Košice (Ko-shi-tse) is the second-largest city in Slovakia and one of the most underrated cities in central Europe. The best-preserved historical district in the country can be found in Košice; it is also known to be the gateway of six UNESCO heritage sites, which made the city the European Capital of Culture way back in the year 2013. Košice is a beautiful city, especially if you’re passionate about history. This place is rich with an interesting history, old churches, picturesque and definitely Instagram-worthy sites. Nowadays, almost everyone in Košice can speak English, and tourists won’t have difficulty conversing with the locals. Other languages that locals can speak are German and Russian. Feel free to bookmark this article to know more about what Košice has to offer. Indeed, the metropolis will be another paradise you can add to your bucket list. Discover the top things to do in Košice, Slovakia.
1. Visit St. Elisabeth Cathedral and St. Michael Chapel
St. Elizabeth Cathedral is a Gothic-style structure located in the heart of Košice. It is known to be the largest cathedral in Europe, and it can accommodate more than 5,000 people. It is a German and Hungarian church that is famous not only to tourists who are religious and interested in architecture but also to everyone because the top northern tower of the place provides breathtaking views of the city. It is best to go up to the northern tower before sunset.
Like St. Elisabeth Cathedral, St. Michael Chapel is a Gothic-style structure. It is considered a Slovak church and is near St. Elisabeth Cathedral.
St. Elisabeth's Cathedral
Address: Hlavné námestie 3, 040 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 8:30pm, 2:30pm - 7pm; Sun: 6am - 7pm
St. Michael's Chapel
Address: Hlavná 21, 040 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
2. Explore Main Street
Main Street (Hlavná Ulica) is the heart of Košice. It will be a great start to kick off your Košice tour by exploring this street. The place is a beautiful European site. It’s like an image in a postcard that you would send to your loved one. St. Elisabeth Cathedral and St. Michael Chapel can be found on Main Street.
Aside from these two churches, as well as parks, you will find the Statue of Immaculata, which symbolizes the city’s victory over the “Great plague.” State Theatre Košice and the fantastic Singing Fountain of Košice, which is near the tourism bureau, are also located on Main Street. Cafes are all over the street too, so you can take a break from traveling around the city for a bit and relish a delicious cup of coffee.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the amazing Main Street.
3. Learn about the city's old penal system through Miklus Prison
There is a compound of two medieval houses near Main Street (Hlavná Ulica). It was converted into Košice’s city prison in early 1600. It is known as Miklus Prison. Miklus Prison is the city’s testament to the city’s harsh penal system. Over 60 crimes were punishable by execution.
The prison is worth a visit, and you can have a tour inside. There’s an audio guide to help you understand its history. You can discover the cells, go down into the torture chamber, and see the executioner’s quarters where the swords that were used to execute people are exhibited. Inside the place, you can also watch a video to learn about Košice’s development through the years and about the prison itself. A trip to Miklus Prison is an excellent idea, especially for those who love history.
Miklus Prison
Address: Pri Miklušovej väznici 10, 040 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
4. Go hiking in the High Tatras, a mountain range
If you still have got plenty of time after journeying through the city and its beautiful tourist attractions, you might want to consider trying outdoor activities. Beyond its historical beauty and interesting architectural styles of churches and buildings, Košice has more to offer such as outdoor recreation.
One of the most exciting outdoor activities is exploring the High Tatras, a mountain range where you can breathe in the fresh air and be one with nature for a while. It’s an excellent outdoor activity, especially if you are looking for something new. It will be best to prepare extra clothes and bring a windbreaker or a waterproof jacket and footwear if the weather is a bit cloudy. Unleash the adventurous side to yourself and go hiking in the mountains.
Day Hike with a Local Mountain Guide in High Tatras
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
5. Take in gorgeous views at an observation tower, Hradová
Do you love gazing at gorgeous views of skylines and the city? If your answer is “yes,” then Košice has got you covered with its observation tower, Hradová. The tower is one of Košice’s hidden gems. It is 20 meters (65.6 feet) high, and it will treat you to breathtaking views of the city of Košice, Košice Basin, Hornad Valley, and Slanské Hills.
Observation Tower Košice
Address: 040 01 Košice-Sever, Slovakia
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
6. Wear your best outfit and see the majestic Jakab's Palace
Another Instagram-worthy, beautiful site within Old Town in Košice is Jakab’s Palace. It is a fairytale, castle-like structure that was built way back at the end of the 19th century by the architect, Arpad Jakab. Jakab made the place his private residence in Košice, and later, his home became the retreat of the president of Czechoslovak, Edvard Beneš.
Some materials used to build Jakab’s Palace were discarded materials from the construction of St. Elisabeth Cathedral. What are you waiting for? Wear your best outfit and strike a royal-like pose in front of the lovely Jakab’s Palace.
Jakab's Palace
Address: Mlynská, 040 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
7. Get lost in Košice's street arts
Street arts in Košice are not just your typical colorful murals. There are also art plaques and installations and sculptures that make the city look like an urban art exhibit. The street started to gain recognition when Košice was chosen to be the European Capital of Culture in 2013. It has been a hotspot for wall arts that attract painters from Europe and Latin America. Getting lost in this beauty will be worth it.
8. Take your breakfast at Republika Východu
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bars fajne nove jedzeňe še nam zdarelo... Budzece še cešic jak mi
Posted by Republika východu on Wednesday, June 23, 2021
If you are a morning person or someone who simply loves to take breakfast, you will want to visit Republika Východu, a cozy restaurant. This restaurant is located in the heart of Košice. Although the establishment’s menu is not in English, feel free to ask for assistance. The staff is friendly and helpful, and it will not be difficult to choose from mouth-watering dishes on the menu.
Do not miss out on Republika Východu, an excellent place where you can start your day.
Republika Východu
Address: Hlavná 108/31, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
Website: Republika Východu
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 10:30pm; Sun: 8am - 9pm
9. Eat halušky at Med Malina
No trip is complete without trying the country’s dishes. One of Košice’s traditional dishes is halušky. This dish is made of potato dough and cheese that is sprinkled with bacon bits.
If you are on Main Street, head to Med Malina and order its delicious halušky.
Med Malina
Address: Hlavná 81, 04001 Košice
Website: Med Malina
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm
10. Grab a drink at Pivovar Golem
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Pivovar GOLEM on Friday, November 20, 2015
Save the best for last! On your last night, try Košice’s beer at one of the famous pubs, Pivovar Golem. Pivovar Golem is considered one of the best pubs in the city. To satisfy your curiosity and find out what makes this place popular, check your schedule and choose one night to visit the establishment. Drinking a glass of beer at Pivovar Golem will be refreshing.
The pub even offers designated spots for both non-smokers and smokers, so what are you waiting for? Call and make a reservation now! Like in most European destinations, a beer in Košice is a must-try.
Pivovar Golem
Address: 15, Dominikánske námestie 592, 040 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
Website: Pivovar Golem
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
Have fun in Košice
To wrap it up, what you have seen is just a teaser of what makes Košice an exciting and interesting destination to visit. Everything you do in this place will certainly be memorable and fun, so plan your trip to Košice, discover the city’s natural beauty, and fall in love with the place.
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