City
Bratislava
Slovakia
The relaxed Slovak capital on the Danube, with a hilltop castle and a charming pedestrian old town.
Central Europe
Slovakia
A mountain-ringed country of hilltop castles, wooden villages, a relaxed riverside capital and the dramatic High Tatras.
For storytellers
Why Slovakia matters
Slovakia is the Central European surprise that many travellers skip. Bratislava is small and easygoing, perched on the Danube close to Vienna. Beyond it the country climbs into jagged mountains, the High Tatras, with lakes, huts and trails. In between you find an unusual number of castles for such a small country, some perched on cliffs, some in ruins, and medieval towns with painted squares. It is also affordable, uncrowded and wonderfully hospitable, with hearty food and a growing wine and craft beer scene.
Talking points
- The High Tatras are a compact, rugged mountain range on the Polish border, popular for hiking and skiing.
- Bratislava sits on the Danube right by the borders with Austria and Hungary.
- Slovakia has a very high density of castles and manor houses.
- Towns like Levoca and Banska Stiavnica look like they have barely changed in centuries.
- Hearty dishes such as sheep cheese dumplings with bacon are the national comfort food.
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- Capital
- Bratislava
- Languages
- Slovak
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Best time to go
- June to September for hiking in the mountains; May and September for cities; December for Christmas markets and skiing.
Where to base yourself
Cities and towns in Slovakia
Town
Banska Stiavnica
Slovakia
A hillside mining town of steep lanes and old churches, with a UNESCO-listed historic centre.
City
Kosice
Slovakia
Slovakia's second city in the east, with a Gothic cathedral and a long, lively main street.
City
Poprad
Slovakia
The gateway to the High Tatras, with a charming historic district at Spisska Sobota.
City
Zilina
Slovakia
A northern city with a pleasant old square and a gateway to castles and mountains.
Top places
What to see in Slovakia
- Top places
- Castle 5
- Neighbourhood 5
- Square 2
- Church, mosque or temple 2
- Viewpoint 1
- Ruins 1
- Tower 1
- Mountain 1
- Lake 1
- National park 1
Castle
Bratislava Castle
Bratislava, Slovakia
A white, four-towered castle on a hill with sweeping views over the Danube.
Neighbourhood
Bratislava Old Town
Bratislava, Slovakia
A compact pedestrian old town of pastel facades, squares and quirky statues.
Castle · UNESCO
Spis Castle
Slovakia
One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, now a UNESCO ruin.
Neighbourhood · UNESCO
Banska Stiavnica Historic Town
Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia
A steep mining town of lanes, churches and castles, with a UNESCO-listed centre.
Neighbourhood · UNESCO
Levoca Old Town
Slovakia
A medieval walled town with a long square and a very tall wooden altar in its church.
Castle
Orava Castle
Slovakia
A castle built on a tall rock above the Orava river, long used as a film location.
National park
Slovak Paradise National Park
Slovakia
A park of gorges, waterfalls and ladders bolted into the rock.
Church, mosque or temple
St Elisabeth Cathedral
Kosice, Slovakia
A large Gothic cathedral standing in the middle of Kosice's main street.
Church, mosque or temple
Church of St Elizabeth
Bratislava, Slovakia
A small Art Nouveau church painted pale blue, often called the Blue Church.
Ruins
Devin Castle
Bratislava, Slovakia
Castle ruins on a cliff where the Morava meets the Danube, close to the Austrian border.
Square
Main Square Bratislava
Bratislava, Slovakia
A cosy square with the Old Town Hall, a fountain and a Christmas market in winter.
Neighbourhood
Main Street Kosice
Kosice, Slovakia
A broad pedestrian street lined with cafes, fountains and historic buildings.
Viewpoint
UFO Observation Deck
Bratislava, Slovakia
A flying saucer-shaped restaurant and viewing deck on top of a bridge pylon.
Tower
Michael's Gate
Bratislava, Slovakia
A medieval gate tower topped by a baroque spire, the last surviving city gate.
Castle
Strecno Castle
Zilina, Slovakia
A castle on a rock above the Vah river, one of the most photogenic in the north.
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