Katowice, Poland π΅π±
#557
50.259898, 19.021585
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Katowice is a vibrant city located in the southern part of Poland, known for its rich industrial history and dynamic cultural scene. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population is 294,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 PLN β 0.23 USD, 1 USD β 4.35 PLN. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type E sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Orange, Play, T-Mobile, and Plus with prepaid options available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Major banks include PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, and online services like Revolut. |
π Accommodation | Options include apartments for rent on Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate sites like Otodom. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices ranging from approximately 150 to 300 PLN per night for a private room. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Pokoje GoΕcinne Katowice starting from 70 PLN per night. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | COCO coworking space located on Korfantego 105. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Klatch at ul. Wita Stwosza 7 offers good coffee and a cozy atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events are hosted regularly at BarCamp Katowice and Startup Grind. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Katowice Expats Meetup Group on Facebook holds monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are popular. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Veturilo bike service available for rent across the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Sandy beaches at Sopot are approximately 3 hours away by train. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | LOT Polish Airlines offers regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Ryanair and Wizz Air both operate from Katowice Airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Accessible via A4 and S11 highways. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Katowice Main Station is the main transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly transit pass costs about 90 PLN. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains to WrocΕaw, KrakΓ³w, and other cities operated by PKP Intercity. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Centrala Szpitala Klinicznego in Katowice. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Yogi offers classes across various disciplines. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club 24 and Zdrofit are popular gym chains. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Self-service laundries like Pralnia Eko Laundry available. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Pyszne.pl and Glovo provide food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'ΕΌurek', a sour rye soup, a local specialty. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Vegab and Krowarzywa offer great plant-based dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Sernikowy Raj is famous for its cheesecakes. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Kapelusz Cafe Market, local food markets on weekends. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Allegro.pl is a popular local e-commerce site. |
π Grocery Delivery | Frisco.pl offers grocery delivery throughout Katowice. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Mariacka Street is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Browar Kato offers tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Wina i Sery subject specializes in Polish wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at the Spodek area serve a variety of cuisines. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like ZΕoty OgieΕ for Asian and Sette for Italian. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Spodek arena and the Silesian Museum are highlights. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Silesian Museum features art and history exhibitions. |
π° Historical Sites | Nikiszowiec, a historical miners' district. |
π Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Christ the King is a prominent site. |
π Annual Events | The OFF Festival is a major annual music event. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Nikiszowiec district is a UNESCO site. |
π Theater Venues | Teatr ΕlΔ ski hosts various plays and performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Katowice Market Hall offers fresh produce and local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Independently run venues like Jazz Club Hipnoza feature local talent. |
π¨ Street Art | The area around the city center has vibrant murals. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Twisted Cooking offers workshops in local cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | BWA Katowice displays contemporary art exhibitions. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Entropia Art Gallery features historic architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Silesian culture is reflected in local festivals and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Silesian Park offers beautiful landscapes and recreational areas. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Ojcowski National Park is approximately 1 hour away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Plan the route through the Silesian Park Nature Reserve. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the observation tower on the CheΕmiec hill. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Dolina Trzech StawΓ³w, a nature reserve with diverse bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in the Silesian Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and UPS provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | iFix offer device repair services throughout the city. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Sports facilities in the area commonly have ping pong tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools like Speak Up cater to expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Katowice Public Library offers peaceful study areas. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Community Center in Osiedle Paderewskiego hosts events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Game On offers a tech-friendly environment for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino City offers gaming and entertainment activities. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬100,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬80,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬168,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬144,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬240,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬200,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 19%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 19%. |
π¦ Tax System | Poland uses a progressive tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 32%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 23%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate. |