£23+ Cheap flights to Katowice

City overview

Katowice is a major city in the Upper Silesia region of southern Poland with a rich and diverse history: over the past century, it has been part of Germany and the Soviet Union and it is this mixture of cultures that makes Katowice such a fascinating place to visit. Within Poland, Katowice still has a reputation as being a very industrial, stark city, but in recent years the local authorities have worked hard to challenge that perception by initiating a number of regeneration projects. A prime example is the Silesia City Centre shopping mall in Katowice. Built on the site of a former coal mine, it is one of the biggest shopping malls in Europe with over 800 shops and numerous cinema screens. Also, it is hoped that the relocation of the Silesian Museum, which showcases Polish art from the 18th century onwards, will have the same cultural effect on Katowice that the Guggenheim Museum had on Bilbao.

Elsewhere in the city, notable buildings from the 20th century dominate the landscape. One of those is Spodek, an indoor arena built during Soviet rule that closely resembles the shape of a flying saucer. As well as hosting world-famous bands, it also houses a number of hotels and an ice rink. Another is The Cathedral of Christ the King which is the largest archcathedral in Poland. Building commenced in 1927 but wasn’t completed for nearly 30 years, finally being consecrated in 1955.

Getting around Katowice

Once in Katowice, getting around is relatively straightforward thanks to the extensive tram and bus network in the city. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks and machines situated at tram stops; they remain valid for a set period of time (ranging from 15 minutes to 24 hours), so it is possible to take a number of trips with each one, either on trams or buses or both. When getting on a bus or tram, remember to validate the ticket or you could be required to pay a penalty fare.

Getting from the Airport to the City

When booking flights to Katowice, travellers may choose to fly to Katowice International Airport (KTW), which is just over 20 miles (32 km) from the city, or further afield, to John Paul II International Airport in Krakow, which is some 40 miles (64 km) away. Catching a taxi is the quickest way to reach the city itself but given the distance it can be pricey, so try and negotiate a fee before you choose a particular taxi. A cheaper option is to catch one of the shuttle buses that run throughout the day.