Slovakia Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Slovakia? Start in Bratislava for its compact Old Town, hilltop castle, cafés, and unusual mix of medieval, Baroque, and Communist-era architecture; head north to hike among the dramatic peaks and mountain lakes of the High Tatras; explore historic Banská Štiavnica; or step inside one of the country’s many castles, caves, and traditional villages.
Slovakia may be one of Central Europe’s smaller countries, but it packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively compact area. Medieval towns, mountain landscapes, castles, wooden churches, thermal springs, caves, national parks, folk villages, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites make it an excellent destination for travelers who want to explore beyond Europe’s most heavily visited cities.
This Slovakia travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and Slovak traditions.
Visiting Slovakia for the first time? Combine Bratislava with the High Tatras and at least one historic destination such as Banská Štiavnica, Košice, Bardejov, or the Spiš region. Add Slovak Paradise National Park if hiking is a priority.
Slovakia is particularly easy to combine with neighboring Austria, Hungary, Czechia, and Poland, but don’t make the mistake of treating Bratislava as nothing more than a day trip from Vienna. Some of Slovakia’s most memorable landscapes and historic sites are farther east and north.
Slovakia Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Slovakia? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Bratislava
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Language: Slovak
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Slovaks drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October for sightseeing and hiking; winter for skiing and mountain activities
Popular First-Time Destinations: Bratislava, High Tatras, Banská Štiavnica, Spiš Castle, Košice, and Slovak Paradise National Park
Getting Around: Trains, intercity buses, rental cars, trams, local buses, and taxis or ride-hailing services
Visa Requirements: U.S. tourists can visit Slovakia and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Best Known For: High Tatras, castles, medieval towns, caves, thermal springs, wooden churches, hiking, and traditional villages
UNESCO World Heritage Properties: 8
Don’t Miss: Bratislava, the High Tatras, a castle, a historic town, and at least one outdoor destination
First-time Slovakia travel tip: Don’t limit your trip to Bratislava. Slovakia’s mountains, castles, caves, historic towns, and national parks are some of the best reasons to visit the country.
Best Places to Visit in Slovakia
Bratislava: Best for a First Introduction to Slovakia
Bratislava is the Slovakian capital and is known for its well-preserved Communist-Era Architecture. Bratislava has a cobblestoned medieval old town full of pastel buildings, a castle, the narrowest house in Europe, vineyards, a café culture, and a large neighborhood of colorful former Communist blocks.
READ 24 Hours in Bratislava Slovakia
High Tatras: Best for Mountains, Hiking and Alpine Scenery
Banská Štiavnica: Best for History and a UNESCO Mining Town
Košice: Best for Architecture and Eastern Slovakia
Slovak Paradise National Park: Best for Adventurous Hiking
Spiš Castle and Levoča: Best for Medieval History
Bojnice: Best for a Fairytale Castle
Bardejov: Best for a Beautiful Historic Town
Vlkolínec: Best for Traditional Slovak Village Architecture
Čičmany: Best for Folk Architecture and Painted Houses
Piešťany: Best for Thermal Spas and Wellness
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Slovakia
Where is Slovakia?
Slovakia is in Central Europe. It is bordered by Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. The major cities are Bratislava, Košice, Žilina, and Prešov. Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia.
What Language Is Spoken in Slovakia?
The national language of Slovakia is Slovak, it is spoken by 80% of the population. Czech is the second most commonly spoken language in Slovakia. Hungarian, English, Russian, and German are also commonly known languages in Slovakia. About 13% of the population speaks English, most often teens to people in their 30’s. English speakers will not have difficulty communicating in large cities. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Slovakia?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Slovakia and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Slovakia Use?
The currency in Slovakia is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Slovakia?
ATMs are widely available in Slovakia. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Slovakia and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Slovakia, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euros. Many small businesses and villages are cash only.
How Much Does a Trip to Slovakia Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Slovakia is $86. Expect to pay $1,199 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Slovakia?
The high tourist season is from May to August with the hottest temperatures in July and August. The shoulder season is March to April, and October to mid-November. May, September, and October are the best seasons to visit Slovakia; temperatures are mild, the trees change colors, and crowds are minimal. Expect freezing temperatures and snow in the winter. December through April is the high season for ski areas and thermal spas. Most tourist sites are closed from November through March.
How Do You Get Around Slovakia?
There are no domestic flights in Slovakia, use a rental car, train, or bus to travel between cities. Slovakia has the eighth-most dangerous roads in Europe, be careful driving in the dark. It is important to note, that should you be stopped, the allowed level of blood alcohol is 0%. Ferry service is available between Bratislava and Budapest or Vienna. Transportation by bus and tram is available in large cities. Taxis are known to overcharge.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Slovakia?
The plugs in Slovakia are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You may need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack for Slovakia?
Jeans and camisoles or t-shirts are common summer daily wear. Jeans and sweaters are common in the winter. Bring an umbrella and dress in layers to be prepared for temperature changes during shoulder season. A comfortable pair of walking shoes with good soles for cobbled streets is important.
Is Slovakia Safe for Solo Travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, Slovakia is a safe country overall, and violent crime is almost non-existent. Be aware of your surroundings, there is a moderate risk for scams and pickpockets. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Slovak Food Should You Try?
Bryndzové (dumplings with sheep’s cheese and bacon), vyprážaný rezeň (schnitzel), kapustnica (sauerkraut and sausage soup), zemiakové placky (crispy potato pancakes), lokshe (thin potato flatbreads), vyprážaný syr (fried cheese), slovenske palacinky (crepes), trdelnik (funnel cake), Laskonky (meringue cookies), and drink Borovička (juniper spirit).
Tips for Traveling in Slovakia
- A tip of 10% is normal.
- Slovakia has high-quality water that can be drunk from the tap.
- Do not call Slovakia Czechoslovakia or confuse it with Slovenia.
- Most tourist attractions are open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.
- Stores often close at noon on Saturday and do not open on Sunday.
- Keep change available, you may have to pay to use a toilet.
- During a toast, clink glasses with everyone while looking them in the eye.
- Take off your shoes when invited into someone’s home, and bring chocolate or a bottle of wine.
- Be on time or 5-10 minutes early.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport with you, it is the law.
10 Top Things to See and Do in Slovakia
- See the Communist Era architecture of Bratislava.
- See wooden churches in Slovakia’s rural villages.
- Hike the trails in Slovak Paradise National Park.
- Visit the spa town of Bešeňová or Piešťany.
- Relax in the hot springs in Podhajska.
- Experience traditional Slovak life in Čičmany.
- Explore the Dobsinska Ice Cave.
- Tour Bojnice Castle.
- Wander the fairytale town of Banska Stiavnica.
- Take the Bachledka treetop walk in the Tatra Mountains.
Check the Bratislava Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Slovakia
- Slovakia is the midpoint of Europe.
- Bratislava is the only capital in the world that borders 2 countries, Austria and Hungary.
- Slovakia has the world’s highest number of castles (220) and châteaux (425).
- There are over 6000 caves and 1600 mineral springs in Slovakia.
- The highest statue of a horse in the world is in Samorín-Cilistov.
- The oldest European marathon is held in Kosice.
- Slovakia has one of the world’s lowest birth rates.
- About 90 percent of the population has secondary education.
- Andy Warhol’s parents immigrated from Slovakia.
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