Things To Do
in Veľké Kapušany

Veľké Kapušany is a small town in eastern Slovakia, located near the border with Ukraine in the Košice Region. It sits on flat agricultural land and serves as a practical base for exploring the Zemplín area. The town center is compact and walkable, with traditional Slovak architecture, a few churches, and a friendly, relaxed pace of life.

It offers easy access to cross-border adventures and rural Slovak culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploration of Veľké Kapušany
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the local market, savoring freshly baked pastries and engaging with friendly vendors. Explore the quaint streets that showcase traditional Slovak architecture, allowing the rich history of the town to unfold before you. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the park where you can relax and take in the serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After a delightful lunch at a nearby café, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the nearby museum, which features artifacts and exhibitions reflecting the heritage of the area. Spend some time in the town's community square, where you can interact with locals and perhaps enjoy some live music. Wrap up your afternoon with a scenic walk towards the outskirts, where nature meets the town.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, find a cozy restaurant to indulge in a traditional Slovak feast, sampling local dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, experiencing the magical ambiance of the town at night. End your day by enjoying a glass of local wine at a terrace, sharing stories with newfound friends under the starlit sky.

day 2
Nature's Wonders
morning
:

Rise early and embark on a hiking adventure in the nearby hills, where breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside await. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy surrounded by nature, making the most of the peaceful morning ambiance. Breathe in the fresh air as you connect with the beautiful landscapes that Slovakia has to offer.

afternoon
:

Return from your hike and explore a nearby natural reserve, possibly interacting with local wildlife and appreciating flora native to the region. Spend your afternoon learning about environmental conservation efforts in the area through guided tours or informational signs throughout the reserve. Capture the stunning scenery with your camera, ensuring your memories of the day last forever.

evening
:

Upon returning to Veľké Kapušany, treat yourself to a homemade dinner at a family-run restaurant, enjoying warm hospitality and local specialties. As night falls, consider attending a community event or festival if available, celebrating Slovak traditions through music and dance. Conclude your day by reflecting on your experiences, perhaps journaling or relaxing under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-4
🧀Local cheeses$3-6 per piece
🚍Public transit ticket (1 ride)$0.80-1.50
🏨Budget hotel room per night$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, walkable town; easy access to rural Slovakia and cross-border exploration
  • Genuine local experiences and friendly residents
  • Limited nightlife and resort-style amenities
  • Fewer big-name attractions compared to larger cities
  • "Dobrý deň" - Hello / Good day
  • "Prosím" - Please
  • "Ďakujem" - Thank you
  • "Koľko to stojí?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hovoríte po anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Áno" - Yes
  • "Nie" - No
  • "Pomoc, prosím" - Help, please
  • "Môžete mi ukázať cestu?" - Can you show me the way?

Places to Visit in Veľké Kapušany

Visit one of these nice places.

Main Square and Town Hall

A focal point of Veľké Kapušany with traditional buildings and a church spire against a broad sky.

Historic Church on the Town’s Main Street

A simple, classic Slovak church with bell tower and quiet surroundings ideal for photography.

Rural landscape and riverbank views

Open farmland and hedgerow lines at golden hour offer wide landscapes and silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Veľké Kapušany

Eastern Slovakia blends Slovak, Hungarian and Ukrainian influences into hearty, rustic cuisine. Expect comforting dishes made from local produce, fresh dairy, and garden herbs. Seasonal produce shines in soups, dumplings and grilled dishes. Prices are modest and portions generous.

Veľké Kapušany Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bryndzové halušky

Potato dumplings with sheep cheese bryndza and often bacon bits.

Must-Try!

Guláš

A robust meat stew served with bread or dumplings.

Kapustnica

A sour cabbage soup with sausage or smoked meat.

Lokše

Potato flatbreads served with fillings like poppy seeds or goose fat.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly farmers market

Local producers selling dairy, vegetables, honey, smoked meats and baked goods in the town square.

Street snacks

Seasonal grilled sausages, traditional pastries and langos from local vendors in warmer months.

Climate Guide

Weather

The town experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers with average highs in the 20s C, cold winters with temperatures often below freezing, and mild springs and autumns. Precipitation is spread through the year, with spring rains and summer thunderstorms possible.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

A friendly hello with Dobrý deň is common; address people formally in official settings.

Religious spaces

Be respectful in churches and sacred spaces; dress modestly.

Border area

ID and permits for border crossings; avoid discussions of politics in public.

Safety Guide

Safety

Veľké Kapušany is generally safe with a low incidence of petty crime. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Be cautious at border areas and verify travel advisories if crossing the border; in emergencies dial 112.

Tipping in Veľké Kapušany

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants if service is not included, a tip of 5-10% is common. Rounding up at cafes is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common in towns; carry some local currency for small vendors and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming trees, variable showers; great for city walks and nearby nature.

Summer

Warm to hot days with long daylight; ideal for outdoor dining and river walks, but thunderstorms can occur.

Autumn

Crisp air and harvest colors; good for countryside walks and photography of fall foliage.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; quieter streets, mostly indoors activities and cozy cafes.

Nightlife Guide

Veľké Kapušany at Night

Veľké Kapušany has a calm nightlife focused on small pubs, cafés, and wine bars. Expect local beer, simple music, and conversations with residents rather than large club scenes. In warmer months there are seasonal outdoor gatherings and occasional village festivals or cultural events.

Hiking in Veľké Kapušany

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Latorica River valley trails

Easy to moderate trails along the river with wetlands and birdlife.

Zemplínske hills overlook routes

Gentle hills offering scenic viewpoints within a short drive.

Nature reserves near the Zemplín region

Protected areas with easy trails and wildlife watching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Veľké Kapušany by plane.

Košice International Airport (KSC)

Primary international gateway for the region, with flights to several European destinations.

Debrecen International Airport (DEB)

A regional airport with occasional international flights; useful for southern routes.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Major international hub within a few hours drive; many connections.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Large international airport serving the broader region for international travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Veľké Kapušany is compact and walkable in the town center. Most services, restaurants, and sights are a short stroll from the main square, while the surrounding countryside is best reached by car or bicycle. Signage in Slovak is common; English is more limited in some spots but locals are helpful.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Slovaks

The majority population, speaking Slovak and shaping local culture.

Hungarians

A significant minority in eastern Slovakia contributing Hungarian cultural influences.

Roma

A community present in many eastern towns with distinct cultural traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region with local clubs and community leagues.

Ice hockey

Winter sport with local rinks and seasonal leagues.

Tennis

Public courts and clubs offer seasonal play and tournaments.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Veľké Kapušany is light. The town is connected by local roads to Michalovce and Trebišov; regional buses provide public transport, while cars are the main mode for longer trips. There is a border crossing toward Ukraine nearby, with typical cross-border checkpoints; plan extra time during peak hours or border holidays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Veľké Kapušany.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose cheese and mushroom dishes, dumplings with potato and cabbage and ask for olive oil or plant based options. In many places you can omit meat from stews.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local general practitioners and a small medical clinic in town. For more specialized care or hospital services, residents typically travel to larger nearby towns such as Michalovce or Košice. Pharmacies are present in town, and Slovakia has universal health coverage; carry your health insurance card when seeking care.

Discover Slovakia

Read more in our Slovakia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovakia Travel Guide