Tips for a lively Košice during the Košice Night of Museums and Galleries festival
Are you heading to Košice, a city known for its unmistakable seaside town atmosphere and authentic local life, on the occasion of the legendary event Košice Night of Museums and Galleries? The more than 20-year tradition of this cultural event will surprise you again this year with a rich tailor-made programme and the special theme Expect the Unexpected!. Delve deeper into the world of contemporary art or become better acquainted with painters and sculptors of the last century.
However, the Košice Night of Museums and Galleries doesn't have to be your last (or only) stop in the city - enjoy the dozens of reasons that make Košice an appealing destination for all. The following article offers an itinerary of six tips for discovering your favorite Košice spots in the city. Read on to plan a long weekend in a city you'll fall in love with during romantic May!
The most iconic building in Košice
See the picturesque town like the palm of your hand from the obligatory holiday stop of Košice - if you are coming here for the first time on a trip, don't miss the traditional attraction suitable for all physically fit visitors. We are talking about the top of the Sigmund Tower St. Elizabeth's Cathedralwhere you can climb a spiral staircase to a height of 60 metres.
In addition to the legendary view, the interiors of the largest Gothic-style cathedral in Slovakia will also present you with fantastic artistic elements in glass stained-glass windows, a royal staircase and balcony, a mysterious underground with the tomb of the famous Francis II. Rákoczi, the unfinished South Tower closed with a dome almost directly overhead, the impressive three-manual organ, the precious main altar with ornaments and depictions from the life of St. Elizabeth and beautiful frescoes. Stop by for Mass or during an enthusiastic city tour and take home peace of mind and a themed magnet from this place of remembrance!
Author's bistro with an emphasis on seasonality
Plan your wanderings in Košice with breaks for gastronomic delights in dozens of restaurants at every corner of the city centre. If you'd like to sample original culinary art, we recommend stopping for lunch at the author's Bakoš Bistro, just a few tram stops away, or a pleasant stroll towards South Avenue. An attractive spot for a romantic dinner or a business lunch, the bistro's menu is a treat for all customers' senses, with the aim of expanding their ideas about traditional recipes and lesser-associated combinations.
Reserve a table or stop by without a reservation for a lunch menu that is mindful of the principles of seasonal ingredients, local ingredients and aesthetically prepared dishes. In addition to the rotating lunch menu, you'll enjoy an honest burger, grilled duck, oak risotto, pappardelle or spicy Tom Yum soup.
Sharing meals with loved ones at a popular resort
We don't stop with gastronomy tastings in Košice and we advise long-time gourmets to go for pleasure and sensations to the ornate five-star resort Villa Sandy. On the grounds of the historic skating pavilion in the Municipal Park you will find professional tennis courts and several restaurants, each with a distinctive concept - SEVEN Restaurant Café, POINT Parkfood Kiosk a EMOTI Sharefood Tavern.
Our recommendation this time is EMOTI Sharefood Tavern with its imaginative approach to sharing food with those you love the most. If you enjoy slow weekend mornings (perfect after a sleepy night at the art show at the Kosice Night of Museums and Galleries festival), you'll definitely appreciate the Half-Day Breakfast for a relaxed sit-down with a colourful late breakfast.
The To Share menu by sous-chef Dominik Demek will convey a unique gourmet experience of traditional Slovak recipes served in a modern form for those with a taste for expanding their horizons. The à la carte sharefood menu offers venison tenderloin, chicken perch, duck hearts, fish of the day, homemade desserts and delicious wines from Slovakia, Spain, France and Italy.
Water oases in the city for a pleasant afternoon
If after a tasty lunch you feel like sitting in the heart of the historical monument reserve, you're in luck - this is the time of year when the city sees the re-launch of the Košice fountains, which are water oases of relaxation, characterised by a relaxed atmosphere, the melodies of unforgettable evergreens and children's cries as they occasionally splash with the water. Get to know the first Czechoslovak Singing Fountain in front of the majestic building of the National Theatre Košice and try to guess the titles and performers of each song played.
Behind the theatre there is also the famous Fountain of Signs by the academic sculptor Arpad Raček with a depiction of the signs of the zodiac. Legend has it that if you come here to stroke yours, your most secret wish will come true.
Read our article about the 4 fountains in the centre for urban recreation on the web to find out more!
Towards medieval knowledge of the pilgrims
When visiting Košice and the unique Košice Night of Museums and Galleries, stop by the recently renovated Urban Tower next to St. Elizabeth's Cathedral, which with its beautiful modern façade stands out in the middle of the Old Town. The national cultural monument and Renaissance building from the second half of the 16th century is dedicated to the patron saint of wine-growers, and after renovation, visitors will find renovated spaces for a variety of exhibitions.
As you enter the tower, also pay attention to the original Urban Bell from 1557, damaged in a major fire in 1966 and patched together from the fragments in 1989 by restorer Jiří Svoboda. Behind the working copy of the bell in the tower are the masters of the former East Slovak Ironworks. Admire the historic tombstones in the tower's arcades, strike your own commemorative coin and find out as much as you can about the history of the medieval pilgrims.
Independent theatre and sitting with a drink
Head to Košice for original plays of independent theatre, which you would look for in other theatres only in vain! A unique artistic space for original dramatic works can be found on Zvonárská Street, just a stone's throw from the Main Street. Dive into the more challenging themes and social issues that are Theatre Na Peróne is typical and characteristic for many local fans.
The theatre also offers a pleasant café for those who would like to steal a small moment of silence for themselves in the city centre and taste delicious wines or choice coffee. Stop by to see current plays or attend a workshop for developing verbal proficiency at Neblyaboc!
This itinerary represents just a fraction of the authentic experiences and unforgettable memories of Košice. All the rest can be found in our blog #namapKE.