CityBuddy
English
Things to Do in Košice, Slovakia
Photo made by Richard Palocsányi on Pexels.com
When to visit
Plan your perfect trip to Košice, Slovakia
Get a complete travel plan built just for you in under 30 seconds, with daily routes, local food tips, budget estimates and more.
Are any of these especially important to you?
Select all that apply
Plan language: EnglishMost 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.
1. St. Elisabeth Cathedral
Enjoy the largest stained glass window in the Balkans. Feel the magic of Gothic architecture and the mystery of a handmade sculpture.
Quick facts: This cathedral has the largest stained glass window in the Balkans with an area of over 140 square meters. This Gothic jewel has a bell tower 60 meters high that dominates the city landscape.
Highlights: The interior hides an unusual barometer for weather forecasting, made of pure quartz. Every year, about 3,000 visitors admire its hand-carved stone arches and stained glass windows.
2. Hlavná Street
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.
Quick facts: The street is about 550 meters long and is one of the longest pedestrian zones in Slovakia. Every year, the Street Festival is held here, bringing together over 50 performers and thousands of visitors.
Highlights: In the middle of the street there is a Baroque Trinity fountain with a statue of the Holy Trinity, 14 meters high. Here, locals and tourists often taste traditional Slovak pancakes at nearby stalls while enjoying open-air concerts.
3. Urban Tower
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.
Quick facts: It offers a panoramic view of Kosice from its height of 59 meters. At the foot of the tower there is a cultural center that often organizes local events.
Highlights: At the top of the tower, telescopic equipment is installed that visitors can use for a detailed view of the city architecture and surrounding nature. Every year in May, a light festival is held that particularly highlights the tower structure that evening.
4. State Theatre Košice
A valuable center of art with over 120 years of tradition. Feel the rich culture through excellent opera and drama performances.
Quick facts: The theater has a capacity of about 900 seats plus standing room for another 300 spectators. Its facade is adorned with detailed Art Nouveau decoration with traditional Slovak motifs.
Highlights: Inside the theater there is a huge chandelier with over 1,000 hand-made crystals, and the acoustics are specially adapted for classical operas. Performances often include local motifs and legends that bring Slavic culture to life on stage.
5. East Slovak Museum
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.
Quick facts: Located in the heart of Kosice, the museum preserves over 500,000 artifacts from various periods of history and nature. It has exhibits that include weapons from the 15th century and rare minerals from the region of eastern Slovakia.
Highlights: Each room in the museum recreates the atmosphere of different historical periods, with authentic props and sound effects that create a time travel experience. The collection of frescoes with Gothic motifs and medieval manuscripts is particularly impressive.
6. Jakab's Palace
Worth visiting for the rich decorative detail and unique frescoes. Expect a journey through art and rare flora in a peaceful ambience.
Quick facts: The building has over 100 decorative sculptures, giving it a unique appearance in Košice. It is surrounded by an impressive garden with rare plant species that attract nature lovers.
Highlights: The interior hides frescoes depicting mythological scenes with details that can only be observed through special glasses. The garden has a path with over 50 species of stable plants that are not often available in urban parks.
7. St. Michael Chapel
Visit the chapel with a unique figurine on the roof. Feel centuries of tradition and the vibrant atmosphere of the city celebration.
Quick facts: The Chapel of Saint Michael has a distinctive Baroque style and is located near the city's main square. Interestingly, its bell chiming has changed the city atmosphere more than once throughout the centuries.
Highlights: On the roof of the chapel stands a small figure of Saint Michael that protects the city from fires and enemies. Every year in June, a traditional celebration with pyrotechnic effects is held in honor of the patron.
8. Botanical Garden of P. J. Šafárik University
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.
Quick facts: The garden boasts over 3,500 plant species that come from different climate zones, including tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas. Its collection includes rare and endangered plants that can only be seen in this part of Europe.
Highlights: Inside the greenhouse of 650 square meters, an exotic world unfolds where plants such as orchids and cacti are arranged to create natural landscapes. Visitors can walk through paths surrounded by waterfalls and small ponds, providing a true oasis of peace and freshness.
Where to Stay in Košice, Slovakia
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in Košice, SlovakiaPowered by agoda
Traditional Sweet Dishes
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 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)
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Košice, Slovakia
Is it safe to travel to Košice, Slovakia?
How many days is it ideal to spend in Košice, Slovakia?
What is the best time to visit Košice, Slovakia?
Is Košice, Slovakia an expensive destination?
What is the best way to get around Košice, Slovakia?
Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email
Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips. Perfect for offline use.
Most popular day trips
Spiš Castle
One of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe with scenic views.
Slovak Paradise National Park
Popular park known for hiking trails with ladders, gorges, and caves.
Hlavná Street, Prešov
Historic town with charming streets and cultural landmarks.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
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.
Find flights to Košice, Slovakia
Click to get eSim for Košice, Slovakia
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Useful information for Košice, Slovakia
Overview for Košice, Slovakia
Most popular itineraries for Košice, Slovakia
Browse trip plans created by other travelers
Comments (5)
Weather was unpredictable, packed for sun but got rain. Loved the street cafes, made for good people watching even on a wet day.
Kosice felt less touristy than I expected which was nice. Good blend of history and modern, but honestly got a bit bored after day three.
Most museums have free entry on Sundays, great tip if you want to save some cash and still hit cultural spots.
If you want cheaper eats, walk two blocks from Hlavna Street. Found amazing local joints with way better prices and authentic dishes.
The old town vibe in Kosice is chill, food is great but can be a bit pricey around the main square. Two days is just enough to soak it all in.