Katowice, Poland

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My trip to Katowice was quick and the things we managed to do in such a short time made me realize this is a perfect weekend getaway on a budget. There was one important factor in this trip being so great and that was our taxi driver to Auschwitz, Jacek Polniak. Our hotel said they have a special deal with Jacek's taxi company and they were able to book him for a round trip drive to Auschwitz from the hotel for about 60 Euros. Jacek didn't only drive us to and from Auschwitz, he became out tour guide for the day. He showed us a bigger concentration camp just down the street from Aushwitz (Birkenau) before dropping us off at Auschwitz. He gave us his phone number to call him when we were ready to head back. On the way back he took us to a small town/neighborhood of Katowice which was created for coal miners working at the local factory. After this town tour he drove us past the Silesian Museum, Arena, Congress center and Opera house to see the newest and most modern architecture of the city. At almost every turn he had something to teach us about the city. Minus the shopping, you could see everything you need from Jacek in less than 1 day. Here is the bonus: you can visit Auschwitz for free. If you consider this then the 60 Euro taxi ride was a damn good price for a day trip (especially if you split it with a friend). Call or Email Jacek. You will not be sorry. +48 501684380 E:polniak@post.pl

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Stay:

Best Western Hotel Mariacki. Its in the best location on a street with great bars and restaurants, its a really nice hotel and at a super great price (about 40 Euros per night). The hotel restaurant also has its own brewery.

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Do:

-Auschwitz Memorial and Museum. It's tough to see and very emotional but its something I believe everyone should experience. There are signs everywhere which explain what each of the buildings were for, some of the buildings have galleries inside devoted to specific people that were in the camp. The firing wall between buildings 10 & 11 and the gas chambers were the toughest parts to see. Even if you want to visit for free (without a tour guide) you still need to reserve a ticket online. This is so they can limit the crowds at each time slot. The website can be confusing because it says museum so it can confuse people into thinking they wont actually see the concentration camp. Its the same thing. We spent approximately 2 hours there and that was without going into every building with available information. There is also a bus that will take you to Birkenau if you want but we didn't tkae this either. Plan to spend 2-4 hours there. They have a restaurant. Good to know: you have to pay to pee and store your bags (backpacks arent allowed inside). Its super cheap but requires cash. There is an ATM on site.

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-Pierogi Świata had the best pierogis I have ever eaten. They also have an extensive vegetarian list too. The waiter recommended 6 for each person and offered to bring 6 different types so we could try different flavors. I'm definitely happy we did this. This is a must visit restaurant.

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-Todojutra has Polands late night snack food secured. It's a very long sliced piece of bread with all sorts of different toppings. They also have a vegan option. It was cheap, delicious and fast. After trying one of these it may have convinced me its the best late night food to soak up any alcohol left over from your night. The best part? Its next door to Best Western.

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-Katofonia is a super sweet jazz bar/club. It's across the street from the Best Western Mariacki but its down a small alley way so I don't think a lot of tourists make it here. You have to walk up 3 flights of dark and somewhat sketchy stairs to get to the front door. At first glance it's a typical dive bar. There is mixmatched artwork and old instruments adorning the walls and each room is decorated a bit different. I was immediately at home. We got there early (20:00/8pm) and they were setting up for live music later. We grabbed a bite somewhere and headed back and a band was playing pretty cool jazz music with a beatboxer in the group. It was a mix I had never heard before. Here is the coolest part of Katofonia. There was a group of men listening to the live music and sipping tea! YES TEA! I loved that there was a bar atmosphere with live music where you weren't expected to drink alcohol. So what did I do? I got myself a cuppa and joined in the fun.

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-Biala Malpa is a great brewery for trying out local and international beers. Its 2 floors, simple, has around 20 beers on tap and tons of bottles. It's what you want in a brewery if you love beer. They have some snacks and flatbreads but its main focus is beer. We had some great local APA's and pumpkin beer.

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-Galeria Mall is a 10 minute walk from the Best Western as well if you are interested in shopping. I have bought some of the best clothes at the lowest prices on my trips to Poland so it could be work a trip.

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