tourist cities in slovakia

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15 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

Slovakia, in Central Europe, borders the Czech Republic , Poland , Hungary , Austria , and Ukraine , and is a vibrant mix of leisurely cafe culture and winding streets, and picture-perfect towns with rugged castles, Gothic churches, and sprawling lush forests.

Known for its spas and geothermal waters, you can relax in an aqua park, or take to the mighty Carpathian Mountains and indulge in a whole host of winter sports. Follow us as we take you on a journey through this fascinating undiscovered country, with stops at spa towns, protected villages, open-air museums, collapsed volcanoes, frozen lakes, and much more.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Slovakia :

1. Bratislava

The largest city in Slovakia, as well as being the capital, Bratislava lies on the River Danube and borders both Austria and Hungary. Come here for a trip to the imposing Bratislava Castle, perched on a plateau above the city and originally built in the 10th century. The city is located in an area of lush vegetation so there are a wealth of parks, open spaces, and lakes in and around Bratislava, including Rusovce Lake, although if you choose to venture there, be forewarned, it is also famous as an area for nudists!

If you head into Old Town in Bratislava be sure to take a ride around on the tourist train that will give you a whistle-stop tour of the city so that you can take in the history and culture from the comfort of a seat. Bratislava is also known for its eclectic music scene, from underground clubs that feature up and coming experimental artists, to its annual Bratislava Music Festival and jazz festival known as Jazz Days.

The region of Liptov is considered by many locals and one of the jewels in the crown of Slovakia, and as such it is one of the most visited areas of the country. The largest ski resort in Slovakia, Jasná, is found in the Liptov region, and if you enjoy winter sports then there are a wealth of trails here for all different abilities to try, including both skiing and snowboarding options.

If you prefer water to snow then you can visit Aquapark Tatralandia, one of the largest water parks in all of Central Europe, where all the water comes from thermal springs, said to have healing properties. For those interested in the local folklore, a trip to the sleepy village of Vikolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-do, and you will find log houses, a quaint wooden chapel, and a folklore museum.

3. Slovak Karst Caves

Slovakia is home to almost 2,500 caves, and more are being discovered as time goes on, with some 400 having been explored to date. The entire Slovak Karst region of caves has UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and if you like spelunking then you can’t miss a trip to one of the spectacular caves in the region.

If you want to see one of only three Aragonite caves in the world then you should head to Ochtinská Aragonite Cave. If you are feeling brave, you can also visit a section of Domica Cave that features boat rides on a river known as the River Styx, the river in Greek mythology that passengers had to cross to reach the Underworld.

The charming city of Košice was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and has a cosmopolitan feel to it that expertly mixes the old with the new. Explore the Old Town where you will find medieval architecture and many of the buildings here are protected.

For a fine example of Gothic style, head to St Elisabth Cathedral, built in the 14th century, as well as the St Michael Chapel that also dates from the same period. If you like culture then you can spend an afternoon in the East Slovak Gallery that pays tribute to Slovak art, or the East Slovak Museum to learn more about the history of Slovakia.

Come to the town of Levoca if you are a fan of Renaissance architecture, which the city has in abundance, including the Roman Catholic Church of St James whose claim to fame is that it has the highest carved wooden alter in Europe. The Old Town is still encircled by the original town walls, and has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the town square you will find the Old Town Hall which is now a museum for those who want to learn more about the region, as well as the iron cage that still sits in the square with the rather alarming name, ‘The Cage of Shame’ which was used in days gone by to punish criminals.

6. Pieštàny

Known predominantly as a spa town, come to Pieštàny for some rest and relaxation as you bathe in the medicinal thermal waters as well as the sulphuric mud, said to cure a number of ills. The spa is located on the aptly named Spa Island and features a range of treatments and baths that make use of the geothermal properties created by mineral deposits from the surrounding mountains.

In addition to the spa itself, there are hiking trails and exercise areas, and if guests want to experience the local flora and fauna they can walk through the park area on Spa Island and take in the fountains and statues, and there is also a Social Centre that features galleries and museums.

Found near the borders of the Czech Republic and Poland, the city of Žilina has a pretty historic centre famous for its quaint churches as well as the spectacular views of the surrounding Mala Fatra Mountains. For art lovers, there is the powerhouse Museum of Art Žilina which features both classic and contemporary pieces that give an insight into the folk traditions of the region.

If you want to experience more of the local scenery, then head for Žilina Dam where you will find walking and running trails, skating and cycling paths, and even volleyball and basketball courts. You can even try your hand and paragliding at the nearby Stranik Hill.

The city of Trencín near the border with the Czech Republic is historic region known for the dominating yet beautiful Trencín Castle that lies atop a rock and which is medieval in style and is split into two sites, the upper and lower parts of the castle.

The city also features a traditional town square which faces Baroque buildings and churches, and visitors can spend an afternoon exploring the winding streets that lead off the square and are home to boutiques, galleries, and local arts and crafts shops perfect for stocking up on souvenirs. Not just offering a glimpse of the past however, a large music festival, said to be the most popular in Slovakia, is held every year in the city.

Well loved in Slovakia due to its status as a holiday resort, this city in the north of Slovakia is also known as an entry point to the High Tatra Mountains via the Tatra Electric Railway that begins in Poprad. The city is also known for its historic centre that features Baroque and Renaissance architecture in the form of the Church of John the Baptist and the Renaissance Bell Tower.

To take in all that the city has to offer head to the Aqua City Poprad where you can enjoy the thermal waters and the local saunas, as well as a whole host of other fun activities such as water tobogganing and playgrounds. For those looking for something more energetic, there are biking paths all over the city and you can even use these to indulge in another favourite activity in the city – roller-skating.

• 10.  Stará Lubovna

This city is perhaps best known as the home of the famous Stará Lubovna Open Air Museum, also known as the Museum of Folk Architecture, which encompasses the nearby Lubovna Castle as well as traditional smaller dwellings and picturesque period houses.

Many of the dwellings are made from logs and visitors can tour the site to learn about life in Slovakia at the beginning of the 19th century. As well as the log cabins there are also working buildings such as blacksmith’s, a water mill, and a village school so that visitors can earn about the local crafts of days gone by, as well as a Catholic Church also made entirely of wood. At Lubovna Castle there are views across the city from the preserved observation towers as well as a dedicated on-site museum and tours provided for visitors.

• 11.  Banská Štiavnica

The town of Banská Štiavnica is nestled in a caldera that was the result of a collapsed volcano that now forms the Štiavnica Mountains. The town has an abundance of picturesque ancient buildings, including two castles known as New Castle and Old Castle. Built into the side of the volcanic scenery for which the town is famous, is The Cavalry, a large complex that is mostly Baroque in style and features over twenty chapels and churches that dot the area and in which visitors can view lovingly restored murals and frescoes.

Also of note in Banská Štiavnica is the town square, named the Holy Trinity Square due to the statue of the Holy Trinity, and the square comes alive with markets and events throughout the year such as music performances and folk dancing.

The region of Spiš lies near to the border with Poland, and is most famed for the mighty Spiš Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates from the 12th century. The castle has its origins in the Romanesque style and is made of stone with fortifications to protect it from marauders, and the site is now open to the public who can tour the building which also features the castle museum. For those interested in history, the museum is not to be missed and even has medieval torture devices on display.

• 13.  Slovak Paradise National Park

One of nine national parks in Slovakia, Slovak Paradise National Park is the perfect place to take in the local flora and fauna, and has forests, lush park lands, and chilly caves. There are over 300 kilometres of hiking trails to choose from for hikers of all levels of fitness, and bird watching and cycling are also popular pursuits in the park.

There are also canyons, ravines, lakes, and gorges in the park as well as the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Dobšinská Ice Cave, which is basically an area of frozen water inside a cave, and one of the few caves in the region that is open to the public.

• 14.  Bardejov

Bardejov, located in the foothills of the Beskyd Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site largely due to its preserved medieval town centre. History buffs and architecture fiends will enjoy visiting the town square which still features traditional burgher houses in period styles, as well as the town hall, a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that now operates as a museum, also the oldest museum in the entire country.

The fortifications of the town and the original city walls dating from the 15th century also still stand and have been lovingly preserved for visitors to explore.

• 15.  Slovak Carpathians

The Slovak Carpathians form a mountain range that runs through Slovakia and the neighbouring Czech Republic, and consists of the mighty White Carpathians on the Slovak side, including the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area.

The Carpathians are mainly forested and are perfect for those who enjoy communing with nature as there are opportunities for rambling, hiking, and climbing in the region. In the upper regions of the Carpathians there are nine ski resorts to choose from with skiing and snowboarding opportunities that run throughout the winter season.

15 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia:

• Slovak Karst Caves

Wander-Lush

21 Most Beautiful Places in Slovakia: The Ultimate List

With more than 120 castles – the biggest number of any country in the world per capita – nine national parks, and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, small but mighty Slovakia is one of the most culturally rich and naturally diverse European countries.

Whether you’re into hiking or history, castles or churches, modern cities or medieval small towns, this is the perfect destination for an adventurous holiday.

Here are 21 of the most beautiful places in Slovakia to visit.

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Most beautiful cities in Slovakia

1. banska bystrica.

Lying in the Hron River valley in central Slovakia, Banská Bystrica is an ancient mining town of Gothic buildings and Renaissance-style castles flanked by spectacular mountains. It’s also the first of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites to feature on this list.

Host to more than 14 museums, three castles, and 10 churches and cathedrals, Banska Bystrica’s charming city centre is in almost perfect harmony with the landscape of rolling green hills and forests. It’s little wonder why this is considered one of the most beautiful places in Slovakia.

There is no shortage of experiences on offer when visiting Banská Bystrica: In winter, the city is the jumping-off point for a number of ski resorts, while in the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a dozen outdoor activities including cave touring, nature valley sightseeing, and mountain hiking.

• Get there: Train (3 hrs) or bus/car (2 hrs) from Bratislava.
• Where to stay: Hotel Kuria .

2. Bratislava

Bratislava might not get as many accolades as its sister Danube river cities of Vienna and Budapest , but Slovakia’s capital city is beautiful in its own way.

The biggest city in Slovakia, Bratislava is relatively modest in size, and can quite easily be explored in a day . Highlights include the regal St. Martin’s Cathedral, the pretty Art-Nouveau Blue Church, and the 18th century Primatial Palace. This being the capital, there is no shortage of restaurants serving national Slovak cuisine and trendy coffee shops in between.

In true Slovak style, Bratislava’s crowning jewel is its castle, Bratislavský hrad, which dates back to 907 AD. From the grounds of Bratislava Castle you get a magnificent panorama of the city, Danube, and quirky UFO Tower. On the opposite bank of the river, the maze of colourfully painted apartment blocks in Petrzalka is a playground for urban photographers.

• Get there: Fly into Bratislava International Airport, or bus/boat from Vienna.
• Where to stay: LOFT Hotel .

Located near the Hungarian border on the river Hornád and known as the second-largest city in Slovakia , the first documented mention of Košice – or Cassa Villa as it was called back then – was in 1230. Interestingly, this was the first town in all of Europe to bear its own coat of arms.

Today, Kosice is not only the industrial centre of Slovakia but also eastern Slovakia’s cultural and economic capital. The sightseeing options are endless: from wine and beer tastings to hiking, cultural tours , and watching an opera in the majestic State Theatre.

St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, the biggest Catholic church in Slovakia, dominates the city centre and is surrounded by colourful buildings and a row of leafy parks. Slovakia’s Kosice region is known as Europe’s easternmost boundary of Gothic architecture, and St. Elizabeth’s is a very fine example of a traditional Gothic church.

• Get there: Train (6.5 hrs) or flight (50 mins) from Bratislava.
• Where to stay: Vila Terrasse .

Trenčín is a small city in western Slovakia, positioned close to the Czech Republic border on the banks of the river Vah. It has a long history that goes back to Roman times, and today is best known for being home to Slovakia’s third-largest castle, Trenčiansky hrad.

From its rocky roost, Trencin Castle commands some of the most beautiful views in the country. It holds many historical treasures within its walls, including inscriptions from 179 AD.

Trencin’s historic centre, the Mariánsky hrad district and Town Monument Reserve stretch out below the fortress and contain the city’s most beautiful restored buildings and churches. The Nativity of the Virgin Mary church and its 16th-century covered staircase, the Neo-Baroque Piaristic Church of St. Francis Xaverský, and the 1913 Trencin Synagogue are among the highlights.

One of the best places to visit in Slovakia for live music, Trencin comes to life in summer, when the city plays host to a program of classical events. Pohoda , the biggest music festival in Slovakia, is also staged here.

• Get there: Train from Bratislava (1 hr).
• Where to stay: Hotel Elizabeth .

Pretty Trnava is a paradise for history buffs, art lovers and wine connoisseurs . Just a short bus ride from Bratislava, it offers a different kind of city experience plus an opportunity to sip your way through one of Slovakia’s many wine regions.

There are multiple vineyards on the city fringe, including the popular Mrva & Stanko, which offers wine degustations inside its underground brick cellars. Every September, Trnava hosts the Open Wine Cellars Day , when you can hop between underground pivnica and learn about local winemaking traditions.

Visit at any time of year to take in Trnava’s impressive architecture. Hlavná Street is straight from a picture book, with its pretty Rococo and Baroque buildings. This high concentration of churches gives this city the nickname ‘Slovak Rome’, so you definitely don’t want to miss the ecclesiastical architecture either. The 14th century St. Nicholas Basilica is one of the city’s most preeminent churches, with a fabulous Gothic style interior.

• Get there: Bus from Bratislava (45 mins).
• Where to stay: Penzión Elements .

North-western Slovakia’s Zilina region hugs the Polish and Czech borders. It’s known throughout the country for its industry, yet its location in the Western Carpathians makes it a popular destination for tourists as well.

The region’s biggest city and cultural hub, also called Žilina, is something of a hidden gem. Mariánske námestie is one of the prettiest town squares in the country, lined with flagstone and ringed with rows of charming pastel houses.

Over the river, Zilina’s 13th century castle, Budatínsky hrad, is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. It has a tower for wonderful city views, and a sprawling park where you’ll find walking and biking trails that hug the banks of the Vah.

• Get there: Train from Bratislava (2 hrs) or Trencin (1.5 hrs).
• Where to stay: Penzión Central Park .

Beautiful places in Slovakia: Small towns & villages

Containing the world’s first folk architecture reserve founded in 1977 , Čičmany is a small village in Zilina region. It’s widely known as ‘the painted village of Cicmany’ because of its many houses built of dark timber, each decorated with intricate traditional patterns using white lime paint.

The name of the town is derived from the Slovak word čičman , meaning a lumberjack who sings while he works. The tradition of building wooden cottages dates back to at least 1272.

In the winter seasons, the village serves as a popular ski resort called Javorinka. The rest of the year is filled with costumed folk dance performances, local folk music, and art. In addition to preserving the village’s vernacular architecture, Cicmany’s Považie Museum also arranges the traditional festivals held here throughout the warmer months.

• Get there: Car/bus from Zilina (45 mins) or car/guided tour from Bratislava (2 hrs).
• Where to stay: Kaštiel Čičmany .

8. Banska Stiavnica

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the historic town of Banská Štiavnica in central Slovakia enjoys one of the most impressive locations in the entire country. Nestled in a caldera formed by an ancient volcano and enveloped by beautiful nature, it’s a fairytale come true.

Banska Stiavnica has a long history and rich history tied to the silver mining industry. More than 60 water reservoirs called tajchy were built around the town between the 15th and 18th centuries to power the mines. Today, they serve a new purpose as man-made lakes for swimming and kayaking.

Learn about the history of mining at the Open-air Museum, where you can join an immersive guided tour of a 1.5-kilometre-long tunnel. Like many Slovak towns of the same ilk, Banska Stiavnica boasts pastel-coloured buildings and darling churches. In fact, its preserved medieval town centre is considered to be one of the most important in all of Slovakia.

• Get there: Car/bus from Banska Bystrica (40 mins) or car/guided tour from Bratislava (2.25 hrs).
• Where to stay: Penzión Kachelman .

9. Spania Dolina, one of the most beautiful places in Slovakia

Špania Dolina is a picturesque village of not more than 200 residents in central Slovakia. Surrounded by the Staré Hory and Veľká Fatra mountains, this former mining village is now the Monument Reserve of Popular Architecture, with all the houses made from stone and wood.

Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Slovakia, it’s characterised by unique miners’ houses plastered with mud and painted with lime. Learn more about their legacy at the Museum of Copper.

Once mined for their copper and silver, the hills around Spania Dolina are now the perfect setting for day hikes. Discover amazing views of the town and wooden churches and chapels, such as Kaplnka. Another popular trek is to Harmanecká Cave, formed from 220 million-year-old Middle Triassic Gutenstein limestone.

• Get there: Car/bus from Banska Bystrica (15 mins).
• Where to stay: Pension Klopačka .

Located in the eastern Prešov Region, the historic town of Levoča is famous for housing the highest wooden altar in the world. Fashioned in 1517 by woodsmiths from the Master Paul of Levoča workshop, it stands at 18.6 metres tall – a scale befitting Slovakia’s second-largest church, the Basilica of St. James.

Although around 15,000 people call Lovoca home, it’s still known as a quiet, even sleepy town – unless of course there is a festival happening. The biggest annual celebration is the Indian Summer in Levoča Festival, an international music festival that pays tribute to Spis county’s position at the European crossroads of art and culture.

Levoca itself has featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2009. Small enough to tour by foot, the historical centre has a pretty town square, old town hall, and several museums. A short drive east of town, the 12th century Spiš Castle is one of the biggest fortresses in Central Europe.

• Get there: Car/bus from Kosice (1 hr).
• Where to stay: Žeľeni domčurik .

11. Bardejov

In the Šariš region of north-eastern Slovakia, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies the spa town Bardejov. The town was first mentioned in the year 1247, and to date, its town centre remains fully intact. Standing on the cobbled square, you can almost see exactly what life looked like during early Renaissance Europe.

Although the sights are incredible, Bardejov’s real beauty lies in the fact that it hasn’t been spoiled by droves of tourists. Whether you’re looking to relax in the mineral water springs, take a walk through the open-air folk architecture museum, or witness Slovakia’s best-preserved medieval fortifications, Bardejov is definitely one of the best places in the country to visit.

• Get there: Car/bus from Kosice (1.5 hrs).
• Where to stay: Hotel Pod Bránou .

Beautiful castles in Slovakia

12. bojnice castle.

Indisputably the most iconic fortification in Slovakia, Bojnice Castle or the ‘Castle of Spirits’ has served as the backdrop for many fairytale films. You’ll no doubt recognise its picture-perfect turrets from pop culture. Romanesque with a touch of Gothic and Renaissance, it was erected in the 12th century and originally made from wood.

Visit the wonderful castle museum, and take a stroll through the expansive castle grounds among the 700-year-old Linden trees.

• Get there: Car/bus from Banska Bystrica (1.5 hrs).

13. Devin Castle

An easy day trip from the capital , Devin Castle might not be the most conventionally beautiful castle in Slovakia, but it is one of the most historically significant. You only need to look at its strategic location to see why: Perched high over the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, it was the perfect lookout spot for spotting encroaching enemies.

The 200-metre-high rock offers panoramic views all the way out to neighbouring Austria and is particularly beautiful at sunset . Tour the grounds of the 9th century fortress – one of the oldest in Slovakia – and visit the cave museum, where a number of artefacts from the period are on display.

• Get there: Bus/taxi from Bratislava (20 mins).

14. Orava Castle

Considered by many to be the most beautiful castle in Slovakia, Orava was built in the 13th century when Slovakia was still part of the Kingdom of Hungary. Like Devin, it enjoys an elevated position above a river – this time a lime spur more than 100 metres high nestled in a tight bend of the river Orava, which flows into the Vah.

Hauntingly beautiful from the outside, the castle’s interior chambers are a treasure chest. The Orava Museum is one of the oldest in Slovakia and exhibits period furnishings, weaponry and archaeological finds.

• Get there: Car/bus from Zilina (1 hr).

15. Budatin Castle

Located in the north-western part of Slovakia where the rivers Kysuka and Vah become one, the medieval Castello di Budatín or Budatin Castle was built on the spot where a much older fortification stood to guard an important trading route to Silesia. Today it falls within the boundaries of the beautiful Slovakian city of Zilina, making it easy to visit when exploring the city.

The castle’s four-story tower is its oldest part, built during the 13th century.

• Get there: By foot from Zilina (30 mins).

16. Smolenice Castle

Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains near Smolenice, Smolenický zámok (the Smolenice Castle) was originally built in the 15th century and destroyed shortly thereafter during the Napoleanic wars. Since then, it has seen yet more destruction as a result of World War II. Now owned by the Slovak Academy of Sciences, it has been completely restored.

The castle is now used as a convention centre and hosts science exhibitions, conferences and seminars. Because of its fairytale-like appearance, Smolenice Castle now also serves as a popular wedding venue. Guided tours are available during the summer months between June and August.

• Get there: Car/bus from Bratislava (1 hr).

17. Sklabina Castle

At 626 metres above sea level on a hill beyond Sklabinský Podzámok village lies the ruins of a once-majestic fortified castle known as Sklabiňa. The first documented mention of this castle was in 1242, when it was noted to have been built on the site of an older settlement.

Eerily beautiful, Hrad Sklabiňa is one example of a partially destroyed Slovakian castle that still bears the scars of war. After burning down in 1436 and enduring multiple modifications and additions, the last habitable area of the castle, known as the manor house, was destroyed for the last time by enemy troops in 1944.

However, neither the castle nor its enthusiasts have given up hope yet – festivals and events are organised in support of raising the funds needed to restore the beautiful Sklabina Castle to her former glory.

• Get there: Car/bus from Zilina (30 mins) or Banska Bystrica (1 hr).

Beautiful mountains, lakes & national parks in Slovakia

18. the high tatra mountains.

Part of the Carpathian mountains, the High Tatras are shared between Slovakia and Poland, forming a natural land border between the two nations. If you’re searching for pristine nature and stunning views, your nose will no doubt lead you to this northern frontier, where there are no fewer than 29 peaks towering higher than 2,500 metres.

Tatras National Park, the first cross-border national park in Europe, was established in the 1940s/50s to protect the area’s endemic flora and fauna. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Slovakia for hiking , mountain biking and water sports. Towns including Tatranská Lomnica – with their cute cottages – add to the scenery and provide a convenient base for experiencing the landscape.

Slovakia might be a landlocked country, but the lakes and rivers within the Tatras make up for the absence of beaches. Zelene Pleso AKA ‘Green Lake’ is one such natural phenomenon. A popular hiking trail leads from the end of the cable car to the lake, taking around five hours in total. Some of the park’s most beautiful scenery lies on Štrbské Pleso, a glacial lake nicknamed ‘the puddle’.

For a more challenging hike, summit the highest peak on the Slovak side, Gerlachovský štít (2,655 metres).

• Get there: Car/bus from Kosice (~3 hrs).
• Where to stay: Hotel Lomnica in Tatranská Lomnica.

19. The Tokaj Wine Region

Swathes of Slovakia’s south-eastern corner are devoted to rolling vineyards. The Tokaj Wine Region (which continues over the border into north-eastern Hungary) is one of the most underrated in Eastern Europe. The countryside transforms from verdant green to shades of ochre and amber in the cooler months, offering stunning scenery year-round.

Travel through the 900-plus hectares of vineyards by car, hopping between cellars that celebrate the region’s Roman-era vine-growing traditions. The climate and soils in Tokaj are perfect for raising particular varieties of grapes that make naturally sweet wines – be sure to sample Tokajský výber, the region’s world-famous dessert wine, while you’re there.

• Where to stay: Chalupa Esencia .

20. Slovak Paradise National Park

Situated in Eastern Slovakia and protecting the Slovak Paradise mountain range since 1890, Slovak Paradise National Park is another of Slovakia’s nine national parks. To give you an idea of the park’s size, there are a further 11 natural nature reserves and eight nature reserves situated within its borders, taking in an estimated 300km of hiking trails and 350 caves. Unfortunately, only one of these caves, known as the Dobšiná Ice Cave, is open to the public

With 40 mammal species, 4,000 species of invertebrates, and 65 endangered species, Slovak Paradise National Park is one of Slovakia’s most important landscapes. If you find beauty in the great outdoors, it’s an experience not to be missed.

• Get there: Car/bus from Kosice (~1.5 hrs).
• Where to stay: Penzion u Šimona in Hrbok.

21. Poloniny National Park & Dark Sky Park

At the Polish and Ukrainian borders in northeastern Slovakia, belonging to the eastern Carpathian Mountains, Poloniny National Park was created in 1997. Almost 80% of the park is covered with thick forest where the ridge line above the trees is populated with alpine meadows. In local language this translates to ‘poloniny’, and is how the national park got its name.

The park is also home to four churches originally built between the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the last traditional wooden house in the whole region to retain an original thatch roof. Also within the reserve, Poloniny Dark Sky Park is the first of its kind in Slovakia. One of the last places in the country that’s free from light pollution, it’s a top destination for stargazing – the Milky Way can be seen from here without the aid of a telescope.

• Get there: Car/bus from Kosice (~2.5 hrs).
• Where to stay: Bilovoddya Hotel in Sil village.

Slovakia trip essentials

• Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental car in Slovakia.
• Find the best hotel deals in Slovakia on Booking.com .
• Search for the best city tours and day excursions in Slovakia on Viator .

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One Comment

Prešov is one of the most beautiful cities in Slovakia, I know the country really well and always prefer to spend a night in Prešov, when I am in this region. My other favourites are Košice, Banská Bystrica and Banská Štiavnica. Bratislava is not the most interesting choice.

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Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on October 3, 2023

Lying right in the center of Europe, Slovakia is a delight to explore. Crumbling castles and medieval towns can be found tucked away among its stunning scenery, with lots of interesting historic sights and cultural landmarks for you to discover.

Due to its strategic location, the country has been conquered and ruled by everyone from the Mongols and Hungarians to the Ottomans and Czechs; it was only in 1993 that the nation of Slovakia came into being for the first time.

Map of the best places in Slovakia

Despite its youth, the country’s rich culture and heritage shine forth wherever you go, with plenty of local traditions and customs for you to delve into. While its many historic towns and villages are captivating to explore, Slovakia is also blessed with some gorgeous scenery. Plan your trip to this undiscovered Central European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

10. Orava Castle

Set upon a craggy hilltop amid a verdant forest that tumbles down its steep slopes, Orava Castle certainly looks impressive, as rolling hills lie off in the distance, and the Orava River runs below its imposing cliff face.

One of the most beautiful castles in the whole of Slovakia, Orava Castle was built all the way back in the 13th century, although earlier wooden palisades and fortifications once occupied its prominent outcrop.

As each generation added its own touches and additions, the castle boasts a variety of architectural styles, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance features all evident. Its museum houses some wonderful old artifacts and archaeological findings that document its rich history. Throughout the many centuries that it has stood atop the bluff, the Orava Castle has never been conquered; it’s easy to see why once you pass through its many gates, walls, and defenses.

9. Vlkolinec

One of the only remaining folk villages in the whole of Central Europe, Vlkolínec is full of impressive architecture, with traditional log houses lying next to a beautiful Baroque chapel and an antiquated old bell tower. A very quaint and charming place to visit, the tiny village is set in an idyllic spot amidst forest-clad hills and fields, with mountains seen in the distance.

As such, there are many great hikes you can do in the surrounding area. Besides that, there is not all that much to do other than take in the peaceful, laidback atmosphere and marvel at the fine folk architecture.

8. Bardejov

With a delightful historic center for you to explore, the well-preserved medieval town of Bardejov is certainly worth a visit if you have the chance; it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque place.

Life in the small town revolves around its beautiful marketplace, just as it did all those centuries ago. A number of fine Gothic and Renaissance townhouses surround the elegant Church of St. Aegidius, which lies at its heart.

There is also a splendid old synagogue for you to check out, as well as a small Jewish quarter, which is sadly all that remains of the town’s once-thriving Jewish population. Located in the northeast of the country, with the Beskyd Mountains all around it, the town is surrounded by some fantastic 14th and 15th-century fortifications, with several interesting wooden churches scattered around the surrounding countryside.

7. Slovak Paradise National Park

Encompassing a wide array of wild and rugged landscapes, the Slovak Paradise National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the country to explore; deep canyons, valleys, and rivers cut through the endless forests on show.

The scenery is absolutely stunning wherever you go; amid the dense undergrowth, you can find sparkling waterfalls and deep rocky gorges, with the astounding Dobsinska Ice Cave just one of its main attractions.

Due to all of the amazing natural sights found in the park, it really is a treat to explore, and a myriad of paths and trails snake through the glorious Solvak Paradise mountain range. At times, you need to cross flimsy bridges that sway precariously to and fro, and clamber up steep ladders that hug the cliff face. The hike through the Sucha Bela Gorge is particularly challenging, but the beauty makes it well worth the effort.

Over the centuries, Kosice has been ruled by everyone from the Hungarians and Turks to the Czechs and Slovaks. As such, there is a myriad of amazing monuments, statues, and cultural landmarks for you to check out.

Slovakia’s second-largest city has a wealth of great things for you to see and do, with fantastic bars, restaurants, and shops found alongside its many art galleries, museums, and theaters.

While its thriving arts and culture scene is certainly worth exploring, no visit to Kosice can be complete without taking in all the fantastic sights and architecture found in its spectacular old town. Besides its stunning 14th century cathedral, there is a huge array of churches and palaces to see. Many people use Kosice as a base from which to explore the plethora of astonishing sights that dot the east of the country.

Lined with beautiful old townhouses, Levoca’s historic main square certainly is spectacular, with a glorious Gothic church and 15th-century town hall lying at its heart. Levoca is full of incredible historic sights and cultural landmarks, with lots of magnificent architecture scattered around town; you’ll see Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic features.

While its gorgeous main square is the highlight, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for a day or two. The surrounding region is awash with amazing sights should you want to visit Spis Castle or the scenic Tatra Mountains.

With a very laidback feel to it, Levoca is the perfect place to visit if you’re after a quiet getaway. When in town, a peaceful stroll up to the Church of Marianska Hora is a must for the fantastic views and its important spiritual significance.

4. Spis Castle

Overlooking the town of Spisske Podhradie from on top of a hill, the vast ruins of Spis Castle cover a vast expanse of territory. As such, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is one of the largest castle complexes in the whole of Central Europe. Wandering around its many walls, fortifications, and towers is an amazing experience, and the mind boggles at the sheer size and scale of everything.

Once the major center of power in the surrounding region, Spis Castle is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia. It’s easy to see why once you approach the castle and see its impressive features for yourself.

Despite its ruined state, the remains of the castle still defiantly look out over the surrounding countryside and dominate the scenery with its commanding presence.

3. Banska Stiavnica

Lying at the center of what used to be an enormous caldera, Banská Štiavnica is a fascinating city to explore. Much of its fabulous wealth derives from the rich mineral deposits that were once found in the ground around the town. The former mining town has a magnificent historic center, with lots of lovely churches, palaces, and museums.

Wandering around town, you’ll pass many amazing historic sights and cultural landmarks. In addition to all this, Banská Štiavnica also has two fantastic castles for you to visit, while the open-air mining museum is well worth checking out; it takes you deep underground to see what life in the mines was really like.

2. High Tatras

As they are home to the tallest mountains in the country, the High Tatras make for some unforgettable hiking and rock climbing, while in winter, there are loads of great slopes and pistes to ski down.

The majestic mountain range really is a sight to behold; its jagged peaks rise up imperiously towards the heavens, and sparkling alpine lakes and meadows can be found tucked away among its many slopes and valleys.

Occupying an important place in the national psyche, the High Tatras are almost a national symbol, and the snow-capped Mount Krivan is the most distinctive peak. Due to the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, the mountain range lends itself perfectly to all different types of outdoor activities. There are plenty of paths and trails for you to hike, cycle, or ski along, and the views are simply out of this world.

1. Bratislava

The nation’s capital and largest city, Bratislava has many different sides to it, and that is in part what makes it so fascinating to explore. At the historic heart of the city, one can find a magnificent hilltop castle and a range of medieval and Gothic buildings, with some fine Baroque palaces on display.

Step out of the old town, and you’ll find communist-era concrete blocks lying alongside the Danube River that courses through Bratislava, while even further out, you’ll come across picturesque farms, fields, and villages.

Among this mesmerizing mix of old and new are loads of fantastic bars and restaurants for you to try, with more upmarket boutiques and trendy cafes springing up every year.

As it boasts an ever-changing array of things for you to see and do , Bratislava never gets old. But if you should ever feel the need for a change of scenery, then both Vienna and Budapest lie nearby.

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35 Amazing Places to Visit in Slovakia

Last Updated on 20/05/2024 by kami

Slovakia is often overlooked by tourists who prefer to focus on neighboring countries like Poland and the Czech Republic or who only visit Bratislava , the capital. Yet this underrated country really offers a lot and, as you will see below, the list of best places to visit in Slovakia is long and diverse.

You can find there vibrant cities and charming medieval towns, fairytale castles and impressive ruins, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and breathtaking mountains. If you are looking for a less known yet exciting destination you definitely should consider visiting Slovakia!

I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Slovakia but every visit is a treat for me. This is one of my favorite destinations in Europe and every time I’m really excited to return there, discover new places or revisit those that I enjoy.

And today I’m more than happy to share the best places to visit in Slovakia with you.

Planning a trip to Slovakia?

Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I use either Viator or Get Your Guide .
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Slovakia check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Get insured for your trip to Slovakia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Why visit Slovakia

Even if the independent Slovak state was created only in 1993 (when Czechoslovakia was divided, before it was briefly independent during WW2) the area has been an important spot in Central European history since medieval times. You will find numerous places (cities, towns, castles) that date back to that time and still are full of historical remnants from a few centuries ago.

Slovak cities, especially Bratislava and Kosice, are vibrant and besides numerous monuments, you can also enjoy there a great food scene and cultural life.

But the main reason to visit Slovakia is its nature, especially the mountains. The most popular are the High Tatras but there are a few more mountain ranges worth your attention. Other interesting natural wonders include caves, gorges, and waterfalls.

For such a small country, there are surprisingly many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Slovakia and those include medieval towns, wooden churches or impressive caves. If you like visiting those, you are in for a treat in Slovakia.

Slovakia is also a great destination for a cultural trip. There are a few good open-air folk museums as well as old folk villages you can visit.

The traditional Slovak food is really tasty and has some fine vegetarian options. And if you are lucky you can experience some local traditions that are always interesting to see.

Places to visit in Slovakia

If you are wondering what to see in Slovakia I’ve prepared this long and extensive list of the best destinations in Slovakia you might want to visit. I based it on my numerous trips to Slovakia as well as on my personal list of places to visit in Slovakia that are still waiting for me.

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Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is such an underrated city that is often considered only as a day trip from Vienna or Budapest . But the city really has a lot to offer and all the things to do in Bratislava will keep you busy for at least the weekend.

You will wander the small yet very charming Old Town where, besides winding lanes and beautiful townhouses, you can find some quirky sculptures such as Cumil. The castle towering above the city offers a beautiful panorama of Bratislava (especially its Petrzalka district with colorful blocks of flats) but is an interesting place to visit itself too.

You can get an even better view of Bratislava from one of the iconic structures of the city – the UFO-shaped bridge over the Danube river. Just a short walk away from the Old Town you will find some less known yet still impressive attractions of Bratislava – the fairy-tale alike art-nouveau Blue Church or the brutalist masterpiece – the radio broadcast building that looks like the reverse pyramid.

For lunch head to the beautiful Bratislava Flagship Restaurant to try some of the delicious Slovak dishes. Bratislava also has a very impressive cafe scene with numerous great cafes to choose from for your coffee and cake break.

Overall, this is a really charming and laid-back city that doesn’t really feel like the capital, where you can slow down a bit during your travels and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Central Europe . You can also use Bratislava as a base for numerous day trips around Slovakia and beyond.

Read more about Bratislava in my articles:

• The ultimate list of things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia
• Bratislava-more than just a day trip from Vienna
• 17 Great Day Trips from Bratislava, Slovakia
• Best cafes in Bratislava, Slovakia

Devin castle

Devin Castle, located just outside of Bratislava, is mostly in ruins today but you still can appreciate the impressive structure towering above the Danube river as the keeper of the capital.

Originally it dates back to the 9th century but this place was used already in ancient times as the Roman border post. Over the centuries it played an important role in the region until it was eventually blown up by the Napoleon army in 1809.

Today you can visit the remnants of the castle and learn more about its history (including the ancient times) in the interesting exhibition.

Trnava is among the most underrated places to visit in Slovakia and even if it is often overlooked by tourists, the city is full of attractions.

With its history dating back to the Middle Ages (when Trnava was the first place in Slovakia that was granted the right of a free royal town), the place is often called “the Little Rome” due to the numerous churches that you can still see there today. You will find most of them within the Old Town, surrounded by the longest remaining defending walls in Europe.

The center is mostly pedestrian and is a perfect place to wander around, enjoy one of the cafes or attend some city events. It is especially vibrant in the summertime when locals hang out there, taking advantage of the warm weather.

To get a good view of the center and beyond you should go up to the 16th-century town tower. One of the most unique attractions of Trnava is a 19th-century synagogue that was turned into a popular cafe where you can enjoy a drink in beautiful surroundings.

Smolenice castle

A fairytale castle of Smolenice, located not far from Trnava, was built in the place of the 14th-century sentry castle. Over the years it was rebuilt a few times to eventually get its current look in the 19th century.

Today this is the best example of Roman architecture in Slovakia since the castle is based on the best examples of similar architecture from France. Its most notable feature is the impressive tower from where you can admire a beautiful vista of the surrounding area.

The Smolenice castle is home to the Slovak Academy of Sciences and is open to the public only in July and August.

With a history dating back to the early medieval times, Nitra is the oldest city in Slovakia, founded around the 9th century. Still today you can find there numerous monuments and attractions from the old times, including the Nitra Castle (originally from the 11th century) with the impressive Cathedral of St Emeram (a mix of three temples with the oldest one being the Romanesque church from the 11th century) dominating above the city.

The pleasant center is lined with colorful townhouses and winding lanes, a scenery so typical for Central Europe. Nitra has also a strong position on the cultural map of Slovakia, with events like the Theatre Festival of Nitra taking place there. The Nitra region is also known locally for its wine production.

Komarno is a small city on the Danube, right on the border between Slovakia and Hungary (the twin city across the river is names Komarom), which makes a perfect stop when you travel from Budapest to Bratislava.

Even if the city has a long history, with the town rights granted in 1265) you won’t find many historical attractions there. Yet it’s still a pleasant place to visit, with the Central European charm and the architecture typical for the region. The biggest attraction is probably the well-preserved fortress that was built already in the 16th century and developed until the 19th century.

Don’t miss Europe Square, known also as Courtyard of Europe, where each of the 36 buildings here represents a different country and is built in the style typical for that country. It is a peculiar and quirky yet really interesting place to see.

Read more about Komarno in my article: Komarno, Slovakia – a perfect stop between Budapest and Bratislava

Kosice, the second-largest city in Slovakia, is among the most underrated cities to visit in Europe (I personally prefer it over Bratislava and visited the place countless times). Kosice offers a variety of attractions and is a perfect place for a weekend trip.

You can see here the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe, wander around the charming old town or attend a play in a beautiful State Theater from the end of the 19th century. In the East Slovak Museum, one of the oldest and most important museums in the country, you can admire the impressive gold treasure – one of the largest collections of that kind, found during the renovations of Main Street in 1935. The heart of the city is Hlavna street (literally, the Main Street) where most of the Kosice attractions are located.

In 2013 Kosice had the title of the European Capital of Culture and still today you can enjoy numerous cultural institutions like the former tobacco factory turned into a creative hub or the old swimming pool that serves as the art gallery.

When you want to take a rest from all the sightseeing you can enjoy a great culinary scene with numerous restaurants, cafes, or wine bars (where you can try local wines from the nearby Tokaj region).

Read more about Kosice in my articles:

• 30 Great Things to do in Kosice, Slovakia
• 21 Most Instagrammable Places in Kosice, Slovakia
• Best Cafes in Kosice, Slovakia
• Amazing Kosice, Slovakia in pictures
• Kosice travel tips – all you need to know about visiting Kosice, Slovakia
• Culture in Kosice
• Kosice street art – an urban gallery in Slovakia

Bardejov can easily be named one of the most charming places to visit in Slovakia. The UNESCO-listed town (granted the title as the perfect example of a fortified medieval town) is located not far from the border with Poland, in the northeast part of the country.

It’s very easy to fall for Bardejov. The historic part of the town, surrounded by the city walls (until now 9 towers and 2 gates remained, giving Bardejov the nickname “Slovak Carcassonne”) is the prettiest with rows of colorful houses, interesting museums (like The Exposition of Icons) and the Saint Giles church dominating over the area. Be sure to climb the church’s tower for the best views of Bardejov and beyond.

Bardejov, and especially its spa part Bardejovske Kupele is also a perfect place to relax. The place was among the favorite destinations of the famous Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, who used to come here – among many beautiful buildings you can see the place where she always stayed.

Read more about Bardejov in my article: Bardejov – the most enjoyable town in Slovakia

Slovak Paradise

Slovak Paradise National Park is, just as the name indicates, a real paradise. Located in the eastern part of the country, just south of Poprad, the area is known for its gorges, waterfalls, and sometimes extreme paths to get around (with ladders and such).

The national park offers numerous hiking trails with a total length of around 300 km, many of them will definitely be a thrilling experience. The most popular trail is a picturesque “Prielom Hornádu” (the only trail where you can go in both directions, the rest is one-way) that will take you along the Hornad river through bridges and sometimes even narrow metal steps glued into the rocks.

Another attraction that can’t be missed in the Slovak Paradise is Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Dobšiná Ice Cave), a spectacular cave that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

High Tatras

The Tatra Mountains, located at the border of Slovakia and Poland, are among the most beautiful mountains you will find in Europe yet somehow they are still not widely recognized internationally. The scenery here is simply breathtaking and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy what the area has to offer.

The highest peak of Tatras (and Slovakia) – Gerlachovský štít (2,655 meters above sea level) might be a bit challenging to reach but there are other breathtaking mountains available for many, including Lomnický štít (2,632 meters above sea level) where you can get by the system of three cable cars.

There are also a few nice towns in the High Tatras, with the three most popular ones being Tatranská Lomnica, Starý Smokovec, and Štrbské Pleso. I definitely recommend the last one as that’s where you will get the most picturesque views of the lake and spectacular mountains in the background.

Poprad is conveniently located on the main railway corridor of Slovakia (connecting Kosice with Bratislava via Zilina and Trnava), in the Basin under Tatras, and is often considered a getaway to the Tatra mountains (with frequent train connections to the popular mountain resorts there). But the city itself, with a history reaching the 13th century, is worth your visit too.

The center of Poprad is really pleasant, with the beautifully restored main square (St. Egidius square) surrounded by Baroque and Classicist townhouses and with the 13th-century Church of St. Egidius.

The most interesting part of Poprad is the district Spišská Sobota that in the past used to be a separate city. That’s where you will find most of Poprad’s historic monuments, including a well-preserved center.

Poprad is also known for its aquapark – Aqua City Poprad – where you can enjoy numerous indoor and outdoor pools, also in the wintertime. You can stay there at the highly-rated Aqua City Hotel with views over the Tatra Mountains.

Spišské Podhradie

Spišské Podhradie is a small town packed with attractions, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you don’t want to miss.

The biggest and most impressive one is the Spiš Castle towering above the area. It is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, dating back to the 12th century, and even if it is mostly in ruins today it still takes your breath away with its magnitude. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Slovakia and it is popular for a reason – the grandness of the place really takes your breath away.

On the other side of the town, you will find Spišská Kapitula with a former monastery and St. Martin’s Cathedral from 1245. Spišské Podhradie itself is a sleepy yet nice town with a pretty town square (that is especially picturesque with the castle in the background).

The sleepy town of Levoča is home to numerous monuments and attractions, located mostly in the historic center surrounded by a well-preserved wall.

Inside the walls, it feels like time has stopped. Narrow streets with small, colorful houses led to the main square – Namestie Majstra Pavla – where you will find most of the attractions of Levoča.

The main one is St. James church dominating the surrounding. It might not look extraordinary from the outside but the interior is a real gem, with the incredible altar carved by Master Pavol of Levoča – the highest wooden altar in the world and the reason why the town was granted the UNESCO World Heritage Site title in 2009.

Another impressive building you won’t miss is the Renaissance Town Hall with the attached tower from the mid-17th century.

The Main Square itself is a really charming place with the most beautiful townhouses you can see in Levoča and some cafes and restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy the place.

On the hill above the town, you can visit the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from where you can also enjoy amazing views of Levoča and beyond.

Spišská Nová Ves

Spišská Nová Ves is home to the highest church tower in Slovakia (86,6 meters) but the town located just at the edge of the Slovak Paradise has more to offer.

The center is really pleasant, focused around Letna and Zimna streets where you can find most of the city’s attractions, including the mentioned above church, the Reduta Theatre from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Spiš Museum or the town hall.

Kežmarok, a small town not far from the Tatra Mountains, is often overlooked by tourists yet it’s such an interesting destination. The town was founded in the 13th century and today you can find there numerous historical places dating back to the old times.

The biggest attraction of Kežmarok is probably the UNESCO-listed wooden articular church, built by the local Lutherans in 1717. Other places worth visiting in the town include the 15th-century castle (that was later on rebuilt a few times), the Basilica of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross from the 13th century, and the remnants of the medieval city walls.

Kežmarok is also a very pleasant town with a charming center and beautiful views of the nearby Tatra Mountains.

Stará Ľubovňa

A small town located right at the border with Poland, known especially for the impressive ruins of the 14th-century castle. Just below it, you can find the open-air folk museum with wooden architecture from the region: houses, a church, a mill, and more – most of them come from the 19th or early 20th century.

Other interesting sights of Stará Ľubovňa include the Gothic 13th-century church and the medieval main square with Renaissance townhouses.

When going by train from Bratislava towards northern Slovakia you will notice a magnificent castle towering over the surroundings some 1,5 hours into your journey. That’s Trencin castle, one of the most impressive places to visit in Slovakia.

The medieval castle is one of the largest in Slovakia and served as the seat of the royals already in the 11th century (and later was used by noble families). It is a bit of a climb to reach the castle but it is definitely worth the effort.

But the castle isn’t the only reason to visit Trencin . The city has a long history, with the first settlements here dating back to the 4th century BC – a reminder of how old the place is can be seen in a Roman inscription from the year 179.

The main square of Trencin, Mierové námestie, is a charming place lined with colorful townhouses, with the Holy Trinity Plague Column from 1712 right in the middle. For a great view of the city and the castle go up to the City Tower, at the edge of the Main Square.

Bojnice Castle

Bojnice Castle is yet another of Slovakia’s top places to visit and one of the oldest monuments in the country.

The Romanesque castle (with some Gothic and Renaissance elements) was originally built in the 12th century as a wooden fort. Over the years it has changed its look and eventually turned into a stunning romantic location at the end of the 19th century.

Since this is one of the most popular destinations in Slovakia it’s better to go to the castle outside of weekends.

Besides the castle, you can also visit the local zoo (the oldest one in Slovakia) as well as the park surrounding the castle, with one of the oldest trees in the country (some 700 years old King Matthias Linden Tree).

Piestany, known also as “Queen of the spa towns“, is one of the most popular spa towns in Slovakia, located some 80km north of Bratislava.

The center of the town is Spa Island with numerous curing houses, swimming pools, natural springs, and fountains. It’s a perfect place to visit if you want to relax a bit and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere that you can find only in spa towns.

Zilina, the fourth-largest city in Slovakia and an important transport hub in the country, is located near the border with the Czech Republic and Poland and is yet another Slovak city with long and interesting history, dating back to the early 13th century.

The historic center might be small but it’s really pretty. The heart of it is Mariánske námestie – a former marketplace that is now surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque townhouses with arcade-covered passages that hide a few restaurants and cafes.

The most iconic monument of Zilina is Holy Trinity Cathedral, with its origins in the 15th century. A short walk away from the center you can also visit the Budatín Castle, originally built in the 13th century.

Zilina is also a good getaway to explore more of northwest Slovakia.

Čičmany, a small village located some 170 km north of Bratislava, is among the most unique Slovakia attractions and one of the few intact folk villages in Central Europe. What makes it so special are the original log houses with the typical white ornamentation.

The painting started in the 19th century but the beautiful decor you can see today was added after the 1921 fire. There were added to the buildings not only for decorative reasons but mostly to protect the logs from the sun’s rays.

As a result, the village is such a beautiful gem! All 136 historical houses in Čičmany are now protected monuments. Among them, the most valuable ones are the Radenov dom and the neighboring Gregorov dom.

Banska Stiavnica

Banska Stiavnica is probably the prettiest and most charming town you can visit in Slovakia, appreciated by UNESCO which included the place on the World Heritage List in 1993.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, Banska Stiavnica is among the oldest and most important historical mining towns in Europe. With the picturesque location, hidden in the valley and surrounded by gently rolling hills, the town looks unreal, like taken straight from a fairy tale.

For such a small town, the place is packed with attractions. You will find there numerous archeological sites connected with the old mining traditions, as well as a beautiful center with two castles, a few churches, and the heart of the town – the Holy Trinity Square.

Wandering around winding, cobbled lanes, and admiring colorful houses and churches towering above the city are the main reason why it’s so easy to fall for Banska Stiavnica.

If you have time you can also go hiking in the surrounding hills, it takes only a short walk from the center to get to nature. You might also stumble across some old mining remnants on the hills around the town.

Read more about Banska Stiavnica in my article: Banska Stiavnica – one of the most beautiful towns in Europe

Nestled between lush hills in Central Slovakia, Kremnica is yet another charming town with an old mining history dating back to the 10th century. The place is known mostly for gold mines as well as the oldest still-operating mint in the world.

The old town is well-preserved and full of old historical buildings even from medieval times. The biggest attraction of Kremnica is the castle from the 13th century with double defensive walls – a unique example of the fortification system in Central Europe.

The heart of the city is the main square with the impressive Baroque plague column from 1765. The local Gothic Church of St. Catherine dominates the area, this is also where you can attend the popular European Organ Festival.

Banska Bystrica

Banska Bystrica , the sixth-largest city in Slovakia, is located right in the center of the country, surrounded by mountains (including a few national parks). The place was built as a Slavic settlement in the 12th century but the first traces here date back to the Stone Age.

This is yet another pleasant Slovak city with charming Main Square surrounded by numerous historical monuments: the Town Hall, remnants of the castle, Central Slovakia Museum, or the Marian`s Pillar from the beginning of the 18th century.

Banska Bystrica is also home to the most impressive brutalist structure in Slovakia that is home to the Slovak National Uprising Memorial – a concrete bowl-shaped building from 1969.

In the summertime, the city is alive until late at night and it is a pure pleasure to be here and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Špania Dolina

Located only a few kilometers outside of Banska Bystrica, Špania Dolina is a former mining town where it seems like time has stopped. It is also one of the most picturesque places to visit in Slovakia, hidden in the valley surrounded by rolling hills of the Low Tatras mountains.

The place has a long tradition of mining, for centuries, until 1888, copper and silver ores were exploited here. Today Špania Dolina is a sleepy village with only a handful of houses, many of them from the 19th century, as well as the church of Conversion of the Lord that you can see in the majority of pictures.

The place is also a good starting point for numerous hikes around that would take you through pristine mountains where you can also find mining remnants from the old times.

Low Tatras Mountains

Another perfect alternative to the High Tatras is the Low Tatras range, with the highest peak Ďumbier (2042 meters above sea level). The Low Tatras National Park is the largest national park in Slovakia, popular among tourists who enjoy hiking.

There are over a thousand kilometers of hiking trails here, the most popular ones are near Demänovská dolina. Besides hiking, you can also visit some amazing caves here, such as Demänovská Cave of Liberty, Demänovská Ice Cave, and Važecká Cave.

Vlkolinec is yet another old folk village that remained intact until today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (granted this title for the traditional features of a Central European village).

It was first mentioned in 1376 and slowly developed over the centuries until part of the village was burnt down by Nazis during World War 2. What remained is a perfect example of the typical Slovak secluded mountainous settlement.

Today the folk village consists of 43 houses (you can visit two of them inside) as well as a church and a school, most of the buildings date back to the 19th century. Vlkolinec is located just south of Ružomberok, you can get to the village by car or by one of the hiking trails.

Liptovský Mikuláš

The city is mostly known as the getaway to the surrounding Tatra Mountains (both High and Low) but it’s worth stopping here too.

Liptovský Mikuláš was founded in medieval times and today you can visit here a pleasant center with historical monuments such as the Gothic Church of Saint Nicolaus (the oldest monument in the city), a beautiful synagogue, and a few interesting museums.

Orava Castle

Orava Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Slovakia.

Located in the northern part of the country, not far from the border with Poland, on the high rock above the Orava river the castle was first mentioned in the 13th century as a royal property. Over the years it used to belong to numerous noble families.

Today you can visit the castle, including the interiors that are a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanticism styles. Orava Castle has been also a popular filming location for many movies, including “Nosferatu” from 1922.

Fatra Mountains

If you enjoy hiking but are looking for a good alternative to the Tatra Mountains – Fatra Mountains might be a good option. There are actually two Fatra mountain ranges: Great Fatra (Veľká Fatra) and Little Fatra (Malá Fatra) and they are less touristy and much easier to hike in than Tatras, a perfect place for less experienced tourists.

Most of the area is covered in forest but once you get to the upper parts of the mountains the views are really splendid. The highest peak is Veľký Kriváň (1,709 meters above sea level), located in Little Fatra range.

UNESCO-listed wooden churches

In the northern part of Slovakia, you will find nine historic Carpathian Wooden Churches that were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

They were built between the 16th and 18th centuries and include Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Greek Catholic churches. UNESCO awarded these historic structures as “good examples of a rich local tradition of religious architecture, marked by the meeting of Latin and Byzantine cultures”.

You can find the churches in Hervartov, Tvrdošín, Kežmarok, Leštiny, Hronsek, Bodružal, Ladomirová, and Ruská Bystrá. Each and every one of them is beautiful and definitely worth visiting.

Besides UNESCO-listed churches, you can find around 50 other old wooden churches in Slovakia, mostly in its northeast part near the border with Poland.

Domica Cave

Domica Cave, located right at the border of Slovakia and Hungary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest cave in the Slovak Karst region, part of the 25 km long cave system (most of it lies in Hungary, though).

The over 5 km long cave was discovered in 1932 and today you can visit a big part of it (around 1600 meters). During your visit, you will also take the boat tour on the underground river Styx.

Medzilaborce

Medzilaborce might not be the most exciting place to visit in Slovakia but there is one solid reason to go there, especially for fans of art. Even is he was born in the US, Andy Warhol’s family originally came from the Medzilaborce region.

Since 1991 the town has been home to the only European museum dedicated to the famous artist and his works as well as modern art.

Poloniny National Park

Located in the very northeast of Slovakia, right at the border with Poland and Ukraine, Poloniny National Park is a truly off-the-path place to visit. It focuses on the Bukovské vrchy mountains, with the highest peak Kremenec (1221 meters above sea level).

This is a perfect area for hiking or cross country skiing in winter, you will also find some beautiful wooden churches there.

Parts of the Poloniny National Park are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians.

Wine regions

It might be a surprise to many by Slovakia has a long wine tradition, dating back to medieval times. The local wine isn’t widely recognized internationally (yet) but it has a strong position within Slovakia and neighboring countries.

You can find six wine regions in the country, all of them located in the southern part of Slovakia.

The most popular one, easily reachable from Bratislava, is the Little Carpathians Wine Region where, besides numerous family-owned wine cellars, you can also visit old royal towns, such as Svätý Jur, Pezinok, or Modra. The best time to visit the region is during Wine Cellars Open Day, happening twice a year, in May and November.

On the other side of the country, not far from Kosice, you will find the Tokaj region (usually associated with Hungary since its larger part lies there).

Further reading

I published many articles about Slovakia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 13 Best Things to Do in Slovakia
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Spis Castle, Slovakia
• Visit Nitra – the Oldest City in Slovakia
• Visit Levoca – the UNESCO gem in Slovakia

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Slovakia
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Slovakia here.
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Slovakia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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That is a great list of most beautifull places in Slovakia. But it is easily to add many more interesting places. I will suggest some of them. Lakes: Sun lakes (near Senec), Zemplinska Širava, Liptovska Mara (both artificial lakes). Towns: Skalica, Kysucke Nove Mesto, Prešov, Rožnava, Senec, Zvolen, Humenne, Levice, Hlohovec, Galanta. Brezova pod Bradlom, Castles: Červeny Kamen, Betliar, Snina, Slovenska Lupča, Oponice, Budmerice Castle ruins: Beckov, Čachtice, Branč, Jasenov, Považsky, Brekov, Divin (not Devin, but there is also Divin), Šašov, Lietava, Likava, Plavecky, Pajštun, Tematin, Čabrad, Revište, Šomoška, Filakovo, Kapušany, Šariš, Slanec. Caves: Gombasek, Driny, Ochtina Aragonit. Ski resorts: Donovaly, Zuberec, Oščadnica Open air museums: Svidnik, Zuberec. I have been to all of these places and they are all nice.

Thanks. I know many of the places you’ve mentioned but it’s impossible to list them all and I’ve decided to focus only on the best ones. But hopefully your comment will be an inspiration to others. Thanks again.

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15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Slovakia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Feb 15, 2022

Once part of Czechoslovakia, this mountainous, somewhat sparsely populated country has much to offer visitors. Known for its national parks, scenic hiking trails, and hundreds of caves – some of which are UNESCO-protected sites – Slovakia is a dream destination for outdoor lovers . History buffs and foodies will be equally pleased to visit, however, as there's a wealth of opportunities to jump right into exploring and tasting delicacies.

Slovakia's open-air museums offer a unique chance to discover the folk traditions of the country, while a visit to Bratislava will give you a chance to experience a vibrant city touched by a dark history.

Whether you're almost ready to go or just trying to get inspired, here's a list of the top things to see and do in Slovakia.

1. Get Your Fill of Fairy-Tale Castles and Palaces

2. try alpine skiing with a twist, 3. visit open-air museums, 4. indulge your taste buds, 5. discover nature at slovak paradise, 6. walk the streets of bratislava, 7. hike the high tatras, 8. climb up to the largest fortified castle in europe, 9. visit an old mining town, 10. go deep into the dobšinská ice cave, 11. discover communist-time slovakia, 12. explore little-known špania dolina, 13. discover forgotten and hidden bunkers, 14. lose yourself in the slovak karst national park, 15. marvel at the traces left by old aristocracy.

Slovakia is home to more than 100 castles – some still standing in all their glory, some in ruins, and many somewhere in between.

A popular filming stage for historical and fairy-tale movies, the 12th-century Bojnice Castle started life as a fortress, and over the centuries became a stunning Romanesque royal residence with Gothic and Renaissance touches. Bojnice stands on a hill that overlooks the town and is one of the most visited castles in Europe .

Another stunning example is the neo-Gothic Orava Castle, considered one of the most beautiful castles in the country and famous for being the location used in the 1922 silent vampire film, Nosferatu .

Devin Castle, just outside Bratislava and near the border with Austria, has been partially reconstructed and now houses exhibitions of the Bratislava City Museum . The ruins of Strecno Castle, Blatnický Castle, and Brekov Castle are popular sights along limestone cliffs and hiking routes in Slovakia.

Many castles, palaces, and manor houses in Slovakia allow overnight stays for an experience you will never forget and a chance to feel like royalty for a night.

With so many snow-covered peaks around, it's no surprise that Alpine skiing is very popular in Slovakia. In many ski resorts around the country, however, sports aficionados are combining their love for sliding down slopes with climbing up. Known as uphill skiing , the practice requires people to walk up the snow-covered slopes before they slide back down at full speed. This requires special bindings added to the skis to avoid sliding, more or less transforming the skis into long snowshoes.

Both the Low Tatras and the High Tatras mountain ranges are popular skiing destinations. The largest ski resort in the country , with 49 kilometers of marked trails, Jasná is located in the Low Tatras. Tatranská Lomnica, in the High Tatras, has the steepest slopes in the country and separate, higher trails for advanced skiers.

Also in the High Tatras, Štrbské Pleso is a popular destination for its night skiing and cross-country trails.

There's no better way to learn about the cultures that shaped a nation than through living museums, where history truly comes alive, and you get a chance to step back in time.

The largest ethnographic open-air exposition in the country, the Museum of the Slovak Village is a stunning example of traditional folk architecture. Home to 129 buildings – including everything from a firehouse and a church to a village store and a pub – and technical objects, the museum helps visitors understand what life was like in rural Slovakia in the 19 th century. Agricultural exhibitions, whole-day events, and live shows are held here year-round.

Surrounded by mountains and lush green meadows, the Cicmany Village is famous for its hand-painted log houses , while the rock dwellings of the Brhlovce village date back to the 16 th -century Turkish raids and were originally used as hiding places.

Like its closest neighbors (Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic), Slovak cuisine relies heavily on just a few staples : potatoes, lots of cheese and dairy products, wild mushrooms, and sauerkraut. Luckily for foodies, Slovaks have figured out a way to combine these few ingredients into some mouthwatering dishes. So if potatoes sound boring, don't worry – here, you'll get a chance to taste Bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and Lokše (potato pancakes).

Potatoes are often also added to stews and goulashes, and there are so many types of mushroom soups available, it would take you weeks to try them all. Of all Slovak traditional sweets, perhaps the most famous is Trdelník, a type of grilled dough topped with a walnut and sugar mix.

The Slovak Paradise National Park might not be the largest park in Slovakia, but it's certainly one of the most famous and should be at the top of the places to visit while in the country. A whopping 19 nature reserves, over 350 caves, and hundreds of canyons and gorges are located within the park.

Most visitors arrive here for the 300 kilometers of hiking trails , famous for their difficulty and their rugged paths that often include hanging bridges, ladders, and plank walkways . The 15-kilometer-long Prielom Hornádu route is particularly popular, partly because of its uneven terrain, which must be navigated by holding on to chains, climbing precarious ladders, and crossing footbridges; in winter, the creek beds freeze and can be crossed using snowshoes rather than using the bridges.

Another famous trail is the one leading to the 75-meter-tall Zavojovy waterfall, which can only be reached after navigating a not-for-the-faint-of-heart vertical metal ladder and bridge suspended in mid-air.

Slovakia's capital is a small city of just half a million residents, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot to see and do here. In fact, Bratislava is well known as a great destination for art and history lovers , a great place for foodies to visit, and a photographer's dream.

The city is home to two palaces (the Rococo Presidential Palace and the Primate's Palace and its famous Hall of Mirrors), the ruins of Devin Castle, a bridge topped by a flying saucer-shaped observation deck, and a number of quirky statues that pop out of sewers or top their hats at passersby.

Sitting at the top of an isolated rocky hill, the Bratislava Castle is the city's most prominent sight and one of the most visited tourist attractions . Visitors can tour the gardens and discover the collections at the Slovak National Museum branch housed inside the castle.

Other main photo destinations in the city include the aptly named Blue Church; the 14 th -century complex of buildings that make up the Old Town Hall; and the 1,000-year-old Hviezdoslavovo Square, surrounded by prominent buildings and structures.

The High Tatras are a massive mountain range and the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains in northern Slovakia – a chain that's home to tall cliffs, alpine habitats, and over a hundred mountain lakes.

With an elevation of 2,655 meters, Gerlachovský štít is the highest peak and a favorite among hikers and climbers because it's relatively easy to climb with a certified mountain guide, and hikers don't seem to experience altitude sickness as they normally would at this elevation. Lomnicky Stit, at a close 2,634 meters high, is a more popular destination because it can be partially ascended via cable car.

Above all, the High Tatras are famous for their rugged hiking trails surrounded by limestone mountains and pristine alpine lakes. Most trails close in either September or October, as the mountains receive a lot of snow and become impassable after that. The Kriván trail is one of the most picturesque – it takes you up through mountain paths for stunning views over the park, and it's one of the few long climbs (about 7.5 kilometers) that doesn't require a guide.

In winter, the Tatras are a prime destination for Alpine skiing.

The ruins of 12th-century Spiš Castle sit upon a soft, rolling hill and cover an area of over 41,000 square meters, making it the largest castle complex in Europe . Spiš is a UNESCO World Heritage site that started as a simple Romanesque stone castle and kept growing and expanding over the centuries.

By the 14 th century, a two-story palace and a basilica had been added, and an expansive wall built around the land, doubling the size of the complex. The castle was partially destroyed by a fire in 1790 and never inhabited again after that, although certain sections have been restored, and more are under reconstruction.

Today, the castle houses an exhibit of torture devices once used at the castle, as well as artifacts from the Spiš Museum, which include archaeological and ethnographic displays. The kitchen washroom and armory of the castle have also been restored, offering a unique peek into the life of 18 th -century royalty.

UNESCO-protected Banská Štiavnica is a preserved medieval town that sits on an ancient volcano. The Celts were already mining for silver ore in the area as far back as the 3rd century BC, and the town's popularity as a producer of silver and gold only grew from there. By the 15 th century, the town was building fortifications to protect its mines, and by the mid-1600s, they were using the newly discovered gunpowder in the mines.

To help with mining and prevent flooding, a complex system of artificial water reservoirs and over 100 kilometers of interconnected channels and tunnels were set up – today, many of them have been transformed into recreational areas perfect for swimming. And while mining has long been abandoned in Banská Štiavnica, visitors can don helmets and headlamps to head down into the Earth at the open-air mining museum to explore a 17th-century mine.

While in town, make sure you don't miss the Old Town Square, home to a number of medieval buildings, as well as a plague column, a mineralogical museum, and a town hall dating back to the 14 th century.

Located near a mining town inside the Slovak Paradise area, the Dobšinská Ice Cave is a UNESCO Heritage site. Reaching the cave requires a hike up a hill to an altitude of over 900 meters, then a slow descent into the mountain itself. Only the first 500 meters of the cave (out of the almost 1,500 meters in total length) are open to the public between May and September, and visitors must stick to designated pathways and stairs at all times.

If you're looking for things to do on a hot summer afternoon, this is it. Inside, the cave stays at a temperature of around 0 degrees Celsius all year long, with ice covering walls, ceilings, and floors. In some areas, the thickness of the ice is estimated to be over 26 meters .

Because the cave can only be visited as part of a guided tour, you're guaranteed to catch sight of the most stunning natural formations here, including ice stalagmites, semi-frozen waterfalls, and colorful swirls of light on the icy walls.

Czechoslovakia was under the rule of the Communist Party from 1948 to 1989 – a time where there was no freedom of the press, homes were regularly bugged in the search for traitors, religion was abolished, and common items like toilet paper and sugar were often hard to come by. Slovakia and the Czech Republic split and became separate countries in 1993, just a few years after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the return of democracy.

Communism shaped and changed the two nations forever, and visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like "back then" by searching for communist-era architecture in Bratislava; visiting an underground bunker; stopping by former concentration camp Sered (today a museum of the Holocaust); and visiting the Museum of Slovak National Uprising in the town of Banska Bystrica, which played a key role in the resistance against Nazis.

In recent years, the Iron Curtain border zone (which starts in the Nordic countries and ends in Turkey) has become a popular trail and cycling route , and a number of companies offer tours (or bike rentals) for those who want to see part of it up close and personal.

A well-kept secret mainly enjoyed by the locals, tiny Špania Dolina (which has only 200 permanent residents) is a former mining town filled with Renaissance buildings and well-preserved 17th-century wooden houses that once belonged to the miners that called the town home. The town's stunning white church rules over the view as you approach Špania Dolina.

Surrounded by the Staré Hory and Veľká Fatra mountains in central Slovakia, Špania Dolina offers plenty of options for outdoor pursuits, including hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.

A trail that starts right next to the town square takes visitors to the educational Mine Trail, which offers information about the history of the town and great panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There's also a Copper Museum in town if you want to learn more about the history of mining in Špania Dolina.

Eastern European countries have a long and complicated military history that includes Nazi invasions, Soviet takeovers, and bloody conflicts that extended for well over a century – and Slovakia is no exception.

An unusual result of this is a massive number of now-abandoned concrete bunkers scattered across fields or hidden in cities. In Slovakia, the largest conglomeration of bunkers is right in Bratislava, spread on a large field on the right bank of the river Danube.

Built in the 1930s to defend the country against Nazi Germany, the bunkers were never actually used. The largest of the bunkers, known as B-S 4, is now a museum showcasing original machine guns and firearms, an engine room, and plenty of photographs and documentation. Volunteers conduct tours on Saturdays during the warmer months.

Nearby bunkers B-S 6 (that originally house a soldier crew) and B-S 8 (the most heavily armed in the back defense line) can also be visited. B-S 8 is located near a military cemetery, where memorial services and special celebrations are held to honor those fallen defending their country.

The Slovak Karst is one of Slovakia's most unique national parks. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its caves (over 700 of them are spread throughout the park's massive karst plains and plateaus). Stunning Domica cave is part of a large complex of caves that extends across the border into Hungary, and can be explored through guided sightseeing tours.

The park also attracts adventurers that want to hike unique trails that feature wooden paths and bridges, castle ruins, small waterfalls, and amazing gorges. There are a total of over 500 kilometers of cycling trails and hiking trails within the park.

Slovakia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy empire – and reminders of this are present everywhere today in the form of magnificent chateaus and palaces. A good example of this is the historic manor-house chateau Appony in the village Oponice. Originally built in the 16th century as a fortified chateau, it has gone through significant changes over the years, including a major reconstruction in the 1840s.

The towns of Topoľčianky, Mojmírovce, and Belá also have plenty to offer in this regard. For example, the Baroque-classical Manor-house Mojmírovce dates back to the 18th century and once belonged to Hungary's house of Hunyadi,

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Discovering Slovakia: The historical capital city of Bratislava is a great starting point to discover the country. Before you make any plans, take a look at the must-see attractions and things to do in Bratislava for some tips.

Across the Borders: Bratislava's close foreign neighbor, Vienna, is just one hour away and filled with lots of things to see and do. Check out our article on the Attractions & Things to Do in Vienna for ideas and tips to plan a visit. Heading to the Czech Republic instead? Prague is just a few hours away, and traveling between the two cities is quick and easy, as you'll find out in our Prague to Bratislava: Best Ways to Get There article.

10 Best places to visit in Slovakia

Martin Talač

1. bratislava – capital city of slovakia.

The capital city of Slovakia – Bratislava, is the gateway to Slovakia and indeed one of the places you have to visit on your tour to Slovakia. The most beautiful part is  the Old Town , even though it is not very big. My favourite activity is an evening summer walk through the old and narrow streets of the Old Town, followed by a walk to the Bratislava castle, from where you will see the evening silhouette of the city.

Apart of that, Bratislava has a rich history. Since it was founded in the year 907, a lot of happened in this area. It´s because of the strategic place, which has often played a big role in the history of central Europe. In the medieval times, Bratislava was the capital of  the Kingdom of Hungary , the seat of the Hungarian Diet, central administration and the  coronation town  of the Hungarian Kings and Queens.

Bratislava now is the modern city and the seat of most important political, economic, social and scientific bodies and institutions.

Places to see in Bratislava

Bratislava Castle – the monumental building, looking like a table turned upside down, has been dominating the landscape of Bratislava for centuries. The existence of the castle was mentioned for the first time in 907 in written documents. Since then it has undergone numerous reconstructions. The last one happened just recently, couple of years ago, when the castle´s gardens were refurbished and reopened.

Slavin memorial – The Slavin monument reminisces the lives of more than 6800 Soviet soldiers who died in the WWII, during the liberation of Bratislava in April 1945. Many of fallen soldiers are buried directly in Slavin. Slavin memorial was built in late 1950´s. It offers spectacular views of the whole city of Bratislava.

St Martin´s Cathedral – is the biggest Gothic church in Bratislava. It played especially important role from 1563 till 1830, as the location where 19 monarchs of the Hungarian Kingdom were crowned. Probably the most significant coronation took place in 1741, when Maria Theresa was crowned It´s history goes back to 13th centuries and similar as other sites, the cathedral has undergone numerous reconstructions throughout the centuries.

The Blue Church – built at the beginning of 20th century, represents the art nouveau architecture in Bratislava. It has become famous mainly due to it´s color and shape resembling a gingerbread house. Nowadays it still remains in use and is popular for weddings by locals. Therefore it´s uneasy to get inside of the church.

2. THE HIGH TATRAS

The High Tatras range is part of the Tatra Mountains , which, in turn, are part of the Carpathian Mountains. The range lies on the border between northern Slovakia and Poland, and is preserved in both countries with National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve listing. With its abundance of high peaks, rugged valleys, alpine tarns and wildlife, the High Tatras are often likened to the Alps, but smaller and more personal.

There are 26 mountains in the High Tatras that rise to 2500m or higher. The highest (Gerlachovsky Peak, 2655m) and second highest (Lomnicky Peak, 2654m) are both located just outside Tatranska Lomnica, the town where your apartment-hotel is, providing incredible views in every direction.

Places to visit in Tatra mountains

Strbske pleso – very famous place in Tatras because of the lake of the same name. Lake Strbske pleso is part of the village. It´s very easy reachable, because no hiking is required. Just a short stroll from the car park or train station. The panorama of the Tatra mountains behind the lake is breathtaking and beautiful in each season. Strbske pleso changes into a center of winter sports in winter. You can go skiing, ski touring or cross country skiing.

Skalnate pleso – Skalnate pleso is a lake situated 1700m asl. But don´t worry, you don´t have to hike there, you can just hop on a cable car and make the way really easy. The bottom station of the cable car is in Tatranska Lomnica. The price of return ticket for an adult person is 19 EUR in 2020. There is a cafe and restaurant right next to the lake where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch.

Peak Lomnicky stit – is the second highest peak of Slovakia with the height of 2634m asl. Good news is that you can get to the top with a cable car. To get there you need to get the tickets first. You can do so on the website of Tatra Mountain resorts . The cable car goes to the top from Tatranska Lomnica and you have to change at Skalnate pleso.

Little disadvantage is that you have to buy the tickets in advance for certain hour, but you don´t know what the weather will be like in that time. You should buy the tickets for the cable car to peak Lomnicky stit couple of days in advance in the summer season, because the demand is high and the tickets are sold quickly.

Hrebienok – A crossroad of many hiking trails heading to Big or Small cold valleys, to Peak Slavkovsky stit or to Skalnate pleso start here. It´s easily reachable by a funicular which operates from Stary Smokovec or by foot. It takes about 5 mins by funicular and 40-60 mins by foot. Once you are there, lot of people tend to go and see the waterfalls situated nearby or to see the Ice Dome in winter.

Tatranska Lomnica – One of the most popular villages in the Tatra mountains where holidaymakers decide to stay. It´s easy reachable by trains, there are many hiking paths in the area and it is a center of skiing in winter in the High Tatras mountains. Many good hotels and restaurants are situated here. The museum of Tatra National Park (TANAP) and botanical garden of Tatras is situated in this village.

Stary Smokovec – Bottom station of a funicular going to Hrebienok is situated here. Stary Smokovec is a very nice village with lot of hotels, good restaurants, bars and coffee places. Tricklandia is also situated here if you´ve heard of it.

Belianska cave – The only publicly open cave in the High Tatras. It´s worth of seeing anytime, but especially on a rainy day, when it´s not suitable for hiking. But in this case, visit the cave as soon as possible, because otherwise you can end up in a long queue. The adult ticket costs 8 EUR (payable in cash only), the temperature inside is around 6°C even in summer, so don´t forget to bring some long sleeve shirt or jacket along with you.

3. THE SPIŠ CASTLE – UNESCO

The Spiš Castle was built in the beginning of the 12 th  century and is one of the largest castles in Slovakia and even in Europe. In 1993 was included on the  UNESCO  World Heritage List, thanks to its Roman palace. There are only few palaces left, built in this style in Europe. The Castle is an exceptional example of medieval fortification architecture and thanks to that, it remained unconquered, though seriously damaged, by Tartar invaders in 1241.

An extensive fire in 1780 turned the castle into ruins. They say that the fire was caused by the knights distilling schnapps.  Since then, the castle was never really restored.

The Spis castle was built on a strategic place – dolomite rocks above surrounding lands and above the village of Spisske Podhradie.

Because the castle is highest point of the area, you will get an amazing view from the top of the old watchtower. The way to the top of it is an experience in itself. You will be walking on a narrow and low original staircase.

The castle is open from April till the end of October. Sometimes also in November according to weather conditions. The entry fee is 8 EUR/adult person. You can wait for guided tour or go and explore it on your own with an audio guide, which you can get for free (10 EUR deposit). There is no fee at the car park (may change in the future).

4. THE SLOVAK PARADISE

Slovak Paradise National Park is accurately named. With a wealth of forests, meadows, plateaus, canyons and caves, the park’s landscape is a playground ready for you to explore. You have a plenty possibilites for hikes that include a system of ladders, catwalks and bridges past waterfalls and lush vegetation in the park’s remarkable gorges.

Slovak Paradise National Park is composed of several smaller nature reserves, the first of which was established in 1890. The park protects a wide range of natural features, including forests, meadows, plateaus, gorges, caves (more than 350 of them!) and waterfalls. With over 300km of trails, including some that delve into the park’s gorges, Slovak Paradise is a wonderful place to explore.

The most famous and interesting gorges are situated in the north side of the national park, around the villages of Hrabusice, Podlesok and Cingov. The gorges that we recommend to hike are Sucha Bela, Piecky, Klastorska Roklina and canyon – Prielom Hornadu. Prielom Hornadu is a canyon, because river Hornad flows through it.

You can´t be afraid of heights , if you want to go hiking in the Slovak Paradise. It´s because the ladders are 5-12 meters high on average. Majority of wooden bridges (which look like horizontal ladders) don´t have any handrails or chains to hold on to. It´s pure adventure!

The Slovak Paradise is the only national park in Slovakia, where you have to pay the entry fee . 1 day ticket per person is 1,50 EUR. You will also need to pay for parking, which costs 3-5 EUR. They take only cash.

5. BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA – UNESCO

The history of  Banská Štiavnica  (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is closely associated with mining industry. In the 18 th  and 19 th  centuries was Banská Štiavnica one the richest and most important centers in the Habsburg Monarchy, as it became the European centre for mining, academics, scientists and technologies related to mining.

Banska Štiavnica had the third largest population in the Monarchy and the town became extremely wealthy, because of the rich gold and silver veins. The rich entrepreneurs built large, expensive and beautifully designed buildings and palaces and formed the beautiful historic town in the mountains.

The sites of worth visiting in Banska Stiavnica are the Old castle, New castle, open air mining museum or calvary. Calvary is the only one with no entry fee. When you walk to the very top, you will get beautiful view of the whole town and surroundings. Definitely recommended.

The opening times of each site and museum is different, therefore we recommend you to check the information about particular place on the official website of all museums .

Sites and places of Banska Stiavnica

Old Castle (Stary Zamok) – nowadays serve the as the main museum of the town with several different exhibitions. It used to be a church, but was rebuilt into a fortress against Turks in 16th century. The history of the place goes back to 13th century, when the first church was built.

New Castle (Novy Zamok) – was originally a church rebuilt into a small fortress in the middle of 16th century against Turks. Similar like the Old Castle. It was also used as a watch tower and part of the main fortification of the town. There is a permanent exhibition installed inside on 4 floors.

Open air mining museum – The history of Banska Stiavnica is all about mining and therefore you can go and visit an open air museum on the outskirts of the town. It depicts the history of mining in the area and Slovakia. You would be even taken to the underground, to the old mines.

Calvary – belongs to the most beautiful Baroque calvaries of Europe. It was recently reconstructed and now attracts more and more visitors. It is open daily at 10-16 from June to September and on Saturdays and Sunday from October to May.

6. OCHTINSKA ARAGONIT CAVE – UNESCO

One of the most interesting caves I have ever been to, is surely the Ochtinska Aragonit Cave, which is also part of the  UNESCO  Natural World Heritage. There are only 4 caves of this kind in the world – Slovakia, Czech Republic, Mexico and Argentina. It was discovered by an accident, while the miners were drilling the geological survey. The cave is a  world rarity  and unique natural phenomenon, due to the richness and variety of aragonit fill.

The way to this aragonit cave is a bit tough, as it is situated in less inhabited area of Slovakia and the roads are not in the best condition. But if you decide to visit it, you won´t regret.

The cave is open daily from May till the end of October, except Mondays. The entry fee costs 7 EUR/person. If you want to take photos inside, you have to pay 10 EUR surcharge.

7. WOODEN CHURCHES – UNESCO

Wooden churches of the Slovak part of Carpathian Mountain Area, which were added to the list of  UNESCO  World Heritage Sites in 2008, possess an extraordinary worldwide value. The churches include: Roman Catholic churches in Hervartov and Tvrdošín, Evangelical articular churches in Kežmarok, Leštiny and Hronsek, and churches of Eastern rite in Bodružal, Ladomirová and Ruská Bystrá.

Wooden churches are specific samples of sacred architecture in Slovakia.

8. Bojnice castle

When making a list of best places to visit in Slovakia, we definitely can´t forget about the Bojnice castle in the western part of Slovakia, situated about 2 hours away from Bratislava by car.

Bojnice castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia thanks to a huge reconstruction which took place at the beginning of 20th century. The reconstruction was inspired by French chateauxs in the Loire valley.

The very first written mention comes from 13th century. Wooden fortress built in the similar place at those times was a predecessor of the current castle.

Bojnice is also very famous for ZOO situated right next to the castle and most popular in Slovakia. Often families with children head to Bojnice to visit the castle and the ZOO to spend a great day there.

The castle is open all year round. The entry ticket costs 10 EUR/person. The English tours are held daily at 10 o´clock. However be careful in May. Each Monday is closed, but only in May.

9. Orava castle

An impressive building on a high rock formation above a river. What is it? It must be the one and only Orava castle, the dominant site of the whole Orava region.

Similar like other castles of Slovakia, this one was initially build of wood at first and later after Tartar invasion rebuilt in stone in 13th century. The oldest part of the castle is on the top of the cliff. It was not so huge at the very beginning, but was growing bigger and bigger over the upcoming centuries. The castle is one of the best preserved castles of Slovakia.

The castle is open all year round except April, when it´s closed. You can only enter the castle with a guide during a guided tour. The ticket costs 7 EUR/person for longer tour and 5 EUR/person for shorter one.

10. Village of Čičmany

This is place is maybe surprising in our list of best places to visit in Slovakia, because it´s just a tiny village. However is really unique because of the original wooden decorated houses made by locals.

It has all started approx. 150 years ago, when the local people started to paint ornaments on their houses with lime in order to protect the wood. Later they realized it´s quite nice and unique and so they began to paint more and more ornaments of various shapes all around the house. The tradition sustains till nowadays and you can admire these houses when you come to visit the village.

You can visit the village every day of the year. There is a small souvenir shop and tiny museum, which are open daily in the main summer season and mainly during weekends in the off-season months.

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14 beautiful places to visit in Slovakia

Kamila Jakubjakova

• Beautiful places to visit in Slovakia

Slovakia might be a small country, but it sure has no shortage of beautiful places to visit.

This country offers breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and vibrant cities full of history and charm. From the majestic peaks of the High Tatra mountains and the narrow cobblestone streets of Banská Štiavnica to medieval castles. 

Although Bratislava is worth visiting , this travel guide focuses on lesser-known places.

If you're looking for an affordable, off-the-beaten-path yet exciting destination, then Slovakia is the place to be.

Ready to discover local tips and recommendations? Here are my top picks for beautiful places to visit in Slovakia beyond Bratislava.

1. High Tatras

The High Tatras is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Slovakia. It's a hiker's paradise, with many hiking trails leading to striking views and alpine lakes.

The High Tatras is also home to the tallest peak in Slovakia - Gerlachovský štít (2,655 m). A symbol of the country, though, is the mountain Kriváň.

The National Park of High Tatras is one of nine national parks in Slovakia and contains over a hundred alpine lakes and several waterfalls.

A good place to start your exploration of High Tatras is in Štrbské Pleso , where you can take a pleasant stroll around the lake surrounded by mountains.

While in Štrbské Pleso, you can stay at Villa Meribel , Hotel Lomnica or Apartment Luna .

Another great hike is to Green Lake , starting from Tatranská Lomnica. In Tatranská Lomnica, you can also boost your adrenaline on a bobsled ride .

A fun place to stop by on the way between Štrbské Pleso and Tatranská Lomnica is Tricklandia in Starý Smokovec. It's a gallery with quirky illusion exhibits.

In winter, High Tatras turn into a skiing wonderland. Skiing in Slovakia is more affordable than in the Swiss or French Alps and provides ski slopes for all difficulty levels. Popular ski resorts in the High Tatras are Jasná or Tatranská Lomnica

2. Banská Štiavnica

Banská Štiavnica is a well-preserved medieval town and one of the Slovak UNESCO World Heritage sites.

It was a prominent city in the past because of its silver and gold mine. Today, the mines have been converted into an open-air mining museum that provides tours to visitors. You can also book an English or German guide, but it needs to be arranged in advance.

Banská Štiavnica, the former mining town, is full of charm and grand history. You can wander around the historical city center with Holy Trinity square and Renaissance-Baroque palaces.

One of the highlights in Banská Štiavnica is Love Bank (Banka Lásky). Love Bank pays tribute to the love story of Marína and Slovak poet Andrej Sládkovič. Think of it as something similar to Romeo & Juliet. However, while Romeo and Juliet is only a fictional story, Marína and Andrej were real people.

Marína's family had higher status and was against her marrying Andrej as he was only a teacher. So they forced Marina to marry another rich man instead. After her marriage, Andrej Sládkovič was devasted and channeled his sadness into writing the world's longest love poem, Marína, written in 1846.

The love bank is located in Marína's former house. It's a vault made from 2900 verses of this love poem. Instead of money, you can deposit “your love” inside love boxes, hence the name Love Bank.

Another fun thing to do here is to send a love letter to your loved ones from Love Mail Office (Zaľúbená Pošta) or measure your love with a "Love Meter." It's truly a unique place that you shouldn't miss.

For something more outdoorsy, head to Banská Štiavnica Calvary.

3. Bojnice Castle

Love Disney cartoons? Then you should visit Bojnice Castle with its magical Cinderella-like architecture.

Bojnice Castle is one of the most visited places in Slovakia. It was constructed in the 12th century and had a grand history.

Inside the castle, you can see the many chambers and rooms with original decor and furniture.

What's more, the castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with a lake, swans and a lime tree over 600 years old !

If you prefer something less touristy, then you could visit Smolenice castle instead, with its gorgeous ancient medieval architecture. It's also closer to Bratislava - less than an hour's drive.

Another interesting castle ruin within 1h drive from Bratislava is Čachtice , with a spooky history and many legends. It was listed as one of the scariest places on Earth.

4. Slovak Paradise

One cannot talk about beautiful places to visit in Slovakia without mentioning the national parks.

Slovak Paradise national park is exactly what its name suggests, a nature paradise.

This national park is full of narrow rock formations, waterfalls, climbing ladders and canyons. It's also one of the best places to go hiking in Slovakia .

One of the highlights of Slovak Paradise is Suchá Belá Gorge and Dobšinská Ice Cave.

Start your hike in Hrabušice-Podlesok, from where you need to follow the green trail. It will take you about 4 hours round trip.

A nice place to stay is at Ranch u Trapera in Hrabušice .

Trnava is one of the oldest towns in Slovakia and is only 30 minutes from Bratislava.

It has the nickname "Little Rome" because the city was the religious and cultural center of the Hungarian Kingdom for almost 300 years.

The main square is full of historic buildings and buzzing cafes. One cafe that really stands out is Synagoga cafe because of its stunning historical interior inside the renovated synagogue.

For lunch or drink, I recommend Severná Veža - Bar & Lounge.

Only an 8-minute drive out of town, you'll get to Medolandia , which offers all things honey, including mead, honey desserts, honey and natural bee products. Another reason to visit Medolandia is the beautiful rose garden, especially in the blooming season. You can also enjoy their honey wine tastings and there's a restaurant on site.

Trnava is also home to an annual medieval festival - Trnava fair . Every year around the second week of September, the city comes alive with people wearing middle age themed costumes.

You can enjoy performances of knights demonstrating archery and horse riding under the town walls while vendors sell their handmade goods, and food stands fill the streets with delicious aromas.

If you want to try something unique, Trnava has a beer spa ! It's basically a bath filled with beer instead of water that you can dip in while you drink your pint. A dream come true for any beer lover.

6. Aphrodite Spa in Rajecké Teplice

The name of this spa, Aphrodite, is really well suited. From the moment you step in, you'll feel like you have entered ancient Greece .

The white columns, Greek mythology-inspired sculptures and blue evening lighting give it a luxurious atmosphere. The vast swimming pool is built with arches and Roman motifs. 

For some people, the decor might be a bit over the top, but others find it very pleasant.

The spa also has several indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and places to relax.

The waters have natural healing properties with a pleasant temperature of 38C. You can also drink this special mineral water that contains plenty of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Not only can you enjoy thermal baths, but there are many other spa treatments, from massages, wraps to gold and chocolate facials.

After all that pampering, you'll feel rejuvenated and perhaps look like the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

7. Treetop Walk Bachledka

The treetop walk in Bachledka is a distinctive tourist attraction in Ždiar, a Slovak village with preserved folk architecture.

Follow a stunning 1.2 km wooden boardwalk and feel the thrill as you walk above the tree canopy overlooking the breathtaking mountain views of Belianske Tatry, Pieniny, and Zamagurie.

Treetop Walk has a 32m tower with a net on top that will give you a bit of an adrenaline boost because you can see through all the way down.

If you want to speed up your descent from the tower, you can hop on a slide (closed in winter).

After your treetop walk, visit the museum Ždiarsky dom with traditional Slovak architecture. Another popular tourist attraction in this area is the Belianska cave .

Ždiar has some epic mountain chalets where you can enjoy a comfortable stay while you explore the region.

Čičmany is a picturesque village/open-air museum famous for its wooden log houses painted with white geometrical ornaments.

The houses have typical Slovak folk architecture. The Čičmany village is well-preserved and still looks the same as it did hundreds of years ago. You might feel like you stepped back in time or into a fairy tale full of gingerbread houses.

One of the traditional houses was converted into a museum Radenov dom , that showcases traditionally furnished rooms and provides information about unique Slovak traditions, superstitions and how Slovaks used to live in the past.

For lunch, I recommend Humno Ondreja Gregora with an outdoor patio. You can sample here some traditional Slovak specialities , such as kapustnica , bryndzové halušky , sweet potato dumplings ( buchty ) or try homemade cakes.

If you like, you can kill two birds with one stone and go on the Čičmany tour combined with a visit to Bojnice castle.

9. Spiš Castle

This list of beautiful places to visit in Slovakia wouldn't be complete without mentioning Spiš Castle.

Travel back in time and explore the castle grounds and its fortifications.

Located on the top of a hill near the city of Spišské Podhradie, Spiš castle offers stunning views and serves as a reminder of medieval grandeur.

This impressive UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest castles in Central Europe and the largest castle in Slovakia.

The castle's size is not the only impressive part, the views are also spectacular.

10. Zemplínska Šírava

Zemplínska Šírava is a large man-made lake in Eastern Slovakia. Often referred to as the "Slovak Sea," this is the ideal place to visit in Slovakia if you want to soak up some sun.

The main attraction here is Medvedia Hora beach. You can go fishing, rent a water bike, jet ski or enjoy other water sports such as waterskiing and windsurfing.

Zemplínska Šírava also has one of the largest disco clubs in Slovakia - Motel Kamenec . If you love parties, then this is the place to be in the summer.

Other fun things to do in the area are hiking to Morské Oko lake or visiting a historic wooden church in Ruská Bystrá.

Košice is the second largest city in Slovakia after Bratislava.

With one of Slovakia's most preserved historic town centres, it's no surprise that Košice is a popular tourist destination.

The Old town is pedestrian-friendly and has a cozy, charming atmosphere. Highlights of Košice include Jakab palace, State Theater, Old Town Hall, the singing fountain and the St Elizabeth gothic cathedral.

You'll find here plenty of vibrant cafes and restaurants along the main street, with cobble-stoned alleys stretching in each direction.

Some of the top places to dine in Košice are Villa Regia and the restaurant/hotel Slavia. If you're not hungry, you can simply enjoy a cup of coffee in Slavia and take a photo of their elegant interior.

If you have a sweet tooth, a must-stop is MŇAM, a traditional chimney cake bakery.

To sample Slovak beers, visit brewery Hostinec.

12. Trenčianske Teplice Thermal Spa

Trenčianske Teplice is one of the oldest spa towns in Slovakia.

It's known for its healing waters of thermal mineral springs that have therapeutic effects.

The main attractions here are thermal pools with pleasant water temperatures around 37C and Turkish Hamam. The interior of Turkish Hamam features intricate tilework, columns, and ceilings decorated with geometric patterns.

It's a perfect place to pamper yourself and unwind.

 While here, you can also visit nearby Trenčín castle.

13. Orava region

Orava region is where I was born. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Slovakia.

There are many cool things to do here, from visiting Orava castle , built in the 13th century and taking a boat ride to Slanica island of art to horseback riding in ranch Na okraji . A favourite activity is going on an easy hike to Hojdačka Zuberec (swing in the woods) with mountain views of Roháče.

You can get to the swing from Koliba Josu , from where you walk up the hill following the blue trail. After about 15 minutes, you'll see a meadow with two secluded trees and a swing.

Koliba is a restaurant where you can reward yourself with a hearty Slovak dish after your walk.

Orava also has a statue of Jesus Christ that looks almost identical to the one in Rio de Janeiro, albeit smaller. The statue was created by a local artist Peter Ganobjak. The main idea behind this statue was to have some symbol of protection for Orava. This region has a strong Catholic community living here. The local sculptor was inspired by the original statue in Rio De Janeiro.

The statue is located on top of a hill in the small village of Klin. It's 9.5 m high and weighs 23 tons. The views of the valley from the top are spectacular.

14. Špania Dolina

Lesser-known Špania Dolina is a picturesque village surrounded by the Low Tatra mountains in central Slovakia.

The small village of Špania Dolina is a former mining town that flourished in the middle ages because of the abundance of copper and silver.

It has preserved its historical charm with Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings, including an old catholic church and iconic wooden houses that used to be former miner workers' dwellings.

Špania Dolina is not only worth visiting because of its folk architecture but also because of abundant hiking trails.

For accommodation and dining, you'll find many options in the nearby town of Banská Bystrica on SNP (Slovak National Uprising) square, for example, cafe LeRoy .

Bottova cafe is an excellent breakfast spot.

This list of beautiful places to visit in Slovakia is extensive but definitely not complete. I'll let you uncover some more of your own hidden gems.

Not sure where to start? You can opt for a special tour: The 2-day highlights of Slovakia tour lets you see castles, local villages and the High Tatras.

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Author - Kamila Jakubjakova

Kamila is a freelance writer and blogger originally from Slovakia and now based in Canada. On her blog, she and her partner share useful tips for expat life in Canada. When she isn't writing, you can find her on a yoga mat or enjoying a cup of tea.

Last Updated 18 April 2023

10 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

Slovakia is literally in the heart of Europe.

Often overlooked by travellers who visit Slovakia’s better-known neighbouring countries like the Czech Republic and Austria, one just needs to take the time to explore this small country to appreciate it.

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We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

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So, what are the best places to visit in Slovakia? 

Most people don’t even realise that Vienna is only 50km away or a 1-hour journey from Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia.

I’ve wanted to explore this country for a few years now, and lucky for me, I’ve recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks there. I’ve made a list of the ten best places to visit in Slovakia; some of my favourites were recommendations from Slovakian friends.  

Slovakia is a small country, so if you visit for just a few days or weeks, these places are definitely worth visiting.

If you are confused about Slovakia and Slovenia, you might want to read this helpful article .

These are the 10 Best places to visit in Slovakia

Table of Contents

1. Košice

Košice has the looks and charm of a small cosmopolitan city. With one of the most well-preserved historical town centres in the country, it is definitely pleasing to the eye.

The Old town centre has been pedestrianised and the buildings and architecture have a cosy medieval feel.

Buzzing cafes and restaurants are sprinkled along the main street, with cobble-stoned alleys leading off in all directions. We found this city to be most beautiful in the evening time when the magnificent St Elizabeth gothic cathedral is lit up with many colours.

Plus we had an amazing meal at Krcma Letna, so Kosice starts our list of best places to visit in Slovakia. If you are exploring more of Europe, you might also visit Ukraine – it has surprisingly great food !

2. The High Tatras

Creating the border between Slovakia and Poland, the  Tatra Mountains   are considered to be the tallest mountain range in Slovakia. Because of its altitude, the High Tatras have become a very popular skiing destination in the country. The High Tatras offer a more affordable option for skiing vacation when compared to France, Austria or the Swiss Alps.

The place to be is the town of  Štrbské Pleso . People have been skiing here for centuries because of the glacial lake found nearby.  But it also offers something in summer, there are a few hiking trails to follow. Enjoy a drink or meal with a view at the end of the day.

We spent two nights in Štrbské Pleso and hiked up to Skok waterfall, around 3 hours roundtrip. The views were fantastic. The High Tatras MUST be on your list of best places to visit in Slovakia.

Read more: How to Hike to the Green Lake (Zelene Pleso) in Slovakia’s High Tatras

Levoča is known for its visually pleasing town centre and the historical walls around the town.

Most of the Old town is considered a World Heritage site as there are countless buildings in the town that dates back to the Renaissance. All these buildings have been beautifully preserved.

It is definitely worth stopping in this town, even if it is just for an afternoon visit. 

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4.  Čičmany

This preserved town with timber houses dates way back to 1272.

Čičmany is unique because of the specific white patterns painted on the exterior walls of houses that decorate them. The local folk music, costumes and folk dances of the village have been preserved too. This village has so much character and was highly enjoyable to explore.

You will need your own car to get here ( Europcar offers great rental deals) and it feels so remote from the cities, despite being just a short drive. Since these houses are truly unique, I think it is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

5. Spiš castle

Located in the east of Slovakia, you must visit the remains of this magnificent castle, also, UNESCO listed. There are fantastic views of the countryside from the castle, and you can explore an authentic medieval dungeon, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and armoury.

There are many castles in Slovakia and I think they are definitely some of the best places to visit. But Spiš castle is the largest one. It gives you a very real experience of what life would have been like, back in medieval times.

6. Trnava

The city of Trnava is situated along the banks of the Trnávka River and is only 50km from the capital city of Bratislava. This city has been referred to as the ‘Slovak Rome’ because of its many churches within its city walls.

Trnava has a very pretty and well preserved historical centre, perfect for enjoying coffee in the sidewalk cafes or a delicious local snack of lángos. I recommend visiting in June – September when the old town hosts many cultural events.

There are amazing cafes, such as Synagoga , great beer at Academia  and if you are already missing Asian food try ENAK ,

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7. Bojnice

The historic town of Bojnice is located along the banks of the Nitra River. The oldest zoo in the nation is situated in Bojnice, just behind the Bojnice Castle. This is one of the most visited castles in Slovakia and for good reason.

A guided tour of the castle is highly recommended. The castle appears fairytale-like from the exterior and has been featured in many international films and it’s one of the best places to visit in Slovakia because it’s quite unique.

8. Banská Štiavnica

One of the oldest towns in Slovakia. In the past, it was also one of the wealthiest due to the huge deposits of gold and silver.  Rich miners built Many beautiful buildings here during the 16th and 17th centuries.

It is one of the cultural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today the town is very well preserved and has some wonderful cafes and small stores with Slovakian handicrafts and gifts. Many more reasons why it’s on our list of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

13 Things to Do in Bratislava Slovakia (including the fun things to do)

Hiking in Slovakia – Our Hike to the Amazing Green Lake (Zelene Pleso) in Slovakia’s High Tatras

Slovakia vs Slovenia – What Is The Difference?

9. Bratislava

The largest city in Slovakia and one of the youngest capital cities in the world. The population also seems young. Bratislava is a small metropolitan city and seems to have a buzzing social life, as well as a historic charm too.

There are so many great things to do in Bratislava .

There are many museums and art galleries, although a visit to Bratislava castle should also be on your hit list. This sightseeing bus tour with the Castle entrance included is a good choice.

After you’ve finished sightseeing for the day, visit one of these best restaurants in Bratislava for some tasty Slovak cuisine.

Bratislava is found in the southwestern part of the country situated along both the Danube and Morava banks. It is here that the country borders Austria and Hungary . But many visitors might continue on a train across Europe to the neighbouring Czech Republic.

Here are the  7 Best things to do in Prague.  And, we’ve also got you covered for the places to try the best Czech food in Prague .

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10. Vlkolínec

A quaint little village, situated in the centre of Slovakia, with views of mountains and rolling fields surrounding it. This village dates back to 1376, and in 1993, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a remarkably intact settlement with the traditional features of a central European village.

More than 40 log houses are painted in bright colours and a very well-preserved chapel still stands proudly in the village. It really felt like a step back in time, wandering through this little piece of history.

Not only is this one of the best places to visit in Slovakia, but it’s also like no other place you’ve seen before in the world.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the best places to visit in Slovakia. Does your favourite place in Slovakia appear on our list? If not, could you tell us more about it below?

Travel Tips for Slovakia

We have many travel guides and tips for Slovakia—what a great country!

Start your food journey with our Slovakian Food Guide (18 popular dishes), or check out our Food Map of Europe!

Heading to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city? Here are  13 of the best things to do in Bratislava, and you should check out our list of the  best restaurants in Bratislava.

Slovakia is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers. We recommend this hike to the amazing Green Lake (Zelene Pleso) in Slovakia’s High Tatras.

Did you know Slovakia is one of the 10 most affordable European countries to travel to ? Check out our recommendations for the 10 best places to visit in this budget-friendly destination.

Make sure to avoid the common mistake and confuse Slovakia with Slovenia! Read more about the differences between Slovakia and Slovenia .

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27 Spectacular things to do in Slovakia

• by Martina Kokesova
• March 25, 2022 November 3, 2023

When you recall images of Slovakia in your mind’s eye, you most likely think of Bratislava. However, there is more to Slovakia than its charming capital city . There are hundreds of epic things to do in Slovakia, and it is hard to pick only a few.

This small central European country has fairy-tale castles , colourful medieval cities , untouched traditional villages and open-air museums . Slovakia is also known for its national parks with scenic hiking trails , ski slopes , spas and geothermal waters . It also has collapsed volcanoes and thousands of caves – some of which are UNESCO protected sites. Yes, that is right – Slovakia is steep in culture . It is also a dream destination for outdoor lovers.

High Tatras

Spectacular places to visit in Slovakia

Wondering what are the best things to do in Slovakia that aren’t Bratislava? Here are some of the gorgeous places you’ve got to check out in Slovakia.

Things to do in Slovakia for UNESCO lovers

1. spiš castle.

Did you know that beautiful Slovakia has the highest number of castles per capita in the world? This small country in the heart of Europe has more than 600 castles and châteaux. One of them is Spiš Castle – it is one of the 1000 most important monuments in the world. You are quite right to think that Spiš Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spiš Castle in Slovakia

The construction of this fortification dates back to the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, the castle became an important economic and cultural centre for this part of the Kingdom of Hungary. Spiš Castle kept growing and expanding for centuries. Today ruins of Spiš Castle are the largest castle complex not only in Slovakia but also in Central Europe .

Due to its dramatic locations, it is possible to see the remains of Spiš Castle from far away.

Despite its ruined state, Spiš Castle is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia . The remains of the castle sit on a travertine hill overlooking Spišské Podhradie village. Once here, climb the ramparts of the fortification . Also, visit the high tower for the beautiful views. Don’t miss an exhibit of torture devices once used at the castle. You will also find here Spiš Museum .

Climbing the ramparts of the largest fortified castle in Central Europe is one of the best things to do in Slovakia . Spiš Castle is one of the most visited sites in the Kosice region. Therefore, it is one of the popular day trips from Kosice .

GOOD TO KNOW:

Driving from Kosice to Spiš Castle takes about 1 hour (75 km /46mi). Bear in mind that Spiš Castle is closed between November and March. The castle is open daily from April to October, and the entrance fee is € 8. Guided tours and audio guides are also in English. If visiting during the summer months, check out the castle’s schedule. They are often medieval festivals and night tours in the summer.

What to see near Spiš Castle

After exploring Spiš Castle , stop at nearby Spišská Kapitula , which many people call the ‘Vatican of Slovakia’ . You will find beautiful Romanesque churches, gothic architecture, and baroque decorations on houses there. Also, visit St Martin’s Cathedral. It is one of the largest and most beautiful Romanesque monuments in Slovakia.

2. Banská Štiavnica

Banska Stiavnica

For those who would like to explore further afield, Banska Stiavnica should be your next stop. UNESCO-protected Banska Stiavnica is not only one of the most picturesque Slovak town s but is also rich in history. It also has a unique position – this historic town sits right in the middle of a caldera from an ancient volcano that collapsed a long time ago. But there are more reasons to visit this Slovak town.

Banska Stiavnica is one of the epic places to visit in Slovakia. It is because this town will make you feel as if you’ve stepped inside the ancient fairy-tale. Moreover, Stiavnica is also an ideal destination for recreation and a romantic getaway.

This charming romantic town in the central part of the country is Slovakia’s oldest mining town . What’s more, this mining town used to be “Europe’s El Dorado” . You are quite right to think that many years ago, Banska Stiavnica was one of the richest cities in medieval Europe. This town was a producer of silver and other metals for many centuries.

Banska Stiavnica, also called the “Silver Town”, got rich thanks to the extractions of silver and minerals.

In addition to all this, medieval Stiavnica has beautiful colourful buildings and palaces from the late Gothic and Renaissance periods. Two fortifications and the Calvary are some of the top attractions in the town . The Calvary with over twenty chapels and churches offer stunning views of the preserved town and green rolling hills.

Today, exploring Banska Stiavnica is one of the best things to do in Slovakia if you want to learn more about mining history. Make sure you visit the open-air museum , where you can walk deep underground to see what life in the mines was really like.

Driving to Banska Stiavnica from the capital takes about 2 hours (173 km, 107 mi). You can pair it with a trip to Bojnice Castle, which you can find about a 1-hour drive from Stiavnica.

READ MORE: Beautiful places to visit in Banska Stiavnica

3. Dobšinská Ice Cave

Don’t miss a trip to the spectacular Dobšinská Ice Cave in the Slovak Paradise National Park.

Did you know that Slovakia is home to almost 2,500 caves? Yes, that is correct – Slovakia has not only many castles but also caves . Some of them even have UNESCO World Heritage status. One of them is the Dobšinská Ice Cave .

What makes the Dobšinská Ice Cave unique? As the name suggests, this cave is covered with ice – even on a hot summer day. Here you can see stunning natural ice formations, such as ice stalagmites, and semi-frozen waterfalls. In some places, the ice thickness reaches over 26 metres (85 ft). The Dobšinská Ice Cave is one of the largest ice caves in the world . Moreover, it is also one of the first caves in Europe with electric lighting.

The Dobšinská Ice Cave ranks among the largest ice caves in the world. The total ice volume is about 125 000 cubic metres. Until the year 1946, the public could ice skate in the cave.

Exploring the Dobšinská Ice Cave is one of the best things to do in Slovakia because this cave is one of the most valuable natural sites in the country. Moreover, the UNESCO Dobšinská Ice Cave is a part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst site.

• You will find the Dobšinská Ice Cave near the mining town of Dobšiná in the eastern part of the country.
• The Dobšinská Ice Cave is open to the public between May and September .
• The walk up to the cave from the car park takes about 25 minutes. It also requires a hike up a hill .
• The temperature stays below the freezing point all year round. Hence, wear warm clothes .
• Even though the guided tour is only in the Slovak language , it is definitely worth visiting this unusual cave.

4. Ochtinska Aragonite Cave, Slovakia

Ochtinska Aragonite Cave is the only cave of its kind in Europe .

It is well worth taking a trip to one more cave, which you can find in southern Slovakia . Ochtinska Aragonite Cave in Slovakia is only one of three aragonite caves in the world. The other two are in Argentina and Mexico. Therefore, visiting Ochtinska Aragonite Cave is one of the unique things to do in Slovakia.

What makes Ochtinska Aragonite Cave unique is its rare aragonite formations and ornamentations. Although Ochtinska Aragonite cave is not large, it is one of the unique places to visit in Slovakia. Even UNESCO included this unusual cave on its list.

It takes about 1 hour and a half to get to Ochtinska Aragonite Cave from Kosice by car (94 km / 58 mi). The temperature in the cave is about 7 ºC.

5. Vlkolínec

While visiting central Slovakia, you should make time for a detour to Vlkolinec in the Liptov region . This tiny mountain hamlet is one of the few remaining folk villages in Central Europe . UNESCO World Heritage Vlkolinec is world-famous for folk architecture from the 14th century. Here you can see 45 traditional log houses, the beautiful Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, and the bell tower. Also, visit the museum and buy some handicrafts from the locals.

Wandering the colourful streets of peaceful Vlkolinec is one of the best things to do in Slovakia because this UNESCO site is one of its kind in Central Europe. This authentic open-air museum , surrounded by nature, is still home to about 30 locals . It is a rarity that such an old village is still alive.

Vlkolinec is not only famous for fine folk architecture but also for its laidback atmosphere. Also, there are some epic hikes nearby.

This mountain village is one of ten Slovak villages with the status of folk architecture . Therefore, visiting Vlkolinec is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia if you are interested in folk architecture .

The closest town to Vlkolinec is Ruzomberok – it is well connected with Bratislava and Kosice. You can reach Vlkolinec from Bratislava in about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car (259 km/ 160 mi). From Kosice, it will take you about 2 hours by car (197 km / 122 mi). If travelling by train, it takes 3 and half hours from Bratislava. A single train ticket costs €12. The entry fee to Vlkolinec is €3 – they accept cash only.

6. Bardejov

Bardejov – ‘little Germany’ within Slovakia

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Slovakia is undoubtedly Bardejov. This pretty town in the northeastern part of the country i s not usually on the bucket list of many international visitors . But don’t fool yourself – Bardejov is well worth visiting.

Once here, get your camera ready and start exploring its town centre. It is well preserved fortified medieval town , and most people visit it because of its architecture. You probably don’t know it, but many years ago, trading routes from the Balkans to the north crossed through the town, and this town became important. During the Middle Ages, this town was one of the most prosperous places in Upper Hungary.

Today, Bardejov, with Germanic influences , is one of the most gothic towns in the country . Bardejov is well preserved from its medieval days, and, therefore, UNESCO put it on its list . And they are not wrong. Bardejov is a perfect example of a fortified medieval town – and you can still see the original city walls.

WHAT TO SEE IN BARDEJOV

Strolling Market Square in the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Slovakia . It’s because this square is famous for rows of pastel-coloured houses and a beautiful town hall. Townhall, which lies in the middle of the square, is home   to Šariš Museum . Don’t miss the old synagogue , a small Jewish quarter and also the Roman Catholic Basilica of St Gilles . For the best views of the town don’t forget to climb the tower of the Basilica of St Giles.

Open-air museum in Bardejov

Afterwards, visit Bardejovske Kupele . This spa town is about a 10-minute drive away from the centre. Nearby is also an open-air museum with wooden architecture typical for two ethnic groups – Slovaks and Rusyns . The museum is one of the top attractions in the region because it has typical residential timber houses and sacral buildings. This open-air museum presents the folk culture and architecture from eastern Slovakia . It is a great place to visit during the summer.

The journey from Kosice to Bardejov takes about 1 hour and a half (96 km/ 59 mi). Visiting Bardejov is one of the best day trips from Kosice because UNESCO Bardejov is one of the prettiest Slovak towns.

The Old Town of Levoca

It is easy to see why Levoca is one of the popular day trips from Kosice . This former free royal town experienced boom and prosperity during medieval times. As a result, the Master Pavol’s Square is home to more than sixty Gothic and Renaissance townhouses. This gorgeous rectangular square is also famous for the Town Hall and the St. James Church .

The St. James’ Church is one of the most famous sacral buildings in the country . It has the highest wooden altar in the world (18.62 m). It is the work of Master Pavol.

After exploring the church’s interior, climb the tower to see the famous square with the colourful burgher’s houses (where the wealthy people lived).

If possible, visit the picturesque Town Hall, which is one of the highlights of the town. It is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in Slovakia . The Old Town Hall is now a museum. Also, don’t miss ‘the Cage of Shame’ which was used for punishing criminals in the past.

Exploring UNESCO Levoca is one of the best things to do in Slovakia for everyone interested in history and architecture. It is also a perfect day trip if you are after a quiet getaway. The Old Town of Levoca still has its original town walls dating back to the 13th century. The fortifications are well-preserved.

The Marian Hill (Marianska Hora) above the town is one of the oldest and the most famous pilgrimage sites in Slovakia .

After exploring Levoca, visit nearby Spis Castle and the High Tatras. It is only a 20-minute drive to Poprad (32 km/ 19 mi). If driving from Kosice, then it takes about 1 hour (90 km /55 mi).

8. Domica Cave in Slovakia

If you spend more time in the Kosice region in Eastern Slovakia, don’t miss the Domica Cave . It is the largest cave in Slovak Karst National Park and is very beautiful. It is also very close to the Slovak – Hungarian border . This cave is a part of a 25 km long cave system, out of which a quarter is in Slovakia. No wonder UNESCO has added the Domica Cave to its list. Therefore, Domica Cave is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

The tour in the Domica Cave lasts up to an hour and is definitely worth a visit.

The scenery in the Domica Cave certainly is unique.  Not only you will see photogenic stalactites and stalagmites, but you can also take a romantic boat tour. For those reasons, visiting the Domica Cave is one of the best things to do in Slovakia.

• the closest town to the Domica Cave is Rožňava -it is about a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive away from Kosice. Due to its close proximity, the Domica Cave is one of the best day trips from Košice. The parking is right outside the entrance.
• the Domica Cave is not open on Mondays and all of January.

Pair your trip to the Domica Cave with nearby Šomoška Castle and Gombasek Cave (Gombasecka jaskyna).

9. Kezmarok

If you have an extra day during your trip to the High Tatras in Slovakia, visit nearby Kezmarok. This town in eastern Slovakia is a getaway to the Tatra Mountains . It may be small, but it is famous for pastel-coloured buildings , Kezmarok Castle and its UNESCO wooden church . Yes, that is right, this small town is home to the wooden articular church . It is one of only five Lutheran wooden churches remaining in the country. This white protestant church is unique because the interior is all of wood . It was also built without using any metal nails . Everything in the church is wooden, even nails and church organ with pipes. For those reasons, visiting Kezmarok is one of the unique things to do in Slovakia.

After exploring the Protestant wooden articular church, stop at the nearby evangelical church , which is also beautiful.

When visiting Kezmarok from Strbske Pleso in the High Tatras, it will take you about 40 minutes to get there (42 km / 26 mi). Alternatively, the High Tatras mountain resorts of Tatranska Lomnica and Stary Smokovec are only a 20 minute drive from Kezmarok (15 km /9.3 mi).

You cannot take a trip to Slovakia without sampling the local cuisine in one of the restaurants. Be sure to try Bryndzove Halusky – potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese and bacon on top.

Things to do in Slovakia for castle lovers

10. orava castle.

Beautiful Orava Castle set on a hill above the Orava River in northern Slovakia

If you find yourself in Slovakia, make time to visit Orava Castle . It is one of the most impressive castles in the country . This beautiful medieval castle, which sits on top of a rocky cliff, dates all the way back to the 13th century. Yes, that is correct, this fortification remembers the Hungarian Kingdom, which Slovakia was once part of. Many years ago, this castle protected the main road to Poland.

Each generation of aristocrats and noblemen added its own touches and additions to the castle.

Today, Orava Castle is one the best places to visit in Slovakia . It’s because this gorgeous fortification is one of the top attractions in the country. Moreover, Orava Castle is well-preserved and offers stunning views of the complex and the hills. But that is not all, though – there are entertaining live performances that showcase what life was back in the Middle Ages. The castle is also home to the Orava Museum , where you can see an exhibition that focuses on regional folk culture.

Therefore, exploring Orava Castle is one of the best things to do in Slovakia for castle lovers.

Download an English Orava Castle audio guide in the App Store or Google Play. Learn fun facts about the castle’s history.

Driving from Bratislava to Orava Castle takes under 3 hours by car. If travelling by train, it takes 4 hrs and 1 change. You will find the castle within walking distance from the railway station Oravsky Podzamok.

11.Bojnice Castle

Bojnice Castle

It is easy to see why Bojnice Castle is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia . This romantic castle with pink towers is a National cultural monument in Slovakia . But that is not all, Bojnice Castle will fulfil all your Disney fantasies .

More than 900 years old Bojnice Castle has a rich history, a medieval feel and a cave under the castle. It also has a beautiful park, which allows you to see the chateau from different angles. There are also numerous public events all year round.

The previous owner took inspiration from the castles of France’s Loire Valley . And he did an excellent job. Today Bojnice Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia – but it is also one of the most visited castles. The castle is also rich in legends .

Bojnice Castle stands on a travertine hill and overlooks the town.

Visiting Bojnice Castle is one of the best things to do in Slovakia for castle lovers. It is a perfect destination for romantic getaways . Taking an organised bus tour to Bojnice for the day is a must if you are in Slovakia for more than a few days. Alternatively, rent a car and explore Bojnice on your own.

Don’t miss the observation tower located in the mountains about the town – it offers beautiful views of the castle .

READ MORE: A day trip to Bojnice in Slovakia – the best things to see and do:

12. Trenčín

It is also worth taking a trip to Trencin, which you can find near the border with the Czech Republic. Trencin is one of the best cities to visit in Slovakia because this town is home to one of the most beautiful castles in the country . Medieval Trencin Castle , which lies atop a rock, guarded important trade routes in the past. Nowadays, Trencin Castle is a National Cultural Monument and one of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

Trencin Castle became the residence of Matthew III Csak – the legendary “Lord of the River Vah and the Tatra Mountains” . Yes, that is correct, Matthew Csak owned almost 50 castles at the end of the 13th century. He ruled the northwestern counties of Medieval Hungary. Today, you can explore Trencin Castle and see beautiful views from the tallest tower . Trencin Castle is also home to a museum where you can learn more about the region’s history. During the summer months, there is medieval entertainment for kids.

Trencin Castle, one of the most famous historical monuments of the Povazie Region, Slovakia

After visiting the castle, stroll along the charming Peace Square (Mierove Namestie), where you can find plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops. Don’t forget to climb the City Tower (Mestska veza). The tower offers stunning views of the castle and the old town. Also, check out the Synagogue and the nearby forest park Brezina . Those visiting Trencin at the beginning of July should not miss the POHODA Festival at Trencin airport . It is a three-day event and the most famous festival in Slovakia.

The history of Trencin Castle goes back to the age of the Roman Empire. Find Roman writing telling about the victory at Laugaricio (Roman for Trencin) on a rock below the castle.

A day trip to Trencin is an easy day trip from Bratislava. There are regular direct trains from Bratislava to Trencin (1 hour and 20 minutes). It also takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes if travelling by car, (130 km/ 80 mi).

13. Beckov Castle

Beckov Castle is visible from far away.

If you have a spare hour (or two) while visiting the northwestern region of Slovakia, stop at Beckov Castle . Beckov Castle, which stands on a high cliff above the village with the same name, is a dominant feature on the horizon. For many years, the castle’s location helped to protect the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s borders. Eye-catching Beckov Castle was home to knights and noble families before the fire destroyed this fortress in the 18th century. Today Beckov Castle is one of the popular places to visit in Slovakia because these fortress ruins are a natural cultural monument. Also, this medieval castle is one of the most famous heritage sites in the country. Even though much of the interior is in ruins, it is safe to walk around. Discover the original purpose of each room and enjoy the views of the countryside.

Beckov Castle is about a 1-hour drive from Bratislava. It is a popular stop for many visitors because this fortress makes an easy pullover from the D1 motorway. The walk to the castle from the village takes about 10 minutes and is suitable for kids and the elderly.

14. Šomoška Castle in Slovakia

Slovakia is the land of castles.

One of the beautiful places to visit in Slovakia is also Šomoška Castle, which you can find close to the Slovak – Hungarian border . Šomoška Castle was once one of the Hungarian fortresses that defended the country against the Turkish threat . Even though Šomoška Castle is today in ruins, it is well worth exploring this place.

The ruins of this 13th-century fortress are well preserved and well worth checking if exploring the south of Slovakia. You will not find the crowds here, and there is a good chance you will have the ruins just to yourself.

Šomoška Castle is accessible from both sides – Slovak and Hungarian . Hiking from the Hungarian side is very easy, but the Slovak side is more interesting. It has a lovely educational hike where you can see unusual lava formations.

Exploring Šomoška Castle is one of the best things to do in Slovakia not only for castle lovers and outdoor lovers . Inside the Šomoška Nature Reserve , you will find ruins of the fortress , a stone sea and a stone waterfall , which are unique rock formations in the world. Therefore, Šomoška Castle is of the best places to visit in Slovakia .

Hiking to Šomoška Castle

With that in mind, you want to hike from the Slovak side. Drive to a parking lot in front of the Nature Reserve. Afterwards, continue on foot via a path following the green marks. A pleasant 45-minute educational hike is perfect even for families with children. On your way to Šomoška Castle, you admire a unique natural phenomenon – a stone waterfall and a stone sea . Yes, you read it right, a short walk from Šomoška Castle, you will see 9 metres (30 foot) high stone waterfall . It formed around 4 million years ago when basalt lava hardened into these unique columns. The Stone waterfall (Kamenný vodopád) is a unique attraction on a European scale . It is one of only seven stone waterfalls found in the world.

The Stone waterfall is an unusual rock formation and unique natural phenomenon, not only in Slovakia but also in the world.

But that is not all, just a short walk from Šomoška Castle , you will find another geological wonder – the stone sea . It is a large area that consists of shards and rocks that have cascaded from the formations. The previous owners of the castle used similar stones when building Šomoška Castle.

Šomoška Castle lies 172 km (106 mi) from Košice – it is about a 2, 5 hours drive. Šomoška Castle is one of the best day trips from Košice if you pair it with a visit to nearby caves (Domica cave and Gomasecka cave).

Things to do in Slovakia for nature lovers

15. high tatras in slovakia.

One of the first tourist destinations most people head to is the High Tatras , and there is a reason for that. The national park located in the north of Slovakia along the border with Poland is , in fact, too beautiful to skip . The High Tatras mountain region is famous for majestic peaks, alpine lakes , thundering waterfalls and clear air . What’s more, the High Tatras are the most famous Slovak national park . Also, it is the smallest alpine mountain range in Europe . For those reasons, the High Tatras is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia for nature lovers.

This stunning mountain region is famous for beautiful hiking trails . They are suitable for people of all experience levels. There are many trails to follow, and you can easily spend a week here . Mountains receive a lot of snow, and most of the paths close during the winter months. During the winter, several ski resorts are a skier’s paradise.

Visit the highest and most visited peak in Slovakia – Lomnicky Peak (Lomnický štít). Reach more than 2,600 metres high peak by a cable car and spend a night at the highest situated apartment in Central Europe.

READ MORE: Gorgeous places to visit in the High Tatras in Slovakia .

16. Špania Dolina

Špania Dolina is not only picturesque but also rich in history. It also has very few tourists around.

If you prefer something a little quieter, consider visiting Špania Dolina . Špania Dolina is a hidden gem of Slovakia. In fact, it is one of the best-kept secrets of the local s. Moreover, this tiny dot on a map seems more like a fairy tale than just a village in central Slovakia.

Back in the days, this historic village with a wood-topped church was, in fact, a mining town . The hills around Špania Dolina were rich with copper ore. Mining began here as early as the Bronze Age. Today, peaceful Špania Dolina is a living museum. It has crisp clear air and is perfect for those who want to heal their soul.

Visiting Špania Dolina is one of the unique things to do in Slovakia . It is because it is one of the cultural treasures of the country . Also, the nearby hills offer some of the best hiking in Slovakia . The area is also famous for mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Exploring Špania Dolina

Start at the main square and stop at the white church – it’s a symbol of the village . Afterwards, explore the nearby streets with beautiful Renaissance wooden houses . In the past, they were the f ormer miners’ houses . Also, do not miss the klopačka tower – it is a unique bell tower that used to call miners to work early in the morning. There is also a Copper Museum for those who would like to learn more about mining history.

There are several hiking trails you can take. Look at the map, it is at the main square. Take the educational Mine Trail . Not only it is an easy 1-hour hike, but the trail also offers breathtaking views of the area .

Špania Dolina is one of the unique places to visit in Slovakia because it is an authentic experience with a rich mining heritage.

Driving to Špania Dolina from Bratislava takes around 2.5 hours (220 km, 136 mi).

17. Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovensky Raj)

The Slovak Paradise National Park is famous for its stunning scenery.

If you find yourself in the Eastern part of Slovakia, don’t miss Slovak Paradise . Even though it is not the largest national park in Slovakia, it is one of the most famous parks . Sparkling waterfalls, deep rocky canyons, valleys and rivers make the Slovak Paradise one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

the famous Tomasovky View

There are about 300 kilometres of hiking trails to choose from – many of them feature ladders, chains and bridges. The hiking trails with hanging bridges and plank walkways have different difficulty levels. They are also well-marked (red, blue, yellow and green).

Tomašovský výhľad, the Slovak Paradise

The most famous hiking trails are the 15 km long Prielom Hornadu and the 75-metre high Zavojovy waterfall . Also, make sure you have time to visit Tomašovský výhľad (Tomasovsky view), which is famous for a 146 m high clifftop outlook with beautiful views of Hornad Gorge and the High Tatras. The Slovak Paradise is also famous for its many caves. Once here, don’t miss the UNESCO Dobsinska Ice Cave.

Exploring the Slovak Paradise is one of the best things to do in Slovakia for outdoor lovers . This national park is famous for hiking trails with metal ladders and footbridges above waterfalls .

18. Súľov Rocks (Súľovské skaly)

The Súľov Rocks situated within the Súľov Mountains region

If you want to escape the noise of the towns, we recommend you to go to the Súľov Rocks northwest Slovakia.

What are the Súľov Rocks famous for? The Súľov Rocks are one of the best-kept secrets in Slovakia , and many people refer to them as the “Slovak Dolomites . They are a national nature reserve with outstanding rock formation s and spectacular views . Here you can see unique shaped towers , needles, gates and canyons.

The area has several hiking trails with all difficulty levels and stunning views from the highest ridges. Most visitors are local hikers, and on many sections on the trails, you will barely see anyone else.

It is easy to see why the Súľov Rocks are one of the best places in Slovakia.

Hiking the Súľov Rocks is one of the unique things to do in Slovakia because these beautiful rock formations offer you to see an unspoilt part of the countr y. During hiking, you can see bizarrely shaped rocks and also rare orchids .

Well-marked hiking trails are suitable for both experienced and less skilled tourists. Don’t miss the castle ruins, the Gothic Gate, a rock mushroom and Zbynovsky budzogan.

HOW TO GET THERE:

You can find the Súľov Rocks 30 minutes drive away from Žilina train station. It takes approximately 2 hours to get to Žilina from Bratislava.

Žilina is well-connected with the rest of Slovakia by train, bus and car. Afterwards, take a bus to Súľov-Hradná – there is also a parking lot.

19. Via Ferrata Skalka near Kremnica

Are you not scared of heights and not nervous around cliff edges? Then, there are a few places in Slovakia where you can climb high up. One of the famous Ferrata trails is in the heart of Slovakia. It is Via Ferrata Skalka , near the town of Kremnica.

If you feel brave, put a helmet on your head, walking shoes and a special Ferrata kit and explore one of the most popular Ferrata trails in Slovakia . Different secured routes with impressive views are perfect for beginners and experienced climbers. Walk on the longest suspension bridge in Slovaki a – it is a part of the Ferrata. The cable bridge leads above the gorge and is almost 80 metres long .

Via Ferrata Skalka is another must for adrenaline junkies

Climbing via Ferrata Skalka in Kremnicke Mountains is one of the epic things to do in Slovakia because you can see a different view of the mountains. Moreover, Via Ferrata Skalka is one of the best climbing places in Slovakia . There are numerous Ferrata trails to choose from. They have various technical features (beam and rope bridges, bird nests, etc.).

Walking on the longest cable bridge is one of the best things to do in Slovakia.

A well-marked hiking trail from Relax centre Skalka near Kremnica leads to nearby Ferrata. You don’t have to pay anything if you want to explore the Ferrata trail in Skalka. However, everyone needs to use special Ferrata sets for protection. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent out the Ferrata set at Relax Centre in Skalka .

After climbing Via Ferrata Skalka, visit nearby Kremnica and Spania Dolina.

Other Ferrata Trails in Slovakia

If you have any energy left, try different Ferrata trails in Slovakia. Don’t miss Via Ferrata Kysel in Slovak Paradise National Park. Ferrata Dve Veze near Liptovske Revuce offers beautiful views of the nearby mountains. Also, check out Ferrata Martinske Hole .

20. Liptov region in Slovakia

Kvacianska valley, Liptov

If you find yourself in the north part of the countr y, make sure you spend at least a few days in the region of Liptov . For many locals, Liptov is one of the most popular places to visit in Slovakia because of its natural scenery . Yes, that is right, Liptov is famous for its combination of natural attractions and cultural and historical heritage. Liptov is home to the largest mountain and ski resort in Slovakia – Jasna Nizke Tatry , where you can enjoy winter sports. But that is not all – Liptov has not only many ski resorts but also many scenic hiking trails . The local mountains are also a paradise for cyclists .

If you prefer water to snow, visit one of the large thermal parks TATRALANDIA , Water park Besenova or AQUA-VITAL PARK Kupele Lucky . Also, don’t miss the Liptovska Mara water reservoir , which evokes staying by the sea.

The Liptov region is, according to many Slovaks, the jewel of the crown of Slovakia .

Prosiecka valley, Liptov

Liptov region surrounded by national parks is a paradise for nature lovers. Because of that, exploring Liptov is one of the best things to do in Slovakia.

Also, check out local caves – Demänovská Cave of Freedom , Demänovská Ice Cave and Vazecka Cave they are among the most visited in the country. If you are interested in the local folklore, stop at sleepy Vlkolinec (UNESCO) or the open-air museum in Pribylina . The annual folklore festival in Vychodna also attracts thousands of visitors from all over Europe.

Things to do in Slovakia for city lovers

21. bratislava.

It is easy to see why many visitors put Bratislava high on their bucket list. Bratislava is the largest city in the country and one of the youngest capital cities in Europe. What’s more, Bratislava is the only capital bordering two independent countries (Austria & Hungary). Bratislava is also an excellent destination for history lovers . For many years, Bratislava served as the coronation site of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Once here, explore the beautiful historic town centre . See the baroque palace and medieval, gothic buildings and quirky statues. Don’t forget to see the area around Michael’s Gate . Not far from there is St Martin’s Cathedral – it is one of the oldest churches in Bratislava . This beautiful coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungar y is one of the top attractions in the city.

Also, don’t miss UFO Observation Deck and Bratislava Castle overlooking the Old Town. Both are top attractions in the city. Visit the ruins of Devin Castle and the Blue Church if you have spare time. If you want to learn more about Bratislava, read our article about the best things to do in Bratislava .

One of the beautiful places to visit in Slovakia is also Trnava. This charming city in the western part of the country is an easy day trip from Bratislava . Getting to Trnava is pretty straightforward with a direct train from the capital. The city centre is also walkable. But that is not all – Trnava is very picturesque.

You may not know it, but Trnava became the first royal free town in Slovakia – it won the right to build ramparts. In the middle ages, Trnava was an important centre. Today you can see the impressive architecture of the many cathedrals and churches . Yes, that is right, Trnava has many churches within its city walls . For this reason, many people call Trnava “Little Rome” or “the Slovak Rome”.

Things to do in Trnava

Once here, wander the cobbled streets and soak up the impressive architecture in the old town. Explore the largest city fortifications in Slovakia, Lower Gate , city hall and Holy Trinity Square .

Not far from the main square is Saint Nicholas Basilica . The gothic style basilica with two towers is one of the oldest churches in Trnava. It is also one of the top attractions in the city. Moreover, Saint Nicholas Basilica is an important part of the life of the locals. It is also home to the painting of the Virgin Mary, which wept tears of blood in the past.

After exploring Saint Nicholas Basilica, visit the Cathedral of St John the Baptist . It is one of the most important churches in the city. The Cathedral of St John is the oldest religious building from the early Baroque period in Slovakia . What makes this church unique is the massive altar . It is entirely made of wood . Yes, that is right, you can see here one of the largest and the most beautiful altars of its type in Europe.

Also, do not miss Synagogue on Halenarska Street and Town Tower . It was once the tallest building in the city. Many years ago, the guard tower protected the city against the enemy. Today, the tower offers beautiful views of the city.

Stop at renovated Synagoga Café for a drink. This chic cafe was once Orthodox Synagogue.

You cannot take a trip to the eastern part of the country without visiting Košice. In the 15th century, Košice became the second biggest town in the Kingdom of Hungary (after Buda and Bratislava). Today, Košice is the second-largest city in the country and one of the must-see places in Slovakia . Košice has a lot of famous monuments – almost all are in the historic town centre. It has the longest historical promenade in Slovakia , a singing fountain and the biggest cathedral in Slovakia . Even the Pope recognised St Elizabeth’s Cathedral as a pilgrimage site.

Wander around the square, and see beautiful medieval bastions, Gothic architecture and baroque sculptures. Also, climb 160 steps in the northern tower of St Elizabeth’s Cathedral to see panoramic city views .

Wandering the streets of Košice is one of the best things to do in Slovakia because Hlavne namestie square is one of the most beautiful squares in Slovakia . The Old Town of Košice is famous fo r medieval architecture , a thriving art scene and the second oldest marathon in the world . Moreover, Košice is a perfect base for those who want to visit many UNESCO sites in Slova kia.

Driving from Bratislava to Košice takes about 4 and a half hours (400 km/ 250 mi).

24. Kremnica

Though you may not find it on the cover of a tourism magazine, Kremnica is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Slovakia. This well preserved medieval town in central Slovakia was once one of the richest towns in the Kingdom of Hungary. Moreover, this picturesque town had abundant gold deposits in the Kremnica Mountains. Therefore, it has the nickname “Golden town “.

Today, Kremnica is a popular place for relaxation for the locals. Climb up the Town Castle – it is one of the main landmarks in the town . The church tower offers beautiful views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Also, don’t miss the Kremnica Mint – it’s the oldest still working mint in the world . There is also a museum of coins and medals in one of the old burgher houses where you can learn more about the craft of coinage. You can even strike mint here.

You can find Kremnica in central Slovakia, around 175 km (109 mi) from Bratislava (2 hrs by car).

Things to do in Slovakia for history lovers

25. čičmany.

Čičmany with wonderfully decorated log houses

Not many would place Čičmany high on their list of places to visit in Slovakia, but it would be a mistake. Did you know that Čičmany is the first-ever folk architecture reservation in the world? This tiny village with gingerbread houses decorated with white icing feels like a time capsule. It also looks straight out of a fairy-tale.

Čičmany is famous for decorating log houses with the typical white ornamentation , which women started painting about 200 years ago . Travel back in time and see how the Slovak people lived in the past. Look at the white geometrical patterns, spot hearts and other typical ornamentation. The tradition of painting white ornaments still continues to the present time in Čičmany .

In the past, women painted the patterns because they wanted to protect the wood. Today, they keep the tradition alive and paint the ornaments for decoration.

Once here, do not miss Radenov dom and the nearby Gregorov dom – they are the best-preserved houses in the village. The second mentioned house is home to the ethnographic exhibition , where you can learn more about the history and folklore of this region. If possible, join a guided tour and stop at the local gift shop.

Stopping in Čičmany is one of the best things to do in Slovakia because this small traditional folk village is famous for traditional patterns painted on houses.

Driving to Čičmany from Bratislava takes about 2 hours (175 km / 108 mi). There is not much to do, and therefore, you should plan your trip here with nearby Bojnice Castle. It is only about 45 minutes drive away from here.

26. Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin

Museum-lovers looking for things to do in Slovakia have plenty of options . There are 13 open-air museums to choose from, showcasing Slovak folk traditions , architecture and history. The largest of them is the Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin .

Step back in time and see traditional folk architecture from northwest Slovakia from the 19th century to the early 20th century. Wander between timber buildings and explore traditional houses, a village store, a church, even a firehouse.

The Museum of the Slovak Village is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia for everyone who would like to see traditional folk architecture. The Museum of the Slovak Village showcasing customs and Slovak folklore has many day events and live shows throughout the year.

Now you know what the best things to do in Slovakia are!

The hardest thing about visiting Slovakia will be fitting everything in. Make an itinerary before you go and prioritise what you would like to see and do. Of course, whatever you don’t have time for will have to wait till next time!

Have you been to Slovakia? What was your favourite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

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… veľmi dobrý popis, krásne miesta plné pokoja…neváhajte a príďte, všetko je naozaj tak, ako je napísané

This is a fantastic article with so many great suggestions and useful information. I’ll definitely be referring to this on my trip to Slovakia in September. Thanks for sharing!

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• The 10 Most Beautiful Towns...

The Most Beautiful Towns In Slovakia

Despite all of the urban and natural beauty it has to offer, Slovakia still remains off the beaten path for many travelers. Here are our picks for the most beautiful Slovak towns.

1. bratislava.

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Don’t be fooled by the movie Eurotrip – Bratislava, as Slovakia’s capital city, is the country’s cultural center. Visitors will be immediately captivated by everything it has to offer. As an historical home for many different nationalities, among them Slovaks, Hungarians, Germans, Czechs, and Jews, the city’s history is a veritable tapestry of different influences and events. They all weave together and begin to reveal themselves in the narrow, meandering streets of the center. Take a walk up to the striking white castle on the hill, or lose yourself in the old center. Don’t forget to stop at one of the many brew-pubs on the way.

2. Banská Bystrica

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Located in central Slovakia in an area crisscrossed by mountain ranges, you’ll find Banská Bystrica, which originally gained fame as a copper mining town in the late Middle Ages. As this was a period of great wealth for the city, the majority of the buildings you’ll see in the historical center will reflect the architectural character of that time. In more recent history, it was also the site of the Slovak National Uprising. Here, the Slovak resistance movement launched an attempt to overthrow the Slovak collaborationist government that was in charge at the time. The beautiful main square in Banská Bystrica is named after the uprising.

Although the town dates back to at least the 13th century, a couple of major fires in the 16th century effectively rid the town of the Gothic architecture that had once been dominant. The town was rebuilt, then, in the Renaissance style. Because of a number of notable constructions and how well preserved they are, Levoča has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. One interesting thing to look for are the woodcarvings of Master Paul of Levoča, an impressive example of which you can find in the Church of St. James, where he carved the altar. Small though it may be, this eastern Slovak town is well worth a visit.

One of the oldest towns in Slovakia, Nitra was first mentioned with a version of its current name in the ninth century, when it became the capital of the Principality of Nitra. This was the first known independent Slavic state in the area. It later fell under Hungarian control and so eventually became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Thus, it has the same kind of ethnically diverse history of many of the cities in the region. Even in a strong Catholic country like Slovakia, the Church is particularly strong in Nitra, so you can expect to find a number of gorgeous religious structures.

5. Kežmarok

Kežmarok lies in the shadow of the Tatra Mountains, so there is no shortage of impressively dramatic views. One of the original settlements there was built by a group of Carpathian Germans, but there were also groups of Saxons, Slovaks, and Hungarians. One of the town’s most important inhabitants was Hungarian nobleman and warrior Imre Thokoly, whose remains have only recently been returned to his hometown. The most well known site to visit is the entirely wooden Protestant church, which contains a wooden organ and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The colorful church with the mountains in the background is a truly stunning sight.

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Košice is the second biggest city in Slovakia, and it is important enough to have been named the capital of Czechoslovakia for a brief period at the end of WWII, before Prague had been liberated. Even so, it has a very large historical old town area. Most of the old town is for pedestrian traffic only, which makes it a lovely city to explore fully on foot. Another thing helping the atmosphere, unsurprisingly, are the copious restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and bars that line the small, winding streets. The main street, which opens up in the middle and houses both the St. Elizabeth Church and the State Theatre of Košice, is a perfect place to walk around any time of day.

7. Banská Štiavnica

Banská Štiavnica is notable both for its geology and its architecture. The ‘valley’ that it’s in is actually a caldera, or a collapsed ancient volcano. Only about 10,000 people call this town home, but they are fortunate enough to be living in an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval town that is another one of Slovakia’s UNESCO sites. As this was once an important mining town, one thing you can do in the city is visit the open-air mining museum. You can walk more than a kilometer underground in a mine from the 17th century. If you come in the warmer months, bring your swimsuit and check out one of the many artificial reservoirs that were built to power the mining industry.

Trnava has existed since the 11th century, and soon after that it became an important meeting point for the Czech and Hungarian kings to meet and make various agreements. Later, it would gain importance as a religious center, as it was one of the centers of the Counter-Reformation. The Jesuits then opened Trnava University, and the city became key in the growth of Slovak culture. While the university has since been moved to Budapest and the city’s importance has diminished, there are still a number of beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings.

9. Bardejov

There are a surprising number of areas to check out in Bardejov, a UNESCO site and town of only 30,000. Before WWII, Bardejov was home to a sizable Jewish community, the history of which you can explore in the Jewish quarter. In the last decade, the Bardejov Jewish Preservation Committee has launched a major attempt to restore the town’s Jewish buildings. The town center, however, is also impressive from an architectural standpoint, with medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings all finding their places here. Don’t forget to check out Bardejovske Kupele, the spa town just a mile north of Bardejov.

While Poprad as a town has much to offer any visitor, it is primarily known as one of the main gateways to Slovakia’s famous High Tatra mountains. Streams of people come through Poprad in summer and winter to take advantage of the city’s proximity to the mountains, which are worth visiting at any time of the year for skiing or hiking. However, the town itself has a charming historical center full of colorful buildings that date mostly to the 18th and 19th centuries. Fittingly, Poprad really comes into its beauty in the winter when it’s covered in snow, complete with the snowy Tatras in the background.

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The 25 Best Things to do in Slovakia

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Whatever type of vacation you’re looking for, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Slovakia. Bratislava , the country’s capital, is famous for its pedestrian Old Town and fortress, which watches over the city, while the rugged countryside is known for its remarkable hiking trails and epic viewpoints.

Few people visit the east side of the country, making it one of Slovakia’s truly hidden gems. This region is dotted with charming chapels and sprawling national parks, as well as the Tokaj wine region bejeweled with dreamy vineyards and family-run wineries.

With so many amazing things to see and do, you may not know where to begin. So we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Slovakia. Add these fun activities and attractions to your Slovakia bucket list, and you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring the land of mountains and castles!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Top 25 Things to Do In Slovakia

1. walk above the treetops at via ferrata skalka.

Do you have a head for heights? Then make sure Ferrata Skalka is on your vacation itinerary. Found in the heart of the country, close to the town of Kremnica, Via Ferrata Skalka is home to a terror-inducing suspension bridge that takes you high above the treetops in one of the most stunning parts of Slovakia.

If you take on the challenge of the walk, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views that seem to stretch on forever. The longest suspension bridge in Slovakia, the overpass is 263 feet long and sways high above a dramatic gorge that plunges far down below.

Via Ferrata Skalka isn’t just for the brave and daring. This gorgeous part of the country offers a number of scenic routes ideal for beginners as well as experienced climbers. Here you’ll also find a number of rock climbing opportunities designed for people of all levels.

2. Give Uphill Skiing a Try

One of the most fun things to do in Slovakia during winter is to have a go at uphill skiing. This sport is hugely popular throughout Slovakia, and with countless ski resorts scattered across the country, you’ll be spoiled for choice with places to start.

Experts in Slovakia combine their love of zooming down snow-covered slopes with climbing up them. This activity is known as uphill skiing and involves walking up snowy slopes before sliding back down them at incredible speeds. 

As you’d imagine, getting up the hill is tricky and requires special bindings to stop the skies from sliding back. These pretty much transform them into long snowshoes, giving you plenty of grip.

The Low Tatras and the High Tatras mountain ranges offer some of the very best skiing in the country. If you want to check out the biggest ski resort, you’ll find it in Jasná in the Low Tatras. Here you can ski along more than 30 miles of marked trails.

3. Admire the Folk Architecture at Čičmany

Located in northern Slovakia, Čičmany invites you to step back in time and find out what it was like to live in the region almost 50 years ago. Opened in 1977, this magical place looks more like a gingerbread village than a real working village. The place is teeming with wooden houses decorated with intricate white designs, just like icing on gingerbread!

Although the homes are only five decades old, they’re modeled on traditional homes from around 200 years ago. Back then, women would spend hours painting intricate designs on their homes, making them unique and special. Take a close look at the patterns today, and you’ll spot things like hearts, arrows, kisses, and text. 

The paintings were originally done to protect the wood. Today they’re done to keep the tradition alive and add cheerful decoration. Make sure you check out the Gregorov dom and the Radenov dom. These are the two best-preserved homes in the village and they look spectacular.

4. Go Dog Sledding With Huskies

If you’re planning on traveling in winter, one of the coolest things to do in Slovakia is to sign up for a dog sledding tour . The Tatra Mountains are the best place for this type of excursion, and at the end of your experience, you’ll be left with all kinds of wonderful stories you’ll be telling people about for years.

Your trip begins with learning how to drive the dog sled. You’ll find out how to turn left and right, as well as how to understand the Siberian huskies’ behavior. When you’re confident with the beginner circuit, you’ll move on to the real part of the trip.

You’ll get to explore the snowy wilderness with your pack of dogs, just like a real Slovakian musher! When you’re done, it’s time to relax and cuddle up with your new furry friends. The whole thing lasts just two hours, making it a great choice – even if you don’t have much time to spare.

5. Explore the Museum of the Slovak Village

Learn more about the local culture in Slovakia by spending a few hours at the Museum of the Slovak Village . Much more immersive and entertaining than a typical museum, this popular attraction in Martin really brings history to life and invites you to get involved.

The biggest ethnographic open-air museum in Slovakia, the Museum of the Slovak Village is a great place to see traditional folk architecture. Here you’ll find 129 individual buildings that cover everything from a church and firehouse to a pub and village store. The buildings are full of typical items, too, giving you a great idea of what life was like in rural Slovakia in the 19th century.

Check out the website before you plan your visit to see what’s happening. There are exciting events held throughout the year, including music concerts, agricultural exhibitions, and live reenactments. 

6. See Slokavia’s Oldest Wooden Church in Hervartov

For one of the best sights in Slovakia, head to the tiny village of Hervartov and seek out the iconic church. The oldest and best-preserved wooden church in the country, the Gothic-style Church of Saint-Francis of Assisi is definitely worth going out of your way for. 

If you travel throughout eastern Slovakia, you’ll come across a number of traditional wooden churches. A lot of them (including the one in Hervartov) have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Not only is the church fascinating on the outside, but it’s also home to a number of sparkling treasures inside that you won’t want to miss.

Step through the entrance of the 15th-century church, and you’ll be surrounded by ancient artwork. Gleaming icons, spectacular murals, and tremendous frescoes line the walls. 

The doors to the church are closed most of the time. But if you call the number posted on the door during opening hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm, Saturdays 9 am-5 pm, and Sundays 1:30 pm-5:30 pm), someone will open it up for you! 

7. Sample Slovakia’s National Dish

Slovakia boasts a number of national dishes, and bryndzové halušky is one you’ve absolutely got to try. This unusual dish is made up of halušky (small potato dumplings) and bryndza (a type of soft sheep’s cheese).

The soft dumplings and creamy cheese are mixed together and ladled into a bowl. The dish is then sprinkled with cooked pieces of bacon or smoked pork fat, along with spring onions or chives. It sounds a little strange, but the flavors and textures work really well together.

Bryndza is what makes this dish so special. It’s a top-quality type of smooth, velvety, and rich cheese that’s unique to Slovakia. While neighboring countries claim to make it, none of the recipes are quite the same as what you get in Slovakia. 

For some of the best bryndzové halušky , make a reservation for the Slovak Pub in Bratislava. The biggest pub in Bratislava, this popular spot serves five different varieties of this classic dish, giving you plenty to choose from.

8. Go Hiking in Slovak Paradise National Park

You’ll find some of the best things to do in Slovakia inside the Slovak Paradise National Park. Although it’s not the biggest in the country, this stunning example of nature is made up of 19 beautiful nature reserves, more than 350 mysterious caves, and hundreds of gorges and canyons just waiting for you to explore.

If you’re a fan of hiking, you’re in luck. The Slovak Paradise National Park is home to around 186 miles of hiking trails. While there are some trails ideal for beginners and moderate hikers to discover the area, most of the hiking trails are difficult and best left to the experts.

Some of the most challenging trails are known for their rugged paths and come with all kinds of interesting features, like plank walkways, ladders, and suspension bridges.

The 9-mile-long Prielom Hornádu is one of the most popular routes. It’s got a lot of uneven terrain, which means you need to hold onto chains, climb up swaying ladders, and cross precarious footbridges to complete it! 

9. Relax in Piestany

Traveling can really take it out of you. If you need a break from all the exploring, spend a few days at Piestany. One of Slovakia’s many spa towns, Piestany is built on top of healing mineral springs and provides you with a peaceful haven to chill out and take care of yourself. 

Piestany is hidden away in a quiet part of the country and boasts a number of different spas. Spa Island is one of the most popular and has a laid-back resort-like atmosphere. Known as Kúpeľný ostrov in Slovakia, this pampering attraction invites you to relax with a thermal swimming pool filled with mineral water designed to heal everything from osteoporosis to rheumatism.

For something a bit more out there, consider seeking out a mud treatment in Piestany. The mud in this small town is cured in thermal water for weeks, infusing it with all kinds of healing powers. You can treat yourself to a mud facial, full mud body wrap, or a mud pool bath!

10. Get Lost In the Streets of Bratislava

The capital city of Bratislava is home to some of the top Slovakia attractions. Despite its small size (only half a million people live there), the city is overflowing with captivating galleries, museums, palaces, and ruins.

Walk down Bratislava’s whimsical cobblestone streets, and you’ll discover spectacular palaces, including the Rococo Presidential Palace and the Primate’s Palace, with its famous Hall of Mirrors. The city is also home to a number of quirky statues hidden in sewers that greet you as you walk by.

Bratislava is crowned by Bratislava Castle, towering over the city on the top of a rocky hill. Scale the mountain, and you can explore the inside of the castle and its beautifully-manicured grounds.

Other highlights of the city include the 14-century complex of buildings that make up the Old Town Hall, the aptly-named Blue Church, and the millennium-old Hviezdoslavovo Square.

11. Take a Scenic Train Ride

When you want to continue sightseeing, but you’re fed up with walking, hop onboard one of Slovakia’s trains and enjoy a scenic ride through the country. Because Slovakia is so naturally beautiful, you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for a special scenic tour! You can catch the regular train, snag a window seat, and soak up all the dazzling views outside. 

The most alluring scenic journey is from Bratislava to Kosice via Trencin, Zilina, and Poprad. Your adventure will begin with stunning vistas of the Vah River, followed by the mesmerizing mountains of northern Slovakia, including the intimidating High Tatras. There are many trains that follow this route, so you’ll never have to wait long for one.

Another option is to hop on a train from Margecany (near Kosice) to Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa (Dobšiná Ice Cave) that goes via the Slovak Paradise National Park. The views are spellbinding for the entire trip. The only downside is that the trains that follow this route aren’t very frequent compared to others.

12. Get Spooked at the International Festival of Ghosts & Monsters

For one of the most unique things to do in Slovakia, plan to visit between April and May. At this time of year, Bojnice Castle transforms itself from a popular tourist attraction to a spooktacular setting for the International Festival of Ghosts and Monsters!

Located in the historic town of Bojnice, the 12th-century Romantic castle attracts around 50,000 people each year, all keen to experience the weird and supernatural. Each year, the festival is themed on a different story. So even if you’ve been before, it’s worth checking out again because it will be completely different.

Some of the scary things you can expect to creep up on you include alien invasions, witches’ ceremonies, vampires stalking the night, and the tales of tragic monster romances. Don’t worry about having to leave to find food and drink. There are loads of food stalls offering all kinds of eerie eats. Get dressed up in a spooky costume and join in with the fun!

13. Visit the Largest Fortified Castle in Europe

Slovakia is brimming with handsome castles, including the largest fortified castle in Europe. Although the once-powerful Spiš Castle fortification is now little more than a collection of ruins, it’s still a fascinating landmark to visit.

The remains of the 12th-century Spiš Castle are perched on the top of a tall hill in the village of Žehra and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic attraction began hundreds of years ago as a simple Romanesque stone castle. But extra fortifications, towers, and walls were added over the centuries until it became the sprawling complex you can see today.

By the 14th century, the castle’s complex had doubled in size. In 1790, a lot of the castle was destroyed by fire, and it was never used as a fortress again. A number of sections have been restored, so you can imagine what they were like in their heyday. 

The restored sections are where you’ll find an exhibit full of torture devices that really were used in the castle. You can also see a number of unique treasures that used to be stored in the Spiš Museum.

14. Try a Bowl of Cabbage Soup

Cabbage soup may not sound like the most delicious thing in the world. But digging into a great big bowl of the stuff is one of the must-do things in Slovakia when it’s cold out. Cabbage soup is traditionally served as an appetizer for Christmas dinner, but it’s so popular with locals that you’ll find it available throughout the year from pretty much every Slovakian restaurant.

To make the soup, a creamy vegetable base is livened up with tangy sauerkraut, fluffy potatoes, earthy mushrooms, chopped ham, punchy paprika, spicy black pepper, and aromatic garlic.

The ingredients aren’t blended. Instead, they’re kept whole, providing a new texture sensation with every mouthful. The soup is served piping hot and best enjoyed with freshly baked bread.

Koliba U sv. Krištofa in the city of Banská Bystrica dishes up some of the very best cabbage soup in Slovakia. This gorgeous guesthouse serves traditional Slovakian food, including generous portions of flavor-packed cabbage soup.

15. Discover the UNESCO-Protected Mining Town of Banská Štiavnica

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, the UNESCO-protected mining town of Banská Štiavnica was built on the site of an ancient volcano. People in the area were already mining for silver ore here as far back as the 3rd century BCE.

Over the centuries, Banská Štiavnica became more and more popular as a producer of gold and silver. By the time the 15th century came around, the town was building powerful fortifications to protect the mines. By the mid-1600s, locals took advantage of the newly-discovered gunpowder, making silver and gold extraction even easier.

Take a look around today, and you’ll spot artificial water reservoirs that have been converted into modern swimming spots. If you’d rather see the authentic side of the town, you can pop on a helmet and head underground into a 17th-century mine to find out what it was really like to work down there.

16. Take a Plunge in an Icy Lake

One of the best things to do in Slovakia in summer is to find a quiet lake and go swimming. The country is full of absolutely gorgeous lakes. If you’re not sure which one to pick, we recommend the Liptovská Mara in northern Slovakia. This sparkling body of water stretches on for over 8 square miles and is the perfect place to spend the night if you’re traveling with your partner.

As well as swimming, there are loads of other things to do at the Liptovská Mara. Here you’ll find kiosks renting out all kinds of water sports gear. There’s also a windsurfing school if you fancy giving that a try, as well as mini-golf if you’d rather stay dry.

After you’ve worn yourself out during the day, you can cuddle up with your partner at night and fall asleep under the stars at the lake’s campsite!

17. Go Sub-Zero in the Dobšinská Ice Cave

Hidden away off-the-beaten-track close to the Slovak Paradise National Park, the Dobšinská Ice Cave is one of the country’s best-kept secrets and a must on your Slovakia bucket list. You can only reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site by hiking to the top of a hill that stands 2,953 feet above sea level. After you’ve conquered the initial challenge, it’s then time to slowly and carefully descend into the actual ice cave.

The spectacular ice cave is around one mile long, but you can only explore the first third of the cave. Down here, the temperature stays around the 32°F (0°C) mark, but it sometimes drops below – so make sure you’re dressed accordingly! As you explore, you’ll discover sheets of ice covering the mountain’s walls, floors, and ceilings. Some parts of the ice are estimated to be a whopping 85 feet thick.

The Dobšinská Ice Cave is only open between September and May, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly. Check the website for any temporary closures or changes before you make any commitments.

18. Go Wine Tasting in the Modra Vineyards

When you need a break from all the Slovakia sightseeing, take it easy for an afternoon and spend a few hours wine tasting in Modra. Tucked away in the foothills of the Little Carpathian mountain range close to Bratislava, Modra is a small and inviting town that has been making wine for centuries.

Each year on Modra Wine Cellars Day (the second Saturday of May), lots of the wine cellars host a daylong wine-tasting experience for visitors to enjoy. You’ll have the unique opportunity to visit modern and historical wine cellars, as well as find out exactly how wine is made in this part of the world. 

For the small price of a single ticket, you get access to all 37 of Modra’s wine cellars. To save you from having to walk everywhere, the area puts on a local bus service so you can hop on and off at the wineries of your choosing. 

Make sure you try Modra’s most popular wine – Frankovka modrá. This red wine is similar to pinot noir and tastes delicious.

19. Pet a Lion Cub at Zoo Kontakt

If you’ve always wanted to cuddle up with a lion cub, now’s your chance! Zoo Kontakt is a remarkable zoo in Slovakia that allows you to get up close and interact with all kinds of animals you’d never expect.

As well as a lion cub, you can also cozy up with a bear cub, snuggle with a tiger cub, stroke ancient tortoises, and hand-feed exotic birds. There are more than 400 individual animals that call the park home and provide you with an experience you’ll never forget.

Although you can’t cuddle up with the larger animals in the park, Zoo Kontakt does allow you to get closer to fully-grown llamas, bears, lions, tigers, wallabies, emus, and many other fascinating creatures than you ever thought possible. 

If you’re wary about zoos that allow such close interaction with the animals, you can put your mind at rest. Zoo Kontakt isn’t something the Tiger King dreamed up. It has a great reputation and makes sure all the enclosures are safe for both visitors and animals.

20. See Forgotten Bunkers

If you want to learn more about the country’s captivating history, one of the top things to do in Slovakia is to explore the many bunkers hidden throughout the land. Following Nazi invasions and Soviet takeovers, Slovakia’s countryside is now dotted with abandoned concrete bunkers. You’ll even find some buried in the cities, too. 

You’ll stumble upon the biggest group of bunkers in Slovakia in Bratislava, spread across a large field on the right bank of the Danube River. These bunkers were built in the 1930s to protect Slovakia from Nazi Germany. However, the bunkers were never actually used.

The largest bunkers, known as B-S 4, have been converted into a museum that highlights the genuine firearms used by soldiers, as well as an engine room and countless photographs documenting the events. In summer, volunteers host guided tours on Saturdays.

Take a look around, and you’ll also discover B-S 6 bunkers that once housed soldier crews, as well as B-S 8 bunkers where the most heavily armed soldiers were.

21. Treat Yourself to Chimney Cake

When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, follow your nose until you find a street food stall and order yourself a chimney cake. Known locally as Trdelník , this sugary snack is made by wrapping dough around a metal stick and baking it over an open fire.

You’ll find tiny stalls all over the cities in Slovakia selling this local specialty. The traditional version is sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or stuffed with creamy Nutella. They’re pretty huge, making one easy enough to share between two people.

Chimney cakes are so popular throughout Slovakia that creative cooks have come up with all kinds of fun flavors. Today you’ll find them stuffed with ice cream, sprinkled with gummy candy, stuffed with fresh fruit, and even decorated with flowers.

Chimney Friends in Bratislava is one of the best places for chimney cakes. If you’ve got time, you can order one of their eat-in cakes, which are served on boards surrounded by all kinds of delicious toppings.

22. Say ‘Cheers’ at Junifest

Slovakia’s answer to Germany’s Oktoberfest , Junifest is definitely one of the top things to do in Slovakia. Whether or not you’re a fan of beer, this festival held each June always has a fantastic atmosphere that you’re guaranteed to get swept up with.

A huge number of breweries from all over the country come together for the 10-day festival to show off their best beers. Here you’ll find all sorts of brews to sip, from world-famous names you’ve seen at home to one-of-a-kind beers made just for the festival.

To appeal to a wider audience, Junifest also offers an incredible events program. There are hundreds of music performances held each year, along with fun beer games, captivating art displays, and all sorts of contests. Make sure you snap up a raffle ticket for the chance to win all kinds of cool prizes.

23. Go Caving Inside the Slovak Karst National Park

There’s no shortage of parks in Slovakia, but the Slovak Karst National Park stands out from the crowd. Located in the Slovak Karst mountain range in eastern Slovakia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts more than 700 caves scattered across the park’s impressive plateaus and plains.

The Domica Cave is one of the most incredible and forms part of a colossal cave complex that starts in Slovakia and extends across the border to Hungary. If you’re up for the challenge, you can sign up for a tour and explore its mysterious depths.

If you don’t really want to venture underground, there are plenty of other things to do in the Slovak Karst National Park. Here you’ll find magical hiking and walking trails that take you over wooden paths and footbridges and pasts the ruins of ancient castles, cascading waterfalls, and alluring gorges. In total, there are more than 310 miles of stunning cycling, hiking, and walking trails throughout the park to explore.

24. See a UFO In Bratislava

If you’re always on the lookout for quirky, weird activities, make sure you’ve got seeing Bratislava’s UFO on your list of things to do in Slovakia. This one-of-a-kind attraction stands more than 311 feet above the ground and is known as the Most SNP or the UFO Tower .

This sky-scraping tower is topped with a spaceship-shaped observation deck and restaurant. Ascend to the top, and your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views that stretch all across the city. When the sky is cloud-free, you can see for 62 miles in every direction!

While the UFO Tower is a fantastic place to visit during the daytime, for views that are almost too good to be true, it’s definitely worth coming back on an evening and visiting the attraction after dark, too.

At night, the UFO part of the tower is illuminated so it really looks like a spaceship. It also provides you with a beautiful place to enjoy dinner with a view.

25. Fall in Love with Borovička

End your trip to Slovakia with a glass of borovička . This alcohol has a strong flavor that locals say you either love or hate. It’s made from the ripened fruit of the common pine tree, which gives the drink its characteristic juniper smell. Because it’s so powerful and usually described as an “acquired taste,” we recommend you start off with a tiny sip!

The drink is either clear or golden, depending on how it’s made, and has a similar taste to a really dry gin. It’s 80 proof and is often enjoyed slowly, with or without ice, or quickly as a shot.

You’ll find several brands of borovička that are only sold in Slovakia. Liptovská borovička , Inovecká borovička , and Spišská borovička are three of the most popular. You’ll come across bottles of the stuff on sale in alcohol shops and grocery stores, as well as in most bars and restaurants throughout the country.

There you have it! The 25 best things to do in Slovakia. What’s your favorite thing to do? 

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Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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1 thought on “the 25 best things to do in slovakia”.

Review of your blog: 25 things to do in Slovakia This blog is amazing!!!! Definitely one of the best “top things to do” blogs that I’ve found!! I grew up on a farm in the countryside of the USA and I’ve always wanted to travel abroad. My first trip is to Europe next year, likely including Slovakia. Because I grew up on a farm, cities are just not my thing. I want to meet the locals in the countryside and make new friends. Although I won’t do everything on this list and I’m still going to research more “local” things to do in Slovakia, this blog was an AMAZING point to start off!!! So many lesser known and interesting things to do!! Thank you so much!!!!

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Best Of Slovakia Itinerary: 8 Days In Slovakia

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 60 mins read
• Post last modified: February 8, 2024
• Post comments: 14 Comments

Welcome to Slovakia, a central European  country full of surprises  and treasures. I’m from Slovakia, lived there for the first 18 years of my life, and visited places on this itinerary multiple times . I was thinking about what would make you visit this awesome country, so I’ve picked the highlights and created this 8-day itinerary through Slovakia for you.

It’ll show you the most beautiful places , bring you closer to the culture and traditions , you’ll get to taste local food , and enjoy some hiking trails in my favorite place – The High Tatras Mountains.

Are you ready to experience one of the most beautiful European countries? Let’s get started.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of The Slovakia Itinerary & Map

Here is an overview of this itinerary for Slovakia with a map for your reference. Save it and navigate the country during your road trip.

How To Get Around Slovakia & Make This Itinerary

The best way to get around Slovakia is by car . There are also trains and buses , but they aren’t reliable. Trains often have significant delays and will only take you to major cities in the country. Buses will get you almost everywhere, but it takes a long time , so you would lose a lot of time.

Having a car will get you to all the hidden gems in Slovakia and allow you to visit what you want.

So, if you want to make this itinerary through Slovakia, rent a car in Bratislava for 7 days . Do so on day 2. of this itinerary. You’ll return it in Bratislava on day 8 .

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN BRATISLAVA

The day before you start our itinerary, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The flights to Bratislava are usually more expensive. I recommend flying to nearby airports and then  taking a train  or a bus to Slovakia, Bratislava.

The nearest and most accessible airport near Bratislava is the  Vienna Airport . The flights are cheap, so you can fly to Vienna, take a direct bus or train, and travel to Bratislava.

Alternatively, if you are in the  Czech Republic , visiting Prague , you can easily  take a train or a bus to Bratislava . The connections are great and affordable.

PRO TIP: My favorite bus and train company in Central Europe is Regiojet . So check their rates for connections to Slovakia.

➡ Book a train to Bratislava via Trainline (best rates).

➡ Check out bus connections to Bratislava via Busbud.

Where To Stay In Bratislava: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

Check in to your accommodation in Bratislava in the evening and enjoy the first impressions of the Slovakian capital.

VIP APARTMENTS – budget-friendly apartments ARCADIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL – mid-range hotel GRAND HOTEL RIVER PARK – luxury hotel

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

1. day: bratislava.

Let our itinerary start in Bratislava. We will kick the tour off with the  sightseeing of the Slovakian capital . Below, I’m giving you some quick facts about Bratislava and things to do.

Quick Facts About Bratislava

Located at the  border with Austria  (15 15-minute drive) and  Hungary , Bratislava is the only capital in the world close to the borders of 2 countries.

The  Czech Republic  is also not that far away, only 45-minute drive from Bratislava, so we might say that the Slovakian capital stands at the border of 3 countries.

The city’s name has not always been Bratislava. It only  adopted this name in 1919 . Before, the town was called  Pressburg .

Only in 1993 Bratislava became an  independent capital  of the Slovakian Republic. Back then, Slovakia used to be  part of Czechoslovakia . Czechoslovakia was a centralized country, and the main capital city was Prague .

Sightseeing In Bratislava

🔅 Bratislava Castle 🔅 Michael’s Gate 🔅 St. Martin’s Cathedral 🔅 Bratislava Old Town 🔅 UFO Restaurant & Viewing Point 🔅 Danube River Promenade

🔅 Bratislava Castle

Under  Queen Maria Theresa , Bratislava Castle became a  famous royal seat . It was built in the 9th century and followed almost every architectural style. It used to be a  Gothic castle . In 1562, it was reconstructed as a Baroque castle and later became a Renaissance castle. 

🔅 Michael’s Gate

It’s the only Gate that has been preserved from the medieval city walls . On the top of the tower, there is a statue of St. Michael and the dragon . The building hosts an exposition of weapons .

🔅 St. Martin’s Cathedral

Not only is it the largest church in Bratislava , but also one of the oldest ones . Back in the times of the Kingdom of Hungary, the church was used for coronation purposes .

🔅 Bratislava Old Town

Stroll through the old town’s streets and enjoy good Slovakian food (such as bryndzove halusky). Get an ice cream at – Ice Saloon Luculus . I also have a little game for you here – while walking through the town, try to find an icon of Bratislava on the street: waterman .

🔅 UFO Restaurant

Visit  UFO  for  amazing views  of Bratislava Castle, the entire city, and its surroundings. I love this restaurant. It’s a perfect place for a  date night . You  can only visit it for the views  and don’t have to eat if you don’t want to. Or  have a cocktail  with stunning views of the Slovakian capital at the start of your road trip.

🔅 Danube River Promenade

Walk on the Danube promenade. It’s a beautiful  romantic walk , and you can do so with a visit to the UFO.

Bratislava Guided Tour

Join this guided tour of Bratislava to learn more about its history and the local culture with a local.

Where To Eat In Bratislava

• Best ice cream – Ice Saloon Luculus in the Old Town of Bratislava
• Buchtaren – to try traditional Slovakian dish ‘Buchta’
• Bratislava Flagship – for traditional Slovakian cuisine

Buchta is kind of like a giant dumpling , a traditional Slovakian dish . It’s usually sweet, but here, they also make savoury ‘buchta’. You have to try, it’s super delicious.

After seeing Bratislava today, you can go to the Bratislava Flagship for a traditional Slovakian lunch or dinner.

👉 READ ALSO: 20 Best Day Trips From Bratislava

2. DAY: BRATISLAVA ⇒ ČIČMANY ⇒ RAJECKÁ LESNÁ ⇒ RAJECKÉ TEPLICE

Good morning to Bratislava. I hope you slept well. Today, we are heading off on a real Slovakian adventure. We’ll drive north to explore some unique places.

You’ll drive through the highway initially and then follow smaller roads, which also very nice. We will first stop in a traditional picturesque Slovakian village .

Distance Bratislava ⇒ Čičmany: 1 hour & 55 minutes by car (175 km/108 miles)

On the way to Čičmany, you can visit one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia . It’s located in Trenčín city . You can stop there for a good cup of coffee (there are some great coffee shops), or a donut on the main square.

Visit Trenčiansky Castle and then continue to Čičmany.

Here in  Čičmany village , the houses are built from black timber, decorated with traditional patterns, painted in white lime on each of these houses. It’s a perfect  showcase of Slovakian folk art .

Locals started to paint their wooden houses with white lime as it helped preserve them. As they loved the design, they eventually painted almost all the houses here.

Park your car and enjoy a nice walk through this small village. You can get some coffee and food at a local restaurant . Then continue your journey to Rajecká Lesná . You have driven the longest ride for today. The next 2 stops are very close to Čičmany, so you don’t have to hurry up.

Distance Čičmany ⇒ Rajecká Lesná: 16 minutes by car (15 km/9 miles)

Rajecká L esná

I’ve brought you to this small Slovakian village to see the carved wooden Bethlehem . Jozef Pekara, a Slovakian carpenter, carved this Bethlehem, and it took him 15 years to finish it.

He began the construction and carving process back in 1980. As we know it, Bethlehem displays the birth of Jesus Christ and captures Bethlehem’s atmosphere, from where the story comes.

This wooden Bethlehem has all together 300 figures , and many of them are animated. It’s a gorgeous artwork that you shouldn’t miss in your Slovakian itinerary. You can buy the tickets on the spot. 

It’s 8.5 metres long, 2.5 metres wide, and 3 metres high, making it one of the largest carved Betlehems in Europe.

After this small excursion, let’s drive slightly further to finish the day at the local thermal Spa .

Distance Rajecká Lesná ⇒ Rajecké Teplice: 14 minutes by car (16 km/10 miles)

Rajecké T eplice & Thermal Spa

You’ll end the day in the Spa town of Rajecké Teplice . Enjoy the evening in the thermal baths , go for a walk around the nearby Swan Lake, and soak up the atmosphere.

You can also stay at the Aphrodite Palace that’s connected to the thermal baths.

FUN FACT: Rajec , apart from being a town, is also Slovakian mineral water that comes from this region. If you want to try, you can get it in any supermarket.

Where To Stay In Rajecké Teplice: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

PENSION FLAMM – budget-friendly apartments WELLNESS HOTEL DIPLOMAT – mid-range hotel APHRODITE PALACE – luxury hotel with thermal spa

3. DAY: RAJECKÉ TEPLICE ⇒ SALAŠ KRAJINKA ⇒ DEMÄNOVSKÁ CAVE ⇒ LIPTOVSKÝ JÁN

I hope you had a lovely relaxing time yesterday at the Spa and you’re ready to drive further north to one of the most beautiful Slovakian regions. Its name is  Liptov , and it offers many beautiful nature spots and typical Slovakian villages.

As our first stop, we head to a  traditional Slovakian village  with  local food and animals . Are you ready to experience how the Slovakian shepherds live?

Distance Rajecké Teplice ⇒ Salaš Krajinka: 1 hour by car (70 km/43 miles)

Salaš K rajinka

Experience the life of Slovakian shepherds in  Salaš Krajinka  (landscape sheds). You will learn how they treat the sheep and process the sheep milk by hand into the traditional Slovakian cheese –  bryndza .

Taste and  buy various types of cheese  at the local cottages and  eat some Slovakian dishes  at the local restaurant. This place is fantastic and perfectly reflects our Slovakian culture.

After, we’ll continue and reach the  Low Tatras mountains  region, with spectacular nature and many highlights to see. One of them is the  Demänovská Valley  with its caves.

Distance Salaš Krajinka ⇒ Demänovská Cave of Liberty: 36 minutes by car (40 km/25 miles)

Demänovská Valley & Cave Of Liberty

Demänovská Valley   is one of the most visited places in Slovakia. Not only is it a great hiking and skiing region, but it’s also home to the  longest cave system in Slovakia .

We’ll visit one of the caves today. Come on a tour and watch the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave. You’ll also see the karst ponds and the underground River Demänovka. Learn about the history and creation of this cave system on a guided tour .

Note that there are  time slots for the guided tour  inside the cave. It’s not possible to enter the cave individually. You can  book it on the spot .

See the time slots for the tour below:

You can only pay cash (EUR), they don’t accept card payments.

After you explore the caves, let’s head to our accommodation for the night. You can either stay in  Demänovská Valley  or drive to  Liptovský Ján  to sleep in a traditional Liptov chalet.

Distance Demänovská Cave of Liberty ⇒ Liptovský Ján: 16 minutes by car (17 km/10 miles)

Liptovský Ján

Drive to  Liptovský Ján.  It’s a charming place with the traditional atmosphere of the Slovakian region, Liptov. Liptov is my favorite Slovakian region – it also perfectly reflects Slovakian culture and traditions.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION:  Stay at the  Hotel Liptovský Dvor   – it has many separate wooden chalets where you can spend the night. It’s a great experience.

If you want to stay in Demänovska Valley, I recommend booking Hotel Tri Studničky .

👉 READ ALSO: What To See In Slovakia In 3 Days

4. DAY: LIPTOVSKÝ JÁN ⇒ ŠTRBSKÉ PLESO, HIGH TATRAS

Good morning to the Liptov region. Let’s continue our journey on the Slovakian itinerary. We’ll leave the Low Tatras mountains and drive to Slovakia’s most beautiful spot – the  High Tatras Mountain Range .

It’s unique for its mountain lakes, unspoiled nature with many waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. Our stop is called  Štrbské Pleso . It’s one of the mountain resorts in the High Tatras, where we stay overnight and enjoy the benefits of the Slovakian mountains.

Distance Liptovský Ján ⇒ Štbrské Pleso: 32 minutes by car (41 km/25 miles)

Štrbské Pleso, High Tatras

Let yourself have time to immerse yourself into the atmosphere of High Tatras fully .  Today, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore  Štrbské Pleso .  Walk alongside the Štrbské Lake, further up where the ski slopes are, with some local markets. Enjoy and relax.

You’ll have the  entire day in Štrbské Pleso , so if you want, you can explore other spots in the High Tatras in the afternoon.

Below, I’m giving you a few options for  activities within the High Tatras .

Best Things To Do In The High Tatras

High Tatras has 3 main towns you can visit:

• Štrbské Pleso
• Starý Smokovec
• Tatranská Lomnica

I think Štrbské Pleso offers the most activities and best hotels, so I recommend staying here for 2 nights and making it your base.

From Starý Smokovec , you can head to Hrebienok , an excellent place with some activities. You can do some sliding on the hill .

In Tatranská Lomnica , you can ride a  bobsled in summer , which is much fun.

You’ll get the most out of High Tatras by staying in Štrbské Pleso, walking around its lake, and enjoying wellness at your hotel. The next day, choose to hike to one of the mountain huts.

PRO TIP: One of my favorite things is to take a train alongside the entire High Tatras mountain range . It starts in Štrbské Pleso and goes through Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica. It’s a pleasant journey, and it only costs 4 Euros for the entire day.

Where To Stay In HIGH TATRAS – Štrbské Pleso: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

APLEND LAKE RESORT – budget-friendly hotel WELLNESS HOTEL BOROVICA – mid-range hotel GRAND HOTEL KEMPINSKI – luxury hotel at the lake (best option)

5. DAY: HIKING IN HIGH TATRAS

Today, we are going on a fantastic hiking tour . Get a good breakfast to gain energy for the track.

We’ll walk through the forests and a rocky trail of High Tatras and visit a mountain chalet with a spectacular lake surrounded by rocks and mountains. The place is called  Popradské Pleso .

This hiking  trail is easy . You don’t have to be especially fit to reach our chalet destination.

Hiking Trail From Štrbské Pleso To Popradské Pleso

Start in  Štrbské Pleso  town, from where head towards the Štrbské Lake (Štrbské Pleso). Just before the lake, you’ll have to turn right. Walk slightly further on the road until you reach a forest. This is where our  hiking trail starts .

You’ll walk to the  Popradské Pleso  – don’t worry, there is no way to get lost.  Hiking signs  on the way (see the photo) tell you how far your destination is and how long you still have to walk.

Just make sure you are checking ‘ Popradské Pleso.’  That’s your destination.

Distance hiking trail Štrbské Pleso ⇒ Popradské Pleso: approx. 1 hours on foot (5 km/3 miles)

Once you reach the Popradské Pleso , there is a chalet, a traditional Slovakian hiking hut , where you can get lunch and snacks . After, enjoy the walk around Popradské Lake. It has a path you can follow around.

After, let’s head back to Štrbské Pleso town. Enjoy your afternoon in the High Tatras,  relax , and soak up the local atmosphere.

Hiking Trails In The High Tatras

I’ve chosen the easiest hiking route to Popradské Pleso for you. But if you want to challenge yourself and want to hike further up to the mountains, you can also visit the following mountain huts as a day trip from Štrbské Pleso:

🔅 Terýho Chata (starting point is Hrebienok) 🔅 Zbojnícka Chata (starting point is Hrebienok) 🔅 Chata Pri Zelenom Plese (starting point is Tatranska Lomnica)

Take a train in the morning from Štrbské Pleso to one of the starting points, and you can enjoy these hiking trails, too.

Or check out other best hiking trails in High Tatras and choose the one you’d love to do.

👉 READ ALSO: 5-Day Itinerary For Hut-To-Hut Hiking High Tatras Slovakia

6. DAY: HIGH TATRAS ⇒ SPIŠSKÝ CASTLE ⇒ SLOVAKIAN PARADISE

Good morning to the High Tatras. Take your time and have breakfast; today, we have a pleasant drive, visiting two beautiful things.

In the morning, we’ll stay in the High Tatras and visit the sidewalk atop the trees with spectacular views. The place is called  Bachledka Sidewalk on the top of the trees .

Distance Štrbské Pleso ⇒ Bachledka Tree-Top Sidewalk: 50 minutes by car (38 km/23 miles)

Bachledka Tree-Top Sidewalk

Park the car in the nearby parking place. Let’s enjoy the spectacular   tree-top walk   on a wooden trail. It’s  1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) long , and on the top, you will get  stunning views  of the entire region.

Let’s continue our Slovakia road trip itinerary. We will now pass to another Slovakian region. We are about to visit one of the most beautiful Slovakian castles.

Distance Bachledka Tree-Top Sidewalk ⇒ Spišský Castle: 1 hour by car (66 km/41 miles)

Spišský Castle

Welcome to   Spišský Castle .  Its construction started in the 12th century. In 1780, the  castle was damaged by a fire , and since then, it has been regarded as a castle ruin.

Nevertheless, today, the castle ruin looks amazing and belongs to the largest ones in Central Europe. There is an  educational trail with 8 stations  to learn more about the castle ruins and surroundings.

👉 READ ALSO: 6 Fairy-Tale Castles In Slovakia

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our road trip to another picturesque Slovakian region, the  Slovakian Paradise  (Slovenský Raj). The village we’ll stay overnight in Slovakian Paradise is called  Podlesok .

Distance Spišský Castle ⇒ Podlesok (Slovakian Paradise): 30 minutes by car (36 km/22 miles)

Podlesok – Slovakian Paradise

You can get accommodation in the little village, Podlesok, in Slovakian Paradise.

I recommend you stay at the Autocamping Podlesok . They have chalets which you can book for a night. Alternatively, you can also go camping and sleep in a tent.

Tomorrow, we’ll do a beautiful walk through Slovakian Paradise , starting right here in Podlesok.

👉 READ ALSO: Slovakia And Slovenia: How To Tell The Difference

7. DAY: HIKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN PARADISE ⇒ DOBŠINSKÁ ICE CAVE

Today, we’ll experience the authentic atmosphere of the Slovakian Paradise. It has forest walks, gorges, waterfalls, and stunning views. We’ll do a small hike through the Suchá Belá Gorge.

Suchá Belá Gorge

The Suchá Belá Gorge is  4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long walk.

You will  start in Podlesok , where you can leave the car and walk through the  Gorge full of ladders and waterfalls . When you begin,  follow the green hiking signs .

Once you reach the  end of the trail , you’ll return to Podlesok, where you started. On the  way back , you will  follow the red and yellow hiking signs.

Enjoy the spectacular walk through the ladders , next to this gorge’s waterfalls and green forests.

The entire walk will take you between 3 hours 30 minutes up to 4 hours of walking time.

In the afternoon, let’s get back to the car and drive slightly further to another highlight of Slovakia.

Distance Podlesok ⇒ Salaš Zbojská: 1 hour & 20 minutes by car (75 km/46 miles)

Salaš Z bojská

Salaš Zbojská is another  beautiful Salaš  you can visit during your Slovakia Road Trip and a great place to get  delicious Slovakian food . It is a quiet, charming place where you will soak up the real Slovakian atmosphere. You can also sleep here tonight.

Write them an email and  book accommodation .

Alternatively, just call them and book a room or a chalet. I recommend booking a traditional wooden chalet for the night.

The email address: [email protected] Phone number: +421 910 418 788

Get further information about Salaš Zbojská on their wbesite. Unfortunately, the website is only in Slovak language , that’s why I suggest you wirte an email or call for additional information.

8. DAY: SALAŠ ZBOJSKÁ ⇒ BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA ⇒ BRATISLAVA

Our Slovakia road trip is coming to an end. But we still have one great stop before  driving back to Bratislava .

In the morning, enjoy the last moments in Salaš Zbojská with its beautiful nature.

For breakfast , you have to try the local Slovakian national sweet bread:  BUCHTA . Here in Salaš Zbojská, they  bake fresh traditional Buchta  with various flavors, and they are one of the best in Slovakia.

Once you are ready, let’s hit the road again. We’ll visit one of the most significant cities in Slovakia –  Banská Štiavnica .

Distance Salaš Zbojská ⇒ Banská Štiavnica: 1 hour & 40 minutes by car (108 km/67 miles)

Banská Štiavnica

Banská Štiavnica  is one of the most beautiful Slovakian cities, famous for the  mining industry . It’s also called  Silver Town , as silver was the primary raw material mined here.

In 1762,  Maria Teresa established a University  in this city with a center for  mining technology  and science. It was the first University of that kind in Europe.

Walk through its cute streets and get some lunch.

After that, I recommend you visit the mine called  Štôlňa Michal . It’s a very cool experience, and you’ll learn how they used to mine here.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to the capital of Slovakia , where we started our itinerary. Enjoy the most out of the beautiful nature around.

Distance Banská Štiavnica ⇒ Bratislava: 2 hour by car (174 km/108 miles)

This is the end of our road trip through Slovakia. Return your car to Bratislava and head to other destinations. You can make this Austria road trip itinerary , visit Budapest in Hungary, or follow my Czech Republic road trip .

Practical Tips For Visiting Slovakia

To help you plan your visit even more, I’ve got some tips for visiting Slovakia. See when the best time to visit is, what budget you’ll need for this itinerary, and whether the country is safe to visit.

How Many Days Are Enough For Slovakia?

8 days is the perfect amount to explore Slovakia. You’ll have time to immerse into the culture and traditions, go hiking in the High Tatras, and spend some time in beautiful thermal baths.

The minimum time to spend in Slovakia is 3 days . 10 days is enough to explore the highlights of the country.

👉 READ ALSO: How Many Days In Slovakia Should You Spend? Revealed!

Best Time To Visit Slovakia

The best times to visit Slovakia are May, June, September, and October. These months are less crowded , and locals are at school/work, so you’ll have the places for yourself.

The weather is usually great , and temperatures range between 18°C (64°F) and 23°C (73°F) these months.

If you want to go hiking in the High Tatras , visit the last 2 weeks of June until later September. Otherwise, the hiking trails will be closed.

Budget You’ll Need To Visit Slovakia

The budget for an 8-day Slovakian itinerary per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $760 . This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car to travel conveniently, and enjoy each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this itinerary budget for each travel category:

So the total budget for a 8-day trip to Slovakia , without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the country offers, is $760 per person .

Budget Breakdown For Each Traveler Type

Here is a quick overview of a budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 8-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $420 ➡ 8-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $760 ➡ 8-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $1100

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending following this 8-day trip in Slovakia. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

Is Slovakia Safe?

Yes , Slovakia is a safe country to visit. It has been ranked #26 on the Global Peace Index , so it belongs to the safest countries in the world.

There is not much to be afraid of. If you want to feel extra safe, don’t walk outside at night alone to avoid scams.

In the High Tatras , there are bears that you should pay attention to. But I’m only telling you so that you know. The possibility of spotting a bear is not so high.

I’ve also answered some frequently asked questions about Slovakia, so check the answers below.

Is Slovakia A Cheap Country To Visit?

Yes , Slovakia is a relatively cheap country to visit. It belongs to one of the cheapest countries in Europe. As a budget traveler , you can plan to spend around $40 per day , and as a mid-range traveler , you’ll spend around $80 a day .

Is Slovakia A First World Country?

No. Slovakia is a second-world country . It used to be a puppet state of the Soviet Union and was influenced by the communist regime. The development of the economy and industries has been slower than in other Western countries.

Yet, the country has been thriving since 2000, when it joined the European Union, and the economy grew stronger after it also adopted the EURO.

Is It Easy To Travel Around Slovakia?

Yes , it’s easy to travel around Slovakia. You can take trains and buses, and the transportation is super affordable. The best way to get around is by car. It’ll give you flexibility and take you to places inaccessible by public transport.

How Many Days Do You Need To See Bratislava?

1 day is enough for Bratislava . You can easily explore the old town with the castle and walk alongside the Danube River within a day.

Spend 2 or 3 days if you want to make some day trips from Bratislava , such as visiting the Devin Castle, doing wine-tasting, or going hiking in the Lesser Fatra Mountains.

Wrap-Up: Slovakia Itinerary

This is my Slovakian itinerary for you. Put it on your travel bucket list , as it offers unique cultures, traditions, and places not many people have seen yet. I’m sure you’ll have a great trip. Take your time between the destinations, enjoy the scenery and everything this beautiful country offers.

If you have any questions, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you or design a customized travel itinerary for your trip.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Slovakia Travel

Looking to visit more places in Slovakia? Check out my related articles:

What To See In Slovakia In 3 Days: Full Itinerary

20 Best Day Trips From Bratislava

6 Best Fairy-Tale Castles In Slovakia

How Many Days In Slovakia Should You Spend?

Slovakia And Slovenia: How To Tell The Difference

Best Hiking Trails In High Tatras Slovakia: With A Local

Hut-To-Hut Hiking High Tatras Slovakia: 5-Day Itinerary

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

SLOVAKIA : Interested in more articles for Slovakia? Check out my Slovakia Travel Page :

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This post has 14 comments.

We had two days in Bratislava and loved it. So we do plan to get back and visit more of Slovakia on a return trip. Your road trip itinerary sounds like a great start for our travel planning. I love the variety in the sights we will find.

That’s awesome that you’ve been to Slovakia. Bratislava is just a ‘must to see place’ once you are there, but definitely not the highlight. There are many more beautiful corners in the country worth visiting. I hope you can get inspiration for your next trip, Linda ;).

I did a petsit in Slovenia and everybody kept asking me, “You mean Slovakia?” And then I was in Vienna and SO close to Slovakia. But I ran out of time and didn’t get there. Now that I read your article and see your very cool photos, I regret missing Slovakia even more! Eastern Europe is filled with hidden gems! Thanks for an inspiring article!

I am glad the itinerary inspired you, Barbara. I highly recommend you to come back. As you said, Eastern Europe has these hidden gems barely anyone talks about. That is why I want to show you guys more of these countries so that people can explore their beauty. Let me know once you travel to Slovakia :).

Thank you for a grand tour of Slovakia, its Old Town and cathedral in Bratislava, the capital, and around the country to see the villages, caves, castle ruins, and the gorge trail for a taste of Slovakian culture.

You’re very welcome, Carol 😉 :).

What a great itinerary. You’ve given me lots of mrs ideas. We are heading to the Tatras hiking and climbing next year and fancy exploring more

I am glad, Nicole. That’s amazing that you are going to High Tatras. If you love hiking, then I also recommend to go up to the Rysy Hut, Teryho Hut, or Zelene Pleso Hut. These are wonderful hikes, but more for advanced hikers :).

Really good guide! People just usually visit Bratislava for a day but clearly from this guide there is a lot more to the country!

Thanks Rob. Yes, there is a lot more and I want people to know about it. Bratislava only, doesn’t reflect Slovakia in a real picture :).

Thanks for this great itinerary! This roadtrip looks perfect! I think my highlight would be the cave of freedom.

Yes, these are the top things – Cave of Freedom and also High Tatras :).

Slovakia is a country I really do not know enough about. Apart from Bratislava, I have not heard of any of the other cities that you mention! When I make it to Slovakia, I would definitely want to do a road trip. The chalets in Liptovský Ján look so awesome, and are not expensive either. High Tatras will definitely be on my list too, thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks Medha, I am glad the itinerary inspired you. High Tatras is an amazing place, I am sure you will love it :). Let me know once you are there.

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Best attractions in Slovakia: Top 21

The sights of Slovakia, despite the modest size of the state itself, are pleasing in their diversity. There are many beautiful lakes, spectacular mountains, caves, geysers. Now we are going to find out what to see in Slovakia.

What to see in Slovakia in the first place?

It is impossible not to fall in love with the country in question. It pleases tourists not only with skiing and thermal resorts, but also with delicious national dishes. Separately worth noting the flavor of the locals, which is reflected in most of the attractions of Slovakia.

1. Old Town of Bratislava

It’s not hard to guess that there is a large number of historical monuments concentrated in this place. The streets are also not without government offices and institutions. The western part of the city is represented by a hilly surface, there is a castle, the embassies of various countries. The eastern part of the Old City is a historical and administrative center. There are many monuments, churches and other places of interest.

Slovakia | Save on hotel reservations

2. jasovska cave.

Tours in Slovakia are often organized precisely from the town of stós in the direction of the village of Jasov. There is an interesting underground formation for tourists, namely in the territory of the park of national importance. Premonstratensian Monastery stands nearby, so for some time the cave was used exclusively by the monks. The total length of the underground reaches 2811 m, but only 720 m are open for excursions. The described attraction in Slovakia is interesting for its bizarre limestone layers and underground waterfalls. The halls inside are on different levels, the differences between them sometimes reach 30 m.

Official website: https://www.ssj.sk

3. Spissky Grad

Continuing the theme of what to see in Slovakia. Not everyone knows, but in this country castles are commonly called “hailstones.” The one in question is one of the largest in the country. Construction of Spiska began in the XI century, the foundation were the remains of a Celtic settlement. It has many times escaped enemy attacks, all because it was built on dolomite rocks, which are 200 meters high. It has been repeatedly rebuilt, reconstructed, so in the architecture of the building is traced Renaissance and Romanesque Gothic. Today there is a museum in the building, which displays medieval utensils, furniture, weapons and armor.

Official website: https://www.spisskyhrad.sk

4. Tatralandia Waterpark

What to visit in Slovakia? Of course, the entertainment water center, which is located on an area of 16 hectares. The main feature of the water park is that it operates all year round. There you can not just have a good time, but also celebrate a birthday, have fun with friends. Just imagine, 11 pools are fed with mineral water from a depth of 2500 meters. This is where the relict sea is located, which 40 million years ago was on the surface of the Liptov Basin. In some artificial reservoirs the water temperature reaches 60 degrees Celsius, this makes it therapeutic.

Official website: https://www.tatralandia.sk

5. Trencian Grad

Another attraction in Slovakia is the castle, which emerged on the site where there was once an old hill fort. That is when the semicircular building with a dome and a dwelling tower “grew”. The description says that over time, the fortress was repeatedly rebuilt. For a certain period of time it belonged to the mighty nobleman Matoosh Chak. Guides in Slovakia when visiting this place tourist attention is drawn to such components of the complex as the Barbara’s Palace, Matusov Tower, Cannon Bastion. It is impossible not to note the uniqueness of these structures of defensive purpose, their scale does not leave anyone indifferent.

6. Spisska-Sobota

Continuing the theme of what to visit in Slovakia, I would like to draw attention to the tourist entertainment district of Poprad. Once it was a separate city with a rich history. Nowadays it has a lot of old buildings, cafes, hotels. Despite the attractiveness of this place, tourists are not walking here in droves, so it can be called a quiet and peaceful. What to see in Slovakia, namely in Spisska Sobota? In the most beautiful area of Poprad, historically important objects are concentrated in the Market Square. We are talking about the church of St. Juraj, with an ancient column, on top of which there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. No less attractive objects are the bell tower and the town hall building.

7. UFO observation deck in Bratislava

It is a unique sight in Slovakia because on top of the pylon is a structure resembling an unidentified flying object. The observation deck itself is located on the National Uprising Bridge, which is something of a contradiction. It does not connect the inhabitants of the city, but rather divides them. The bridge is 431 m long and is suspended on just one pylon. It is on top and there is a famous observation deck with a restaurant. You can get there by an elevator hidden on the left side of the pylons, it takes 45 seconds to reach the bird’s eye level. Just imagine what pictures you can take from there.

Official website: https://www.redmonkeygroup.com

8. Main square in Bratislava

This landmark in Slovakia is the center of the Old Town of the small capital of the state. Locals and tourists note how seamlessly combined architectural styles such as Baroque, Classicism, Gothic. Doing a review of the important place, it is impossible not to notice the many small trees in the shade of which there are restaurants, cafes, stores, galleries. It is on this square are held fairs in honor of Easter, Christmas, all this cannot fail to attract visitors to the country.

9. City of Bardejov

A trip to this destination will delight those who want not only to experience unusual beauty by discovering masterpieces of art, but also to relax in an exceptional environment. The unique locality is among the major attractions, and it is located in the northeast of the country. Its most valuable part is the Town Hall Square, on which the burghers’ houses, made in the Gothic style, the Basilica minor, the former town hall, are adorned. It was in this building, showing the Renaissance style, that the famous exhibition of the sarissky Museum was housed for the first time in the state. Reviews about the city of Bardejov are only positive.

10. Skok Falls

The main advantage of this attraction in Slovakia is its location in an easily accessible location. The waterfall is perfectly visible from the shore of the nearby lake, and you can reach the natural treasure by a marked hiking trail. The height of the water fall is 25 meters, the impression of what you see depends largely on the time of year. The fact is that in the spring time of the year water is transported from the elevation at a volume of 50 l/sec, and in summer it reaches 900 l/sec.

11. Devin Castle

More precisely, the described sight of Slovakia is the ruins of an ancient fortress. Thanks to the well chosen building material, namely its color and texture, the castle was as if an extension of the mountain. In the XIII century it fulfilled exclusively defensive function, protecting the borders of Hungary. On the way to the fortress you can come across the place where the Orthodox church, made in the Byzantine style, stood. In the ranking of the best attractions it is not the last place. When visiting the ruins of the castle, pay attention to the well in the courtyard. From it the defenders of the fortress drank water during the sieges. There is even a platform near it, from which you can see Austria. There is also a viewing area near the remains of the guard tower.

12. The church of St. Elizabeth

The capital of Slovakia is rich in interesting places, one of the most significant being the Blue Church. At one time it was built in Art Nouveau style, by the way, the heavenly shades prevail inside, the main decoration of the interior is the Italian mosaic. It is known that according to the architect’s idea, the decorative elements were meant to symbolize the conquests in the East. The church is among the places worth seeing in Slovakia in a day.

13. Banska Stiavnica

When organizing your trip, it is worthwhile to include the town of Banska stiavnica, founded back in 1156, into your visit plan. It is located between the Stiavnice Mountains. Despite the fact that it was founded as a mining town, coal dust never enveloped the settlement. The reason was that not coal, but precious metals and stones were mined there. In the territory of the settlement there are about 360 historically important objects, forming an entire complex. To this day in the mountainous landscape have been preserved artificial lakes, around which were laid out trails for tourists.

14. Bojnice Castle

What to see in Slovakia to get hooked? The small town of Bojnice in Slovakia has a castle on a travertine rock with towers, a park and an underground cave. It was built in the IX century for the royal family. During its existence, it has been repeatedly rebuilt. On the recommendations of many tourists can not miss the opportunity to appreciate this work of art in the form of the loophole altar. It is located in one of the towers of the castle, and was made by a Florentine master in the XIV century.

Official website: https://www.bojnicecastle.sk

15. Tatra National Park

We continue to talk about what to see in Slovakia. The reserve known as the Low Tatras deserves attention. On the territory of the country it is considered one of the largest parks of natural origin. Its numerous karst caves, ornamented with lime formations, make it a wonderful place to visit. The attention is also attracted by the low mountain ranges, 95 km long. It is noteworthy that their tops have a characteristic angularity. This is explained by the convergence of glaciers.

16. Bratislava Castle

Have you paid attention to what is depicted on numerous souvenir samples? There we see the most famous structure of the capital. We are talking about such a landmark of Slovakia as Bratislava Castle, which rises directly above the city. It includes 4 wings united by low towers, which makes the castle look like an upside-down stool. It is interesting to know that at one time its walls withstood even under the onslaught of the Mongols. What is in the palace today? Its rooms are occupied by two museums devoted to folk, folklore music.

Attractions in Slovakia: what else is there to see in Slovakia?

There are no problems with hotels in Slovakia, all you need to do is to find a room in advance and book it. You can do this with the help of the Internet, namely specialized websites. Where else to go in Slovakia?

17. Dobsinska ice cave

This interesting place is located in the Low Tatras nature reserve. The ice cave is one of the most interesting and largest, so it was entered on the list of UNESCO. Just imagine, the layers of frozen water in some of the chambers are up to 25 meters thick, and it all took centuries to form. Ice here is formed by cascades, columns, everywhere you can see huge accumulations of crystals and stalactites. Interestingly, the entrance to the unique cave was formed after the arch of the underground bag collapsed, through which tourists walk.

18. City of Levocha

Want more information on what to see in Slovakia? Get it. The ancient town, which was inhabited by 14 thousand people, deserves attention. Its development was promoted by trade, which over time reached an international level. Mostly the goods of craftsmen were sold. Although the settlement is small, but it has some interesting places. It refers to the Marian Mountain, the square of Master Paul.

19. Vlkolinec

On the territory of the described state there are many mountain villages, one of them is Vlkolinec. The uniqueness of the old farmstead is the complete absence of modern buildings, despite the fact that it is the 21st century, the locals continue to live as their ancestors did. For example, they have wells instead of running water and private shops instead of supermarkets. Traditional colors for this region are pink, blue and white. These are the colors of the houses built of wood.

20. Lake strbske Pleso

It belongs to the most beautiful bodies of water in the High Tatras. It was formed by the glaciers that descended from the mountains in prehistoric times. If you decide to go to this area, remember, the best view of the lake opens from the territory of the ski center Areal Dreams.

21. St. Martin’s Cathedral (Bratislava)

Last on the list of things to see in Slovakia, but no less interesting, is the cathedral, which was first a parish, then a university and a coronation. The interior is characterized by opulence, and the highlight is the local organ, made in 2010, which cost 1 million euros.

Official website: https://dom.fara.sk

Considering the number of attractions, we can conclude that Slovakia really has a lot to see. No matter what time of year you visit it, you will be satisfied anyway. Read also about the best sights of Bosnia and Herzegovina and get inspired for your next trip to Europe!

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Slovakia Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Slovakia is a Central European country known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, medieval history, and stunning architecture. As a land-locked country, it’s been part of numerous empires and governments throughout its history, all of which have left their own unique influence on the region.

I’ve visited Slovakia several times over the years and I’m always amazed at how much is packed into such a small country (as well as how few people visit beyond the capital). While Bratislava gets plenty of attention, the country as a whole sees a fraction of the crowds compared to its neighbors.

But their loss is your gain!

Slovakia is filled with beautiful rivers, lakes, national parks, tiny towns, and castle ruins. And compared to its neighbors it’s also quite affordable. It’s the perfect place to hike, road trip, and escape Europe’s summer crowds — all while on a budget!

This travel guide to Slovakia can help you save money, plan your visit, and make the most of your trip to this underrated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Slovakia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Slovakia

1. Explore Bratislava

Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital and largest city. Bordering both Austria and Hungary, its position on the banks of the Danube make it an obvious point of entry for most travelers. Don’t miss the city’s Old Town and Bratislava Castle. There’s also an eclectic music scene here.

2. Visit Košice

Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, dating back to the 13th century. The city center encompasses the historic part of town and has the largest number of historical monuments in the country. Be sure to visit the 13th-century St. Elisabeth Cathedral.

3. See Banská Štiavnica

This well-preserved UNESCO medieval town sits in a valley formed after an ancient volcano collapsed. Be sure to visit the open-air mining museum, where you can walk more than a kilometer underground (10 EUR, an additional 15 EUR for a tour in English).

4. Hike Slovak Paradise National Park

Slovak Paradise National Park boasts over 100 kilometers (62-miles) of hiking trails, passing through canyons, meadows, and more waterfalls than you can count. The hiking isn’t difficult, but you must navigate narrow passages, climb steep ladders, and use chains above ravines.

5. Take a wine tour

Not far from Bratislava lies Modra, which is the place to go for wine tours and tastings. Look out for the annual Modra Wine Cellars Day, when many of the wine cellars in the area organize a day-long tasting for visitors. Expect to pay at least 40 EUR for a tour.

Other Things to See and Do in Slovakia

1. visit the slovak karst caves.

There are almost 2,500 caves in Slovakia — and only 400 of them have been explored. In the southern Slovak Karst region, there are plenty of options but if you want a truly unique experience, visit a section of Domica Cave where you can take an underground boat ride on the River Styx (trip to Hades not included). Admission including the boat ride is 9 EUR. Other caves worth checking out are Dobšinská Ice Cave, Harmanecka, and Gombasecka.

2. Go rock climbing

Head to the mountains around Terchová in the north or Slovenský Raj in the east for some world-class rock climbing. You’ll find beautiful gorges that you can climb for free thanks to the ropes and ladders already in place. If you’re new to rock climbing and would rather do a guided trip, expect to pay around 80 EUR per person.

3. Run the oldest marathon in Europe

The Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest marathon in Europe (and the second oldest marathon in the world). Held in Košice each year since 1924, the city is completely overtaken by the event as thousands come to take part, watch, and celebrate. The marathon happens on the first Sunday in October. If you want to run the race yourself, registration is 37 EUR. Be sure to book your accommodation far in advance as the entire city fills up.

4. Relax in a thermal cave bath

For a uniquely Slovakian experience, visit the Parenica cave bath at the Sklené Teplice spa. Located in Central Slovakia, these natural hot springs have been in use for centuries. The water is a constant 42°C (107°F) and is perfect for relaxing (especially if you’re visiting in the winter). Bath visits last 20 minutes and are included in your stay at the spa, which costs around 70 EUR per night.

5. Tour the Nedbalka Gallery

The Nedbalka Gallery in Bratislava has a spectacular award-winning design that resembles the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and is a stark contrast to the more traditional medieval buildings that make up the city’s Old Town. The gallery, which was heavily remodeled in 2012, spans five floors and is home to over 1,000 works depicting Slovak culture. Admission is 5 EUR and includes a coffee or tea at the gallery’s café.

6. Hike the smallest alpine mountain range in Europe

The most famous national park in Slovakia, High Tatras is located in the north of the country along the border with Poland . Stretching 53 kilometers (33 miles), it’s the smallest alpine mountain range in Europe. If you want to reach the peak of the High Tatras, Gerlachovsky Stit, you need to hire a mountain guide as the ascent is extremely challenging and not to be attempted alone. If you don’t want to hike (or want an easier option), Lomnicky Stit is slightly lower and far more accessible thanks to the cable car to the top. During the winter, there are several ski resorts here. Round-trip cable car tickets are expensive at 59 EUR, however, you can hike up part way and then take the cable car for half price.

7. Explore an ice cave

One of the most popular caves in the country is Dobšinská, an ice cave located near Dobšiná in Central Slovakia. Discovered in 1870, the caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first caves in Europe to be lit by electricity. The cave spans over 1,500 acres and is full of all kinds of stunning natural ice formations. Admission is 9 EUR for a 30-minute visit.

8. Visit the Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica)

Each Saturday between 9am-3pm the Old Market Hall in Bratislava hosts its weekly market where you can buy food and goods from regional farmers and producers. There’s also a children’s theater performance and book fair every Saturday. The current building dates to 1910, however, there were medieval fortifications here dating back to the 16th century. In addition to foods and produce, the market also hosts cultural events, music performances, two cafes, a brewery, and a cooking school. The Old Market Hall also hosts an annual beer festival (called Salón Piva) where you can sample the locally produced beer.

9. Go hiking

Slovakia is one of the best countries in Europe for hiking. There are hundreds of trails, including dozens of long-distance routes as well as easy, moderate, and challenging day hikes. Some hikes to check out are Rysy Mountain, near the border of Poland (20km, 10 hours); Kriván, considered Slovakia’s most beautiful mountain (6km, 4 hours); and Popradske Pleso, a picturesque alpine hike (4km, 2 hours). If you’re going hiking in the mountains, be sure to check the weather in advance as conditions can change rapidly. Always make sure you have the proper gear and plenty of water too.

10. Hit the slopes

The Tatra mountain range rivals the Alps when it comes to beauty. However, when it comes to skiing, there are fewer skiers and cheaper prices in Slovakia (lift tickets are upwards of 75% cheaper than in neighboring Austria). Some ski resorts to visit are Jasná Nízke Tatry (Liptovský Mikuláš), Relax Center Plejsy (Krompachy), Tale (Bystra), and Malinô Brdo (Ružomberok). Expect to pay around 49 EUR for a lift pass, however, you can find passes for as little as 8-16 EUR in places like Moštenica, Zliechov, and Skorušina.

Slovakia Travel Costs

Outside of Bratislava, budget hotel rooms start around 25-40 EUR per night. In Bratislava, expect to pay closer to double that.

Airbnb is a budget-friendly option available around the country with private rooms starting at 25 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 50 EUR per night.

For anyone traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country. Wild camping is legal but be sure to double-check as it is illegal in certain protected areas (no camping in the High Tatras or national parks, for example). You’re also not allowed to camp in forested areas and should use caution when lighting fires as this is generally prohibited. Official campgrounds are scattered around the country with basic plots for two without electricity costing 14-16 EUR per night.

Food – Slovakian cuisine is based on three main staples: pork, cabbage, and potatoes (much like many of its neighbors). Polish and Hungarian influences abound, so expect lots of soups, sauerkraut, breaded meats, and dumplings. Lunch is the main meal of the day, with soup being the most common main course. A popular local delicacy is jaternica , a blood sausage made with pig’s blood and buckwheat. Halušky (soft ptato dumplings) and schnitzel are two other popular traditional choices.

For an inexpensive meal of traditional cuisine, expect to pay around 7-12 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 5-7 EUR for a combo meal. Thai and Indian food can be found in a couple of the larger cities in the country, costing 8-13 EUR for a main dish.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal of traditional cuisine costs around 20 EUR, including a drink.

Expect to pay between 1.50-2.50 EUR for a beer and about the same for a latte or cappuccino (if you buy beer at the grocery store it’s just 1-1.50 EUR). A glass of wine generally costs around 2.50-4 EUR.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 20-35 EUR for basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. A medium-sized bag of pasta is less than 1 EUR, fresh buns (like croissants) are around .50 EUR while a loaf of bread is around 2 EUR. Cereal is around 1.50 EUR while a large bag of potato chips is 1.50-2 EUR.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Bratislava has tons of options. Beyond the large supermarkets (which have things like soy meat and alternative kinds of milk), there are a handful of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants around the city, including Šmak (vegan sushi), Vegan Kiosk (vegan burgers and wraps), and La Donuteria (vegan and non-vegan donuts).

Other suggested places to eat in Bratislava include U Sedliaka (traditional Slovakian food), Mezcalli (Mexican food), and Next Apache (a small cafe that sells used books).

Backpacking Slovakia Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Slovakia, my suggested budget is 45 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, doing free activities like walking tours and hiking, limiting your drinking, visiting some cheap attractions like museums or galleries, and using public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 105 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb apartment, eat out for most of your meals at budget-friendly restaurants serving traditional cuisine, go out for some drinks, take some guided tours, visit more paid attractions like the caves, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 200 EUR, you can stay in a hotel, eat out at any restaurant you want, rent a car, drink as much as you want, and see as many castles and museums as you can handle! This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Slovakia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Slovakia is one of the cheaper Central European countries and it’s easy here to travel on a budget. That said, if you’re looking for ways to trim your expenses, here are my favorite ways to save money in the country:

• Take a free walking tour – Bratislava offers a handful of free walking tours which are a great way to get familiar with the city and its culture on a budget. Be Free Tours is the most popular tour company. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Ride Flixbus – Flixbus is a budget-friendly way to get around the country (as well as the region). They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent enough seats for overnight and long-haul bus journeys.
• Cook your own meals – Book accommodation with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it does save money.
• Get outdoors – The easiest way to keep active and save money is to get outdoors and explore Slovakia’s national parks. Most don’t charge an entry fee. Nature fills your days and avoids slimming your wallet!
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Slovakia, bring your tent as wild camping is legal. You can pitch your tent on almost all public land throughout Slovakia. Just avoid national parks and forests.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to not only save money, but you’ll also connect with a knowledgeable local who can help you better understand the country and its people.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Slovakia is safe so bring a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastic. A filtered bottle like LifeStraw ensures your water is safe and clean. It’s perfect for anyone planning to hike or explore the country’s national parks.

Where to Stay in Slovakia

The hostel scene in Slovakia does not disappoint. Most have reliable Wi-Fi, kitchens, and are clean and modern. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Slovakia:

• Hostel Folks (Bratislava)
• Wild Elephants Hostel (Bratislava)
• The Ginger Monkey (High Tatras)
• Happy Bull (Kosice)
• Nitra Glycerin Hostel (Nitra)

How to Get Around Slovakia

Public transportation – For public transportation around cities, the fare is generally proportional to the duration of the journey. For example, in Bratislava, a 30-minute ride costs 0.90 EUR while a 60-minute ride costs 1.20 EUR. Day passes are available in most of the cities for around 4.50 EUR.

Bus – Flixbus is the most budget-friendly option to explore the country. The bus from Bratislava to Košice costs 22 EUR for the 6.5-hour journey. For Bratislava to Budapest, Hungary, the 2.5-hour bus ride ranges from 12-26 EUR while the one-hour trip from Bratislava to Vienna, Austria can be done for 9 EUR.

Trains – Trains are more expensive than buses and don’t reach as many destinations in the country. However, they’re a lot quicker. Bratislava to Poprad takes around 4 hours and costs 15 EUR. The 5.5-hour journey to Košice costs 18 EUR. The 2.5-hour trip to Budapest, Hungary costs 10 EUR while the 90-minute ride to Vienna, Austria costs 5 EUR.

Budget Airlines – There are no domestic flights around Slovakia.

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle.

When to Go to Slovakia

Slovakia has four distinct seasons. The summers are sunny and hot and see the biggest influx of visitors. July-August is the most popular time to visit, with daily highs around 27°C (81°F).

During the shoulder seasons, you avoid both the heat and the crowds. The best months to visit are between May-June or September-October, especially if you’re hiking. There are cooler temperatures and, in the fall, you get to see the leaves change. Expect temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

Winter is cold and snowy with temperatures dropping below freezing so I’d only visit if you plan on doing some winter sports, such as skiing.

How to Stay Safe in Slovakia

Slovakia is a very safe country to visit; it’s the 19th safest country in the world. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent. Pickpocketing can occur, however, especially in high-traffic areas such as Bratislava’s Old Town. Keep your valuables safely tucked away when in public just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If someone strikes up a conversation with you trying to sell something or if young children approach you, be on alert — their friend may be reaching for your wallet while you’re distracted.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it while you’re hiking or overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re hiking here (especially doing alpine hiking in the mountains), make sure you let your hostel/hotel staff know just in case. Always bring a first aid kit as well as basic gear like a flashlight, raincoat, and extra food just in case.

If you experience an emergency, dial 158 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Slovakia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Slovakia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

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The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

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15 BEST Places to Visit in Slovakia

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Thinking of going to Slovakia yourself? Here are the top places to visit in Slovakia that you definitely shouldn’t miss!

A landlocked country located in central Europe , Slovakia is perhaps best known for its fast-growing economy, the third fastest in the whole continent.

Tourism-wise, Slovakia is famous for its natural landscapes, medieval towns , and impressive architecture. Religion also has a footing here, with over half of the population practicing Catholicism.

In fact, almost every village or town in Slovakia has a church, with many of them dating back to the Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods. In a country deeply steeped in history and culture, tourists will never run out of sites to visit here!

❗️ Be insured before your trip and get a SafetyWing FREE insurance quote 📚 Read our post about why you should always have insurance ✈️ Find out how to find cheap flights using Skyscanner or find deals now 🛌🏻 Book your accommodation through Booking.com , Expedia , or Agoda 🎭 Find awesome and hassle-free tours through GetYourGuide or Tourradar 🚘 Explore the surrounding areas on an epic road trip with Auto Europe 📱 Read destination reviews and other traveler tips on TripAdvisor

Table of Contents

What are the top places to visit in Slovakia?

1. bratislava.

Situated along the bank of the Danube River and bordering both the countries of Austria and Hungary, Bratislava is the largest as well as the capital city of Slovakia. It’s a gem of a place with high cultural and historical value, due to all the attractions that can be found and things to do in Bratislava .

Some of the more notable Slovakia tourist attractions here are the Bratislava Castle where you can view the city from up the hill, the Old Town where you can visit different pubs and take in the cultural mix of the local people, and the Rusovce Lake where you can go on a nude adventure if you’re up for it.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Bratislava, Slovakia

Another city situated along a river, Trnava, is located in western Slovakia, lying along the Trnavka River. A town established around the 11th century, Trnava is steeped in rich history, a history that is well-preserved through its Gothic, Rennaissance, and Baroque architecture and its town center and brick walls.

It is considered to be a religious center in the country, as it is where the Roman Catholic Church is based in Slovakia. If you’re interested in history and religion, Trnava is one of the best places to go in Slovakia.

Read also:  25 Beautiful Castles in Europe That Would Inspire Your Wanderlust

Where to stay: Best hotels in Trnava, Slovakia

3. Košice

One of the must-see and places to visit in Slovakia and also the second-largest city in the country, Kosice lies along the Hornad River, located in the eastern part of Slovakia. Kosice is home to several museums and art galleries, making it a haven for those who like to immerse themselves in cultural activities and sites such as museums in Slovakia. It’s no wonder how the city got named the European Capital of Culture in 2013.

For sightseeing in Slovakia, history and culture-loving tourists would enjoy visiting the local Old Town, which is one of the most well-preserved town centers in the country. Some other must-see sites include St. Michael Chapel, the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, and the East Slovak gallery and museum.

Read also:  Top 15 Medieval Castles in Europe

Where to stay: Best hotels in Košice, Slovakia

4. Levoča

After some major fires ravaged this town in the 16th century, Levoca, which was originally built during the Gothic period, had to be rebuilt during the Renaissance period. This is why visitors to this town now would see predominantly Renaissance architecture, which is fortunately well-preserved.

Due to this, it was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, mainly for its urban, political, and religious buildings dating back to at least the 13th and 14th centuries.

Read also:  The 20 Underrated Countries in Europe to Visit on Your Next Trip!

Where to stay: Best hotels in Levoča, Slovakia

5. Banská Štiavnica

Another one of the five Slovak sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Banská Štiavnica, is well known not only for its architecture but also for its geology.

Located in the middle of Štiavnické Vrchy in the southern part of Central Slovakia, Banska Stiavnica is a tiny town with a big contribution to Slovak history. Thinking of sightseeing in Slovakia? Banska Stianvnica is worth a look.

The town dates back to medieval times, where it was once a mining town with large deposits of different minerals and precious metals, which in turn made it one of the oldest and wealthiest towns in Slovakia.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia

Just like many of the other towns in Slovakia, Nitra lies along the valley of the river Nitra, situated at the foot of Mount Zobor. This makes Nitra have very picturesque Slovakia scenery.

The first known independent Slavic state in Nitra is also one of the oldest towns in the country. In the past, it was the center of the Principality of Nitra.

It is very ethnically diverse, having fallen under Hungarian control after the 9th century. Slovakia is predominantly Catholic, and even more so in Nitra, where religion, specifically Catholicism, is very dominant.

Read also:  Top 15 Places to Visit in Hungary

Where to stay: Best hotels in Nitra, Slovakia

7. Kežmarok

Kežmarok is the location of another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Slovakia, namely the Evangelical Church of the Holy Trinity, a well-preserved Protestant church built during the Baroque period, which is well known for its wooden organ, wall carvings, and gorgeous wall paintings.

The town lies very close to the Tatra Mountains, giving it an impressive background of snow-capped mountains against a cerulean blue sky. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Kežmarok, Slovakia

8. Bardejov

A relatively small town, Bardejov holds a lot of cultural and historical value despite its small size. Located in North-Eastern Slovakia, at the foot of the Beskyd Mountains, there are a number of activities that can be done in this town. One of them is visiting the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, also known as the oldest as well as the most well-preserved Catholic Church in Slovakia.

You can also check out the Jewish quarter, which is home to a Jewish community and several Jewish buildings. Bordejov is also well-known for its central square, town hall, and fortification system, which all point out its rich history dating back to the 14th century.

Read also:  Top 6 Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

Where to stay: Best hotels in Bardejov, Slovakia

9. Banská Bystrica

Situated along the Hron River in central Slovakia, Bakska Bystrica is a medium-sized city with a population of roughly 78,000 inhabitants. It straddles two mountain ranges, making it a popular summer and winter holiday destination in Slovakia.

Some of its notable sites are the Central Slovakia Museum, Marian’s Pillar, Black Obelisk, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and Clock Tower. It is also a popular destination for cyclists due to all the nature surrounding this medieval town , as well as all the paved and asphalt roads.

And if you’re looking forward to a romantic date in Slovakia, Banska Bystrica’s main square is also a good place to go, with all its restaurants and cafes coupled with good country music.

Read also:  Top 15 Places to Visit in Poland

Where to stay: Best hotels in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia

10. Žilina

The fourth biggest city in the whole country, the city of Zilina in northwestern Slovakia, lies along the Vah River, situated near the borders of Poland and the Czech Republic , lying along the Vah River.

It’s quite a popular destination for people who want to get out of the urban city scene and are craving for the more serene Slovakia countryside. Art enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting the Museum of Art, where both classic and contemporary pieces can be found. Cycling, skating, walking, and running are also some of the most common activities that tourists can partake in this town.

If you want to check out Zilina, the best time to travel to Slovakia would be in the summer , where you can engage in all these activities comfortably.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Zilina, Slovakia

11. Liptovský Mikuláš

The perfect destination for those who would like to try their hand out at skiing, Liptovský Mikuláš, located in northern Slovakia, is home to Jasna ski resort, also known as the most famous ski resort in the country.

The best time to visit Slovakia if you want to go here is definitely in the winter . In the Liptov region, Liptovský Mikuláš is also home to the Liptov Gallery of Peter Michael Bohun, one of the oldest art galleries in Slovakia.

Another thing that this town is well-known for its culture, specifically its history of different kinds of guilds such as craftsmen’s guilds, shoemakers’ guild, tailors’ guild, and a lot more.

Read also:  Ski Resorts in Europe: Top 15 Destinations for Skiing in Europe

Where to stay: Best hotels in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia

12. Pieštàny

Tired of moving around Slovakia and engaging in physically demanding activities? Come to Piestany in western Slovakia and relax in its famous spa. The aura of the town itself feels very relaxed and laid-back, making it a favorite destination for more reserved tourists.

Even though it’s a well-known spa town, Piestany is also a great summer destination, as it’s the town that receives the most sunshine in the whole country.

During the summer, tourists can also relax at the banks of Lake Slňava, sunbathing or barbecuing. For those who prefer to be more active, cycling, water skiing , and in-line skiing are also some of the options. Wondering where to go in Slovakia? Give Piestany a try.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Pieštàny, Slovakia

A popular holiday destination located near the High Tatra Mountains in northern Slovakia, Poprad has a lot to offer to Slovakia tourism and its numerous tourists. Its location makes it the prime choice for those who would like to visit the High Tatra Mountains.

Despite being quite a small town, it’s one of the largest resort destinations in the whole country. Some of the notable Slovakia attractions here include the Baroque and Renaissance period church, Church of John the Baptist, and the thermal park Aqua City Poprad.

Read also:  Top 20 Cheap European Holiday Destinations and Countries to Visit

Where to stay: Best hotels in Poprad, Slovakia

14. Stará Lubovna

Do you want to visit Slovakia? You should probably include this city on your list. Well-known for its Open Air Museum, the city of Stara Lubovna is located in Eastern Slovakia.

The museum is also called the ‘Museum of Folk Architecture,’ situated near the Lubovna Castle, a well-preserved castle from the 13th century, where visitors can view the city from above the observation towers on-site.

Wondering what to do in Slovakia? Head to Stara Lubovna and get acquainted with its rich history. Visitors can also learn about the culture and stories of this town, dating back to the 19th century, through the help of tour guides in the town. Slovakia travel guide? Even better!

Read also:  Europe Holidays: Top 10 Awesome Destinations for Holidays in Europe

Where to stay: Best hotels in Stará Lubovna, Slovakia

15. Bojnice

Lying along the banks of the Nitra River in central Slovakia, Bojnice is one of the Slovakia points of interest. Bojnice is a tiny town best known for being the home of the oldest zoo and the most famous castle in Slovakia, the Bojnice Castle.

It is also considered to be one of the most romantic destinations in the country, thanks to its impressive nature. It has some of the more popular tourist attractions in Slovakia, that’s for sure.

For those who would like to relax after a long day of going around the castle and the zoo, the Bojnice Spa can hold up to 500 visitors, and its water is said to have curative properties.

Read also:  Secret Destinations: Top 13 Natural Wonders of Europe You Must Visit

Where to stay: Best hotels in Bojnice, Slovakia

Check out these activities in Slovakia

Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe on her holidays or exploring different home decor ideas for her future house in the lush Finnish forest.

This blog curates the best of travel, interior design, minimalist fashion, DIY wedding hacks, and a bit of beauty. Its a safe space for everyone who have various interests!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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14 Best Places In Slovakia To Visit

Situated south of Poland , Slovakia is a relatively small European country that packs a punch when it comes to beautiful places to see. It’s the perfect example of a small country that has a lot of incredible things to do and a heap of the best places in Slovakia that are dotted all across the country. 

You see, Slovakia sits right in the heart of Eastern Europe, which makes it a totally easy place to visit if you’re already in cities like; Budapest or Vienna .

Plus, it’s true if you want to dash for a weekend trip to Bratislava (the capital), too; especially as it’s only a train ride away.

That being said, Slovakia is so much more than its quaint capital city.

There are hundreds of the best places in Slovakia to visit, which in all honesty makes it hard to pinpoint just a few key spots. From the iconic Tatra Mountains, and grand castles to the little villages packed with tradition, it’s a country steeped in culture.

This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Slovakia when you visit. After all, you want to make the most of your time and not waste a single minute of your holiday.

Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Slovakia. Have the best trip! 

1.) Bratislava

The historical capital, Bratislava , is home to some of the best places in Slovakia that are perfect to explore on a weekend trip to the city. 

Once here, make sure to wander through the old town and explore the areas of Micheal’s Gate and the Old Town Hall, too. 

Afterwards, take a trip to the stunning Bratislava Castle and peer down over the city from above. It’s the kind of spot you can spend a good few hours, so plan your time wisely.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Blue Church and the Presidential Palace, too. After all, the city is easily walkable.

If it’s some history you’re after, take a little trip from the historic centre to explore Devin Castle. The area has been inhabited back since the  Neolithic Age, making it a pretty special spot to see. 

Finally, for some tasty grub, hop on over to Albrecht , their tasting menu is incredible (especially if you get the scallops).

Read more: 23 Things to do in Bratislava

2.) High Tatras National Park

So, the National Park of the High Tatras (Vysoke Tatry) is a stunning mountain region in the north of Slovakia that’s incredible to visit. Plus, it’s one region you can’t miss when exploring a country as diverse as Slovakia.

This epic alpine range and glistening alpine lakes are easily one of the best places in Slovakia if you’re a nature lover for sure.

Split into the Western Tatras, High Tatras and the Belianske Tatras, there’s a heap of differing geological landscapes and vistas to see once you’re here.

Truthfully, It’s the kind of place that you’ll need a great deal of time to fully explore, but you can still get a taste of this totally stunning region. 

Once here, you’ll find lots of trails to follow. Though, as with any hike, always follow the main routes and listen to local experts; after all, no one likes a reckless hiker. 

That being said, If you don’t fancy a long hike, take a cable car to the top of Lomnicky Stit Mountain.

The views are incredible.

Also, don’t forget to explore Pleso Lake, too or take a dip in one of the thermal pools at; Aquapark Tatralandia or Besenova. 

Propad is technically part of the High Tatras Mountain area and is often seen as the ‘gateway’ to this stunning area. Honestly, it’s really easy to visit and too easy to miss if you’re looking for a little civilisation after some time in the mountains. 

Once here, make sure to pop into the 13th-century Gothic Church, Renaissance bell tower and the Museum of Tatras which are all within a walkable distance.

Afterwards, head to Pivny Dom Dobre Casy for a tasty European BBQ that’ll leave you stuffed! 

Kosice is the second biggest city in Slovakia and is located close to the Hungarian border. This all makes it easy to visit if you’re exploring both countries and looking for a little stopping point along the way.

That being said, as it’s in the east, it’s also a great spot to explore before heading into Ukraine, too. 

Once here, make sure to check out the totally beautiful Kosice Palace and historic Spis Castle. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that history-buffs will love! 

Oh yeah… and what is a visit to Kosice without spotting the Singing Fountain! It’s gorgeous in the evening, though they do take the water out during certain wintery periods. 

5.) Bojnice

If you think you’ve heard of the small town of Bojnice, then there’s a good chance you have.

After all, it’s home to a medieval Bojnice castle that was built way back in the 12th century and is pretty famous across Slovakia.

It’s a real fairytale castle and one of the most important monuments of Slovakia that you’ve gotta see whilst in the area. 

Honestly, it’s one of the best places in Slovakia to visit, especially if you love castles. Though, do make sure to wear some comfy shoes; there are a lot of stairs to climb once inside.  

The medieval town of Levoca has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 and is totally stunning to visit when in Slovakia.

Today, it remains a beautiful village with an impressive town square and grand medieval walls that are so easy to wander around, especially on a day trip.

Now, the town is also famous for having the highest wooden altar, located in St. James’ church.

Though, if that’s not your thing, pop on over to see the historic town hall or Master Paul’s House that’s across the street from the Cage of Shame . 

7.) Kezmarok

Kezmarok is another town frequently used as a gateway to the High Tatras Mountains, but it’s much more than that.

In both summer and winter, this little village becomes quite lively thanks to its gorgeous buildings to explore. Once you’re here, check out the historic Kezmarok Castle, find the Evangelical Church and visit Strážky (for the art) that’s just outside of Kezmarok centre. 

For some grub, head across to Bistro Dobry Den (in the centre of town) for a massive dish of Bryndzové halušky. These are potatoes dumplings, sheep’s cheese and lots of pork, too. Honestly, you won’t be able to move after a plate full of these. 

8.) Banská Štiavnica

Perched in the central region of the country, Banská Štiavnica is one of the best places in Slovakia to visit for its unique position. You see, the small town is actually right in the middle of a caldera from an ancient volcano that collapsed a long time ago. 

Once here, make sure to wander around Trinty Square and explore some of the Celtic histories of this whole area.

In fact, it’s said that they set up the camp here nearly 2,000 years ago!

If you’ve got time, take a wander around the castle and the old mining museum too. It’s actually much more interesting than it sounds.

Oh, also, don’t forget about Orava Castle that’s around 80-minutes from here. It’s well worth a detour!

Nestled within the region of Trnava, Senica is a gorgeous little town that’s got a fair few things to do. 

For instance, once here, check out the Záhorská galéria Jána Mudrocha art museum that’s perfect on a cold day. Oh, and make sure to see Branc Castle, too. Yeah, it’s about a 20-minute drive from the town centre but totally worth it. 

10.) Topolcany

Situated around 110-minute drive from Bratislava, Topolcany is a relatively large town that’s a perfect stopping point on your drive around Slovakia. 

After arriving, make sure to check out the church of the Virgin Mary and take a stroll around Tovarniky Chateau and the park. It’s a great little stop for a few hours and really easy to visit if you’re heading further east to explore more of the best places in Slovakia. 

11.) Bodruza

Perched right on the border with Poland, Bodruza is one of the best places in Slovakia to explore if you love small little towns.

You see, there’s evidence of the town being established way back since the 17th-Century, which makes for some pretty historical spots to explore.

Now, for me, one of the biggest draws of Bodruza has to be the wooden church that sits proudly within the town itself. It’s totally stunning and the  Baroque architecture is just beautiful. Though, again, if you’re not into visiting churches or historical sites, you might wanna miss this town! 

12.) Trnava

Around 50-minutes from central Bratislava, Trnava is another one of Slovakia’s cities that’s really easy to visit whilst travelling around the country. 

Still, to this day, Trnava is the oldest free royal borough in all of Slovakia and a spot that is well worth visiting. Once here, make sure to explore the Trnava town walls that date back well over 500 years! Also, don’t forget to wander around the main square and town tower. If you’re not too scared of heights, head up to the viewing platforms on top of the tower which overlooks the city itself. 

After climbing all those stairs, chow-down at Forhaus which is a meat lover dream spot! Honestly, their ribs are so tasty and juicy. For a nightcap (or a coffee), head into Pastis that is a cool little bar where you can easily spend a good few hours. 

13.) Bardejov

Around 50-minutes from Bodruza, Bardejov is probably one of my favourite towns in Slovakia. You see, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s pretty famous in Slovakia but not usually visited by lots of international visitors.

Once here, you’ll honestly be forgiven into thinking you’ve arrived in Germany with all the Germanic influences in the town. You see, many hundreds of years ago, German people were invited to live in the town (by the king) and this led to an almost ‘little Germany’ within Slovakia.

Afterwards, take a trip to Bardejovske Kupele, a spa town that’s about 10-minutes away. Here, you can chill out in the spa park and even see a miniature village, too. 

14.) Spania Dolina

Relatively close to the city of Banská Bystrica, Spania Dolina is easily one of the best places in Slovakia to visit if you love totally quaint towns. 

After exploring the little streets, take a walk to visit the Conversion of the Lord Church that overlooks the town. Yeah, you’ll have to climb a few steps (about 160) but it’s totally worth it. Plus, if you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll find a heap of cross-country skiing trails that trail all across the hills. 

It really is a beautiful area. 

Read more: Best places in Poland to visit

10 Best Places In Poland To Visit This Year

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EXPERIENCE SLOVAKIA

The country in the heart of Europe will surprise you with varied and unique experiences, rich history, undiscovered places, authentic culture and dynamic nowadays. SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is a national tourism promotion agency that presents Slovakia at home and abroad as a surprisingly wonderful and attractive country worth exploring. Slovakia – what a surprise! Come to experience it yourself.

Slovakia is a green oasis of Europe with exceptional natural wealth and beautiful, unsuspected places in every region.But it also offers beauty and surprising experiences in its cities, whether it's dynamic Bratislava with a unique location or Banská Štiavnica, which speaks through the silence of its streets, or inspiring Košice. Every city is a reason for a stop and a pleasant pastime. Every city in Slovakia proudly offers many attractions, exceptional historical references, and an attractive present. Please choose from the proposed experiences and let yourself be pleasantly surprised by an offer to relax in the nearby surroundings or tour the city with all its daytime and evening attractions. Slovak cities are a pleasant surprise on your travels.

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20 Towns And Cities in Slovakia

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Slovakia is an up-and-coming holiday destination, and rightly so. It is a beautiful country with incredible mountain ranges, wide valleys, long rivers, national parks and magical castles. It has had a long and difficult history but finally became an independent country in 1993. Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and Poland.

It offers activities to suit all tastes, whether you are interested in history, enjoy hiking or skiing, or even want to swim and sunbathe. Although the country isn’t next to the sea, some rivers and lakes offer beaches and clean water to swim in. Natural mineral springs have led to thermal spas being set up throughout the country where guests can recuperate from illnesses or just relax in the warm waters.

Food and wine are important to the Slovaks. Expect hearty cuisine such as dumplings, potato pancakes, schnitzels, thick soups, sauerkraut and sausages. Pork with dumplings and cabbage is a popular dish. Southern Slovakia has a temperate climate which is ideal for viticulture. The most famous wine they produce is a sweet wine called Tokaj and their crisp and fresh white and rose wines have won awards at international wine competitions.

Summers are generally warm in Slovakia while winters can be cold. The best time to visit is from the middle of May to the middle of September unless, of course, you want to ski. So, you have decided that you want to visit Slovakia but are unsure where to start your journey. The capital, Bratislava, is a good place to begin but there is much more to be explored in the country. I have chosen 20 towns and cities in Slovakia I feel are worth your time, so read on to make a decision.

1- Bratislava

8- banska bystrica, 10- prievidza, 12- stara lubovna, 13- komarno, 14- bardejov, 16- kezmarok, 17- kremnica, 18- banska stiavnica, 19- piestany, 20- spisska nova ves, 20 slovakia cities and towns .

• Bratislava: Private Walking Tour – discover the city’s hidden secrets with a local guide that you’ll have all to yourself.
• Bratislava by Sightseeing Bus – a great way to get around the main sights.
• Bratislava: Riverside and Castle – explore the city on a Segway.

11 Cities In Slovakia

Bratislava is in the west of the country, bordering both Austria and Hungary and lying on the beautiful river Danube.

Overlooking the city is Bratislava Castle, originally built in the 10th century.

It has been rebuilt on a few occasions, the last time being in the 17th century, so the architecture is Baroque.

It has four towers and the largest, the Crown Tower, houses an observatory that gives panoramic views of the city.

However, if you don’t want to climb the tower, the castle is high enough for you to enjoy views of the city and surrounding area.

The castle houses the Slovak National Museum where you can learn about Slovak life from the Middle Ages onwards.

If you want to get to know Bratislava quickly before deciding where you want to spend more time, take the tourist bus.

You will drive by the Danube while listening to audio commentary, go through the historic Old Town, and visit Bratislava Castle.

There is a lake right in the centre of town, Zlate Piesky, where you can swim and sunbathe.

It is a beautiful lake with grass to sunbathe on and there is plenty to do including water skiing and tobogganing.

There are facilities for playing tennis, football, mini golf, and beach volley.

If you’re hungry, you will find food stalls, and your children will be happy with the playgrounds.

The city is known for its varied music scene and there are many clubs and bars to be found playing live music.

The more touristy clubs stay open until the early hours.

Bratislava is a great place to spend a few days or even longer and there are plenty of places to go wine tasting and eating traditional food . 

You can also use it as a base to visit other towns and cities or to go hiking in the Little Carpathian Mountains.

Recommended tours: 

• Bratislava: Grand City Guided Tour
• Bratislava: Guided Walking Tour at Night with Old Town
• Bratislava Food Tour with Local
• Bratislava: 1-Hour Small-Group Walking Tou r
• From Vienna: Day Cruise to Bratislava
• Bratislava: Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour
• From Bratislava: Devin Castle 3-Hour Private Guided Tour

Kosice is the second largest city in Slovakia and is towards the east of the country, close to the Hungarian border.

Here too there is enough to do for a few days and it can also be used as a base for exploring eastern Slovakia.

You should spend some time in Hlavne Namestie, the main square.

Here you will find two Gothic churches, St. Elizabeth Cathedral and St. Michael’s Chapel, as well as St Urban’s Tower which hosts a museum of wax figurines.

These three together are a national cultural heritage site.

Also in the square is the East Slovak Museum which houses nearly 3,000 gold coins.

In 2013, Kosice became the European Capital of Culture, and it lives up to its name.

Along Hrnciarska Street, which translates to Crafts Lane, you will find many shops, such as a carpenter, a potter, and a blacksmith.

The Old Town is filled with Medieval buildings, many of which are protected.

Next to Hlavne Namestie is the State Theatre with unusual singing fountains in front of it and next door is the Slavia Cafe, one of the oldest cafes in the city.

It serves delicious food, has excellent service, and the art nouveau décor is stunning.

I recommend a visit for coffee and cake.

Recommended tour: Košíce: “FunForTwo”, adventure and city walk for couples

If you are staying in Bratislava, a pleasant day or weekend trip is to the city of Trencin.

It is about 120 km (74.5 miles) away and features Trencin Castle, situated on a rock above the city.

It is mainly intact despite being built in the Middle Ages.

There is a bit of a walk uphill to get to the castle but hang in there, it’s worth the extra energy as you will get spectacular views, especially if you climb Matthias Tower.

I know, it seems like a lot of climbing but you will appreciate the panoramic views when you get to the top of the tower.

There is a museum in the castle where you can learn about the history of the castle and the Trencin region.

Like most cities and towns in Slovakia, Trencin has a town square.

There are some beautiful Baroque buildings and churches to be explored as are the narrow and winding streets leading off the square.

There you will find local arts and crafts stores, art galleries, and boutiques.

If you are in Trencin in July, there is an open-air music festival, Pohoda, held in Trencin airport.

It features many different music genres and is considered to be the best music festival in Slovakia.

Trencin Castle is at Matusova 81 91101 Trencin.

Poprad is in eastern Slovakia and is a popular holiday resort, both in the summer and in the winter.

It lies at the foot of the High Tatras Mountain range and both locals and tourists flock here for skiing in the winter months, while in the summer, hiking is popular.

Another reason for the city’s popularity is Aqua City where you can stay in a choice of hotels and use the thermal baths.

The resort also has saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, and playgrounds, You can also enjoy water sports such as tobogganing.

If you just decide to take a day trip to Poprad from Kosice, be sure to go to the square, Namestie sv Egidia to see the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings.

Visit the 13th century St Egidius church and the Tatra Gallery which is unusually housed in an old power plant.

Here you can see both Slovak and international art.

If you have time, visit the beautiful art-nouveau church, Saint Elizabeth, and Podtatranske Museum where you can learn about local history.

Overlooking the city is Popradsky Hrad, a 13th-century castle that offers great views over the city and the surrounding area.

• Aqua City is at Sportova 1397/1 05801 Poprad.
• Podtatranske Museum is at Vajanského 72/4 05801 Poprad.
• Recommended tour: High Tatras: Bearwatching Hiking Tour in Slovakia

Zilina is in northwest Slovakia, close to the Czech Republic and Poland.

It has had a sad past as fires ravaged it on more than one occasion.

However, the main square, Marianse Namestie, is filled with imposing buildings housing shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

It is busy and a great place to people watch over a coffee or a drink.

There are three churches to visit as well, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Church of the Conversion of St.

Paul the Apostle, and the Church of St Barbara, a beautiful Baroque church with stunning frescoes and statues.

For the art lovers among you, head to the Museum of Art Zilina which showcases both classical and modern art relating to the folk traditions of the region.

If you want to experience the great outdoors, Zelina Dam offers walking and running trails, volleyball and basketball courts, and skating and cycling paths.

Close by is Stranik Hill where you can give paragliding a go if you dare!

The Museum of Art Zilina is at Stefanikova 2 010 01 Zelina.

Recommended tour: From Bratislava: Lesser Fatra Tour with Zilina

Presov is in eastern Slovakia and isn’t far from Kosice so you could do a two-centred holiday as there is plenty to see in both towns.

The history of Presov goes back as far as the Middle Ages, and by the time the 15th century came, it had become rich through salt mining and a bobbin lace industry.

The historic centre of the city reflects this with beautiful stucco houses.

The best place for sightseeing in Presov is along Hlavna Ulica or Main Street.

Here you can visit the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas which dates to 1696 and merges Gothic and Baroque art.

There is also the Eastern Orthodox church of St. Alexander Nevsky and a synagogue dating to 1898 which has extravagant hand-painted decorations.

In the Rakocziho Palace, you will find a museum displaying artefacts from as far back as the 9th century up to the 19th century.

Furniture, weapons, lacework, and clocks are among the objects on show.

Leading off Hlavna Ulica, you will find Presov’s City Gallery in what used to be the prison.

It dates to the 13th century and now houses a collection of lace and opal as well as temporary art exhibitions.

Martin is in the northwest region of Slovakia and lies on the Turiec River between two mountain ranges.

The highlight of Martin is the open-air museum, the Museum of the Slovak Village, which showcases life in Martin over the centuries.

Another place you should go is Andrej Hlinka Square where you will find plenty of cafes.

Locals and tourists gather in the square for a coffee or a drink to chat or just people-watch.

The buildings in the square date to the 18th and 19th centuries, the highlight being the Church of Saint Martin which has been built in a stunning Baroque style.

It has a tower you can climb for an amazing view of the city.

St. Martin’s Cathedral, on the other hand, is Gothic and is lavishly adorned with statues and spires as well as having stunning stained-glass windows.

It houses the remains of St. Martin who was the patron saint of the city and if you climb the tower, you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

I know, yet more climbing!

If you are a nature lover, the Mala Fatra National Park is close to the city.

Here you can hike in the summer and ski in the winter.

It is a beautiful park with forests, waterfalls, gorges and canyons.

There are even some lakes where you can swim during the summer.

Banska Bystrica is in central Slovakia and lies on the Hron River at the base of the Low Tatras National Park.

You can easily spend a few days here as there are 14 museums, three castles, and 10 churches to visit.

The SNP Square, the main square of the city, has a clock tower which you can climb.

It is 20 metres (65 feet) high and gives great views over the city.

It has a slight lean so is Slovakia’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

A must-see is the Slovak Uprising Museum which showcases aircraft and other military equipment from WWII.

Surrounding the city are hills and forests which you can explore in the summer.

Cave touring trips are on offer, and you can go mountain hiking.

In the winter, skiers will flock to the city on their way to the various ski resorts.

If you are looking for a day trip from Bratislava, Trnava is a good choice as it is just 47 km (29 miles) away.

Trnava is often called ‘Little Rome’ as it used to be ruled by Hungary and was the religious hub of the empire.

You will find many old churches throughout the city that you can visit.

The most important of these is St. John the Baptist Cathedral, an early Baroque building that is best known for its altar made completely out of wood.

There are a couple of synagogues in the city that are now used for other purposes.

The first has been converted into the Synagogue Café which serves delicious cakes.

You should try one! The other Synagogue is the Status Quo Ante Synagogue which was built in a Moorish-Byzantine style in the latter part of the 19th century.

It is now a contemporary art gallery.

To get great views of the city and the surrounding area, climb the 143 steps of the Renaissance Town Tower.

• The Synagogue Cafe is at Ulica Haulikova 405/3 91701 Trnava.
• The Status Quo Ante Synagogue is at Halenarska 407/2 91701 Trnava.
• St. John the Baptist Cathedral is at Univerzitne Namestie 602/3 91701 Trnava.

Prievidza is in central-western Slovakia and is famous for being close to the spectacular Bojnice Castle which dates to the Middle Ages.

However, it has been renovated since and is a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.

It looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale.

You can tour the rooms and view an interesting collection of weapons, armour, antique furniture and art.

However, Prievidza itself is a delightful city to visit.

One of the most impressive attractions is the Church of St. Bartholomew, which has been built in the Gothic style.

It has beautiful stained-glass windows and houses sculptures and religious paintings.

Cultural events and concerts are held here as well as religious services.

The Museum of the Slovak National Uprising tells you about the uprising which happened during WWII.

Some of the exhibits are interactive and you will learn about the bravery of the Slovak resistance fighters.

• Bojnice Castle is at Zamok a Okolie 1/1 Bojnice.
• The Church of St. Bartholomew is at 29/10 Pribinovo Namestie 29 Prievidza.
• Recommended tour: Bojnice: Private Romantic Tour

Nitra is just 90 km (56 miles) from Bratislava and would make a lovely weekend trip as there is plenty to see and do.

Start your exploration with Nitra Castle which is right in the centre of the Old Town on top of Castle Hill.

The oldest surviving part of the castle is the church of St. Emmeram which has an onion-shaped steeple.

From here you get a panoramic view of the city.

The church was built in the 11th century but was rebuilt and renovated over the years so has a mixture of styles.

The Gothic Ditch was originally part of the fortifications but is now an amphitheatre that hosts cultural events.

To learn more about the city, visit the Nitra Museum.

There is also a fascinating open-air museum dedicated to agriculture which covers 30 hectares.

Nitra lies at the foot of Zobor Hill which rises above the city.

It is steep but if you are an experienced hiker, you can follow one of the various trails, some easier than others.

The Slovak Agricultural Museum is at Dlha 92 94901 Nitra.

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9 Towns In Slovakia

Stara Lubovna is in the northeast of the country and is a good day trip if you are staying in either Poprad or Presov.

The highlight of the town is The Museum of Folk Architecture which is next to the castle and is in the open air.

Here you can learn about life in Slovakia in the early part of the 19th century.

You will be able to see different houses, including log cabins and working buildings such as a blacksmith and a village school, as well as a wooden Catholic Church.

There is a museum in the castle and cultural events are held there.

Walk along the ramparts for the best views.

In the centre of Stara Lubovna is the Church of St Nicholas which blends Renaissance and Gothic styles.

The artwork inside is magnificent and the altars, are elaborately decorated.

The Museum of Folk Architecture is at Zamocka 22 064 01 Stara Lubovna.

To experience a little of Hungarian life, visit Komarno.

When Czechoslovakia was created in 1918, the city was split in two between Czechoslovakia and Hungary.

The Old Town went to Czechoslovakia and the New Town, to Hungary where it is known as Komadrom.

However, 60% of the population of Komarno in Slovakia is Hungarian and they have kept their language and customs.

The Elizabeth Bridge connects the two towns and offers fantastic views.

In Komarno, the Courtyard of Europe is worth visiting.

Every building has been built differently and represents various European regions.

If you are looking for something to help relieve any pains you may have, you will find thermal baths in the town.

They are well-equipped with two outdoor and one indoor thermal pool, saunas, and ordinary swimming pools.

Bardejov is close to the Polish border and is at the foothills of the Beskydy Mountains, in north-eastern Slovakia.

Bardejov has a beautiful Medieval town centre which has earned it the honour of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will see original burgher houses, and, in addition, the town hall has been built in Gothic and Renaissance styles.

It is now the Saris Meum, the oldest museum in the country.

The city walls, dating to the 15th century, still stand and are there to be explored.

A must-see is the Museum of Icons which have the most beautiful icons from the 16th – 19th centuries.

• The Saris Museum is at Radnicne Namestie 13 085 01 Bardejov.
• The Museum of Icons is at Radnicne Namestie 27 085 01 Bardejov.

The Old Town of Levoca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you like Renaissance architecture, you will find many beautiful buildings built in this style, for example, the Roman Catholic Church of St. James which has the tallest wooden altar in Europe.

Head to the Old Town Hall in the main square which is now a museum where you can learn more about this part of Slovakia.

In the square is the scary ‘Cage of Shame’ where prisoners were kept for all to see.

Perhaps people threw rotting food at them knowing that there was nothing the prisoners could do.

Recommended tour: Recommended tour: Levoča: City Highlights Walking Tour

Kezmarok is in eastern Slovakia on the Poprad River right below the High Tatra Mountains.

The town has a 15th-century fairy tale castle where you can take a tour to see both artwork and displays of weapons.

There is a spectacular view of the town and the mountains from the castle.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wooden Articular Church, should be visited.

It is unusual as it was built only of wood during the 17th century.

The Church of Maria Magdalene is also worth visiting.

It contrasts with many of the Renaissance buildings in the town as it has been built in the Gothic style.

It has beautiful stained-glass windows which present excellent photo opportunities.

Another stop should be the Kezmarok Municipal Museum where you can learn about the history of the town.

The Wooden Articulated Church is at Hviezdoslavova 3127/18 06001 Kezmarok.

You can easily spend a day in Kremnica as there is enough to see.

The castle reminds you of a fairy tale and it is well worth climbing the 227 steps if only for the views.

You will certainly be fit after your trip! There is an interesting church to visit at the castle, the Church of St. Catherine which is neo-Gothic.

However, the tower was built later and is Renaissance in style and now houses a museum of archaeological research and the town’s defence.

The highlight of Kremnica is the Kremnica Mint which is the oldest Mint in the world that is still working.

Next door is the Museum of Coins and Medals where you can see rare medals and coins that were made in the Mint.

The Museum of Coins and Medals is at Stefanikova us 21.11 967 01 Kremnica.

Banska Stavnica is a lovely small town built into the side of a collapsed volcano.

It is filled with beautiful buildings which are photo-worthy such as the two castles, known simply as the Old Castle and the New Castle.

If you enjoy visiting churches, you will be in your element here.

The Banska Stiavnica Cavalry, built on a hill overlooking the town, is a complex with 3 churches, 19 chapels, and a sculpture of the Virgin Mary.

Apart from admiring the views, you can go into the churches and chapels to see some beautiful murals and frescoes.

Holy Trinity Square, the main town square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its statue of the Holy Trinity.

It hosts musical performances and folk dancing throughout the year.

The Old Town is very pretty with its Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here where you can replenish your hunger and thirst and simply relax after a busy day’s sightseeing.

If you are looking for rest, relaxation, or recuperation after an illness, head to Piestany which is the largest spa town in Slovakia.

There are several spa hotels on Spa Island, and they offer a wide range of treatments and baths.

You can bathe in the thermal waters from the surrounding mountains or, if you dare, take a dip in sulphuric mud.

Spa Island also offers hiking trails and exercise areas.

The park area is perfect for a gentle stroll and is decorated with fountains and statues.

There is also a social centre which has galleries and museums.

The town itself is fairly quiet but offers excellent shopping opportunities as well as restaurants and cafes if you want a change from your hotel.

Spisska Nova Ves is in eastern Slovakia and should be included in your trip to eastern Slovakia.

The square is one of the prettiest in the country and the longest in Europe.

The Church of the Virgin Mary’s Ascension takes a prime position in the square and has a Neo-Gothic tower.

It is the tallest tower in Slovakia at 87 metres (285 feet) high.

The church has an enormous basilica with three aisles.

The old Town Hall is now a museum where you can learn about the history of the region.

Just 15 minutes drive from Spisska Nova Ves is Spis Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yes, Slovakia is full of them, and they well deserve the honours.

This castle is one of the largest in Europe and it has a 22 metres (72 feet) high tower and a museum of Medieval history. 

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