Košice is one of Central Europe’s most charming hidden gems. Located in eastern Slovakia,it blends Gothic grandeur with a creative, modern spirit. The city is filled with fascinating attractions, from a remarkable collection of gold coins to a medieval brewery and a mysterious network of underground tunnels.
My Bella Vita Travel visits Košice as part of our Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland Tour, uncovering the very best this region has to offer. Keep reading our Košice travel guide to discover why this beautiful city deserves a spot on your itinerary, and feel free to contact us to learn more about our tours!
The story of Košice spans nearly eight centuries of triumphs, transformations, and resilience. It was first recorded in 1230 as Villa Cassa, and quickly became an important trade center in Central Europe. Formerly a part of the Kingdom of Hungary, it made history in 1369 as the first European city to receive its own coat of arms, granted by Louis I of Hungary. Over the centuries, Košice grew into one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in the Kingdom of Hungary.
However, the 20th century was a tumultuous time, bringing immense change. With the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I, it became a part of Czechoslovakia. For a few years during World War II, it fell back under Hungary, only for it to return to Czechoslovakia once again. It was under communist rule for decades, until the Velvet Revolution and the eventual dissolution of Czechoslovakia. Today, Košice is the largest city in eastern Slovakia, and the second largest in the country after Bratislava.
Today, Budapest is a vibrant and welcoming city, divided by the Danube into two distinct sides: Buda, with its hills and history, and Pest, the energetic heart of modern life.
At the heart of the city lies the breathtaking Cathedral of St. Elisabeth, Slovakia’s largest church. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, its soaring spires, carved portals, and colorful stained glass make it a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Climb roughly 160 steps to the tower for panoramic views of Košice’s old town, where red-tiled rooftops and pastel façades look especially magical at sunset.
Just a few steps away, the Chapel of St. Michael offers a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of its neighboring cathedral. This smaller Gothic gem once served as a cemetery chapel and remains beautifully preserved.Across from the Cathedral of St. Elisabeth stands Urban’s Tower, a striking prismatic campanile from the 14th century. Together, these three monuments form the Gothic centerpiece of Košice.
With its pointed turrets, arched windows, and fairy-tale silhouette, Jakab Palace looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. Despite its Gothic design, it was in fact built in 1899 for a local builder, later serving as the seat of the Czechoslovakian president during World War II. It makes a stunning photo stop and can be enjoyed as part of a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Mestský Park.
Near the Jakab Palace, the Rodosto House and Mikluš Prison offer a fascinating window into both Hungarian and Slovakian history. Rodosto House recreates the 17th-century Turkish home where the Hungarian nobleman Francis II Rákóczi lived in exile. In 1906, his remains were returned to Košice, and the house now provides an exhibition celebrating his life. Just around the corner, Mikluš Prison reveals a darker side of medieval life. Visitors can explore the cells where prisoners were once held and learn about the justice system of the time through a collection of historical artifacts.
For those interested in more recent history, the Museum of Victims of Communism is an essential stop. Through photographs, documents, and personal testimonies, it explores one of the most challenging chapters in Slovakia’s past. Honoring those who suffered under totalitarian rule and helped pave the way for Slovakia’s freedom, the museum sheds light on an often-overlooked period of history. My Bella Vita Travel includes a visit here as part of our tour for further insight into the communist regime.
Košice proudly holds the title of Europe’s oldest marathon! The Košice Peace Marathon has been running since 1924, and the memorial of the marathon provides a proud commemoration of the city’s athletic legacy. Located in front of the East Slovak Museum, it is a must-see for runners and sports enthusiasts alike.
The East Slovak Museum is one of the oldest museums in Slovakia, offering an exceptional glimpse into the region’s rich cultural, artistic, and natural heritage. Founded in 1872, it’s housed in a grand Neo-Renaissance building that’s as stunning as the treasures it contains. The museum’s crown jewel is the Košice Gold Treasure — a dazzling collection of over 2,900 gold coins, medals, and chains discovered in 1935 during construction work in the city. This remarkable collection ranks among Europe’s most impressive coin exhibitions and is a highlight of any visit to Košice.
Beneath Hlavná Street lies a fascinating network of medieval tunnels and fortifications known as the Lower Gate Archaeological Museum, only discovered in the 1990s. Exploring underground, you’ll discover the remains of Košice’s 13th-century city walls and feel yourself transported back in time. This excursion is a high point of our Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland tour!
Dominikánske Square is the oldest part of Košice, yet still feels like the city’s beating heart. The open-air market attracts locals and visitors alike, with a range of fresh produce, flowers, and crafts available for purchase. Grab a coffee and soak up the sunshine, or enjoy a leisurely lunch while watching the bustling streets and everyday life unfold around you.
Step inside Pivovar Hostinec, the oldest brewery in Košice, crafting beers since 1604! Housed in a Gothic building dating back to 1542, here you can sample craft beers brewed on-site and enjoy homemade meat sausages or a warm bowl of borsch. While we dine here as part of our tour, you may find yourself coming back here again and again!
Known as Potter’s Street, Hrnčiarska ulica is one of the most charming corners of Košice’s old town. This cobbled lane is lined with artisan workshops and local boutiques where you can shop for handmade souvenirs, watch craftspeople at work, or capture some of the most picturesque photos in the city.
The first regional art gallery in Slovakia, the East Slovak Gallery is a feast for the senses. Founded in 1951, it boasts an impressive collection of over 7,000 works, spanning from the Gothic period to contemporary art. It also houses the largest collection of modern artworks from Košice, a city that experienced a creative boom in the 20th century.. When you join our tour, you’ll get to take part in a unique workshop inspired by Andy Warhol, whose parents came from the region!
Košice’s cuisine, and that of Slovakia, is influenced by numerous culinary traditions, including Hungarian, Balkan, and German. It is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or refueling after a day of exploring the city. Dishes to try include the delectable bryndzové halušky, made with potato dumplings, sheep cheese, and bacon, kapustnica, a classic cabbage soup with sausage, and pirohy, which are delicious filled dumplings. For those with a sweet tooth, Košice’s cafes and bakeries serve a fine variety of pastries and desserts, best enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee.
Košice is captivating year-round. Spring and summer bring blossoms and cultural events, with the warm weather inviting people out onto the streets and outdoor cafes. In winter, the Christmas markets fill Hlavná Street with mulled wine, crafts, and carols, creating a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere.
The autumn months between September and November are an ideal time to visit Košice. The mild weather is excellent for sightseeing, and the changing seasons decorate the city in golden hues. Autumn also coincides with the iconic Košice Peace Marathon, which brings a lively energy as people from around the globe travel to take part. This is also when we arrange our tour, enjoying the quieter shoulder season while the city is still vibrant.
Košice is a city best explored at a relaxed tempo, allowing you to savor the local cuisine, admire the architecture, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Slow travel is exactly how we do it on our Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Tour, taking you through Central Europe’s most beautiful cities and landscapes for a truly authentic experience. From Budapest and Košice to Krakow, My Bella Vita Travel provides an unforgettable excursion full of history, culture, and local flavor. Learn more about our other stops with our Budapest Travel Guide, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.