Košice sights

Košice is a city with character and a rich history that will definitely leave no one indifferent. Here Gothic meets Baroque, and narrow streets meet cozy cafes and museums. If you've been to eastern Slovakia and haven't stopped by Košice, you're missing out! In this selection, we tell you where to go, where to visit and what to see!

Košice's main attractions

Košice is the second largest city in Slovakia, and in terms of attractions and interesting places it is certainly not inferior to the capital. Here's a list of the best places to see, even if you're only there for 1 day. And the main thing is that everything is close by and you can safely walk!

Glavna Street

The main pedestrian street of the city is a real open-air museum. You can stroll along it for free, enjoying the eclectic facades, or check out the many stores, cafes and galleries. It's also easy to meet street musicians and it's nice to simply observe the life of the city.

Address: Hlavná, 040 01

St. Elizabeth Cathedral

This is the largest Gothic cathedral in Slovakia and one of the most beautiful churches in Eastern Europe. Its famous tower can be seen from afar, so it is impossible to miss it. Inside there is an amazing atmosphere, stained glass windows and an organ. You can climb up to the observation deck and enjoy the views.

Address: Hlavné námestie 3, 040 01

Jacob's Palace

This architectural gem of Slovakia remains a residence for official events to this day. You can't go inside the castle, but from the outside it is a very photogenic place. It is built in the same Gothic style as St. Elizabeth Cathedral.

Address: Mlynská, 040 01

City Park

An oasis of greenery in the very center of the city. It is a pleasant place to walk in the shade of trees, feed the ducks or have a picnic. There are playgrounds, fountains, and in winter - skating rink. A good place to take a break after a busy tour.

Address: Mestský park 040 01

Church of St. Anthony of Padua

The second oldest church in Košice, this time in Baroque style. The church has preserved original reliefs, altar and other elements. The main altar is notable for its rare canopy design. A lot of furniture from the XVIII century has been preserved in the premises.

Address: Hlavná 91, 040 01

Tower of St. Urban

A historical architectural monument dating from the 14th to 15th centuries. It was originally a bell tower, but now houses an exhibition of wax figures. One of the bells restored after the fire is installed in front of the entrance.

Address: Hlavná, 040 01

Plague Pillar

An unusual monument erected in 1723 on the former place of executions and dedicated to the victims of the plague. The 14-metre high composition is full of symbolism and consists of many details that must be seen up close.

Address: Hlavná 68, 040 01

Singing Fountain

A fountain near the City Theatre, whose cascades shimmer in different colors to music. Back in the late 80s it became a popular attraction in the city, and since then the design has been updated and modernized.

Address: Hlavná 51, 040 01

Miklóšov Prison

Fans of atmospheric medieval sites will definitely enjoy this place. The buildings themselves were built back in the 15th century, and for a long time it really was a prison with cells and torture chamber. Nowadays you can learn a lot about the history of Slovakia and justice in the Middle Ages.

Address: Pri Miklušovej väznici 10, 040 01

Košice State Theater

Notable not only as a theater, but also as another neo-Baroque architectural landmark designed by Adolf Lang. The facade is decorated with sculptures based on famous theater productions. Classical plays, opera and ballet are performed here.

Address: Hlavná 58, 040 01

The most interesting places in Košice

You should not limit yourself to the city center and one list from the guidebook. Košice has many cool and atmospheric places, both popular and unknown to tourists. We tell you what to visit if you have time left!

Streets and squares

A walking tour of Košice will be truly unforgettable.

• The square by St. Elizabeth's Cathedral is colorful, with sidewalk cafes and stunning views of the cathedral complex itself.
• Zvonarska Street - cozy, with a vintage atmosphere, in the best tradition of old European streets.
• Artists' Alley - a small but cute section near the center with graffiti and street art.

Museums and exhibitions

There are more museums in Košice than you might think at first glance. We advise you to allocate at least 2 days for them.

• The East Slovak Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the country, dedicated to history, culture and nature.
• The East Slovak Gallery holds more than 40 exhibitions annually and is the oldest regional gallery in the country.
• Kunsthalle Košice is a groovy art museum with a permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
• The Slovak Technical Museum is about science and technology, so will be interesting even for teenagers and young adults.

It's also worth keeping an eye on local posters, because the city is full of small situational exhibitions.

Temple architecture

The church architecture of Košice is also quite diverse.

• The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the Neo-Romanesque style at the end of the 19th century.
• The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is a former chapel, unchanged since the 18th century.
• The Synagogue on Zvonarskaya is an elegant building that often hosts exhibitions and concerts.

Parks

Apart from the City Park, you can relax in the shade of trees in Barca Park or by Swan Lake. In the Old Town there is a park on the Main Square. No less cozy corners are Anicka Park and Komensky Park.

The Košice Botanical Garden is the largest in Slovakia and is located in a picturesque place at the foot of the hills on the outskirts of the city. The same goes for the city's huge zoo. And if you have enough time, about an hour's drive from Košice is the large Slovak Paradise National Park.

Monuments

Kosice has many monuments, both classic and unusual.

• The monument to the victims of the Holocaust is strong and important near the synagogue.
• The monument to Ferenc II Rakoczy by the cathedral is a monumental figure with historical significance.
• Marathon runner sculpture - a reminder of the oldest marathon in Europe, which is held annually in the city.
• The Monument to Lovers is a cute art object for romantic photos by the fountain.

Theaters

In addition to the Košice State Theater, check out the local Philharmonic Hall. The Slovak Symphony Orchestra is recognized all over the world. There is also a puppet theater in the city. For fans of modern performances and chamber productions, we recommend the Tabačka Kulturfabrik.

Castles

Fans of castles and fortresses should go out of town, because there are none in Košice itself. But it only takes 20-30 minutes by car to get to Krasna Gorka Castle or Spis Castle - and that's a whole other level.

Viewing platforms

The main observation deck is located in the tower of St. Elizabeth Cathedral. You can also enjoy the panorama of the city from the surrounding hills and from the hill at the end of Hlavna Street.

Košice is a city where every street breathes history and every corner hides something interesting. Culture, architecture and modernity are harmoniously intertwined here. Even a short walk turns into a fascinating journey with cool impressions.