Kosice, often overlooked by travellers, stands as the economic and cultural hub of Slovakia’s eastern region. Despite its significance, this city remains a hidden gem for many tourists.
As Slovakia’s second-largest city, Kosice boasts a population of around 230,000, housing the Slovak Constitutional Court, a trio of universities, numerous museums, and a variety of theatres. The city’s architectural tapestry weaves together contemporary and historical elements, crafting an extraordinary urban skyline. The Gothic marvel that is St Elizabeth Cathedral resides here, nestled close to the Neo-baroque splendour of the State Theater and the elegant town hall.
These architectural treasures are best appreciated while meandering along Kosice’s charming cobbled promenade.
Reflecting on their experience, one visitor commented on Tripadvisor: “Walking around the promenade is different every day. Each time you can find here new surprising details.”
They added: “So it is better to take a local guide and reserve enough time to enjoy this place. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants on the perimeter to take a rest.”
In 2013, Kosice was honoured as the European Capital of Culture, further cementing its status as a hotbed of artistic expression with murals and galleries enlivening the cityscape.
For those keen to immerse themselves in Slovakian traditions, the city hosts an array of festivals including the Music Spring Festival, Summer in the Park, and the Kosice Beer Fest.
Kosice has been singled out by Ryanair as a city break destination worth considering, with the budget-friendly carrier touting it as “Europe’s best-kept secret”.
Travellers who have ventured to Kosice concur that the city is an underappreciated treasure. A traveller extolled its virtues on Tripadvisor, stating: “After visiting beautiful Budapest, Pecs and Eger in Hungary, our expectations for Kosice centre were not high but what a great surprise.”
They continued to describe the joys of the city, adding: “The centre of the old town is pedestrianised which makes walking around a delight. There are some lovely buildings, beautiful fountains –especially near the Cathedral – and in the city park there are plenty of bars and restaurants to pass the time.”
Another visitor echoed this sentiment, saying: “We had lower expectations about visiting Kosice than some of the bigger cities we were visiting on this trip, but we were pleasantly surprised. The historic centre is charming, and its very long, narrow public ‘square’ was unique.”