Visiting Kosice: what are the best things to see and do in Slovakia’s most charming city?
The second-largest city in Slovakia and formerly the fifth-largest in Czechoslovakia, Kosice is probably the most charming city in Slovakia. Located at the eastern end of the country, Kosice is a former royal and medieval town with an impressive wealth of history and culture! Fortunately, visiting Kosice is easy: most of the city’s wonders are to be found in the Historic Centre, which is within easy walking distance. So perhaps your visit to Kosice will give you time to discover the surrounding Slovak countryside and nature.
If you’re wondering what to do in Kosice during your stay, here’s the answer with these 7 must-do things to do or visit in Kosice!
1. Saint Elisabeth Cathedral
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Maros Mraz
This sumptuous church is located in the center of Kosice’s main street, Hlavná Ulica. St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral is built in the Gothic style, the most Eastern European of this Western style. It is also the largest church in Slovakia, having been built from the 14th century (1378) to over 100 years later (1508)!
The cathedral’s most interesting features are its fabulously ornate North door, its sumptuous interior, and the view from the top of the North Tower (60 meters high!). Please note that the cathedral is only open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During your visit to the cathedral, you can also visit the crypt housing the Hungarian national hero Francis II Rákóczi, famous for his opposition to the Austrian Habsburgs.
2. Hlavná Ulica
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Ian Armstrong
Main street and heart of the historic town, if you want to visit Kosice, you can’t avoid this picturesque street. And so much the better! As you’ll see, it’s well worth a visit, and you’ll feel as if you’re walking through a postcard setting.
Entirely on foot, your stroll will take you around Kosice’s main historic buildings and among the town’s most charming cafés and restaurants: the Fontána café is a good address in this district.
3. Saint-Urbain Tower
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Om8ark
Right next to the cathedral is the Tour Saint-Urbain, also built in the 14th century. Inside, you can visit a small museum on the history of the city – a must if you don’t know much about it. The tower is only open to visitors on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
4. Kosice Palaces
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Ladislav Luppa
Many of Kosice’s historic buildings were once palaces. The best-known and most beautiful are the Town Hall, Jakavov Palace, Andrassy Palace and Bishop’s Palace. A visit to Kosice’s palaces will give you a better idea of the city’s architectural wealth, as they differ so much in terms of Slovak and Hungarian architecture and style. Don’t hesitate to take a tour of the interior too – it’s well worth it!
5. National Theater
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Maron Mraz
This magnificent Baroque building was built in the late 19th century and is another fascinating example of the city’s sumptuous architecture. We particularly recommend admiring the theater’s richly painted ceilings: you may recognize famous scenes from Shakespeare’s tragedies.
6. Also worth seeing in Kosice
Photo credit: Flickr – Govisity
Still wondering what to do in Kosice? Here’s a second list of suggestions if you decide to extend your stay in this charming town:
- Discover the Immaculata, a Baroque column commemorating the devastation caused by a plague epidemic
- Admire the Singing Fountain, located between the cathedral and the theater.
- Visit St. Michael’s Church in Košice, an architectural jewel south of the cathedral.
- Drink a beer in the famous Pivovar Golem biergarten!
- Visit Tabačka Kulturfabrik to discover the city’s younger, artistic and festive spirit: live music, cinema, exhibitions, parties and restaurants are all on the program at this colorful venue.
- Stroll through the Christmas Market in winter, so picturesque and charming (1st week of December until Christmas).
7. Things to do in the Kosice area
A visit to Kosice will allow you to discover many wonders. But it would be a shame to confine yourself to the city and not explore its countryside, its surroundings and its equally magnificent nature!
- Visit the Tatra Mountains for hiking, biking and even skiing in winter! You can find out how to get there by car or bus at the Tourist Office.
- Take a trip to the magnificent town of Levoča, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it takes one or two hours to get there (by bus or car).
- For breathtaking scenery, visit the Slovak Paradise National Park, part of the Kosice district (access by car, bus or train).
How do I get to Kosice?
Have you decided to visit Kosice? Getting there couldn’t be easier! Many direct flights are available to Kosice international airport. Find a cheap flight on the website of our partner Ulysses.
Where to stay in Kosice?
Kosice is a small town, only the second largest in Slovakia. The best place to stay if you’re visiting Kosice is in the historic center, as close as possible to the local attractions. You can find a cheap hotel in Kosice by searching on this hotel comparator.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Kosice,sk