Slovakia travel guide
Slovakia Tourism | Slovakia Guide
You're Going to Love Slovakia
Located in the heart of Europe, Slovakia is the ideal destination for all travelers who enjoy the outdoors but who also like to take in some of the country's heritage.
A compact country, it's easy to go from vineyards to national parks and castles in no time.
What to do in Slovakia
1. Visit the Castles
Slovakia is known for its castles and if you don't have time to visit them all, at least include these two on your list: the Orava Castle, where "Nosferatu" was filmed in 1922, and the Spiš Castle, one of the largest castles in Europe.
2. Explore the Wine Region
For wine aficionados, a trip to the Tokaj wine region is a must-do. Not only does it have gorgeous landscapes and picturesque little villages, this is the region where you'll be able to taste the famous Slovakian dessert wine.
3. Explore Offbeat Košice
Although the capital of Slovakia is a worth-visiting bustling city, uncover the more laidback and historical Košice on the eastern side of the country.
4. Visit a Recreation of Slovak Villages
The Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin, the largest open-air museum in Slovakia, transports you back in time to 19th-century life.
5. Explore Bratislava
If you don't have time to explore more of Slovakia, staying in Bratislava is a great way to gather impressions of the country, its history, and its cultural layers through architecture and local museums.
When to visit Slovakia
The months of June to August are perfect for visiting Slovakia to attend cultural festivals and enjoy hiking, as long as the hot weather doesn't bother you.
In September and October, the music festival season takes place, weather is milder and tourist crowds are fewer.
How to Get to Slovakia
Entry requirements
As a country member of the Schengen Area and the European Union, citizens of participating countries don't need a visa to enter the country and can travel with only their national identity card.
Travelers from Canada, the US, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Slovakia without a visa as long as they have a valid passport and are not staying for more than 90 days.
Plane
Most international flights to Slovakia arrive at the Bratislava Airport. Košice International Airport and Poprad-Tatry International Airport are also served by some international routes.
Train
Bratislava has a regular direct train connection to Prague (4h), Budapest (3h), and Vienna (2h). There are also train connections between Budapest and Košice, and between Ukraine and Čierna and Tisou.
Car
Drivers from non-EU countries will need an International Driving Permit. All drivers need to purchase a toll sticker at the border for around €10 ($11), which is valid for ten days.
In addition to registration papers and insurance, your car must have a reflective jacket, warning triangle, and first-aid kit.
Bus
International buses between Bratislava and other destinations in Europe are operated by Eurolines and Eurobus. There are local buses in the summer between Ždiar and Poprad in Slovakia and Poland.
Boat
Twin City Liner and LOD are the two companies operating riverboats between Vienna and Bratislava. A one-way ticket costs approximately €20-35 ($22-38) depending on the season and time of day.
Popular airlines serving Slovakia
Where to stay in Slovakia
There's a wide range of hotels in Slovakia. Budget travelers can choose between hostels and family-owned guesthouses. Travelers staying in the mountains can opt for accommodation with shared facilities, called "chaty."
Where to stay in popular areas of Slovakia
Most booked hotels in Slovakia
How to Get Around Slovakia
Public Transportation
Most towns are served by a network of local buses. In addition to buses, Bratislava and Košice are also served by trolleybuses and trams. Towns in the High Tatras mountains are connected via electric trains.
Trains
Slovakia is equipped with an efficient train network. Trains range from the cheap but slow "Osobny" to the faster InterCity or EuroCity.
Bus
All towns and villages are connected by bus, but some routes are seasonal or only have two trips a day.
Car
Slovakia is equipped with well-maintained highways, which makes it the perfect European destination for a road trip. Some car rental companies may request an International Driving Permit.
Plane
There's a single domestic flight route between Bratislava and Košice operated by Czech Airlines.
The Cost of Living in Slovakia
ATMs are more frequent in larger towns and cities. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels, but for smaller businesses, ask ahead. Daily groceries will cost approximately €30 ($33) and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is about €5 ($5.50).