17 brilliant things to do in Kosice Slovakia (you’ll have lots of fun)
Looking for the best things to do in Kosice, Slovakia? Košice is one of my favorite cities and it’s also extremely underrated.
Plan your trip to Kosice – Quick tips
🏡 Where to stay in Kosice
- They’ll spoil you (I stayed here): City Residence Apartment Hotel (⭐ 9.2)
- Great location: Boutique Hotel Slávia (⭐ 9.0)
- Has a pool: Boutique Hotel Bristol (⭐ 8.8)
Today, I’m introducing you to Košice Slovakia (pronounced Ko-shi-tse), one of the hidden gems and most underrated cities in Europe.
With a population of over 250,000, Košice is the second largest city in Slovakia, and in 2013 it was the European Capital of Culture.
It’s fairly small and easy to get around, especially if you’re staying in the center near the pedestrian street, which I recommend.
Here’s my list of the 17 best things to do in Kosice Slovakia.
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Things to do in Košice Slovakia
Kosice Slovakia is the perfect city break destination for anyone who’s interested in history and culture and loves the Central-Europe feel.
It’s a fairly small and walkable city, yet there are plenty of things to do in Kosice. Stroll down Hlavna Street (the main pedestrian street) and you’ll pass dozens of colorful houses, city mansions, bustling cafes, and stylish shops.
It’s an active city during the summer, yet it’s never crowded with tourists. As far as I could tell, I didn’t see a single tourist there.
Aside from that, Košice is just beautiful. Prepare yourself for a stunning mix of architectural styles, from Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque to Art Nouveau, Cubist, and Classicist.
If you’re an art and history lover, you’ll have a field day here!
Introduction to Kosice
Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, after the capital Bratislava.
Compared to Bratislava, Kosice gets way fewer visitors, which is a huge plus! You get the chance to explore this hidden gem of Central European history and you have Kosice tourist attractions more or less to yourself.
Still, the town is geared towards tourism with hotels, restaurants, and attractions. And best of all – locals like visitors; they’re kind and welcoming, and they will make you feel at home. That’s how I experienced Kosice.
To me, it’s one of the best off-the-path destinations in Europe. It’s almost as good as Lviv in Ukraine (my favorite European city), but ONLY almost 🙂
Where is Košice Slovakia?
Kosice is located in East Slovakia, close to the borders of Hungary and Ukraine. It’s easy to get to by train, bus, or plane both within Slovakia and from other countries.
Is Kosice worth visiting?
Absolutely! Kosice is definitely worth visiting.
You’ll get that off-the-beaten track feel, yet it’s not like people aren’t used to tourists. There are lots of things to do in Kosice, great restaurants and hotels, and it’s a historically and culturally interesting city.
Tourism is well-balanced and in that way, it’s actually a perfect destination.
Is Kosice safe?
Yes!
I visited as a solo traveler and felt very safe. I’ll give the same advice I would anywhere in the world and that is to not wander alone at night, especially in dark alleys or deserted areas.
Other than that, just use your common sense. Don’t drink yourself senseless, watch your belongings and you’ll be fine.
Read my general travel safety tips here: 27 essential travel safety tips everyone should know
What to do in Kosice
1. The plague pillar
Located right in the middle of Hlavna Street is the so-called Plague Pillar, a 14 m-tall Baroque plague column.
It was created in the 18th century as an expression of gratitude to the Virgin Mary at its top for ending the plague epidemic from 1709 and 1710.
2. Church of the Holy Trinity
On your way down Hlavna Street, you’ll pass the Church of the Holy Trinity, also commonly known as the Premonstratensian church or the Jesuit church.
The Baroque church was commissioned in 1641 by Princess Sofia Bathory of Transylvania to make amends for the execution of three Jesuit priests in 1619.
Soldiers of George I Rákóczi, her father-in-law, had accused the priests of treason and given them a death sentence, which shocked the local population and the princess.
Less than 100 years later, in 1773, the Jesuits were expelled from the city during the suppression of the Society of Jesus. The church has been administered by the Premonstratensians since 1811.
3. Hrnčiarska street
Hlavna Street is home to many interesting buildings, but the most charming street in Košice is Hrnčiarska – the crafts street.
This little alley has a craftsman shop, bakery, bars, metalworkers, and more.
It’s also home to the Executioner’s flat; the town’s former hangman, which reminded me of the Swedish Gate in Riga.
4. St. Elisabeth Cathedral
Close by is St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the one thing you HAVE to see in Košice. Completed in the 16th century, it’s the biggest cathedral in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic church in Europe.
There’s also a bell tower if you’re interested in seeing Košice from above. It was closed when I got there so I just saw it from inside instead.
5. St. Urban Tower
Standing next to the Cathedral is St. Urban’s Tower. It was erected in the 14th century and was originally a Gothic prismatic campanile with a pyramidal roof.
On the ground, there’s a church bell, which was dedicated to Saint Urban, the patron of vine-dressers.
6. St. Michael’s Chapel
To the south of the Cathedral of St Elizabeth is the 14th-century St. Michael’s Chapel.
St. Michael is the patron saint of the dead, and the Gothic-style chapel was built as a cemetery chapel inside the town walls.
7. The singing fountain
If you need a break, here’s the perfect place for it.
Right between the Cathedral and State Theatre is a little park with benches and a singing fountain and carillon that chimes every hour.
It’s a nice place to relax for a bit and wait for the sun to set.
8. The State Theatre
At the other end of the singing fountain, you’ll find the State Theatre, which dates back to 1788. This Renaissance building is home to drama, ballet, and opera.
9. Coat of arms – the oldest in Europe
Kosice was the first town in Europe to get its own coat of arms.
It was granted in 1369 by King Louis I the Great of Hungary and features an angel that, as the protector, holds the Košice coat-of-arms in its hands.
You’ll find it at the front of the park around St Michael’s Chapel.
10. Rodošto & Mikluš prison
- Opening hours: 9 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday / 9 am-1 pm Sunday
- Entrance fee Bastion: adult/child €3/2
- Entrance fee Prison: adult/child €2/1
The Rodošto bastion, whose walls date back to the 15th century, gives you an insight into Kosice’s history.
View the many medieval weapons like cannonballs before you move on to Mikluš prison to watch an introduction video and explore the city’s former prison and torture chamber.
11. Jakab’s palace
The very first thing I saw when I arrived in Košice was the Neo-Gothic Jakab’s Palace.
It’s right next to the train station and I remember wondering what it was.
After a little googling, I found out that it was built in 1899 as a private house but later served as the residence of the president of the Czechoslovak Republic, Edvard Beneš.
It kind of looks like a fairytale castle, don’t you think?
12. New Orthodox Synagogue
Before WWII, Košice was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Slovakia.
To have a gathering place for the city’s more than 11,500 Jews, the New Orthodox Synagogue was built in 1926–1927.
You can find it on Puškinova Street near the historic center of Košice.
13. Kulturpark and Steelpark
Kulturpark is a group of former army barracks that has – under the European Capital of Culture project – been turned into a museum and cultural center.
It’s like a creative sector for contemporary culture and art like music, visual arts, literature, film, theatre, and dance.
14. The East Slovak Museum
- Opening hours: 9 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday / 2-6 pm Sunday (reduced hours from Nov-April)
- Entrance fee: Adult/child €2/1
One of the interesting things to do in Kosice is visiting the East Slovak Museum. The museum houses more than 500,000 objects and provides you with an insight into the history of Eastern Slovakia.
15. Discover small alleys
Kosice is one of those cities that are fun to explore by simply walking around. You’ll find small alleys, enigmatic statues, street art, or a great little cafe to have a cup of coffee.
16. Košice street art
And speaking of street art… That’s one of the things that struck me about Košice. It wasn’t just the colorful murals, but also sculptures, art installations, and plaques. The city is almost like an urban art exhibition.
Košice hasn’t always looked like this, but when it was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, it became a hotspot for wall art and attracted mural painters from Europe and Latin America.
At first, you don’t notice the murals, but the more you look, the more you’ll see.
By the way, did you know that Andy Warhol was Slovakian?
He was born in the US, but his birth name was Andrej Varchola and his parents were from Eastern Slovakia.
To honor him, Košice City has placed a series of Andy Warhol-style high-heel shoes around town. This is one of them ↓
17. Experience cool alternative restaurants
During my time in Košice, I was so lucky to be shown around by a local from the Tourism Board and she took me to some really fun, alternative places – places I would never have found had I been on my own.
Read next: 10+ Slovakian dishes just like grandma makes them
Tabačka Kulturfabrik
The first place she brought me was the very hipster Tabačka Kulturfabrik. T
abačka is one of the cool hangouts in town, with a buzzy atmosphere, an industrial feel, and a laid-back vibe.
If you’re up for a Pilsner Urquell (around 1.50 euros), the local Opre’ cider, or events like music, movies, workshops, or presentations (which happen most days) this is the place to go.
Republika Východu
Another alternative hangout is Republika Východu, a cafe with local dialect signs and menus that sound funny and describe locals’ characteristics.
You might need to be local to get the humor, but they have their own laws, manifesto, and constitution. You get the drill.
I just had a soft drink, but there were healthy, gluten-free, and vegan options, craft beer and desserts. Plus, they had an English menu as well.
Where to stay in Kosice
I’ve stayed at some lovely hotels around the world, and one of the best places is right here in Kosice.
It’s an apartment with a reception and they SPOIL you. Welcome drinks, snacks when you get home late from sightseeing, and an amazing breakfast served in front of the TV in the courtyard with a blanket to keep warm.
City Residence Apartment Hotel – I stayed at this wonderful apartment hotel and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s in the city center, the food is fresh and the service is beyond amazing.
Plus it has a sauna! Click here to see the latest prices.
Day trips from Košice, Slovakia
Košice is not just a great weekend destination, it’s also a practical anchor for nearby attractions. Closest by is the towering Spis castle (1,30 hours by car) or hiking in the High Tatras mountains (1,5 hours by car).
You could also visit one of the 9 national parks, like Slovak Paradise National Park (1,25 hours).
Trains are pretty frequent, check timetables here.
A thousand thanks to Visit Kosice for hosting me and to Nika for showing me around Košice. I was a guest, but all opinions are my own as always.
FAQ – What to do in Kosice
Is Kosice Slovakia worth visiting?
Yes, Kosice, Slovakia, is worth visiting. It’s known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture, and the stunning St. Elisabeth Cathedral.
Why is Kosice famous?
Kosice is famous for being a European Capital of Culture in 2013 and for its well-preserved historical center, which is one of the largest in Slovakia.
What language do they speak in Kosice Slovakia?
In Kosice, they speak Slovak. You might also find English speakers, especially in tourist areas.
What currency is used in Kosice Slovakia?
The currency used in Kosice, Slovakia, is the Euro (EUR).
It is indeed a beautiful city as I can see from here
It’s very beautiful, not to mention underrated. And everything is so cheap!
Oh we wanted to visit Kosice last year on several weekends but somehow we always ended up hiking in the Tatras. 😀 But we can’t wait for spring to finally visit it!
If it’s any consolation, I would also choose High Tatras when in Slovakia 🙂 That place is simply amazing, although Kosice is worth a visit too. I hope you get to see it sometime, and let me know if you need a contact for a hotel. I stayed at the most amazing place when I was there!
Hey, Miriam.
We plan to visit Kosice soon, maybe in 3 Weeks. So, can you tell some info or ideas about a nice and decent accomodations. I ll travel by car with my family, 2 kids. It seems to be a very good idea for a city break . I found Camp kisoce Route 58 but it seems a little bit far away from the old city. Thank you
So colorful – especially nice to see while I’m in the midst of a very gray winter 🙂
Oh yeah, I could use some more sunshine and blue skies, too 😉 Hopefully winter won’t last too long.
Hi, i travel to Košice almost every day (because school), but I was surprised when I read your article. From the perspective of a tourist town looks so interesting … I wish I saw Košice for the first time in my life again
Thanks Majka! I bet if you go to Košice and try to see it as a tourist, you will experience it from a new perspective. Bring your camera (or take photos with your phone), visit the landmarks and go to a new restaurant or cafe. I try to do this in my own country too and it’s really fun 🙂
How did you get to the High Tatras for hiking from Kosice? Any hikes you would recommend?
Hi Ramya, I took the train (see the link above).
I wrote this post about hiking in the High Tatras, you might find some inspiration there: https://adventurousmiriam.com/high-tatras-slovakia/
Hey guys, thank you for the article. Please let us know how is the car parking arranged there, if you happen to know of?
Kind Regards,
Yuliia
Hi Yuliia, you can find parking spots on the streets of the centre or you can park in the underground parking lot of Aupark shopping mall, which is also right in the centre. They are all paid though.
Thanks for pitching in, Natalia!
Yaay thank you very much for such a pretty article about my home city! ♥
Regards from Košice :)))
I’m so glad you liked my write-up, Gabrielle! I love Košice ♥
Nice to read about my hometown… although Slovakia has several UNESCO towns, such as Levoča, Bardejov or Banská Štiavnica, I think that Košice is the most beautiful one of all cities in the country! And it is always good to arrange a visit with some tour operator, especially with Visit Košice official one 🙂 You can get lots of interesting information about the city. I also had an opportunity to have a short tour with them and even I learnt a lot I didn’t know.
Another great tip for a day trip from Kosice is the closest national park – Slovak Karst National Park (30 minutes) with thousands of caves and some of them opened for public!
Oh, thanks for the tip on Slovak Karst – I will definitely keep that in mind! It’s always great to get tips from an insider 🙂
Dear Miriam from Denmark
Is it possible to write to my [email protected]
I come from norway and i am a traveller to
Done trips now for 26 years and two years ago i was in Bratislava in Slovakia and i just looooved it
Me and my friend from scotland did also a lot around and cover that side of Slovakia since we stayed there for 15 days so yes also travel by bus or train and also hire a car with a Local driver for excursion
This year we was in Budapest
But back to why i write to You Miriam
The plan next year is to visit and stay in Kosice and i just loved what You wrote
But there is some qvestion i want to Ask so would be Nice if You Could help
Would be Nice if You Could my Email are [email protected]
My name is Odd Lennart lien and i come from norway
Greetings from me to you
Hi Odd,
You’re welcome to send me an email here: [email protected]
I am from Slovakia, Slovakia is beautiful cuntry 😀
It is, isn’t it 🙂
Spent two weeks in Kosice for work in 1999…..what a beautiful city!
It really is. There’s so much history and many beautiful sights there.
Thank you for this post! It was so useful when I stopped off in Kosice on my way to the Tatras recently. Totally agree it’s a hidden gem. Jakab’s Palace is the prettiest place ever 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that. I hope you enjoyed Tatras as well 🙂
I lived in Kosice in 1946/47
It is a different town from the one I remember
Looks great and you are a good tourist guide!
I may go and revisit!
Thank you so much, Ruth!
And I bet! Would be fun to go back for sure 🙂
Hi, My friend and I are planning a weekend in the city.
What is the easiest way to get to the mountains?
Thank you
Nicole
We planning on doing a day trip to High Tatras.
Hi Nicole, you can take the train from Kosice to Strebske Pleso in the High Tatras, it’s about 1,50 hour each way. Just be sure to check the time table if you’re only visiting for the day.
Great blog perhaps the one thing that should be mentioned is that Kosice formerly called Kassa used to be part of the Hungarian Kingdom from 1000 till 1920, when it was handed over on a silver platter to newborn Czechoslovakia which had not existed before!
So what you see in Kosice essentially is a roughly a thousand year of Hungarian heritage.
Dear Zoltan, I do not understand what it is that every time Kosice or Bratislava are mentioned, the Magyars jump out and start claiming. Surely you know that Kosice were establish there on the foundation of a Slavic settlement and over time Magyars and German settlers came. Hungarian monarchy was a huge cauldron with many other nations, not only Magyars . So according to your theory, Slovaks can claim the territory at Balaton? Because there were our settlements with churches in the 8 century, before Magyars took over. Even the famous Cabaj klobasa was made for you by Slovaks, immigrating to Hungary. Do not forget your beloved Budapest was also often built by Slovak hands.
Very nice interesting blog with useful information. Thank you.
I didn’t know about this charming and beautiful place till I read this post. The attractions are varied and very delightful. The pictures look beautiful. I hope I am able to travel to this place someday. Thank you for such a wonderful post!
Thanks for your friendly response. I’m glad you like my post.
Hi, beautiful written and nice to read it, actually you have wrong pictures by New Orthodox Synagogue. on the you put in is former synagogue now the State philharmonic.
Slovakia is under-rated. I spent several days hiking in the Tatras mountains and one of the highlights of my trip was meeting a local man in his 80s hiking a trail near the lake at Jamske Pleso. I speak a little Slovak, and I made his day when he found out that I was from the U.S. (and he made mine).
I want to go back to Kosice. I liked Miriam’s description of the place. A young waitress playfully corrected my Slovak when I mistakenly ordered fish (plural) rather than fish (singular).
Her idea to contact the tourist board is excellent (didn’t have time to do that). The Singing Fountain has multicolored lights at night and makes some great photos.
The zoo is worth a visit, and they have special section for children. They have a successful breeding program for Humboldt Penguins.
Hockey is the national sport of Slovakia.
Although some people are traveling again, I’m American, old, and waiting for places I want to travel to get a better handle on Covid.
A woman working for Slovak rail like the fact that I spoke a little of the language, and got me a Slovak senior rail pass. I use it as a form of photo ID.
Thanks for your input, Jeff! It’s helpful to hear your personal experiences.
I didn’t read this article before getting there, and we are staying at the residence hotel, and it is marvellous! The city has a tranquil vibe, it feels good to visit
Oh, I’m so glad you liked it. I have such fond memories of the hotel!
After reading the book Cilca’s journey by Heather Morris makes me want to visit the city where she was born.
You should definitely go. It’s a lovely city.
Some pictures above are not visible. Or maybe it’s suppose to be open space between paragraphs?
Oh, geez. Right after I post, the pictures appear after I scroll up. Go figure.
It might have to do with the ads on the page 🙂
My husband and I stayed at Hotel Bankov outside of the city and the surrounding forest is lovely. We were on our way to Hazin to find my father’s birthplace. This was in 2017. My whole family is Slovak and although I do not speak the language I really felt at home there.
I’m so glad to hear that you had a good experience, especially when the country has a personal meaning to you. Did you find your father’s birthplace?
nice narration, I added it to the list of places I will visit 🙂
Great to hear that.
For me, Bardejov is one of the most beautiful cities in Slovakia.
I’ll need to visit 🙂
Thank you very much for the article. I only know Bratislava, but I see that I absolutely have to visit Kosice too.