10 fun things to do in Košice you shouldn’t miss

Košice is a charming city in eastern Slovakia. Discover the best things to do in Košice, including colourful streets, historic buildings and cosy cafés.

About Košice

Košice is located in eastern Slovakia, not far from the Hungarian border. With around 230,000 inhabitants, it’s the second-largest city in the country, but the centre feels surprisingly compact and easy to navigate. The city lies along the Hornád River, and between the buildings you’ll catch glimpses of the surrounding green hills. It’s a great base if you’d like to combine a city break with a bit of nature.

First mentioned in written records in the 13th century, Košice grew into an important trading hub during the Middle Ages. In 1342, it became the first city in Europe to be granted its own official coat of arms – something locals are still proud of today. Over the centuries, it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, the Habsburg Empire and Czechoslovakia. Since 1993, it has been one of the key cities in independent Slovakia. You can see this layered history in the city’s architecture: Gothic churches, Renaissance façades, Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau details all sit side by side.

Today, Košice is also a university city, home to many students. This gives the place a relaxed, creative feel, with plenty of coffee bars, budget-friendly eateries and small independent spots that offer something a little different.

I visited Košice during my trip through Slovakia, without really knowing what to expect. I’m usually not a big fan of large cities, so I had deliberately booked just one night. But I was immediately surprised. The city centre is really cosy, with a long car-free main street, colourful buildings everywhere and loads of great coffee shops and restaurants. I couldn’t stop looking around. If I’d known this beforehand, I definitely would’ve stayed longer.

The best things to do in Košice

Wondering what to see and do in Košice? These are some of the best spots to explore.

Cathedral of St. Elisabeth (Dóm svätej Alžbety)

The first place I told myself I had to visit in Košice was the cathedral. This massive building is impossible to miss, it’s the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe. The exterior alone is impressive, but stepping inside is definitely worth it too. You’ll find beautiful stained glass windows, a richly decorated main altar and lots of little details that keep drawing your eye.

You can also climb the tower for views over the city. I have to admit I skipped that – it was 35 degrees and I really didn’t fancy walking up all those steps – but on a clear day, the view must be amazing.

What made this place extra special for me is that the cathedral is also the official starting point of the Slovak Camino, a pilgrimage route that runs all the way to Bratislava. There’s no big sign or marker, but if you look closely, you’ll spot a small shell symbol in the tiles in front of the entrance. That always feels a bit like coming home to me.

The main street (Hlavná ulica)

The place I found myself most often in Košice was Hlavná ulica, and that’s no surprise. This long, elegant main street basically is the city centre. It’s a lovely place for a stroll: no traffic, but plenty of terraces, fountains, benches, colourful façades and a mix of striking buildings. It’s a real treat for the eyes, especially if you’re into architecture or street photography.

I especially enjoyed walking here during golden hour. That’s when the façades turn soft yellow and pink, and the city feels just a bit more dreamy. It’s the perfect time to take photos – or to grab an ice cream and do a bit of people-watching from a bench.

St. Michael’s Chapel (Kaplnka svätého Michala)

Right next to the cathedral is another beautiful historic building: St. Michael’s Chapel. This Gothic chapel isn’t small at all, but next to the towering cathedral it almost disappears. It’s one of those places you might easily walk past, but if you pause and take a closer look, you’ll see just how special it is.

You can’t usually go inside, but the exterior alone is well worth seeing. And since fewer people stop here than at the cathedral, it’s also a nice spot to take a breather. The chapel is set in a lovely little park, which makes it even more peaceful.

Singing Fountain (Spievajúca fontána)

In front of the cathedral is a small park with one of Košice’s more unusual sights: the Singing Fountain. At set times, the water ‘dances’ to classical music, and once it gets dark, there’s even a light show. It’s a little bit kitsch, but also just fun to watch, especially if you happen to walk past when it starts.

When I visited Košice, it was June and daylight lasted well into the evening, so I didn’t get to see the colours of the light show. But even during the day, it’s a cheerful little break between all the historic buildings. Especially if you happen to pass by just as the fountain starts playing, it feels like a small unexpected treat.

Halmiho dvor

Halmiho dvor is one of those places you stumble across by accident and suddenly find yourself in the middle of a colourful surprise. This small courtyard, tucked away behind an unremarkable passage off the main street, is filled with bright umbrellas and has the feel of a hidden spot. I happened to walk past it while exploring the city and was glad I took a look inside. It’s not big or spectacular, but it’s exactly the kind of place that makes Košice such a fun city to wander through.

Jakabov Palác

Just outside the city centre is a quirky little palace you might easily miss if you didn’t know it was there. Jakabov Palác is built in neo-Gothic style and looks like something straight out of a fantasy film. You can’t go inside, but it’s a great photo spot if you’re in the area, for example, on your way to the train station.

The artsy side streets

What really surprised me about Košice were the many small streets filled with street art, galleries and quirky cafés. The area around Hrnčiarska ulica (Pottery Street) in particular has a great atmosphere. You can really sense how the city has grown into a cultural hub in recent years. In 2013, Košice was even named European Capital of Culture, and you can still see traces of that today.

Art at the Východoslovenské Museum

I skipped the museums during my short city break, but next time I’d love to visit the Východoslovenské Museum (Eastern Slovakia Museum). The building itself is beautiful, and there’s plenty to explore inside. You’ll find a mix of archaeological finds, historical objects and works of art.

Mestský park

On my way from the train station to my hostel, I walked through Mestský park – a large city park with wide paths, tall trees and plenty of benches to sit and rest. It’s just outside the old town and makes for a nice green buffer between the station and the city. It’s not a must-see, but it’s a pleasant place for a walk when you arrive or if you want to get away from the busier streets for a bit.

My favourite places to eat and drink in Košice

Because it was so hot during my visit, I often found myself dropping into a café or relaxing on a terrace. Luckily, Košice has loads of great spots to choose from. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Melody – fine roastery – Great coffee and sleek, minimalist decor. A lovely place for a break.
• Raňajkáreň Rozprávka – You enter through what looks like a little bookshop and end up in a quiet courtyard, perfect for a peaceful breakfast.
• CHAOS – Not the cosiest seating, but the vegetarian burger here is absolutely delicious.
• La Hacienda – Tucked away in a sort of hidden square. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, this place really delivers.
• Café Racine – A lovely spot for coffee and cake, with a peaceful terrace