Explore Košice

Košice is a city in eastern Slovakia, close to the Hungarian border. Its origins go back to the medieval period, and the central Lower Gate archaeological complex preserves fortifications from the 13th century. Hlavné námestie, the main square, is home to 2 Gothic churches: the huge St. Elisabeth Cathedral and the 14th-century St. Michael Chapel. Nearby, St. Urban’s Tower contains a museum of wax figurines. 

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April – June): Pleasant weather and blooming parks.

  • Autumn (September – October): Mild temperatures and beautiful fall colors.

  • Winter (December – February): A festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and snow.

  • Summer (July – August): Warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities, but can be crowded.

How to Get There

  • By Air: Košice International Airport (KSC) offers flights from major European cities.

  • By Train: Direct connections from Bratislava, Budapest, and Prague.

  • By Bus: FlixBus and RegioJet provide affordable options from surrounding countries.

  • By Car: A scenic drive from Budapest (2.5 hours) or Bratislava (4.5 hours).

Top Attractions

  • St. Elisabeth Cathedral: The largest Gothic cathedral in Slovakia.

  • Hlavná Ulica (Main Street): A charming historic center with colorful buildings and lively cafes.

  • Košice Singing Fountain: A unique fountain synchronized with lights and music.

  • Mikluš Prison Museum: A medieval prison turned museum showcasing Košice’s history.

  • East Slovak Museum: Featuring treasures like the Košice Gold Hoard.

  • Jakab’s Palace: A beautiful fairytale-like building near the city center.

  • Steel Arena: Catch an ice hockey game—Košice is passionate about the sport!

Activities To Do

  • Explore the Underground Archaeological Museum: Discover medieval Košice beneath the streets.

  • Visit Bankov: A forested area perfect for hiking and relaxation.

  • Day Trip to Spiš Castle: One of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe.

  • Go Wine Tasting in Tokaj: A short trip to Slovakia’s famous wine region.

  • Relax at Košice Zoo and DinoPark: A great option for families.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: Hotel Yasmin, Boutique Hotel Chrysso

  • Mid-Range: DoubleTree by Hilton Košice, Hotel Bristol

  • Budget: Penzión Hradbová, The Invisible Hotel

Food and Restaurants

  • Local Dishes to Try:

    • Bryndzové Halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese)

    • Kapustnica (sauerkraut soup)

    • Guláš (Slovak goulash)

    • Marlenka (honey cake)

  • Top Restaurants:

    • Med Malina – Traditional Slovak and Hungarian cuisine.

    • Villa Regia – Cozy atmosphere with local specialties.

    • Pivovar Hostinec – A brewery with craft beers and Slovak food.

    • Slávia Košice – A stylish café with excellent coffee and desserts.

Local Culture

  • Košice is a mix of Slovak, Hungarian, and Jewish heritage, reflected in its architecture and cuisine.

  • The city has a vibrant art scene, with many galleries and street art.

  • Hockey is a major sport, and catching a game is a great experience.

  • Košice Peace Marathon (held in October) is the oldest marathon in Europe.

  • Locals appreciate politeness—greet shopkeepers with "Dobrý deň" (Good day).