What to do in Poprad: 10 fun things to do in this Slovak mountain town

What to do in Poprad? This relaxed town at the foot of the Slovak Tatras is full of surprises. Here are the best tips for sights, day trips, and where to stay.

About Poprad

Poprad is located in northern Slovakia, right at the foot of the High Tatras. Many travelers use the town as a base for hiking in the mountains, and I did the same during my week there. With its convenient mountain train, compact center, and relaxed vibe, Poprad turned out to be the perfect place to stay. It’s easy to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants to check out.

With a population of around 50,000, Poprad isn’t very large, which made it a great place to slow down. It never felt busy, but there are still enough things to see. The old town of Spišská Sobota feels almost medieval, while the modern center south of the train station has a completely different atmosphere.

Poprad dates back to the Middle Ages and grew into an important regional town thanks to its location along a trade route. German settlers arrived in the 13th century and left a lasting mark on the city’s architecture and character.

As a solo female traveler, I always felt safe here. Sure, I saw a few people hanging around on benches in the parks now and then, but no one ever bothered me.

So while Poprad is a practical base for mountain adventures, it’s also a surprisingly pleasant town to spend a few days and get a feel for everyday life in Slovakia.

What to do in Poprad

Poprad isn’t the kind of place where you’ll spend days hopping between museums and monuments, but there’s definitely enough to see to fill an afternoon or two. These are a few places worth checking out during your stay.

Spišská Sobota

The most charming part of Poprad is without a doubt the old town of Spišská Sobota. It feels more like a quiet village than a city neighborhood, with cobbled streets, colorful houses and a calm, local vibe. On the main square you’ll find historic merchant houses and a Gothic church from the 15th century (Kostol sv. Juraja).

I walked there on my first morning in Poprad and was surprised by how peaceful and welcoming it felt. Definitely not urban, more like a small town. I had a coffee at Espresso Bar, with a great view of the church. A perfect way to start my time in Slovakia.

Podtatranské Museum

If you’re curious about the history of the region, the Podtatranské Museum is worth a visit. The building itself is already impressive from the outside, and inside you’ll find exhibitions about the Tatras, local traditions, and archaeological discoveries. It’s not a big museum, but interesting enough to spend an hour.

AquaCity Poprad

Poprad is also known for AquaCity, a large wellness and swimming complex with thermal pools. There are several pools, saunas, and spa facilities. I didn’t go inside myself, but I passed by it dozens of times and it was always busy. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, as it is a great spot to cool off on a hot day or relax after a long hike.

Check the official website for opening hours and tickets.

Námestie svätého Egídia

What I found interesting is that Poprad actually has two centers: the historic Spišská Sobota, and a more modern part south of the train station. The main street there is Námestie svätého Egídia, and there’s always a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find a few fountains, benches, and mountain views if the weather is clear. The area is lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants. In summer, it’s the go-to spot for ice cream or a seat on a terrace.

Walk along the Poprad River

Between the apartment blocks, you’ll often spot patches of green, especially along the river that flows through the city. In the center, there’s a walking path along the water, with a few small parks and a playground. It’s a nice place for a stroll on a warm day.

I often walked this route when heading to the train station. It took a little longer, but it was so much nicer than walking along the main road.

Tatranská galéria

I walked past Tatranská galéria almost every day, but unfortunately it was closed every time. Otherwise, I definitely would have popped in. The gallery is housed in a former power plant and focuses on Slovak art from the 19th and 20th centuries. You’ll also find modern installations and works by international artists.

While I was in Poprad, they were running an exhibition on Banksy. A good spot to visit if you’re into art and looking for something other than nature or history.

Mestská informačná kancelária

In Poprad’s modern center, you’ll find a useful tourist information office where you can get advice about the town and surrounding areas. I bought my hiking map for the Slovak Tatras here, but they also have brochures, maps, and postcards. A good place to stop by when you’ve just arrived.

Fun day trips from Poprad

Poprad is a great base for an active holiday in Slovakia, with several easy day trips to choose from.

Slovak Tatras

Most people visit Poprad to explore the Slovak Tatras. From the main train station, you can hop on the electric mountain train to popular spots like Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica, or Štrbské Pleso. From there, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, from short forest walks to challenging routes with views of alpine lakes and rugged peaks.

Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, it’s still worth spending a day here breathing in the fresh mountain air. You can also take a cable car up for the views without much effort.

Read more: Hiking in the Tatras in Slovakia: tips and scenic trails in the High Tatras

Slovak Paradise National Park

Southeast of Poprad lies Slovak Paradise National Park, known for its gorges, ladders, and wooden walkways. The landscape here is completely different from the High Tatras, but just as impressive. Popular hiking trails include the Suchá Belá Gorge and the Prielom Hornádu route. You’ll need sturdy shoes and a bit of a head for heights, as some parts are quite adventurous.

I really wanted to visit, but getting there by public transport turned out to be trickier than expected. So I’m saving this beautiful corner of Slovakia for next time.

Košice

In the mood for a city day? Košice is a great option. I stayed overnight, but it would also work fine as a day trip. The train ride takes about an hour and a half, and tickets only cost a few euros.

Košice is a university town with a lovely historic center, lots of churches, a long shopping street, and plenty of cafés and terraces. It feels very different from Poprad, it’s more international, busier, and a bit more urban. A nice change of pace if you’re looking for something beyond nature, but still want to stay in Slovakia.