Things to do in Kosice, Slovakia – 57 Best Places to visit in Kosice with pictures and map!

Things to do in Kosice, Slovakia! Kosice is an exciting city that is perfect for those who love adventure and want to see some truly amazing and unforgettable sights. This city can be found in the eastern part of Slovakia, in the heart of Europe, and it attracts many tourists each year with its incredible culture, food, beautiful architecture, friendly people, world-known events and breathtaking surrounding.

It was named the European City of Sport back in 2016, or European Capital of Culture back in 2013 and there are many different reasons to come here. The more time you spend looking into this city, the more likely you will be to plan a trip here yourself. No doubt why it is one of the best places to visit in Slovakia.

Things to do in Kosice, Slovakia – Best sights to visit

1. St. Elisabeth Cathedral

We have to start this Košice guide with St. Elisabeth Cathedral! It is a huge landmark in this area, and it was built sometime between the 14th and 15th centuries. The sheer grandness and majesty of this cathedral are truly impressive.

It is one of the top attractions in the area. Visitors are able to climb to the tower, which offers one of the best views of the city. The Cathedral in Kosice is the easternmost cathedral in Europe and also the largest in the whole country. Do not forget to visit also the Crypt of Francis II Rákóczi, located underground.

2. St. Michael Chapel

St. Michael Chapel was built back in the 14th century and is one of the most beautiful and striking gothic buildings in all of Kosice. This chapel is a very popular place for weddings because of its incredibly unique look.

Located in the city centre, you won’t find many other buildings that are quite as remarkable aesthetically as this one. The chapel is situated in a nice quiet park with a fountain.

3. St. Urban’s Tower

St. Urban’s Tower is located right next to a cathedral, and it was built way back in the 14th century. This is the second oldest manmade structure in the entire city.

Many years later it turned into a museum, then a pub and a wax museum that attracted many locals and tourists. If you are looking for a fascinating landmark to visit, this is definitely one of the better choices you have. Unfortunately, today the tower is closed, so you can only admire it from outside.

4. City Coat-of-Arms

One of the unique things about Kosice is that it is the first city to ever have a coat-of-Arms. This coat-of-arms has a lot of historical and cultural significance, and it’s quite a sight to see.

You will be able to find the coat of arms behind the lower gate in the park right at the state of the angel. Not far from St Michael Chapel and other wonderful places.

5. State Theater

The State Theater is the perfect place to go when you are seeking some entertainment and culture. It can be found in the middle of Hlavna Street, and it is an ideal way to get the most out of your visit to this city.

There are numerous performances here throughout the year, and the historic renaissance architecture makes this place truly unique in every way. This wonderful building was completed and opened back on September 28, 1899.

6. Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is a Classicist building that was built back in the 18th century, and it is one of the more important landmarks in the city. Many people gather around this building to take pictures because of its striking and unique architecture.

While it might not be the oldest building in the city, it’s still definitely quite a sight. You can also see its interiors if you buy some tickets on one of the many events that take place inside throughout the year.

7. Immaculata

Immaculata is a plague column that was built in the 18th century, and it represents the city’s collective gratitude for avoiding a number of horrible things, including war, the plague, and famine.

This structure is also on Hlavna street and here you will be able to see a beautiful and impressive sculpture of the Virgin Mary as well as statues of Ladislav, Sebastian, and Joseph on the sides.

8. Beggar’s House

Beggar’s House has some very interesting lore behind it, and it’s one of the more popular places to see in Kosice. This structure is said to be the home of a beggar who became very successful during his “career”, though in actuality it belonged to a merchant.

Despite the deceptive tale, it is still a great place to visit if you find yourself in this city.

9. The University Church

The University Church’s baroque architecture makes it one of the most unique and beautiful structures in all of Kosice, and it can be found by the State Theater.

Anyone who is visiting this area should make a point of coming here. A lot of people have their weddings here (even me :)) because it is such a remarkably beautiful place with a lot of historical significance.

10. Hrnciarska Street

Hrnciarska Street is one of the most incredible streets in Kosice. When you come here you will find lots of charming little shops, including a bakery, numerous shoemakers and a craftsman shop. And there is also one of the best pubs in the city – U kohuta pub.

When you want to do some shopping in this city while having a truly unique experience, this is definitely the place to go. One of the best things about this street is its close proximity to other tourist attractions. And the other is that I lived in this street in the first year of my life. 🙂

11. Jakab’s Palace

Jakab’s Palace was built at the very end of the 19th century, and it was once the seat of the President of Czechoslovakia. This neo-gothic building is an incredibly impressive sight, to say the least, and is only a short walk from the station.

Located in the city centre, this palace makes for some very great photo opportunities for tourists.

12. Levocsky dom

Levocsky dom is an extremely well-preserved medieval building, and it was one the site of a very old tavern in the 1500s. This is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Kosice, and it’s definitely worth paying a visit to if you ever find yourself here.

If you want an authentic taste of Slovak food, there is now a pub here that you can go to. They also produce their own beer so you can taste it as well.

13. The seat of the Kosice Self-governing Region

The East Slovakian Museum was built back in 1906, and it overlooks the seat of the Kosice self-governing Region building. This building was initially constructed for military purposes, and it was one of the largest buildings in the entire city.

It has a statue depicting a marathon runner on the opposite side, and it’s quite an impressive site to visit in this area.

14. Orthodox synagogue and Jewish School

The Orthodox synagogue and Jewish school was built in the 1930s and is a very important historical site that you should try to visit while in Kosice. The interior walls of this building are covered with messages of Jews who were taken to concentration camps shortly after.

It is a very emotional place to visit, and the architecture of the building alone is worth making the trip.

15. Synagogue at Zvonarska Street

The synagogue at Zvonarska Street is the oldest synagogue in Kosice, and it’s just a block away from the Orthodox synagogue and Jewish school.

You can see the main façade of this building from the Zvonarska street, but to go inside you have to bypass it from the other side. To book a visit you can also send an email to the Jewish Community here prior your arival.

16. Carpano

Unfortunately, Carpano has been closed a few years ago… 🙁
Carpano is a wonderful café in the middle of the historic city centre, and it is a very well-known establishment among the residents of Kosice. This café used to be one of the first Italian restaurants in the city established years ago.

It got its name from Benedetto Carpano, who discovered Vermouth. This is the perfect place to get some coffee and a bite to eat.

17. Dominican Church

The Dominican Church is the oldest preserved building in Kosice, and it is definitely one of the more popular tourist attractions in the entire area.

The tower on this church is eight meters taller than St. Elisabeth’s, which is impressive all by itself. If you are looking for amazing historical buildings to visit while you are in Kosice, you will not want to miss this one.

18. Well in Dominikanske Square

The well in Dominikanske Square is one of the oldest in the city, and nobody knows exactly when it was built. If you are interested in seeing this well, you will also find a daily local market just around the corner.

This market sells a number of delicious food items and souvenirs that you can bring back home to remind you of your trip.

19. Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra

The Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra will provide you with a very enjoyable and transcendent musical experience that you will be sure to remember for a very long time.

This orchestra plays at very large festivals and various cultural centres in Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Lisbon, Athens, and in the United States. This is one of the best things you can do in Kosice.

20. Julius Jakoby’s Statue

The state of Julius Jakoby has a lot of historical importance associated with it, and it’s quite a beautiful sight to see in this city. This is an extremely popular statue with tourists, and it makes for some great photo opportunities.

There are a number of beautiful historic buildings in the vicinity that you can visit as well.

21. Rozália cemetery

Rozália cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Košice. It is a natural gallery of statues and small architecture. In the spring of 1715, it was consecrated in honour of St. Rosalia, the guardian of the plague.

Rozália cemetery is an attraction for lovers of silence and admirers of history. The oldest tombs that we can find here date back to the 19th century.

Best museums to visit in Kosice, Slovakia

22. East-Slovakian Museum

The East-Slovakian Museum has hundreds of thousands of unique items on display that you can see when you go there. The Kosice Gold Treasure is among the many jewels that you will find in this place.

There are a total of nine permanent exhibitions that you can walk through as well as numerous temporary ones that should provide you with a very educating and entertaining overall experience.

23. Greek Catholic Wooden Church at East-Slovakian Museum’s Yard

If you have already gone to the East-Slovakian Museum, you will also want to head over to the Greek Catholic Wooden Church. This church can be found in the museum’s yard, and it is quite a sight, to say the least.

Originally built in 1741 in Kozuchovce village in the Svidnik District, the church was moved to museum later in 1927. It is a very popular attraction with tourists today.

24. Miklus Prison

Miklus Prison was established in the early 17th century, and it was a place where prisoners were put and in some cases tortured. This building now serves as a museum with some truly incredible exhibits that will take you back in time.

You will be able to see some of the early torture devices that were used to get the truth out of uncooperative prisoners. The Prison served its original purposes up to the beginning of the 20th century.

25. The Executioner’s Bastion and Rodosto

The Executioner’s Bastion and Rodosto is the best place to go if you want to see the medieval walls of this city as well as a replica of the Turkish house, which was once home to the final leader of the Hungarian uprising (II. Rákóczi Ferenc).

The architecture of this building is quite fascinating, and it is a great place to visit for anyone who loves history. There are several popular events that take place here in the yard throughout the year.

26. Lower Gate (Dolna brana)

The remains of Kosice’s old city walls were discovered in 1995 during the reconstruction of Hlavna Street. This underground architectural museum is a very unique place to visit and learn more about the city.

The museum itself is known as the Lower Gate, and it’s definitely going to be one of the most interesting places you have ever been to learn more about history.

27. Museum of Aviation

The Museum of Aviation is a great place to go if you are fascinated by the innovations of aviation and want to learn more about it as a whole.

This museum can be found at the airport, and it has an incredibly impressive collection of rare aircrafts from a number of European countries as well as China and the United States.

28. Slovak Technical Museum

The Slovak Technical Museum is an ideal place to go for anyone who has an interest in engineering or metallurgy. There are many different exhibits that are incredibly fascinating and educational.

The Hall of Electric Shock will provide you with quite a bit of entertainment, and it’s a great place to visit for the whole family. If you love going to museums, you won’t want to miss this one while in Kosice.

29. East Slovak Gallery

The East Slovak Gallery on Hlavna Street has some truly amazing pieces of artwork, and it will provide you with a unique insight into how eastern Slovakia looked many years ago.

This is the perfect place to go for those who love art and history. There are so many exhibitions here that you can easily wander around this art gallery for an entire day.

Parks and forests in Kosice, Slovakia

30. Park with Singing Fountain and Carillon

The Park with singing fountain and carillon has bells that ring each hour, and it can be found in the middle of a Pedestrian zone.

The State Theatre and Cathedral are also in this immediate area, so you’ll hardly miss them on your Kosice tour. There is nothing quite as peaceful as sitting on one of the benches while listening to the music and watching the singing fountain (with ice cream or pizza in your head).

31. Park at Lower Gate

The Park at Lower Gate is a beautiful park that is perfect for anyone who loves spending time in nature. It can be found on the side of the Cathedral where St. Michael Chapel is.

Known as the Park at the Lower Gate, this park is quite large and offers the perfect place to just sit and relax when you want to take it easy between activities while visiting Kosice.

32. Park with a Fountain with Zodiac Signs

This is yet another park in Kosice that is worth mentioning because of its incredible scenery and ambience. There is a very impressive and majestic fountain with Zodiac signs.

There are fish in the water of the fountain, and the park itself gets a lot of visitors in the spring and summertime. There is nothing quite like the remarkable beauty of this park, especially when its flowers are in bloom.

33. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Kosice is a very beautiful place to take a relaxing stroll through. If you want to see some incredible scenery while you are in this city, the botanical garden is the perfect place to visit.

There is even a mini-zoo that is perfect if you are travelling with kids. There are even a number of butterflies that come from tropical countries from all over the world here during the Butterflies Event that occurs annually here every May – June. Another great time to visit this garden is during the orchids exhibition!

34. City Park

City Park was renovated a little while back, and it is now a really nice place to go on a warm sunny day. There is a big playground for kids as well as a designated picnic area with benches that you can eat on with your family.

This park with unique modern fountain can be found close to the railway station, and many people come through it every single day.

35. Hradova Hill and View Tower

Hradova Hill and View Tower can be seen from every part of the city, and they are surrounded by numerous hills that offer some truly striking views of the city beneath.

The view tower is one of the best places in the area to get a good look at the entire city of Kosice. If you decide to visit this area, you don’t want to miss the watching terrace as well as a replica of the castle.

36. Cermel Forest and Alpinka Recreation Area

Cermel Forest and Alpinka Recreation Area is an ideal place in Kosice to go and enjoy nature. There are hiking tours that you can take through the forest to learn more about nature here.

You will have a guide to walk you through the trails while discovering all sorts of interesting facts about the area and the forest itself.

37. Park with Manor House in Barca

There is another park in Kosice in the Barca district that you don’t want to miss. This park has big ponds with ducks and swans that you and your children can feed.

There are also numerous events that are held here in the summer months that are ideal for families. It is highly recommended that you visit this park in the summer or spring months.

38. Anicka Recreational Area with Boating

Anicka Recreational Area is an ideal place for anyone who loves to go boating, fishing or swim. There are also some hiking trails that you can explore if you want to get some exercise while spending time in nature.

There is a children’s park with a playground as well as Vax museum or outdoor swimming pool and other fun things for every member of the family to enjoy.

39. Furciansky lesopark (Furca forest)

Furciansky lesopark has a number of forested areas that are great for hiking and walking around in when you want a dose of the great outdoors during your trip to Kosice.

There is even a roller skate trail going across the forest that is a lot of fun for those who are into this sort of activity. The trails going all around this area are also great for those who enjoy cycling.

40. Kosice Public Cemetery

Kosice Public Cemetery is quite an impressive sight to see. There are over 40,000 graves in this cemetery, and it is the biggest one in all of Slovakia.

If you are searching for a nice quiet place to take a stroll through, the trees surrounding this area are perfect. Some people might consider this a bit morbid, but it can actually be quite peaceful and relaxing.

41. Chata Hresna (mountain cottage) with horse riding

Chata Hresna was built between 1983-1986 and can be found at 597 meters above sea level. The cottage is located on a popular hiking trail that goes through the entire country of Slovakia (called Cesta SNP) and is part of the E8 European long distance path.

This is a great trail to hike through, and the views are absolutely stunning. When you visit this area you will also be able to take horse riding lessons through the forests.

42. Chata Lajoska (mountain cottage) – 908m

There is another mountain cottage near Kosice that can be found at the E8 European long-distance path. Its name is Chata Lajoska and it sits at 908 meters above sea level. Chata Lajoska belongs to one of the most popular day trips among Kosice’s residents.

At the cottage, you can get a good beer, but you can also spend the whole day and even a night here. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest and it is not accessible by car – only by bike in summer, cross-country skiing in winter, or on foot. Map: https://en.mapy.cz/s/3lkwN

43. Jahodna resort

Perfect sledging and skiing in winter or hiking and cycling in summer. Jahodna resort is one of the best places to visit if you are a sport or nature lover!

Perfectly set in the middle of forests and surrounded by hills the place is ideal starting point for cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing trips. You can go to nearby Lajoska mountain hut, Kojsovska hola mountain (1246 m), Rakoczi water source, Ruzin water dam and other wonderful places. Check the hiking map here: https://en.mapy.cz/s/homadutoho

44. Bukovec water dam

Who wouldn’t know Bukovec, every resident of Kosice have spent at least one amazing summer day here. A smaller water dam near Bukovec village was built for security purposes for nearby U.S.Steel company (known before as East Slovakian Steelworks – VSŽ).

However now, it is mainly used for recreational purposes, mainly for swimming. But the water area is surrounded by nice forest with romantic cottages and it is, therefore, suitable also for some walks or cycling around.

More things to do and places to visit in Kosice, Slovakia

45. Zoo Kosice and DinoPark

Zoo Kosice is a large zoo that was established back in 1979, and it gets many visitors each year due to its wide variety of animal attractions.

There is also a DinoPark in this zoo with animatronic dinosaurs that move around. If you are travelling to Kosice with your children, this is a great place to go and spend a day.

46. Summer Bobsleigh Track

The Bobsleigh Track, which is open in the summer months only, is an amazing attraction for adults and kids alike. This track is located right next to the zoo, and it is a lot of fun for all members of the family.

There is a break that you will have to use when going down this track, so you’ll need to keep that in mind.

47. Water-Skiing, Swimming and Jazero Recreational Area

If you are looking for some fun and adventure, the Jazero recreational area most likely has everything you need and more. There is also water skiing and wakeboarding if you want some real excitement.

This is another very popular attraction for tourists, and there are tons of fun things to do. The lake is surrounded by several pubs and easy walking paths, playgrounds and there are also nice events throughout the year, Kosice’s Venice (Kosicke Benatky) being perhaps the best of them.

48. Ski Resorts

You will quickly find that there are numerous ski resorts in Kosice that you can visit. If you love skiing, there are plenty of mountains to go down.

These ski resorts are known for having something to offer for people of all experience levels – Jahodná, Kavečany (now closed) and Zlatá Idka (now closed). This is one of the best family activities that you will have to enjoy while visiting this part of the country.

49. Dressage Arena

Dressage Arena allows you to experience some real adventure with your entire family. There are a dressage competition and numerous other events that are held in this area throughout the year.

Anyone who loves horses will definitely want to think about coming here during their visit. One of the best things about this particular attraction is that there is something for people of all ages.

50. Kino Usmev Cinema

Kino Usmev Cinema is actually the longest-standing cinema in Kosice, as it was established back in 1929. Over the years this cinema has been closed down and reopened to the public a number of times.

There are lots of old movies that are shown here, and it is the perfect way to stay cool while having fun in the warmer summer months. If you have a love of old cinema, this is certainly the right place for you.

When to visit Kosice – Best events in Kosice, Slovakia

51. Kosice Peace Marathon

Kosice Peace Marathon is one of the longest-running competitions in Europe, and the oldest marathon to be sure. While this marathon is not quite as large as the one held in Boston, it does attract thousands of people each year.

This race always takes place on the first Sunday in October each year. It was started back in 1924 with just 7 runners and is still very much popular today (with more than 13,000 runners). Kosice Peace Marathon is definitely the largest and most traditional sporting event in Slovakia.

52. Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta is an event that is held each year in the month of June. The sky is filled with hot air balloons, and it is quite a spectacle.

This event first started in 1993, and it is now one of the biggest and most popular events in all of Kosice. If you are interested in attending this event in the sky, you can get tickets right from the organizers.

53. Kosice City Days

Kosice City Days is a celebration of the day that the King of Hungary Louis the Great gave the first ever warrant to a European city back in May of 1369.

This celebration starts usually on April 30th and goes a full ten days. There are many different exciting and fun events that are great for every member of the family.

54. White Night

White Night is one attraction in Kosice that you definitely do not want to miss. It is an international art festival that started in Paris in 2002.

This is a huge event in October, and it draws thousands of people into the streets. There is nothing quite like this event when you see it, and it’s certainly worth attending if you ever find yourself in this city.

55. Dancing Karicka

If you are a big fan of folk dancing, you will want to learn all about Karicka, which is an Eastern Slovak dance. While it used to be strictly a girls’ dance, it is now done by both men and women.

In the month of June, you can participate in this dance in the city centre on Hlavna Street. This is a really fun time for everyone.

56. Rusnoparada — Festival of Trains

Rusnoparada is known as the “festival of trains”, and it features a number of new and old locomotives. At this festival, you will be able to learn about all of the different trains and railways throughout Slovakia, and it’s actually quite interesting.

It happens once every year in April, and it is not to be missed for those who visit Kosice.

57. Kosice Night Run

Kosice Night Run is one of the best events in the city! If you are a runner then you should attend this run in Kosice! At that time the whole city centre belongs to sports and music and a unique atmosphere.

A rich music program is also attractive to visitors. And BuBonz is one of the performers!

Košice, located in eastern Slovakia, is a charming city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. As the country’s second-largest city, it offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern architecture, and a lively atmosphere. The main square, Hlavné námestie, is the heart of the city, surrounded by colorful buildings and historic sites like St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest church in Slovakia.

Visitors can explore the city’s museums, art galleries, and theaters, or indulge in traditional Slovak cuisine and local delicacies. Košice’s warm hospitality and unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary appeal make it a delightful destination for travelers to discover the lesser-known gems of Slovakia.