Košice holidays

How to reach Košice

Flight time: Direct flights to Košice from London take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Flights also depart from other major UK airports, usually with connections in Vienna or Budapest.

Transfer time:

• Frequent buses from Košice Airport get you to the central station in the city centre in about 20 minutes.

• Taxis take around 15 minutes.

Price:

• A one-way ticket on the public bus costs €1.

• Taxis to the city centre cost between €15 and €25.

Weather and best time to visit Košice

Košice offers a variety of experiences, activities and different weather throughout the year. Here's a quick guide to help you plan your visit:

• April to June is a fantastic time to visit, with spring in full bloom, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C and moderate rainfall. This period is ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor events.

• July to August brings warm summer weather, with daily temperatures averaging as high as 28°C, but be prepared for the occasional rain shower. These months are perfect for sightseeing or enjoying Košice's open-air cafés and festivals.

• September to November is the shoulder season, offering mild temperatures from 10°C to 20°C with slightly increased rainfall. The autumn foliage makes the city's parks and surrounding countryside especially picturesque.

• December to March can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C and some snow. This is a lovely time to visit if you enjoy winter sports, as ski resorts in the High and Low Tatras open up. Košice city also becomes magical with Christmas markets and decorations.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Slovak is the official language, but you’ll find that many people, especially in tourist areas, speak English. Learning a few basic Slovak phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

• Local habits and customs: Slovaks are known for their hospitality. It's customary to greet people with a handshake. When visiting someone’s home, it’s polite to remove your shoes and bring a small gift, like flowers or chocolates. Respect for personal space and patience are valued traits.

• Currency: Slovakia's currency is the euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit or debit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Public transport in Košice includes buses, trams and trolleybuses. A single-journey ticket costs €1 and a 24-hour pass is €3.80. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or via a mobile app.

• Electricity and plug types: Slovakia uses the European standard of 220 volts and standard European two-pin plugs (type C or F). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Slovakia operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Košice

Košice is a vibrant city in eastern Slovakia, rich in history and culture. From its picturesque Old Town with historic buildings and several parks to a lively arts scene, there's plenty to see and do. Here’s a guide to the best things to do during your holidays to Košice:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Košice Castle: While mostly ruins, this hilltop site offers stunning views over the city and the surrounding countryside. It’s a great spot for a picnic and a bit of exploration.

• Hradová Hill: For the best panoramic views of Košice, head up to Hradová Hill, where there’s an observation tower that provides sweeping vistas of the city and the beautiful Slovak landscape.

The best districts

• Old Town (Staré Mesto): The heart of Košice, with its pedestrian-friendly cobbled streets, charming squares and beautiful architecture. Highlights include the Main Street (Hlavná ulica), St Elizabeth's Cathedral and the Singing Fountain.

• Kulturpark: A trendy area that has been transformed into a cultural hub. With art galleries, cafés and venues for music and theatrical productions, it’s the perfect place to soak up the local creative scene.

Parks and gardens

• Botanical Garden: Located on the grounds of the university, this beautiful garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s home to a wide variety of plant species, including tropical and subtropical plants.

• City Park (Mestský Park): A lovely green space in the centre of Košice, ideal for a relaxing afternoon. The park features walking paths, playgrounds and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Historic monuments

• St Elizabeth's Cathedral: The largest church in Slovakia and a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the northern tower for a fantastic view of the city.

• St Michael’s Chapel: A charming Gothic chapel located next to St Elizabeth's Cathedral in an attractive park. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Košice and well worth a visit.

• Jakab’s Palace: A neo-Gothic building with a fairy-tale appearance, Jakab’s Palace is one of the most photographed landmarks in Košice. It’s not open to the public, but you can admire its exterior and take some great photos.

Day trips in the area

• Slovak Karst National Park: Just a short drive from Košice, this park is famous for its extensive network of caves and as a destination for spectacular hikes.

• Spiš Castle: About an hour’s drive from Košice, this is one of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Slovakia's medieval history and breathtaking views from its tower.

• Herl'any: Known for its unique geyser which erupts every 32–36 hours, Herl'any is a great spot for a day trip. It’s located about 30 minutes from Košice and also features lovely parklands.

Museums

• East Slovak Museum: One of the oldest museums in Slovakia, with a variety of interesting exhibits, including the fascinating Gold Treasure of Košice.

• Mikluš Prison: A unique look at medieval justice and other aspects of life in Košice in an interesting building. The short English video is useful in explaining some of the history of the museum.

Wellness in Košice

• Spas and massage: Košice has a number of wellness centres offering a range of facilities and treatments, from massages to thermal baths. Hotel Bankov is a popular option, known for its good choice of saunas and pools in a relaxing environment.

• Yoga: There are several yoga studios in Košice, offering classes for all levels. Yoga Nomad is one well-regarded option for finding your inner peace.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The nearby Slovak Karst National Park offers numerous hiking trails with stunning views. Even closer to Košice, Zádiel Gorge is a popular walk, known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery.

• Hiking: Just a short way out of Košice, the Slovak Karst park is also famous for its extensive network of caves. The Ochtinská Aragonite Cave and Domica Cave are must-see attractions.

• Cycling: Košice has a well-developed network of cycling paths, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings by bike. You can rent a bike in the city and enjoy a ride along the River Hornád.

• Watersports: The Bukovec Reservoir, just outside Košice, is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming, and is a popular place to cool off during the summer months.

• Parks and nature reserves: Visit Košice’s forest parks, which offer extensive walking trails, picnic areas and opportunities to spot local wildlife. They’re the perfect places for a family day out in nature.

Local dishes in Košice

Traditional Slovak cooking is typically a simple cuisine, similar to that of its Eastern European neighbours, with a particular fondness for ingredients such as potatoes, cabbage, wheat, meat and milk. With hearty dishes and a satisfying, home-cooked style, here’s what to try on your Košice holidays:

Some typical dishes

• Bryndzové Halušky: This national dish consists of potato dumplings mixed with a creamy sheep cheese and topped with crispy bacon. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting Slovakia.

• Kapustnica: A hearty sauerkraut soup often served with sausages and mushrooms. It’s particularly popular during the winter months and at Christmas.

Meat dishes

• Vepřo Knedlo Zelo: A traditional dish featuring roast pork served with bread dumplings and sauerkraut. It’s a staple in Slovak cuisine and a comforting meal.

• Segedínsky Guláš: A delicious pork goulash cooked with sauerkraut and often served with bread or dumplings. This dish showcases the Hungarian influences in Slovak cuisine.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Pstruh Na Masle: Fresh trout fried in butter, served with potatoes and vegetables. It’s a simple yet flavourful dish that highlights the quality of local freshwater fish.

Street food

• Ciganska Pecienka: Known as the “Slovak hamburger”, this popular street food consists of marinated pork or chicken served in a bun with mustard, onions and pickles.

• Langose: A deep-fried flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and sour cream. This Hungarian-influenced snack is widely available at street markets and fairs.

Sweets and desserts

Strudla: A traditional strudel filled with apple or sweetened curd cheese. Trdelník: Sweet pastry, wrapped on a stick to cook then rolled in sugar and walnuts, often enjoyed warm from street vendors. Palacinky: Crepes filled with chocolate, fruit or jam, and usually cream.

Local drinks

• Kofola: A unique Slovak soft drink similar to cola but with a distinctive herbal flavour. It’s a popular alternative to international soda brands.

• Slivovica: A strong plum brandy that’s a traditional Slovak spirit. Often enjoyed as a digestif, it’s a must-try for visitors.

• Vinea: A refreshing, grape-based soft drink available in red or white varieties. It’s a favourite among locals and perfect for a non-alcoholic option.