Kosice center Angel and Plague Column

Kosice memorial to the victims of the Plague.

Slovakia, the center of Europe with its High Tetras mountains, sweeping plains, and hillside villages, is too often overlooked by travelers. That’s one of the best reasons to visit! It’s an undiscovered gem. The history is colorful and today the medieval towns, castles and wooden churches offer quiet interests. There’s plenty going on for familes and the party crowd too. From traditional cuisine to chic cocktails, museums, galleries, gothic towers, music clubs and parks, every visitor will find many things to do in Kosice.

The gothic cathedral of St. Elizabeth one of the things to do in Kosice

Visiting the gothic cathedral of St. Elizabeth, largest in Eastern Europe, is one of the things to do in Kosice.

A few facts about Kosice

Chosen the European Capital of Culture in 2013 (with Marseille, France,) Kosice is half the size of the capital city of Bratislava. With a population of fewer than 300,000, Kosice’s central core is walkable and open.

St. Elizabeth's towers over the central core of Kosice

St. Elizabeth’s towers over the central core of Kosice

Mural inside St. Elizabeth's

Mural inside St. Elizabeth’s

Inside the Gothic St. Elizabeth's Cathedral, Kosice, Slovakia

Inside the Gothic St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, Kosice, Slovakia

The historical district is bounded by remnants of the medieval wall. The river, Hornad, flows through town. When you arrive by bus, it’s a ten-minute walk over the river bridge into the historical core.

Homage to Andy Warhol in Kosice's historical core.

Homage to Andy Warhol in Kosice’s historical core.

There are famous locals too. Around town, I spotted six-foot shoe sculptures. A bit worn in the heel, they are an homage to Andy Warhol, whose parents came from Slovakia.  It’s also the birthplace of Bela Gerster, the engineer who designed the Panama Canal.

Bites and sips in Kosice perfect things to do in Slovakia

Inside Hostinec brewery Kosice

Inside Hostinec brewery Kosice

Slávia - café and the best restaurant in the Košice region awarded by Trend Top 2017 and awarded with 7th place of Gurmán Award 2017

Cocktails at Slávia – Awarded best restaurant in the Košice region by Trend Top 2017 and awarded with 7th place of Gurmán Award

Things to do in Kosice – Eat and Drink!

The borders have shifted with conflicts and political maneuvers over centuries. The cultures and foods of the Austria-Hungarians, the Slavs, and the Polish have left their mark. The Slavic cultures share many traditions and recipes. Milk, potatoes, and cabbage are central to the local diet but don’t think ‘boring.’ Flourishing coffee cafe, brewery, and cocktail cultures offer many things to do, eat and drink.Things to do in Kosice include great dining and drinking

 

Yes, it appears that the Smelly Cat cafe was named after the coffee shop in the TV series, Friends.

Yes, it appears that the Smelly Cat cafe was named after the coffee shop in the TV series, Friends!

Things to do in Kosice – Museums, Parks, and Performances

There are historical, art and natural history museums in Kosice, but check the hours. When I visited in the spring most opened after noon. We were able to get into the Technical Museum. The collections, like walls of telephones and displays memorializing the Steel Industry, were fascinating.

Memorializing the steel industry inside one of many museums in Kosice

Memorializing industry inside the Kosice Technical Museum

Ironically, I had to take a picture of old phones with my cell.

Ironically, I had to take a picture of old phones with my cell.

Pottery and Gallery street HrnÄŤiarska. Photo: Viktor of Traveling Lifestyle

Pottery and Gallery street HrnÄŤiarska. Photo: Viktor of Traveling Lifestyle

Kulturpark / Steelpark

Steel Park is outside of the historical core. Several blocks of Soviet era barracks have been transformed by the European Capital of Culture Project into museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Check the events calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in town.

villa regio in Kosice

Where to stay in Kosice

There are several hotels and pensiones throughout Kosice. Chain hotels sit outside the historical core. We couldn’t have been happier with our loft room inside Villa Regia and claimed a breakfast nook near the window. Over complimentary eggs, rolls and coffee, we glanced out across the courtyard to watch the Farmer’s Market set up. That market has been going strong for several hundred years. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Kosice.

breakfast villa regia kosice

Breakfast nook in Villa Regia Pensione

Check out my post about visiting Slovakia and the countryside.

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