Discover Košice: Your 5-Day Itinerary for an Unforgettable Experience

Plan your dream trip to eastern Slovakia—Košice offers endless opportunities to explore gastronomy, history, art, culture, and sports activities year-round. Let yourself be swept away by the fun and discovery, and plan a 5-day trip to Košice filled with unforgettable experiences. Get ready, set, go!

Day 1

Kick off your trip by staying close to the city center, putting you within walking distance of all the city's landmarks! A comfortable hotel room will enhance your experience—consider Hotel Crystal or Boutique Hotel Slávia right on Hlavná Street. Start your journey by visiting the Visit Košice Infopoint, where you’ll receive free brochures and maps to uncover the city's secrets and history. Don’t miss our unique tour of sacred monuments, enhanced by a special video projection!

Dedicate your first day in Košice to its most iconic landmark, St. Elizabeth's Cathedral—the largest church in the country, with a capacity of 5,000 people and many historical treasures within. Climb to the top of Sigismund's Tower via the spiral staircase for a bird's-eye view of the city. Pair your visit to the Gothic-Baroque cathedral with the Church of St. Michael, a former cemetery chapel, and explore the mysterious ossuaries in its basement.

For lunch, enjoy traditional cuisine at Villa Regia, where the seasonal menu is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant is located on picturesque Dominican Square, offering an authentic experience of city life. Spend your afternoon admiring contemporary art at VUNU Gallery, located in Kunsthalle / Hall of Art. For your first evening, we recommend a visit to Slovakia's oldest hospitality house with a pub, the medieval Levočský dom. Pivovar Hostinec will surprise you with its menu, craft drinks, and its underground catacombs!

Day 2

Mornings in Košice have a unique charm, especially in Dominican Square, home to the city’s oldest building—the impressive Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with the tallest church tower. Enjoy brunch at MACIELO or a cup of coffee at Doraz Café, and immerse yourself in the heart of Košice while watching local market vendors sell vegetables, fruits, homemade jams, and pasta.

If you’re visiting Košice during the summer months, unwind at Červená hviezda Swimming Pool, a national cultural monument designed by renowned architect Ľudovít Oelschläger in 1936. Near the pool is Košice City Park, offering numerous options for entertainment and relaxation. Discover the AI-controlled Floating Fountain, the Playko sports ground, a pond with fish and ducks, or join seasonal activities like summer swing dance clubs. Don't miss another historical gem—the former skating pavilion, now the beautifully restored Villa Sandy Resort, featuring a luxury hotel, restaurant, café, tennis courts, and Omnia Spa. You can even rent picnic baskets and enjoy a delicious lunch in the park's greenery with your loved ones!

On your second afternoon in Košice, don't miss the chance to explore one of the city’s many artistic expressions—Košice street art! Known for hosting Slovakia’s largest Open Mural Gallery (OMG), Košice features incredible works by artists like Proembrion & Sepe at 4 Floriánska St, and the renowned mural by Bezt & Pener at Trieda SNP 61. Get around the city faster by renting a shared scooter or bicycle from Bolt or Antik, making these street art masterpieces easily accessible without a long walk. Wrap up the evening with a hearty dinner and a drink at Tabačka Kulturfabrik, the independent cultural center that offers open-air concerts and a vibrant cultural program.

Day 3

Start your third day in Košice with a cup of excellent coffee at Šálka kávy, a charming, book-filled café located at the northern end of Hlavná Street. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the city’s cultural and sacred sites in the largest urban conservation area in the country. Explore the Immaculata Statue, the Museum of Archeology – Lower Gate, and many enchanting churches and synagogues along the Košice corso. For lunch, stop by the stylish bistro Pán Ryba and indulge in delicious fish specialties or grab a cod hot dog to go!

For dessert, head to Arthur Gelato, where eager customers, both young and old, often line up for a taste. With a cone in hand, you can join a guided tour of the city led by the legendary Milan Kolcun. His tours, like The Most Beautiful Gems of Košice and Mystifications of Košice, offer not only historical facts but also fascinating anecdotes. If you're an art lover or the weather turns, an alternative option is the East Slovak Gallery, which features a variety of engaging exhibitions and programs for all ages.

If you're staying at Hotel Crystal, don’t miss the chance to have dinner at OhniskO Fire Dining & Brew Bar, where you can savor unique specialties and fermented drinks. Afterward, immerse yourself in Košice’s rich cultural scene—reserve tickets for a performance at the Košice National Theater or a concert at the House of Art, housed in the former synagogue and now home to the Košice State Philharmonic.

Day 4

Midway through your trip and craving relaxation or a new experience? Start your day with a refreshing visit to the UPJŠ Botanical Garden on Mánesová Street, which is easily accessible by foot or tram. Explore a remarkable plant from the age of dinosaurs, a dendrological trail, and a stunning collection of cacti and succulents. Alternatively, if the weather isn’t cooperating, dedicate your morning to learning about Košice’s history at the East Slovak Museum on Peace Marathon Square, or visit its other locations like the Executioner’s Bastion, Mikluš Prison, or Rodošto.

Recharge with a delicious aged steak at Rosto Steak House, located right in the heart of the action. After lunch, immerse yourself in Košice’s vibrant cultural scene with an outdoor program or enjoy a coffee at Papa Café in Kasárne/Kulturpark. While there, explore LitPark or Steelpark–Park of Science perfect for little adventurers.

Unwind with a film screening at the charming Garden Cinema, a hidden gem in the passage from Hlavná Street, operating since 1956. For a grand cinematic experience, don’t miss the Košice Amphitheater, an architectural marvel with a capacity of up to 7,000 people—enjoy a movie under the stars!

Day 5

The last day has arrived—are you ready to wrap up your Košice adventure? Start with a sweet breakfast and delicious coffee at the Red Velvet Cake Bar, and consider diving into the Košice Golden Treasure – City Game. Along the way, admire the iconic facade of OD Urban, the original Prior department store, and the historic Úsmev the Cinema on Kasárenské námestie.

Spend your afternoon on Hrnčiarská Street, known as Crafts Alley, where you can meet potter Igor Macák. Book a unique pottery workshop with him and learn the craft from a true master! Grab a snack at Raňajkáreň Rozprávka and enjoy the sunny ambiance of the city’s most charming street. Afterward, head to the scenic Kavečany area for stunning views of Košice. Depending on your interests, visit the Košice ZOO, Košice Castle, the Hradová Observation Tower, or the local Hrešná Cottage for agritourism and delightful food and drinks. Return to the city via the Čermeľ area, following the Historic Children’s Railway marked by the red Cesta SNP (Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising trail) signs.

Wrap up your fifth day in Košice with a relaxing dinner and drinks on Hlavná Street. Choose a charming terrace, soak in the vibrant city atmosphere, and enjoy watching locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss a visit to the Singing Fountain to reflect on the highlights of your trip.

Stay tuned for more travel tips in the #namapke section!