slovakia tour guide

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

See All Slovakia Tours

Trending Slovakia tours

Save up to $600

Bohemian Highlights 2024

10 Locations

5 Countries

14 Day European Tour of Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic

Save up to $450

Imperial Europe

8 Locations

10 Day Europe Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria

Highlights of Eastern Europe

14 Locations

8 Countries

17 Day Eastern Europe Tour of Vienna, Budapest, Kraków, Berlin and Prague

Best of Croatia and Slovenia

11 Locations

2 Countries

11 Day Croatia and Slovenia Tour from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Save up to $491

Majestic Europe

15 Locations

9 Countries

2 Week Multi-Destination Europe Trip

Save up to $1,469

Great European

27 Locations

13 Countries

One Month Multi-Destination Europe Tour

Highlights of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia

9 Locations

4 Countries

14 Day Austria, Slovenia and Croatia Tour of Vienna, Dubrovnik and Zagreb

See More Slovakia Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Capital City

Good morning

Good evening

Dobrý večer

"Slovakia is such an underrated European gem - from its castles, to the wine, and abundance of statues each with its own story - it’s always a pleasant surprise for our guests"

Sarah, Travel Director

See the medieval town hall in Bratislava's Old Town

The capital’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the best things to see in Bratislava, and the Old Town Hall is one of its historical gems. Dating back to the 13th century, the original Romanesque building was the house of the mayor, and today it’s part of a building complex with various architectural styles.

Visit the Freedom Square

Take a walk around Bratislava’s Freedom Square, filled with greenery and the city’s largest fountain. Locally known as Gottko, the square was designed in the 1980s, while the surrounding buildings are reminiscent of the country’s communist era. It’s also the spot where Slovak inventor Ján Bahýľ took off in the world’s first helicopter in 1897.

Check out the Slovak Radio building

The Slovak Radio building is one of the most intriguing Bratislava attractions. It’s built in the shape of an upside down pyramid, with an inner pyramid containing radio broadcast studios. Completed in 1983, the building is a striking relic of Slovakia’s socialist realism era.

Shop for local products at Old Market Hall in Bratislava

Be sure to make a stop at the Old Market Hall on your Bratislava sightseeing tour. Open every Saturday, you’ll find a wide variety of Slovakian food, with local delicacies and fresh farmer’s produce. There’s also plenty of music performances and cultural events to enjoy while you shop.

Take a Danube River Cruise

A tranquil cruise along the famous Danube is one of the most romantic things to do in Slovakia. It’s the second-longest river in Europe and the muse of many artists, and you can explore part of it with Trafalgar. Glide beneath the city’s medieval bridges and see the beautiful architecture of Bratislava’s historic Old Town.

Our top 5 things to do in Slovakia

From Bratislava’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, to a cruise on the famous Danube, our Slovakia tours are filled with beauty and history.

Slovak National Museum

With headquarters on the riverfront in the historic Old Town of Bratislava, the Slovak National Museum holds the country’s largest and most impressive collections, ranging from archaeological and ethnographic to natural science and historic artworks. One of the best stops is the Museum of History, housed in the beautiful Bratislava Castle.

Bratislava City Museum

Established in established in 1868, Bratislava City Museum is the oldest museum in Slovakia. It’s spread across eight sites around Bratislava, with highlights including the Museum of Clocks and the Museum of City History, containing archaeological displays and exhibitions on Slovakian culture.

Bratislava City Gallery

With around 35,000 works of art that include two palaces in Bratislava’s Old Town, Bratislava City Gallery is the second largest gallery dedicated to Slovak art. From Baroque prints and 18th century sculptures, to Gothic stained glass windows, this gallery is a delight to explore.

Best museums in Slovakia

Our Bratislava tours will reveal the top museums in Slovakia, from the world’s second largest gallery of Slovak art, to the Museum of History set in Bratislava Castle.

Kapustnica (Cabbage soup)

A filling cabbage soup mixed with potatoes, ham or sausage, mushrooms, onions, paprika and garlic, and served with fresh bread, kapustnica is a classic Slovakian dish. It’s traditionally served at Christmas dinner, but you can find it in traditional restaurants all year round.

Bryndzové pirohy (Pierogis stuffed with bryndza)

This delicious dish consists of potato dumplings stuffed with bryndza cheese, a soft and creamy sheep cheese proudly made in Slovakia. The dumplings are smothered with sour cream, topped with pieces of fried bacon, and is traditionally paired with a glass of žinčica - a tangy sheep’s milk.

Goulash soup

A popular dish found across Central and Eastern European countries, the traditional Slovakian goulash soup consists of beef or pork, potatoes, paprika, onions, peppers, tomatoes and garlic. It’s one of the best-loved recipes in Slovakia, and you can often find it at sporting events, cooking in a cauldron over a fire.

Best food in Slovakia

Traditional Slovakian food is a blend of influences from around Central Europe. We’ll show you the best places to enjoy their rich meats, unique cheeses, tangy sauerkraut and plenty of dumplings.

What to pack for Slovakia

Waterproof jacket

Slovakia is a rainy country, with showers known to strike at any time of the year. Come prepared with a raincoat or small umbrella.

Comfortable shoes

From roaming the medieval streets of Bratislava’s Old Town, to wandering through the city’s museums and galleries, your feet will thank you for a comfortable pair of shoes.

While there’s plenty of visual entertainment as we travel through Slovakia’s gorgeous landscapes, a pair of headphones can be used on long journeys to listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks.

An adaptor plug

Voltage in Slovakia is 230V and the sockets are of Type E, with standard European 2-pin plugs.

From the fairytale turrets of Bratislava Castle to the medieval streets of Bratislava’s historic Old Town, Slovakia will keep your camera clicking away.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Slovakia Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Slovakia is a Central European country known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, medieval history, and stunning architecture. As a land-locked country, it’s been part of numerous empires and governments throughout its history, all of which have left their own unique influence on the region.

I’ve visited Slovakia several times over the years and I’m always amazed at how much is packed into such a small country (as well as how few people visit beyond the capital). While Bratislava gets plenty of attention, the country as a whole sees a fraction of the crowds compared to its neighbors.

But their loss is your gain!

Slovakia is filled with beautiful rivers, lakes, national parks, tiny towns, and castle ruins. And compared to its neighbors it’s also quite affordable. It’s the perfect place to hike, road trip, and escape Europe’s summer crowds — all while on a budget!

This travel guide to Slovakia can help you save money, plan your visit, and make the most of your trip to this underrated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Slovakia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Slovakia

1. Explore Bratislava

Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital and largest city. Bordering both Austria and Hungary, its position on the banks of the Danube make it an obvious point of entry for most travelers. Don’t miss the city’s Old Town and Bratislava Castle. There’s also an eclectic music scene here.

2. Visit Košice

Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, dating back to the 13th century. The city center encompasses the historic part of town and has the largest number of historical monuments in the country. Be sure to visit the 13th-century St. Elisabeth Cathedral.

3. See Banská Štiavnica

This well-preserved UNESCO medieval town sits in a valley formed after an ancient volcano collapsed. Be sure to visit the open-air mining museum, where you can walk more than a kilometer underground (10 EUR, an additional 15 EUR for a tour in English).

4. Hike Slovak Paradise National Park

Slovak Paradise National Park boasts over 100 kilometers (62-miles) of hiking trails, passing through canyons, meadows, and more waterfalls than you can count. The hiking isn’t difficult, but you must navigate narrow passages, climb steep ladders, and use chains above ravines.

5. Take a wine tour

Not far from Bratislava lies Modra, which is the place to go for wine tours and tastings. Look out for the annual Modra Wine Cellars Day, when many of the wine cellars in the area organize a day-long tasting for visitors. Expect to pay at least 40 EUR for a tour.

Other Things to See and Do in Slovakia

1. visit the slovak karst caves.

There are almost 2,500 caves in Slovakia — and only 400 of them have been explored. In the southern Slovak Karst region, there are plenty of options but if you want a truly unique experience, visit a section of Domica Cave where you can take an underground boat ride on the River Styx (trip to Hades not included). Admission including the boat ride is 9 EUR. Other caves worth checking out are Dobšinská Ice Cave, Harmanecka, and Gombasecka.

2. Go rock climbing

Head to the mountains around Terchová in the north or Slovenský Raj in the east for some world-class rock climbing. You’ll find beautiful gorges that you can climb for free thanks to the ropes and ladders already in place. If you’re new to rock climbing and would rather do a guided trip, expect to pay around 80 EUR per person.

3. Run the oldest marathon in Europe

The Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest marathon in Europe (and the second oldest marathon in the world). Held in Košice each year since 1924, the city is completely overtaken by the event as thousands come to take part, watch, and celebrate. The marathon happens on the first Sunday in October. If you want to run the race yourself, registration is 37 EUR. Be sure to book your accommodation far in advance as the entire city fills up.

4. Relax in a thermal cave bath

For a uniquely Slovakian experience, visit the Parenica cave bath at the Sklené Teplice spa. Located in Central Slovakia, these natural hot springs have been in use for centuries. The water is a constant 42°C (107°F) and is perfect for relaxing (especially if you’re visiting in the winter). Bath visits last 20 minutes and are included in your stay at the spa, which costs around 70 EUR per night.

5. Tour the Nedbalka Gallery

The Nedbalka Gallery in Bratislava has a spectacular award-winning design that resembles the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and is a stark contrast to the more traditional medieval buildings that make up the city’s Old Town. The gallery, which was heavily remodeled in 2012, spans five floors and is home to over 1,000 works depicting Slovak culture. Admission is 5 EUR and includes a coffee or tea at the gallery’s café.

6. Hike the smallest alpine mountain range in Europe

The most famous national park in Slovakia, High Tatras is located in the north of the country along the border with Poland . Stretching 53 kilometers (33 miles), it’s the smallest alpine mountain range in Europe. If you want to reach the peak of the High Tatras, Gerlachovsky Stit, you need to hire a mountain guide as the ascent is extremely challenging and not to be attempted alone. If you don’t want to hike (or want an easier option), Lomnicky Stit is slightly lower and far more accessible thanks to the cable car to the top. During the winter, there are several ski resorts here. Round-trip cable car tickets are expensive at 59 EUR, however, you can hike up part way and then take the cable car for half price.

7. Explore an ice cave

One of the most popular caves in the country is Dobšinská, an ice cave located near Dobšiná in Central Slovakia. Discovered in 1870, the caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first caves in Europe to be lit by electricity. The cave spans over 1,500 acres and is full of all kinds of stunning natural ice formations. Admission is 9 EUR for a 30-minute visit.

8. Visit the Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica)

Each Saturday between 9am-3pm the Old Market Hall in Bratislava hosts its weekly market where you can buy food and goods from regional farmers and producers. There’s also a children’s theater performance and book fair every Saturday. The current building dates to 1910, however, there were medieval fortifications here dating back to the 16th century. In addition to foods and produce, the market also hosts cultural events, music performances, two cafes, a brewery, and a cooking school. The Old Market Hall also hosts an annual beer festival (called Salón Piva) where you can sample the locally produced beer.

9. Go hiking

Slovakia is one of the best countries in Europe for hiking. There are hundreds of trails, including dozens of long-distance routes as well as easy, moderate, and challenging day hikes. Some hikes to check out are Rysy Mountain, near the border of Poland (20km, 10 hours); Kriván, considered Slovakia’s most beautiful mountain (6km, 4 hours); and Popradske Pleso, a picturesque alpine hike (4km, 2 hours). If you’re going hiking in the mountains, be sure to check the weather in advance as conditions can change rapidly. Always make sure you have the proper gear and plenty of water too.

10. Hit the slopes

The Tatra mountain range rivals the Alps when it comes to beauty. However, when it comes to skiing, there are fewer skiers and cheaper prices in Slovakia (lift tickets are upwards of 75% cheaper than in neighboring Austria). Some ski resorts to visit are Jasná Nízke Tatry (Liptovský Mikuláš), Relax Center Plejsy (Krompachy), Tale (Bystra), and Malinô Brdo (Ružomberok). Expect to pay around 49 EUR for a lift pass, however, you can find passes for as little as 8-16 EUR in places like Moštenica, Zliechov, and Skorušina.

Slovakia Travel Costs

Outside of Bratislava, budget hotel rooms start around 25-40 EUR per night. In Bratislava, expect to pay closer to double that.

Airbnb is a budget-friendly option available around the country with private rooms starting at 25 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 50 EUR per night.

For anyone traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country. Wild camping is legal but be sure to double-check as it is illegal in certain protected areas (no camping in the High Tatras or national parks, for example). You’re also not allowed to camp in forested areas and should use caution when lighting fires as this is generally prohibited. Official campgrounds are scattered around the country with basic plots for two without electricity costing 14-16 EUR per night.

Food – Slovakian cuisine is based on three main staples: pork, cabbage, and potatoes (much like many of its neighbors). Polish and Hungarian influences abound, so expect lots of soups, sauerkraut, breaded meats, and dumplings. Lunch is the main meal of the day, with soup being the most common main course. A popular local delicacy is jaternica , a blood sausage made with pig’s blood and buckwheat. Halušky (soft ptato dumplings) and schnitzel are two other popular traditional choices.

For an inexpensive meal of traditional cuisine, expect to pay around 7-12 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 5-7 EUR for a combo meal. Thai and Indian food can be found in a couple of the larger cities in the country, costing 8-13 EUR for a main dish.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal of traditional cuisine costs around 20 EUR, including a drink.

Expect to pay between 1.50-2.50 EUR for a beer and about the same for a latte or cappuccino (if you buy beer at the grocery store it’s just 1-1.50 EUR). A glass of wine generally costs around 2.50-4 EUR.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 20-35 EUR for basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. A medium-sized bag of pasta is less than 1 EUR, fresh buns (like croissants) are around .50 EUR while a loaf of bread is around 2 EUR. Cereal is around 1.50 EUR while a large bag of potato chips is 1.50-2 EUR.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Bratislava has tons of options. Beyond the large supermarkets (which have things like soy meat and alternative kinds of milk), there are a handful of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants around the city, including Šmak (vegan sushi), Vegan Kiosk (vegan burgers and wraps), and La Donuteria (vegan and non-vegan donuts).

Other suggested places to eat in Bratislava include U Sedliaka (traditional Slovakian food), Mezcalli (Mexican food), and Next Apache (a small cafe that sells used books).

Backpacking Slovakia Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Slovakia, my suggested budget is 45 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, doing free activities like walking tours and hiking, limiting your drinking, visiting some cheap attractions like museums or galleries, and using public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 105 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb apartment, eat out for most of your meals at budget-friendly restaurants serving traditional cuisine, go out for some drinks, take some guided tours, visit more paid attractions like the caves, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 200 EUR, you can stay in a hotel, eat out at any restaurant you want, rent a car, drink as much as you want, and see as many castles and museums as you can handle! This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Slovakia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Slovakia is one of the cheaper Central European countries and it’s easy here to travel on a budget. That said, if you’re looking for ways to trim your expenses, here are my favorite ways to save money in the country:

• Take a free walking tour – Bratislava offers a handful of free walking tours which are a great way to get familiar with the city and its culture on a budget. Be Free Tours is the most popular tour company. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Ride Flixbus – Flixbus is a budget-friendly way to get around the country (as well as the region). They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent enough seats for overnight and long-haul bus journeys.
• Cook your own meals – Book accommodation with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it does save money.
• Get outdoors – The easiest way to keep active and save money is to get outdoors and explore Slovakia’s national parks. Most don’t charge an entry fee. Nature fills your days and avoids slimming your wallet!
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Slovakia, bring your tent as wild camping is legal. You can pitch your tent on almost all public land throughout Slovakia. Just avoid national parks and forests.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to not only save money, but you’ll also connect with a knowledgeable local who can help you better understand the country and its people.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Slovakia is safe so bring a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastic. A filtered bottle like LifeStraw ensures your water is safe and clean. It’s perfect for anyone planning to hike or explore the country’s national parks.

Where to Stay in Slovakia

The hostel scene in Slovakia does not disappoint. Most have reliable Wi-Fi, kitchens, and are clean and modern. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Slovakia:

• Hostel Folks (Bratislava)
• Wild Elephants Hostel (Bratislava)
• The Ginger Monkey (High Tatras)
• Happy Bull (Kosice)
• Nitra Glycerin Hostel (Nitra)

How to Get Around Slovakia

Public transportation – For public transportation around cities, the fare is generally proportional to the duration of the journey. For example, in Bratislava, a 30-minute ride costs 0.90 EUR while a 60-minute ride costs 1.20 EUR. Day passes are available in most of the cities for around 4.50 EUR.

Bus – Flixbus is the most budget-friendly option to explore the country. The bus from Bratislava to Košice costs 22 EUR for the 6.5-hour journey. For Bratislava to Budapest, Hungary, the 2.5-hour bus ride ranges from 12-26 EUR while the one-hour trip from Bratislava to Vienna, Austria can be done for 9 EUR.

Trains – Trains are more expensive than buses and don’t reach as many destinations in the country. However, they’re a lot quicker. Bratislava to Poprad takes around 4 hours and costs 15 EUR. The 5.5-hour journey to Košice costs 18 EUR. The 2.5-hour trip to Budapest, Hungary costs 10 EUR while the 90-minute ride to Vienna, Austria costs 5 EUR.

Budget Airlines – There are no domestic flights around Slovakia.

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle.

When to Go to Slovakia

Slovakia has four distinct seasons. The summers are sunny and hot and see the biggest influx of visitors. July-August is the most popular time to visit, with daily highs around 27°C (81°F).

During the shoulder seasons, you avoid both the heat and the crowds. The best months to visit are between May-June or September-October, especially if you’re hiking. There are cooler temperatures and, in the fall, you get to see the leaves change. Expect temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

Winter is cold and snowy with temperatures dropping below freezing so I’d only visit if you plan on doing some winter sports, such as skiing.

How to Stay Safe in Slovakia

Slovakia is a very safe country to visit; it’s the 19th safest country in the world. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent. Pickpocketing can occur, however, especially in high-traffic areas such as Bratislava’s Old Town. Keep your valuables safely tucked away when in public just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If someone strikes up a conversation with you trying to sell something or if young children approach you, be on alert — their friend may be reaching for your wallet while you’re distracted.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it while you’re hiking or overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re hiking here (especially doing alpine hiking in the mountains), make sure you let your hostel/hotel staff know just in case. Always bring a first aid kit as well as basic gear like a flashlight, raincoat, and extra food just in case.

If you experience an emergency, dial 158 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Slovakia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Slovakia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

©Rudy Balasko/500px

Right in the heart of Europe, Slovakia is a land of castles and mountains, occasionally punctuated by industrial sprawl. More than a quarter-century after Czechoslovakia's break-up, Slovakia has emerged as a self-assured, independent nation. Capital city Bratislava draws visitors to its resplendent old town and tankard-clanking drinking culture. But Slovakia shines brightest for lovers of the outdoors. Walking trails in the High Tatras wend through landscapes of unearthly beauty, with mirror-still glacier lakes backed by 2000m peaks.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Spiš Castle

Eastern Slovakia

Crowning a travertine hill above Spišské Podhradie village, this vast, Unesco-listed fortification is one of Central Europe's biggest castle complexes…

Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum

The windswept location of this world-class art gallery is as invigorating as the works on display. On a promontory jutting into the Danube, the…

Orava Castle

The sight of Orava Castle, roosting on a forest-cloaked hilltop, sends a chill down the spine. Vampire aficionados may recognise its stern silhouette from…

Slovenský Raj National Park

Slovenský Raj's rocky plateaus, primeval forests and interlacing streams form some of Slovakia's most picturesque hiking terrain. Treks often involve…

Hlavné Námestie

The nucleus for Bratislava's history, festivals and chic cafe culture is Hlavné nám (Main Sq). There's architectural finery in almost every direction,…

Blue Church

Dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary in 1913, the early-20th-century 'Blue Church' is a vision in sapphire and powder-blue. From its undulating arches and…

Museum of the Slovak Village

This picturesque recreated village – Slovakia's largest skanzen (open-air museum) – showcases over 120 faithfully reconstructed 19th-century dwellings in…

Vrátna Valley

Limestone pinnacles and thick forest conspire to make Vrátna Valley one of Slovakia's most majestic areas to hike or ski. A scenic road winds south from…

Latest stories from Slovakia

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Wildlife & Nature

Apr 11, 2019 • 5 min read

Slovakia’s most visually striking national park, the High Tatras, turns 70 in 2019, and it's high time you turned your head in the direction of this…

Mar 28, 2019 • 5 min read

Dec 15, 2015 • 4 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Slovakia

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Slovakia with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Slovakia and beyond

EXPERIENCE SLOVAKIA

The country in the heart of Europe will surprise you with varied and unique experiences, rich history, undiscovered places, authentic culture and dynamic nowadays. SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is a national tourism promotion agency that presents Slovakia at home and abroad as a surprisingly wonderful and attractive country worth exploring. Slovakia – what a surprise! Come to experience it yourself.

Slovakia is a green oasis of Europe with exceptional natural wealth and beautiful, unsuspected places in every region.But it also offers beauty and surprising experiences in its cities, whether it's dynamic Bratislava with a unique location or Banská Štiavnica, which speaks through the silence of its streets, or inspiring Košice. Every city is a reason for a stop and a pleasant pastime. Every city in Slovakia proudly offers many attractions, exceptional historical references, and an attractive present. Please choose from the proposed experiences and let yourself be pleasantly surprised by an offer to relax in the nearby surroundings or tour the city with all its daytime and evening attractions. Slovak cities are a pleasant surprise on your travels.

Museums and galleries

Culture and sights, pages full of slovakia beauties..

In the online publications of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL you can comfortably view and visit the most beautiful places in Slovakia. Each publication is a unique sample for you, especially an invitation to visit the amazing places of the country in the heart of Europe and get acquainted with its rich history and inspiring present. Let yourself be guided by the world of a spa, a golf experience, a delicacy on your plate or a glass full of sunshine. Hold your breath and admire the beauty of UNESCO monuments or the views of our mountains.

Welcome to the pages of our online publications . Have a nice trip and bon appetit!

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Slovakia

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Slovakia. There are 16 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 11 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Slovakia.

16 Fully Guided tour packages in Slovakia with 18 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Landscapes and History of Slovakia

• Christmas & New Year

Tailor-Made Best Slovakia Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Hiking & Trekking

Bear watching hiking tour

Tailor-Made Private Slovakia Tour with Daily Departure

High Tatras and Slovak Paradise National Park in 3 days

• Walking Adventure

Krakow to Budapest Adventure

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hike Gems of Tatras and Slovak Paradise

Hiking in Slovakia (small group minimum 2 people & maximum 8 people)

The best of Eastern Slovakia (small group minimum 2 people & maximum 4 people)

Fantatisca experience. Slovakia is a wonderful country. The people are very hospitable and friendly. The City of Spisska and Podrad are beautiful. It was really cool to meet the Tatrads. I hope to return to the country as soon as possible. I'm brazilian.

Slovakia - Nature & Wellness Hiking Week (7 days)

Hike the High Tatras of Slovakia

Trek the Low Tatras & Veľká Fatra (Comfort)

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Slovakia (11 days)

Slovakia - Banska Stiavnica Nature and Cultural Hiking Week (7 days)

Winter hiking adventure in Slovakia’s High Tatras

What people love about fully guided tours in slovakia.

Amazing 4 day trip with Experience Slovakia. Our accommodation was lovely. Beautiful view of the Tatras. Jan drove us each day to different locations. We enjoy nature and history and both exceeded our expectations. Jan is a careful driver. Very kind and a great sense of humour. Shame we weren't able to spend more time there.

Regions in Slovakia

• Western Slovakia (9)
• Tatra Mountains (8)
• Eastern Slovakia (8)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided

Slovakia Tours

Guided Slovakia tours & Central Europe trips

We are offering a unique travel experience. We provide a colourful selection of Slovakia tours (trip covers transport, accommodation, boarding and guides). Group numbers are limited so as to maintain a sense of personal contact with our tour guides. As well as our set list of Slovakia tours , clients can devise their own personal tour choices from our offer, and create a trip which is entirely suited to their own preferences. Clients may wish to combine a few days walking with sightseeing activities.

Self-guided Slovakia tours

Would you prefer to discover Slovakia independently? If so then an self-guided tour is the perfect solution for you. Walking and Hiking along the trails and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of authentic Slovakia independently will give you an enormous sense of accomplishment. Self-guided walking and hiking tours are designed to be completely flexible. We offer the best choice of well designed self-guided holidays in the Tatras Mountains, Banska Stiavnica, Bratislava & Little Carpathians, Mala Fatra & Slovensky raj.

Most popular Slovakia tours

Best of Slovakia Tour 2024

people Guided tour

today February - November, 2024

flag Pick up/drop off on your request

euro_symbol 826 /person/ person person

Slovakia Grand Tour 2024

euro_symbol 1908 /person/ person person

Czech and Slovak Grand Tour 2024

euro_symbol on request /person/ person person

Central Europe Tour 2024

Best of the High Tatras

today 1 June - 31 October, 2024

euro_symbol 1526 /person/ person person

Tatra Mountains Itinerary

people Self-guided tour

euro_symbol 283 /person/ person person

Customer's testimonials

Tours to Slovakia from US, UK, EU & all around the world

- by Charles from UK Hi Petra and Martin, Just to let you know we are now back in the UK after a wonderful week in Slovakia. Thank you so much for your organisation and support. If you wish me to make any specific comments about the hotels, I would be happy to do so. Also I would be happy to make a recommendation for Travelslovakia for your website. I am hoping to arrange a further visit to Slovakia in the next two years and I will of course ask your help ag

- by Kate and Peter from Australia Peter and I really enjoyed our 13-day tour of the Slovak and Czech Republics. Your ability to tailor-make a tour to fit our requirements was greatly appreciated. Starting in Prague gave us a bit of time to get over the long flight from Australia, knowing we would return at the end of the tour, and also gave us a feel for the Czech Republic . We would have preferred to be in one of the small “Business Class” front facing parts of the train f

- by Rochester family from the USA Dear Lenka, We surely enjoyed the Grand Tour of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We were impressed by the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the two countries, and the depth and significance of their histories. And we now have a great appreciation for the natural beauty of their forests, lakes, rivers and majestic mountains. Not only was it a cultural experience, but a culinary one, as well, with a variety of delectable and afforda

- by Joseph and Mickey from the USA Words cannot describe the beauty of Slovakia and its people. Our tour guide, Adam, was extremely knowledgeable in the history of his country and he made it come to life for us. We went to Slovakia seeking our family roots and actually found the church in the small village where my husband's great-grandparents were married. We were very impressed with the care and restoration of the historic castles and other structures of Slovakia. The be

- by Belinda from UK Dear Veronika, We had a lovely time - unfortunately we have come back to one of the wettest and coldest English summers on record - a far cry from the perfect weather we had in Slovakia. Thanks for a brilliant introduction to some of the wonderful national parks in Slovakia. The tour was well thought through. We really enjoyed the first day at Mala Fatra, the two big walks in the High Tatras. It was really nice to have a couple

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 888 680 1241

SEE ALL SLOVAKIA TOURS

FEATURED TOURS

Save up to $1,000

Highlights of Eastern Europe

10 Locations

6 Countries

Eastern Europe’s Ultimate 2-Week Guided Tour: See the Highlights of Hungary, Austria & Poland

Save up to $500

The Bohemian

6 Locations

5 Countries

Set Yourself Free in Austria, the Czech Republic & Poland on a 9-Day Guided Tour of Europe

Christmas Markets of Croatia Slovenia and Austria

4 Countries

Enjoy Some Festive Retail Therapy in Austria, Slovenia and Croatia on an 8-Day Guided Tour

SHOW ALL EUROPE TOURS

'Business Class' Tours

ALWAYS INCLUDED

Euro (EUR, €)

Capital City

Time Difference

London GMT +1

5.435 million

Electricity

European 230V

#INSIGHTVACATIONS

Discover inspiring, magical moments captured by our guests in destinations around the world.

ALL EUROPE DESTINATIONS

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Switzerland

Alps Central and Eastern Europe

Spain and Portugal

Northern Europe

Eastern Mediterranean

Christmas Markets

Central Europe

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Eastern Europe

Mediterranean and Southern Europe

OTHER REGIONS

UK and Ireland

North Africa

USA and Canada

Latin America

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Country Roads

Domestic Escapes

Special Interest Tours

Get A Quote

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

THE 10 BEST Slovakia Tours & Excursions

Slovakia tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Bratislava Small Group Half-Day Trip from Vienna

2. City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava

3. Bratislava From Vienna By Bus With Lunch

4. Bratislava Foodie Tour

5. Traditional beers and drinks of Slovakia tasting tour

6. Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!

7. Panoramic Tour in Bratislava by Presporacik Sightseeing Vehicle

8. Banska Stiavnica from Bratislava, UNESCO Day Tour

9. Local Beer & Food Tour

10. Bratislava: 2- Hour Private Walking Tour

11. Private Hiking Tour Visit to Slovakia with Licensed Guide

12. Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle

13. Bratislava Grand City Tour with Devin Castle

14. Private Tour of Bratislava with Transport and Local Guide from Vienna

15. Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with a great guided tour in Bratislava

16. Highlights of Bratislava's Old Town with Castle

17. Bratislava Post-Communism Tour

18. Private One Day Trip to Bratislava from Vienna

19. Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube

20. Private Bratislava Day Trip from Budapest with lunch

21. Nearly All of Bratislava in 6 hours - Private Tour with Minivan

22. Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava

23. Military Guns Shooting Experience with GunMates Bratislava

24. Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská

25. Bratislava Traditional Food Tour

26. Bearwatching Hiking Day Tour in High Tatras from Poprad

27. Bratislava City Walking Tour with Castle Ticket

28. Bratislava Big Castle Tour by Presporacik

29. Private Bratislava Grand City Tour

30. Bratislava from Vienna by bus with lunch & beer tasting

What travelers are saying.

Travel Guide Slovakia

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Hungarians and Turks came to Slovakia for its natural resources, and so does the modern tourist. Broad, sprawling mountains mean good skiing and snowboarding, there's excellent caving in the Karst, and the rambling hilly midlands are a hiker’s paradise.

Where to go in Slovakia

Sharing borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Ukraine, Slovakia is landlocked, with high mountains in the north, low mountains in the centre, hills to the west, and the Danube basin to the south. The population is fairly diverse, with over half a million ethnic Hungarians , hundreds of thousands of Roma (Gypsies), and several thousand Rusyns in the east.

Bratislava is a badger sett of cobbled streets, low arches and tiny squares. It’s small enough to explore in a day, but big enough to hold your interest for a long weekend. In Central Slovakia is lovely Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO-protected medieval mining town in a lunar landscape of dead volcanoes. East and north are the High Tatras, as decent a mountain range as any in Central Europe. They’ve long been the site of enthusiastic skiing, hiking and sonnet- writing. Heading east towards Ukraine is the wild, rocky Spiš region, home to medieval mammoth Spiš Castle and the twelfth-century walled town of Levoča. Continuing south, almost to the Hungarian border, you’ll find Slovakia’s second city, the lively town of Košice.

Top image: Spis Castle © RastoS/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Slovakia

Population 5.4 million

Language Slovak

Currency Euro (€)

Capital Bratislava

International phone code 421

Time zone GMT +2hr

Travel advice for Slovakia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Slovakia

• Culture and Etiquette in Slovakia
• Eating and drinking in Slovakia
• Getting around Slovakia: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Slovakia
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Slovakia
• Travel Tips Slovakia for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Slovakia

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Slovakia?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

Create an account

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Slovakia

Quick navigation, about slovakia.

• Best Places to visit

Best Things to Do

Great adventure trips, slovakia’s outdoors, travel costs, travel safety, best time to visit, how to get around slovakia, best places to stay, useful travel tools, visa requirements when travelling to slovakia, interesting facts about slovakia.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Join our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Take our Slovakia travel trips and plan your unforgettable expedition into this underrated country punctuated by mountains, castles, and historic cities.

Europe is one of the most-visited continents in the world, housing countless must-see destinations. Not into bumping shoulders with tourists every step just to get from A to B? Find far lighter crowds and standout destinations in Slovakia, an underrated gem right in the heart of Europe. This little country boasts mountainous expanses that rival any other outdoor destination and towns and cities rich with history. Rock climb, hike, sightsee, bike, ski, and swim off the beaten path while you travel Slovakia!

Disclosure: This post contains references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you buy one of these products or services. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page .

Bratislava Castle The Clouds Slovakia Danube River

Slovakia is a self-assured nation born of the 1993 split of Czechoslovakia. Peacefully parting ways with the Czech Republic, each country embraced their own cultures and traditions to better define the two regions as separate entities. As a country that packs enticing topography, deep history, and distinct culture into one little package, it won’t take a long trip to get a feel for why other travellers are missing out by missing Slovakia.

Travellers to Slovakia often come to explore the splendid Old Town of Bratislava, the war-scarred fortresses, the impressive mountains, and the stately castles. For a trip that mixes outdoor adventure with cultural discovery, this is the place to be! While Bratislava will be most traveller’s jumping-off point, the far-north High Tatras mountain range cannot be left off the adventure traveller’s list. Košice provides a charming break en route to the Tokaj wine region in Slovakia’s sparsely-populated east. There’s lots to see, but this travel guide to Slovakia will show you how easy it is to see it all.

Best Places to Visit

When you step out of the plane, train, or automobile that brought you to Slovakia, odds are high that you’ll find yourself in Bratislava. This city of around 425,000 has been the capital since Slovakia became independent, and it’s a colourful blend of styles. Expect to find Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture all in one walk as you explore each castle and palace. Communist influence contrasts starkly with the ornate styles of earlier periods, with blocky apartment buildings harking back to the influence of the Communist Party of Slovakia.

While you’ll be cruising the gorgeous Old Town and perusing cafes and shops during the day, it’s impossible to ignore the raucous nightlife once the sun goes down. Bachelor parties from Vienna often target Bratislava to take advantage of the ever-flowing taps and rowdy bars. If you’re keen to be social, Bratislava will deliver.

Bratislava was also mentioned on The Broke Backpacker as one of the best places to visit when  backpacking in Eastern Europe .

High Tatras

We’ve talked about the High Tatras mountain range in detail, but you simply can’t plan an adventure travel trip to Slovakia without visiting these peaks. The High Tatras range is actually known as the smallest alpine mountain range in the world, but don’t let that deter you. The highest point of the range, Gerlachovský štít, reaches 2,655 m high. Mount Kriváň, Slovakia’s most iconic and recognizable peak, reaches 2,495 m high.

The High Tatras range is part of the larger Carpathian range that sprawls over the border between Slovakia and Poland. This region is home to ski resorts, over 600km of marked hiking trails, and cozy mountain towns to enjoy. Long-distance hikers love the 72.0 km Tatranská Magistrála trail that connects the mountains from east to west. Mountain bikers and snowshoers flock to the trails. Rock climbers can try their hands at unique routes. All that to say, this is where the action’s at if you’re looking to get outdoors!

Those visiting the High Tatras can make Štrbské Pleso, Starý Smokovec, or Tatranská Lomnica their home base.

Gerlachovsky stit hishest point in the High Tatras

Slovak Karst Caves

Get on top of the world, and then get below it! Some of Slovakia’s most incredible natural attractions are the karst caves tucked along the border with Hungary. These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for their otherworldly scenery. Seriously, it feels like you’re in a movie down here.

There are seven components to the entire site, four of which are in Slovakia. While all of the designated cave areas are worth seeing, we definitely recommend heading down into Dominica Cave to take an underground boat ride on the River Styx. Don’t worry, you won’t be headed to Hades.

Designated as the 2013 European Capital of Culture, Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia and the hub of the eastern side of the country. While only populated by some 240,000 people, Košice is packed with museums, galleries, exhibitions, and theatres. The architecture around the city is to die for, especially the dramatic St. Elisabeth Cathedral. Take a stroll down the pedestrian-only main street, where churches, aristocratic palaces, and modern boutiques line the sidewalk.

Košice also provides a great home base for those looking to explore the quiet eastern end of Slovakia. Most visitors to the idyllic Tokaj wine region will use this city as their gateway.

Slovakia boasts plenty to do for the adventure traveller and the casual tourist alike. To start building out an itinerary, here are some of our favourite things to do in Slovakia.

Get into those mountains! While we’ve covered the High Tatras, there are also great hiking routes in the Mala Fatra Mountains, which are conveniently just a couple of hours outside of Bratislava. While we’ve got a collection of route guides to help you find your way in Slovakia, some of our favourite hikes in the country include Mlynická Dolina to Furkotská Dolina Loop, Zelené Pleso, and Mount Rysy.

If you’re not looking to gain major elevation, a casual walk to explore the Garden of Janko Kráľ in Bratislava is lovely. Since 40% of the country is forested, you’ll find plenty of spots for a nice nature walk out in the woods without needing to scale a mountain. One of the top outdoor destinations in the country is Slovak Paradise, a national park that combines 19 different nature reserves, over 350 caves, and countless canyons and gorges to explore.

Halic Castle Galicia Lucenec Slovakia

So we’ve got mountains, we’ve got snowy winters… All we need is skis! Slovakia has a smattering of ski resorts, the most popular being Jasná Nízke Tatry–Chopok (perfect for advanced skiers and freeriders), Tatranská Lomnica (great for beginners), and Park Snow Donovaly (ideal for families with children). If you prefer cross-country to downhill, try Ski Mlynky. One of the most popular snow sports in Slovakia right now is “uphill skiing,” which is essentially the same as alpine touring. Skiers will use skins and detachable heel boots to climb up the hill, then shed their skins and lock in to descend.

Of course, snowboarders are more than welcome at the resorts of Slovakia. Most resorts open in December and remain open through the end of April.

Mountain Biking

There’s a thriving mountain biking scene in Slovakia, so those looking to explore on two wheels should feel right at home. Trails range from beginner to advanced and you’ll be able to find trailheads quite close to Bratislava. Some of the top-rated trails in the country include the Včelín Biely Kríž – Malý Slavín Bratislava Loop from Bratislava hlavná stanica (a mouthful), the Sandberg – Rozhladna Devinska kobyla Loop from Devínska Nová Ves, and the Forest Path Loop from Košice.

If you’re wanting to travel light, you can rent mountain bikes at shops throughout the country.

Cultural and Historical Exploration

Once you’ve tired yourself out on the trails, come back to the cities and towns of Slovakia to experience what makes this little country so special. Castles both pristine and in ruin are a true highlight here, and a day or two spent castle-spotting is a must. There are over 100 castles dotting the hills of Slovakia, the lovely 12th-century Bojnice Castle being one of the most visited castles in Europe. The neo-Gothic Orava Castle is one of the most beautiful in Slovakia and was used as a filming location for the 1992 silent film Nosferatu .

Once you’ve had your fill of castles (if that’s ever possible), pop into local museums to catch glimpses of Slovakia’s rich history. Our favourites are the Bratislava City Museum, the Museum of Clocks, the Slovak National Art Gallery, and the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum in Bratislava.

Planning your perfect Slovakia trip? Booking a guided or self-guided tour can take the stress off, allowing you to soak up the scenery while your accommodations, transport, meals, and activities are looked after. We add more adventure tours all the time, so check back soon to see what incredible trips we’ve added in Slovakia!

Hiking Slovakia

Slovakia is a small, landlocked country in central Europe. It’s bordered by Poland to the north, Austria to the southwest, Ukraine to the east, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. Much of the northern reaches of the country are covered with forested mountains. The central regions see a transition from the Ore Mountains to the lowlands of the Danube. Rural countryside dominates the east, where wine regions intertwine.

Carpathian Mountains

You’ve probably got it down by now that if you’re looking for adventure in Slovakia, you’re going to head north to the mountains. Slovakia’s mountain ranges are more impressive the further north you go, and this is where you’ll find the best hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowshoeing in the country. The Carpathian Mountains actually reach down into central Slovakia before giving way to flatter grounds.

The popular High Tatra range, where one of Slovakia’s most popular national parks lies, is part of the Central Western Carpathians. The Ore Mountains lie farther south, an important economic feature (judging by the name, you can probably guess why).

Outside of the mountains, most of Slovakia is lowland that leads towards the Danube River along the southern border. All of Slovakia’s smaller rivers drain south towards the Danube, which is a vital connector through Central Europe (and a fun spot for a river cruise!).

Bratislava dominates the western lowlands, and the eastern, while sparsely populated, host a wine region that sprawls into Hungary.

Good news! Slovakia won’t break the bank for travellers. While other, more well-known European destinations require some serious splurging (looking at you, Scandinavia, France, and Switzerland), Slovakia retains a factor of affordability due to its underrated travel status. While it’s not on par with known budget destinations, it’s a great way to experience the charm of Europe without draining your savings. We’ll talk about costs in USD for consistency.

Accessible to those in Europe but overseas for many travellers, flights to Slovakia vary greatly in cost depending on where they’re departing from. Travellers from North America should budget anywhere from $700-$1000 for flights depending on where they’re flying out of. Travellers in Europe could enjoy flights as cheap as $100 or less!

Popradske pleso. High Tatras Slovakia

Accommodation

Where you rest your head each night can be one of your best budgeting tools. Expect to spend about $50 per night for a midrange single-occupancy hotel (more like $80 or $90 for two people) or about $40 per night for a budget hotel or hostel. High-end hotel rooms can be booked for north of $300 per night.

Daily Expenses

While the cost of your day-to-day in Slovakia can be highly variable, expect to budget anywhere between $40 and $90 per day for food, travel, and sightseeing. If you’re planning a special excursion, we recommend choosing a provider beforehand and budgeting according to their costs.

Restaurant meals start at about $10, with lunch often being cheaper. Beer is exceptionally cheap here, with pints flowing for as little as $1.50. Expect fast food meals to come in around $6 and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant to run about $35.

Tips and Gratuities

Travellers from heavy-tipping countries, take note! Tipping in Slovakia typically happens at a much smaller percentage than you may be used to. 10 percent of the bill at a sit-down restaurant is plenty. When you pay, tell the server how much you want to pay, not how much change you want back. Take care not to say “thank you” until you’ve received your change back or the server may take it as a sign that you don’t want change.

Tipping hotel staff is not expected, but it’s nice if they went above and beyond for you. In taxis or shuttles, rounding up to the nearest euro is sufficient.

Slovakia is a considerably safe destination, with little for travellers to worry about beyond basic safety practices. You’ll likely find people to be generally courteous and polite.

There are a few local scams that specifically target tourists. First of all, although it might sound like a good time, beware of good-looking strangers inviting you to a specific bar. This is a common scam where foreigners are charged for overpriced drinks all night. While you might still enjoy your evening, your wallet will take a bigger hit than necessary.

Additionally, some taxi drivers will attempt to overcharge tourists, especially in Bratislava. Ensure you’re in an official cab (have the bar or hotel call a cab for you if you’re unsure), and insist on paying what the meter reads.

Another common scam involves strangers slashing your tires and then offering you help when you notice. If you see you have a flat tire and someone offers help, be suspicious. Keep an eye on your belongings, as theft is nearly always an objective in these situations.

Besides those specific scams, simply practice the same vigilance you would anywhere else. Keep your wallet and purse secure, especially in crowded areas, take care at ATMs, don’t travel in flashy jewelry, be wary of assertive or aggressive strangers, take care when travelling at night, and keep an eye on your drinks at the bar.

Travellers heading into the mountains should consider hiring a guide. If not, ensure you’re well-prepared with maps, GPS routes, proper clothing and footwear, and contacts off the trail who know where you’re going and when to expect you back.

Skiing Slovakia Jasna Nizke Tatry Chopok

Most travelling to Slovakia come between June and August when the warm summer weather is at its best. If you’re keen to explore the cities, hike, swim, or bike, summer is the perfect time to make the trip. If you’re more interested in skiing, December through February are ideal.

The busiest season in Slovakia is July and August, so be prepared for potentially heavier crowds around tourist attractions should you choose to visit during the summer.

In line with much of the rest of Europe, Slovakia boasts a well-connected public transport system that makes getting from A to B quite easy. In addition, other modes of transport and the small size of the country make it easy to navigate.

Not many travellers will fly across Slovakia. While you certainly could book a flight, taking the train is generally the more popular option. Most domestic flights serve to cover the ground between Bratislava and Košice. This route is run by Czech Airlines.

Trains are the easiest (and most scenic!) way to travel through Slovakia. The route between Bratislava and Košice is the most popular in the country, but you can also take the train to the north or south ends of the country.

We recommend buying tickets online in advance, as navigating the train system on the fly without any knowledge of Slovak can be hit or miss. The most popular train lines are Intercity (IC), or Eurocity (EC). You can purchase tickets online through Slovak Railways .

Slovak Karst Caves Slovak Karst Caves

With an impressive network of bus lines spidering through the country, it’s impressively easy to reach even seemingly remote towns by bus in Slovakia. We recommend paying close attention to timetables , as weekends, evenings, holidays, and the size of the town served all affect how often buses run.

If you prefer total control over your travel plans and the flexibility to move around without a schedule, renting a car might be the best way to get around Slovakia. Rental cars can be arranged in Bratislava, Košice, and Poprad. You may need an International Driving Permit to drive in Slovakia, so we recommend touching base with a rental car company in advance to check.

Highways in Slovakia are kept in good shape, but you may find potholes, cobblestone streets, and narrow lanes in cities and towns. Take care. Additionally, know that winter tires may be mandatory in the snow, and you’ll not be permitted to drive with any alcohol in your system. Speed limits in Slovakia may feel fast to drivers from some countries- you’ll see drivers easily exceeding 130km/hr on the highway. Keep out of the passing lane unless passing and note seasonal reductions in speed limits.

When you travel to Slovakia, you’ll have a few choices of where to rest your head each night.

For those on a budget, hostels are available. Check out Hostel World for locations throughout the country.

Camping isn’t as popular or easy in Slovakia as it is in some other European destinations, as wild camping or random camping is prohibited. You’ll need to book a designated campsite , some of which offer nice facilities and spaces for campers or other larger vehicles.

Most travellers to Slovakia will stay in hotels, which are safe bets across the country. You’ll be able to find a hotel room in most places you end up.

St.Elisabeth Cathedral Kosice Slovakia

Booking Accommodation

These are some of our most-used websites to book hotels on: Booking.com , Hotels.com , Expedia.com , and Agoda.com . For long-term rentals or more unique listings, check with Vrbo.com .

Booking Flights

Trying to snag the best price possible? Check out Skyscanner or CheapOair . Those waiting for the cheapest time to book flights should download the Hopper app.

Train Tickets and Car Rentals

Book train tickets with Slovak Railways .

To score a deal on your car rental, check Economy Bookings . Leaving your car at the terminal? Try using Airport Parking Reservations to save some cash on airport parking.

Planning on getting out and about? Of course you are. For warm winter threads suitable for the hill or trail, some of our favourites are Arc’teryx , Patagonia , and Helly Hansen . For those needing trail running and hiking gear, check Salomon and the Running Room . And if you plan on doing some hiking and backpacking, gear up through MEC or MSR .

We recommend choosing your gear ahead of time and bringing it with you, as quality outdoor gear is not very widely available in Slovakia.

Slovakia is part of the Schengen zone, a group of countries in Europe with standardized visa requirements. You can find a list of countries whose nationals are required to apply for a visa prior to travelling to Slovakia on the Schengen Visa Info website , but always check with your local travel authority to confirm. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply for a visa just to change planes in the Schengen area. For quick reference, citizens of Canada and the United States do not require visas. Tourist visas are normally valid for 90 days.

No matter where you fall in terms of your visa, you’ll always need a valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid until 3 months after your departure date. Certain criminal convictions can prevent your entry to Slovakia, so it’s good to check ahead to make sure you’re eligible for entry.

Tokaj wine region vineyards

Want some fun facts to share with your newfound Slovak friends? Here are some interesting claims to fame for Slovakia.

• Slovakia boasts the highest number of castles per capita in the world. There are 180 castles and 450 chateaux within its borders.
• Even more impressive than the number of castles is the number of caves in Slovakia: 6000 of them!
• Bratislava is the only capital city in the world that borders two other countries (Hungary and Austria).
• The geographical middle of Europe is in Slovakia, close to a village called Kremnické Bane.
• You can stand in awe of the tallest Gothic wooden altar in the world here. It’s the altar of St. Jakub.
• The oldest toy ever discovered was dug up near Košice: a 3000-year old wheeled pushcart.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slovakia

Nobody hops on a plane without a few questions first! Hopefully these answers to frequently asked questions about travelling to Slovakia help you plan your perfect trip.

What language do Slovaks speak?

Well, Slovaks speak Slovak. Slovak is similar to literary Czech, but the two languages are distinct. You’ll likely also come across German, Hungarian, and Czech speakers while travelling through Slovakia. Many Slovaks know some English, especially younger generations, but it’s not as reliably spoken as in some other European countries.

How should I travel around Slovakia?

Trains and buses are the best way to travel within Slovakia. They’re well-connected, affordable, and allow you to appreciate the fantastic scenery.

Is Slovakia cold?

Sometimes, yes! Slovakia enjoys pleasant summers and chillier winters. If visiting between November and March, expect some occasional below-freezing temperatures and snow, especially closer to the mountains.

Vysoke Tatry Strba Tarn Lake

Is Slovakia dangerous?

Slovakia is not especially dangerous for travellers. Exercise the same common-sense safety practices you would anywhere else.

Does Slovakia use the euro?

Yes. You can pay using the euro in Slovakia, which was adopted as their currency in 2009.

What is the food like in Slovakia?

Slovakian cuisine is similar to other Central European nations, focusing on meat and dairy. Slovakian food was born of a need for high-energy, affordable, quick meals for peasants, herders, and labourers. Lovers of leafy greens should prepare themselves: vegetables are not as plentiful or diverse in Slovakian food.

Expect dishes like pork dumplings, pierogies, cabbage soup, bread with meats or jam, and goulash soup. While in Bratislava, you’ll be able to find more popular chain restaurants and fast food if you look for it.

Top Destinations

Tour activities, top regions, get travel inspiration and discounts.

Join our weekly travel newsletter

• Pottery Craft
• Stone Carving
• Basket Weaving
• Rug Weaving
• String Cheese Making
• Habakuky Story Land
• Pig Roasting & live folk music
• Natural Thermal park spas
• Food Tasting Tour
• Orava Logging Railroad
• Rohace – Lakes & Waterfall
• “Salaš” – Sheep farm
• Museum of historic Orava Village
• Slanica Island of Art
• Traditional Pig Slaughter
• Jánošíkove diery & Rozsutec
• Kvačianska & Prosiecka valley
• In the footsteps of Poets and Artists
• Facts & Questionnaire
• Gallery & Video
• World Sled Dog Championship 2012 – Book Cheap Last Minute Accommodation & Packages Deals!
• How to get to Slovakia
• Booking process & Responsible Travel Policy
• What is included
• More Services We Offer
• Family Adventure
• Orava Castle
• Pig Roasting & live folk music
• Rohace – Lakes & Waterfall
• “Salaš” – Sheep farm
• Jánošíkove diery & Rozsutec
• Kvačianska & Prosiecka valley
• Facts & Questionnaire
• Gallery & Video
• World Sled Dog Championship 2012 – Book Cheap Last Minute Accommodation & Packages Deals!
• Booking process & Responsible Travel Policy
• Air Fare Booking
• Car Rental & Transfer
• Travel Insurance
• We pride ourselves in planning your adventure travel vacation to suit your needs and custom design each tour based on your desires and our thorough knowledge of the region so that your time with us will be filled with delightful memories.
• You will be accompanied by  enthusiastic ,  professional and knowledgeable English speaking guides who have thoroughly explored every region and will keep you good company.
• We provide all services, including transportation, accommodations and any additional requests you might have to make your vacation hassle and worry free .
• Our tours are  relaxing and  fun .
• We do our utmost to make sure your time spent with us in Slovakia is the most  enjoyable so you can experience the traditional Slovak atmosphere.
• UNESCO Tour
• Slovakia castles Tour
• Slovakia guided walking Tour
• Wine, Beer and Liquor tasting Tour
• The Best of Slovakia Tour
• 1day Cycling Tours
• 7day Cycling Tour
• Dental treatment
• Health & Welness Tatras Mountains guesthouse in Slovakia
• Fitness holiday in Slovakia
• Entertaiment
• Sightseeing
• Team cooperation
• Slovakia ski mountaineering holiday
• HIGH TATRAS winter hiking holiday in Slovakia
• High Tatras
• Hight Tatras – Štrbské pleso
• Kysucké Beskydy – Veľká Rača
• Low Tatras – Jasná
• West Tatras – Roháče
• Tailor- made Tours
• Self-guide Tours
• Aquaparks and Thermal parks
• Armored Tank Rides
• Balloon Rides
• Cycling Tours
• Horseback Riding
• Paragliding
• Rock Climbing
• Trekking and Hiking
• Cross country skiing
• Ski Mountaineering
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Wellness and Spa
• Hang Gliding
• Pick your own
• Roháče Sunrise Hike
• Timber Boat

• Hor sa na hory
• Slovak Express
• Visio creative studio

• Explore the outdoors, cycling routes, mountains and countryside
• Visit   UNESCO  heritage sites
• Visit local and historic attractions – “ Nosferatu ” castle or an old  historic mining town  with remains of its  s ilver ore mine
• Hike to a remote sheep farm where you can see a and learn how cheese is made the old fashion way
• Taste traditional local food such as “bryndzové halušky” or have a taste of home-made “Slivovica” brandy
• Join us for a traditional pig slaughter party
• Follow the footsteps of Juraj Janosik – the Slovak Robin Hood or become a part (and a victim) in the staged robbery show by this heroic outlaw and his “Merry Men” who stole from the rich and gave it to the poor                                                    EST Frontier Slovakia Team; designed by travelers, loved by all!   

Guides & Guided Tours

Choose your Slovak guide to show you best places around Slovakia!

Bookings and availability via direct contact. No additional fees apply, you pay directly to your tourist guide.

Please tell your guide you come from slovakia.com ♥

Slovakia Guides

Eva Čubríková

All Slovakia | Language: EN, RU, SK

Specialist in Bratislava and surroundings, good knowledge of all Slovakia. Sightseeings are also possible by a private car, by bike or by segway.

• The Old Town, Bratislava and Devin Castles
• The Little Carpathian wine region, visit of ceramics workshop and Red Stone Castle
• Trnava (the Slovak Rome) and Piestany Spa
• Piestany Spa and Trencin Castle
• Tailor-made sightseeings

✉️   +421 903 768 334        [email protected]

František Compel

High Tatras | Language: IT, RU, partly EN

International Mountain Guide UIAGM, offering climbs in High Tatras – Gerlach, Lomnicky Peak, Ladovy Peak, Vysoka…

• Mountain guiding
• Rock walls and icefalls climbing
• Ski mountaineering tours
• Climbing courses

✉️   +421 903 654 554        [email protected]

Miki Knižka

High Tatras | Language: EN, SK

International Mountain Guide UIAGM. We offer the following activities: summer and winter hikes to all the peaks in the High Tatras, climbing tours and courses (for beginners and advanced), hiking, team building for companies, expeditions around the world, avalanche and ski touring courses (for beginners and advanced), ice-climbing and many other activities in the mountains…

✉️   +421 907 528 355        [email protected]

Bratislava and surroundings | Language: EN, DE, IT, PL, RU, SK

Fascinating selection of tours in and around Bratislava- historic houses, castles, churches in the city and/or in the countryside. Visitors will admire the historic monuments of the Old City /HD Walking Tours, or FD Tours (Carpathian Mountains Wine Route) connected with excursion to famous ceramics manufacture and visiting the splendid medieval castle Cerveny kamen (The Red rock).

You will find that I am open to adapt to your time tag and I am ready to make-to measure guide services.

✉️   +421 903 246 495        [email protected]

Marta Kulíková

Spis, Liptov, Pieniny, the Tatras, Slovak paradise, Slovakia Language: EN, RU, SK

Would you like to know more about history and culture of Tatra mountains and under mountains region?

• Spis historical towns: Levoca, Kezmarok, Stara Lubovna, castles: Spis, Lubovna, Kezmarok
• Open air museums: Stara Lubovna, Pribylina
• Pieniny: Red Monastery, rafting, hiking
• Tatra mountains: Tatra villages, nature, caves

✉️   +421 905 748 586        [email protected]

Ing. Tomáš Vaverčák

We offer guiding all around the High Tatras with professional mountain guides. Reach the summits of High Tatras, try ice climbing, rock climbing or skitouring. With us everything is possible. Most popular tours are Gerlach, Lomnický or Ľadové peaks.

✉️   +421 902 552 688         [email protected]

Milan Šalko

Central and northern Slovakia | Language: RU, SK, partly EN, DE

Guide to the montains and sights of central and northern Slovakia.

• Royal town of Zvolen, Deserted castle
• Central mining towns
• High and Low Tatras, Great Fatra, Poľana, Kremnické hills
• Discovering the forgotten Slovak history

✉️   +421 904 263 073        [email protected]

Martin Koška

High Tatras, Low Tatras, Slovak paradise, Slovakia | Language: EN, SK

We offer hiking and sightseeing stays all around Slovakia focused on the High Tatras area. We organize our trips in the most interesting places of tourist region Liptov and Spiš. Our clients can choose from various excursions focusing on tourism or cultural historical monuments, one or multiple daytrips.

✉️   +421 905 594 240        [email protected]

The most beautiful four-leaf clover of Slovak Karst: A trip from dawn to dusk

Tips for trips

How many times do you have a chance to see up to 4 exceptional places practically at once? Let’s pleasantly destroy yourself in the Slovak Karst in one day. These are 4 wonderful stops of our trip …

Historic hotels in Slovakia: Enjoy the luxury and whiff of history

Luxury Slovakia

Enjoy first-class accommodation thanks to the traditions of our country, its history and heritage. Luxurious rooms and apartments with a bit of history, a lot of charisma and, of course, great services, reflecting many years of work of enthusiastic hoteliers.

Ladder Adventures: How to make your children love hiking (3 tips for trips)

Trips with kids

Long day trips are a lifelong contribution to children’s lives. They will remember how you taught them respect and reverence for all living things. They will learn to overcome obstacles and understand responsibilities for what they do.

Living History: 4 unique places that take you back hundreds of years

This is the time when we get to brag a little about Slovakia’s rich history. Once upon a time…. only God knows when this pretty area got occupied by people for the very first time. Some say it was 250 000 years ago.

You asked: What time is best to go for a hiking trip in Tatras?

Question from our reader Marc L.: I am interested in a hiking trip in Slovakia and the Tatras looks like a beautiful place to hike. This is for a group of 4 people. What time is best to go?

Latest from Slovakia

Explore the world with tourHQ

• Destinations
• I am a Guide
• I am a Traveller
• Online Experiences
• Currency (USD)

Soaring to the High Tatra ski fields and rolling down to fun-loving Bratislava, Slovakia is a jewel of Eastern Europe. Get stuck into its mountains and castles with help from a tourHQ guide.

Search Cities in Slovakia

Slovakia Tour Guides

Daniela Adamcova

Ahoj! Hello and welcome to Bratislava! I'm Daniela and can't wait to guide you around my hometown. ...

Maria Zatkova

Timea Kovacsova

Dominika Nazarejová

Adventoura Slovakia

Welcome to Slovakia. I am ERIK ŠEV ÍK and I work as a tourist guide in Slovakia, ...

Nina Cunderlikova

I am working as a professional licensed tour guide. I have started to work in 2007. ...

Branislav Švorc

My name is Branislav A. Švorc and I am a tour guide in Eastern Slovakia. Since 2006 I have ...

Matej Masár

Silvio Leštach

Laci Juščák

Rolando Loureiro

Petra Neumanova

Robert Šaho

I am one of the youngest guides in Bratislava but i think it isnt a problem :) I am very fresh and ...

Matti Ranta-Krenkku

Long experience in tour operating with a mini-bus.

Peter Mikulas

Anton Nevedel

I am young guide and I can show you the best places in Bratislava and around. I have a lot of ...

In the heart of Central Europe, tiny Slovakia’s lights tend to get dimmed by its more popular neighbours, but there are plenty of reasons to visit this landlocked country. Rich in history and with the age-old relics to prove it, Slovakia is full of ancient folkways and wooden churches, as is the medieval capital Bratislava, a city easy to fall in love with. Speckled with winsome riverfront cafes and narrow, winding streets, the city’s pleasant old town is topped with Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral and gothic attractions like that of St. Clare’s Church. The city is simply awash in charming architecture. With nine national parks, it’s no wonder why Slovakian travel guides lead you straight toward its many natural wonders. In fact, the country’s gifted geographical formations are what make up most of the tourist sights here. A majority of Slovakia is swimming with rivers and lakes that carve out limestone caves (some of which are UNESCO-listed,) velvety valleys and Tatra Mountains, perfect for mountain climbers or winter sports enthusiasts.

Tell us your destination, date, and group size.

Our team of travel experts and guides will design a tailored itinerary just for you., enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of..

Say Goodbye to Travel Stress

Choose Currency Close modal

• USD US, dollar
• GBP British Pounds

Cookie icon We use cookies!

We, and third parties, use cookies for technical and analytical purposes, for marketing purposes and for integration with social media. For more information, refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Consent.

By clicking on 'I agree', you consent to the use of these cookies.

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary — How to spend 6 days…

Leh Ladakh bike trip blog — Ladakh bike trip guide &…

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to…

Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Slovakia travel blog — the fullest slovakia travel guide for first-timers.

Different from the famous bustling, modern cities of Europe, the small beautiful country of Slovakia located in the eastern of Europe offers visitors a peaceful, relaxing but equally magnificent experience. The beautiful country of Slovakia is favored by nature with countless green patches and fresh air to help you dispel all fatigue and boring.

• Bratislava travel blog — The fullest Bratislava travel guide for a budget trip for first-timers

Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary — How to spend 6 days in Ladakh by motorbike?

Leh ladakh bike trip blog — ladakh bike trip guide & tips for first-timers, guide to shenzhen nightlife — top 5 things & what to do in shenzhen at night, ladakh trip cost per person from delhi — how much does ladakh trip by bike cost.

So, is Slovakia worth visiting, how to visit Slovakia, what to do in Slovakia and how to plan a budget trip to Slovakia for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Slovakia travel blog (Slovakia blog) with the fullest Slovakia travel guide (guide to Slovakia, Slovakia tourist guide, Slovakia guide) from how to get to Slovakia, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Slovakia to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Slovakia owns for itself the clear green color of the vast forests that cover the whole country along with the ancient colors from the dignified and majestic castles dating back to the Middle Ages. Relaxing and enjoying peace are things that everyone will experience when coming to Slovakia.

Overview of Slovakia (#slovakia travel blog)

Slovakia is a country born after the 1993 partition of Czechoslovakia. Separated from the Czech Republic (Czechia), each country adopted its own culture and traditions to better define the two regions as separate entities. As a country that encapsulates wonderful landscapes, deep history and distinct cultures, it doesn’t take a long trip to see why the country is more appealing than you might think.

The Slovak Republic has a population of over 5.6 million with Slovak as the main language. The country has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and of the Schengen Agreement in 2007 (The border-free Schengen Area), allowing holders of Schengen tourist visas to freely enter and visit Slovakia.

If you want to travel to Europe but does not like the hustle and bustle here, Slovakia is a worthy choice. This place offers a peaceful and relaxing experience but still has a majestic and magnificent appearance thanks to the antiquity of medieval castles and buildings.

Currently, the country has a modern, a middle-income economy with the fastest economic growth rates in the EU and OECD regions. With an area of only 49,000 square kilometers, Slovakia has preserved hundreds of ancient castles and medieval strongholds and fortresses, along with countless natural wonders such as 6,000 caves, 1,600 hot springs and 9 national parks.

When to come? (#slovakia blog)

Slovakia’s climate has 4 distinct seasons, the temperature difference between winter and summer is quite large. Summer temperatures fluctuate around 21 degrees Celsius while winter temperatures can drop to -2 degrees Celsius.

Slovakia’s main tourist season runs from May to September every year, with the months between spring and autumn (May-June and September-October) being a great time to visit. The weather at that time is not too hot, moreover the tourist spots were not too crowded, very convenient for traveling and sightseeing.

Because of its temperate location, the ideal time to experience Slovakia is in 2 times, from May to September and from December to March.

Slovakia can get quite cold during the winter months and offers few things to do during this time. Fortunately, the warmer months go on for quite a while, giving you a huge window in which to visit and explore Slovakia. From early April to late October, Slovakia is warm enough to make sure the whole country is open to you to explore.

Slovakia often welcomes summer with exciting musical activities such as the Pohoda Festival (an open-air summer music festival ) in July in Bratislava or the Grape Festival in the town of Piestany. Summer is also a good time for climbing, hiking activities, with the most famous place is the High Tatras (we recommend going around August to make sure the snow has melted in the mountains).

If you love sports, especially snow sports, you can choose to travel during the winter break from December to March. The ski resorts will be open at the same time, fully equipped with equipment for rent for visitors to participate in winter activities and sports. Cross-country skiing is one of the popular local sports that you should try.

In summer, the weather is cool at no more than 20 degrees Celsius, and in winter, it is extremely attractive with outdoor sports activities.

In addition, Christmas in the West is also a memorable experience. If you come at the right time, don’t forget to visit the Christmas markets in Bratislava and Košice, where many traditional local festivals and atmosphere are kept.

How to get to Slovakia? (#slovakia travel guide)

From Vietnam, you can land at Milan Rastislav Štefánik International Airport in Bratislava capital via airlines of Vietnam Airlines, Korean Air, Czech Airlines (all of these airlines have to go through 1 or 2 transit times).

The best way to get to the best spots in Slovakia is to fly to Bratislava or Košice, the country’s two largest cities.

You can find lots of direct flights to Bratislava Airport (BTS) and Košice International Airport (KSC) from many major European cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Prague, Madrid and Berlin.

The airport is only 10km from the city center, so after landing, you can take a taxi or take bus number 61 (stop at Central Train Station) to go into the city.

If you travel from neighboring countries to Slovakia, the road will be the most convenient way. Because it is located in the central of Europe, it is easy and fast to traveling from the surrounding areas to here.

Train (#slovakia travel guide)

EuroCity trains (from Czech, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Russia, Ukraine), long-distance cross-country buses (from Poland, Austria, Czech Republic) or even taxis (from Austria) are very popular among tourists on a trip that combines many European countries. But the big downside of going this way is that it takes a lot of time and energy.

In addition, if you land at Budapest airport, you can catch direct bus from there to Bratislava.

Getting around (#slovakia blog)

There are no domestic flights in Slovakia, use a car, train or bus to travel between cities. Slovakia has the eighth most dangerous roads in Europe. Ferry service is available between Bratislava and Budapest or Vienna. Buses and trams are available in major cities. Taxis often have higher fare than usual.

Where to go and what to do?

Visitors to Slovakia often come to explore Bratislavas quaint old town, its war-scarred fortresses, impressive mountains and stately castles. For a trip that combines outdoor adventure with cultural discovery, this is the place for you! While Bratislava would be the stop for most visitors, the northernmost High Tatras range is also a must for adventurers. Košice offers an attractive stay en route to the Tokaj wine region in Slovakia’s sparsely populated east.

Bratislava (#slovakia blog)

Bratislava city – the capital of Slovakia is a place you definitely cannot miss when traveling to this country. One of the typical architectural works of the city is Bratislava castle located on the 85m hill. With famous attractions such as Bratislava castle, Danube river cruise, Devín castle, Rusovce villa… you will discover both the unique history and culture here.

The magnificent and ancient beauty of the Bratislava castle is seen from afar as a majestic guarding monument for the city, on the other side, the castle’s shadow is reflected in the calm water of the Danube River below, creating a majestic but tranquil setting.

Once here, wander through the old town and explore the areas of Michael’s Gate and Old Town Hall. Afterwards, head to the stunning Bratislava castle and see the city from above. It’s where you can spend a good few hours, so plan your time wisely. In addition, visitors can visit the Blue Church and the Presidential Palace.

If you are a  history lover, take a short trip from the historic center to explore Devin Castle. The area has been inhabited since Neolithic times, making it a rather special place to visit.

Parks, green lakes and winding small streets also add to the peaceful life, where you will be freed for walking every afternoon watching the city light up. In addition, the old town, Devín castle, Rusovce villa are other famous places in the city you can visit.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia is centrally located 1 hour from Vienna or 3 hours by train from Budapest. So ideally include your Central European itinerary with Bratislava when visiting Austria or Hungary.

High Tatras National Park (#slovakia tourist guide)

The National Park of the High Tatras (Vysoke Tatry) is a beautiful mountainous region in the north of Slovakia that is well worth a visit. Plus, it’s an area you really can’t miss when exploring a country with diversity in terms of terrain like Slovakia.

This majestic alpine range and sparkling alpine lakes are easily one of the best places in Slovakia if you are a nature lover. Divided into Western Tatras, High Tatras and Belianske Tatras, there are many different landscapes and geological settings for you to admire.

Tatras is a mountain range located on the border of Slovakia and Poland where mountaineers often hiking through its valleys and peaks (Kriváň, Rysy, Gerlachovský peaks) for sightseeing.

When winter comes, this area attracts people to come here for skiing and vacationing. The two most famous ski runs are Areál (Štrbské pleso) and Skalnaté pleso.

The North Spiš region also preserves a lot of historical architectural works of previous eras such as: monastery (Červený kláštor), castle (Kežmarok, ubovniansky) or the Town Monument reserves (Spišská Sobota, Kežmarok, Podolínec).

The mountain range is blessed with lush green vegetation stretching throughout the mountain range. Under the mountains we will encounter a large natural lake, many tourists often love to visit this lake because of its beautiful turquoise color.

You’ll find plenty of trails, and if you want to explore hiking, always follow the main routes. If you don’t like hiking, take the cable car to the top of Lomnicky Stit. Alternatively, explore Lake Pleso or take a dip in one of the heated pools at Tatralandia or Besenova water parks.

You should come here in winter because you will be able to ski at two famous slides, Areál (Štrbské pleso) and Skalnaté pleso, and experience the cold air and appealing winter nature here.

The Propad is part of the High Tatras Mountain area and is often considered the ‘gateway’ to this stunning region. The area is easy to visit and you can visit the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, the Renaissance bell tower and the Tatras Museum, all within walking distance.

Kosice is the second largest city in Slovakia and is located close to the Hungarian border with cobbled streets and gothic churches. All this makes it easy to visit if you are exploring both countries and looking for a stop on the way. With its deep and rich history, you will be transported back to the medieval time, as well as the gothic churches of great beauty.

Designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, Košice is the second largest city in Slovakia and the eastern center of the country. Although there are only about 240,000 inhabitants, Košice is full of museums, galleries, exhibitions and theaters. The architecture around the city is absolutely stunning, especially the impressive Church of St. Elisabeth. Stroll down the main pedestrian-only street, where churches, aristocratic palaces and modern fashion boutiques line the sidewalks. To be sure to visit the beautiful Kosice palace and the historic Spis castle.

Spiš Castle

Moving near the Polish border there is another interesting place, which is the Spiš castle. The castle covers an area of ​​more than 4 hectares, is a national cultural monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 and is also one of the largest castles in Central Europe.

This medieval structure built on a hill near the 12th-century town of Spisske Podharadie was the residence of the Spis clans and the Hungarian kings. Inside the castle are many collections of the history of Spišské and medieval weapons.

You can visit the surrounding village landscape by following the Sivá Brada – Dreveník footpath, which has signs indicating the location of hills and natural landscapes.

Note: Spi Castleš Castle is only open from May to September (9am-7pm). Entrance fee 5 euros/person.

In addition, you can visit nearby attractions that are equally old as Spiš castle such as: monastery (Červený kláštor), castle (Kežmarok, ubovniansky), Town Monument reserves (Spišská) Sobota, Kesmarok, Podolinec).

If you see Slovakia as a crown, the Liptov region would probably be one of the brightest jewels attached to that crown. Liptov is the most visited province in Slovakia, especially in winter, because the country’s largest ski resort – Jasná is located here. If winter sports don’t appeal to you, the Liptov region also has the Tatralandia Aquarium, one of the largest water parks in Central Europe, or the ancient village of Vikolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Žilina (#slovakia travel blog)

Located near the border with the Czech Republic and Poland, the city of Žilina is famous for its old town with its many beautiful churches peacefully and its geographical location that allows you to see the nearby Mala Fatra mountain range. Not only is it a great place to immerse yourself in history and art, Žilina is also well-suited for hiking and climbing activities or more extreme sports like paragliding.

Slovakia has some wonderful castles, but none are more beautiful than the one in Bojnice. The fairytale castle with high stone walls, narrow windows and green spire surrounded by lush green forest. It’s a real fairy tale castle and one of the most important Slovakian monuments that you must see while in the area.

The historic town of Banská tiavnica

Set among the forests around Mount Tiavnické and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was once known as the “silver town” because of the abundance of silver mines in the mountains surrounding the town. However, the last mine closed in 2001 and the other mines are now on display for sightseeing purposes only.

In the Middle Ages, the Town of Banska Stiavnica was famous for its mines specialized in the extraction of silver and gold. By exploiting this, the town was profitable, people’s lives become richer lives. Evidence of this lifestyle can be seen in the collection of opulent castles and palaces that fill the town center. The town of Banska Stiavnica is one of the best preserved architectural structures and the town has become one of the major cultural centers of the community. In terms of nature, it has the Stiavnica mountain range with beautiful scenery.

The town with many unique architectural works that will be very attractive to architecture or history enthusiasts such as: Old Chateau castle, New Chateau castle, Trojičné namestie square, Radničné namestie square, Gothic cathedral of St. St. Catherine, town hall, Hellenbach House, Kammerhof building.

Old town of Bardejov

One of Slovakia’s oldest towns has a Gothic style and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The old town here is still preserved intact architectural style, rows of houses with the same facade surround the central square of Radničné.

The square area is also home to typical buildings such as the town hall built in the 16th century, the Egidius Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery.

Bardejov is known as an ancient town with houses close together, built in the architectural style of old European houses. One of the things that visitors notice when coming here is the fortresses built in the Middle Ages. But thanks to good preservation, these fortresses have kept their shape until now. The landscape here is naturally endowed with a gentle and elegant beauty, giving visitors a feeling of relaxation.

Referring to the famous landmarks of  Slovakia, the name Bardejov cannot be ignored. This town possesses many cultural relics that are still preserved intact and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Kezmarok located at the foot of the High Tatras mountain. The Protestant Church is the pride of this town. The entire space inside the church is designed entirely of wood, picturesque, established in 1688.

Kezmarok was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2008.

Vlkolinec village was recognized by UESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1993. The village appears with wild and rustic beauty but no less dynamism because of the prominence coming from the colors. In addition to the ancient architecture of the village, a special feature is also the bell tower made of wood from the 17th century at the junction, the center of the village. It is considered as a symbol of the ancient village of Vlkolinec and is the main community space of the village.

The Dobsinska Ice Cave is covered with ice year-round and is considered one of the most remarkable ice caves in the world. Ochtinska Cave is one of only three caves in the world with rich natural decoration of aragonite – the other two are located in Mexico and Argentina.

Domica Cave is part of a 25 km long cave system that ends in Hungary. When the water table is high enough, you can row a small motorized boat down the underground river as far as Hungary’s Baradla cave.

Those are just three caves, in addition the country there are more than 7 thousand caves and you can visit 12 of them.

What to eat?

Slovak cuisine like other Central European countries, focuses on meat and dairy. Slovak food was born out of a need for affordable, high-energy fast meals for farmers, ranchers and workers. Lovers of greens should prepare their own: vegetables are not abundant or varied in Slovak food.

Dishes include pork buns, pierogi dumplings, sauerkraut soup, bread with meat or jam, and goulash soup. While in Bratislava you will be able to find many famous fast food and restaurant chains.

Bryndzové is a high quality, creamy, soft, locally produced sheep cheese. Although this cheese is also produced in neighboring countries, each country has its own special recipe, and the Slovaks are especially proud of their flavor. Cheese is often served with potato dumplings, very similar to Italian gnocchi. Finally, to create the best possible combination, pieces of smoked bacon and sausage are often placed on top.

Bryndzové halušky

Having traveled to Slovakia, it is impossible to ignore Bryndzové halušky (dumplings with sheep cheese), the national dish of Slovakia. The dish is made from crispy French fries, adds a little cheese flavor typical of Slovakia, onion and if you like, you can ask to add smoked meat to this dish.

Jaternice sausage

When you come across this dish, you must be surprised and ask why it is similar to pork sausage in Vietnam, right? In fact, Jaternice pork sausage is also made from all pig ingredients to make pork sausage, but thanks to the new recipes of the residents here, the dish has a unique taste completely different from that in Vietnam or in South Korea. When traveling to Slovakia, remember to order Jaternice pork sausage to feel the delicious taste.

Kapustnica Soup

Kapustnica’s main ingredient is sauerkraut, cooked in a rich broth with potatoes, mushrooms, bacon and other ingredients, and served with bread. The traditional favorite dish on Christmas Eve of the Slovak people you should try it once.

Sauerkraut soup appears at every traditional Christmas dinner, but is also enjoyed year-round as an appetizer before the main meal.

Vyprážaný syr

This is fried cheese served with french fries and tartar sauce. This dish usually uses Edam cheese and is best served with a cup (several) of Velký Pivo.

Palacinky (Slovak Crepes Suzettes)

Here is another version of crepes with all sorts of lovely ingredients. The thin crepe and melts in your mouth when served with homemade apricot jam. Strawberry jam, hazelnut spread, powdered sugar and cinnamon are other popular fillings.

What to buy?

Slovakia has up to 6 wine-producing regions in the southern territories. You can choose from many different wines to bring back as gifts such as red wine, white wine, rosé of famous brands Frankovka Modra, Rulandske Biele, Alibernet.

Slovakian corn husk dolls

This is an item that shows the ingenuity and boldness of the Slovak tradition. These dolls are often dressed in the traditional costumes of this country.

Dolls made from corn husk are handmade toys with bold traditions of local agriculture. The corn leaves are dried and trimmed into dolls of different shapes, simulating daily activities and wearing traditional costumes of the local people.

Embroidered clothes will be a very suitable gift for women. Products of tops, pants, skirts, towels, towels, etc. embroidered with brocade motifs or traditional patterns very meticulously and delicately. You can find this fabric at the Parta shop (bratislava and Detva cities).

For women, this is probably one of the most suitable options. From T-shirts and tank tops to skirts, you can find fashion products with unique and vibrant patterns in every corner of Slovakia, so be sure to browse a few stores to compare. Compare price and quality before deciding to buy.

In Slovakia, Tatra tea is not a regular tea but an herbal flavored tea containing alcohol. The strongest can contain up to 72% alcohol and there are 11 different flavors to choose from. The combination of tea, herbs and alcohol helps to keep the body warm, often used by indigenous people in winter or when hiking.

This is a familiar snack of Slovak people, with many flavors from chocolate, milk, coconut or hazelnut.

Where to stay? (#slovakia tourist guide)

For convenience of traveling you should stay in Slovenia’s capital Bratislava. Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• LOFT Hotel Bratislava (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Marrol’s Boutique Hotel Bratislava (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Danubia Gate Bratislava (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Devin (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Sheraton Bratislava Hotel (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Tips before you go

• You can pay in euros when traveling to Slovakia, which was accepted as their currency in 2009. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions or shops.
• Slovakia is part of the Schengen area, a group of countries in Europe with standardized visa requirements. You can find a list of countries where citizens must apply for a visa before coming to Slovakia and only need a Schengen visa to visit Slovakia.
• The national language of Slovakia is Slovak, spoken by 80% of the population. Czech is the second most commonly spoken language in Slovakia. Hungarian, English, Russian and German are also commonly known languages in Slovakia. About 13% of the population speaks English, usually teenagers to those in their 30s. English speakers will have no trouble communicating in big cities.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bratislava you can refer to

• Bratislava Day Tour from Vienna
• Bratislava Day Tour by Bus and Boat from Vienna
• Bratislava Classic Walking Tour
• Bratislava Grand City Tour
• Bratislava by Night Walking Tour
• Bratislava and Devin Castle Walking Tour
• Budapest Day Tour from Bratislava
• Bratislava by Sightseeing Bus
• Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat
• Bratislava: Riverside, Castle or Complete City Segway Tours
• Catamaran Transfer between Vienna & Bratislava
• Bratislava: Sightseeing Bus Tour & Castle Museum Admission

Are you looking for more top things to do in Slovakia and Bratislava : Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

India travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before traveling to India

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to spend 5 days in Coron?

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top things to do in Arashiyama

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in a day trip?

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions & best places to visit in Kunming

Editor picks.

Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary — How to spend 6 days...

Leh Ladakh bike trip blog — Ladakh bike trip guide &...

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1461
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 208
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy