Experience unleashed fun during the football championship in Košice

Excited crowds, cutting-edge design, and the spectacular UEFA Under-21 European Championship all come together at the Košice Football Arena — a true paradise for fans of thrilling sports experiences. This newly opened stadium, with its striking modern architecture, will stay in your memory as a one-of-a-kind venue for passionate cheering, especially now as it hosts the long-anticipated European Championship matches.

With a capacity of up to 13,000 spectators, the arena promises emotional outbursts, electric energy, fierce competition, and a sense of unity in the stands. Until June 28, enjoy the action on the pitch and then head to the OFFSIDE Eat & Meet cantina located right inside the arena. You’ll appreciate the arena’s location thanks to its convenient position near the city centre, which you can reach in under 15 minutes by bus no. 23, 25, 31, 52 or 10 from Námestie Osloboditeľov, or by bus no. 16 from the Jakab’s Palace stop – as well as by shared bike, scooter or taxi.

Author: Šimon Pavlišin, Košice Football Arena

Are you fascinated by long-distance running and count your stamina in kilometers? Then you’ll definitely want to visit the recently opened MarathonPoint at 57, Hlavná Street during your stay in Košice — a place where you can dive into fun facts and detailed historical insights about the International Peace Marathon. During the football championship, the space also transforms into a fan zone, where staff will provide all the information you need about the matches and what's happening around the city.

The Košice Peace Marathon is recognized as the oldest marathon in Europe and the third oldest in the world. Held every year on the first Sunday of October, this iconic event now feels even closer with MarathonPoint located right in the heart of the historic center. Inside, you’ll also find a café, rare marathon artifacts, an archive, and an interactive “Marathonpedia” for all data-driven sports enthusiasts. Don’t miss the beautifully designed posters from the earliest editions or themed souvenirs to take home!

Unwind with a glass of sparkling or still wine at a charming new addition to Košice’s gastro scene — šum wine bar will enchant you with its elegant interior, professional service, and most of all, a rich selection of wine specials from around the world. Taste Slovak wines from local vineyards or international labels, both perfect companions for conversations with friends or post-game chats about your Košice sports experience.

In addition to wine, the menu features delicious treats like Slovak cheeses from the Východná farm, as well as Italian cheeses and olives from De Italia. And if you're in Košice over the weekend, don’t miss the chance to enjoy quality DJ sets with K67 Radio — where the sounds of music and the fizz of wine come together every Friday after 8 PM.

Source: šum vináreň

After an intense match, treat your crew to a proper steak at the legendary Rosto Steak House on Orlia Street — just steps away from the city center and the iconic St. Elisabeth Cathedral. Enjoy a fresh daily lunch menu or book a table for a hearty dinner with your fellow sports travelers.

We recommend trying both traditional and exotic specialties from local chefs, especially the Hanger and dry-aged steakslike Entrecôte, Roast Beef, and Tomahawk — each aged for 4 to 5 weeks to achieve the perfect flavor. Curious about the process? The friendly staff will be happy to walk you through the details and stories behind the aging. Enjoy!

For a truly remarkable gastronomic experience, head to OhniskO Fire Dining & Brew Bar on the edge of Košice’s Old Town, where dishes are prepared over a special Josper grill — the beating heart of the kitchen. You’ll also enjoy delicacies straight from the smoker, aging chamber, and fermentation room, offering bold and complex flavors.

What tempts you most after a heated match during the championship? Lamb tartare, smoked duck breast, ostrich liver, grilled quail, raw oysters with passion fruit and vanilla, flank steak, or wild trout from the Zbojnícke ponds? Don’t skip the bar either — it boasts a wide selection of craft beers and outstanding cocktails!

Had your fill? After a day packed with sports, it’s time for some uninhibited fun in the heart of Košice’s nightlife. The well-known Kováčska Street offers a mix of clubs and bars — one of them is El Nacional | Represent Cuba, famous for its regular DJ sets where you can dance the night away and meet locals or fellow travelers to the rhythm of Cuban beats!

Savor delicious food, excellent cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, and let yourself be transported straight to Havana. And yes — they’ve got authentic Cuban cigars and rum to complete the experience!

If you're visiting Košice during a sports event, it's almost impossible to miss Tabačka Kulturfabrik — an independent cultural center and a beloved hub for locals who appreciate culture and quality drinks, located on Gorkého Street. This vibrant space is the city’s epicenter of creativity and connection, offering three bars, a gallery, a cinema, and a co-working area where you can mingle with both locals and your fellow travelers.

Don’t miss the iconic courtyard concerts under the night sky, or dance your worries away in the main hall. For up-to-date happenings, be sure to check our Events Calendar and see what’s going on at Tabačka during your stay.

After the match, wind down with some local student music at Blue Bell, a cozy venue with a courtyard that opens up to the sky. It’s the perfect place to release the steam from all the game-day excitement — sip on a draft beer or a glass of wine, relax with your crew, and chat about your Košice adventures.

The venue also features two terraces, with the upper one offering a beautiful view of the majestic St. Elisabeth Cathedral. Treat yourself to a chilled Hoegaarden and soak in the city's sports spirit alongside craft hot dogs, fried cheese, Mexican tortillas, or a delicious Spanish paella!

Bonus: Start your journey through the city at the Visit Košice Infopoint, where we’re ready to welcome you with up-to-date tips on fun and adventure in Košice. Pick up free brochures, maps, and trusted advice on how to enjoy the city to the fullest and dive deep into its vibrant life—just like the true locals do. The Visit Košice Infopoint at 59 Hlavná Street is your gateway to the city and a portal to unforgettable (and not only) sports experiences!

If this article has inspired you to experience the sports scene in Košice for yourself, start planning your trip from the comfort of home. Find more tips in the www.sport.visitkosice.org!