Košice in 2 days
Day one is a loop through the core, from Hlavná Street past the cathedral and tower to the gold treasure and Kulturpark. Day two carries a trip out of town, into the hills of Slovak Paradise or to medieval Bardejov.
- How long
- 2 days
- Arrival
- bus line 23 (DPMK) to the centre
- The gold treasure
- Open Apr–Oct: Tue–Sun 9–17
Day one is a loop through the core, in the same order the Košice page describes it: from Hlavná Street, past the cathedral and the Urban Tower, to the gold treasure at the Eastern Slovak Museum and Kulturpark, ending at the City Park. Day two heads out of town, by train to Slovak Paradise; anyone who prefers medieval lanes to gorges swaps the same day for a bus to Bardejov instead.
The loop through the core
Arrival from the airport, bus line 23 (DPMK) to the centre, about 20 min.
Hlavná Street, a pedestrian zone through the whole core, with the singing fountain halfway along it, free.
St Elizabeth's Cathedral, the largest church in Slovakia. Entry €6, open summer (May–Sep) Mon–Sat 9–17:30; winter (Oct–Apr) Mon–Sat 10–17:30.
The Urban Tower, a bell tower right by the cathedral. Entry €5, open summer (May–Sep) Mon–Sat 10–17.
The Gold Treasure at the Eastern Slovak Museum, €8, open Apr–Oct: Tue–Sun 9–17; Nov–Mar: Tue–Sat 9–17, Sun 13–17.
Lunch, a set menu €6.60.
Kulturpark, a former army barracks. Courtyard free (courtyard).
City Park at the southern end of the street, free to enter.
A trip to Slovak Paradise
Train to Spišská Nová Ves, train (LeoExpress/ZSSK), 57 min.
Into the gorges of Slovak Paradise near Čingov; a full day on the trails and ladders along the water.
The train back to Košice, same line, same journey time as the morning.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
What gets dropped with only one day?
Day two: the trip to Slovak Paradise or Bardejov. Day one's loop through the core fits into a single day and covers all six main sights.
What if day one falls on a Monday?
The Gold Treasure is closed then, Monday. The rest of the loop runs as usual; the museum waits for a return visit.
Do I need a car for day two?
No. Both Slovak Paradise and Bardejov run by scheduled train or bus.
Ready for Košice?
Where to next
Day trips from Košice
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Spiš Castle · 49 km
→The castle alone takes half a day, a full day comes from adding Spišská Kapitula and Levoča; its upper courtyard is closed for restoration.
How well does Košice suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
Front row for the next trip
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