- Košice was the first city in Europe to be granted its own coat of arms by a royal decree in 1369.
- The city's historical center is the largest protected urban monument reserve in Slovakia, spanning over 120 hectares.
- During the 17th century, Košice was a frequent flashpoint of anti-Habsburg uprisings, leading to the city's nickname as the 'fortress of the revolution'.
- It hosted the signing of the 'Košice Government Programme' in 1945, which effectively established the provisional government of liberated Czechoslovakia.
- The city operates the only operational children's heritage railway in Slovakia, originally built in the 1950s.
About Košice
Košice is the largest city in eastern Slovakia and the historical capital of the Abov region, anchored by the dominant Gothic architecture of Saint Elisabeth's Cathedral. It serves as a major industrial and academic hub, featuring the expansive Botanical Garden UPJŠ and the culturally significant National Theatre Košice. The city layout is defined by its preserved medieval core, which is complemented by green spaces like Mestský park. Beyond its urban center, residents and visitors alike utilize the Košice Children's railway to connect with the surrounding natural landscape.
Highlights of Košice
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the intricate late-Gothic altar and dual spiral staircases inside this massive cathedral.
Places of interest
Watch the choreographed water displays set to classical music in the center of the park.
Venues
Attend a performance in this historic building which is a centerpiece of the local arts scene.
Historical places
Observe the distinctive eclectic architecture that features unique towers and ornate detailing.
Museums
Explore a large collection of historical aircraft housed near the international airport.
Parks
Walk through the city's oldest public park, which features a tranquil lake and mature trees.
Museums
Discover exhibits detailing the region's industrial heritage and technical innovations.
Places of interest
Take a scenic ride on this historic narrow-gauge railway into the Čermeľ Valley.
Top things to do in Košice
The 144 highest-rated places in Košice, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Saint Elisabeth's Cathedral is the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost example of high-Gothic architecture in...
2
Zoos
Košice Zoo is the largest zoological garden in Central Europe by total area, encompassing approximately 288 hectares of...
3
Historical places
Füzér Castle is a 13th-century hilltop fortress situated on a volcanic plug in the Zemplén Mountains of northeastern Hun...
4
Places of interest
5
Parks
6
Venues
7
Places of interest
8
Historical places
9
Museums
10
Places of interest
11
Parks
12
Parks
13
Museums
14
Historical places
15
Places of interest
16
Museums
17
Places of interest
18
Parks
19
Parks
20
Museums
21
Venues
22
Temples
23
Temples
24
Temples
25
Temples
26
Natural attractions
27
Places of interest
28
Museums
29
Parks
30
Venues
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Košice on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Košice
May to September, when the weather is ideal for exploring the outdoor parks and the city's pedestrian-friendly historic center.
2-3 days
The city center is highly walkable, with an extensive public transport network of trams and buses connecting the outer districts.
Stay in the Staré Mesto (Old Town) district to be within walking distance of major historical sites and the primary dining areas.
Mid-range; generally more affordable for dining and accommodation than Bratislava or other major Western European cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 144 curated attractions in and around Košice, ranked by traveller ratings.
Saint Elisabeth's Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Košice right now.
The largest category is temples, with 36 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Budapest, Keszthely, Pécs.
Explore more of Hungary
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
