Things To Do
in Chorzów

Chorzów is a compact city in Upper Silesia, immediately west of Katowice, known for the large green Silesian Park complex and its strong industrial and mining heritage. The city blends family-friendly attractions — a planetarium, zoo and amusement park (Legendia) — with evocative industrial architecture and museum displays about Silesian culture. It’s an easy base for exploring the wider Upper Silesian metropolitan area, with frequent trams and buses to Katowice and nearby towns.

Visitors will find affordable food, straightforward logistics, and plenty of opportunities for photography across parks, old factories and miners’ neighborhoods.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Chorzów, where you can admire the charming architecture and vibrant squares. Visit the beautiful Church of St. Henryk, a local landmark, and take in its stunning interior. Stop by a local café for a traditional Polish breakfast, savoring fresh pastries and coffee while soaking up the morning atmosphere.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, explore the nearby Chorzów City Park, one of the largest parks in the region, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic. Don’t miss the Silesian Museum, where you can delve into the rich history and culture of the Silesian region through its fascinating exhibits. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling Silesian specialties such as kluski śląskie, or Silesian dumplings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to the Silesian Stadium, where you can catch a local football match if it's game night. Experience the lively atmosphere filled with enthusiastic fans and local cuisine from vendors around the stadium. After the match, unwind at a nearby bar, enjoying a local beer while mingling with the friendly locals.

day 2
Discovering the Silesian Zoological Garden
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Silesian Zoological Garden, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. Spend the morning wandering through the beautifully landscaped grounds and observing the diverse wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Don't forget to participate in the feeding sessions, where you can learn more about the animals and their habitats.

afternoon
:

After a morning at the zoo, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the picnic areas within the park, surrounded by nature. Continue your exploration by visiting the adjacent Silesia Park, where you can stroll through thematic gardens and relaxation zones. Take a ride on the park's mini-train for a fun way to see more of the expansive grounds.

evening
:

As evening falls, head to the park's observation tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Afterward, dine at a nearby restaurant that specializes in traditional Polish cuisine, indulging in comforting dishes like bigos (hunter's stew). Conclude your day with a peaceful walk through the illuminated park, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee (café)$2-4
🍺Beer (pub, 0.5L)$2-4
🚇Single public transport ticket$1-2
🚕Taxi start + short ride (few km)$3-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Large, beautiful Park Śląski with multiple attractions
  • Affordable food and easy access to the broader Upper Silesian area
  • Strong industrial and mining heritage with interesting cultural sites
  • Good public transport connections to Katowice and regional hubs
  • Nightlife and cultural options are more limited than nearby Katowice
  • Weather can be gray and chilly outside summer months
  • Some attractions and signage cater more to Polish speakers than international visitors
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good morning / Good day
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Proszę" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Przepraszam" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Gdzie jest...?" - Where is...?

Places to Visit in Chorzów

Visit one of these nice places.

Park Śląski (Silesian Park)

Expansive green spaces, ponds, monuments and the Planetarium offer a range of nature and architectural photo opportunities, especially at golden hour.

Legendia (amusement park) and Silesian Zoo

Vibrant rides, colorful façades and animal enclosures provide lively subjects for action and wildlife photography.

Nikiszowiec (nearby, in Katowice)

Historic miners’ workers’ housing estate with distinctive red-brick architecture, narrow streets and murals — excellent for gritty urban and architectural shots.

Industrial outskirts and heritage sites

Old factory buildings, rail lines and mining-era infrastructure make compelling industrial landscapes — especially atmospheric in mist or at dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Chorzów

Chorzów and the broader Silesian region feature hearty, comfort-driven cuisine influenced by Central European, German and local Silesian traditions. Expect meat-forward dishes, potato and dumpling sides, preserved vegetables and robust soups. Many family-run eateries serve traditional weekday homestyle meals at good prices, while cafés and modern bistros reflect younger culinary trends. You’ll also find street food and market stalls selling quick, filling options for exploring the city.

Chorzów Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kluski śląskie (Silesian dumplings)

Round potato dumplings with a small indentation, typically served with gravy and meat (like rolada) — widely available in traditional restaurants.

Must-Try!

Rolada śląska (Silesian roulade)

Beef roll stuffed with bacon and pickles, served with kluski śląskie and modra kapusta (braised red cabbage); a regional classic in family restaurants.

Żurek

Sour rye soup often served with sausage and egg — popular across Poland and commonly found in local cafés and lunch menus.

Kiełbasa

Polish sausages grilled or fried and sold in markets and pubs; try regional smoked varieties from Silesia.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chorzów Local Market (targ)

Typical open-air market with regional produce, sausages, baked goods and seasonal street food — great for trying pierogi, grilled sausage and local cheeses.

Silesian Park kiosks and stalls

Inside Park Śląski and near attractions you’ll find food stalls and kiosks offering quick snacks, ice cream and seasonal grilled items — handy during park visits.

Climate Guide

Weather

Chorzów has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average summer highs are in the low to mid 20s °C (70s °F), while winter frequently drops below freezing with snow possible from December through February. Spring and autumn are transitional and can be changeable, so layering is advisable. Rain is moderately distributed through the year with slightly drier late winter and early spring months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Formal greetings (handshakes and Dzień dobry / Dobry wieczór) are common in shops and when meeting older people; use first names only after invited to do so.

Respect for history

Silesian identity and industrial history are important locally — show respect when discussing mining heritage and local traditions.

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued for business and appointments; social gatherings are a bit more relaxed but don’t be extremely late without notice.

Safety Guide

Safety

Chorzów is generally safe for visitors; petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transport, so keep valuables secure. Standard urban precautions apply at night—avoid poorly lit isolated areas and watch for icy pavements in winter. Emergency services are reachable via European emergency number 112; carry travel insurance and any needed medications.

Tipping in Chorzów

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving around 10% in restaurants for good service is common, or rounding up small amounts in cafés and taxis.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted in stores, restaurants and hotels; contactless payments and mobile BLIK transfers are popular. For small markets or street vendors, carry some cash (złoty).

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Cool to mild temperatures with blooming parks; some days can be rainy. Good season for walking in Park Śląski and avoiding peak tourist crowds.

Summer

Warmest and busiest season — parks, outdoor cafés and attractions are lively. Expect festivals, longer daylight and occasional heatwaves; bring sunscreen and a light rain jacket for sudden showers.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage in parks, making it ideal for photography and comfortable sightseeing. Temperatures drop steadily, so layer up for cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter

Cold with possible snow and ice; attractions remain open but daylight is shorter. Dress warmly and check transit schedules in severe weather; nearby mountains offer winter sports for those prepared.

Nightlife Guide

Chorzów at Night

Chorzów’s nightlife is relaxed compared with nearby Katowice; expect cozy pubs, beer gardens in Park Śląski and occasional live-music venues. For a wider selection of clubs, cocktail bars and late-night options, a short tram ride to Katowice’s city center expands choices significantly. Local football matches and seasonal events also create lively evening atmospheres.

Hiking in Chorzów

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dolina Trzech Stawów (Three Ponds Valley)

Part of Park Śląski, this area offers easy walking loops, ponds and birdwatching — ideal for families and casual hikers.

Szyndzielnia (near Bielsko-Biała)

A popular mountain near Bielsko-Biała with cable-car access and a variety of trails suitable for day hikes, roughly an hour’s drive from Chorzów.

Skrzyczne

The highest peak in the Silesian Beskids, offering longer hikes, panoramic views and winter sports; best for experienced hikers and day-trippers by car or organized tour.

Airports

How to reach Chorzów by plane.

Katowice Airport (KTW, Pyrzowice)

The primary airport for the region, about 25–40 km from Chorzów depending on route — reachable by express buses, regional bus services and car/taxi in roughly 30–50 minutes.

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)

Major international airport approximately 70–90 km southeast; reachable by car or rail/bus combinations in around 1.5–2 hours, a useful alternative for some international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Chorzów’s city center and Park Śląski are highly walkable with clear paths and short distances between major attractions. Trams and buses make it simple to reach nearby districts and Katowice if you prefer not to walk. Some industrial or residential outskirts may require transit or a car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Native Silesians

Long-established local families with a distinct Silesian identity, often with roots in mining and heavy industry.

Young professionals and students

Attracted to the Katowice metropolitan area for work and study; they frequent cafés, cultural venues and new businesses in Chorzów and nearby cities.

Recent internal migrants

People from other parts of Poland who moved to the region for employment in industry, services or education.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Football is hugely popular; Ruch Chorzów is the city’s historical club with a passionate local following — attending a match is a strong cultural experience.

Speedway and motorsports

Speedway has a strong following across Silesia and southern Poland; regional tracks attract enthusiastic crowds during the season.

Skiing and mountain sports (nearby)

In winter, residents and visitors head to the Silesian Beskids for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the Upper Silesian metropolitan area can be heavy during weekday rush hours, particularly on arterial roads between Chorzów and Katowice. The region has a dense public transport network (trams, buses, regional trains) that is often faster than driving during peak times. Parking in the center is available but can be limited near major attractions on busy days.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Chorzów.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Traditional Silesian cuisine is meat-heavy, but many restaurants and cafés offer vegetarian soups, pierogi (cheese/potato), salads and seasonal vegetable sides; larger towns and cafés will have clear vegetarian options on the menu.

Vegan / Gluten-free

Vegan and gluten-free choices are available but less common in traditional eateries — look for specialty cafés, bakeries and larger restaurants in Chorzów or Katowice, or ask staff for adaptations (they’re usually accommodating).

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public hospitals and clinics serve the city and region; larger specialist facilities are in Katowice. EU citizens should carry a valid EHIC/GHIC for necessary public health care; non-EU visitors should have travel insurance covering medical care. Private clinics and English-speaking doctors are available in the metropolitan area for faster service.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide