The city of Kosice is one of the cultural highlights of eastern Slovakia, offering an enchanting town center decorated with medieval monuments. Wander around the old town, down colorful streets of typically Slovakian architecture. An enticing array of museums, galleries and family attractions cements the appeal of this undeniably charming city.
Learn about the history of Kosice and the surrounding region in the Eastern Slovak Museum. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the town boomed as a commercial hub in the Kingdom of Hungary. The museum contains a collection of Kosice’s famous golden treasures and galleries of fine art.
Explore the old town on foot. St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral is the dramatic centerpiece, a 14th-century Gothic beauty and the largest church in the country. Stroll past other stunning buildings, such as the Old Town Hall, built in 1779, and the green-roofed Jakab’s Palace. Crafts Lane is a beautifully preserved medieval street with handicraft shops and bakeries occupying old buildings.
Breathe in the scents of hundreds of plants in the Botanical Gardens. More than 4,000 species of plants grow in glasshouses and across several outdoor gardens.
Bring your family to Kosice and enjoy attractions such as the Children’s Railway, which trundles around a valley on the edge of the town in the Alpinka Recreation Area. Steel Park features dozens of interactive exhibits on metalwork and mining.
Spend an evening in the town center enjoying a performance at the Kosice State Theater, which has been hosting shows since 1899. The Marionette Theater offers entertainment of a more traditional kind.
Kosice is easily accessible from the rest of Europe, as it features a major train station in the city center and an international airport with incoming flights from London, Prague and Vienna. Once here, join one of the city walks, which aim to educate visitors on various elements of Kosice’s fascinating story.
Visit Kosice in August for the warmest days. Christmas time offers festive markets and a cozy ambience in the town center.
