There are quite a few destinations in Europe that we all know, whether we have visited them or heard about them from friends. Usually these are known and tourist destinations to which people from all over the world go to.
This is why we have carefully selected an amazing and less common destination for your next vacation. A place you have to visit in order to experience the peace, beauty and tranquility that they have to offer you.
Kosice lies in the eastern part of Slovakia and is the second largest city in Slovakia. This is an amazing destination for families, businesses and couples. Kosice is known for its Gothic cathedral, St. Elizabeth and the 19th-century theater. It has the largest church in Slovakia and beautiful houses in the Old City that survived two world wars.
Today the streets are slightly changing, becoming less industrialized and more creative. Hlavna, the main street of the city is a lively street with a pleasant and unique atmosphere. Throughout the city and surroundings you will find quite a few magical corners, palaces, historic places, nature reserves, beautiful waterfalls, children's parks, ice caves and stalagmites.
If you are looking for a destination that is suitable for the whole family or for a romantic vacation it is definitely a place that will satisfy all the participants.
Many of Kosice's focal points are scattered around the city's historic center, especially in the pedestrian street of Hlavna in the heart of the Old City. Here you will find elegant palaces and buildings in a variety of architectural styles - Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau and more. the main street of the city, is dotted with shops, restaurants and cafes. One of the most impressive buildings in the city, the Dóm svätej Alžbety, the largest church in Slovakia. From the cathedral's north tower, at 59.7 meters, there is a great view of the city. Next to the cathedral is the St Urban Tower, an impressive 45-meter Gothic bell tower built in the 14th century.
In the pedestrian mall there is also the impressive Royal Theater, built in the late 19th century in a neo-baroque style, with the interior of the theater decorated in the Art Nouveau style. Behind the theater is the Immaculata pillar, a spectacular 14-meter baroque stone pillar adorned with carvings of saints. The page was built to commemorate the plague that struck the city in the years 1710-1709 and to be grateful for its end. Nearby is the singing fountain, which shoots water jets at the rhythm of the music. At night, when the fountain is lit, the view is especially beautiful and the area around the fountain is always crowded with people who enjoy the wonder. Another impressive building in the Old City is the old town hall, built at the end of the 18th century and characterized by a classic style with Baroque elements.
Kosice has several favorite museums, one of which is the most successful of the Vychodoslovenske muzeum (Museum of Eastern Slovakia) in an impressive building with displays of history and nature in the region. Do not miss the golden treasure of Kosice, a huge collection of more than 2,900 gold coins as well as several medals and a gold chain, all of which were hidden by the city's residents during the second half of the 17th century when the city was conquered and discovered in 1935.
Address: Historická budova, Námestie Maratónu mieru 2.
For a little green in the eyes, it is best to reach the Botanická záhrada Botanical Garden, which is the largest in Slovakia. The garden has more than 4,000 plant species, a butterfly display, a small zoo and children's play facilities.
Address: Mánesova 23
A great view of the city is from the top of the guard tower on the hill of Hradová at the northern end of the city. After climbing the 99 steps leading to the top of the tower, at a height of 21 meters, you get a great panoramic view of the city. There are walking trails around and the place is popular with families who do picnics.
out of town
Kosice is surrounded by mountains, forests and innumerable mountains and is an excellent base for exploring the high Tatras and nature reserves of the eastern part of the country. Many nature trails are a short drive away and can be visited on a day trip from Kosice. Národný park Slovenský raj is about 107 km from the city. The park has shopping malls, rivers, streams and waterfalls and lots of hiking trails, and there is a chance to meet brown bears as well. Among other things, you can visit the park at the Dobšinská ice cave, one of the world's most important ice caves, with stalagmites, sentinels and interesting patterns of ice. Another charming trip is the trip to the Suchá Belá shopping mall, a 3.8 km long mall with four impressive waterfalls and a track that runs over wooden bridges over water. Another shopping mall is Prielom Hornádu, which offers a 16 km track with ladders and bridges over the river. Lake lovers will enjoy Lake Izra, about 30 km from the city, on the border with Hungary. Around the beautiful lake there is a thick forest and lots of hiking trails.
A short drive from the city you can reach many mountains that invite climbing and observation. You can, for example, travel to the town of Starý Smokovec and from there take the cable car to the summit of Hrebienok, at a height of 1,285 meters, where there are wonderful trails between forests and waterfalls. One of the most beautiful observations in the Kosice region is the summit of Mount Sububica, at 1,129 meters, from which you can see the impressive Spis Castle, one of the largest in Europe, and the high tatra mountains in the background.
Kosice is a great destination for a family holiday, and you do not have to stay away from the city to enjoy a variety of attractions for the whole family.
In and around the city there are many green parks such as the Alpinka Park, which is about six kilometers from the city center. The park has lawns, trees, children's play facilities, picnic areas and two prominent attractions for families. The first is the children's train in the park located in one of its three stations. It is a small steam train that runs on a 4.2 km trail in the pastoral landscapes of the Valley and is run by teenagers. The second attraction is Tarzania Park, a rope park and adventure with three challenging lanes between the treetops. Website
Zoo Kosice is one of the largest in Central Europe, with 150 species of animals. The zoo also has its favorite dinosaur park, Dino Park, with scattered dinosaur models, some of them moving along with other attractions such as a 3D movie about dinosaurs. Address: Široká 31
Another attraction for Adrenaline enthusiasts is the Kavečany Alpine Ski, where you can surf the 800-meter course with steep curves at up to 50 km / h.
Kosice is not the classic destination for shopping lovers, but shopping is an integral part of this trip and will not come out empty-handed. The best area to shop for is the historic center of the city, especially the Hlavna pedestrian mall filled with shops of international chains along with unique local shops and trendy boutiques. For a unique shopping experience, especially if you want souvenirs and gifts, you should go to the Crafts Lane in the Old City. The stone-paved alley is set in ancient houses decorated with flowering boxes that have been converted into galleries and art workshops. There are shops selling leather goods, pottery, a bakery, a store that specializes in medicinal plants, metal works, woodwork and more.
In addition, Kosice has several shopping malls, including local and international retail chains, jewelry stores, toys and cosmetics, fast food restaurants, seafood restaurants and cinemas. In the city center, at the end of the Hlavna pedestrian mall, is the Aupark Mall. Another shopping mall worth checking out is Optima, which despite its distance from the city center compensates a variety of over a hundred shops.
One of the most popular restaurants in the city is Med Malina, located in the ancient center, decorated in a rustic style and offering delicacies of Slovakian and Polish cuisine such as dumplings with sheep cheese or duck with potato pancakes. Address: Hlavná 81.
Another traditional restaurant in the historic center of the city is Camelot designed in the medieval style with thick stone walls, arches and knights tables. The menu has Slovakian classics with an up-to-date commentary. Among other things you will find garlic soup or sheep cheese soup, both served in a loaf of bread, and mains of duck breast, veal schnitzel, surf and more. Address: Kováčska 226/19
Sweet lovers will not want to give up the Urban Cafe, a café where you can enjoy hand-made chocolates and homemade ice creams.
Address: Vrátna 395/4
And many more lovely food places in this amazing city.
There are many wonderfull hotels in Kosik.
First you will want to deciding what type of trip you are looking for, within or outside the city, then choose a hotel. The hotels in are at an absolutely reasonable prices.
Here are some of our recommended hotels with their distance from the city center.
Click here to book a flight in the best price to Kosice Airport
