The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Košice
Discover the charm and history of Košice, Slovakia's hidden gem.
22 April 2023
Košice, Slovakia is a charming city that offers visitors a variety of cultural, historical, and natural sites to explore. Tourists can visit the gothic-style St. Elisabeth Cathedral, walk around the beautiful Main Street, or enjoy the stunning views from the nearby hills. Additionally, the city offers plenty of dining options, including local delicious cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
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- Stay at the Hotel Bristol, located in the heart of the city and steps away from major attractions.
- Visit the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest church in Slovakia with stunning Gothic architecture.
- Discover the treasures at the Eastern Slovakian Museum, home to an impressive collection of regional history.
- Stroll through the charming Main Street, filled with shops, cafes, and picturesque buildings.
- Head to the Steel Arena for a thrilling ice hockey game, a must-see for sports fans.
- Enjoy a traditional Slovak dinner at Restauracia Muza, featuring regional dishes and live music.
- Take a day trip to Slovensky Raj, a stunning natural park with waterfalls, canyons and hiking trails.
- Hike to the top of the iconic Sucha Bela waterfall, a picturesque cascade surrounded by lush greenery.
- Follow the Hornad River to the famous Prielom Hornadu gorge, a narrow gorge with a wooden trail.
- Stop for lunch at Koliba Pod Kycerou, a Slovakian restaurant with delicious grilled meats and panoramic views.
- Return to Košice and head to the charming Old Town, a pedestrian-only area filled with historic architecture and artisan shops.
- Dine at Pizzeria 12, where you can taste organic pizza made with fresh local ingredients.
- Start the day with a visit to the Košice Central Market, where you can find fresh produce, meats, and traditional Slovakian snacks.
- Take a cooking class at Perestrojka Bistro, where you can learn how to prepare Slovakian classics like halušky and fried cheese.
- Walk around the charming Alžbetina plaza, filled with cafes and street performances.
- Visit the Košice State Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Slovakia, and catch a performance.
- Dine at a rustic Slovakian-style restaurant such as Vcelare, known for its hearty meat dishes and cozy atmosphere.
- End the evening with a drink at Kulturpark, a former industrial complex converted into a cultural center with cool bars and art installations.
- Visit the Art Nouveau-style East Slovakian Gallery, featuring contemporary art and a lovely garden.
- Head to the Hlavna Street, the most picturesque street in Košice with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.
- Tour the Gothic St. Michael Chapel, a stunning 14th-century chapel with intricate frescoes.
- Explore the Jakab's Palace, a Renaissance-style building that houses the City Museum.
- Stop for lunch at Čajovňa Pod Vŕškom, a charming tea house with homemade cakes and a tranquil garden.
- Go shopping for souvenirs at the local artisan markets, where you can find handmade crafts, ceramics, and textiles.
- Take a morning walk to the Košice Castle, an impressive fortress with a tower offering breathtaking views.
- Visit the colorful St. Urban Tower, a former defense tower now turned into a museum and observation deck.
- Head to the Aupark Shopping Center, the largest shopping center in Košice with international brands and designer stores.
- Have a farewell dinner at Tri Ruže, a cozy restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and delicious Slovakian wines.
- Catch a performance at the historic Košice State Philharmonic, the oldest symphony orchestra in Slovakia.
- End the night with a drink at Tabačka Kulturfabrik, a vibrant cultural center with live music and exhibitions.
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Košice, Slovakia by plane is to fly to Košice International Airport. Major airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Czech Airlines offer direct flights to Košice from several major cities across Europe.
Car
If you're traveling by car, the best way to get to Košice would be to take the E58 highway from Budapest, Hungary. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and offers beautiful views of the Carpathian Mountains.
Train
There are several train stations in Košice, but the best way to get there by train would be to take a train from Budapest Keleti Railway Station in Hungary. From there, the journey takes approximately 3 hours and offers scenic views of the countryside.
Boat
Unfortunately, there is no way to get to Košice by boat as it is located inland and does not have a direct connection to any major waterways.
Bus
The most convenient way to get to Košice by bus is by taking an express bus from Prague, Czech Republic. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and is operated by Flixbus, one of the largest bus operators in Europe.