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Aerial view of Košice, Slovakia showcasing vibrant cityscape and iconic architecture.

Things to Do in Košice, Slovakia

Photo made by Richard Palocsányi on Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan-1°10d rain
NOT BUSYFeb0°9d rain
MODERATEMar5°12d rain
MODERATEApr12°10d rain
MODERATEMay17°12d rainBEST
BUSYJun20°14d rainBEST
BUSYJul22°13d rain
BUSYAug21°11d rain
MODERATESep17°10d rainBEST
MODERATEOct11°12d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov4°11d rain
NOT BUSYDec0°12d rain

Most popular attractions in Košice, Slovakia

Among the best things to do in Košice, Slovakia, is exploring the Košice Old Town, which is only a few minutes' walk from St. Elisabeth Cathedral. A walk along Hlavná Street offers views of the Urban Tower and the State Theatre Košice, which are key points of local culture and history.

St. Elisabeth Cathedral

1. St. Elisabeth Cathedral

4.9 (8,723)
Tourist AttractionScenic SpotChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Enjoy the largest stained glass window in the Balkans. Feel the magic of Gothic architecture and the mystery of a handmade sculpture.

Hlavná Street

2. Hlavná Street

4.8 (454)Free entry
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

The street offers a walk through historic buildings and a lively atmosphere. Visitors will experience a blend of culture, music and local flavors at every step.

Urban Tower

3. Urban Tower

4.6 (315)
Historical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of InterestEstablishment
Closed Sun

See Kosice from a height of 59 meters. Experience the panorama of the city and surrounding nature through a telescope at the top of the tower.

Walking tours in Košice, Slovakia

State Theatre Košice

4. State Theatre Košice

4.8 (1,774)Book 3 days ahead
Performing Arts TheaterOpera HouseConcert HallAuditoriumLive Music Venue

A valuable center of art with over 120 years of tradition. Feel the rich culture through excellent opera and drama performances.

East Slovak Museum

5. East Slovak Museum

4.5 (796)
MuseumTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment
Closed Mon and Sun

Worth visiting for the impressive collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages and nature. Feel what it was like to live in different eras by observing authentic exhibits.

Jakab's Palace

6. Jakab's Palace

4.6 (1,714)
Historical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of InterestEstablishment
Closed Sat and Sun

Worth visiting for the rich decorative detail and unique frescoes. Expect a journey through art and rare flora in a peaceful ambience.

St. Michael Chapel

7. St. Michael Chapel

4.9 (354)Free entry
Tourist AttractionChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of Interest

Visit the chapel with a unique figurine on the roof. Feel centuries of tradition and the vibrant atmosphere of the city celebration.

Botanical Garden of P. J. Šafárik University

8. Botanical Garden of P. J. Šafárik University

4.7 (3,014)
Botanical GardenTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Worth seeing for more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. Feel exotic scents and walk the paths of a peaceful nursery and greenhouse.

What to pre-book in Košice

These sell out or need a reservation. Book them first, in this order.

  1. 1.State Theatre KošiceBook 3 days aheadA few days ahead for popular performances
Everything to book in advance in Košice →

Tours & tickets in Košice, Slovakia

Where to Stay in Košice, Slovakia

Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions

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Opening days in Košice, Slovakia

Which of the top sights close on which day of the week — the classic trip-ruiner, checked for you.

Sunday: 3 of 6 top sights closed — plan museums for another day.

Closed on Sunday · 3 closed, 3 open

See what's open each day in Košice →

Opening days from Google Maps (checked 2026-05-19). Public holidays, strikes and seasonal hours can differ — check the official website before you go.

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Medovníky

Medovníky

Medovníky are traditional Slovak honey cookies seasoned with ginger and cloves. They are often decorated with intricate icing patterns and enjoyed during festive seasons in Košice.

Šúľance s makom

Šúľance s makom

Šúľance s makom are small rolled potato dumplings served with ground poppy seeds and sugar. This simple yet beloved dessert highlights the agricultural heritage of the region.

Zmrzlina (Ice Cream)

Zmrzlina (Ice Cream)

In Košice, traditional homemade ice cream is a popular sweet treat, often made with fresh local fruits and cream, reflecting the city's appreciation for dairy delicacies.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Bryndzové halušky

Bryndzové halušky

Bryndzové halušky are potato dumplings mixed with sheep cheese called bryndza and topped with fried bacon bits. This dish is considered the national dish of Slovakia and is very popular in Košice.

Kapustnica

Kapustnica

Kapustnica is a hearty soup made with sauerkraut, smoked meat, mushrooms, and sometimes sausage. It is a traditional dish especially favored during Christmas in Košice and throughout Slovakia.

Pečené koleno

Pečené koleno

Pečené koleno is a savory roasted pork knee that is crispy on the outside and tender inside. It is a favorite at local festivals and beer halls in Košice, showcasing Slovak meat cooking traditions.

Traditional Beverages

Kofola

Kofola

Kofola is a popular Slovak soft drink, somewhat similar to cola but made with natural herbal extracts. It originated in Czechoslovakia and remains a nostalgic favorite in Košice.

Slivovica

Slivovica

Slivovica is a traditional plum brandy that is widely produced and enjoyed in Košice. It is commonly homemade and served as a strong, fruity spirit during celebrations.

Matejovský Muškát

Matejovský Muškát

Matejovský Muškát is a well-known Slovak white wine, appreciated in Košice for its aromatic and sweet Muscat flavors. It pairs well with local dishes and desserts.

Know before you go

What a day costs in Košice, and the rip-offs to avoid

Cost per person per day

Budget
€27
Mid-range
€51
Comfort
€86
Full trip cost calculator

Top rip-offs to avoid

  • Airport taxi overcharging. Walk to the official taxi rank outside and insist on the meter, or book via the Bolt or HOPIN app. Agree on the price before you get in.
  • Poor-rate exchange booths. Withdraw euros from a bank ATM instead. If you must exchange, compare the displayed rate against the official rate and ask about any commission before handing over cash.
  • Ticket validation fine. Always validate your ticket in the box on board immediately, or pay with a contactless card which records your travel automatically.

Fair taxi from the airport: €15 - €20

Cheaper option: Airport bus line 23 to the main railway station and city centre (€1)

All scams, fair prices and rules

Frequently Asked Questions about Košice, Slovakia

Is it safe to travel to Košice, Slovakia?
Košice is generally safe for tourists with low crime rates. Standard precautions are sufficient as the city is known for its good safety infrastructure and friendly environment. Police presence is regular, which further increases the feeling of security.
How many days is it ideal to spend in Košice, Slovakia?
The optimal stay in Košice is 2 to 3 days. This is enough time to see the main attractions such as the Old Church, the Slovak Technical Museum, and to enjoy the local cuisine. A longer stay also allows for trips to the surrounding hills.
What is the best time to visit Košice, Slovakia?
The best time to visit Košice is from May to September. During this period, temperatures are pleasant between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and there are the most sunny days, which is favorable for walks and excursions.
Is Košice, Slovakia an expensive destination?
Košice is a moderately affordable destination. Accommodation prices range from 30 to 80 euros per night, while meals in restaurants cost around 5 to 15 euros. Public transport is cheap with ticket prices around 1 euro.
What is the best way to get around Košice, Slovakia?
Public transport in Košice includes buses and trams with tickets around 1 euro per ride. The city is also suitable for walking as it is compact. Bicycle paths are available and increasingly popular for local traffic.

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Most popular day trips

Spiš Castle

40 km 45m by car

One of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe with scenic views.

Slovak Paradise National Park

45 km 1h by car

Popular park known for hiking trails with ladders, gorges, and caves.

Hlavná Street, Prešov

35 km 40m by train

Historic town with charming streets and cultural landmarks.

Getting there

Train stations

Košice Main Railway Station

Connections to Bratislava, Budapest, Prague

From Košice International Airport, take the airport bus or taxi to city center; the train station is a short walk from central Košice.

Useful information for Košice, Slovakia

Shopping locationsAupark, Optima, Galeria
Nightlife locationsHlavná Ulica, Kasárne Kulturpark, Jazz Club
Popular casual restaurantsReštaurácia Saffron, Mamma Mia Pizzeria, U Dobreho Pastiera
Popular fancy restaurantsCorso Restaurant, Med Malina, Estreet
Popular coffee shopsRelax, Tech Ltd, Kafe Scherz
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appBolt, HOPIN
Taxi price / km$0.65
Tourists / year200000
Population240688
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage6 %
Poverty percentage10 %
Average income / month$1000
Average cost of living / month$600
Hotel price / night from$40
Beer price from$1.5
Coffee price from$1.2
Street food price from$3
Restaurant meal price from$8
Local currencyEUR
Power plug typesType E, Type C
ReligionsRoman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant
Spoken languagesSlovak, Hungarian, English
EthnicitiesSlovak, Hungarian, Roma
Political orientationCenter to center-right
Population density300 /km²
Geographical area242 km²
Possible natural disastersFloods
Dangerous animalsNone
Locations for a nice walkHlavná Ulica, Spoločenský Pavilón, Botanical Garden
Public transportationsBuses, Trolleybuses
AirlinesLOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air
Suggested vaccinationsTetanus, Hepatitis A, Influenza
Architecture typeGothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau
Average beer consumption per person / year140 l
Average wine consumption per person / year15 l
Tipping cultureTipping appreciated but not mandatory
Coworking / day$10
Airbnb / month$400
1BR rent / month$300
Gym / month$30
Daily budget (backpacker)$25
Daily budget (mid-range)$50

Overview for Košice, Slovakia

English proficiencyAverage
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareAverage
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyAverage
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneAverage
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood

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