Best Things to Do in Slovakia

1. Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, tells you the story of Slovakia’s past. You’ll find a medieval old town, a Renaissance castle, and modern apartment buildings. Back on ground level you can enjoy the day strolling through the old town’s shops, taking a coffee break in one of the city’s cafes, or visiting one of the many museums and romantic churches. 

You’ll be able to relax and unwind in this less busy Eastern European city, but still have plenty to do during your tour. 

See all Slovakia tours with Bratislava »

2. Spis Castle

Located in the hills of Eastern Slovakia, you’ll find one of the country’s most famous castles. Built in the 12th century, the castle was one of the main economic and political points for the Kingdom of Hungary when Slovakia was part of the Hungarian Empire. The castle is one of the largest in all of Europe and because of its medieval and Gothic architecture, Spis Castle has been used in many films such as Dragonheart. 

3. Slovak Paradise National Park

With Slovakia’s wide range of national parks, Slovak Paradise stands out with its stunning natural features and interesting hiking paths. Nestled within the Slovak Paradise Mountain Range, the park is an opportunity to get out and explore Slovakia’s natural beauty.

However, travelers should be forewarned. While the trails aren’t high in elevation, many of the paths that cross the rivines are made up of metal platforms, ladders, and chains. Hiking through the park is more of an outdoor obstacle course than a leisurely stroll. 

4. Bratislava Castle

Bratislava’s main attraction is its Renaissance-inspired castle. Sitting atop a bluff overlooking the entire city, Bratislava Castle is a peek into the city’s royal past.

The castle has been around since the 1400s and was renovated in the 1950s to bring back its Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance features. The castle houses different exhibitions detailing the history of Slovakia and a stunning courtyard. The castle grounds also offer the best panoramic views of Bratislava. 

5. Dunajec River

Those looking for outdoor adventures in Slovakia, look no further than Dunajec River. The river is popular for relaxing on large wooden rafts that take you through the Dunajec River Gorge where you can see some of the most interesting and beautiful land formations in Slovakia. You’ll also capture some of the best Instagram shots while rafting down this river. 

6. Cicmany 

Take a trip to visit one of Slovakia’s rural towns to see the traditional architecture of the country. Located in northern Slovakia, Cicmany is known for its traditional dark wooden homes with white designs.

The homes follow the old Slovakian style of ornamenting the outside of the home in geometric patterns. The small village is also the first folk architecture reserve in the world dedicated to preserving native and folk architecture. 

7. Wine Tour of Little Carpathia

You may not think of wine when you think of Slovakia, but the country has a growing and prosperous wine industry.

Slovakia’s main wine region is Little Carpathia just outside of Bratislava where you can take a day trip from the city to taste wines that have been serving Hungarian and Slovakian royalty for centuries.

Many of these wine tours offer local guides who take you to the wineries of this mountainous region and explore some of the majestic castles in the area.

8. Demanovska Cave of Liberty

Slovakia has an interesting landscape of towering mountains, deep ravines, and rolling hills, but the beauty also extends underground. The most famous of Slovakia’s caves is the Demanovska Cave of Liberty.

You can take short or long tours of this large underground cavern where you can see unique stalagmites and stalactites formed by the Demanovska River. The trail is 5 miles long and takes you through many hallways and domes with one of the domed ceilings being as tall as 134-feet high. 

9. Kosice

Slovakia’s second largest city, Kosice is a cultural and economic center for the Eastern region of Slovakia. With its location in Central Europe, Kosice has a unique ethnic makeup form the surrounding countries. Additionally, Kosice’s old town is full of preserved architecture gems from every European influence. There are plenty of walking tours of the old town where you can visit each and every one of them. 

However, don’t miss St. Elisabeth Cathedral in the heart of the city. The medieval church is the largest place of worship in all of Slovakia and the 196-foot tall bell tower offers the best views of Kosice. 

10. Piestany’s Spa

Geothermal waters run deep in many parts of Slovakia, which is why the country has some of the best spa towns in Europe. The most famous of which is Piestany. The Piestany Spa has been in work since the 1800s and specializes in rheumatic and arthritic diseases, but all are welcome to visit the healing waters. The spa features mud baths, exercise, massages, and therapies for all of those who need to recharge and heal.