The 7 essential things to do in Kosice

Visit Kosice: what are the best things to do and see in the most charming cities in Slovakia?

Second city of Slovakia and formerly fifth of Czechoslovakia, Kosice is probably the most charming city in Slovakia. Located at the east end of the country, the city of Kosice is a former royal and medieval city, with an impressive historical and cultural heritage! Fortunately, visiting Kosice turns out to be the simplest: most of the city’s wonders are gathered in the Historical Center, easily accessible by foot. So maybe your visit to Kosice will offer you time to discover the countryside and the Slovak nature around.

If you ask that to do in Kosice during your stay, here is the answer with these 7 things to do or visit in Kosice!

1. Sainte-Élisabeth Cathedral

This sumptuous church is located in the centre of the main street of Kosice, Hlavná Ulica. The Cathedral of St. Elizabeth is of Gothic style, the most in eastern Europe of this Western style. It is also the largest church in all of Slovakia, whose construction began in the 14th century (1378) to end more than 100 years after (1508)!

The most interesting points of the cathedral are its North Gate, fabulously ornamented, its sumptuous interior, as well as the view offered at the top of the North Tower (up to 60 meters!). It should be noted that the cathedral is open only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also take advantage of your visit to the cathedral to visit the crypt hosting the Hungarian national hero Francis II Rákóczi, famous for his opposition to the Habsburg of Austria.

2. Hlavná Ulica

Main street and the heart of the historic city, if you wish to visit Kosice, you cannot avoid this picturesque street. And so much better! As you will see, it is worth the passage, you’ll feel like you’re moving in a postcard decor.

Fully pedestrian, your walk will take you around the main historic buildings of Kosice as well as the most charming cafés and restaurants in the city: the Fontána coffee shop is a good address of this area.

3. Tour Saint-Urbain

Just next to the cathedral is the Tour Saint-Urbain, built in the 14th century as well. Inside, you can visit a small museum on the history of the city – to do absolutely if you don’t know much about it. The tour only welcomes visitors on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

4. The Palace of Kosice

Many historical buildings in Kosice were once palaces. The best known and most beautiful are the City Hall, the Jakavov Palace, the Andrassy Palace or the Bishop’s Palace. Discover the Kosice palaces will allow you to better understand the architectural richness of the city, as they differ by their architectures, Slovakian or Hungarian, as well as their style. Don’t hesitate to make a tour inside too, it’s worth it!

5. National Theatre

This magnificent baroque building was built at the end of the 19th century and is another fascinating example of the city’s sumptuous architecture. We especially recommend you to admire the richly painted ceilings of the theatre: you may recognize famous scenes of tragedies written by Shakespeare.

6. See also in Kosice

Are you still wondering what to do in Kosice? Here is a second list of suggestions if you decide to extend your stay in this charming city:

• Discover Immaculata, a baroque column commemorating the ravages caused by a plague epidemic
• Admire the Chanting Fountain, located between the cathedral and the theatre
• Visit the Church of St. Michael of Košice, an architectural jewel of the city south of the cathedral
• Have a beer in the famous Biergarten Pivovar Golem!
• Going to Tabačka Kulturfabrik to discover the younger, artistic and festive spirit of the city: live music, cinema, exhibitions, evenings and restaurants are on the programme of this high-colored place
• Walking around the Christmas Market in winter, such a picturesque and so charming (1st week of December until Christmas)

7. Things to do in the vicinity of Kosice

Visit Kosice will allow you to discover many wonders. But it would be a shame to be confined only to the city and not to explore its countryside, its surroundings and its just as beautiful nature!

• Go to the Tatras Mountain for a walk or a bike, or even ski in winter! You can contact the Tourist Office to access it by car or by bus
• Take a tour in the beautiful city of Levoča, listed in UNESCO World Heritage: one or two hours will be necessary to get there (by bus or car)
• To admire breathtaking landscapes, visit the Slovak Paradise National Park, which partly extends to the Kosice district (car access, bus or train)

How to get to Kosice?

You decided to visit Kosice? To get there, nothing simpler! Many direct flights are available to Kosice International Airport. Find cheap flights on our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Kosice?

Kosice is a small town, only the second city of Slovakia. The ideal if you come to visit Kosice is to house in the historic centre close to local attractions. You can find a cheap hotel in Kosice by looking for this Compare hotels .