Things To Do
in Košice
Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city boasts a beautiful historic center with well-preserved Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings. Košice is also famous for its vibrant arts and music scene, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
With its charming streets, welcoming atmosphere, and diverse range of attractions, Košice is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Slovakian experience.
- "Dobrý deň" - Good day
- "Ďakujem" - Thank you
- "Prosím" - Please
- "Ako sa máš?" - How are you?
- "Na zdravie" - Cheers
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $70
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $7 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1.50 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.80 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the stunning St. Elizabeth Cathedral. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café while taking in the views.
Visit the East Slovak Museum to learn about the region's history and culture. Stroll through the beautiful Hlavná ulica, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Dine at a local restaurant to savor traditional Slovak cuisine. Take a night walk to admire the illuminated city landmarks.
Take a refreshing walk in the Košice City Park, surrounded by nature. Grab a coffee at a kiosk while enjoying the tranquil scenery.
Head to the Botanical Garden to see a variety of plant species. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful and inspiring afternoon.
Relax and unwind at a local pub, sampling regional beers. Enjoy some live music or a casual chat with locals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historic architecture and museums.
- Friendly and welcoming locals.
- Affordable cost of living compared to Western European cities.
- Access to beautiful nature and outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
- Growing economy with opportunities in various sectors.
- Limited job opportunities in certain specialized fields.
- Language barrier for non-Slovak speakers, as English may not be widely spoken.
- Public transportation may not be as developed as in larger cities.
- Weather can be harsh during winter with cold temperatures and snow.
- Some areas may lack modern amenities and infrastructure.
Best Activities in Košice
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning scenery and hiking trails in Slovak Paradise National Park, known for its picturesque gorges, waterfalls, and lush forests.
Enjoy a scenic cycling route along the River Hornad, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to visit charming villages.
Spend time outdoors at Košice Zoo, where you can admire a variety of animal species and enjoy the peaceful natural setting.
Experience an adventurous outdoor activity by going rafting or kayaking on the Hornad River, surrounded by the scenic landscape of Eastern Slovakia.
Tours
Uncover the best of Košice with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Košice
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning panoramic views of Košice and the surrounding area.
Iconic gothic cathedral with a great view from the top of the tower.
Scenic hill with a picturesque view of Košice.
Food in Košice
Košice Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This iconic Slovak dish showcases potato dumplings smothered in tangy sheep cheese and topped with crispy bacon bits. It's a must-try for visitors and can be enjoyed at Stara Mestianska Pivaren, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Slovak fare.
Must-Try!
Pork stewed in sauerkraut, seasoned with paprika and sour cream, delivering a rich and comforting flavor. For an exceptional rendition of this dish, head to Zenit, a restaurant renowned for its traditional Hungarian-Slovak fusion cuisine.
Lokše are delectable potato flatbreads that can be enjoyed with sweet or savory fillings. To savor this treat, visit the Lokša U Emila stall at the Čermeľ Market, where local vendors prepare them with various delectable toppings.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Košice better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Košice, offering a plethora of fresh produce, traditional delicacies, and local street food. Don't miss trying lángoš, a beloved Hungarian deep-fried flatbread, and trdelník, a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame, both widely available here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Košice, it's important to respect personal space when interacting with others. Maintaining an appropriate distance and avoiding overly physical contact is a sign of respect for personal boundaries.
Understanding and adhering to social etiquette, such as greetings, dining customs, and polite behavior, is crucial in Košice. Observing these customs demonstrates respect for the local culture.
Participating in and acknowledging local traditions, festivals, and celebrations shows respect for the cultural heritage of Košice. Being open to learning about and embracing these traditions is appreciated by the local community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Košice with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Košice
Ensure a smooth experience
In Košice, Slovakia, tipping is generally discretionary and not mandatory. It is common to leave a tip of 10% in restaurants if the service was satisfactory. In bars, cafes, and taxis, rounding up the bill is appreciated as a tip. However, tipping is not expected in fast food restaurants or for takeout orders.
In Košice, Slovakia, cash is widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used, particularly in larger businesses and hotels. It's always advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions or in places that do not accept cards. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular in the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Enjoy the blooming flowers and mild weather, attend the Košice Music Spring festival.
Experience warmer temperatures and vibrant outdoor events, such as the Košice Music Festival and numerous open-air concerts.
Witness the stunning foliage and partake in the popular Heritage Days, featuring cultural events and traditional crafts.
Embrace the festive atmosphere during Christmas markets and indulge in winter sports at nearby resorts.
Košice at Night
Hiking in Košice
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park known for its gorges, waterfalls, and diverse landscape, offering numerous hiking trails suitable for various skill levels.
A picturesque area with hiking trails that wind through lush green forests and alongside the Bodva River, perfect for a peaceful day hike.
A unique natural reserve that features a variety of ecosystems, offering hiking paths that highlight local flora and fauna.
A mountain range located northeast of Košice, featuring scenic views and a network of hiking trails suitable for both leisurely walks and more challenging hikes.
A serene valley offering easy hiking routes amid beautiful landscapes, ideal for families and nature lovers.
Aiports
How to reach Košice by plane.
Located in Bratislava, approximately 200 km from Košice, it is the largest airport in Slovakia and serves as a major international gateway to the country.
Situated around 250 km from Košice, this is Hungary's main international airport and also serves many international destinations.
Located about 300 km from Košice, this airport serves as a key international airport in Poland, providing flights to various global destinations.
Situated roughly 100 km from Košice, this is a smaller international airport that offers flights mainly in the summer and winter seasons.
Located approximately 120 km from Košice, it is a small international airport in Hungary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Košice, comprising the majority of the population.
A significant minority group in the region, especially in the surrounding areas of Košice.
A notable minority group, often facing social and economic challenges.
A smaller demographic group, historically linked to the Slovak population.
A smaller community, primarily due to geographical proximity.
Includes various expatriates and immigrants from different countries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports in Košice, with several local clubs and a strong following among fans.
Ice hockey is very popular in Košice, with a successful local team and a passionate fan base, often competing at high levels in Slovakia.
Basketball enjoys popularity in Košice, with local clubs and community leagues contributing to its presence in the city.
Athletics is actively promoted in Košice, with various events and competitions taking place, highlighting running, jumping, and throwing disciplines.
Volleyball has a solid following in Košice, with both men’s and women’s teams competing at various levels in local and national leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Košice.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Slovak cuisine leans heavily on meats and dairy, many modern establishments in Košice are embracing vegetarian and vegan offerings. Restaurants like Camelot Café and Avocado Vegetarian Restaurant are excellent choices for those seeking plant-based dining experiences.
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find a growing awareness of this dietary need in Košice. Several establishments, such as Camelot Café, offer gluten-free versions of traditional dishes and a range of baked goods.