Things to do in Slovakia

You decided to visit one of the most underrated countries in Europe - Slovakia.

Great choice!

It's beautiful, budget-friendly and there are no crowds of tourists.

But are you wondering what to do in Slovakia to have unforgettable trip?

We often associate Slovakia with winter sports in the Tatra Mountains, but its cities hold many unique treasures. Just venture a few dozen kilometers inland, and you'll find beautiful churches, Renaissance towns, and medieval castles.

Come on, let's discover the best things to do in Slovakia!

Slovakia attractions

Check also Slovakia: good to know before you go.

1. Hike in the Tatra Mountains

I could endlessly write about my beloved Tatra Mountains. But I'll try to be concise here.

The Tatra Mountains in Slovakia are the country's highest mountain range, forming a natural border with Poland. The area is protected as the Tatra National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

They are the only Alpine-like mountain range in Europe besides the Alps.

The Tatra Mountains are divided into three ranges:

🏔️ High Tatras

🏔️ Western Tatras

🏔️ Belianske Tatras

To learn more about hiking in the Tatra Mountains, check our guides:

🏞️ 6 easy hikes in High Tatras suitable for everyone

🏞️ Kriváň - the national mountain of Slovakia

🏞️ Rysy - the highest mountain in Poland

🏞️ The most beautiful hikes in High Tatras

🏞️ Bystrá lávka - exciting trail in High Tatras Slovakia

🏞️ 5 great hikes in Western Tatras Slovakia

⚡Weather in Tatra Mountains - good to know before you go

2. Visit the capital

Bratislava lies at the tri-border of Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. According to many tourists, it's a rather boring city, but I like the small historic center and I appreciate Bratislava as a base for trips to Vienna, Brno, and Budapest.

Here are some of the best attractions in Bratislava:

The Castle

The most popular attraction in this city is Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad), which dominates the city's skyline. The castle, with its four pointed turrets at the corners, is often described as an "upside-down table".

Currently, it houses the Historical Museum with the most valuable archaeological finds from Slovakia. You'll find there the priceless "Venus of Moravia" (a figurine of a woman with curvaceous forms carved from mammoth ivory 22.5 thousand years ago). In the castle there's also the Music Museum and a viewing point on top of the Coronation Tower.

If you'd like to explore the Bratislava historical city center on a guided tour and get a ticket to the castle, check out this option:

Walking Tour with Castle Ticket

Discover Bratislava's historic city center and hear about the city and country's fascinating history on a guided walking tour. Visit the Bratislava Castle after the tour

Check it out

The Main Square

The Main Square is the quintessence of the city: Baroque and Art Nouveau, with a touch of Gothic and Classicism. The square features the Old Town Hall, a picturesque blend of several architectural styles. Its oldest part is the corner tower from the late 13th century.

The old St. Michael's Street, leading from the Main Square, was part of a busy trade route connecting the Baltic Sea with the Danube in the Middle Ages. Today, it's a pedestrian zone, lined with shops and atmospheric pubs.

St. Michael's Street leads to St. Michael's Gate – the only one of the four medieval gates in the city walls that has survived. The 14th-century Gothic tower reaches 50 meters, and its helmet is topped with a statue of Michael the Archangel. It currently houses the Museum of Arms and City Fortifications.

Church of St. Elizabeth

I'm not a big fan of visiting churches. However, when I saw a tiny "baby blue" church in Bratislava, I had to take a look.

It's the Church of St. Elizabeth, also known as the Blue Church (Modrý kostolík). It's an Art Nouveau, single-nave church funded by Emperor Franz Joseph I. In popular opinion, the second church in the city dedicated to St. Elizabeth was meant to commemorate his tragically deceased wife, Empress Elizabeth.

The church is not only blue on the outside, but everything inside is also in the same colors. I definitely recommend visiting it, even of you're not into sacral tourism.

River promenade

It's also worth taking a walk along the banks of the Danube. There's a promenade where locals relax on sunny days. The promenade offers lovely views of the river and the Bratislava Castle.

It's a great place for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing on a bench and enjoying the atmosphere. Cafes and restaurants line the promenade.

Slavín Hill

To get there, you have to sweat a little and wander through narrow streets, but the view of the city makes up for the effort of the climb.

There's a monument there that, to put it mildly, looks unsettling. It's shaped like a stark mausoleum, with an obelisk on top depicting a soldier with a banner. This monument was erected in honor of Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Bratislava in 1945.

From here, you can admire the city's panorama, including a view of the Castle.

Bratislava Card

If you're going to stay in the capital for a few days or more, consider getting Bratislava City Card.

It gives you free unlimited access to public transportation, free admission to over 20 attractions, walking tour and various discounts. You may get the card on Get Your Guide a bit cheaper.

3. Relax in thermal baths

Photo source: aquacity.sk

Slovakia is home to several water parks with thermal pools, popular for their relaxing and therapeutic properties.

The majority of them are located close to the Tatra Mountains, so it's easy to combine hiking or skiing with a relaxing visit to thermal baths.

Here are some of the best waterparks suitable for families with kids, couples and solo travelers alike:

💦 Tatralandia - located in Liptovský Mikuláš. It's one of the largest water parks in Slovakia. It features multiple thermal pools, water slides, and wellness facilities. The thermal water is sourced from a depth of over 2,500 meters and is rich in minerals.

💦 Aquapark Bešeňová - offers a range of thermal pools, including indoor and outdoor options. The water, sourced from hot springs, is known for its beneficial effects on the skin and overall well-being.

💦 Aquacity Poprad - combines modern water attractions with thermal pools. It's my personal favourite because it's spacious but a bit less popular than other waterparks. It's located just 10-minute drive from Poprad Airport.

💦 Thermal Park Oravice - situated in the Orava region, this water park uses thermal water from a local spring. It has various pools, including a swimming pool and a children's pool with attractions. It's located right at the foot of ski slopes and it's great for combining winter sports with relax.

To learn more about waterparks in Slovakia, check our travel guide.

4. Marvel at the Trenčín Castle

Slovakia is home to over a hundred castles and palaces in various states of preservation. Some are located in major cities (e.g., Bratislava and Trenčín), others near important towns, and still others in remote areas.

Trenčín Castle is one of the most famous castles in Slovakia. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, it is visible from afar.

The castle has the status of a National Cultural Monument. Thanks to renovations, part of it is open to the public. The most interesting part is the oldest section, the upper castle. Of particular note is the massive Gothic tower known as Matthew's Tower, whose lower walls are almost 3.5 meters thick.

The palaces of Louis, Barbara, and Zápolya, the Summer Tower, and the Gothic chapel have also been preserved. The way to the upper castle leads through the lower and middle castle, as well as five gates and a barbican. The surrounding walls, towers, and bastions are partially preserved, including the southern fortification, which is an interesting example of defensive architecture.

I think a visit to the Trenčín Castle it's one of the best things to do in Slovakia if you like history.

You can check the opening hours and ticket prices here.

5. Visit Košice

The second largest city in Slovakia is not usually associated with tourism, and is mainly known for the nearby steelworks. But that's a completely wrong association. Košice charms with its beautiful old town, is full of life, and encourages you to discover new flavors.

Located in the east of Slovakia, Košice has a population of only about 240,000, and the city itself is not particularly well-known among tourists. The attractiveness of Košice is confirmed by the fact that in 2013 the city was the European Capital of Culture.

A walk through the center of Košice is a pure pleasure - you can admire the colorful townhouses along Hlavná Street (Main Street), the longest promenade in all of Slovakia.

One of the largest monuments in the city is St. Elizabeth's Cathedral, which houses the crypt of Rákóczi, a famous Hungarian magnate.

The church itself is the largest religious building in the entire country. There's also an interesting legend associated with the building - above the main entrance, among the many decorations, you can see a peculiar gargoyle. It's a sculpture of the wife of one of the cathedral's creators. Her fondness for the bottle so bothered her husband that he decided to immortalize her for posterity, so that everyone could see how witch-like she was.

It's also worth climbing the cathedral's Sigismund Tower, from which you can admire the panorama of the city.

Right next to the cathedral is another attraction in Košice - a fountain surrounded by greenery, which in the evening spouts water to the rhythm of music and light. You can also find some peace and quiet in the city park, where you can both stroll among the greenery and relax by another fountain.

Košice can also boast an interesting treasure - in the 1930s, during the renovation of one of the townhouses, builders discovered a can containing over 2,900 gold coins from various countries, as well as three medals and a gold chain. You may admire the Košice Gold Treasure in a safe located in the Východoslovenské Múzeum (East Slovak Museum).

Slovakia attractions - Kunsthalle in Košice

The city gained a lot when it became the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Many places and objects were revitalized and transformed into art galleries or cultural centers.

In the old barracks, Kulturpark was created, in whose buildings exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings take place; an ice rink was even built there. When the old swimming pool ceased to fulfill its function, it was transformed into the Kunsthalle art gallery. A cultural center with cinema and concert halls, as well as an interesting bistro, was created in the old tobacco factory, Kulturfabrik Tabačka.

It's here in Slovakia that one of the oldest restaurants in the world is located. The Hostinec Restaurant is not only a place where you can taste Slovak delicacies, but also try the beer brewed here. You can see the menu and book a table here.

6. Go for a walk in Bardejov

Bardejov is one of the most interesting places to visit in Slovakia. The town's located near the Slovak-Polish border and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

It's one of the oldest Slovak towns. The town's hallmark is the Bardejov Square, considered one of the most beautiful European squares in small towns.

Bardejov is also called the most Gothic town in Slovakia. Its center is a complex of historical buildings surrounded by the line of city walls (which are very well-preserved by the way).

In the very middle of the square stands the former town hall from the early 16th century. The historic town hall building houses an exhibition titled "History of the City - Free Royal City". In building no. 27 on the square, there's another exhibition of the same Museum, which presents icons from northern Slovakia. You can see the Museum's natural history exhibition in house no. 3-5 on the neighboring Rhódyho Street.

The most significant monument is the Basilica of St. Giles, located in the northern part of the square. Its construction began at the beginning of the 15th century, gradually transforming it into a magnificent Gothic basilica with three naves. If you like visiting churches, you need to see it. In the basilica there's the ensemble of 11 late Gothic winged altars from the 15th and 16th centuries, with sculptures considered the most valuable in Europe.

You can admire a unique bird's-eye view of Bardejov from the basilica's tower - I highly recommend climbing it.

Bardejovské Kúpele

From Bardejov, you can take a short bus ride to the nearby spa town of Bardejovské Kúpele. You may go for a walk there and drink some healing water in the mineral water pump room.

I think it might even be a good idea to stay there for a few days, especially if you're looking for a wellness getaway. Bardejovské Kúpele is one of the most budget friendly spa towns in Europe.

The spa also houses the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture of the Šariš region (here are the ticket prices and opening hours).

7. Take a cable car up to Lomnický štít

Lomnický štít is one of the highest peaks in the High Tatras, standing at 2,634 meters. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

You can reach the summit via a cable car from Tatranská Lomnica, which provides a scenic and thrilling ride. At the mountain top, there's an observatory and a hotel with a café.

Important note: the ride is divided into two parts. The upper lift isn't the most efficient and there may be queues. I'd normally say to buy a cable ride ticket in advance but, on the other hand, the weather in such high mountains tends to be unpredictable. It'd be a pity to spend quite a lot of money to admire a fog.

You may check the ticket prices here and decide for yourself.

Tatranská Lomnica is a popular tourist resort and one of the oldest settlements in the High Tatras. It serves as a gateway to Lomnický štít and offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and tourist attractions. In winter, it's known for its ski slopes and in summer, it's a starting point for numerous hiking trails.

To learn more about Tatranská Lomnica and Lomnický štít lift, check our guide.

8. Climb a ladder in the Slovak Paradise

Hiking in the Slovak Paradise National Park is one of the most exciting things to do in Slovakia.

Slovak Paradise is the popular name for the Strážovské Mountains – one of the most beautiful regions in Central Europe, consisting of extremely narrow canyons, huge waterfalls, and unusual rock formations taking the shape of towers, walls, and needles.

The Slovenský Raj National Park is located in the eastern part of Slovakia. Within its boundaries, 19 phenomenal nature reserves have been identified, through which as many as 300 km of well-marked tourist trails run. In the park, tourists can expect amazing karst meadows, numerous rock thresholds, huge waterfalls, springs, and karst caves.

Slovak Paradise is popular not only among Slovaks (Poles love this beautiful area!). If you want to avoid crowds on the trails in Slovak Paradise, always choose less obvious dates for your stay. The season in Slovak Paradise basically lasts from early spring to late autumn. This provides the opportunity to organize a trip at any time from March to even the end of October.

Remember that if you go on the trail in unfavorable weather, rain, and fog, you must be extra careful. Wooden footbridges are very slippery then. In the spring there's more water in the streams and trails tend to be more slippery.

If you are going to Slovak Paradise with the intention of hiking several trails, you definitely don't want to waste time on commuting. The most popular tourist centers in this region are the towns of Hrabušice, Čingov, Podlesok, and Kláštorisko. We stayed in Ranč Podlesok in Hrabušice and simply walked to the trailheads.

To learn more about Slovak Paradise National Park, check out our hiking guide.

9. Visit the Bojnice Castle

Did you know that Slovakia is the first country in the world with the most castles (and palaces) per capita? It's a strange statistic, but I hope it shows the scale. There are as many as 160 castles and over 400 different palaces!

The Bojnice Castle is one of the most popular Slovakia attractions. Among the most valuable monuments of the castle are 10 Gothic paintings by Nardo di Cione from the second half of the 14th century, which are the only completely preserved works of the Florentine master.

Another precious elements are the "Angelic Ceiling" in the Golden Chamber lined with gold, the castle chapel with a rich stucco ceiling decoration and frescoes from 1662, and the gallery of paintings with works by masters from the 16th-19th centuries. The castle's attractions include the underground castle cave, located at a depth of 26 meters, and the "weeping" sarcophagus of Prince Pálffy.

Note that the interiors were planned as a museum from the very beginning. You can notice that no one lived in them in such an arrangement. Some of the rooms are designed thematically - there is a Gothic room, a Renaissance room, a Classicist room, etc.

Nevertheless, the Bojnice Castle interior looks beautiful and it's definitely worth taking a look inside. I recommend also walking to the castle towers from which you will see the panoramic views and interesting roof details.

There are quite a lot of events and festivals in the castle: Festival of Ghosts and Spooks, Knight's Days, Noble Christmas, Valentine's Day weekends, you name it! You can even get married in the local chapel and then have a wedding reception in the castle rooms.

You can visit the castle only with a guide. At the very end of the tour, you walk through a cave, discovered only in the 1950s.

If you'd like to visit the castle and the Bojnice Botanical Park with a guide, check out the below tour:

Bojnice’s Walking Tour

Explore Bojnice’s most romantic spots

Check it out

10. Walk among the trees in the Bachledova Valley

The Bachledka Treetop Walk is a great place to spend a pleasant time for both children and adults. The experience is unforgettable and the views are breathtaking!

The construction is located at the top of Spišská Magura. You can get there by gondola from Bachledova Valley or simply walk. Remember, however, that this trail isn't maintained in winter.

The Treetop Walk is over 600 meters long. It's a solid construction with wide and well-secured walkways. The height changes as you move along, allowing you to see the beautiful forest from above and the magnificent views that surround you.

Along the entire path, you'll find various interesting facts and tasks related to nature, presented in an engaging way. You'll learn about many rare animals and unique nature. In addition to the standard trail, you can take more extreme sections of the route - for example, on narrow wooden beams with a view of what's below.

At the end of the path, there's an impressive 32-meter tower with a 67-meter tube slide (extra charge for the slide). Brave daredevils over 120 cm tall can use it. At the very top of the tower, there is an extreme "trampoline" - a stretched net on which you can walk while looking down.

You can rent wheelchairs and baby carriers on-site. Near the treetop walk entrance there's a restaurant and a playground.

The Bachledka Treetop Walk is open on different days and hours, depending on the season. You can check the current situation here.

11. Demänovská Cave of Liberty

It's the most visited tourist cave in Slovakia and one of the most beautiful caves in Europe. The cave is located in the Low Tatra National Park, close to the famous Chopok mountain which in winter becomes a popular ski resort.

Demänovská cave is famous for its diverse and rich karst formations. Not only stalactites, stalagmites, and stalagnates can be found here, but also cave pearls, flowstone waterfalls, and numerous corridors, smaller and larger chambers (including the "Great Chamber," which is as high as 66 meters!).

The cave is part of the Demänovská Valley National Nature Reserve within the Low Tatra National Park. The entrance to the cave is located at an altitude of 870 meters above sea level in the Točište valley.

There are 2 routes available for tourists:

Longer (Grand), with a length of 2150 meters, the tour takes 100 minutes, and there are 1118 steps to climb.
Shorter (traditional), length 1150 meters, elevation difference 86 meters, the tour takes 60 minutes, and there are 913 steps to climb.

The air temperature in the cave is around 6-7 °C, so remember to bring warm clothes when planning your trip. The cave is closed in the winter - you may check opening hours and ticket prices here.

Visit to Demänovská cave is one of the best things to do in Slovakia for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts (and during rainy weather).

Best places to stay in Slovakia

Places to visit in Slovakia - Štrbské Pleso in October

This list is includes my personal favourites. There are lots of other beautiful places in Slovakia but, for me, the below make the most sense and are the most attractive.

Bratislava

Easy to find great accommodation and organize trips to other cities abroad. Here are some highly-rated places to stay in Bratislava:

LOFT Hotel Bratislava - a beautiful four-star hotel located in Bratislava Old Town. Guests are delighted with comfortable rooms, tasty breakfasts and well-equipped hotel bar.

Palace Apartments - a perfect option if you prefer to stay in an apartment. Located in the heart of the Bratislava Old Town, the apartments are great base for visiting the main attractions. Guests are content with cleanliness, and spacious and modern rooms.

Štrbské Pleso

For me, the most beautiful place in Slovakia. It's a scenic tourist resort located in the High Tatras over the lake. If you appreciate fresh air and mountain views, choose to stay in Štrbské Pleso.

Hotel Patria - four-star hotel with a spa and wellness centre. Guests appreciate amazing views, comfortable rooms and closeness of hiking trails.

Apartmany Panorama 10X-90X - the best places to stay in Štrbské Pleso if you're looking for an apartment. Guests appreciate wonderful views from the windows, delicious breakfasts and well-equipped apartments.

Demänovská Dolina

It's yet another scenic mountain resort but this one is is located in a valley in the Low Tatra National Park. Demänovská Dolina Valley is known for its extensive cave system and natural beauty. In winter, the area attracts skiers and snowboarders - there's the Jasná Chopok ski resort.

Hotel Björnson Jasná & Björnson TREE HOUSES - you can stay in a hotel or a in separate chalets. Guests are delighted with comfortable rooms, nice location and spa facilities.

Apartmany Demänovka - cozy apartments located right next to the trailheads and ski slopes. Guests like the interiors, wellness facilities and tasty breakfasts.