Visit Slovakia

Slovakia, and especially its capital Bratislava, is a destination close to my heart. My best childhood friend is Slovakian and I can't count the number of times I've been to this great city - at least fifteen, I'd say. Our most recent visit was in 2022, when we went to attend her wedding.

The good news? I've got no plans whatsoever to stop going there, so there will surely be more articles about the Slovak capital to come, and hopefully a few about the other parts of Slovakia we've yet to discover.

When to visit Slovakia

If you're thinking of travelling to Slovakia, it's essential to choose the ideal season to make the most of everything the country has to offer. Without a doubt, the best time to visit Slovakia would be late spring or early autumn. Summer is a wonderful season too, but you should be aware that with the continental climate, summers can be very hot! So if you're going up into the Tatra mountains, that might be a good idea, but I wouldn't particularly recommend visiting the cities between July and August.

During spring and autumn, temperatures are pleasant, generally fluctuating between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, making outdoor activities particularly enjoyable. The days are long and sunny, providing the perfect backdrop for exploring Slovakia's magnificent landscapes.

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the endless possibilities offered by the Tatra mountains and the picturesque trails winding through lush forests.

In summer, Slovakia is also the scene of numerous festivals and cultural events. From traditional music to folklore celebrations and food festivals, there's something for everyone.

Travel budget in Slovakia

When planning a trip to Slovakia, it's essential to establish a realistic budget to cover the various aspects of your stay, including transport, accommodation and activities. Here's a general idea of the costs you should expect:

1. 1. Transport: getting to and around Slovakia:

      • Flights to Slovakia vary in price depending on your place of departure and the season. However, you can find affordable flights by comparing different airlines and booking in advance. But here's a personal tip: night flights (or night trains) to Vienna are a great alternative! From Vienna it's less than an hour's drive (and €9) to Bratislava!
      • To see train timetables and buy your tickets, go to the website 12Go.See on 12GoOnce here, public transport, such as buses and trains, is a cost-effective way of getting around the country. Fares are generally affordable and the networks are well developed.
      • For more freedom, car hire can be a good option, although it may represent an additional cost to factor into your budget.
        View rentals on Rentalcars

   2. Hotels in Slovakia :

      • Slovakia offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From luxury hotels to youth hostels and guest houses, there's something for everyone. Broadly speaking, dormitory beds start at around €10, and double rooms in hotels start at around €50.
      • Prices vary depending on the city and the season. In general, accommodation is cheaper in areas further away from popular tourist centres.
      • For travellers on a budget, youth hostels and home-stay accommodation can be economical choices and offer an authentic experience.

To find accommodation, you can visit the website Booking.com Or compare rates on the map below (zoom in on the map and fill in the various criteria to refine your search)

Things to do in Slovakia :

1. • Many activities in Slovakia are free or inexpensive, such as hiking in the Tatra mountains, visiting medieval castles or discovering charming traditional villages.
   • Some tourist attractions, such as national parks or museums, may have entrance fees, but these are very reasonable.
   • If you are planning more specific activities, such as rafting trips or guided tours, be sure to factor these costs into your budget.

To get an idea of the activities on offer in Slovakia and their prices, visit the website GetyourGuide take a look below:

In summary, travelling to Slovakia can be relatively affordable, especially if you're prepared to look for economical options for transport, accommodation and activities. With careful planning, you can take full advantage of everything this beautiful country has to offer without breaking your budget.

Where to go in Slovakia?

Slovakia, a real little nugget in my humble opinion, and above all a relatively unknown destination in Central Europe. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff or a gourmet, this country has everything to seduce you (okay, when it comes to gastronomy, we'll admit that you'd better love breadcrumbs) ;) . The superb mountains of the Tatras invite you to hike and climb, while the preserved medieval towns of Bratislava and Košice offer a journey back in time, with their castles, Baroque churches and cobbled streets. Culture buffs won't be left out, with a vibrant art and music scene to be discovered in local museums, art galleries and festivals. And of course, Slovakia is also renowned for its cuisine, where Hungarian, Austrian (hello breadcrumbs!) and Czech influences combine to create a palette of unique flavours to be savoured in traditional restaurants and markets.

Slovak cities

Bratislava : The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is a charming city that combines history and modernity. In fact, it's one of the European cities I know best, having been there more than a dozen times ;) Perched on the banks of the Danube, its magnificent Bratislava Castle offers a panoramic view of the city. Bratislava is a great place to stroll and enjoy the terraces on sunny days, but it's also a well-known party destination ;)

Read out post about Bratislava

Košice : Slovakia's second-largest city, Košice is brimming with culture and history. Its splendid St Elisabeth's Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic churches in Central Europe, impresses with its majesty. The Urban Tower offers a breathtaking view of the city from its summit, while the cobbled streets of the Old Town invite you to discover its architectural and artistic treasures.

Bardejov : Bardejov is a medieval gem in eastern Slovakia. Its town square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by colourful houses and historic buildings. The Basilica of St Mary and the Collegiate Church of St John the Baptist are testimony to the city's Gothic architecture. Strolling through the cobbled streets of Bardejov is like stepping back in time.

Trnava : Known as the "Little Slovak Rome", Trnava is a city steeped in history and spirituality. Its impressive Cathedral of St John the Baptist, built in the 14th century, is one of the largest churches in Slovakia. Trnava is also famous for its Baroque churches and well-preserved medieval fortifications, which add to its charm.

Bojnice : Bojnice is a town renowned for its magnificent fairytale castle. Bojnice Castle, with its neo-Gothic architecture and romantic gardens, is one of Slovakia's most popular tourist attractions. History buffs can also visit the Castle Museum, which houses an impressive collection of historical and artistic objects.

Each of these Slovak cities offers a unique experience, combining history, architecture and culture to delight travellers in search of authentic discoveries.

Try slovak cuisine

Slovak cuisine, steeped in local traditions and influenced by its European neighbours, offers a rich and varied palette of flavours to delight visitors' taste buds. Here are just a few of the specialities not to be missed on a trip to Slovakia:

1. Halušky : Considered Slovakia's national dish, halušky is potato gnocchi served with grated sheep's milk cheese and grilled bacon. This combination is a perfect comfort food and a must-try in Slovakian cuisine.
2. Bryndzové halušky : A variation on halušky, this version is made with bryndza sheep's cheese, which is crushed and mixed with potato gnocchi to create a creamy dish → my favourite in the halušky category.
3. Vyprážaný syr : OK... no more! This is THE dish I can't do without when I go to Slovakia... Is it haute gastronomy? Clearly not... but it's so good! Vyprážaný syr is a dish made from breaded and fried cheese. It is often served with chips, salad and tartar sauce..
4. Pirohy : These Slovak ravioli are filled with various fillings such as potatoes, cheese, meat or fruit, then boiled and served with cream. They are an essential part of Slovak cuisine and come in sweet and savoury versions.
5. Lokše : These thin, delicate pancakes are made from potatoes and are often served with ground poppy seeds, sugar or jam. They are popular at festivals in Slovakia.
6. Zemiakové placky : These potato pancakes are fried to a golden brown. They're the Slovak equivalent of Swiss röstis ;)

Hiking in Slovakia - The Tatras region

The Tatra mountains in Slovakia offer spectacular scenery, breathtaking panoramas and a multitude of activities for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. As far as we're concerned, this is definitely the next region of Slovakia that we'll be discovering in our van! Here are just a few of the must-see points of interest to discover during your visit:

1. The Velické Lake Loop: A beautiful route through a secluded, unspoilt valley that offers a hiking experience far off the beaten track. You'll discover wild landscapes, crystal-clear lakes and a wide variety of wildlife.
2. Štrbské Pleso mountain lake: Located at an altitude of 1,346 metres, the Štrbské Pleso mountain lake is one of the Tatras' most beautiful natural gems. Surrounded by majestic peaks, it offers opportunities for peaceful walks along its shores or water sports in summer.
3. Mlynická Valley: This picturesque valley is renowned for its impressive waterfalls, lush green meadows and varied hiking trails. A hike through the Mlynická Valley offers a total immersion in the natural beauty of the Tatras.
4. Exploring Štrbské Pleso: As well as its magnificent lake, Štrbské Pleso offers a range of activities all year round, including skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Be sure to visit the Štrbské Pleso Mountain Museum to learn more about the region and its history.

The best walks in the Tatras on AllTrails.