20 Towns And Cities in Slovakia

Slovakia is an up-and-coming holiday destination, and rightly so. It is a beautiful country with incredible mountain ranges, wide valleys, long rivers, national parks and magical castles. It has had a long and difficult history but finally became an independent country in 1993. Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and Poland.

It offers activities to suit all tastes, whether you are interested in history, enjoy hiking or skiing, or even want to swim and sunbathe. Although the country isn’t next to the sea, some rivers and lakes offer beaches and clean water to swim in. Natural mineral springs have led to thermal spas being set up throughout the country where guests can recuperate from illnesses or just relax in the warm waters.

Food and wine are important to the Slovaks. Expect hearty cuisine such as dumplings, potato pancakes, schnitzels, thick soups, sauerkraut and sausages. Pork with dumplings and cabbage is a popular dish. Southern Slovakia has a temperate climate which is ideal for viticulture. The most famous wine they produce is a sweet wine called Tokaj and their crisp and fresh white and rose wines have won awards at international wine competitions.

Summers are generally warm in Slovakia while winters can be cold. The best time to visit is from the middle of May to the middle of September unless, of course, you want to ski. So, you have decided that you want to visit Slovakia but are unsure where to start your journey. The capital, Bratislava, is a good place to begin but there is much more to be explored in the country. I have chosen 20 towns and cities in Slovakia I feel are worth your time, so read on to make a decision.

20 Slovakia Cities And Towns 

11 Cities In Slovakia

1- Bratislava

Bratislava is in the west of the country, bordering both Austria and Hungary and lying on the beautiful river Danube.

Overlooking the city is Bratislava Castle, originally built in the 10th century.

It has been rebuilt on a few occasions, the last time being in the 17th century, so the architecture is Baroque.

It has four towers and the largest, the Crown Tower, houses an observatory that gives panoramic views of the city.

However, if you don’t want to climb the tower, the castle is high enough for you to enjoy views of the city and surrounding area.

The castle houses the Slovak National Museum where you can learn about Slovak life from the Middle Ages onwards.

If you want to get to know Bratislava quickly before deciding where you want to spend more time, take the tourist bus.

You will drive by the Danube while listening to audio commentary, go through the historic Old Town, and visit Bratislava Castle.

There is a lake right in the centre of town, Zlate Piesky, where you can swim and sunbathe.

It is a beautiful lake with grass to sunbathe on and there is plenty to do including water skiing and tobogganing.

There are facilities for playing tennis, football, mini golf, and beach volley.

If you’re hungry, you will find food stalls, and your children will be happy with the playgrounds.

The city is known for its varied music scene and there are many clubs and bars to be found playing live music.

The more touristy clubs stay open until the early hours.

Bratislava is a great place to spend a few days or even longer and there are plenty of places to go wine tasting and eating traditional food. 

You can also use it as a base to visit other towns and cities or to go hiking in the Little Carpathian Mountains.

Recommended tours: 

• Bratislava: Grand City Guided Tour
• Bratislava: Guided Walking Tour at Night with Old Town
• Bratislava Food Tour with Local
• Bratislava: 1-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour
• From Vienna: Day Cruise to Bratislava
• Bratislava: Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour
• From Bratislava: Devin Castle 3-Hour Private Guided Tour

2- Kosice

Kosice is the second largest city in Slovakia and is towards the east of the country, close to the Hungarian border.

Here too there is enough to do for a few days and it can also be used as a base for exploring eastern Slovakia.

You should spend some time in Hlavne Namestie, the main square.

Here you will find two Gothic churches, St. Elizabeth Cathedral and St. Michael’s Chapel, as well as St Urban’s Tower which hosts a museum of wax figurines.

These three together are a national cultural heritage site.

Also in the square is the East Slovak Museum which houses nearly 3,000 gold coins.

In 2013, Kosice became the European Capital of Culture, and it lives up to its name.

Along Hrnciarska Street, which translates to Crafts Lane, you will find many shops, such as a carpenter, a potter, and a blacksmith.

The Old Town is filled with Medieval buildings, many of which are protected.

Next to Hlavne Namestie is the State Theatre with unusual singing fountains in front of it and next door is the Slavia Cafe, one of the oldest cafes in the city.

It serves delicious food, has excellent service, and the art nouveau décor is stunning.

I recommend a visit for coffee and cake.

Recommended tour: Košíce: “FunForTwo”, adventure and city walk for couples

3- Trencin

If you are staying in Bratislava, a pleasant day or weekend trip is to the city of Trencin.

It is about 120 km (74.5 miles) away and features Trencin Castle, situated on a rock above the city.

It is mainly intact despite being built in the Middle Ages.

There is a bit of a walk uphill to get to the castle but hang in there, it’s worth the extra energy as you will get spectacular views, especially if you climb Matthias Tower.

I know, it seems like a lot of climbing but you will appreciate the panoramic views when you get to the top of the tower.

There is a museum in the castle where you can learn about the history of the castle and the Trencin region.

Like most cities and towns in Slovakia, Trencin has a town square.

There are some beautiful Baroque buildings and churches to be explored as are the narrow and winding streets leading off the square.

There you will find local arts and crafts stores, art galleries, and boutiques.

If you are in Trencin in July, there is an open-air music festival, Pohoda, held in Trencin airport.

It features many different music genres and is considered to be the best music festival in Slovakia.

Trencin Castle is at Matusova 81 91101 Trencin.

4- Poprad

Poprad is in eastern Slovakia and is a popular holiday resort, both in the summer and in the winter.

It lies at the foot of the High Tatras Mountain range and both locals and tourists flock here for skiing in the winter months, while in the summer, hiking is popular.

Another reason for the city’s popularity is Aqua City where you can stay in a choice of hotels and use the thermal baths.

The resort also has saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, and playgrounds, You can also enjoy water sports such as tobogganing.

If you just decide to take a day trip to Poprad from Kosice, be sure to go to the square, Namestie sv Egidia to see the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings.

Visit the 13th century St Egidius church and the Tatra Gallery which is unusually housed in an old power plant.

Here you can see both Slovak and international art.

If you have time, visit the beautiful art-nouveau church, Saint Elizabeth, and Podtatranske Museum where you can learn about local history.

Overlooking the city is Popradsky Hrad, a 13th-century castle that offers great views over the city and the surrounding area.

• Aqua City is at Sportova 1397/1 05801 Poprad.
• Podtatranske Museum is at Vajanského 72/4 05801 Poprad.
• Recommended tour: High Tatras: Bearwatching Hiking Tour in Slovakia

5- Zilina

Zilina is in northwest Slovakia, close to the Czech Republic and Poland.

It has had a sad past as fires ravaged it on more than one occasion.

However, the main square, Marianse Namestie, is filled with imposing buildings housing shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

It is busy and a great place to people watch over a coffee or a drink.

There are three churches to visit as well, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Church of the Conversion of St.

Paul the Apostle, and the Church of St Barbara, a beautiful Baroque church with stunning frescoes and statues.

For the art lovers among you, head to the Museum of Art Zilina which showcases both classical and modern art relating to the folk traditions of the region.

If you want to experience the great outdoors, Zelina Dam offers walking and running trails, volleyball and basketball courts, and skating and cycling paths.

Close by is Stranik Hill where you can give paragliding a go if you dare!

The Museum of Art Zilina is at Stefanikova 2 010 01 Zelina.

Recommended tour: From Bratislava: Lesser Fatra Tour with Zilina

6- Presov

Presov is in eastern Slovakia and isn’t far from Kosice so you could do a two-centred holiday as there is plenty to see in both towns.

The history of Presov goes back as far as the Middle Ages, and by the time the 15th century came, it had become rich through salt mining and a bobbin lace industry.

The historic centre of the city reflects this with beautiful stucco houses.

The best place for sightseeing in Presov is along Hlavna Ulica or Main Street.

Here you can visit the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas which dates to 1696 and merges Gothic and Baroque art.

There is also the Eastern Orthodox church of St. Alexander Nevsky and a synagogue dating to 1898 which has extravagant hand-painted decorations.

In the Rakocziho Palace, you will find a museum displaying artefacts from as far back as the 9th century up to the 19th century.

Furniture, weapons, lacework, and clocks are among the objects on show.

Leading off Hlavna Ulica, you will find Presov’s City Gallery in what used to be the prison.

It dates to the 13th century and now houses a collection of lace and opal as well as temporary art exhibitions.

7- Martin

Martin is in the northwest region of Slovakia and lies on the Turiec River between two mountain ranges.

The highlight of Martin is the open-air museum, the Museum of the Slovak Village, which showcases life in Martin over the centuries.

Another place you should go is Andrej Hlinka Square where you will find plenty of cafes.

Locals and tourists gather in the square for a coffee or a drink to chat or just people-watch.

The buildings in the square date to the 18th and 19th centuries, the highlight being the Church of Saint Martin which has been built in a stunning Baroque style.

It has a tower you can climb for an amazing view of the city.

St. Martin’s Cathedral, on the other hand, is Gothic and is lavishly adorned with statues and spires as well as having stunning stained-glass windows.

It houses the remains of St. Martin who was the patron saint of the city and if you climb the tower, you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

I know, yet more climbing!

If you are a nature lover, the Mala Fatra National Park is close to the city.

Here you can hike in the summer and ski in the winter.

It is a beautiful park with forests, waterfalls, gorges and canyons.

There are even some lakes where you can swim during the summer.

8- Banska Bystrica

Banska Bystrica is in central Slovakia and lies on the Hron River at the base of the Low Tatras National Park.

You can easily spend a few days here as there are 14 museums, three castles, and 10 churches to visit.

The SNP Square, the main square of the city, has a clock tower which you can climb.

It is 20 metres (65 feet) high and gives great views over the city.

It has a slight lean so is Slovakia’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

A must-see is the Slovak Uprising Museum which showcases aircraft and other military equipment from WWII.

Surrounding the city are hills and forests which you can explore in the summer.

Cave touring trips are on offer, and you can go mountain hiking.

In the winter, skiers will flock to the city on their way to the various ski resorts.

9- Trnava

If you are looking for a day trip from Bratislava, Trnava is a good choice as it is just 47 km (29 miles) away.

Trnava is often called ‘Little Rome’ as it used to be ruled by Hungary and was the religious hub of the empire.

You will find many old churches throughout the city that you can visit.

The most important of these is St. John the Baptist Cathedral, an early Baroque building that is best known for its altar made completely out of wood.

There are a couple of synagogues in the city that are now used for other purposes.

The first has been converted into the Synagogue Café which serves delicious cakes.

You should try one! The other Synagogue is the Status Quo Ante Synagogue which was built in a Moorish-Byzantine style in the latter part of the 19th century.

It is now a contemporary art gallery.

To get great views of the city and the surrounding area, climb the 143 steps of the Renaissance Town Tower.

• The Synagogue Cafe is at Ulica Haulikova 405/3 91701 Trnava.
• The Status Quo Ante Synagogue is at Halenarska 407/2 91701 Trnava.
• St. John the Baptist Cathedral is at Univerzitne Namestie 602/3 91701 Trnava.

10- Prievidza

Prievidza is in central-western Slovakia and is famous for being close to the spectacular Bojnice Castle which dates to the Middle Ages.

However, it has been renovated since and is a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.

It looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale.

You can tour the rooms and view an interesting collection of weapons, armour, antique furniture and art.

However, Prievidza itself is a delightful city to visit.

One of the most impressive attractions is the Church of St. Bartholomew, which has been built in the Gothic style.

It has beautiful stained-glass windows and houses sculptures and religious paintings.

Cultural events and concerts are held here as well as religious services.

The Museum of the Slovak National Uprising tells you about the uprising which happened during WWII.

Some of the exhibits are interactive and you will learn about the bravery of the Slovak resistance fighters.

• Bojnice Castle is at Zamok a Okolie 1/1 Bojnice.
• The Church of St. Bartholomew is at 29/10 Pribinovo Namestie 29 Prievidza.
• Recommended tour: Bojnice: Private Romantic Tour

11- Nitra

Nitra is just 90 km (56 miles) from Bratislava and would make a lovely weekend trip as there is plenty to see and do.

Start your exploration with Nitra Castle which is right in the centre of the Old Town on top of Castle Hill.

The oldest surviving part of the castle is the church of St. Emmeram which has an onion-shaped steeple.

From here you get a panoramic view of the city.

The church was built in the 11th century but was rebuilt and renovated over the years so has a mixture of styles.

The Gothic Ditch was originally part of the fortifications but is now an amphitheatre that hosts cultural events.

To learn more about the city, visit the Nitra Museum.

There is also a fascinating open-air museum dedicated to agriculture which covers 30 hectares.

Nitra lies at the foot of Zobor Hill which rises above the city.

It is steep but if you are an experienced hiker, you can follow one of the various trails, some easier than others.

The Slovak Agricultural Museum is at Dlha 92 94901 Nitra.

9 Towns In Slovakia

12- Stara Lubovna

Stara Lubovna is in the northeast of the country and is a good day trip if you are staying in either Poprad or Presov.

The highlight of the town is The Museum of Folk Architecture which is next to the castle and is in the open air.

Here you can learn about life in Slovakia in the early part of the 19th century.

You will be able to see different houses, including log cabins and working buildings such as a blacksmith and a village school, as well as a wooden Catholic Church.

There is a museum in the castle and cultural events are held there.

Walk along the ramparts for the best views.

In the centre of Stara Lubovna is the Church of St Nicholas which blends Renaissance and Gothic styles.

The artwork inside is magnificent and the altars, are elaborately decorated.

The Museum of Folk Architecture is at Zamocka 22 064 01 Stara Lubovna.

13- Komarno

To experience a little of Hungarian life, visit Komarno.

When Czechoslovakia was created in 1918, the city was split in two between Czechoslovakia and Hungary.

The Old Town went to Czechoslovakia and the New Town, to Hungary where it is known as Komadrom.

However, 60% of the population of Komarno in Slovakia is Hungarian and they have kept their language and customs.

The Elizabeth Bridge connects the two towns and offers fantastic views.

In Komarno, the Courtyard of Europe is worth visiting.

Every building has been built differently and represents various European regions.

If you are looking for something to help relieve any pains you may have, you will find thermal baths in the town.

They are well-equipped with two outdoor and one indoor thermal pool, saunas, and ordinary swimming pools.

14- Bardejov

Bardejov is close to the Polish border and is at the foothills of the Beskydy Mountains, in north-eastern Slovakia.

Bardejov has a beautiful Medieval town centre which has earned it the honour of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will see original burgher houses, and, in addition, the town hall has been built in Gothic and Renaissance styles.

It is now the Saris Meum, the oldest museum in the country.

The city walls, dating to the 15th century, still stand and are there to be explored.

A must-see is the Museum of Icons which have the most beautiful icons from the 16th – 19th centuries.

• The Saris Museum is at Radnicne Namestie 13 085 01 Bardejov.
• The Museum of Icons is at Radnicne Namestie 27 085 01 Bardejov.

15- Levoca

The Old Town of Levoca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you like Renaissance architecture, you will find many beautiful buildings built in this style, for example, the Roman Catholic Church of St. James which has the tallest wooden altar in Europe.

Head to the Old Town Hall in the main square which is now a museum where you can learn more about this part of Slovakia.

In the square is the scary ‘Cage of Shame’ where prisoners were kept for all to see.

Perhaps people threw rotting food at them knowing that there was nothing the prisoners could do.

Recommended tour: Recommended tour: Levoča: City Highlights Walking Tour

16- Kezmarok

Kezmarok is in eastern Slovakia on the Poprad River right below the High Tatra Mountains.

The town has a 15th-century fairy tale castle where you can take a tour to see both artwork and displays of weapons.

There is a spectacular view of the town and the mountains from the castle.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wooden Articular Church, should be visited.

It is unusual as it was built only of wood during the 17th century.

The Church of Maria Magdalene is also worth visiting.

It contrasts with many of the Renaissance buildings in the town as it has been built in the Gothic style.

It has beautiful stained-glass windows which present excellent photo opportunities.

Another stop should be the Kezmarok Municipal Museum where you can learn about the history of the town.

The Wooden Articulated Church is at Hviezdoslavova 3127/18 06001 Kezmarok.

17- Kremnica

You can easily spend a day in Kremnica as there is enough to see.

The castle reminds you of a fairy tale and it is well worth climbing the 227 steps if only for the views.

You will certainly be fit after your trip! There is an interesting church to visit at the castle, the Church of St. Catherine which is neo-Gothic.

However, the tower was built later and is Renaissance in style and now houses a museum of archaeological research and the town’s defence.

The highlight of Kremnica is the Kremnica Mint which is the oldest Mint in the world that is still working.

Next door is the Museum of Coins and Medals where you can see rare medals and coins that were made in the Mint.

The Museum of Coins and Medals is at Stefanikova us 21.11 967 01 Kremnica.

18- Banska Stiavnica

Banska Stavnica is a lovely small town built into the side of a collapsed volcano.

It is filled with beautiful buildings which are photo-worthy such as the two castles, known simply as the Old Castle and the New Castle.

If you enjoy visiting churches, you will be in your element here.

The Banska Stiavnica Cavalry, built on a hill overlooking the town, is a complex with 3 churches, 19 chapels, and a sculpture of the Virgin Mary.

Apart from admiring the views, you can go into the churches and chapels to see some beautiful murals and frescoes.

Holy Trinity Square, the main town square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its statue of the Holy Trinity.

It hosts musical performances and folk dancing throughout the year.

The Old Town is very pretty with its Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here where you can replenish your hunger and thirst and simply relax after a busy day’s sightseeing.

19- Piestany

If you are looking for rest, relaxation, or recuperation after an illness, head to Piestany which is the largest spa town in Slovakia.

There are several spa hotels on Spa Island, and they offer a wide range of treatments and baths.

You can bathe in the thermal waters from the surrounding mountains or, if you dare, take a dip in sulphuric mud.

Spa Island also offers hiking trails and exercise areas.

The park area is perfect for a gentle stroll and is decorated with fountains and statues.

There is also a social centre which has galleries and museums.

The town itself is fairly quiet but offers excellent shopping opportunities as well as restaurants and cafes if you want a change from your hotel.

20- Spisska Nova Ves

Spisska Nova Ves is in eastern Slovakia and should be included in your trip to eastern Slovakia.

The square is one of the prettiest in the country and the longest in Europe.

The Church of the Virgin Mary’s Ascension takes a prime position in the square and has a Neo-Gothic tower.

It is the tallest tower in Slovakia at 87 metres (285 feet) high.

The church has an enormous basilica with three aisles.

The old Town Hall is now a museum where you can learn about the history of the region.

Just 15 minutes drive from Spisska Nova Ves is Spis Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yes, Slovakia is full of them, and they well deserve the honours.

This castle is one of the largest in Europe and it has a 22 metres (72 feet) high tower and a museum of Medieval history. 

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