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15 Best Things to Do in Košice (Slovakia)

Amateur historians will be in dreamland in Košice, Slovakia’s beguiling second city in the east of the country. There’s an impossible amount of noteworthy sights to get through in the Historic Centre, but the good news is that they’re all packed tightly in the space of a few streets.

Most of your attention will be on Hlavná Ulica (Main Street), which splits into two parallel branches that skirt the big monuments like the Gothic ensemble of the Cathedral, Urban Tower and St Michael Chapel. This is just the first step on a journey that will lead you through a medieval dungeon, a singing fountain, an opera house with low-cost seats, and bring you to a record-breaking brilliant stash of gold at the East Slovak Museum.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Košice :

1. Hlavná Ulica (Main Street)

All of Košice’s historic monuments are concentrated onto one glorious street.

In the north, at the Immaculata monument, the street breaks off into two parallel branches.

On the outer edge of the street are stately palaces, municipal buildings and townhouses.

On the inside are the city’s main sights, all in a line and interspersed with squares, fountains and little parks,. The cathedral, Urban Tower, State Theatre and St Michael Chapel are all here, so you can jump from one incredible monument to the next.

Hlavná Ulica is part of Slovakia’s largest historic centre, and you can duck down the side streets where more churches, museums and old-time restaurants await.

2. St Elisabeth Cathedral

With pride of place on Hlavná Ulica is the westernmost Gothic cathedral in Europe, and also Slovakia’s largest place of worship, begun in 1378. The cathedral is unusual as its north portal, rather than its west or south, is the one that is most ornamented.

Pause beneath the relief in the tympanum showing people arriving at the gates of heaven, the last judgment and Christ on the cross.

Also go around to the south facade, where above the main window is a sun dial from 1477. Inside, the frescos are also from the 15th century, as is the sensational double spiral staircase leading to the King’s Oratory.

There’s tons of detail to get through, but make time for the the crypt of Hungarian national hero Francis II Rákóczi, and go up the 60-metre church tower for a view to remember.

3. Urban’s Tower

Next to the cathedral is its former campanile, which was raised during the 15th century.

These days the inside holds a small waxwork exhibition of famous people from Košice’s past.

Urban’s Tower is also in the Gothic style, but with little extras added down the years like the portal, which was carved in the 17th century, and the arcades on the corners from the beginning of the 20th century.

These protect historic ledger stones from the 1300s and 1400s, which were embedded into the tower’s stonework after being removed from the cathedral.

The tower’s original bell was cast in 1557 and weighs seven tons.

It was damaged in a fire in the 1960s and after it was restored it was placed in front of the tower as a monument.

4. St Michael Chapel

The last of the ensemble of Gothic monuments clustered around the cathedral is this lovely chapel constructed in 1300s.

Found where the city’s cemetery used to be, it was initially an ossuary dedicated to St Michael, the patron saint of the deceased, and like Urban’s Tower it has ledger stones in its outer walls going back to the 1370s.

In the 17th century it became known as the “Slovak Church “, as it was the only place of worship where masses would be conducted in the Slovak language.

Despite its small size the chapel has all the attributes of a church, including a sacristy, oratory and choir.

At the entrance to sacristy you can find the oldest known depiction Košice’s coat of arms, dating to the 14th century.

5. Immaculata (Plague Pillar)

In a little fenced enclosure at the upper end of Hlavná Ulica is Košice’s elaborate plague pillar.

It’s a Baroque Marian column, capped with a sculpture of the Virgin and erected in the 1720s to praise her for ending the plague epidemic that had hit Košice in 1709-10. Around the pedestal are statures of St Sebastian, St Ladislaus and St Joseph.

And greeting you on the plinths that punctuate the fence are St Margaret, Archangel Gabriel, St Margaret, St Barbara, St Michael and Elizabeth of Hungary, all added later.

6. State Theatre

Košice’s striking Neo-Baroque opera house is also on Hlavná Ulica and replaced the first theatre which went back to 1756. It was designed by the German-Hungarian Adolf Lang who specialised in that bold Historicist style and contributed many grand monuments throughout Hungary.

In the lavish auditorium, tilt your head back to see the painstaking detail of the gilded stuccowork and frescos of scenes from Shakespeare’s tragedies.

You can ask for a tour at the entrance during the day, but you might as well just come by in the evening to watch an opera or ballet as tickets are absurdly cheap.

7. Mikluš Prison

On an alley off Hlavná Ulica is a compound of two medieval houses, which in the early 1600s were converted into Košice’s city prison.

It’s strange to think that for 350 years before that point these had been everyday homes.

The prison is a testament to the city’s harsh penal system, in which over 60 crimes were punishable by execution.

Inside, you’ll watch a video about the prison and Košice’s development down the centuries.

With the help of an audioguide you’ll tour the cells and will go down into the creepy torture chamber.

You can also visit the executioner’s quarters where the swords that put people to death are exhibited.

8. Levočský Dom

Right by the State Theatre on Hlavná Ulica is Slovakia’s oldest inn, which has stood here since the 15th century.

For almost all that time it has been in the hospitality business, and owned by some of the most important figures in the city.

One event that happened here was the wedding reception for Gabriel Prince Bethlen of Transylvania and Catherine of Brandenburg in March 1626. The inn’s only hiatus came in the 17th century when it was granted to the Jesuits who turned it into a pharmacy for a few decades.

You’ll recognise the inn by its elegant bay window, which has Košice coat of arms between the mullions.

9. Beggar’s House

Overlooking the Immaculata is a gorgeous Art Nouveau house dated to 1898, and one of the prettiest in the Košice.

Just under the gable there’s a mural of Elizabeth of Hungary and above it is a statue of a beggar, doffing his cap to people on the street below.

According to legend this career beggar got rich from the generosity of the citizens, and never had to pay tax from the money he received as gifts.

So with all his earnings he could afford to build a house here, in the most prestigious part of the city.

10. Old Town Hall

As good a place as any to start your visit to Košice, the Old Town Hall now hosts the city’s visitor centre and tourist office.

This fine building was finished in 1780 at the transition from Baroque to Neoclassical.

An interesting piece of trivia is that the Russian field marshal Mikhail Kutuzov stayed here on his way home after the defeat to Napoleon’s army in the Battle of Austerlitz.

In the imposing pediment on the facade is an elaborate rendition of the city’s coat of arms.

The visitor centre is on the ground floor and has a shop and small exhibition about the city.

Across the town hall’s courtyard is the Slovan Cinema, dating to 1927 and now used for concerts and plays.

11. Košice Gold Treasure

One of the first things you might read about Košice is its gold treasure.

It is the largest single hoard of gold in Slovakia, and one of the largest in the whole world.

This stash was found by chance while excavating the foundations of the Finance Directorate in 1935, and contains coins from 16 different regions in Europe.

The treasure dates to the 17th, and is made up of 2,920 gold coins, two gold medals and an exquisite gold chain.

Since 1970 it has been in the vault of this plush Neo-Renaissance museum, a few streets up from Hlavná Ulica.

12. New Orthodox Synagogue

On Puškinova Street, a couple of streets east of the cathedral, is the city’s active synagogue.

Dating to 1927, it’s the largest in Slovakia, with a capacity for 800 worshippers.

The Neoclassical facade has local historical elements like a cornice in a style often seen in Renaissance buildings in Eastern Slovakia.

By the entrance see the plaque in memory of Košice’s 12,000 Jewish citizens sent to the concentration camps in the Second World War.

More than 2,000 were actually held captive inside the synagogue, and some left graffiti in pencil on the walls.

13. Church of the Holy Trinity

For a time in the 16th and 17th centuries Košice was a protestant city.

But following the Thirty Years’ War in the mid-1600s it was in Catholic Habsburg hands.

This Baroque church was part of that Counter-Reformation spirit and was built for the Jesuits by the city as an apology for a massacre of Jesuit priests that took place in Košice during the war.

The magnificent church is richly decorated in the Baroque style and has trompe l’oeil murals, gilded altars in the side chapels and delicate carvings on the pulpit and pews.

14. Singing Fountain and Chimes

The main square (Hlavné Námestie) has a small park encircled by tall fir trees.

At the centre is a fountain with dozens of jets that perform a little show in time to classical and pop music piped through speakers around the square.

It’s a fun diversion for a few minutes while you’re taking a break on the benches or tucking into an ice cream.

The show stops on the hour for the square’s carillon to chime and then resumes.

Drop by at night as the fountain is even prettier in lights.

15. Tabačka Kulturfabrik

It’s worth breaking away from the medieval centre to see another, grittier side to Košice which has a young, arty atmosphere.

This is epitomised by the Tabačka Kulturfabrik, a cultural centre in a repurposed tobacco factory built at the end of the 19th century.

If you’re up for some live music there are bands or DJ sets most nights, and a lively program of temporary art exhibitions and cinema screenings.

The rest of the time you could hang out at the bar/restaurant which has cheap Pilsner Urquell on tap.

15 Best Things to Do in Košice (Slovakia):

• Hlavná Ulica (Main Street)
• St Elisabeth Cathedral
• Urban's Tower
• St Michael Chapel
• Immaculata (Plague Pillar)
• State Theatre
• Mikluš Prison
• Levočský Dom
• Beggar's House
• Old Town Hall
• Košice Gold Treasure
• New Orthodox Synagogue
• Church of the Holy Trinity
• Singing Fountain and Chimes
• Tabačka Kulturfabrik

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30 Great Things to do in Kosice, Slovakia

Last Updated on 20/05/2024 by kami

Kosice, the second biggest city in Slovakia and one of the best places to visit in Slovakia , is among the most underrated cities in Europe that you should put on your bucket list right away. With so much history, numerous monuments and attractions you surely won’t be bored there and you should plan at least a weekend in Kosice.

I’ve visited the city around 10 times by now and I know I will be returning there in future too – there are just so many things to do in Kosice that I never have enough time to do them all. But even if you have only one day in Kosice you can see and do a lot – it’s a compact city and most of Kosice attractions are located within a walking distance from each other!

Kosice essentials

• Where to stay in Kosice: Boutique Hotel Slávia (9.0/10) / Boutique Hotel Bristol (8.8/10)
• Get insured for your trip to Slovakia with SafetyWing

Things to do in Kosice

So, without any further ado, here are the best things to do in Kosice, Slovakia, in no particular order!

Visit St. Elisabeth Cathedral

St. Elisabeth Cathedral in Kosice is a real masterpiece and one of the main places to visit in Kosice.

The works started in 1380 but over the centuries it was rebuilt and renovated numerous times. It is considered to be the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe, this is also the largest worship place in Slovakia (around 5.000 people can enter the cathedral).

There are just so many sculptures and ornaments on the facade, making this building so unique and special. If you are lucky you might even spot the ugly wife of the sculptor turned into one of the gargoyles.

The interior is just as amazing and worth seeing as the exterior. Be sure to take a closer look at the impressive altar with high stained glass windows as well as the gothic double spiral staircase – there are only five of this kind in Europe!

Climb the Cathedral’s tower

After you visit the cathedral be sure to climb the cathedral’s tower too. The north tower (known also as Sigismund’s tower) is almost 60 meters high so climbing it might be a bit of a challenge for some but it’s worth all the efforts as the views from up there are really amazing.

You can admire the State Theater, rows of colorful houses on the main street, red rooftops of the old town and more. This is probably the best view of Kosice from above you can get.

The tower is open every day, the entrance is €1,50.

Visit St. Michael’s Chapel

Next to the cathedral, you can find a beautiful St. Michael’s Chapel from the 14th century – yet another great example of the Gothic architecture in Kosice. It used to be the cemetery chapel and the lower parts served as the ossuary.

These days it is a popular wedding chapel and some people like it even more than the impressive cathedral, especially that it played an important role for the Slovak citizens of the city. St. Michael’s Chapel has always been a Slovak church whereas the cathedral was German or Hungarian church.

On the exterior walls, you can find some of the marble gravestones from the 14th-17th century.

See the historic coat of arms

Did you know that Kosice has the oldest coat of arms in Europe? It was granted by King Louis I the Great in 1369 – that made Kosice the first town in Europe with its own coat of arms.

It was changed three more times, in 1423, 1453 and eventually in 1502. Since then the Kosice coat of arms remained unchanged.

You can find the beautiful sculpture with all four versions at the edge of the park near St. Michael’s Chapel.

Pay respect to Jan Kuciak

Near the coat of arms you can see the impressive 19th-century palace, now home to the State Scientific Library in Kosice. This is where all the important events, mainly protests, in Kosice take place.

The most important ones were, of course, Velvet Revolution in 1989 and recently after the murder of the journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend Martina Kušnírová in 2018 (I was at those protests in Bratislava ).

Even if it’s been two years since the murder you can still see the picture of Kuciak and Kusnirova attached to the palace and people are still putting flowers there, paying the respect to the brave journalist.

Visit the splendid State Theater

One of the greatest things about the former Austria-Hungary Empire was all the impressive theaters that were built in that period. You can find some amazing and similar theaters in Chernivtsi (Ukraine) , Zagreb (Croatia) , Cluj-Napoca (Romania) or Brno (Czech Republic) . And Kosice is no different.

The State Theater, located in the middle of Hlavna street, not far from the Cathedral is such an impressive place. Built in 1899, it is truly impressive both from the outside and inside. It is so rich in decorations that you wouldn’t know where to look, there is so much beauty around you.

The good news is the tickets are really affordable, starting at a few euros only, so going out to see the play and marvel at the splendid interior is super easy.

If you are looking for Instagrammable places in Kosice this is one of the must spots for the best pictures!

Have a coffee at Slavia Cafe

Slavia is probably the fanciest of Kosice cafes and the place you can’t miss. Located in the beautiful art-nouveau house, the first cafe was opened here in 1900. After the turbulent history, the cafe was reopened here a few years ago and now this is one of the best spots for people-watching.

Try to score the window seat and you can see the State Theater and observe the main street while sipping the coffee. The interior is beautiful too, with art-nouveau decor and glazed ceiling.

Enjoy cafe scene in Kosice

But Slavia isn’t the only great cafe in Kosice. Actually, the city is packed with cool places worth stopping by for a cup of coffee and a sweet bite.

You can find most of the cafes along the main street as well as Hrnciarska street. My favorite one, however, was Nico Caffe a bit outside of the center (but still within a walking distance).

You can read more about the best cafes in Kosice here .

Have a beer at Hostinec

The best place to have a beer in Kosice is definitely Hostinec. Located on the main street just behind the theater, in the so-called Levoca House from the 15th century, this is the oldest brewery in Kosice.

Today it is owned and run by the passionate people who love beer and put their whole hearts into its production. There are different kinds of beer you can try here, from lager to IPA and beyond, and all of them are produced in the same building.

Even if you are not a big fan of beer you should visit Hostinec for its original interior and good food.

Try the local beer

Since Slovakia is known for its good beer there are more local breweries you should visit, like Golem or Stanicny Pivovar (at the main train station, I don’t know any other train station with the brewery in it).

There are also good craft beer places you can visit in Kosice. My favorite one was Dobre Casy with the excellent selection of beers but other good ones include Tabacka, Nico Caffe or Republika Vychodu.

Walk down the main street – Hlavna

Hlavna – the main street of Kosice’s old town – is a perfect place for a stroll. The pedestrian promenade is packed with attractions – not only you can find here all the amazing places mentioned above, there are numerous other buildings you should take a closer look at: houses, palaces, churches or the Immaculata Statue.

Hlavna is also like a textbook of the various architecture styles, you can see here Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau masterpieces.

But the best thing to do here is to just walk the street and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere or sit down in one of the many cafes and watch the world go by.

Shop at Dominican Square

This charming little square is one of the oldest places in Kosice. It got the name after the Dominican Church from the beginning of the 13th century – you can still find it in the square. Besides cafes, restaurants, and pubs you can also shop at the local farmers’ market.

Unlike other similar markets in more popular cities in the region, the prices here are very affordable and the clientele is a mix of older residents, families with children and local hipsters.

Say hello to Sandor Marai

Sandor Marai was one of the most famous Hungarian writers, born and raised in Kosice. Even if he has a rather difficult relationship with his hometown, Kosice is proud of the famous resident.

You can find here his hometown with the memorial room with numerous memorabilia as well as the monument dedicated to the writer – a popular spot during sightseeing in Kosice. It’s located only a few steps away from the Hlavna street, at the corner of Masiarska and Zbrojnicna streets.

Visit Hrnciarska street

While there are many charming streets and lanes in Kosice, Hrnciarska is the queen of them all. The name literally translates as the Crafts Lane and that’s what you will mostly find here – numerous craft shops of some forgotten professions, as well as a few modern pubs and cafes.

The medieval lane with small colorful houses is a perfect place for a slow walk. You can stop by at blacksmith, carpenter or potter to see their works or go buy fresh bread or local herbs.

Every time I visit Kosice I try to walk at least once through Hrnciarska as this is such a pleasant place! It’s so pretty the picture of the street has been my phone’s screensaver for a few years now.

Try the local wine

You might not know that but Slovakia is pretty big on the wine scene and you can get really good wine in the Kosice region too. That’s also why wine is a very important part of the city itself.

You can find a few very good wine places in Kosice, perfect for trying both local wines and those from more distant regions. Some of the places you want to check out include Villa Cassa, Enoteca Centro, Barrique or Vinotéka Löffler.

Visit the synagogues

Just like many cities in Central Europe, Kosice also had a big and important Jewish community. Before World War 2 there were five synagogues in Kosice, now only two remained (others were either demolished or transformed into different functions).

The one on Puskinova street was built in the 1920s in the cubist style and was renovated to shine just like it used to.

The old synagogue on Zvonarska street is, however, abandoned and in the state of decay but that’s what makes it so interesting to visit. Unfortunately, it is open only during events but if you are lucky – go and see it inside, it is such a gem!

Visit Kunsthalle

Kosice is good at giving the second life to places and one of the best examples of this trend is Kunsthalle. The former swimming pool, once one of the most valuable 20th-century architecture objects in Kosice, was closed down due to the grounds drop.

Eventually, when Kosice became the European Capital of Culture, the swimming pool was reconstructed and the art space was opened in the building. It is used mostly to show contemporary visual art, both Slovak and international.

But even if you are not a big fan of modern art be sure to visit Kunsthalle as it’s so interesting to see how the building was transformed and adapted to its new function.

Discover Kosice street art scene

One of the things that surprised me the most in Kosice (and made me super excited) was its amazing street art scene . You can see here around 30 murals all over the city, some of them created by world-famous artists like INTI from Chile , Phlegm from England or Point from the Czech Republic .

Admire Jakab’s Palace

Even is the palace didn’t belong to any famous or noble family, this is still probably the most beautiful building of that kind in Kosice.

Located at the edge of the Old Town, Jakab’s Palace was built in the Neo-Gothic style for the family of Peter Jakab – the man behind some of the most beautiful buildings in Kosice, such as the State Theater.

This is where the president of Czechoslovakia, Edvard Benes, stayed during his visit to Kosice in April 1945. Be sure to see this stunning building when you are in Kosice too!

Wander around charming backstreets

But one of the best things to do in Kosice is to just wander around the winding lanes of the Old Town. Be curious, go without the map, enter random gates and passages and you might be surprised how many wonders you can find there.

Umbrella-lanes, arches above the street, colorful houses and hidden cafes – Kosice Old Town is full of surprises really!

Visit Kulturpark

Thanks to the European Capital of Culture the former military barracks from the 19th/20th century were turned into the cultural complex. Inside you can find various institutions, such as Steel Park, literature center or fashion lab.

Kulturpark is creative, innovative and its aim is to serve everyone, therefore you can find a whole range of activities taking place here. The buildings are named after the aviation alphabet so you can see here Alfa, Bravo, Charlie etc.

The whole area is green and full of trees, making it a perfect place to relax too.

Visit the botanical garden

Even if the botanical garden is located a bit away from the center it’s well worth a visit. This is the biggest botanical garden in Slovakia, with over 4,000 species of plants (including 1,200 cactuses).

A botanical garden is a fascinating place even in the wintertime – the outdoor area might not be that spectacular but the impressive palm house will entertain you for sure!

Visit the remnants of the castle for the panoramic view of the city

Not many people know about it but Kosice used to have a castle. Some sources say that back in the medieval days it was even bigger than the famous Spis Castle!

Today you can see only a very few remnants of the grand structure but going for the detour from the center is definitely worth the effort.

Not only you can see the ruins of Kosice castle, but you can also go up the lookout tower and see panoramic views of Kosice and beyond.

Visit the East Slovak Museum and find the Golden Treasure

Founded in 1872, the East Slovak Museum is among the oldest museums in the country. While the whole collection is interesting and worth seeing, there is one special reason why you can’t miss this place and that’s the Golden Treasure.

During the renovations of Hlavna street in 1935 the pouch was founded – inside there were almost 3.000 golden coins and jewelry from all over Europe. You can see it all in the East Slovak Museum and trust me, it is one of the most impressive exhibitions you will ever see. All the gold is just dazzling!

While you are in the museum be sure to check the back garden to see the wooden church from the East Carpathian region.

Have a drink and watch a movie at Kino Usmev

A few steps away from the main street you can find Kino Usmev – the old cinema, originally from 1929, turned into one of the cultural hubs of the city. The decor is still original from the 1980s and very much retro but that’s not the only reason to visit the place.

Kino Usmev, besides playing less known and independent movies, is also a vibrant place with a bar, exhibitions, cultural events, and food trucks corner. It’s one of the favorite hangout spots for locals and you should stop by here as well, not necessarily for the movie (although these are good too!).

Enjoy the singing fountain

In the warmer months, the square between the Cathedral and the State Theater at Hlavna Street turns into the light, sound and water show. The singing fountain is a bit cheesy but at the same time mesmerizing.

You can spend here way too much time, just watching how the water plays with the sound of well-known songs and, in the evening, also with kitschy lights. Definitely recommended!

Take the ride at the Children Railway

While the name indicated this is an attraction for children I disagree – everyone can enjoy riding this old steam train ( I most certainly did! )! This was the first railway of that kind in former Czechoslovakia, it dates back to 1955.

The Children Railway is a bit over 4 kilometers long and goes through the beautiful forest. The train runs from the end of April till the beginning of November so if you are in Kosice at that time be sure to include it in your itinerary.

Not far from the Children Railway you can also find Kosice ZOO – the largest zoo in Slovakia.

Learn about Hungarian ties with Kosice

Sandor Marai isn’t the only Kosice’s tie with Hungary . The history of the city has always been very much connected with Hungary and the city is known also under its Hungarian name “Kassa”.

Probably the most important sign of the past importance of Hungary is the fact that Francis Rakoczi, the famous leader of the Hungarian uprising against the Habsburgs at the beginning of the 18th century, is buried here, in the St. Elisabeth Cathedral.

Near Hrnciarska street you can find Rodosto House – the former house of Rakoczi that was transferred to Kosice from Turkey.

Visit the former Tobacco factory, now the cultural center

Yet another cultural spot and creative center in Kosice that is worth visiting. A former tobacco factory where now you can find bistro, pub and numerous local initiatives (such as Street Art Communication).

The walls of Tabacka are covered in street art, the whole place has a cool alternative vibe and numerous events will make you want to return here over and over again. Be sure to check their website to see what’s currently happening in Tabacka.

Go for the day trips in Kosice region

Not only Kosice is a great city to visit and spend a few days in, but it is also a perfect base to explore the Kosice region and Eastern Slovakia. And let me tell you this part of Central Europe has a lot to offer yet is still rather unknown.

From Kosice, you can easily go to the wine region of Tokaj (that most people associate with Hungary but a small part of it is in Slovakia too), explore the stunning area of Slovak Paradise or visit ruins of one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe – Spis Castle.

A bit further, but still easily reachable from Kosice, you can find the breathtaking Tatra Mountains with its high peaks or Bardejov – the picturesque town so full of monuments it has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Eastern Slovakia is a gem that still waits to be discovered and Kosice is a perfect starting point to get to know this region!

Further reading

I published many articles about Slovakia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 35 Amazing Places to Visit in Slovakia
• 13 Best Things to Do in Slovakia
• The ultimate list of things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia
• 17 Great Day Trips from Bratislava, Slovakia
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Spis Castle, Slovakia
• Visit Nitra – the Oldest City in Slovakia
• Visit Levoca – the UNESCO gem in Slovakia

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Kosice

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Slovakia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Kosice too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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14 Comments

You say that Košice is underrated city. Well, I agreee with that. There are literaly thousands of underrated cities and places not only in Europe, but in whole world. But, keep in mind – lots of tourists have limited free time. Not everyone can travel all the time. 30-40 years with 30-60 days of free time. With only limited free time, lots of tourists stick to big cities and capitols. That said, back to Košice. I have been there a few times. And there are a lot of places that I would still like to visit. I heard that square in Košice is the largest (or longest) square in central Europe. Can you check that? So far, I have been in cathedral, some musem and few caffes and restaurants. I hope to come back again.

True about the underrated cities but still if people are visiting Krakow and Budapest why not including Kosice for a day or two in between these two? Many tourists don’t even know the city so interesting is so near those popular destinations. I’m not telling you should come from across the globe to Kosice only as that would be crazy but including it in the Central Europe itinerary isn’t such a bad idea.

I will ask my friends from Kosice about the square although technically it is street. I read the largest square is in Kraków and I wouldn’t be surprised since it’s pretty large.

Stopping off for 2 nights solo in Kosice between Krakow and Budapest. Can’t see much on tonight, at least for English-only speakers?

sorry for the late answer. I hope you had a good time in Kosice. All the best!

Rivca Hildebrandt

I love Kosice! I don’t know if I love it because it is the birth place of Sandor Márai or because I had the time of my life there. Reading your post made me remember all my beloved places. I was there a year after the assassination of Jan Kuciak. I love the place and I know I will return many, many times. Slovakia is lovely. And I really must take a picture with the statue of Márai. Reading his novel The rebels was the reason why I went to Kosice in the first place.

I’m so happy to hear you like Kosice too. This city is simply amazing! All the best!

Ravana Gozalova

Already saved many information for my visit in August, the coolest was Tokay region, never could thought if not seeing your post and many more useful information. Great thanks.

I’m glad you found it useful! Have a great trip to Slocakia!

I just would like to appreciate your job, because usually I don’t read such lists to plan a trip, because they are too touristic, but I enjoyed reading yours. Thanks.

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me! When I travel I always try to find some less touristic places and then I’m happy to share my finds here :)

Lovely and very elaborate list of things to do in Košice! I am an Austrian living in Košice for almost 10 years, and I really love it here. Almost every day you can see something new, new bars, cafés, restauration of old buildings… and as it looks now, we’ll get a whole new and modern city centre in the next years ;)

Thank you! That’s why I always enjoy visiting Kosice, there is so much to do and see, no matter how many times I’ve been there. Guess I should plan another trip there soon :)

Thank you, Kami. This is by far the best and most comprehensive contribution on Kosice. I immediately liked this town as soon as I got out of the train station….. There are so many undiscovered gems…. but then that’s part of their appeal and what makes them so special, too. I agree with you, it hasn’t to do with limited time – most people just love the most trodden paths. BTW, how do you usually get there? I took the train from from Vienna with a transfer in Bratislava; it’s a bit long. Flying was too expensive. So maybe with your input I might discover another place en route. This time it’s: Kosice – Miskolc – Oradea – Budapest.

Thank you, I’m glad you found this article useful and enjoyed Kosice. This is such a great city! I usually travel to Kosice by train, either from Hungary or from somewhere in Slovakia. We also have direct flights from Warsaw so that’s useful too (especially when there’s a good deal on tickets). If you go from Vienna, you might want to check the route via Budapest, maybe it will be faster. All the best!

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