Car hire Katowice

Introduction

Katowice has no medieval center. However, for fans of modern architecture there is much to see: many buildings in this town are built in the Bauhaus or Art Nouveau style. Katowice continues this tradition of innovating architecture on the buildings after the fall of communism. Furthermore, there is an innumerable amount of cultural events in the city every year.

Population

The city has a population of more than 300,000. Katowice is the center of the industrial region of Upper Silesia, where more than 2.5 million people live.

Location

Katowice is located in the south of Poland, on the Silesian Plateau, in between the rivers Oder and Vistula. Through the city itself flow two smaller rivers, the Kłodnica and Rawa.

Economy

Although Katowice is making a big effort to shake off its image of a gray industrial city, the coal mines and steel mills are still the basis of the local economy. It is also a center of trade and services. Furthermore, the city has two major convention and exhibition centers (the International Fair and the Spodek); where many conventions and fairs are held annually.

Airports

The airport is located about thirty kilometers north of Katowice. The easiest way to get to Katowice International Airport by rental car is via the highway E75 (S1) east of the city. The way to the airport is clearly signposted.

Public Transport

The main bus station is near the Central Station of Katowice. Public transport is good and frequent. At each stop there is a clear timetable. There are also trams in Katowice. The tram line information office is on the Rynek market square.

Traffic and Parking

There are many one-way streets in the center of Katowice. Furthermore, signposting leaves much to be desired. This can make it difficult to find your way. The best thing to do is to park your rental car in one of the guarded parking facilities. We do not recommend parking in the streets.

A rental car is an ideal means of transport to explore the city's surroundings. Katowice is on the A4 motorway, one of Poland's better roads, but you'll have to pay tolls.

Hotels

There is a good range of hotels and other accommodations in Katowice. In summer we advise you to book you hotel room well in advance. There is also a wide selection of apartments, which can be rented for shorter or longer times. The tourism agency can help you.

External Sources

For more information about Katowice we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Katowice
• Official website Katowice (multilingual)
• Tourist Information Katowice (English, Polish)