Things to Do in Kosice
Kosice is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Slovakia, and there are many things to do here.
Being a gateway to Eastern Slovakia, this city offers an excellent opportunity to explore the region’s natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re heading to UNESCO sites like the Spis castle or spending some time in Slovak Paradise National Park, it’s an ideal destination for any traveller.
1. St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral
Kosice’s cathedral is the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe. This imposing structure was built in the 14th century and is a must see during your visit to the city.
The church is also a popular site for weddings, funerals and other religious ceremonies. There are several side chapels, a winged main altar and Gothic wall paintings and sculptures to admire.
The cathedral is located on the main square (Hlavne Namestie), a street that is filled with historical monuments and mansions. The street also has a park with a fountain, which provides visitors with an awe inspiring view of the city.
For a comfortable trip, many tourists prefer to use car rental services in Slovakia. The average cost of renting a car in Bratislava is 20 euros per day.
2. Dominikanske Square
Dominikanske Square is one of the most popular attractions in Kosice and is a great place to spend some time. The pedestrian-only main square features the Cathedral of St Elizabeth, State Theatre and plenty of other attractions.
This area of the city is also home to some excellent parks. One of them is known as the Park at the Lower Gate, and it is quite a lovely place to relax and unwind while you’re visiting Kosice.
Another lovely park is the Botanical Garden, which has a lot of beautiful scenery to offer visitors. It is a great place to go for a relaxing stroll and see all of the incredible flowers that are in bloom during the spring and summer.
The park also has a wonderful fountain that features Zodiac signs and fish in the water. This park is a great place to visit with the entire family, and it’s especially impressive during the spring and summer when everything is in full bloom.
3. Crafts Lane
Kosice has a long tradition of craftsmanship. You can easily see this in action by wandering through Hrnciarska street, which is lined with tiny authentic shops selling everything from pottery and local herbs to baked goods.
You’ll also find workshops preserving age-old artistry here, and you can watch blacksmiths and carvers work on their pieces. This cobbled lane is an excellent place to soak up the Kosice spirit and take some souvenirs back home.
You can easily spend an hour or two in this colourful street, surrounded by historical buildings and popular cafes. It’s a must-see if you’re exploring the city on foot and one of the most lively places in town.
4. Street Arts
The street art scene in Kosice is among the most vibrant and creative in Slovakia. It’s all thanks to an organisation called Street Art Communication (SAC), who have made it their mission to introduce urban art to the city’s streets.
Founded in 2008, the organisation’s main project is to make Kosice the European Capital of Culture in 2013. They run a number of cultural venues and artistic projects that bring the city to life and attract people from all over the world.
Tabacka Kulturfabrik is one of these creative venues. It’s housed in a repurposed tobacco factory and it’s been bringing a youthful, creative vibe to the city. It hosts a number of concerts, shows and temporary art exhibitions.
5. St. Urban’s Tower
Kosice, the second-largest city in Slovakia, is a thriving town with a rich cultural heritage. Located close to the borders of Hungary and Ukraine, it is easy to get to by train or bus.
The city centre is crammed with historical buildings. One of the most popular attractions is the main square, which is surrounded by a number of monuments.
The Gothic tower is a campanile with a pyramidal roof that was built in the 14th century. It is dedicated to Saint Urban, the patron of vine-dressers.
6. Park with singing fountain and carillon
Kosice’s park with singing fountain and carillon is a must-see in this beautiful city. The ethereal sound created by the water currents and lighting will surely leave an indelible mark on every visitor’s memory.
The park is a must-see for those looking to relax and unwind in a peaceful atmosphere. It is also suitable for families who want to spend some quality time together.
This place is also a good option for travelers who are interested in history and learning about the culture of Slovakia. It has a lot of interesting historical monuments and buildings that you can explore.
You can also visit the Kosice Zoo, the largest in Central Europe. It is full of animals that you will definitely love to see. You can even meet curious llamas, not safe predators and friendly donkeys.
7. Park at Lower Gate
The park at Lower Gate is a pleasant place to walk and relax. It offers a beautiful fountain, lots of benches, and flowers and is also suitable for sitting on while listening to music.
The main attraction here is the 14-meter tall pillar Immaculata that was created in the 18th century as an expression of gratitude to citizens who survived plague and war during 1709-1710. It features a sculpture of the Virgin Mary on top, along with statues of Joseph, Sebastian, and Ladislav.
Kosice is also home to the city’s biggest golden treasure collection and a museum dedicated to famed local sculptor Vojtech Loffler. The town has plenty of culture and history to offer, and it makes a great mid-way stop for travelers heading to Krakow or Budapest.
8. Dominican Church
Kosice is a beautiful European city with tons of things to do, and one of the best places to visit on your tour of Slovakia. Whether you’re looking for history, art, or sports, there are plenty of great attractions to check out during your trip!
The Dominican Church in Dominikanske Square is one of the most popular sites for tourists, and it’s definitely worth a stop. It’s the oldest preserved building in Kosice and it has a tower that’s eight meters taller than St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral, which is really impressive!
The oldest part of the Dominican Church is the Roman nave, which was rebuilt several times. It also has a stunning baroque interior. You can also see a well here that is centuries old. The well is surrounded by a small park and there’s a fountain with jets that perform a little show.
9. Well in Dominikanske Square
The well in Dominikanske Square is one of the oldest historical monuments in Kosice and it is a great place to see. The square also offers a daily local market, where you can buy souvenirs.
You should definitely visit the East Slovak Gallery on Main Street, which showcases works by artists who lived and worked in the Kosice region. There are other museums worth a visit, including Loffler’s Gallery on Alzbetina and the Museum of Technology.
You can also find many taverns, pubs and restaurants in Kosice. Some of them are open late and are perfect for drinking your night away.
10. State Theatre
The State Theatre is the place to be if you’re into opera, ballet and drama. It’s one of the most beautiful sights in Kosice, a Neo Baroque masterpiece by Hungarian architect Adolf Lang.
In the centre of the park, this historic building stands out with its imposing architecture. Its facade features sculptural figures, which also accent its palace-like architecture.
Its lyre-shaped stage is home to high-quality opera, ballet and drama performances. The theatre also hosts concerts and exhibitions.
The theatre’s ethos is to broaden its artistic base by bringing in more local artists. In order to do this, it has teamed up with Tabacka Kulturfabrik, an independent cultural organization in the city.