If you're planning a trip to Slovakia and want something beyond the usual stops, Košice is a smart choice. While most travelers begin in Bratislava, heading east brings you to a city that feels more peaceful yet is just as rich in culture and history. Košice is known for its ornate Gothic churches, colorful 18th-century townhouses, and the longest historical promenade in the country.
Many travelers choose renting a car in Slovakia to explore more places. A car helps you see hidden towns and drive through green valleys. You don’t need to follow a tour. You can stop where you want, when you want. Our Košice travel guide will take you to the best parts of Košice and the places near it.
You can rent a car in Bratislava before heading to Košice. Most tourists choose Bratislava Airport as the pickup point because it’s convenient, especially if you arrive by plane. Book your vehicle in advance to get better options and lower prices. It also saves you time when you land.
To rent a car in Slovakia, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Most companies will ask for a credit card, and you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Roman script. Make sure to bring your passport as well. Some car types or rental agencies may have extra age requirements, especially for SUVs or luxury cars.
From Bratislava to Košice, it’s about 437 kilometers. The drive takes 4 hours and 35 minutes along the E571/E58 and E50 highways. While it’s a long journey, the road is scenic and smooth. You’ll pass by charming Slovak towns and open countryside. Driving this route is a great way to experience the country beyond the big cities.
Košice is a great place to start your journey through Eastern Slovakia. It has the country’s biggest historical monument zone and many famous landmarks in one walkable area. The old town is quiet, with colorful streets, churches, and cultural spaces. You will not need to rush, because everything is close. This section helps you explore the city's most important landmarks at a comfortable pace.
St. Elisabeth Cathedral is the largest church in Slovakia and the most important Gothic structure in the country. Built between 1378 and 1508, it can hold more than 5,000 people. Visitors can walk through its tall nave, see medieval stonework, and climb the 60-meter tower for a full view of Košice and the nearby mountains. Just outside the cathedral is the Singing Fountain, which plays music every hour and lights up in the evening with colorful displays.
Hlavná ulica, or Main Street, is Košice’s central square and the most visited part of the city, stretching over 1 kilometer. It is shaped like an almond, with historic buildings, cafés, churches, and fountains on both sides. Along this street, you’ll find key landmarks including St. Michael’s Chapel, a small Gothic building with a decorated roof, and Urban Tower, which once held the cathedral’s bells. The layout is entirely pedestrian and ideal for relaxed walking.
In the middle of Hlavná Street stands the Plague Column, built in 1723 as a symbol of survival after the plague epidemic. It shows detailed baroque sculptures of saints and the Virgin Mary. Just nearby is the Marathon Statue, which honors the Košice Peace Marathon. Started in 1924, this race is the oldest marathon in Europe.
Košice’s old town is the heart of local culture. Here, you’ll find the city’s most unique museums, preserved medieval landmarks, and impressive art spaces. If you want to learn more about the city’s past and see what makes it special today, start with these must-do experiences in the center.
Originally a pottery workshop, Mikluš Prison was turned into a prison in the 1600s. The museum takes you through preserved cells, torture rooms, and stone corridors. You’ll see chains, tools, and information panels about justice in medieval Košice. It gives a glimpse at how the justice system worked in the city’s darker times.
At the East Slovak Museum, you can view one of the most valuable finds in Slovak history, the Golden Hoard of Košice. It includes over 2,900 coins, chains, and medals hidden underground during the 17th century. Most of these coins came from 81 mints across Europe. Founded in 1935, the museum offers permanent exhibits in archaeology and local history, making it one of the most informative places in the region.
The East Slovak Gallery offers a deep look at the region’s artistic side. Inside, you’ll find works from the 1800s to the present. Landscapes, portraits, and social scenes show how artists from Košice and nearby areas saw their world. The gallery also features modern exhibits from Slovak creators and holds cultural events. Located on Hlavná Street, it’s a quiet but important stop if you want to understand how art shapes this part of Slovakia.
Košice is not only about Gothic churches and historical squares. It also has a creative side shaped by artists, musicians, and young people who bring new energy into the city. Old buildings have become cultural hubs, and new businesses serve local flavors with a modern twist. This part of the guide shows where to find Košice’s active culture and see how the city blends its past with its present.
Tabačka Kulturfabrik is a cultural and creative center in a former tobacco factory. It has become a major part of Košice’s modern identity. Inside, you’ll find art galleries, a co-working space, a concert hall, and places to eat and relax. The space supports local artists, musicians, and startups by offering open rooms for events and exhibits. Tabačka regularly hosts film screenings, art shows, and live performances, making it one of the city's best places to experience creative life.
Kunsthalle is a large, industrial-stle gallery located in a building that used to be a swimming pool. Today, the drained pool floor serves as the main exhibition area. This unique setting is used for contemporary art shows that change yearly. Artists from Slovakia and abroad are invited to display work here. The building’s open layout and strong lighting make it a good space for modern sculpture, media art, and performance events. It’s a must-see for visitors interested in today’s art scene.
Pivovar Hostinec is a historic brewery and restaurant located just a short walk from the cathedral. It is considered the oldest brewery in Slovakia, dating back to 1542. The restaurant inside offers local dishes and a variety of craft beers brewed on-site. The building has historic value—it once hosted the wedding of Gabriel Bethlen and Katharina Brandenburg in 1626. Hostinec is a place to eat and an important part of Košice’s food and brewing history.
Košice offers more than museums and monuments. Some experiences let you enter the past through archaeology, medieval activities, or old industrial areas. These options are different from standard tours. They help you understand how people once lived, worked, and created. Each one gives you a new view of the region’s history, from ancient times to recent decades, and all are accessible with local guides or organized visits.
Košice Castle is located on a hill above the city, but it’s not like most castles in Europe. Construction began in the 13th century, but it was never completed. Today, only ruins remain, hidden by trees and grass. Even so, the site is brought to life by reenactment groups. You can take part in medieval-themed activities such as cooking, sword fighting, or exploring a herb garden. The location offers a quiet setting with historical depth and hands-on learning.
Nižná Myšľa is a village south of Košice that holds one of the most important Neolithic archaeological sites in Slovakia. You can start at the museum, where Bronze Age tools, pottery, and jewelry are displayed. The real highlight is the chance to join digging sessions with local archaeologists. The site includes a reconstructed ancient village, defensive walls, and a working clay oven. This is one of the few places where you can help uncover real history with your own hands.
For something more recent but equally immersive, take part in a guided URBEX (urban exploration) tour of Košice’s old industrial district. One route includes a 13-story abandoned silo that you can climb for wide views of the city’s outskirts. The tour continues through factories and rail yards, giving insight into Košice’s socialist-era growth. Some tours also include a street art session, where you learn how to use stencils and spray paint on legal walls. It’s part adventure, part history lesson.
Košice is a perfect base for seeing more of Eastern Slovakia. With a car, you can reach castles, caves, and villages surrounded by nature all within two hours or less. These day trips help you experience Slovak history, explore national parks, and enjoy landscapes that have changed little in centuries. Here are places to visit near Kosice:
Spiš Castle is one of the largest medieval castle complexes in Central Europe. Located 73 kilometers from Košice, it covers a massive hilltop area with walls, towers, and open courtyards. The site dates back to the 12th century and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. You can walk the ruins freely and get panoramic views of the Spiš region. Climbing the hill across from the castle gives you the best angle for photos, especially at sunset.
Dobšinská Ice Cave is one of the oldest ice caves open to the public in the world. It was discovered in 1870 and lies within the Slovak Paradise National Park. Inside, you will see thick ice formations that never melt even in the summer months. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and takes you through frozen tunnels, chambers, and icy stairways. The cave stays below freezing all year, so wear warm clothing even during hot weather.
The Tokaj wine region is famous for its sweet, full-bodied wines and peaceful countryside. From Košice, it takes around 90 minutes to reach Borša, where you can visit the renovated Rákoczi Manor House. This historic site was the birthplace of Francis II Rákoczi, a leader in Slovak and Hungarian history. The manor now has a modern interactive museum and also serves as a guesthouse and dining space. Vineyards nearby offer tastings and cellar tours with wines unique to this part of Slovakia.
Košice is a city that gives you a look at Slovakia’s history and culture in one place. You can walk in the old town, take photos of Gothic buildings, drink fresh lemonade, or learn from museums. Then you can go further. We have shown castles, caves, and even a geyser that you can visit in just a short drive. With good food, rich culture, and great roads, your time in Košice will be special.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service in Slovakia. You can pick up your car at Bratislava Airport or in the city center. They also have locations near Košice and other major spots. The booking is fast, the prices are clear, and you’ll get a car that fits your route from city drives to mountain trips.
