putting them to work in the mines! | Photo: Queen Louise Adit

While such a prediction may have raised eyebrows only twenty years ago (we should know, we started publishing tourist guides to PL in 2000), today Poland has established itself (with our help, of course) as a bona fide tourist destination - a fact not lost on the flocks of weekend breakers who descend each weekend on its marzipan Old Towns. Taking pride of place is Kraków, with it’s enormous market square, castle and UNESCO-listed city centre, but Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań have each established themselves as fixtures on the backpacker map, thanks to historic centres that could well have been designed by a team consisting of Hans Christian Anderson and the good Mr. Kipling. Even Warsaw, once famed for its bleak, desolate boulevards, has generated a reputation as one of New Europe’s liveliest capitals.

So what of Katowice then, or the region of Upper Silesia as a whole? A quick glance around is enough to suggest that works by Da Vinci will be tough to find here, so it’s with a fair degree of astonishment that most visitors learn that the Silesian landscape – dotted with its derelict factories and overgrown slagheaps – is something of a tourist goldmine (emphasis on ‘mine’). Transformed by the Industrial Revolution in the second half of the 19th century, what had previously been an idyllic rural backdrop suddenly found itself the focus of corpulent industrialists looking to make their fortunes from the coal and steel discovered here.

Up went the factories and the chimney stacks, followed by huge migratory waves of people – both German and Polish – as everyone from balding fat cats to scruffy urchins looked to make coin and careers out of the newly 50

discovered resources. From thereon the region took on the appearance of an L.S. Lowry picture, its fledgling cities filled with blackened buildings and shuffling matchstick figures.

The scorched earth policy followed by Hitler in the final years of WWII did little to dent Upper Silesia’s industrial importance. The communist authorities knew they had inherited a veritable wealth of mineral riches, and set about exploiting them to the max. Quickly becoming an environmental black spot, the region was fast heading for ecological catastrophe, a fate only narrowly averted by the collapse of the political system in 1989. Somewhat amazingly, and thanks in no small part to the ongoing cooperation between local government and foreign institutions, the ecological balance of the area has been restored to safe levels today. What’s more, it’s now possible for the intrepid tourist to explore the very facilities that made Silesia – and nearly destroyed it. Below we list the most interesting industrial heritage sites throughout the region, but enthusiasts are urged to get hold of a copy of the excellent ‘Silesian Industrial Monuments Route’ (Szlak Zabytków Techniki Województwa Śląskiego) - a multilingual pamphlet containing literally dozens of sites, which can be picked up for free in any Tourist Information points.

INDUSTRIAL MONUMENTS ROUTE zabytkitechniki.pl

Industrial Tourism

IN ZABRZE GUIDO MINESHAFT Constructed in 1855, a visit to Zabrze’s Guido Coal Mine allows hard-hatted adventurers to plunge an initial 170m below ground, via a rattling cage elevator, while learning about the world of coal extraction. From there it’s non-stop action as visitors view numerous tunnels and shafts that look just like they did at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Three separate tours are available, each descending deeper into the mine and with more protective gear required (included in the price). Along the way are numerous pieces of clunky, rusty machinery, including drainage pumps from 1914 and various drilling equipment that looks like it could have played a part in that hangover you had on New Years’ Day. This is a full-on interactive masterpiece that doesn’t just settle for displays of Davy Lamps and long-dead equipment. Of course it does that, but it also goes further with sound effects (braying horses and equipment going ‘kerchung, kerchung’), and a separate ‘art floor’ consisting of multimedia exhibits and cinematic presentations. The descent continues to -320m where you can travel by the wuppertale suspension railway, visit Europe’s deepest underground bar, Pub 320, in the Pump Hall (separate 10zł ticket), or maybe even see a concert, exhibition or other cultural event which are often held here. Going further still to -355m, this is where you get to roll your sleeves up and experience the real life of a miner using various pieces of equipment, under the watchful eye of former miners.

All visits to Guido are conducted with a tour guide; Polish tours cost 60/45zł; tours in any other language must be booked in advance by phone (60/45zł p/person, plus

GETTING TO ZABRZE Few things in life are easier than getting to Zabrze from Katowice. Trains are frequent between the two cities and depending on which you get on your journey time will be anything from 20 to 30 minutes with tickets retailing from approximately 5-15zł. The train station is located smack in the centre of town at Pl. Dworcowy 2 and is a tiny and typically cheerless affair featuring one track and two ticket windows - one open 6:00 - 21:30 (Koleje Śląskie) and the other 05:15 - 21:30 (Intercity).

Credit cards are not accepted and, fittingly, there’s no ATM. However help isn’t far away as the tourist info office on ul. Powstańców Śląskich 2/1 (open Mon - Fri 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun.) will be more than happy to tell you where the nearest bank machine is. Also in the station itself are a few kiosks, food stands and slot machines, as well as the obligingly grim train station bar and a large secondhand clothing store.

If travelling by car, approaching from the east (Katowice) or west (Germany), you’ll likely do so via the A4 freeway. Take the exit just before (if coming from Katowice) or just after (if coming from Germany) Gliwice - ul. Wspólna - and follow the signs to Zabrze.

Mining still takes place in the tourist orientated mines!

Photo: Guido Mieshaft

250zł group fee for the translator). To get to the mine from the centre of Zabrze take tram no. 3 or regular buses 7, 23, 47, 111, 198 or 199, getting off at ‘Guido Kopalnia Zabytkowa;’ the trip takes 10mins.Qul. 3 Maja 93, Zabrze (Centrum Południe), tel. (+48) 32 271 40 77, www. kopalniaguido.pl. Open 08:30-19:30; Tue, Wed 09:0018:00; closed Mon. Please call in advance. Guido Shaft tour (-170m/-320m) 60/45zł. ‘The Dark’ tour (-355m) 60zł. ‘Shift’ tour (-355m) 99zł. Pub Visit 10zł.

QUEEN LOUISE ADIT The Queen Louise (Królowa Luiza) Mine opened for business in 1791, one year after Salomon Izaak first discovered coal below the ground. One of the oldest mines in the region, and biggest revitalised post-mining cultural heritage site in Europe, it has received numerous awards from the Best Tourist Product 2018 (Polish Tourism Organisation), Tourist facility of the year 2019 (Polish Chamber of Tourism) and the European Heritage Award/ Europa Nostra Award 2019 awarded by the European Commission. Wow. Your visit starts off at ground level where you’ll find chunky pieces of machinery, pistons, dials, pipes, photo displays and other industrial detritus clustered around the old ‘Karnell’ shaft. Pride of place goes to a steampowered hoist that made its debut in 1915 to a design born in Duelmen, Germany; such was the quality of the workmanship that it continued to be used until 1990. Every bit as impressive is the 30 metre hoist next to it; open to visitors, sweeping views of the city can be had from the top.

Other points of interest include machinery salvaged from now-defunct mines, an underground machine park, and a monument honouring miners from 1850.

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Industrial Tourism IN TARNOWSKIE GÓRY TARNOWSKIE GÓRY MINES Just 30km north-west of Katowice, there are more than 20 post-mining sites around Tarnowskie Góry, and part of Bytom, connected to iron, lead and silver mining, and also a water drainage network for you to visit. The ‘Historic Silver Mines in Tarnowskie Góry’, a UNESCO world heritage site since 2017, are 1740m in length, 270m of which you will see by boat. You will see old mining tools and equipment used here in the 18th/19th centuries. The 2nd major site is the Black Trout Adit, home to Poland’s longest underground tourist trail, coming in at 600m, the entirety of which you travel with a guide by boat, as they regale you with history and tales. Other attractions in the area include the city park, the spoil heap of the former Fryderyk mine, and the postmining landscape of Srebrna Góra (translated as ‘Silver hill’).Qul. Szczęść Boże 81, Tarnowskie Góry.

The impressive historic Silver Mines of Tarnowskie Góry.

Photo: Kopalnia Srebra, SMZT

The underground sections are split into three levels for visitors, the first of which is a boat trip along an underground river spanning 1130m, while a guide explains the history and culture of the mine. At the 2nd level, 40m below ground, you are shown the technologies used for mining over the last 200 years, right up to the huge machinery of the 21st century. The third and final level is family orientated, specifically for kids, with multimedia elements teaching the history of the mine and the people who worked there.

Tours in English are available for an additional cost of 105zł, but you must book in advance via their website or by phone.Qul. Wolności 408, Zabrze (Zabrze Północ), tel. (+48) 32 271 40 77, www.sztolnialuiza.pl. Open 08:3017:30. Tourist Water Trail 60/40zł. Tourist Trail 45zł/35zł.

Underground Treasures 35zł/27zł.

Porcelain Factory

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Zinc Rolling Mill

IN KATOWICE ZINC ROLLING MILL Originally opened in 1904 near Huta Bernhard (Bernhard Steelworks), the Zinc rolling mill (Walcownia Cynku) hall (91x20m) and the engine Room (70x6m) functioned right up until 2002! The interior is filled with the majority of theoriginal machinery, so walking around, you have an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the place. The main function of Walcownia today is as a museum, which also contains a collection of American motorcycles, and hosts cultural and corporate events. For photographers or filmographers, you simply won’t find a better, more unique backdrop. To get there, take trams 14, 15 & 20 to the ‘Szopienice Roździenska’ stop, from where it is only a 5min walk away.Qul. 11 Listopada 50, tel. (+48) 727 60 01 86, www.walcownia.org. Open 10:00-18:00; closed Mon. Admission 19/16zł. Children under 3 enter for free. Tue free. Guided tours available in English and German (call in advance to book). U­6 PORCELAIN FACTORY See p.36.QU‑13, ul. Porcelanowa 23, www.fabrykaporcelany.pl.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

The infamous Auschwitz I entrance gate. | © noel moore, Dollar Photo Club

For centuries the town of Oświęcim was a quiet backwater community, largely bypassed by world events. That changed with WWII when Oświęcim, known as ‘Auschwitz’ under German occupation, became the chosen site of the largest death camp in the Third Reich. Between 1.1 million and 1.5 million people were exterminated here, etching the name of Auschwitz forever into the history books and countless films, documentaries, books and survivor accounts have since burned it into the collective consciousness.

presented in all of its contexts and guests are perhaps spared from fully surrendering to their emotions only by the sheer relentlessness of the information. No matter how much you think you know on the subject, the perspective gained by visiting is incomparable. Whether or not you choose to go to Auschwitz is up to you to decide. However it should be understood that Auschwitz is not a site of Jewish concern, Polish concern, German concern, gypsy concern, historical concern... It is a site of human concern.

As such, we believe everyone should visit.

Visitors to Kraków and Katowice are faced with asking themselves whether or not they will make the effort to visit Auschwitz. It is a difficult question. There are few who would say they actually ‘want’ to visit Auschwitz, though many are compelled to do so for their own reasons. For those of us who don’t feel so compelled, it’s easy to give reasons for not going: not having enough time, already knowing as much as we need or want to know about it, not feeling personally connected enough to the site or the history to need to visit, or being uncomfortable about the prospect of visiting a site of such emotional resonance at the same time as hundreds of other tourists. Having been there, we can tell you that all of these explanations for avoiding Auschwitz are perfectly reasonable until you’ve actually visited the site; you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who has made the trip and still argues against going.

VISITING AUSCHWITZ

The Auschwitz Museum and tour present one of the most horrific acts in human history with a level of tact, passion, poignancy and professionalism that is so profound, it almost makes as lasting an impression as the site itself.

Without being heavy-handed, the history of the site is 54

If you’ve decided to visit Auschwitz, you basically have three options: 1) visit as part of a group organised by a tourist agency, 2) visit independently and join a guided tour at the museum, or 3) visit independently for free without a guide.

Unfortunately, the latter two options are now much more difficult, as all visits must now be booked in advance through the website visit.auschwitz.org. As a result, you may find there are no tickets available because they have all been snatched up by tourist agencies. Failure to book online doesn’t mean you can’t visit Auschwitz when you want, but it does basically force you to sign up for a tour through an outside provider. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it relieves you of the hassle of figuring out how to get there and back, but you will essentially be paying a surcharge for the service. For most people, however, it is worth it.

If you are determined to visit Auschwitz I independently you need to know that during peak season (March 1 October 31) the museum makes it obligatory to buy a ticket and become part of a 3.5hr guided tour, unless you

Auschwitz-Birkenau get there before 10:00 or after 16:00 (from November after 13:00) - at which times it is possible to visit for free on your own (note that last entrance to Auschwitz I is 1.5hrs before closing; Auschwitz II is always free to independent visitors).

Even if visiting independently for free, you still need a ‘free ticket’ from the ticket office. Be that as it may, we strongly recommend the official guided tour, which is excellent, profound and professional; afterwards you’ll find it hard to imagine getting as much out of your visit had you explored the grounds on your own. Tour departure times fluctuate, but tours in English depart frequently; check online for exact schedule.

Arriving at the Auschwitz Museum on your own can be chaotic and confusing thanks to large crowds and unclear signage. If you are visiting independently, or in a small group, head for the queue in front of the desk marked ‘Individual Guests;’ if it’s peak season (March 1 - Oct. 31) and you don’t already have tickets (not recommended), you must first visit the white Info box located outside the entrance. Once you’re through the queues, your experience typically begins with a harrowing 20-minute film of narrated footage captured by the Soviet Army when they arrived to liberate the camp in January 1945 (an additional 6/3zł, but recommended). The film is not guaranteed however, so in some cases your tour will begin straightaway with a live guide speaking into a microphone which you hear through your headphones.

If you intend to explore Auschwitz without a guide, we recommend that you give yourself several hours to explore both camps, and that you pick up the official guidebook (10zł) whose map of the camp is crucial to avoid missing any of the key sites.

Visiting Auschwitz is a full day’s excursion so prepare accordingly (comfortable shoes). The guided tour of Auschwitz I takes around 2 hours, so make sure you’ve eaten breakfast. After completing the tour of the first camp, there is only a short break before the bus leaves for Auschwitz-Birkenau II; in order to stay with the same tour guide, you need to catch that bus, so it would be wise to pack some food for the day (though there is some limited food available at the museum). The tour of the second camp is shorter, lasting 1-1.5 hours. Buses regularly depart back to Auschwitz I, or you can walk or catch a cab to the train station 1.5km away. At Auschwitz I there are restrooms (have change available), a fast food bar and a restaurant; there are also restrooms at Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Note that only small bags are allowed into Auschwitz I; if your bag exceeds the very small dimensions of 30x20x10cm, you’ll have to leave it somewhere; lockers are provided for this purpose.Qul. Stanisławy Leszczyńskiej 11, Oświęcim, tel. (+48) 33 844 81 00, www.auschwitz.org. Open 07:30-17:00. From April open 07:30-18:00. Auschwitz is not recommended for those under 14 years old. An individual ticket for a foreign language guided tour of both camps costs 60/55zł. Admission without a guide (when possible) to either camp is free. The film at Auschwitz I costs 6/3zł.

GETTING TO AUSCHWITZ

Auschwitz II - Birkenau Photo by Alana de Haan; alanacdehaan.com

The town of Oświęcim lies 33km south-east of Katowice and there are several ways of getting there, though the easiest may be just signing on for an organised tour through a local company like Silesia Trip (p.27). Direct trains go every couple of hours from Katowice central station and there are numerous bus options both big and small.

Buses leave frequently from Katowice’s main bus station (M-11, ul. Skargi 1) every day starting at 08:00. A one way ticket costs about 9-20zł with the journey taking 60-70mins (prices and times depend on the company). The buses make several stops along the way, and most weekday will drop you off at the Oświęcim train station (ul. Powstańców Śląskich 22), which is 1.5km away. From there hop on local buses 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29 to make the short trip to the museum; you can purchase the 2.70zł fare from one of the nearby kiosks.

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are located 3km apart (with the train station strategically between them). Between Nov-Feb there is a free museum bus which shuttles visitors between the two parts of the camp every 30 minutes during weekdays from 10:00 (every 10 mins at weekends), with the last bus being at 16:10 (check upon arrival for schedule). Alternatively, catch a cab for a rich 15zł.

To get back to Katowice, waiting minibus taxis run by Malarek Tour (+48 605 31 50 77) can be found outside either camp - a group of eight would pay about 30zł/ person. Otherwise you need to catch a bus from the Oświęcim train station. Again, local buses 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29 make the trip from Auschwitz I to the train station for 2.70zł. Buses from there back to Katowice are frequent, but the last one leaves at 16:48 Mon-Sun.

BOOK A TOUR bit.ly/KatowiceAuschwitz 55

Cafés

Cafes & Ice Cream Katowice has some pretty cool cafes, with the standard well and truly raised high in the last few years. We’ve chosen a handful of our favourites for you, which we sure you’ll love. Happy eatin’...

3 SIOSTRY BAJGIEL I KAWA

This trendy and friendly cafe makes Montreal style bagels (a bit sweeter and thicker than their NYC counterparts) and serves them in a variety of savoury sandwich forms (egg and bacon, Philadelphia cream cheese with salmon and arugula etc.) We had a hankering for Philadelphia so we chose the latter and our smile got wider with every bite. We could have sat for hours just observing the flow of happy diners and playful banter between the ‘three sisters’ who cook and serve with passion.QO‑12, ul. Św.

Stanisława 8, tel. (+48) 512 92 84 58. Open 08:00-20:00; Sat 09:00-20:00; Sun 09:00-19:00. T­6

BLACK WOOLF

NEW

As central as it can get, right on the main street, pop in to Black Woolf to escape the bustle... then watch from the inside as life whizzes by outside. The interior is sparse, although calming despite its buzzing central location. The menu is equally sparse, although you’ll get the usual coffees, teas, cakes, desserts, sandwiches, they also have a choice of toasties for you to nibble on. Grab a magazine, or English/ Polish book (can also be purchased) and kick back in some of the deep chairs and admire the architecture outside.QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 25, tel. (+48) 518 85 48 21. Open 08:00-20:00; Sat 09:0020:00; Sun 10:00-19:00. T­6

COFFEE-JKA

All-day-breakfast! All-day-breakfast! There, I said it. Quite a rare concept in Poland is now finally beginning to spread, and Coffee-jka is one of those taking the big leap. A nice cafe with plenty of seating, they have a nice selection of coffees, teas, smoothies, scrambled egg and omelette options, vegan burgers, sandwiches, soups and of course, sweet treats like homemade cakes. Coffee-jka is right on the street corner, just south of the Rynek (p.28), and perfect for stopping in to relax or for grabbing your fix for on the go. 2nd location at ul.

Prowansalska 27.QN‑13, ul. Plebiscytowa 21, tel. (+48) 665 85 83 10. Open 08:00-19:00; Sat, Sun 10:00-19:00. T­6­i 56

Cafés

Katowice has many great cafes for you to visit!

EKSPEDYCJA COFFEEHOUSE

Ekspedycja (Expedition) is themed on historical exploration, going back to the days of venturing out to discover new worlds and cultures. Once inside you will find the interior filled with old maps, paintings and paraphernalia connected with exploration and tea.

More than a place to get some tea and coffee (they have a fine selection to drink on the spot or take home), this is a place to chill out with some board games and books, all provided, in various languages, encouraging you to engage and to learn. What a great idea!QN‑12, ul. Teatralna 12. Open 11:00-20:00; Fri 11:0022:00; Sat 13:00-22:00; Sun 13:00-20:00.

KAWOSZ

Entering Kawosz is quite a sight in itself - no, you haven’t walked in on the aftermath of a Hogwarts’ lesson. The interior is quite sparse, but what little they have is quite funkily placed - reproductions of famous paintings with covered faces, all in the aim of ‘upcycling’, or creative reuse. They have short ‘to the point’ lunch and breakfast menus, and cakes, which fill a tasty spot. As for the coffee, you have speciality on offer. Each table has power sockets for all you laptop and phone people. Sparse but tasty best sums up Kawosz.

QM‑12, ul. Matejki 2, tel. (+48) 501 64 58 02. Open 08:0020:00; Sat 10:00-20:00; Sun 10:00-18:00. T­6

ISTNE LODY RZEMIEŚLNICZE

One of the best ice-cream venues in Katowice - we’re not the only ones that think so as the queues in summer atest to them doing something right! The modus operandi is simple: make a tonne of homemade ice-cream on premises, every single day, throw in some seasonal fruits, quirky flavours, and bam, everyone’s happy. The venue’s tiny, but serves its purpose well. When you’ve purchased your ice-cream, admire the nearby street art on the same street. Culture mixed with ice-cream - perfect.QN‑12, ul.

Mariacka Tylna 7, tel. (+48) 695 80 80 53, www.facebook.com/ istnelodyrzemieslnicze. Open 12:00-20:00.

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Traditional Silesian Dishes

Rolada Śląska | Courtesy of Restauracja Wiejska Chatka

A blue-collar region of miners and miners’ daughters, few places are as well suited to the nation’s traditional peasant fare of potatoes, cutlets and cabbage as Silesia. But that’s not the end of it, for as good as the traditional style of Silesian food is, in places like Chata z Zalipia (p.71), Patio (p.66) and Wiejska Chatka (p.72), to modern takes on old favourites are popping up too, and nowhere else is this more true than in ISTO (O-10), with the chef’s own artistic style showing through with each unique dish. So what have the locals contributed to national cuisine?

ROLADA ŚLĄSKA

As for main courses, your pervasive regional entrée for the brave has to be Silesian beef rolades, or ‘rolada śląska’ – a rolled beef patty filled with onions, bacon and pickles. This surprisingly tasty dish with some kluski and red cabbage or fried sauerkraut on the side is as Silesian as it gets.

KLUSKI ŚLĄSKIE

Silesian noodles, known locally as ‘kluski śląskie’, are at the top of any Silesian culinary itinerary. Essentially a pierogi (dumping) with no filling, these pillowy potato flour doughballs are served as a side dish almost everywhere, often with mushroom gravy or fried fat and bacon bits on top. With a chewy texture and typically bland flavour, kluski literally stick to your ribs and set like cement in your stomach.

Karminadle

KARMINADLE

Kluski Śląskie with meat and veg!

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Photo: Adobe Stock

© Justyna Kaminska, AdobeStock

What are essentially pork meatballs, the national version being called ‘kotlety mielone’, the Silesian version karminadle were in the past only served during the holidays, a bit of a treat, and were often made from rabbit meat, due to the popularity of rabbit rearing. Today, although often made from pork, you can also eat pork-beef mixes, either hot served with potatoe purée, or cold, with bread.

Traditional Silesian Dishes

Silesian Food is certainly stocky! Courtesy of Restauracja Wiejska Chatka

CIAPKAPUSTA

We did say Silesian food was heavy on meat and vegetables and ciapkapusta is the ultimate fusion! Potatoe purée is simply mixed with sauerkraut (kapusta kiszona), bacon, sausage and onion. As simple as that. Although it can be a main meal in itself, it’s often served as a side to a main meat dish (usually ribs).

Krupnioki

© Dar1930, AdobeStock

KRUPNIOKI ŚLĄSKIE

This blood sausage consists of pig’s blood, pork offal (85%) and buckwheat (15%). You may already know the national variety ‘kaszanka’, with both being almost identical, only differing by name. Krupnioki have been associated with Silesia since the 17th century as they provided miners with a quick, highly calorific source of food to give them enough energy to carry out their hard work. They are more associated today with traditional dishes served during the holidays.

ŻUR ŚLĄSKI

A traditional Slavic sourdough soup, a popular regional phenomena with various methods of serving; some regions of Poland serve it over boiled potatoes in a bread bowl, or even with a boiled egg, whereas in Silesia, Żur Śląski is poured over mashed potatoes!

WHERE TO EAT MORE? For hardcore foodies, or for anyone travelling in Silesia, it’s advisable to try as much of the local cuisine as possible - we’ve only given you a snippet of what’s on offer. To help you out on your food travels, the Silesian Tourist Organisation has this very need in mind with their ‘Silesian Tastes’ culinary trail. It’s definitely worth checking out at www.slaskiesmaki.pl.

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Restaurants

The traditional ‘kotlet schabowy’ (pork cutlet) with fried cabbage from Wiejska Chatka (p.72).

Silesia is known to many as a sprawling post-industrial metropolis that is more akin to a culinary wasteland than a growing centre of world-class cuisine for cunning connoisseurs. The last few years have brought drastic changes to the once dreary dining scene and the service industry can now join the esteemed ranks of the coal and steel industries in the area. Many culinary trends have taken hold and ethnic cuisine of all shapes and sizes are vying for your attention and appealing to your appetite.

Don’t overlook the local fare either as there is a veritable renaissance happening in Silesian cuisine as well as a plethora of Polish places. Tipping at least 10% for table service is customary, though it may not always be deserved. Smacznego!

FINE DINING Exclusive restaurants in Katowice come in a range of forms, from serving a mix of international and local cuisine, with varied interior decors and food on offer; all a treat to test out. Leading the way in Kato’s gastronomical revolution, we have a few contenders: If it’s post-industrial decor and good meat you’re after, check out Moodro Restaurant (p.72). If you like to eat high up and closer to the sun, try Cristallo (p.69) with its seasonal menu. Tatiana (p.68) just up from the Rynek serves a mix of European and Slavic dishes in a very pleasant and elegant setting.

INTERNATIONAL The gastro revolution is not limited to traditional or local cuisine, as with any destination, choice is the key, and we certainly have that with a host of international eateries in Kato. If you’re searching for Indian food ranging from mild 60

to spicy, try out Buddha (p.64)! Nearer the centre, Novo (p.69) has a rather impressive looking stone baked oven which churns out all your favourite delights with authentic taste. Amfora Restaurant & Cocktail Bar (p.70) offers some Middle-Eastern flare right in the city centre, with the food being really good, and the cocktails equally as exciting as the former!

FAST CASUAL If it’s something relatively quick you want and at decent prices without scimping back on quality, Kato has a lot to offer in this regard, and some of our noted adventures have highlighted the following: making the leap from food truck to having a real home, Little Hanoi...and More (p.62) serves up some great Asian food. Pasibus (p.61) is hot on the heels of the good burger trend in Poland and Bujna (p.73) provides a good vegetarian option. If you’re craving some great vegetarian/vegan friendly dishes in a cafe/bistro style, then Morcinka 3A (p.72) is the perfect place to go! ​​​​​​​ FAMILY DINING Family options too are easily found in Kato, serving food from more adventurous meals for adults and classics for kids. First to mention following its recent renovation is Patio (p.66), which does just that with various meats dishes, pizzas, pastas etc. Steakhouse Da Da (p.68) is straight to the point, offering fine steak cuts from around the world, all served by friendly staff. For an authentic Polish feel, Chata z Zalipia (p.71) serves up traditional Polish food in a design reminiscent of a cottage interior, one for all to enjoy.

Restaurants SYMBOL KEY

Stanisława 1 Armii Krajowej 81 Panewnicka 25 A

6 Animal-friendly

N Credit cards not accepted

T Child-friendly

U Facilities for the disabled

tel. 511 433 663 • www.hurrycurry.pl

E Live music

X Smoking room available

Curries from all over the world

B Outside Seating

N-9 Map Coordinate

AMERICAN PASIBUS Located on the top floor of Galeria Katowicka near the food court, the entrance to Pasibus moulds seamlessly between shopping centre and restaurant. Turn around from the shoppers and you could easily you’re in a shopping centre.

The food is great, ranging in price from 9-25zł, and it hits the tasty spot. Various meat and veg burger options are available, accompanied a wow collection of sauces - red curry paste, chilli, and habanero, and other unconventional ingredients such as sun-dried tomato and cranberry paste, plumginger chutney. 2nd location found in ‘Stary Dworzec’ on ul.

Dworcowa 4.QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 30 (Galeria Katowicka), tel. (+48) 511 41 56 50, www.pasibus.pl. Open 09:00-21:00; Sun 11:00-20:00. €. T­6

ASIAN HANA SUSHI A former swimming pool attached to one of Katowice’s closed coal mines, this lovely brick building has been refitted to house the city’s best sushi house and Japanese restaurant. With the added advantage of being at the Silesia City Centre, yet sovereign over its own independent space and atmosphere (they even have their own separate parking next door), Hana Sushi boasts a rich menu rife with Japanese delicacies and hot dishes for those still suspicious of the sushi fad. If you don’t feel like making your way to Silesia’s biggest shopping mall. QK‑9, ul. Chorzowska 109, tel. (+48) 32 605 09 77, www.hanasushi.pl. Open 11:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-21:00. €€€€. T­U­B HURRY CURRY Bringing some heat to the street and some spice to Kato-vice, this hot spot is turning heads and filling stomachs. Started by a couple of travellers with the simple idea of offering a selection of curries from all over the world served up quick and sold for cheap. The results are utterly delicious and borderline revolutionary for the city’s budding ethnic restaurant scene. With a limited but diverse menu, you’ll find something new just for you. The design is cosy yet cool and the service is quick so even if you’re in a hurry you can make time for their curry. Top marks all around. Also at ul. Panewnicka 25A and ul. Armii Krajowej 81. Please note: As of May 2020, opening hours will change on Friday: 12:00-00:00.QO‑12, ul. Św. Stanisława 1, tel. (+48) 511 43 36 63, www.hurrycurry.pl. Open 12:0022:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-21:00. €€. 6

DECODING THE MENU Since one of the main things you’re likely to be doing while in town is eating, here are a few words you’re likely to encounter on any menu in town. Smacznego!

(Enjoy your meal!) śniadania breakfast zupa soup przystawki appetisers dania główne main dishes dodatki side dishes ziemniaki potatoes kapusta cabbage ser cheese chleb bread warzywa vegetables owoce fruit mięso meat kurczak chicken wieprzowina pork wołowina beef ryba fish deser dessert ciasto cake lody ice cream napoje drinks kawa coffee piwo beer 61

Restaurants Restaurant Catering Sushi Workshops Events

Mielęckiego 6 phone +48 32 2042770

www.sakana.pl OUTDOOR EATING You wouldn’t think Katowice is one of the top 10 romantic destinations in Europe... and you’d be right. The city may not have the same romantic allure of al fresco eating in southern Europe, but there’s still an opportunity to eat in a chilled out and atmospheric setting al Kato style. We have handily marked all venues in our guide that have outdoor gardens with an umbrella symbol B, so the choice on where to eat out is entirely yours, however, we have handy some tips! First and foremost, the city centre around ul. Mariacka, ul. Mielęckiego and ul.

Staromiejska is packed with venues, and the route to the train station likewise has some venues, in the main square (rynek, p.28), along ul. 3 Maja and ul. Stawowa (M/N/O-12) - yes there are drinking dens aplenty here, but there’s no lack of class eating places too, and across all cuisines of the world, from Sushi at Sakana (p.62), Vietnamese food at Little Hanoi... and more (p.62), Middle Eastern food at Amfora (p.70), Mexican food at Biała Małpa Mexicano (p.70), and to more Polish and European flavours at Tatiana (p.68) and Patio (p.66). It’s not only in the city centre you can enjoy outdoor eating - if you visit the Nikiszowiec district (p.38), going to Śląska Prohibicja (p.40) is a must! We hope you enjoy these gardens, sitting there, looking all chic and suave, basking in the summer sun. Ahhh, Katowice, the city of love...

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LITTLE HANOI...AND MORE! Set on a pedestrianised street in the heart of Katowice within walking distance of the train station and Katowice’s ‘Market Square,’ Little Hanoi is a welcome departure from eating dumplings, or even the low-standard Chinese restaurants found across the country. Granted, the minimal décor containing the obligatory lanterns, decent Vietnamese dishes and friendly staff are not unique in Poland, but as far as eating options in central Katowice go, this is a definite step in the right direction. The spicy soup was a solid beginning, the ribs were delicious and their signature Duck “Little Hanoi” style was to-die-for! Wash it down with a nice drink, and like us, you’ll be fortified for the evening ahead with hardly a dent made in your wallet.QN‑12, ul. Staromiejska 4, tel. (+48) 886 62 33 88, www.littlehanoi.eu. Open 13:31-23:01; Sun 13:31-21:01. €€€. U­B SAKANA SUSHI BAR If you happen to be a well travelled sushi fan then you’re probably already familiar with the Sakana brand. With outlets in Poznań, Kraków and Warsaw, the Katowice branch offers the same high quality service, bright and bamboo accented interior and of course exquisite sushi. Experts at the sushi game, they also have a few innovations, such as the never-ending conveyer boat of sushi (pay by the plate), offsite catering, and you can even order your meal online. Enjoy a cleansing kimchi soup, food from their Japanese grill (fish and beef ) or opt for expertly prepared sets of Californian maki. They now offer lunch specials Mon-Fri 12:00 - 16:00 (business option 9 futomaki + soup, or standard option of 9 futomaki), plus brunch on Sun 13:00 - 17:00 during which times kids aged 7-12 can partake in a sushi making workshop - amazing! If it’s sushi you seek, head to Sakana – sumptuous and sleek.QO‑12, ul. Mielęckiego 6, tel. (+48) 32 204 27 70, www.sakana.pl. Open 12:00-23:00; Sun 13:00-22:00. €€. T­B TAJ NEW Let’s get one thing straight before you head in: Taj, in the Polish pronunciation, sounds like ‘Thai’, so don’t walk in expecting to be transported to Indian climes. Now that we’ve ironed out any potential mishaps, firstly, admire the revamped former train station building from the outside.

Done. Now head in and see a spacious interior filled with a tasteful assortment of plants, artwork and lanterns. The food is definitely catered towards the Polish pallet, so not too hot, but don't let that put any of you off, as the food is still delicious and it looks amazing - the chefs are all from Thailand, so kudos to them! Choose from street food favourites, starters, to soups like the coconut milk based Tom Yung Kung, satay, spring rolls, papaya salad, curries, pad thai, stir-fried tofu with cashews, and other Thai favourites. The menu is extensive, colourful, and caters for meat eaters and vegans too. The staff are still a little green but they're friendly and do their best to ensure you enjoy your visit.QN‑12, ul. Dworcowa 4, tel. (+48) 32 307 08 09, www.taj.menu. Open 12:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-23:00. €€. T­U ­B ­6

Restaurants TAMPO RAMEN NEW Hand on heart, one of the tastiest Ramen venues we’ve been to in Poland. We love the hearty bowls (would it even be Ramen if they weren’t hearty?!) to the extent it’s now become somewhat of an obsession to try as many bowls as possible. As. Much. As. Possible. Firstly, the name, TamPo sounds the part, but it’s also an enjoyable play on Polish as it means there for...Ramen, so we get the point to go there, and once inside, it’s teeny tiny, but does everything right. A great selection of Ramen is on offer, each bowl explained in detail by top staff, with options for meat eaters and vegans alike, all nicely washed down with Japanese draft beer, matcha and green tea. So go tam po Ramen.QN‑13, ul. Plebiscytowa 9, tel. (+48) 690 12 38 40. Open 12:0021:00; Sat, Sun 13:00-21:00; closed Mon. €€. T­6

CZECH HOSPODA History and geography have preordained close ties between Silesia and the Czech Republic. While ‘close’ doesn’t always mean friendly, this hopping Hospoda could downright double as the Czech Embassy for all the love it shows to their southern neighbours.

Of course the first test of a true Czech pub is its beer selection. Hospoda passes with flying colours with delicious Bohemian brews like Kozel Dark and Pilsner on tap plus at least 25 other bottles on deck (Gambrinus, Radegast, Budvar and a boatload more). If you’re wondering about the grub, czech out their classic fried cheese, garlic soup and goulash with langosz. If you’ve never been to Prague, just throw on some headphones with some Jaromir Nohavica playing on your phone, curl up in a corner with a dark Kozel or two and prepare to be telePortered to the land of the Czechs.QL‑11, ul. Gliwicka 6/1 (entrance from ul. Sobieskiego), tel. (+48) 793 89 65 30, www.hospoda.pl. Open 14:0024:00; Fri, Sat 14:00-02:00. €. X

FRENCH C’EST SI BON Certainly one of Katowice’s finer restaurants, with its location on a leafy side street, and characteristic exterior setting the mood for your visit. The service may not be as cheerful as the interior full of lavender plants, lilac table clothes, candleholders and sun icons, but the food is topnotch, as testified by the long list of companies C’est Si Bon does regular catering for. The menu is in Polish, French and English, and still full of rich, delicious dishes like the onion soup with gruyere cheese for just 12zł. Bon Apetite!QM‑13, ul. Ligonia 4, tel. (+48) 32 781 68 48, www.cestsibon.pl.

Open 12:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-20:00. €€. U­6

All the latest news /KatowiceInYourPocket 63

Restaurants FUSION SZTOLNIA. CHLEB. MIĘSO. WINO Someone forgot to tell Poland that restaurants near Malls are supposed to be bland. Sztolnia blows that notion out of the water. One look at their open concept industrial-yet-rustic, dining room and you’ll begin to see why. The restaurant's dining is expansive, and even has a confectionery section, winery, and banquet hall all held in a huge 1000m2 space!

Once you’ve settled and had a look at the laid back and eclectic menu filled with fusion treats and grilled aged meats, they’ll have won you over. And once you’re served your meal, they’ll have fully sealed the deal. Hand to heart, our perfect Angus beef steak, grilled potatoes, selection of green salad leaves, cheese sauce was impeccable. They also serve a 3-course lunch Mon-Fri 12:00 - 16:00 for 33zł.QK‑9, ul. Chorzowska 109 (Silesia City Center), tel. (+48) 506 78 87 75, www.sztolnia.katowice.pl. Open 11:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-21:00. €€. T­U­B

GERMAN WUNDERBAR A pleasing bar-restaurant kitted out with pots, pans, chiming clocks and all manner of assorted country trumpery. The menu here is pretty much as you expect from a Bavarian themed eatery with a bit of a Polish twist. Try the Krupnik soup with goose stomachs or the half duck baked with apples. If you really mean business then try the Baked Pork Knuckle on for size. Wash it all down with some tried and true German brew - Meisel’s Weissbier and Radeberger.

QN‑13, ul. Plebiscytowa 2, tel. (+48) 32 781 76 90, www. wunderbar.pl. Open 13:00-23:00. €€. T

HUNGARIAN

RISTORANTE CRISTALLO 5 Dworcowa Street, Katowice Phone: +48 32 782 82 82 www.Ihr.com.pl mailto:monopol@hotel.com.pl

ZAKLĘTY CZARDASZ Certainly one of Katowice’s finest and most unheralded restaurants, this aromatic Hungarian effort serves excellent ethnic cuisine in elegant surroundings with wicker lampshades, latticework and vines. The enticing menu offers a dozen ways to enjoy their delicious goulash (trust us, you’ll be licking the cutlery), plus steaks with Hungarian sides, potato pancakes, pork loin, fish and more - all complemented ideally by Hungarian wines and tokajs from their adjoining shop. Portions are positively huge, with food practically spilling over the edges of the plate, and it’s worth noting that you can ask for many of them in a smaller amount. A cellar wine bar only makes us more enthusiastic to recommend this place than ever before.QM‑13, ul. Kopernika 9, tel. (+48) 32 257 01 32, www.czardasz.com.

Open 12:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-23:00. €€. U­B

INDIAN www.likusrestauracje.pl

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BUDDHA The Indian owned and operated Buddha has brought authentic ethnic food to Katowice. Marked by great service and richly furnished with elegant antiques, tapestries, tiles and gold silk place-settings, Buddha has a head start

Restaurants before the food even arrives and fails to disappoint in that department as well. If it says it’s spicy (gasp!) it actually is, the curries are rich and portions are more than healthy. If you’re looking for a midweek fix don’t miss their new lunch menu (Mon-Fri 12:00-16:00) for just 20 PLN! Overall a fine effort and more than worth the total on the check, which arrives in a hand-crafted box. They also offer catering and delivery services.QM‑13, ul. Drzymały 9, tel. (+48) 726 11 12 22, www.buddha-restaurant.pl. Open 12:00-22:00. €€. T

INTERNATIONAL BISTRO & CAFE ZIELNIK The term bistro gets thrown around a lot these days but this bright and bustling cafe is indeed a true blue bistro at heart.

From hearty breakfasts, to fresh fruit and fruit-veg squeezed juices, creative cakes, thrilling lunch specials and exquisite entrees, there is a lot to like here. And the longer you stay the longer you want to stay. Our coffee and cake ended in a 3 course lunch; they change their menu regularly! A good rule of thumb is if you can see and hear the chef cooking, you know your meal is the real deal. Superb!QN‑13, ul.

Jagiellońska 13, tel. (+48) 32 438 46 04. Open 08:0019:00; Sat, Sun 09:30-18:00. €€. T­6 DZIEŃ I NOC Entering any establishment is dependent on your choice of day and night options. Well, entering this establishment is a clear choice between dzień i noc (night and day), as both are rolled into one! Come during the day for some great food, as the kitchen is headed by the talented Agnieszka Syguła!

The Mon-Fri lunch menu (appetiser & main for 25zł) changes regularly. Their steaks are definitely worth a try, and a nice touch, you can go to the fridge, choose your piece of meat and pay for the weight you choose! Once you’re done with the food, the night sets in and the next room becomes a bar, Zmierzch, open Tue-Sat 17:00-00:00. The cocktails are very much worth a try! Eat. Drink. Dance. I’m in!QN‑12, ul.

Warszawska 5, tel. (+48) 531 03 40 34, www.dzieninoc. com.pl. Open 13:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 13:00-02:00; Sun 13:0020:00; closed Mon. €€. T­U­E­6 FOOD & BALL ‘Food & Ball by Arkadiusz Milik’ to give it its full name is connected to the FC Napoli and Polish National team star who hails from Silesia. Football and gastronomy have been his life long passions, and now he’s having a go at the latter.

Located in Galeria Libero, in Katowice’s south-west, this is a restaurant aimed to be inviting for both friends and families, for lovers of sport, good food and good cocktails.

The food menu features meat, veg and fish dishes, however, the cocktail menu deserves special mention for its unique selection of own recipe cocktails, all with names connected to football (offside...Pele...not that the 2 were often connected!). Things get lively when sporting events are shown live on the large screens.Qul. Kościuszki 229, tel. (+48) 575 99 87 65, www.foodandball.pl. Open 11:00-22:30. €€. T

DIAMOND RESTAURANTS’ TRAIL (P.74) RESTAURACJA DIAMENT ZABRZE This curious but atmoshperhic restaurant at the Diament Hotel offers up tasty Silesian dishes in stylish environs. As their wait staff and menu both gleefully proclaim, the star of the show is their Japanese teppanyaki grill, sometimes mistaken for a hibachi grill. Skilled chefs set flying food aflame on the flat surface as wide-eyed guests look on in amazement.Qul. 3-go Maja 122a (Hotel Diament ), Zabrze (Zaborze Południe), tel. (+48) 32 721 10 00, www.restauracja-diament.pl. Open 11:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-22:00. €€€. T­U­B­6­ RESTAURACJA ŚLĄSKA Found inside Hotel Diament Spodek, which is itself inside the iconic Silesian ‘Spodek’ (p.32), it’s no surprise the cuisine here remains well and truly rooted in local Silesian tastes. Tradition may be strong, but Spodek was always ahead of its time, therefore, the cuisine is also a very modern take on local dishes! A great venue is matched by the great food, made for you by Silesian chefs. Very modern...with a traditional twist sums it up perfectly.QO‑10, Al. Korfantego 35, tel. (+48) 32 320 00 80, www.restauracjaslaska.pl. Open 12:00-22:00. €€.

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Restaurants

ul. Stawowa 3, 40-095 Katowice tel. 32 781 55 55, 32 259 98 65 www.restauracjapatio.pl Open 10:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00

Our Family Tradition for over 70 years in gastronomy

Possibility of accommodation in cosy charming rooms!

Open: hotel 24h, restaurant 8:00 - 22:00

ul. Kościuszki 352, 40-690 Katowice tel. 32 202 95 56, tel. kom. 666-388-108 www.patiozajazd.pl 66

KOFEINA MINI The new train station and shiny new shopping mall are attracting all sorts of new businesses to a street that was downright downtrodden not too long ago. Kofeina Mini is exactly the type of place that’s changing the face of this central thoroughfare. This modern, bright bistro and cool cafe serves up all kinds of affordable and delicious dishes, many of which would pass for gourmet meals in more pretentious environs. Their chalkboard menu proclaims the daily specials and organizes them either by food type, “Pierogies, Soups, Pastas, Smoothies etc.” or by main ingredient, “Cod, Veal, Chicken, Salmon etc.” Everything is worth trying and don’t forget to grab one of their delicious coffee - sit and sip or grab and go. Breakfast served 07:0013:00.QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 13, tel. (+48) 509 34 12 65. Open 07:00-19:00; Sat 08:00-19:00; closed Sun. €€. T­6 LEŚNE PATIO The patriarch of the Patio family is also their biggest and most exclusive. The Polish ‘Leśne Patio’ (En tran: Forest Patio) is something between a Diner, a Motel and a rip roaring wedding and function hall. Leśne Patio fits the bill but ups the classiness and quality by a factor of ten.

As with all Patio restaurants the food is the centrepiece and is a hearty mix of Polish staples and pan European fair (breakfast served 07:00-10:00 Mon-Fri and 08:00-10:00 Sat-Sun). Steeped in tradition and experience, their chefs, waiters and hotel staff all provide top notch service and they even have a play area for your little ones (inside and out). Great for whether you’re simply stopping in for a bite to eat or staying for the weekend to celebrate a distant nephew’s nuptials. They have 23 comfortable Hotel quality rooms available on the premises.Qul. Kościuszki 352, tel. (+48) 32 202 95 56, www.patiozajazd.pl. Open 07:0022:00; Sat, Sun 08:00-22:00. €€. T­U LOBBY BAR Located on the ground floor of Vienna House, it’s worth getting a room upstairs just for convenient access to this exquisite restaurant. A perfect cure for seasonal Silesian depression, Lobby Bar justifies its to-the-point name with a modern, spirit-lifting interior of warm colours and wall to floor length windows. No effort is spared with the food, including regularly reinvented seasonal menus in addition to the regular card full of locally-inspired fusion dishes. Meal deals are on offer from 50-100zł including an appetiser, main, dessert and a glass of wine. For the more traditionally minded, you you can also order mouth watering steaks and burgers.QM‑11, ul. Sokolska 24 (Vienna House Easy Katowice), tel. (+48) 32 783 81 55, www.viennahouse. com. Open 09:00-24:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-24:00. €€€. T­U PATIO One of Katowice’s most popular restaurants just had an extensive renovation and they are all spiffed up and ready to serve. They got rid of some of the kitschy clutter, added some comfier chairs and brightened things up a bit so you can now see your delicious dish a bit better and feel relaxed as you eat it. Their extensive menu of regional dishes (Silesian

Restaurants beef roulade with Silesian style potato-dough noodles (kluski) and red cabbage) and European cuisine (pastas, grilled meats and fish etc.) has plenty to offer. Their multilingual menus (German, English, French and Italian) make it easy for you to successfully order what some claim to be the best steak in town. For a bargain, visit between 11:00 and 16:00 Mon-Fri, when lunch is only 26zł.QM‑11, ul. Stawowa 3, tel. (+48) 32 781 55 55, www.restauracjapatio.pl. Open 10:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-23:00. €€. T­6 PATIO PARK An exquisitely decorated and refreshingly spacious restaurant at the edge of Kościuszki Park. Reflected light above the faux trellises give the impression of daylight and cut branches hang from the trellises so as to give the impression of dining in a forest on a starry night. Countrystyle furniture, a rustic-themed mural, antique objects and elegantly simple table settings sustain the impression. Wait staff are pleasant and speedy to respond. The chef takes a creative turn with entrees, adding garnish to some to resemble trees. The menu is long, but you may not have to venture past the chef’s recommendations on the first page to find something tempting. They’ve recently introduced tasting menus on Mon and Tues (55-79zł). Don’t hesitate to bring the kids as they’ve just installed two new playground areas (indoor/outdoor) so you can dine in peace.QK‑16, ul. Kościuszki 101, tel. (+48) 32 205 30 77, www.patiopark.pl. Open 10:00-23:00; Sun 10:00-21:00. €€€. T­U RESTAURACJA MAX This is an absolute Katowice institution and if you happen to have a taste for the wilder meats, then Max is the place for you to get your fix. Their cuisine hovers somewhere between trans-European and traditional Polish with an expansive menus of delicate starters, hearty soups and decadent mains. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the many exotic game dishes and regular specials they have on offer. Choose from roast wild boar or Venison steaks! If you can’t decide on just one go for the chef’s wild game platter for two. NOTE: Max is located about a 10 minute walk north of Spodek on ul. Korfantego.QN‑7, Al. Korfantego 105, tel. (+48) 32 259 68 86, www.restauracja-max.pl. Open 10:00-21:00; Sun 12:00-21:00. €€. T­B RESTAURACJA POD DREWNIANYM BOCIANEM A new franchise of a tried and true Chorzów and Ruda Śląska legends, the Katowice version of the stalky stork is a bit more modern and elegant than the rest of its flock. Here they have gone the downtown route offering fine dining mixed with occasional live music. Although the atmosphere is much more sophisticated the menu is in fact similar which is very much to their credit. Thin crust pizzas cooked in a wood fire oven are the centrepiece of their expansive menu which also delves deeply into other Mediterranean staples like pastas, salads and seafood with a smattering of Polish and Silesian specialities for good measure. The portions are large and the food is outstanding.QK‑11, ul. Gliwicka 49, tel. (+48) 532 53 22 22, www.drewnianybocian.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-23:00. €€. T­E 67

Restaurants RESTAURACJA TAMARYND Located in the ground floor of the M Hotel Sosnowiec, the Tamarynd takes the hotel dining experience to a new level.

Serving up a mix of Mediterranean classics highlighted by a pizza menu plus a huge selection of starters, soups, salads, pastas and mains. With supremely elegant interiors accentuated by chandeliers, mirrors covering the walls and a bright and colourful decor, the only question you’ll be left asking is ‘Are these prices for real?’ Tamarynd gives you yet another reason to visit the up and coming North Eastern ‘borough’ of Sosnowiec.Qul. Wojska Polskiego 199 (M Hotel Sosnowiec), Sosnowiec, tel. (+48) 507 55 50 03, www.tamarynd.pl. Open 06:30-10:00, 16:00-22:00. €€.

X­T­U

Sicilia 0.5V

STEAKHOUSE DA DA If there were such a thing as the beaten path in Katowice, Stek House would certainly be off it, but it’s worth seeking out if you’re feeling particularly rapacious. With a variety of choice cuts of primo authentico Argentine beef steaks (Black Angus), Irish beef steaks (Hereford) and other choice cuts from around the globe (Chile, Japan and even Poland!). Steak burgers are also on offer!

If you’re a meat lover you can’t go wrong. There’s an English menu on hand and the pleasant staff are more than happy to help out. Prior reservation required.

QL‑14, ul. gen. Zajączka 17 (entrance from ul.

Poniatowskiego), tel. (+48) 32 205 61 03. Open 24hrs. €€€€. B TATIANA A long, thin restaurant with elegant, cleverly designed wooden floors and ceilings. The organic design is enhanced with decorative bamboo and suspended reeds and a new lighting system which make for a bright and warm atmosphere. One of Katowice’s finer and suitably popular establishments, the menu features an extensive range of Slavic and European dishes including steaks (the best in the city?) plus a seasonal menu that changes every three months. The Silesian style ‘Żurek’ (sour rye soup) with mashed potato, sausage and egg is as traditional as you can get, and wow, rolada śląska and pierogi ruskie (Russian style), what a taste! Great food with a wine list to match.

QN‑12, ul. Staromiejska 5, tel. (+48) 32 203 74 13, www. restauracjatatiana.pl. Open 13:00-23:00; Sun 13:0022:00. €€€. T­U­B

ITALIAN BAR A BOO The furthest restaurant on the Mariacka strip but more than well worth the trip. Specializing in pizzas, pastas and other Italian treats, this popular eatery hits all the right notes avoids being just another Italian place.

With authentic wood fired pizzas at the heart of it all, their seasonal menus are built around the freshest of ingredients both sourced locally and imported from Italy. Their Pappardelle Porcini with porcini mushrooms, cured tomatoes, onion, garlic and wine and butter 68

Restaurants sauce was just the ticket! The colourful wine and drink menu (Prosecco, Bellini!) is expertly presented and paired by their friendly and knowledgable waitstaff.

Delicioso!QO‑12, ul. Mariacka 37, tel. (+48) 32 399 15 26, www.baraboo.pl. Open 11:00-24:00; Thu, Fri, Sat 11:00-01:00. €€. T­B CRISTALLO Climb a grand marble staircase to reach Cristallo, the stunning show-piece restaurant of the Monopol Hotel.

A glass roof allows guests to watch the evening unravel above them, while the discreet interiors of bare brick walls and steel tubing lend a minimalist aesthetic to the experience. Select from the imaginative Italian (and Polish) inspired menu with succulent dishes from duck to a choice of grilled fish. You pay for the quality here, and it comes as no surprise that diners trek across Silesia to do so.QN‑12, ul. Dworcowa 5 (Monopol Hotel), tel. (+48) 32 782 82 82, www.monopolkatowice.hotel. com.pl. Open 18:00-23:00; Sat, Sun 12:00-22:00. €€€€. U­E LEN ARTE Len Arte takes the cake for the best pizza pie in town.

The incredible smells wafting from their wood fired oven will hit you way before you queue up for a table.

And wait you will (unless you call ahead), as this is one of the hottest gastronomic tickets in town. Once you make it inside you’ll see why their pies are so divine. They have countless artisanal Italian products prominently displayed behind the bar. Peperoncinis, prosciutto, pasta, parmesan, pesto, porcini oh my! Choose from an impossible list of pristine pizzas, scrumptious salads, perfect pastas and delicious dolces. Top it all off with an authentic espresso and you’ll be shouting Bravissimo along with the rest of town.QO‑12, ul. Mariacka 25, tel. (+48) 32 308 84 30, www.lenarte.it. Open 09:0022:00; Fri 09:00-24:00; Sat 14:00-24:00; Sun 14:0022:00; closed Mon. €€. T­6 NOVO The first thing you’ll be struck by as you walk in to NOVO is the huge stone bake oven right at the bar (we think it’s the only one in Kato!). The second thing you’ll be struck by is the sight of all the chopped wood, used for said oven, stored all around the restaurant, craftily incorporated into the decor. The restaurant has a fantastic feel to it, with pots of herbs adorned on the outside wall of the courtyard garden. Now, order your food and watch as it’s all made in the glass walled kitchen outside - try not to put the chefs off from their fine work. You may notice the menu is printed on regular paper, and for good reason, as the menu is seasonal and regularly updated, although they do have their regular dishes. The [mainly Italian] wine list is huge and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.QO‑12, ul. Warszawska 15, tel. (+48) 572 35 91 31. Open 12:00-23:00; Mon 16:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-24:00; Sun 12:00-21:00. €€. T­6

Mediterranean Cuisine THE BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT IN THE REGION Let us take you to a Mediterranean climate where you can feel the rhythm of a sunny day.

Our restaurant can be found in the HOTEL ALTUS PRESTIGE, FIRST FLOOR. ul. Uniwersytecka 13, Katowice mobile +48 512 020 808 tel +48 (32) 603 01 91 katowice@viatoscana.pl www.viatoscana.pl 69

Restaurants

MEXICAN

SICILIA RISTORANTE PIZZERIA NEW If you’re venturing beyond the confines of the extreme city centre (pp.28-31), possibly going onward to (or returning from) Southern Katowice (p.34), you could do much worse than paying Sicilia Ristorante a visit. Found inside a rather classy looking building, and here for over 20 years, they must be doing something right to have lasted this long (no mean feat in Poland, trust us). Despite the name, the interior feels like a cosy family run trattoria in the Mediterranean that’s been going for years, with the extensive menu matching the vibe, featuring the usual Italian favourites like pizza (hey, it's in their name!). It is, however, worth trying dishes that have the Sicilian flare after which the restaurant takes its name - the pasta and seafood dishes definitely spring to mind. The wine list is equally impressive and is probably the highlight. Don't forget to have some damn good coffee - just look at the machine they use! - or the desserts like their tiramisu.

Lunch specials are served 13:00-17:00. Not bad.QN‑13, ul. Kochanowskiego 2, tel. (+48) 32 251 79 90, www. sycylia.com. Open 13:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 13:00-23:00; Sun 13:00-21:00. €€. T­6

BIAŁA MAŁPA MEXICO Drum roll, please! A new venue in what is probably our favourite courtyard in Katowice has arrived. Found right in the city centre, this place has an awesome street mural by local Silesian artist Raspazjan and the fantastic Biała Małpa with its multitap and craft beer offerings; and now Biała Małpa is branching out into the food world with its sister venue ‘Biała Małpa Mexico’ - no prizes for guessing what kind of cuisine they have! Thanks to their Mexican chef, you’ll be delighted with the style of the food with all the classics you’d expect on offer. Inspired by their sibling across the courtyard, they have 6 taps for beer lovers (30 if you combine it with next door’s Biała Małpa), but in true Mexican style, tequila tasting boards and margaritas are definitely worth a try! As if there wasn’t enough reason to visit this courtyard before, you now have a fantastic choice of venues to choose from. A mural, great drinks, great food, all in one amazing courtyard. Recommended.QM‑12, ul.

3 Maja 38, tel. (+48) 604 86 61 73, www.bialamalpa.pl.

Open 14:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 14:00-23:00; Sun 14:00-22:00. €€. B

MEDITERRANEAN

MIDDLE EASTERN

AÏOLI INSPIRED BY KATOWICE AïOLI Inspired by Katowice brings yet more Mediterranean flare to the city’s Rynek to accompany the deck chairs and palm trees next to the ‘mighty’ Rawa River. AïOLI is already majorly popular in Warsaw and Gdańsk, so it’s nice to see them branch out further to Kato (their first venture in the south of the country), and right in the heart of the city - it’s hard to miss them with the brightly lit sign on top of the building. The interior is the usual AïOLI style of post-industrial furnishings and open kitchen. As for the menu, as expected of AïOLI, it’s quite extensive, which means there’s always something for everyone: pasta with frutti di mare? No problem!

Pizza? Burgers? Coming right up! We’re sure AïOLI will fit right in to the changing landscape of Kato. A restaurant and bar by day, on the weekends it becomes quite a lively music venue too.QN‑12, Rynek 5, tel. (+48) 510 80 33 29. Open 09:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 09:00-01:00. €€.

T­U­B­E­6

AMFORA RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL BAR There’s nothing better than the excitement of trying new food. Amfora offers a stand-out menu stocked with authentic Middle Eastern delights, from delicious appetisers like muhamara - a perfect Syrian alternative to hummus, to sweet desserts like baklava. We particularly liked the lamb kofta with Arabic-style pickles, hot pepper, harissa and yoghurt. As for the interior, it’s modern, but the waitressing style is old-school to the core - friendly, knowledgable, simply professional. The bar serves up some snazzy cocktails, from classics to some unique in-house recipes, but wine is also available, and goes great with the meals. Two Tuesdays per month you can enjoy jam sessions too, so come here for food, or come here for drinks with friends - you won’t be disappointed.QO‑12, ul. Francuska 1A, tel. (+48) 32 253 56 04. Open 10:00-22:00; Mon 10:00-17:00; Fri, Sat 10:0001:00; Sun 10:00-21:00. €€. U­B­6

VIA TOSCANA A sensory delight awaits you on the second floor of Altus Tower with intriguing interiors touting archways, lampposts, vines and even mock balconies. It’s every much as delightful on the palette as it is on the eye, with a menu featuring Argentinean beef, a great pickled salmon carpaccio and seafood. The house specialty is octopus in a red wine sauce with cherry tomatoes and arugula served over pappardelle pasta. Wine and dine al fresco on their expansive 60 person [internal] terrace. Equally suited to romantic trysts or hushed business dinners, Via Toscana is further proof of Katowice’s growing stature.QO‑11, ul. Uniwersytecka 13 (Altus Tower), tel. (+48) 32 603 01 91, www.viatoscana.pl. Open 12:00-23:00. €€€€. X­T­U­B 70

BAKLAVA Found just a short distance away from the city centre, along ul. Warszawska, is a fantastic little haunt to get some sweet Turkish tea, coffee and Baklava. This place is definitely popular with students (hello, Erasmus people). Basic in style, with a simplistic traditional yet modern feel, this is a pleasant place to sit back and up your sugar levels. Baklava initially functioned as a cafe-bar, but has now introduced food to their menu, which we’re sure all will be more than happy to sample. As we’ve already mentioned the student element, it’s worth nothing that Erasmus karaoke periodically take place here, so best check their Facebook page for details. We’ll be back.QP‑12, ul. Warszawska 57, tel. (+48) 508 48 79 05, www.baklava.pub. Open 12:0022:00; Fri 12:00-23:00; Sat 12:00-24:00; Sun 12:00-21:00; closed Mon. €. T­U­B­6

Restaurants

+ 48 604 866 173

3 Maja 33 street - where two great White Monkeys meet POLISH CADENZA Occupying a prominent position on the second floor of the country’s foremost concert hall, Cadenza has a lot of rolls to fill; it is the pre-concert venue for dinner, drinks or snacks; it is the intermission wine and cake stop; it is the catering kitchen for all NOSPR special events that happen both inside and out; it is, most importantly, the most cutting edge and innovative Polish restaurant in Katowice. Every seasonal dish is carefully composed and explodes in a symphony of pianissimo and fortissimo flavors. The deer tongue, wheat, leek and buttermilk is an interesting dish, and we will gladly return for an encore performance of more of their inspiring culinary delights.QO‑10, Pl. Wojciecha Kilara 1, tel. (+48) 32 732 53 47. Open 10:00-22:00; closed Mon. €€€. T­B CHATA Z ZALIPIA Paying homage to the specific folk art tradition of the far-away Małopolska village of Zalipie, the rustic cottage interior of this pleasant peasant offering features elaborate flower murals on the white walls, garlic garlands hanging from timber beams and plenty of other farm fittings. Delicious Polish home-cooking is served on beautifully decorated ceramic dish ware, while waitresses in traditional dress and disco folk music round out what serves as one of the best introductions to Polish cuisine

in Silesia. They’ve even won several culinary awards and what’s more, many Polish stars of stage and screen seem to count themselves as regulars. The one and only Slash polished off some pierogi (made from their own recipe) here not so long ago. Rock and rolada!QN‑13, ul. Wojewódzka 15, tel. (+48) 32 205 33 00, www. chatazzalipia.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-20:00. €€. T­U­6 RESTAURACJA KUCHNIA OTWARTA Formerly known as the Restauracja Autorska Adama Gessler, this elegant and exciting open kitchen concept restaurant serves up some of the best upscale regional Silesian cuisine around. Located on the edge of the Park Inn by Radisson Katowice right on the edge of Silesia Park. Treat yourself to some of the regions finest fare including duck and more traditional fare such as pierogi and soulful soups. The food is top notch but the service is world class as the chefs serve you themselves - personally bringing the food straight from the pan to your warm plate. Elegance, atmosphere and a memorable experience are virtually guaranteed. Now part of the prestigious Silesian Culinary Trail, this is certifiably one of the best places to taste true Silesian and Polish cuisine.QK‑3, ul. Bytkowska 1A, Katowice (Park Inn by Radisson Katowice), tel. (+48) 32 721 11 66, www.kuchniaotwarta.eu. Open 12:00-22:00. €€€.

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Restaurants RYCERSKA Located in what appears to be a wooden mountain chalet (but is in fact the Hotel Rycerski), this is a very decent place to take in the Polish food experience. Heavy wooden bench-style furniture, friendly waitresses and large servings of well-prepared Polish grub are actually worth the trip out here, even if you’re not staying in the adjacent hotel.

Lots of seating and a well-stocked bar mean that the atmosphere often develops into that of a thriving beer hall.

Qul. Będzińska 53 (Hotel Rycerski), Czeladź, tel. (+48) 32 763 58 88, www.hotel-rycerski.pl. Open 07:00-22:00. €€€. T­U SMAQ FOOD & WINE Located in the fantastic Q Hotel Plus Katowice, don’t be put off thinking that you have to be a guest to eat here, it’s open to the public, and we’d highly recommend a visit.

When we personally stayed at the hotel, we were delighted with the impressive breakfast offering, so we knew we simply could not pass up the chance see what they had on offer later in the day. The restaurant specialises in traditional Silesian produce and dishes with a modern twist (which are delightful), but international cuisine is also on offer. The helpful staff are always eager to help you, should you be unsure of what Silesian cuisine entails! Thursdays are steak & burger day! As for Sunday, this is family dinner day (we recommend booking in advance). For those looking to save a buck or two, Mon-Fri between 12:30-15:00 is happy hour - the same two dishes for the price of one! Recommended.

QN‑13, ul. Wojewódzka 12, tel. (+48) 32 740 99 40, www.qhotels.pl. Open 06:30-10:30, 12:30-23:00; Sat, Sun 07:00-11:00, 12:30-23:00. €€€. T­U WIEJSKA CHATKA (THE RUSTIC HUT) This truly traditional Polish and Silesian restaurant is a nice change of pace if not slightly out of place. A cavalcade of country-style adornments such as old farming tools and painted flowers contrast nicely with the bright white walls.

The background music is as kitschy and folky as it comes which goes perfectly with the large portions of hearty Polish staples and Silesian delicacies piled high upon your plate.

They also offer breakfasts and lunch specials and a boat load of beverages to boot. This urban ‘Village’ is one you just must pillage when you’re in town.QN‑9, Pl. Grunwaldzki 4, tel. (+48) 32 350 30 10, www.wiejskachatka.com.pl. Open 10:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 10:00-23:00. €€. T­B ZŁOTY RÓG (THE GOLDEN HORN) A combined delicatessen and place to stand at a table and eat in the style of a train station buffet, this humble-looking establishment churns out a large array of outstanding dishes ready to eat in an instant from pierogi to roast beef, all served with a superb choice of side dishes and salads.

If you don’t mind the peculiar dining arrangements you won’t find it easy to get a better and tastier bargain than in here. Check in or visit their FB for details on daily discounts.

QO‑12, ul. Mariacka 2, tel. (+48) 32 253 78 48, www. zlotyrogkatowice.pl. Open 07:00-18:00; Sat 08:00-14:00; closed Sun. €.

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QUICK EATS EUROPA Those who like to complain about the Poles’ frequent inability to form an orderly queue will be amused by this classic milk bar, which features a series of gates and fences to curb queue barging. Once you do get to the counter, take your pick from a range of local, ludicrously cheap flour-based dishes, a surprisingly decent bean soup, goulash and instant mashed potatoes. School dinners for grown ups, collect your food, pick up a knife and fork, pay the lady and away you go/go away.QN‑12, ul. Mickiewicza 8, tel. (+48) 32 259 66 96. Open 09:0017:00; closed Sat, Sun. €.

KARTOFELNIK One of the more interesting culinary trends to have popped up in Poland, although given the country’s enduring love affair with the humble spud it makes perfect sense. At this bright bistro (also an eco mini market) they’ve truly made the tater great by pairing it with all sorts of healthy and exotic fillings. Their huge organic and perfectly baked jacket potatoes become flavour transportation devices when paired with hummus, kimchi, chili con carne, various curries and more. They also have daily soups on offer and organic juices.QO‑12, ul. Mielęckiego 4, tel. (+48) 507 50 35 57. Open 12:00-18:00; Fri, Sat, Sun 12:00-19:00.

Opening hours are subject to change. €. T­B­6 OKIEM I BRZUCHEM This is perhaps one of the simplest restaurant concepts in the world, but near to impossible to pull off perfectly: Soup. This rustic resto gets about as close as you can to perfection by serving up healthy and hearty bowls of delicious liquid gold. The daily menu hangs above the self-serve counter, with intriguing options like Japanese soup - shitake mushrooms, baked oyster mushrooms with bullion or roasted ribs, beers and honey or classic Polish meath broth during our visit; always veggie and meat options available. Best yet, they offer a three-mini bowl tasting option so you can try as many as possible.

Without exaggeration, each soup seems better than the next, and you’ll be savouring every spoonful. Soup for the soul.QM‑13, ul. Kościuszki 18, tel. (+48) 695 73 87 22. Open 12:00-19:00; Sat 12:00-17:00; closed Sun. €. T­B­6

SILESIAN MOODRO RESTAURANT Not to be confused with the Bistro/Cafe of the same name across the courtyard in the main museum complex, this is the much larger and more elegant restaurant in the old Machinery Building of the Silesian Museum. The refined exposed brick interiors with large picture windows overlook the rest of the Museum’s stunning campus. Their exquisite seasonal cuisine can best be described as Modern Silesian Fusion. Expect futuristic European fare and classic Silesian with flare (think rolada śląska with dumplings and

Restaurants red cabbage etc.). With a great wine list and impeccable service, you may find yourself becoming a repeat customer, Museum visit or not. 2nd location in Galeria Katowicka.

QP‑10, ul. Tadeusza Dobrowolskiego 1A (Silesian Museum), tel. (+48) 795 55 93 01, www.moodro.pl.

Open 12:00-22:00; closed Mon. €€€. U ŻUROWNIA If you’re not familiar yet with the Polish soup Żurek, it’s your lucky day. It is a sour rye soup and one of the most iconic of all Polish soups. This new bustling bistro is a shrine to the humble soup and you can order a big ole bowl with hard boiled eggs and/or sausages. But you know what they say, come for the soup and stay for the Silesian street food. The local patriotism is strong in this place (the main menu is in Silesian and the cooks shout at each other in it) and they scoured the whole region for the best quick bites they could find. Try the ‘Ślązak’ aka Silesian kielbasa hot dog or a ’Hajer’ tortilla wrap with red cabbage, beef and pickles, among other things. This is Silesian soul food served up fast and cheap as chips (braty)! Additionally, a weekly seasonal menu is on offer consisting of Polish and International dishes. There is also a conference room (holds up to 30 people, catering available), should you need it.QM‑13, ul. Ligonia 16, tel. (+48) 535 08 46 66. Open 12:00-22:00; Mon, Sun 12:0021:00; Fri, Sat 12:00 -23:00. €€. T­U­6

VEGAN & VEGETARIAN BUJNA This vege-vegan restaurant is right in the city centre near ul. Mariacka - if you so wish, you can do a few forward rolls and be there in a jiffy (you’ll be dizzy, but you’ll be there nonetheless). A family run business, all with a passion for healthy living, this restobar also has a shop; they compliment each other, as everything you eat here can be purchased in said shop. Soups of the day are a delightful surprise, as are the choice of wraps. Most interesting was the soy-dog along with a fantastic freshly made juice!

Stay healthy, stay mindful, and enjoy your visit.QN‑12, ul. Mielęckiego 10, tel. (+48) 531 33 12 00, www.bujna. com.pl. Open 11:00-21:00; Fri 11:00-01:00; Sat 12:0001:00; Sun 12:00-21:00. €. T­B­6 BOTANIKA Nestled nicely into the basement and first floor of one of the brownstones (yes Katowice has brownstones!) on one of our favourite streets is this vegetarian and vegan treat. As the name suggests, they are all about cooking up hearty and healthy meals pulled straight from the garden. The specials include vegan and gluten free meals to knock your socks off. They serve up mighty fine coffee too with specially selected beans. The multicoloured meals match the warm woods, climbing vegetation and exposed brick walls of this comfy and friendly bistro and cafe. Breakfast available from 09:00 until the ingredients run out!QN‑13, ul. Sienkiewicza 27, tel. (+48) 32 724 18 36. Open 09:0020:00; Fri, Sat 09:00-22:00. €. T­B­6 73

Restaurants

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Restaurants

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Polish Alcohol

4 Polish Alcohols You Have to Try ‌plus several others that also work‌ 76

Polish Alcohol VODKA TRANSLATOR Poles have been producing and drinking vodka since the early Middle Ages, distilling their skill into some of the best vodka blends available in the world, many of which date back centuries. The most highly regarded clear Polish vodka brands must be Belvedere, Chopin, Luksusowa, Ostoya, Pan Tadeusz and Wyborowa, all of which you’ll find in any alcohol shop.

Get some classy shots in Longway (p.77)

1. ŻOŁĄDKOWA GORZKA

Due to its very name, which translates to something like ‘Bitter Stomach Vodka,’ Żołądkowa Gorzka gives even the most infirm of health an excuse to drink under the guise of its medicinal properties. Though it comes in a variety of flavours, the original orange label (‘tradycyny’) is an aged, amber-coloured liquor flavoured with herbs and spices, Żołądkowa has a unique aroma and sweet spiced taste unlike anything you’re likely to have tried before. Incredibly palatable, we prefer it on ice.

2. ŻUBRÓWKA

One of Poland’s most popular overseas vodka exports, Żubrówka - also known as Bison Grass Vodka - has been produced in Eastern Poland since the 16th century.

Flavoured with a type of grass specific to the primeval Białowieża Forest (a blade of which appears in each bottle), Żubrówka is faint yellow in colour, with a mild fragrance of mown hay and a subtle taste which has been described as ‘floral’ or having traces of almond or vanilla.

Delightfully smooth as it is on its own, Żubrówka is most commonly combined with apple juice – a refreshing concoction called a ‘tatanka’ or ‘szarlotka’ depending where you are.

3. KRUPNIK

Popular in Poland and Lithuania, Krupnik is a sweet liquor made from honey and a multitude of herbs. Buy a bottle for Mum – drinking booze doesn’t get any easier than this. In winter, hot krupnik is a popular personal defroster with hot water, lemon and mulling spices added.

4. MIÓD PITNY

Mead, or ‘drinkable honey,’ preceded beer’s arrival in Poland and has remained a favourite since the Middle Ages. Since 2008, Polish meads have been protected under EU law as a traditional regional specialty. Distilled from honey, the drink is extremely easy to consume and comes in four strengths with Połtorak being the strongest (15-18%).

While clear vodkas are generally reserved for giving away at weddings and mixing in cocktails, the real fun is in sampling Poland’s flavoured vodkas and nalewki - a more general term applied to a large range of Polish liqueurs and aged tinctures made from vodka or neutral spirits and fruits, herbs and spices. Vodka shot & snack bars like Pijalnia Wódki on ul. Mariacka 8 (p.28, O-12) are a great place to try them. Here are just some of the notable varieties you can find at the bar or shop.

Wiśniówka - cherry vodka Cytrynówka - lemon vodka Pigwówka - quince vodka Orzechówka - walnut vodka Piołunówka - wormwood liquor Wódka figowa - fig vodka Wódka śliwkowa - plum vodka Wódka gruszkowa - pear vodka

BEER GARDENS This vast Silesian Metropolis has a tendency to overheat in the summer and the best way to beat the heat, is to slip into some shade and sip the day away. But the fact remains that all many of us want when that mercury rises is to just collapse with a brew. Luckily for you, we have a few recommendations. The glorious pedestrian thoroughfare ul. Mariacka (p.28) is perhaps the no.1 party destination in all of Silesia and should be your first stop. From Apr-Nov it's transformed into one giant Beer Garden. Most of the bars crowding this strip are decent but there is a trend towards quantity over quality so be careful under whose parasol you park. If the suns’s a bit much, perhaps avoiding the rays in an urban courtyard is right up your street? Biała Małpa (p.79) has of the finest choices in the city centre. Some of us simply just love the sun and will want to get away from the bustle of the city. For you outdoor types, Alternatywa Browar Śląski (p.80) in Ruda Śląska is a brewery, restaurant and bar with a perfect garden. Drzwi Zwane Koniem (p.80) and in general, the bars in the Valley of Three Ponds (p.35) are damn good choices. Silesia Park (p.41) is a quaint choice, as the restaurants have gardens, although not the best choice if you’re with a boisterous group! There’s always somewhere in Katowice and the surrounding area for you to sip on the summer nectar.

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Nightlife

One of the best bars in Katowice - Biała Małpa (p.79)

Katowice’s nightlife is improving steadily, with more bars and clubs opening that hold themselves to a higher creative standard. While there was a time when a Saturday night on the town felt like creeping quietly through a cemetery, that has all changed in a hurry with the emergence of ul.

Mariacka (O-12) as the city’s nightlife headquarters. A pedestrianised three-block stretch that was once all strip clubs and shady gay saunas (ok, those are still there), the city has put a lot of energy into cleaning it up and turning it into the high street it should be. Despite some dreadful urban design decisions including ugly, uncomfortable benches and strange sculptures, the city is finally seeing results with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars and clubs moving in to give the city centre some buzz. In summer, Mariacka is full of outdoor seating and flooded with people, but there are plenty of other hedonist hideouts to discover elsewhere with the help of this guide. The venues we list below are located throughout the Silesian Metropolis, with the name of the town added to the end of the address after a comma (with a map reference if applicable) if it is not in Katowice proper; districts of Katowice are shown in brackets. The opening hours we list are flexible; basically if people are drinking, the barman is pouring. Below is a list of recommendations depending on what you’re looking for.

ELITE Katowice isn’t exactly the place to go on a romantic weekend, but that doesn’t mean there’s no classiness here.

To that end try the new kid on the block, Scena54 (p.82), both a classy lounge during the day and a club full of the well dressed during the weekends.

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LADS Foreign funboys can mix with the locals in the context of their own culture in the likes of Polish shot bars along Katowice’s main party strip, ul. Mariacka (0-12) then head to Spiż (p.82), before drinking enough Guinness to lurk across the lively dancefloors of Rajzefiber (p.82) or the classic City Pub (p.80). If all this just isn’t enough, and you’re up for visiting a strip club, then Queens (p.79) in nearby Gliwice is the next best stop.

STUDENTS Not the most discerning demographic, students will go anywhere there’s fun music and cheap drinks, so it’s no surprise that ul. Mariacka (O-12) is a magnet for skint students, however, there are better options, namely Browariat (p.80); those with more intent to impress will try Spiż (p.82), or Kato (p.81).

COUPLES Couples looking for romance should find it by dropping in to the intimate atmosphere of Hipnoza (p.82), but if you’re looking for some of the best cocktails in the city and a truly classy atmosphere then head straight to Scena54 (p.82).

ALTERNATIVE Katowice has a fair number of alt. venues with artsy Drzwi Zwane Koniem (p.80) being among the best offbeat boozers in the city. Hipsters and beer loving backpackers gravitate to Biała Małpa (p.79). Those with more elevated musical tastes will find few finer places than Absurdalna (p.79), whether there’s a live concert on or not.​​​​​​​

Nightlife BARS & PUBS 27TH FLOOR A display of model aeroplanes, cocktails galore and impressive views of the city from the 27th floor mark this interesting adventure inside the Courtyard by Marriott as one worth further investigation. You can visit here, or the restaurants, Mon-Thu 14:00-22:00, Fri & Sat 14:00-22:00 and Sun 13:00-22:00. If you’re just here for the bar, it’s open Mon-Thu 18:00-00:00, Fri 18:00-02:00, Sat 16:00-02:00 and Sun 16:00-00:00.QO‑11, ul. Uniwersytecka 13, tel. (+48) 32 601 00 27, www.27thfloor.pl. Open 14:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 14:00-23:00; Sun 13:00-22:00. X­W ABSURDALNA Bringing modern art, street food and craft beer together under one roof: what an absurdly fantastic idea! When you first walk into this exceedingly colourful bar you could mistake it for an art gallery as the large front room hosts a rotating selection of edgy contemporary art. Keep heading deeper and you’ll find several rooms filled with funky furniture and all sorts of nifty nooks for you to snack and sip in. When you finally make it to the bar you’ll be delighted to find a 16 tap bar set up to serve a rotating variety of Poland’s latest and greatest craft brews (with a strong emphasis on Silesian Breweries). The street food menu offers tasty plates of cheap sides and mains. Check out their FB for upcoming events.QN‑12, ul. Dworcowa 3, tel. (+48) 537 67 02 70, www.absurdalna.pl. Open 15:00-00:30; Fri, Sat 15:0002:30. E AMNEZJA Amnezja has a lot going for it without a lot of gimmicks.

Unlike many of the other shady shot bars and crowded student dives, this place is seriously spacious, offering all sorts of nooks and crannies to tuck away in over three floors. Their buzzing beer garden is great for seasonal people watching on the Mariacka strip. There is a slight Western vibe with a lot of exposed brick and tasteful black murals of cowboys, Krakow and Katowice by art.pl. But the star of the show is most certainly the beer. Their claim to fame is the delicious super fresh “14 day” Tyskie which they get straight from the factory (which you can also takeaway). The perfectly poured Pilsner (in 3 different ways, no less) is equally worth your attention. In short, Amnezja is a great spot for groups, dates or solo acts looking to enjoy a modern day Silesian saloon.QO‑12, ul. Mariacka 16, tel. (+48) 504 06 79 03. Open 11:00-01:00; Fri, Sat 11:0003:00. X­B BIAŁA MAŁPA (THE WHITE MONKEY) This alabaster ape drapes itself in cool and drowns itself in sudsy pools of amber nectar nightly. This premium primate has achieved cult status among Katowice beer lovers. You’ll see why as soon as you squeeze through its monkey bars.

Warm woods, exposed brick and a new heated outdoor beer garden greet you before you even see the star of the show... the wall of beer! The biggest and oldest Silesian multitap bar has over 400 bottled varieties of Polish, Czech, Belgian,

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT We advise sticking to the venue listed here which is established. Be warned, we’ve had reports of 8,000zł being spent willingly in some strips clubs across Poland, and 8,000 sterling spent unwillingly in many others with a less than savoury reputation! If you go by taxi, make sure the driver takes you to the correct club, not one they have a partnership with. Avoid street solicitation and remember to stay vigilant!

QUEENS This well-regarded club features two bars, one wherein girls go-go dance on a table in the middle and it would be difficult to stand up from some of the seats without picking a stripper up on your shoulders. There’s also a Jacuzzi and a sauna and highly suggestive massage services available year round. Queens also seems to operate an escort service, making their girls, who have been charmingly described as “no pros, simply girls of next door, study or are housewives,” available for business and family functions, movie dates and birthdays (their suggestions). This could be the way to finally become the ‘cool uncle’ at the next family barbecue.Qul. Ceglarska 35, Gliwice (Ligota Zabrska), tel. (+48) 32 305 30 20, www.queensnightclub.pl. Open 20:00-05:00; closed Sun. X 79

Nightlife CRAFT BEERS

ALTERNATYWA BROWAR ŚLĄSKI NEW An alternative brewery in a completely alternative location! It might not seem like an obvious choice of venue to venture beyond Katowice, however, if you’re on your way to Zabrze or Gliwice for some postindustrial tourism (p.50), a perfect stop-off point on your way (or even on your way back at the end of the day) is Alternatywa Browar Śląski in the town of Ruda Śląska. It’s impressive, and is worth a visit in its own right as not only is there a bar with 10 taps (the selections are awesome, and for all you beer connoisseurs we even recommend checking out their online menu before you visit) and restaurant here (with great burgers and pork knuckles), the main selling point is that you can take a guided tour of the family run brewery! The craft beer revolution in Poland has really taken hold over the last few years, and it’s places like Alternatywa that put Polish craft beers on the map, and they show us how it’s all done in a unique local Silesian way! The garden is a delight in the warmer months where events are regularly held. Check their Facebook page for the latest event info.

A perfect place.Qul. Tylna 17, Ruda Śląska, tel. (+48) 737 16 85 02, www.knajpa.browar-alternatywa.pl.

Open 16:00-22:00; Fri 16:00-24:00; Sat 14:00-24:00; Sun 12:00-22:00. T­U­B­6 BROWARIAT The brew brothers behind Browariat literally built the bar around mostly Bavarian craft beer brands. Flötzinger, Schonram, Siren, Gamma, Alefarm, Brew York, Polly’s Brew, Sudden Death and Tilquin, Fuerst Wjacek, Auer Brau, Fourpure, The Kernel, Partizan Het Uiltje, Brew By Numbers and Founders brews are on tap and in bottles in a colourful variety of hand crafted ales, dunkels, stouts and IPAs. Each style has its very own corresponding glass, stein or flute. They also offer a selection of beers from a visiting brewer on a rotating basis. Choose whichever tasty beverage suits your fancy and settle into one of the many cozy corners or plunk down in front of a plasma screen and support your favourite sport. They also play music from vinyls, which is a nice touch.QO‑13, ul.

Francuska 11, tel. (+48) 535 00 97 68, www.browariat. com. Open 16:00-23:00; Fri 16:00-02:00; Sat 17:0002:00; Sun 18:00-22:00.

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English and Irish artisanal beers and ales on hand plus a rotating cast of 24 brews on tap! And don’t fear the beer, the knowledgeable staff is eager to offer advice and help you navigate their seas of suds. Come for a coffee during the day and fight with all your might to order that first pint of the night or try out their whisky offers! If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the good folk here have now opened Biała Małpa Mexico in the same courtyard, offering Mexican dishes prepared by a Mexican, along with tequila tasting boards and fantastic margaritas!QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 38, tel. (+48) 720 86 61 73, www.bialamalpa.pl. Open 12:00-24:00; Fri 12:00-02:00; Sat 14:00-02:00; Sun 14:00-24:00. B CITY PUB One of the places that always comes up when enquiries are made about the best places to drink in town and its cult status is unquestionable. The seemingly small bar is delightfully deceptive as the ground floor houses two bars, numerous private rooms including a billiards, foosball and darts lounge, several larger rooms and a decked out dance floor not to mention smoking rooms and a swanky VIP lounge in the basement with a couple more bars to boot! The true charm of City Pub (the oldest pub in Kato!) is that it manages to walk the line between being a Pub and a Club. Curl up with one of the best poured Guinness in Silesia to watch a match or play some billiards during the week and on the weekends dive into their den of sweaty delinquency. One of the few places we’ve been that also has accommodation just up the the stairs!QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 23, tel. (+48) 32 253 97 99, www.citypub.pl.

Open 14:00-24:00; Fri, Sat 14:00-04:00; Sun 16:00-22:00.

X­U­B CYBERMACHINA And now for something completely different… Classic Nintendo characters great you as you wander wide-eyed into this neon dream gaming lounge that offers all sorts of entertainment for hardcore gamers, pinball wizards, jenga junkies and the occasional Catan cartel. Order up a craft brew on tap or out of bottle or power up on one of their signature cocktail elixirs and shots. Even if you are flying solo, the wall of console games and the big screen TV streaming worldwide video game tournaments will keep you enthralled all night long. Check their FB page for special events.QN‑12, ul. Św. Jana 10, tel. (+48) 608 12 11 93, www.cybermachina.pl. Open 12:00-24:00; Fri 12:00-03:00; Sat 15:00-03:00; Sun 15:00-24:00. U DRZWI ZWANE KONIEM One of the city’s newest “restobars” just also happens to have one of the city’s best beer gardens or, rather, a sprawling green terrace. With plenty of tables and chairs, pallet furniture and beach loungers to choose from they have the perfect seating option whether you’re just stopping in for a quick bite or making a night of it!

Inside the hip environs are deftly designed and intimately inviting. Order up a cafe beverage or lemonade at the bar by day or grab a craft beer or table wine by night. Their carefully curated menu features an eclectic mix of Polish and European inspired light appetizers, savoury waffles,

Nightlife quesadillas, Belgian and French fries that you can order all day. The menu will be seasonal and democratic so do let your waiter know if you enjoy your meal. Fresh and refreshing!QO‑12, ul. Warszawska 37, tel. (+48) 32 204 12 53, www.drzwizwanekoniem.pl. Open 14:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 14:00-02:00. T­B­6 KATO Once a discreet DIY bohemian art bar, this hipster hangout is THE place to be seen in Kato’s underground cultural scene. Despite being inside a perfectly sound structure, the bar is made almost entirely of unpainted plywood, from the tables to the wheat-pasted walls covered in graphic nonsense, all in an attempt to convince the shabby-chic clientele that they haven’t gone mainstream on Mariacka, but are merely squatting. Since a recent expansion, tattooed, counter-culture queens and their jacks continue to spill onto the seasonal pallet tables and fritz cola benches. Bolstered by a solid selection of Czech and Polish microbrews, Kato is the best alternative nightlife venue in town, bar none.QO‑12, ul. Mariacka 13, tel. (+48) 534 76 76 54. Open 15:00-24:00; Thu 15:00-01:00; Fri, Sat 15:0002:00. E KLUBOGALERIA SARP SARP is a hotspot for cutting edge parties and exhibitions.

On weekdays they are open form 12:00, serving lunch for 19zł. On weekends, the restaurant turns into a full fledged club. Fridays and Saturdays they host some of the best Silesian DJs and a few times a month they host concerts, which may or may not involve the grand piano that also serves as the DJ booth. The full bar offers a wide selection of drinks and cocktails with an extensive drink menu and a nice selection of wine and whiskeys. SARP is a smart choice whether you’re looking to just relax and watch the big game for a while, or to have a great night out in style. Each Wednesday at 20:00 check out their jam sessions, which can last way into the night.QN‑12, ul. Dyrekcyjna 9, tel. (+48) 32 205 12 86, www.klubogaleriasarp.pl. Open 12:00-24:00; Fri 12:00-05:00; Sat 16:00-05:00; closed Mon, Sun. B LONGWAY The newest bar to hit Katowice, serving cocktails and over 250 kinds of vodka from Poland and all over the world.

Located in the centre, just along from Plac Wolności, Longway is a quaint bar with a lot of history. Enter to see spruced up original wood furnishings, and a nice, well, long bar! Eager beavers will be interested to know there has been a bar here, in various incarnations, since at least 1912 (the only unaccounted for period being during World War II, which I’m sure you can forgive!). The service is friendly, chatty and informative, great for discussing your next cocktail option! If sitting at the bar isn’t your thing, relax amongst the cushioned area next to the window and watch the world go by, just like this bar has been doing for over 100 years.QL‑11, ul. Gliwicka 10, tel. (+48) 32 253 78 62. Open 18:00-23:00; Thu 18:00-24:00; Fri, Sat 16:0002:00; closed Mon. B­E 81

Nightlife MR. FOX PUB & RESTO This sly fox has a streamlined retro feel and a laid back atmosphere which belies its considerable gastronomic ambitions. The extensive food menus cover all the major meals (lunch available Tue-Fri 13:00-15:30) and span most current culinary trends from obvious winners like burgers and pizza to healthier fare such as goat cheese salad! Their extensive drink menu almost overshadows their impressive food offer with all manner of smoothies, shakes, original cocktails, teas & coffees. Good luck leaving this foxhole unsatisfied.QN‑12, ul. Dyrekcyjna 3, tel. (+48) 32 257 65 17. Open 13:00-23:00; Mon 15:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 13:0001:00; Sun 13:00-22:00.

OLD CUBAN Although it might sound like just a theme bar, Old Cuban is one of Katowice’s brightest cocktail stars. The experienced mixologists will help you navigate their vast rare rum selection and suggest a perfectly balanced cocktail just for you. Bacardi based cocktails are their bread and butter, but ye ole rum & coke is just the beginning. Order the signature Old Cuban cocktail and be transported to a Caribbean beach with it’s ideal sweet and sour notes with a silky smooth finish. They also have an arsenal of whisky, bourbon, vodka and gin on hand not to mention a fortress of fruit and mixers for whipping up any cocktail under the sun. The atmosphere is lively and laid back (ask about the bras on the walls) and the beautiful bar was built for extended sipping sessions.QN‑13, ul. Wojewódzka 26A, tel. (+48) 530 75 47 66, www.oldcuban.com.pl. Open 16:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 16:00-02:00; closed Mon. PUB KONTYNUACJA It’s official, the beer gods have descended upon Katowice.

This super-sleek multi-tap bar is now in its second location just a stone’s throw from the ‘Rynek’. The style and philosophy are similar to their old location with 16 taps and one pump pouring pints of the finest Polish and European craft microbrews. The taps rotate on a daily - sometimes hourly - basis but you can always be sure to find the newest brews from Podgórz, Stu Mostów, Cześć and Artezan. Expect the bar to be packed with a healthy mix of hipsters, trend hoppers and beer geeks.QN‑12, ul. Staromiejska 8, tel. (+48) 668 52 58 25, www.kontynuacja-katowice.ontap.pl. Open 16:0024:00; Fri, Sat 16:00-02:00. U­6

JAZZ CLUBS HIPNOZA JAZZ CLUB This intimate, laid-back concert venue books some of the city’s best international gigs, the reputation and subsequent turnout for which often exceeds the size of the space. Packed with interesting characters sitting on truly comfortable couches and lazyboys beneath foil-wrapped ducts and rotating psychedelic spirals on the walls, there’s also a decent food menu of pastas, burgs and zapiekankas (ask a friend) if you get a snack attack.QN‑14, Pl. Sejmu Śląskiego 2, tel. (+48) 660 47 61 56, www.jazzclub.pl. Open 12:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-01:00; closed Mon. X­U 82

RAJZEFIBER (TRAVEL FEVER) There’s a new king in town and just months after lowering his drawbridge he already has legions of loyal subjects crashing his castle nightly. Rajzefiber has truly achieved a rare and almost impossible feat by successfully filling a huge gap in Katowice’s nightlife with serious style and enviable ease. The city centre club offers an ambitious lineup of great live music AND hot DJs plus offer a menu of quick bar food and rocking cocktails. Upon entering the recently expanded second floor club we had the feeling we’d been coming here for years. The place was totally packed and already jumping at 19:00 on a Saturday. When we came back at 23:00 there was a line 30 people deep waiting to get in! There’s a rising fever for Rajzefiber.QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 23/3, tel. (+48) 884 90 51 68, www.rajzefiber.com. Open Fri,Sat 18:00-06:00 only. X­E SCENA54 Found just off the Market Square (p.28, Rynek), the newest club in Katowice follows in the footsteps of its popular sibling in Kraków. The Kato version is a welcome addition where a bit of well-dressed class goes hand in hand with good lounge vibes during the week, and good music and uninhibited fun during the weekend.

The setting is visually inspiring, through from the outside, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was the location of some underground German techno club with its imposing exterior. However, once inside, the Spartan mix of classy modernism is evident, this once having been the premises of the national bank. Ooh. Open Tue-Sat, food is available 17:00-23:00, ranging from international and Polish tapas, to more substantial mains. The cocktail menu is particularly pleasing, and the chilled out weekday setting makes it all worth experiencing again and again. But it’s at the weekend that this place really gets going, so be prepared for some crazy parties and check out their Facebook page for all upcoming events. We can’t wait to go again.QN‑11, ul. Mickiewicza 3, tel. (+48) 32 702 73 72, www.scena54. pl. Open 17:00-24:00; Fri, Sat 17:00-04:00; closed Mon, Sun. B SPIŻ (BRONZE) Few places have reinvented themselves so fully and completely in recent memory then Spiż. In 2011 the storied dance brewery shuttered their doors for a ‘renovation’. At some point one of the powers that be ended up on a plane to Ibiza and the decision was made to purchase a sound system and light display that would make David Guetta go deaf and blind. In a year and a half’s time the massive two floor club was given a facelift, tummy tuck and a boob job and what you’ll find inside will literally blow your mind. They claim it’s the most modern night club in Poland and from the looks of it they aren’t just blowing smoke (machines)...

If you consider yourself a fan of serious clubbing and great beer - it is your destiny to dance here.. till you can’t hear... for a year.QL‑11, ul. Opolska 22, tel. (+48) 32 781 11 32, www.spiz.pl. Open Wed-Fri 21:00-05:00, Sat 21:00-06:00 only. X­U

Nightlife

83

Shopping

One of the biggest shopping malls in Silesia, the expansive Silesia City Center (p.86).

What little shopping opportunities there are to be found in Katowice are mostly located in the area immediately north of the train station. Like most of 21st-century Poland, many shops are given over to the sale of women’s fashion, with more interesting independent enterprises in seriously short supply. In lieu of the small, communistera malls around the Rynek, Katowice’s best collection of shops under one roof is the extraordinary Silesia City Centre; if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, then you might have to leave PL to get it. That aside, we’ve made an effort to focus this section on small local or national businesses you won’t find wherever you’re from. More local gift ideas and direct buying opportunities can be found online in the Poland IYP Shop: iyp.me/polandshop.

SUNDAY SHOPPING BAN Shops have traditionally had more limited hours on weekends, but since 2018 government regulations have increasingly restricted Sunday trading in Poland. In 2020 there will be only 7 Sundays in the entire year when shops are allowed to be open. There are some exemptions from the ban, namely pharmacies, gas stations, kiosks, bakeries, open-air markets, Żabka convenience stores (most of which close at 23:00) and souvenir shops (oh thank god). Note that the Sunday hours we list for venues are the hours they keep only on those Sundays when trade is allowed. 2020’s shopping Sundays are: April 5, 26 | Jun 28 | Aug 30 | Dec 13, 20 84

ALCOHOL & TOBACCO Nothing says ‘I’ve been to Poland’ like a suitcase of booze and an increased alcohol tolerance. Indeed, if retracing your activities while in Katowice you may have to concede that alcohol makes the most logical memento. While Polish beer elicits mixed reports from the foreign community, Polish vodka stands alongside the best, and the country is rightfully seen as the ancient home of the wicked sauce. Belvedere and Chopin are the elite brands you’ll find in fancy gift sets, but don’t miss Żubrówka (bison grass vodka), Krupnik (herbal honey vodka), Żołądkowa Gorzka (bitter stomach vodka) and Goldwasser with its signature gold flakes.

BURGUNDIA WINE TASTINGS & WINE SHOP A really admirable selection of world wines for all tastes and budgets in this shop/wine bar hidden in a courtyard near the train station. Another location in the Altus Centre (H-3, ul. Uniwersytecka 13).QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 23, tel. (+48) 32 253 75 19, www.burgundia.com.pl. Open 10:00-21:00; Sat 11:00-21:00; closed Sun. WHISKY & SPIRIT HOUSE If you happen to be a whisky and high end spirits lover, or you know someone near and dear who is, then this shop is a must stop. It’s no accident they spell ‘whisky’ without an ‘e’ as exclusive Scotch single malts are their specialty and we dare say they may just have the best selection we’ve seen in all of Poland! Talisker, Laphroaig, and Macallan are just the beginning and the knowledgeable owner/specialist will gladly help expand your knowledge and improve your pallet. Of course you’ll also find highend bourbons, voluptuous vodkas, lucious liquours and, oh yeah, some pretty good

Shopping whiskey as well. They also have a great wine, cider and craft beer selection to fill out their impressive offer. We recommend you take your time to find that perfect tincture or tipple because it’s certainly here somewhere.

QN‑13, ul. Plebiscytowa 13, tel. (+48) 511 55 54 11, www.whiskyandspirit.pl. Open 10:00-18:00; Fri 10:0019:00; Sat 10:00-14:00; closed Sun.

AMBER & JEWELLERY Herbal vodka isn’t the only golden nectar popular in Poland.

Poland is renowned for its amber and the craftsmen who handsomely shape the fossilised resin into unique and coveted pieces of jewellery. Come back from PL without bringing baby some Baltic Gold and you’ve booked yourself a stint in the doghouse. We throw you bone about where to get it below.

I COAL YOU A unique gift can come in many forms, but from Silesia, it may seem like a simple solution, but Icoalyou create jewellery made from nothing other than coal!

Coal is to Silesia what amber is to the Baltic region and Icoalyou rightly promote their black gold. Each item is handmade and polished, resulting in utterly unique pieces. You can purchase items from various places around Katowice and Silesia, including Gryfnie (ul. Andrzeja 8), Biksa (pl. Marki 1), Hotel Ibis Katowice Centrum, Hotel Ibis Zabrze and the Guido Mineshaft. A full list of places where you can buy these unique gifts can be found on their website.Qwww.icoalyou.com.

LILOU This uniquely colourful and immediately inviting salon is filled with all sorts of glittering gadgets, precious pendants, delicate necklaces and leather bracelets. Their elegantly playful nature of the salon gives you the freedom to mix and match any of the items on display. The expert and friendly staff will happily help you choose the right piece and customise it so that special someone will cherish their talisman even more. Lilou is the perfect melding of French elegance and Polish craftsmanship. 2nd location now in Silesia City Center.QN‑12, ul. Dworcowa 15, tel. (+48) 32 253 98 68, www.lilouparis.com. Open 10:00-18:00; Sat 10:00-16:00; closed Sun.

BOOKS, MUSIC & FILM EMPIK Located in the massive Silesian City Center, this is the best place in town to find English language paperbacks, guide books, a few foreign newspapers and a decent range of CDs and DVDs. One stop shopping for all your mass media wants and needs.QK‑9, ul. Chorzowska 107 (Silesia City Center), tel. (+48) 22 451 03 94, www.empik.com. Open 10:00-21:00; Fri 10:00-22:00.

KOMIS PŁYTOWY (RECORD STORE) The largest selection of vinyl we’ve ever seen in PL is hidden in this courtyard off one of Katowice’s main streets. Bargain-

priced, though not extremely well-organised used CDs, as well as music-related DVDs, and posters.QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 19/30A, tel. (+48) 32 253 99 45. Open 10:00-18:00; Sat 10:00-14:00; closed Sun.

FASHION & ACCESSORIES International designer clothing and fashion brands can be found in Sileasia’s shopping malls and outlets, namely the peerless Silesia City Centre (I/J-2). High quality Polish brands to peel an eye for include Reserved, Vistula, Tatuum and Carry. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you should find no trouble locating secondhand clothing stores around the Katowice, ranging from self-respecting retailers to those who offer a room of rummage bins; just look for the words ‘Tania Odzież.’ Finally, the clothing market around Plac Synagogi on ul. Mickiewicza (B-3) is a great place to get stockings with runs in them and underwear stretched and displayed on a steering wheel.

There’s really something for everyone!

GESZEFT Wonders never cease in this hip store for hipsters and lovers of divine design. We’ve never seen a place exude cool so effortlessly and everything you pick up, look at or try on makes you drool. Ease into the sleek coffee bar and grab a java drink to help you think. Wander the stylish salon which has racks of Polish designer threads, KATO-themed knick-knacks and shoulder bags, funky jewellery and even home decor. Look through art & archi books or grab a Silesian region mag while you curl up in a window seat and search for reasons to linger here a little longer. This unique boutique is one stop shopping for temporary tourists, culture vultures and fierce fashionistas alike. For misses and misters, but not to be missed.QN‑9, ul. Morcinka 23-25, tel. (+48) 534 76 76 54, www.geszeft.co. Open 11:00-19:00; Sat 10:00-17:00; closed Sun. MOLIERA 2 I KATOWICE ALTUS The exclusive boutique which now has an outlet in Katowice’s Altus Shopping Gallery, featuring collections by Moncler, Kenzo, Balmain and Isabel Marant.QO‑11, ul. Uniwersytecka 13, tel. (+48) 511 41 07 22, www.moliera2.com. Open 11:00-20:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-19:00.

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS CEPELIA A larger version of the national folk art chain selling a range of related arts and crafts from kitsch to quintessential including some fine tapestries, wood carvings, regional dolls and even folk costumes for both men and women (upon request). This is one of the oldest shops of its type - you’ll definitely find that typically Polish gift here.QN‑11, Al. Korfantego 6, tel. (+48) 32 259 87 44, www.cepelia.pl. Open 10:0018:00; Sat 10:00-14:00; closed Sun. 85

Shopping MANUFAKTURA SADZA SOAP This is the ultimate must-have souvenir for the Silesian enthusiast in your family. A lump of pristine coal that you can use to clean off all that coal dust you picked up from visiting one of the region’s many mines. Ok, so it may be a novelty, but it is actually high quality natural active charcoal soap with an absolutely deft design. Yet another perfect stocking stuffer. You can purchase your very own clean coal for around 30zł. They also have shampoo or body wash for 35zł, peeling soap for 40zł and a gift box for 180zł (or minibox set for 70zł), among other special deals. You can order them online, in selected museums and info points around town or visit their shop on ul. Bednorza 49/1 where their products are sold. Call or email them for more info.QN‑10, ul. Bednorza 49/1, www.sadzasoap.com.

HEALTH & BEAUTY LULUA This niche perfume and cologne shop fields orders from all over the world, but is located right in the heart of Katowice, just up from the Rynek. Specialising in unique artisanal scents, Lulua is lauded for their expertise and unparalleled customer service (a rarity in these parts). In addition to a fantastic array of olfactory enticements, from obscure manufacturers to top luxury brands, Lulua also offers luxury skin care products, shaving kits and men’s grooming accessories. This is an excellent place to pick up a unique gift for either sex.QN‑12, ul. Staromiejska 21, tel. (+48) 502 08 90 92, www.lulua.pl.

Open 11:00-19:00; closed Sun.

MARKETS TARGOWISKO MIEJSKIE You haven’t really experienced Poland until you’ve smelt the unique fragrance of fruit, vegetables, fish and Chinese cotton that make up the main things for sale in a classic outdoor Polish market. This small market south of the train tracks comes with red and white striped awnings and a good selection of the aforementioned things for sale at bargain prices.QM‑13, Pl. Miarki, tel. (+48) 32 250 40 08, www. ztm.katowice.pl. Open 06:00-19:00; Sun 08:00-13:00.

SHOPPING MALLS DESIGNER OUTLET SOSNOWIEC The abbreviated ‘DO Sosnowiec’ is a great way of saying in Polish (and translated well into English), ‘Go to Sosnowiec’, and now you have the perfect excuse with Designer Outlet Sosnowiec (the first and biggest outlet in Silesia, here since 2004) offering impressive discounts of 30-70% on big name brands! The Designer Outlet mark has a nack for creating good looking buildings, giving you that feeling of walking through a chic London or Parisian style fashion arcade, the experience being as important as the huge savings you can make on your purchases. Brands on offer include Calvin Klein, Guess, Timberland, Adidas, Nike, Levis and many more. Getting there by car is easy, even if you’re travelling along the eastwest A4 motorway, take the exit for E75 then join road 86

79 (which leads to/from Katowice) taking you directly to the outlet. From Katowice’s main train station, you can take take a regional train (Koleje Śląskie) to Sosnowiec Główny then switch to bus 26 to get you directly to the outlet at stop Jęzor Centrum Handlowe. Alternatively, from bus stop Aleja Korfantego (in front of Hotel Katowice) take buses 77 or 149 to stop ‘Mysłowice Kopalnia’ then switch to bus 26. All journey times around 50 mins.Qul. Orląt Lwowskich 138, tel. (+48) 32 296 50 22, www.designeroutletsosnowiec.pl.

Open 09:00-21:00; Sun 09:00-20:00.

SILESIA CITY CENTER Located mid-way between Katowice and Chorzów on the site of an old 1904 coal mine, the spectacular Silesia City Center easily trumps everything else in the region. A combined retail, gourmet and entertainment complex, the original 65,000 metre-square building (now over 86,000) was opened in 2005 and in 2011 hotel heiress Paris Hilton descended upon Silesia to open a new wing with 60 additional shops, 2 more restaurants, a dentist office, massage studio, beauty salon and additional parking, bringing the total number of spaces to 3,500 - the largest lot in Silesia. Designed to blend in with the surrounding Gothic architecture, this shopping mall has over 300 shops including Tesco, Media Markt and EMPiK superstores, a Cinema City movie complex and is even a decent place to eat thanks to the upstairs Bierhalle Restaurant, Hana - a magnificent sushi restaurant located externally in the mine’s former swimming pool and the industrial sheik Sztolnia restaurant. Other features include the preserved, red brick St Barbara’s Chapel and the remains of the tower that once lowered the miners underground - now the symbol of the commercial centre. Get there via tram no.s 0, 6, 11, 19 & 23 or bus no.s 108, 109, 662, 673, 674, 820, 830 & 840.QK‑9, ul. Chorzowska 107, tel. (+48) 32 605 00 00, www.silesiacitycenter.com.pl. Open 10:00-21:00; Fri 10:00-22:00.

SILESIA OUTLET/FACTORY GLIWICE Silesia Outlet (as of April 2020, Factory Gliwice) is the new kid on the block in Poland (the 1st stage opened 2019, but once the 2nd phase is complete, this will be the largest outlet in the region!). Here you’ll get the usual discounts you’d expect, ranging 30-70%, across 100 brands including men’s/women’s fashion, from premium brands like Guess, Molton, Pierre Cardin, Kazar to popular brands like Levi’s and sportswear such as Adidas, New Balance and Puma, to name only a few! There are also designer shops to furnish your home interiors. And on that note, the outlet’s interior is modern, filled with plants, and even contains relaxation zones and play areas for the kids; perfect for while you shop. To get there from Katowice, the quickest way is to travel by car along the A4 motorway, taking the slip lane onto the no. 78 national road towards ‘Gliwice/Rybnik’ and later the slip lane to ‘CH Auchan’. Alternatively, take 30 min regional train (Koleje Śląskie) from Katowice train station to Gliwice Dworzec PKP, then take bus 194 from stop ‘Gliwice Plac Piastów’ (just east of the station) directly to the outlet’s stop ‘Bojków Auchan’. Both bus journeys take 20 mins.QUl. Rybnicka 205, tel. (+48) 32 889 84 45, www.silesiaoutlet.com. Open 10:00-21:00; Sat 09:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-20:00.

Directory 24-HOUR PHARMACIES APTEKA BLISKO CIEBIEQN‑11, ul. Mickiewicza 10, tel. (+48) 32 258 11 11. Open 24 hours.

APTEKA DR. MAXQN‑13, ul. Wojewódzka 7, tel. (+48) 32 251 77 62. Open 24 hours.

24-HOUR POST OFFICE POCZTA POLSKAQN‑12, ul. Pocztowa 9, tel. (+48) 32 359 45 98, www.poczta-polska.pl. Open 24hrs.

24-HOUR SHOPS POD RĘKĄQY‑9, ul. Gen. Hallera 6, tel. (+48) 32 204 88 58. Open 24hrs.

COMPUTER REPAIR GLOBAL SERVICE City centre location, however, 2nd location on ul.

Brynowska 39 (south of Park Kościuszki), (+48) 32 700 35 94, has English speaking staff.QQ‑11, Al. Roździeńskiego 90, tel. (+48) 32 700 35 21, www.global-serwis.com.

Open 09:00-17:00; Tue, Thu 09:00-18:00; closed Sat, Sun.

DENTISTS DENTAL SERVICE Open 24hrs for all your middle of the night dental emergencies.QQ‑13, ul. Krasińskiego 25A, tel. (+48) 32 256 29 85, www.dentalservice.com.pl.

MED CENTRUM QL‑11, Pl. Wolności 4, tel. (+48) 32 352 56 50, www. medcentrum.pl. Open 08:00-20:00; Sat 08:00-13:00; closed Sun.

LAUNDRY RIZOMA LAUNDRY (PRALNIA RIZOMA) QN‑13, ul. Jagiellońska 13, tel. (+48) 509 50 34 00, www.pralnierizoma.pl. Open 08:00-19:00; Sat 08:0014:00; closed Sun. SELF-SERVICE LAUNDRY KATOWICE (PRALNIA SAMOOBSŁUGOWA KATOWICE) QO‑12, ul. św. Stanisława 8A, tel. (+48) 661 52 22 88.

Open 11:00-20:00; Sat 10:00-14:00; closed Sun. N

LOCKSMITHS EXPRES Found in all major shopping centres in Katowice, the perfect place to duplicate keys, repair shoes and buy a range of batteries.QI/J‑2, ul. Chorzowska 107, tel. (+48) 32 605 06 94, www.e-expres.pl.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE Currency exchange offices (‘Kantor’) are easy to find in Katowice, but as with any international destination, it’s imperative to check the rates to ensure you aren’t getting fleeced. The general rule is you should never change your money at city entry points, particularly at the airport where the rates are almost criminal. To help put your mind and your wallet at ease, we’ve assembled a list of well-located exchange offices that won’t rip you off, and don’t take a commission.

KANTOR MAX GRAND QM‑11, ul. Mickiewicza 22, tel. (+48) 604 40 17 00, www.kantorykatowice.pl. Open 09:00-20:00; Sat, Sun 09:00-18:00.

MAX KANTOR QM‑12, ul. Stawowa 10, tel. (+48) 694 99 21 67.

Open 09:00-18:00; Sat 09:00-15:30; closed Sun.

HEALTH & EMERGENCY In the case of an emergency, mobile phone users should dial 112 to be forwarded to the police, fire department or ER. From a landline or public phone dial the following: Ambulance: 999; Fire: 998; Police: 997.

English, German and Russian speakers have separate lines specifically designed for foreigners in distress: (+48) 608 59 99 99 or (+48) 22 278 77 77. Both numbers can be reached from a mobile phone or a land-line and are hotlines in case you run into any troubles during your stay.

For urgent medical emergencies, use the listings below.

The emergency room in PL is called SOR, and should only be visited if it is really necessary. In less urgent crises, we recommend you visit a private clinic, where you’ll get better service and avoid the long queues in Polish hospitals.

CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY ROOM (SOR) Qul. Medyków 16, tel. (+48) 32 207 17 88.

EMERGENCY ROOM (SOR) QK‑13, ul. Raciborska 26, tel. (+48) 32 420 01 00 ext.225. Open 24hrs.

LUX MED Private medical clinic in the city centre.QN‑10, ul. Sokolska 29, tel. (+48) 22 332 28 88, www. luxmed.pl. Open 07:00-20:00; Sat 08:00-14:00; closed Sun. 87

Hotels IN KATOWICE B&B HOTEL KATOWICE CENTRUM QM‑11, ul. Sokolska 4, tel. (+48) 32 700 50 88, www. hotelbb.pl. 105 Total rooms. P­X­U­6­H hh CAMPANILE QQ‑16, ul. Sowińskiego 48, tel. (+48) 32 205 50 50, www.campanile.com. 77 Total rooms. P­T­U­L­6­ K­H hhh COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT KATOWICE CITY CENTER QO‑11, ul. Uniwersytecka 13, tel. (+48) 32 438 93 50, www.marriott.com. 151 rooms (15 suites, 1 apartment).

P­U­L­K­H­F hhhh DIAMENT SPODEK QO‑10, Al. Korfantego 35, tel. (+48) 32 606 85 85, www. hotelediament.pl. 30 rooms (1 apartment). U­6­K­ H­C­D­F hhh HORNIGOLD W ZIELONEJ KAMIENICY QM‑13, ul. Kopernika 6, tel. (+48) 32 608 42 52, www. hornigold.pl. 34 apartments. P­T­U­L­6­H­D­w HOTEL KATOWICE QN‑11, Al. Korfantego 9, tel. (+48) 32 258 82 81, www. hotel-katowice.com.pl. 161 Total rooms. T­U­6­ K­H hhh

Hotel B&B Katowice Centrum ul. Sokolska 4, Katowice +48 32 700 50 88 5 min

from main Railway Station

from

179 zł Book at

www.hotelbb.pl 88

IBIS BUDGET KATOWICE CENTRUM QP‑11, Al. Roździeńskiego 18, tel. (+48) 32 350 50 40, www.ibisbudget.com. 124 Total rooms. P­T­U­6 h JOPI HOSTEL QN‑13, ul. Plebiscytowa 23, tel. (+48) 32 204 34 32, www.jopihostel.pl. 11 rooms (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 quad, 2 six-person room, 1 seven-person room, 1 ten-person room, 50 dorm beds).

MONOPOL QN‑12, ul. Dworcowa 5, tel. (+48) 32 782 82 82, www.monopolkatowice.hotel.com.pl. 108 rooms (3 apartments). P­U­L­6­K­H­C­D­F hhhhh NOVOTEL KATOWICE CENTRUM QP‑11, Al. Roździeńskiego 16, tel. (+48) 32 200 44 44, www.accorhotels.com. 300 Total rooms. P­U­6­K­ H­C­D­F hhhh PARK INN BY RADISSON KATOWICE QK‑3, ul. Bytkowska 1A, tel. (+48) 32 721 11 11, www. parkinn.com/hotel-katowice. 168 rooms (1 apartment).

P­U­L­6­K­H­D­F hhhh PATIO ZAJAZD (LEŚNE PATIO) Qul. Kościuszki 352, tel. (+48) 32 202 95 56, www. patiozajazd.pl. 23 Total rooms. T­U­6­K Q HOTEL PLUS KATOWICE QN‑13, ul. Wojewódzka 12, tel. (+48) 32 740 99 40, www.qhotels.pl. 121 rooms (1 apartment). P­U­K­ H­F hhhh SENATOR QQ‑12, ul. 1 Maja 3, tel. (+48) 698 76 74 25, www.senator. katowice.pl. 49 rooms (1 apartment). L­6­K­H hhh SILESIAN HOTEL QUALITY AND ECONOMY QO‑16, ul. Szybowcowa 1A, tel. (+48) 32 606 88 00, www.silesianhotel.pl. 200 rooms (6 apartments). P­U­ 6­K­H­C­D hhh TWÓJ HOSTEL KATOWICE QI‑10, ul. Klimczoka 7, tel. (+48) 32 202 30 25, www. twojhostel.pl. 60 rooms (2 doubles, 20 triples, 20 quads, 7 five-person room, 2 six-person room, 2 seven-person room, 215 dorm beds). U VIENNA HOUSE EASY KATOWICE QM‑10, ul. Sokolska 24, tel. (+48) 32 783 81 00, www. viennahouse.com. 203 rooms (17 apartments). P­U­ K­H­D­F hhhh

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Hotels IN CHORZÓW DIAMENT ARSENAL PALACE KATOWICE/ CHORZÓW QC‑2, ul. Paderewskiego 35, Chorzów, tel. (+48) 32 832 89 90, www.hotelediament.pl. 115 rooms (1 apartment).

P­U­L­6­K­H­C­D­F­w hhhh DIAMENT BELLA NOTTE KATOWICE/CHORZÓW QC‑2, ul. Paderewskiego 35, Chorzów, tel. (+48) 32 606 82 82, www.hotelediament.pl. 45 rooms (1 apartment). U­L­6­H hhh

AROUND UPPER SILESIA DESILVA INN KATOWICE AIRPORT Qul. Równoległa 2, Pyrzowice, tel. (+48) 32 393 88 88, www. desilva.pl. 77 Total rooms. P­U­6­K­H­F hhh DIAMENT ECONOMY GLIWICE Qul. Zwycięstwa 42, Gliwice, tel. (+48) 32 231 18 21, www.hotelediament.pl. 27 Total rooms. U­L­6 hhh DIAMENT PLAZA GLIWICE Qul. Zwycięstwa 30, Gliwice, tel. (+48) 32 721 70 90, www.hotelediament.pl. 93 Total rooms. P­L­6­K­H hhhh DIAMENT VACANZA SIEMIANOWICE ŚLĄSKIE Qul. Olimpijska 4, Siemianowice Śląskie, tel. (+48) 32 606 83 83, www.hotelediament.pl. 44 rooms (1 apartment). U­L­6­K­H hhh

PARK HOTEL DIAMENT ZABRZE Qul. 3-go Maja 122A, Zabrze, (Zaborze Południe), tel. (+48) 32 721 10 00, www.hotelediament.pl. 74 rooms (3 apartments). P­L­K­H­D­F hhhh

HOTEL RYCERSKI (KNIGHTS HOTEL) Qul. Będzińska 53, Czeladź, tel. (+48) 32 763 58 88, www.hotel-rycerski.pl. 26 rooms (1 apartment). K­H hhh

ROYAL Qul. Matejki 10, Gliwice, tel. (+48) 32 400 00 00, www. hotelroyal.com.pl. 50 Total rooms. P­L­K­H­D­F hhh

HOTEL SZAFRAN Qul. Będzińska 82, Czeladź, tel. (+48) 32 784 31 00, www.hotelszafran.pl. 115 rooms (7 apartments). P­U­ 6­K­HF ­ hhhh

WILLA AMBASADOR Qul. 3 Maja 78, Zabrze (Śródmieście), tel. (+48) 32 271 50 44, www.mosir.zabrze.pl. 24 Total rooms.

P­K

IBIS KATOWICE - ZABRZE Qul. Jagiellońska 4, Zabrze, tel. (+48) 32 777 70 00, www.ibis.com. 114 Total rooms. P­L­K­H hh

APARTMENTS

M HOTEL SOSNOWIEC Qul. Wojska Polskiego 199, Sosnowiec, tel. (+48) 32 363 63 00, www.mhotelsosnowiec.pl. 55 Total rooms.

U­L­6K ­ ­H­F hhh QUBUS HOTEL GLIWICE Qul. Dworcowa 27, Gliwice, tel. (+48) 32 300 11 00, www.qubushotel.com. 89 rooms (4 apartments).

P­U­6K ­ ­H hhh

HORNIGOLD W DRODZE DO DOMU QM‑13, ul. Kopernika 6, tel. (+48) 608 66 27 07, www. hornigold.pl. 7 apartments. 6 MOSQUITO SILESIA APARTMENTS QM‑12, ul. 3 Maja 23, tel. (+48) 694 26 63 54, www. mosquitosilesiaapartments.pl/. 10 apartments. P WELLCOME HOME QM‑12, ul. Jana Matejki 4/2, tel. (+48) 32 555 04 44, www.wellcome-home.com.

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Index 3 Siostry Bajgiel i Kawa 56 27th floor 79 Absurdalna 79 AïOLI Inspired by Katowice 70 Alternatywa Browar Śląski 80 Amfora Restaurant & Cocktail Bar 70 Amnezja 79 Arthouse Cinemas Katowice 44 Baklava 70 Bar a Boo 68 B&B Hotel Katowice Centrum 88 Biała Małpa 79 Biała Małpa Mexico 70 bistro & cafe zielnik 65 Black Woolf 56 Botanika 73 Browar Alternatywa Browariat 80 Buddha 64 Bujna 73 Burgundia Wine Tastings & Wine Shop 84 BWA Contemporary Art Gallery 31 Cadenza 71 Cafe Byfyj 40 Campanile 88 Centrum Zimbardo 40 Cepelia 85 C'est Si Bon 63 Chata z Zalipia 71 City By Bike 44 City Information Office 27 City Pub 80 Coffee-jka 56 Courtyard by Marriott Katowice City Center 88 Cristallo 69 Cybermachina 80

Designer Outlet Sosnowiec 86 DeSilva Inn Katowice Airport 89 Diament Arsenal Palace Katowice/Chorzów 89 Diament Bella Notte Katowice/ Chorzów 89 Diament Economy Gliwice 89 Diament Plaza Gliwice 89 Diament Spodek 88 Diament Vacanza Siemianowice Śląskie 89 Drzwi Zwane Koniem 80 Dzień i Noc 65 Ekspedycja Coffeehouse 57 Elka Cableway 42 Empik 85 Europa 72 Fabryka Porcelany (Porcelain Factory) Flyspot Katowice 44 Food & Ball 65 Geszeft 85 Getting to Silesia Park 41 Guido Mineshaft 51 Hana Sushi 61 Hipnoza Jazz Club 82 Hornigold W Drodze Do Domu 89 Hornigold W Zielonej Kamienicy 88 Hospoda 63 Hotel Katowice 88 Hotel Rycerski 89 Hotel Szafran 89 Hurry Curry 61 Ibis Budget Katowice Centrum 88 Ibis Katowice - Zabrze 89 I Coal You 85 Industrial Ethnography Museum 40

FEATURES INDEX Craft Beers Diamond Restaurants’ Trail Beer Gardens Decoding the Menu Eat & Drink Getting to Auschwitz Getting to Silesia Park Getting to Zabrze Health & Emergency Outdoor Eating Polish Words & Phrases Street Art Sunday Shopping Ban Tourist Info & Tours Transport Tools/Apps Where to Eat & Drink VVodka Translator

90

80 65 77 61 40,42 55 41 51 87 62 22 30 64 27 19 35 77

If the venue you’re looking for isn’t listed, you’ll likely find it among the hundreds of places in Katowice listed on our website: katowice.inyourpocket.com

INQbator International Congress Centre 33 Istne Lody Rzemieślnicze 57 Jopi Hostel 88 JUMPCITY 47 Kartofelnik 72 Kato 81 Katowice Forest Park 35 Katowice Historical Museum 30 Katowice Miasto Ogrodów 31 Kawosz 57 KluboGaleria SARP 81 Klub Prime Kofeina Mini 66 Komis Płytowy 85 La Cantina 35 Laserhouse 47 Len Arte 69 Leśne Patio 66 Lilou 85 Lily Nail Spa 45 Little Hanoi...and more!

62 Lobby Bar 66 Longway 81 Lulua 86 Manufaktura Sadza Soap 86 MAOLA Bistro 40 M Hotel Sosnowiec 89 Moliera 2 I Katowice ALTUS 85 Monopol 88 Moodro Restaurant 72 Mosquito Silesia Apartments 89 Mr. Fox Pub & Resto 82 NOSPR - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra 33 NOVO 69 Novotel Katowice Centrum 88 Ogrodzieniec Castle 45 Okiem i Brzuchem 72 Old Cuban 82 P23 36 Parachute Tower 34 Park Hotel Diament Zabrze 89 Park Inn by Radisson Katowice 88 Pasibus 61 Patio 66 Patio Park 67 Patio Zajazd 88 Pozytywna Kawka 35 Prodiż Bistro 37 Prodiż Nero Restaurant 37 PTTK Katowice 27 Pub Kontynuacja 82 Q Hotel Plus Katowice 88 Qubus Hotel Gliwice 89 Queen Louise Adit 51 Queens 79 Rajzefiber 82 Restauracja Cesarska 42 Restauracja Diament Zabrze 65

Restauracja Kuchnia Otwarta 71 Restauracja Max 67 Restauracja Pod Drewnianym Bocianem 67 Restauracja Śląska 65 Restauracja Tamarynd 68 Royal 89 Rycerska 72 Rynek 28 Sakana Sushi Bar 62 Scena54 82 Senator 88 Sicilia Ristorante Pizzeria 70 Silesia City Center 86 Silesian Freedom & Solidarity Centre 35 Silesian Hotel Quality and Economy 88 Silesian Museum 33 Silesian Parliament 30 Silesian Rope Park 42 Silesia Outlet Silesia Outlet/Factory Gliwice 86 Silesia Park Murals 42 SilesiaTrip.pl 27 Śląska Prohibicja 40 SmaQ Food & Wine 72 Spiż 82 Spodek 32 St. Anne's Church 39 Steakhouse Da Da 68 Sztolnia. Chleb. Mięso. Wino 64 Tadeusz Kościuszko Park 34 Taj 62 TamPo Ramen 63 Targowisko Miejskie 86 Tarnowskie Góry Mines 52 Tatiana 68 Thai Sabai 45 The Modernist Architecture Trail 31 Twój Hostel Katowice 88 Ul. Mariacka 28 Upojeni Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park 43 Valley of Three Ponds 35 Via Toscana 70 Vienna House Easy Katowice 88 Visiting Auschwitz 54 Wellcome Home 89 WHISKY & SPIRIT HOUSE 84 Wiejska Chatka 72 Willa Ambasador 89 Wilson Shaft Gallery 39, 52 WunderBAR 64 Zaklęty Czardasz 64 Zinc Rolling Mill 52 Złoty Róg 72 Żurownia 73

Gliwice ul. Ceglarska 35 www.queensnightclub.pl Open: 18:00 - 05:00 tel. 032/ 305 30 20

American Bar

Erotic Show Dance

Go-Go Dance

We invite you to Queens nightclub.

Discretion is of our highest concern, as immediately evidenced by our parking lot.

The interior design of the rooms and equipment complement each other to create an intimate, erotic atmosphere.

We dedicate the greatest care to the cleanliness of the club.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Genießen Sie in angenehmer Atmosphäre, die perfekt gemixten Drinks unserer Bar, die prickelnde Erotikshow der QUEENS - Girl´s auf der Bühne, während Sie sich entspannt in einem der vielen Sofas zurücklehnen. Sie erleben eine Tabledance Show der Extraklasse, die perfekt aufeinander abgestimmt ist.

Die Sound & Lichttechnik im QUEENS Striptease Club unterstreicht dieses noch. Geniessen Sie einen “Private Dance”, den persönlichen Striptease, nur für Sie mit einer Tänzerin Ihrer Wahl.

Die Tänzerinnen des Nachtclub´s, verstehen es Erotik, Verführung, Varieté und Akrobatik miteinander zu verbinden.

Ob Junggesellenabschied, Firmenfeier, Geburtstag, Vereinsfeier oder Abschlußfeier, der Tabledance Club ist der ideale Ort um einen unvergesslichen Abend zu erleben und tabulos zu feiern.

“Dich erwartet eine exzellente Tabledance - Erotikshow” Wir freuen uns auf euren Besuch Euer QUEENS - Team

SILESIASTYLE

CENTER OF FASHION & TRENDS

ENTERTAIN YOURSELF IN A PLACE WITH OVER 300 SHOPS, CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS. HERE YOU CAN FEEL FREE TO CHOOSE AND ALWAYS BE FULLY INSPIRED. VISIT THE TOP-NOTCH SHOPPING CENTER OF LIVING FASHION, INSPIRING TRENDS AND MEMORABLE EVENTS TO ENJOY YOUR SPARE TIME.

UL. CHORZOWSKA 107

KATOWICE