Gliwice

An industrial city with rich WWII history, home to the famous Radio Tower where the first broadcast signaling invasion of Poland occurred in 1939. Features interesting industrial heritage museums and a growing contemporary art scene.

Things to do

• Radio Tower (Radiostacja) — Visit the historic 1920s transmission tower where the first broadcast announcing the German invasion of Poland was made on September 1, 1939, now a museum with exhibits on wartime history.
• Upper Silesian Museum (Muzeum Górnoślązkie) — Explore regional history, art, and industrial heritage through exhibits spanning from medieval times to the present day in this comprehensive local museum.
• Cathedral of Christ the King (Katedra Chrystusa Króla) — Tour this striking modernist church built in 1957 with its distinctive angular architecture and stained glass windows overlooking the city.
• Industrial Heritage Trail — Walk through preserved industrial sites and former coal mines that shaped the city's economy, with guided tours explaining Silesian mining traditions.
• Copernicus Park (Park Kopernika) — Stroll through this leafy green space in the city center, featuring sculptures, walking paths, and seasonal cultural events.
• Old Town Square (Rynek) — Browse the restored historic plaza surrounded by cafés, shops, and galleries representing Gliwice's pre-industrial merchant heritage.

Food to try

• Śląskie Żurek — A traditional Silesian sour rye soup made with fermented rye starter, typically served with potatoes, barley, and smoked meat in a bread bowl.
• Pstrąg ze Żywca (Żywiec Trout) — Fresh trout from nearby Żywiec region, often grilled or pan-fried with butter and herbs, reflecting the area's mountain stream fishing tradition.
• Śląskie Pierniki — Local gingerbread cookies with intricate decorative icing, a traditional Silesian specialty that makes for an excellent regional gift.
• Kluski Śląskie (Silesian Dumplings) — Soft potato and flour dumplings served with sour cream or gravy, a hearty staple of Silesian working-class cuisine born from mining communities.
• Bigos (Hunter's Stew) — A slow-cooked mixture of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and various meats aged over days, representing Polish-Silesian peasant cooking traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Greet with 'Dzień dobry' (Good day) — Poles value polite greetings; using this phrase when entering shops or restaurants shows respect for local customs.
• Industrial heritage pride — Gliwice residents take pride in their working-class industrial roots and WWII resistance history, so respectful interest in these topics is appreciated.
• Cash still common in smaller venues — While card payments are widespread, many local cafés, markets, and smaller shops still prefer Polish złoty cash transactions.
• Sunday quietness and church attendance — Many shops close on Sunday afternoons and locals attend Catholic mass; plan museum visits accordingly and respect this cultural rhythm.