Experience lively Košice

Embark on a green pilgrimage to the UPJŠ Botanical Garden on Mánesová Street, especially enchanting during the warmer months. Discover over 4,000 species, enjoy insightful garden tours, and explore photogenic greenhouses featuring cacti, orchids, and butterfly exhibitions. After immersing yourself in the breathtaking nature, relax in the shade of tall trees, unwind in a picturesque gazebo, or visit the recently opened café. And did you know the garden is home to the Wollemia noble, a plant dating back to the time of the dinosaurs?

Admire the beauty of Košice from a bird’s-eye view during a scenic hot air balloon flight above Košice—what more romantic memory could you take home from your visit? Set aside three hours for this unforgettable experience and take in the historic center and Slovakia’s largest urban monument reserve. Leave your worries behind; with the experienced pilots, you’ll feel completely at ease in the air!

Enjoy classic hits right in the heart of Hlavná ulica! Located beneath the National Theater in Košice, the Singing Fountain is a popular spot featuring a relaxing park. During summer, the fountain dances to its own music as well as to the rhythm of the nearby carillon, which boasts nearly a hundred songs—from international favorites to Slovak classics. Additionally, in the warmer months, you can watch screenings of National Theater performances projected onto the fountain’s water screen!

Ever wondered what it’s like to dream under the stars? Visit the magical planetarium on the top floor of the Slovak Technical Museum, which features 42 cozy seats for an immersive experience. If you missed the August Perseids from the hills, this planetarium will offer a captivating alternative. Public programs include explorations of the summer night sky, the solar system, zodiac constellations, and circumpolar constellations. Be sure to book in advance!

Do you appreciate expertly guided tastings and the insights of knowledgeable connoisseurs? Check out the latest events of KubBo Select—offered several times a month in Košice by a local expert and ambassador of fine drinking. Explore various tastings with in-depth explanations and discover new venues. It’s also a great opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts and deepen your knowledge of rum, wine, bourbon, and whiskey.

Travel back in time and meet local artisans on the charming Crafts Alley (Ulička Remesiel) on Hrnčiarská Street. This quaint alley is home to several artists and shops—enjoy a fragrant cup of coffee at the Hoblina Gallery, chat with the local potter about the Haban ceramics line, breathe in the scent of herbs at the herbal shop, or savor a delicious brunch at Raňajkáreň Rozprávka. Mornings don’t get better than this!

Delve into the heart of the city’s history, regional culture, crafts, and nature exhibitions! The East Slovak Museum houses many treasures, including the legendary Košice Golden Treasure. Behind the heavy doors of its mysterious vault, you’ll find a collection of 2,920 coins, three gold medals, and a Renaissance chain. But the museum’s rich offerings don’t stop there. Begin your journey in the Historic Building, exploring centuries of art and craft development, or visit the natural history exhibition in the Division Building just across the street.

The archaeological underground complex, accidentally discovered during the reconstruction of Hlavná Street in the late 1990s, is the preserved original entrance to the city. To this day, 26 fragments of the walls remain intact in various parts of the city center, with the Lower Gate area being the largest and most intriguing. These mysterious catacombs are primarily accessible during the summer months as part of tours at the Archaeological Museum, which also features modern interactive elements.

Start your journey through the city’s religious sites with a video tour at Visit Košice Infopoint at Hlavná 59. This interactive experience, set in a darkened ‘black box’ room, allows you to explore five of the city’s most important spiritual sites and view detailed interiors from angles that are otherwise difficult or impossible to access. While there, pick up the Map of Religious Košice and other free brochures, along with tips personally recommended by the people of Košice.

The must-see for every visitor to Košice is the epicenter of the city’s historical core. The largest and easternmost cathedral in Slovakia, this landmark was the heart of the medieval city and still dominates the lenticular center today. Inside, you’ll find many unique treasures, including the Mandorla with Madonna and the tomb of Francis II Rákóczi. This site was also the setting for the miraculous revelation of Christ’s blood. Book a guided tour or ascend the northern Sigismund’s Tower to watch a romantic sunset.

Visit the park above the Lower Gate, home to the Gothic Church of St. Michael, the second oldest architectural monument in Košice after the Dominican Church. This former cemetery chapel, built in the latter half of the 14th century to house the precious relic of Christ’s blood, will captivate visitors with its stained glass windows depicting saints, wall paintings, frescoes, and a stunning altar. Beneath the church, the underground spaces contain a valuable ossuary and a communal crypt.

The Premonstratensian Baroque Church on Hlavná Street is a notable city landmark, featuring an impressive facade, original Jesuit decoration, and traces of fading Renaissance architecture. Be sure to examine the remarkable illusory painting by Erasmus Schrött from 1786, which gives the illusion of a third dimension, and the intricate decoration of the main altar, showcasing the motif of the Holy Trinity

Reserve an evening to enjoy a captivating experience at the National Theater of Košice, located right in the heart of the city. The theater will enchant you with its Art Nouveau interior in the Historic Building and the intimate setting of the Small Stage. The diverse repertoire includes renowned opera, operetta, drama, and ballet performances. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the historic building’s eclectic style, blending Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau elements. Elevate your evening with a grand dinner at one of the fine restaurants along the Košice corso.

Calling all fans of independent culture, vibrant art scenes, and genuine experiences! Úsmev the Cinema offers more than just top-notch films; it’s also a hotspot for lively parties. Especially during the warmer months, don’t miss themed weekends and festivals where you can dance the night away. Enjoy delicious food from food trucks, craft beers, and refreshing lemonades amidst the buzz of the illuminated courtyard in the city center. Keep an eye on the cinema’s program for screenings of classics and the latest releases!

Welcome to Tabačka Kulturfabrik, a vibrant cultural hub. This legendary spot offers a diverse range of amenities all in one place: a cinema, a concert hall, two bars, a spacious terrace, a gallery, and a bistro serving delicious food late into the evening. You can also find offices and coworking spaces here. Enjoy a lively party in Fabric Space, catch a concert in the grand hall or the open-air courtyard, and immerse yourself in a dynamic cultural program. Complement your experience with craft drinks, a selection of quality wines, and expertly mixed cocktails.

The Vojtech Löffler Museum hosts an impressive permanent exhibition of Košice artists, along with representatives of folk ceramics and pottery, all collected by Vojtech Löffler himself. The museum’s diverse program also showcases the work of emerging artists. Relax in the enchanting courtyard, where you can enjoy insightful discussions on current projects, intimate concerts, and art workshops. The museum also features a library and a memorial room dedicated to the Löffler family.

Discover traditional folk customs and find some time to learn something new at ÚĽUV—Center of Folk Art Production. Pick from a wide range od courses, such as woodcarving, ceramics, wickery, plaiting, or less known crafts like bobbin-lacing, thin-rolled shells, six-hole whistle, or wooden spoons. Not only can you explore the wide variety of these courses, you may as well enjoy the ÚĽUV Gallery with their current exhibitions or even buy some folk souvenirs for your loved ones. Or just for yourself.

The first regional gallery in Slovakia regularly showcases both emerging and established artists, with exhibitions spanning from classical to contemporary art. After a pleasant brunch, set aside a few hours to explore the gallery’s current exhibitions, visit the newly reopened modern library, participate in events on topics like urban planning, ecology, and climate, or engage in experimental workshops. Fully accessible to all visitors..

Once an indoor swimming pool, this building now serves as a modern space for contemporary art. Recognized as a significant architectural achievement and one of old Košice’s most iconic structures, it is also home to the city’s newest gallery. VUNU Gallery regularly showcases young Slovak and international artists whose work fits seamlessly into these remarkable spaces. Be sure to visit during cultural events to enjoy a unique blend of musical and visual experiences.

While exploring the Terasa housing estate, the striking administrative building of Košice Municipality, colloquially known as the ‘White House’ since 1985, is impossible to miss. This building, now the central hub for Košice administration, once served as the headquarters of the Communist Party of Slovakia. Designed by Milan Motýľ, it features granite staircase and paving stones from Příbram, along with a travertine facade from Dreveník. Take a peek inside, where you’ll discover numerous art pieces.

Take a moment to relax or admire the city’s architecture at the Červená Hviezda–public swimming pool, designed by the legendary architect Ľudovít Oelschläger. This pool has been providing entertainment and leisure for Košice residents since 1936. The building is recognized as a national cultural monument and features terraced swimming pools along with northern and eastern structures. Inside, you’ll discover well-preserved, authentic wooden dressing room furniture and a rectangular colonnade. Let’s dive in!

Explore the iconic Barracks/Kulturpark on Kukučínova Street, a key attraction from Košice’s time as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. The site features three original military barracks, Alfa, Bravo, and Charlie, along with eight modern pavilions. Designed by the architecture studio zerozero, this well-maintained space serves as a hub for skateboarding and a cultural landmark, offering an extensive range of programs including music, dance, art exhibitions, conferences, and more!