Spis castle at sunrise - UNESCO heritage site, Slovakia

Things to do in  Slovakia

King of the castles

Often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbors, Slovakia is one of Central Europe’s most rewarding destinations. Bratislava sets the tone for visiting Slovakia’s cities with its atmospheric Old Town, and proud arts and culture scene. But it can’t prepare you for all the other things to do in Slovakia: climb snow-capped peaks in the Tatras Mountains; wander tiny folk villages such as Čičmany; and marvel at the hilltop Orava and Spis castles. All of these attractions reflect the natural and cultural depths of the country.

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Top 15 attractions in Slovakia

#1

Bratislava Castle (Bratislavsky Hrad)

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Perched atop a forested hill on the north bank of the Danube River, overlooking the Old Town (Stary Mesto), Bratislava Castle(Bratislavsky Hrad) is the city’s most distinctive landmark. Visible from all over the city, the grand Renaissance palace dates back to the 16th century and now houses the Museum of History, part of the Slovak National Museum.More
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#2

Bratislava Old Town (Stare Mesto)

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The Old Town (Stare Mesto) of Bratislava is the historic heart of the Slovakian capital. The neighborhood consists of a medieval castle, restored buildings, cobblestoned alleyways, and beautiful palaces. This small district is also packed with history, nightlife, eateries, and shopping for visitors to explore and discover.More
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#3

Slovak National Theatre (Slovenské Národné Divadlo)

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An important institution of Slovakian culture and a symbolic landmark in Bratislava, the Slovak National Theatre (Slovenské Národné Divadlo or SND for short) is a splendid Neo-Renaissance building in the city’s Old Town. Since 1886 it has hosted performances of opera, ballet, and drama within its plush, red velvet, and gilded auditorium.More
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#4

St. Martin's Cathedral (Dóm Sv. Martina)

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With its 279-foot (85-meter) spire, St. Martin’s Cathedral is Bratislava’s largest church and a defining fixture of the Old Town’s skyline. The current Gothic cathedral was built over an earlier basilica and consecrated in 1452. A crown atop its spire symbolizes the 11 Hungarian monarchs crowned inside the cathedral between 1563 and 1830.More
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#5

Primate's Palace (Primaciálny Palác)

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Right in the heart of Bratislava is the neoclassical Primate's Palace (Primaciálny Palác), with its pink facade. What was once the archbishop’s residence now serves as the seat of Bratislava’s mayor and hosts the city council. This architectural jewel is where Napoleon signed the Peace of Pressburg in 1805 after the Battle of Austerlitz.More
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#6

Grassalkovich Palace (Grasalkovicov Palac)

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Once home to aristocrats and now home to the Slovakian president, Grassalkovich Palace on the northern edge of Bratislava’s Old Town has been a vital landmark of the city since its construction in 1760. Its white-washed Baroque exterior and monumental modern fountain make a bold statement, as do the surrounding formal French gardens.More
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#7

Spis Castle (Spissky Hrad)

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Among the largest castle sites in Central Europe, Spis Castle (Spissky Hrad) offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history. It was built and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. You won't see much of its 12th-century origins, but you can see its castle, armory, chapel, and torture room.More
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#8

Devin Castle (Devinsky Hrad)

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Just outside Bratislava, Devin Castle (Devinsky Hrad) shows Slovakia’s oldest traces of Slavic settlement, from the ninth century. The castle changed hands many times and was renovated until it was blown up during the 19th-century Napoleonic wars. The castle remains are now a Slovak national symbol and feature stunning panoramic views from the towers.More
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#9

UFO Observation Deck

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Bratislava’s UFO Observation Deck isn’t quite as it seems: rather than a place to spot visitors from outer space, it’s a restaurant and observation deck on top of the New Bridge (Nový Most spanning the Danube River. Its circular design, though, does in fact resemble a UFO.More
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#10

Michael's Gate (Michalska Brana)

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Built in the 14th century, Michael's Gate (Michalska Brana) is the only remaining medieval gate in Bratislava that has been preserved. The tower was reconstructed in the 18th century, at which point it was crowned with a statue of the archangel Saint Michael famously slaying a dragon. These days, the gate's tower houses the Museum of Arms, part of the Bratislava City Museum.More
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#11

Hlavne Namestie

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As Bratislava's main square, Hlavne Namestie is the hub of life in the city. It's a great place to sit and sip coffee while watching passersby or browse for souvenirs at market stalls. Those interested in local history may want to pop inside the Bratislava City Museum in the Old Town Hall building.More
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#12

Pieniny National Park (Pieninski Park Narodowy)

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Close to the Slovakian border in southern Poland, Pieniny National Park is best known for the Pieniny mountain range and the Dunajec River Gorge, where you can go rafting down the gentle river. Another highlight is the Three Crowns (Tri Koruny) peak, a mountain range that resembles its namesake.More
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#13

Banska Stiavnica

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The central Slovakian town of Banska Stiavnica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site first settled in the Neolithic area. While it was once a major mining destination, these days its biggest draw is its numerous attractions, which include a mining museum, several castles, and nearby hiking opportunities.More
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#14
Slovak Paradise National Park

Slovak Paradise National Park

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Occupying the northern Slovak Ore Mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park is characterized by emeraldine forests, massive gorges, and lots of hiking trails. If you want to spend time in nature, it's an incredible place to visit. It offers ample opportunities for summer hiking and winter snow sports.More
#15

Bratislava Old Town Hall (Stara Radnica)

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In the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town lies Stara Radnica, the city’s Old Town Hall. Rather than having just one building, the Old Town Hall is a complex composed of a tower and several historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 15th century. Since 1868, the complex has been home to the Bratislava City Museum.More
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Explore Slovakia by interest

Top activities in Slovakia

Bratislava Foodie Tour

Bratislava Foodie Tour

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108
From
$131.36
Bratislava Post-Communism Tour

Bratislava Post-Communism Tour

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675
From
$105.09
Nearly All of Bratislava in 6 hours - Private Tour with Minivan

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

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15
From
$306.50
Bratislava Identity Bike Tour

Bratislava Identity Bike Tour

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12
From
$103.99
Private Grand City Tour in Bratislava with Devin Castle

Private Grand City Tour in Bratislava with Devin Castle

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4
From
$169.67
Private Bratislava Grand City Tour

Private Bratislava Grand City Tour

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27
From
$108.37
Bratislava: 2- Hour Private Walking Tour

Bratislava: 2- Hour Private Walking Tour

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64
From
$53.64
Private Day Trip to Banska Stiavnica Unesco Site

Private Day Trip to Banska Stiavnica Unesco Site

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22
From
$197.04
Panoramic Tour in Bratislava by Presporacik Sightseeing Vehicle

Panoramic Tour in Bratislava by Presporacik Sightseeing Vehicle

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125
From
$22.46
Bratislava Big Castle Tour by Presporacik

Bratislava Big Castle Tour by Presporacik

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113
From
$18.06
Ceramic Tour in Modra

Ceramic Tour in Modra

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3
From
$58.02
Traditional beers and drinks of Slovakia tasting tour

Traditional beers and drinks of Slovakia tasting tour

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8
From
$54.62
Bratislava Traditional Food Tour

Bratislava Traditional Food Tour

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54
From
$169.67
Bratislava by speedboat

Bratislava by speedboat

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23
From
$339.34
per group
Bratislava Food and Wine Tour

Bratislava Food and Wine Tour

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1
From
$180.62
Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting

Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting

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3
From
$144.49
Local Beer & Food Tour

Local Beer & Food Tour

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35
From
$142.30
Bratislava Premium Private Walking Tour, 4 hours

Bratislava Premium Private Walking Tour, 4 hours

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11
From
$224.40
per group
Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle

Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle

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80
From
$4.37
Taxi City Tour Bratislava

Taxi City Tour Bratislava

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18
From
$64.58
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Top Destinations

Bratislava
Bratislava

Top Destinations

Bratislava
Bratislava

All about Slovakia

When to visit

For general sightseeing, the best times to visit Slovakia are spring (April–June) and fall (September–November), when there are fewer crowds. Those looking to hike should come from July to October when the mountains will be mostly clear of snow. However, if skiing is how you want to spend your time in Slovakia, come during ski season from December through April.

Getting around

Slovakia’s rail network is an efficient way to travel between the country’s cities—it only slows down to skirt around mountain ranges. Buses complement trains by broadly covering the country, particularly smaller destinations and places near the mountains. Renting a car will be the most flexible option though as it frees you from public transport timetables and takes the difficulty out of getting to mountain attractions.

Traveler tips

If you’re going hiking in Slovakia’s mountains, be sure to pack appropriately. Even in summer, it can be cold in the mountains and you’ll want layers of warm clothing to stay comfortable. It’s also important to understand that there are two different mountain ranges in Slovakia with Tatra in their name; the High Tatras are home to Tatra National Park in north Slovakia and the Low Tatras run through the center of Slovakia.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+421
Language(s)
Slovak
Attractions
20
Tours
221
Reviews
1,960
EN
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People Also Ask

How many days are enough for Slovakia?

Three days is enough time in Slovakia. You can visit the capital Bratislava and do a day trip to Bojnice Castle or Orava Castle, or one of Slovakia’s many traditional villages. However, travelers should allow a week to experience Slovakia in more depth.

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Is Slovakia an affordable country to visit?

Slovakia is more affordable to visit than many European countries, especially popular destinations in Western Europe. It’s also generally cheaper to travel than neighboring countries such as Austria and the Czech Republic, but the same or more expensive than Poland or Hungary. Food, drinks, and transport are often where you’ll save money.

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Is it easy to travel in Slovakia?

It depends. Slovakia can be a relatively easy country to travel in if you’re traveling between its main cities or have your own vehicle to get around in. Getting to smaller towns or places in the mountains can be more challenging when traveling independently, both in terms of transport and communicating in English.

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What is Slovakia most known for?

Slovakia is best known for its capital city Bratislava and its impressive mountains. Bratislava is famous for its castle and historical center along the Danube River. Tatra National Park is the most well-known place in the mountains of Slovakia, offering many hiking routes and picturesque alpine lakes to visit in summer, plus skiing in winter.

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How could you spend a week in Slovakia?

There are many ways to spend a week in Slovakia depending on your interests. A common itinerary for a week in Slovakia includes two days in Bratislava, several days in the mountains of the High Tatras, and the remainder of the trip visiting cities such as Trencin, Banska Bystrica, and Kosice.

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Is English widely spoken in Slovakia?

Slovakia ranks among the top European countries where people speak English, so you should encounter some people who speak at least a little English when you visit. Teenagers and young adults are more likely to speak English in Slovakia than older people, as are people in the tourism industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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