Roel's Guidebook for Kosice and the Region
Food scene - quite a few good places!
Great for both coffee and food. Great service and atmosphere (Great Gatsby Style). Good wine selection. Czech pilsner on tap. Right on the main street, opposite the Theatre. Outside seating in the summer.
My favourite place, lots of atmosphere, private smoking upstairs with leather sofas. In fact my Grandfather used to play here with his band back in the 50-60ties! On the pricier side but you get silver service.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Slávia
Great for both coffee and food. Great service and atmosphere (Great Gatsby Style). Good wine selection. Czech pilsner on tap. Right on the main street, opposite the Theatre. Outside seating in the summer.
My favourite place, lots of atmosphere, private smoking upstairs with leather sofas. In fact my Grandfather used to play here with his band back in the 50-60ties! On the pricier side but you get silver service.
One of the top reataurants, cosy, great service. Towards the other end of the Main Street but worth a nice walk. Outside seating in the summer. The modern Aupark shopping centre is only couple of minutes walk away.
Le Colonial
8 HlavnáOne of the top reataurants, cosy, great service. Towards the other end of the Main Street but worth a nice walk. Outside seating in the summer. The modern Aupark shopping centre is only couple of minutes walk away.
On ground floor looks more like a pub but go downstairs for the middle ages style, swords, shields and knights. Good food (although some say its a hit and miss) and one of the best draft Czech Pilsners in town. Lots of privacy for private conversations as downstairs tables are well separated. Again in walking distance, one street away from the main street. Outside seating in the summer.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Camelot
226 KováčskaOn ground floor looks more like a pub but go downstairs for the middle ages style, swords, shields and knights. Good food (although some say its a hit and miss) and one of the best draft Czech Pilsners in town. Lots of privacy for private conversations as downstairs tables are well separated. Again in walking distance, one street away from the main street. Outside seating in the summer.
A cosy place, with traditional folk design, something slightly different to some other more posh places which I also recommended. Friendly service and good food (even included rabbit or lamb last time I checked). Right on the main street so walking distance. You can sit inside right by the window to the Main Street or outside (in the summer).
Pictures you see dont give it enough justice.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Med Malina
81 HlavnáA cosy place, with traditional folk design, something slightly different to some other more posh places which I also recommended. Friendly service and good food (even included rabbit or lamb last time I checked). Right on the main street so walking distance. You can sit inside right by the window to the Main Street or outside (in the summer).
Pictures you see dont give it enough justice.
This is one of the most favourite night bars (fridays and saturdays till late hours, at least 4.00 a.m.) with a beergarden at the back and a disco downstairs. Somewhat unexpectedly their food is really good (incl presentation) and wines too! You can sit upstairs too where its quieter but still see and enjoy the buzz downstairs by the bar.
Countless spirits, coctails but note there is no draft beer (only bottled, guess they didn’t want to be like a “pub”).
There is another kind of posh night bar / disco next door (about 50 meters) called Retro. You can also grab a slice of pizza on that same street (now very popular in town, till late hours).
In case you wonder, fights or similar trouble are rare, people actually seem to behave quite well, if I compare it to some other places in the world.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
JAZZ KOŠICE / Pub&Restaurant :: Caffe :: DiscoClub
39 KováčskaThis is one of the most favourite night bars (fridays and saturdays till late hours, at least 4.00 a.m.) with a beergarden at the back and a disco downstairs. Somewhat unexpectedly their food is really good (incl presentation) and wines too! You can sit upstairs too where its quieter but still see and enjoy the buzz downstairs by the bar.
Countless spirits, coctails but note there is no draft beer (only bottled, guess they didn’t want to be like a “pub”).
There is another kind of posh night bar / disco next door (about 50 meters) called Retro. You can also grab a slice of pizza on that same street (now very popular in town, till late hours).
In case you wonder, fights or similar trouble are rare, people actually seem to behave quite well, if I compare it to some other places in the world.
Don’t be fooled. This is not just a cafe or a pizzeria. The interiors are perhaps not as posh/ historic as elsewhere (I prefer sitting outside on the main street) but the food variety is very good and the meals are very tasty. Service is also good.
Good value for money, unexpectedly good restaurant.
https://pizzacafenapoli.sk/
Pizza Cafe Napoli
82 HlavnáDon’t be fooled. This is not just a cafe or a pizzeria. The interiors are perhaps not as posh/ historic as elsewhere (I prefer sitting outside on the main street) but the food variety is very good and the meals are very tasty. Service is also good.
Good value for money, unexpectedly good restaurant.
https://pizzacafenapoli.sk/
Please do ignore the above photos from airbnb, please visit
http://www.goldenroyal.sk/en/uvod/
One of the best places for a nice lunch (like most restaurants they also do lunch menus during the week) or dinner in their pretty Winter Garden with a fountain. Professional service.
An ayurvedic oil massage is also available.
Video: https://youtu.be/IFudi-yjpik
Golden Royal Boutique Hotel & Spa
943 VodnáPlease do ignore the above photos from airbnb, please visit
http://www.goldenroyal.sk/en/uvod/
One of the best places for a nice lunch (like most restaurants they also do lunch menus during the week) or dinner in their pretty Winter Garden with a fountain. Professional service.
An ayurvedic oil massage is also available.
Video: https://youtu.be/IFudi-yjpik
If you are near the train station do check (it is not far to walk anyway, about 15 minutes). You will probably be pretty surprised by the interior with atmosphere (and views of the tram station), the menu and the good beers. Friendly service.
Staničný Pivovar
11 Staničné námestieIf you are near the train station do check (it is not far to walk anyway, about 15 minutes). You will probably be pretty surprised by the interior with atmosphere (and views of the tram station), the menu and the good beers. Friendly service.
A good Vietnamese restaurant only 2-3 minute walk away at the top part of the Main Street (Vietnamese food is quite trendy these days). The chicken soup with lemon grass is particularly good. They also do food delivery (for more deliveries / restaurants check bistro.sk). There is a pizza takeaway place on the same side of the street and on the other side there is a good ice cream place with cakes (also for takeaway).
Pho Viet
108 HlavnáA good Vietnamese restaurant only 2-3 minute walk away at the top part of the Main Street (Vietnamese food is quite trendy these days). The chicken soup with lemon grass is particularly good. They also do food delivery (for more deliveries / restaurants check bistro.sk). There is a pizza takeaway place on the same side of the street and on the other side there is a good ice cream place with cakes (also for takeaway).
A hidden gem with friendly prices and good Italian food . Very cosy seating outside in a small street. My favourite for a quick casual dinner.
Pizzeria Zvon
4 ZvonárskaA hidden gem with friendly prices and good Italian food . Very cosy seating outside in a small street. My favourite for a quick casual dinner.
The name says it all, this is where you come for a steak. Cosy and good service.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Rosto Steak House
6 OrliaThe name says it all, this is where you come for a steak. Cosy and good service.
This is the place to try the traditional Slovak “gnocchi” in various ways (the bryndza i.e. the sheep cheese ones are most popular). Best with a beer
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryndzové_halušky
Haluškáreň
100 HlavnáThis is the place to try the traditional Slovak “gnocchi” in various ways (the bryndza i.e. the sheep cheese ones are most popular). Best with a beer
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryndzové_halušky
Night life
Please see my Food Scene section.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
JAZZ KOŠICE / Pub&Restaurant :: Caffe :: DiscoClub
39 KováčskaPlease see my Food Scene section.
Retro cult club
49 KováčskaOne of the favourite night clubs, very close to Jazz club.
Hiking and Nature
Just outside of town, many people are not even aware of it. You can come here for a healthy hike by car in about 30 minutes, the. About 45-60 minute walk uphill. A good trip for half a day. The views are definitely worth it. This is in the Ruzin area, after the hike you can go to the Hamre restaurant and enjoy the lake views (see Ruzin section).
Sivec
Just outside of town, many people are not even aware of it. You can come here for a healthy hike by car in about 30 minutes, the. About 45-60 minute walk uphill. A good trip for half a day. The views are definitely worth it. This is in the Ruzin area, after the hike you can go to the Hamre restaurant and enjoy the lake views (see Ruzin section).
On googlemaps it says: Scenic lake in a lush, alpine setting. I agree!
In warmer months you can rent boats around the lake and/or just have lunch in say Penzion Hamre with really nice lake views (you will find it on googlemaps, parking is easy). Its a pretty good place if you want to escape the city, get some food and relax in the nature.
Ružín
On googlemaps it says: Scenic lake in a lush, alpine setting. I agree!
In warmer months you can rent boats around the lake and/or just have lunch in say Penzion Hamre with really nice lake views (you will find it on googlemaps, parking is easy). Its a pretty good place if you want to escape the city, get some food and relax in the nature.
(Not close, but you could do this in a day, with a car).
Ok there are soooo many breathtaking places in the High and Low Tartras, I am not going to try and list them here, please google them. They are the real treasure of the country.
I visited this one in July 2019 with friends (the restaurant was soo busy and food pretty good, I had thought no one would be there but I could not have been more wrong). We also went up to Jahnaci Stit but must say we were pretty lucky with the weather). It was a really great day. Dont forget, weather in the mountains can change very quickly, it can get cold and rainy real quick. Good boots are an absolute must.
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Zelené pleso
(Not close, but you could do this in a day, with a car).
Ok there are soooo many breathtaking places in the High and Low Tartras, I am not going to try and list them here, please google them. They are the real treasure of the country.
I visited this one in July 2019 with friends (the restaurant was soo busy and food pretty good, I had thought no one would be there but I could not have been more wrong). We also went up to Jahnaci Stit but must say we were pretty lucky with the weather). It was a really great day. Dont forget, weather in the mountains can change very quickly, it can get cold and rainy real quick. Good boots are an absolute must.
I have not been for ages but thought I would mention, its just outside of town. In the winter there is a small ski resort (the closest Kosice has, for proper skiing go to Jasna - see the ski section).
Jahodná
I have not been for ages but thought I would mention, its just outside of town. In the winter there is a small ski resort (the closest Kosice has, for proper skiing go to Jasna - see the ski section).
In High Tatras, best to drive directly to Tatranska Lomnica. Longest ski slope. You can go to the top with the cable car also in the summer months and enjoy the views from the second highest peak of the Tatra Mountains.
53 Einheimische empfehlen
Lomnický štít 2634 m
In High Tatras, best to drive directly to Tatranska Lomnica. Longest ski slope. You can go to the top with the cable car also in the summer months and enjoy the views from the second highest peak of the Tatra Mountains.
Free time activities, Wellness and Pools
Set in the city park there is this nicely maintained pool. No more words needed
Summer swimming pool Town
RumanovaAnother public pool recently renovated. Must admit I have not been but I would probably expect this place to be more crowded than the other pool above.
red Star
1457 Staničné námestieAnother public pool recently renovated. Must admit I have not been but I would probably expect this place to be more crowded than the other pool above.
My summer favorite because of the relaxed beach atmosphere, sand, palms, good design and lounge electronic music. Pislner on tap, good drinks/ coctail selection, very good food too. There is beach volleyball and a small pool 70cm deep, some showers etc. It is actually quite central in the City, near Aupark. A bit hidden (entry next to MC Donalds) so many don’t even know it exists. There are movies on during the summer evenings too - see their facebook page for details, reservations possiblle, in 2020 they are screening on Tuesday and Thursdays.
Beach Club
821 Protifašistických bojovníkovMy summer favorite because of the relaxed beach atmosphere, sand, palms, good design and lounge electronic music. Pislner on tap, good drinks/ coctail selection, very good food too. There is beach volleyball and a small pool 70cm deep, some showers etc. It is actually quite central in the City, near Aupark. A bit hidden (entry next to MC Donalds) so many don’t even know it exists. There are movies on during the summer evenings too - see their facebook page for details, reservations possiblle, in 2020 they are screening on Tuesday and Thursdays.
This is basically a pub by the river if you fancy going somewhere not too far away / in town, get a drink and sit or lay on the grass by the water / in the sun. The ladies serving there can be old school and looking annoyed with their work but a smile and/or a small tip can do the trick.
Občerstvenie SÚDKY
Na SihotiThis is basically a pub by the river if you fancy going somewhere not too far away / in town, get a drink and sit or lay on the grass by the water / in the sun. The ladies serving there can be old school and looking annoyed with their work but a smile and/or a small tip can do the trick.
Optima Atrium
32 Moldavská cestaPlease see section Shopping Centres for my commentary.
http://relaxharmony.sk/public/
When I want a quick massage in walking distance this is where I go (I just call them up). One hour in the region 23-25 eur so not bad at all. There are now also Thai massages in the city, suggest you simply google (I haven’t tried yet).
Relax centrum Harmony
397/6 Vrátnahttp://relaxharmony.sk/public/
When I want a quick massage in walking distance this is where I go (I just call them up). One hour in the region 23-25 eur so not bad at all. There are now also Thai massages in the city, suggest you simply google (I haven’t tried yet).
(Please ignore the above photos which don’t give it justice.)
This hotel also offers an ayurvedic spa including an oil massage. Please check www.goldenroyal.sk
Golden Royal Boutique Hotel & Spa
943 Vodná(Please ignore the above photos which don’t give it justice.)
This hotel also offers an ayurvedic spa including an oil massage. Please check www.goldenroyal.sk
The wellness underground (Roman spa) is top, you will enter another world. Please check the website. Massages are also available.
https://privilege.sk/en/spqr/roman-spa/
(This place is not in a walking distance, as always please check on googlemaps
Hotel & Restaurant Privilege wellness
2246 WerferovaThe wellness underground (Roman spa) is top, you will enter another world. Please check the website. Massages are also available.
https://privilege.sk/en/spqr/roman-spa/
(This place is not in a walking distance, as always please check on googlemaps
CineMAX Kosice
32 Moldavská cestaCinema with movies also in English (with Slovak subtitles)
An older cinema very close in walking distance (only about 3 minutes), with a stylish bar. You can take your drink with you into the cinema also. Do check the program if any movies are available in English.
In the summer months there is outside seating in the beer garden with a street food corner, music, events etc.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Kino Usmev
1 Kasárenské námestieAn older cinema very close in walking distance (only about 3 minutes), with a stylish bar. You can take your drink with you into the cinema also. Do check the program if any movies are available in English.
In the summer months there is outside seating in the beer garden with a street food corner, music, events etc.
A music / art / stand up / movie venue with a restaurant very close by. Please check the website for events (the website does not seem to be in English at the time of writing).
https://www.tabacka.sk/
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Tabacka Kulturfabrik
2 GorkéhoA music / art / stand up / movie venue with a restaurant very close by. Please check the website for events (the website does not seem to be in English at the time of writing).
https://www.tabacka.sk/
This is the nearest indoor waterpark (Kosice still does not have one), in the city of Presov, about 20-25 minutes by car, with saunas. It is not massive but just right and does the job. There is also a small restaurant. It is usually not crowded in the swimming pool and there are also some strong massage streams in the pool where you can just hang around and get it “massaged” exactly where you need. You can combine it with a city trip, Presov has a small historic town centre.
Delňa
25 JelšováThis is the nearest indoor waterpark (Kosice still does not have one), in the city of Presov, about 20-25 minutes by car, with saunas. It is not massive but just right and does the job. There is also a small restaurant. It is usually not crowded in the swimming pool and there are also some strong massage streams in the pool where you can just hang around and get it “massaged” exactly where you need. You can combine it with a city trip, Presov has a small historic town centre.
These cave baths in Hungary are 1.45h drive away (in mid 2021 the highway should be finished) but these cave baths should be well worth it. You can also combine it with a city trip to Miskolc.
http://barlangfurdo.hu/en/experience-bath-cave
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca
1 Pazár István stny.These cave baths in Hungary are 1.45h drive away (in mid 2021 the highway should be finished) but these cave baths should be well worth it. You can also combine it with a city trip to Miskolc.
http://barlangfurdo.hu/en/experience-bath-cave
Large aquapark about 1.45h drive in the north Slovakia with views if Tatra Mountains. You can also take the train to Poprad and then take a taxi. In the winter you can also bath in a hot pool outside. You can also use it during a ski holiday on your “break” day.
Website: https://www.tatralandia.sk/vitajte/tatralandia/raj-toboganov?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI97mCusrl6gIVY7R3Ch18ZQtoEAAYASAAEgLFyPD_BwE
108 Einheimische empfehlen
Aquapark Tatralandia
21 RáztockáLarge aquapark about 1.45h drive in the north Slovakia with views if Tatra Mountains. You can also take the train to Poprad and then take a taxi. In the winter you can also bath in a hot pool outside. You can also use it during a ski holiday on your “break” day.
Website: https://www.tatralandia.sk/vitajte/tatralandia/raj-toboganov?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI97mCusrl6gIVY7R3Ch18ZQtoEAAYASAAEgLFyPD_BwE
Great place for an original thai massage and /or wellness. Check zlavomat or similar sites for discounts!
3ple center
32 Moldavská cestaGreat place for an original thai massage and /or wellness. Check zlavomat or similar sites for discounts!
Best of Skiing
Slovakia has some of the best skiing in Central Europe with modern ski facilities and well maintained ski slopes. Ski passes are becoming pricier (but you get quality in return). Other than that Slovakia still offers very good value for money in terms of accommodation, food and drink, especially compared to Western Europe.
The best resort in Slovakia and Central Europe Look it up, the above photos are not giving it justice.
If you don't have a car you can also take the train to Liptovsky Mikulas and then say a taxi. There are also good hiking options.
Video (there is more on youtube)
https://youtu.be/wTuo0f55pHc
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Jasná
The best resort in Slovakia and Central Europe Look it up, the above photos are not giving it justice.
If you don't have a car you can also take the train to Liptovsky Mikulas and then say a taxi. There are also good hiking options.
Video (there is more on youtube)
https://youtu.be/wTuo0f55pHc
Longest ski slope in SVK. My second favourite to Jasna which is largest and has many tracks (and yes, also depends on weather / snow conditions, you can eg check onthesnow). Also see the hiking section above and always be ready for a possible dramatic and quick change in weather when in the mountains .
If you dont have a car you can also take the train to Poprad and then say a taxi.
53 Einheimische empfehlen
Lomnický štít 2634 m
Longest ski slope in SVK. My second favourite to Jasna which is largest and has many tracks (and yes, also depends on weather / snow conditions, you can eg check onthesnow). Also see the hiking section above and always be ready for a possible dramatic and quick change in weather when in the mountains .
If you dont have a car you can also take the train to Poprad and then say a taxi.
Sightseeing in the Region
Yes Budapest. Thought I should say that you can get there easily by train in 3-4 hours, and hopefully there will be a good restaurant wagon also as is the norm in Slovakia on the longer routes.
Check zsr sk, alternatively there are shuttle transfers but probably only to the Budapest airport and not city centre: cassoviaexpress sk
There is a new highway all the way to Budapest from the border making travel by road very fast and convenient.
82 Einheimische empfehlen
Budapest
Yes Budapest. Thought I should say that you can get there easily by train in 3-4 hours, and hopefully there will be a good restaurant wagon also as is the norm in Slovakia on the longer routes.
Check zsr sk, alternatively there are shuttle transfers but probably only to the Budapest airport and not city centre: cassoviaexpress sk
There is a new highway all the way to Budapest from the border making travel by road very fast and convenient.
The biggest castle in Central Europe, also some blockbusters were made here. A good tip for a day trip. Tatras and the Slovak Paradise are nearby if you would like to spend more and one day and do some hiking in truly beautiful nature.
47 Einheimische empfehlen
Spiš Castle
The biggest castle in Central Europe, also some blockbusters were made here. A good tip for a day trip. Tatras and the Slovak Paradise are nearby if you would like to spend more and one day and do some hiking in truly beautiful nature.
A nice historic town around 75mins by car, UNESCO heritage. It also is a well known Spa with various treatments, pools and free healing mineral waters for which the City was historically very famous, also internationally.
Interesting Article here: https://www.bardejov.travel/en/has_healing_springs_and_spa_history
As per Wikipedia: Bardejov exhibits numerous cultural monuments in its completely intact medieval town center. The town is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and currently maintains a population of about 32,000 inhabitants.
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Bardejov
A nice historic town around 75mins by car, UNESCO heritage. It also is a well known Spa with various treatments, pools and free healing mineral waters for which the City was historically very famous, also internationally.
Interesting Article here: https://www.bardejov.travel/en/has_healing_springs_and_spa_history
As per Wikipedia: Bardejov exhibits numerous cultural monuments in its completely intact medieval town center. The town is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and currently maintains a population of about 32,000 inhabitants.
Shopping Therapy
You can walk there, its on the other end of the Main Street, please google it. A modern place, with many shops, cafes and restaurants.Also possible to get there by tram (or a taxi (get the bolt app), shared bike (Antik.sk) or shared scooter (bolt app again) etc, there are many options these days.
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Aupark Kosice
1 Námestie osloboditeľovYou can walk there, its on the other end of the Main Street, please google it. A modern place, with many shops, cafes and restaurants.Also possible to get there by tram (or a taxi (get the bolt app), shared bike (Antik.sk) or shared scooter (bolt app again) etc, there are many options these days.
Another modern shopping centre, with cinemas and also wellness / massage options. Possible to take a tram, but best to take a car or taxi.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Optima Atrium
32 Moldavská cestaAnother modern shopping centre, with cinemas and also wellness / massage options. Possible to take a tram, but best to take a car or taxi.