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SLOVAKIA
DESTINATION GUIDE
As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Slovakia in a way like no other. With the astonishing Tatra Mountains in the north and the dreamy Danube River in the south, it’s easy to get lost in Slovakia’s unspoiled countryside. A land of mountains and medieval castles, Slovakia effortlessly swings between wondrous nature and resplendent architecture. The thriving capital of Bratislava delivers a tapestry of history, with a Gothic Old Town, Renaissance castles, ornate Baroque palaces and steely Soviet architecture.The country is surrounded by six other countries in Eastern Europe, and it’s been just over a quarter-century since the ‘Velvet Divorce’ of Czechoslovakia, yet Slovakia remains steeped in folk traditions. Their proudly preserved crafts are reflected in the country’s wooden churches and brightly painted houses, and you can tour museums filled with traditional art, literature and music. When you visit Slovakia with Trafalgar, we’ll take you cruising along the dreamy Danube, past the pastel-coloured 18th century buildings of the Old Town, to savouring local delicacies in the Old Market Hall of Bratislava.Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.
"Slovakia is such an underrated European gem - from its castles, to the wine, and abundance of statues each with its own story - it’s always a pleasant surprise for our guests"
Sarah,
Travel Director
Slovakia at a glance
Currency
Euro
Winter avg temp
2°C
Summer avg temp
26°C
Time Zone
GMT +2
Capital City
Bratislava
Language
Slovak
Good Morning
Dobré ráno
Good evening
Dobrý večer
A land of mountains and medieval castles, Slovakia effortlessly swings between wondrous nature and resplendent architecture. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director for a soul-stirring journey from the majestic Tatra Mountains in the north to the dreamy Danube River in the south.
Our top 3 things to do in Slovakia
From Bratislava’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, to a cruise on the famous Danube, our Slovakia tours are filled with beauty and history.
See the medieval town hall in Bratislava's Old Town
The capital’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the best things to see in Bratislava, and the Old Town Hall is one of its historical gems. Dating back to the 13th century, the original Romanesque building was the house of the mayor, and today it’s part of a building complex with various architectural styles.
Check out the Slovak Radio building
The Slovak Radio building is one of the most intriguing Bratislava attractions. It’s built in the shape of an upside down pyramid, with an inner pyramid containing radio broadcast studios. Completed in 1983, the building is a striking relic of Slovakia’s socialist realism era.
Visit the Freedom Square
Take a walk around Bratislava’s Freedom Square, filled with greenery and the city’s largest fountain. Locally known as Gottko, the square was designed in the 1980s, while the surrounding buildings are reminiscent of the country’s communist era. It’s also the spot where Slovak inventor Ján Bahýľ took off in the world’s first helicopter in 1897.
Best museums in Slovakia
Our Bratislava tours will reveal the top museums in Slovakia, from the world’s second largest gallery of Slovak art, to the Museum of History set in Bratislava Castle.
Slovak National Museum
With headquarters on the riverfront in the historic Old Town of Bratislava, the Slovak National Museum holds the country’s largest and most impressive collections, ranging from archaeological and ethnographic to natural science and historic artworks. One of the best stops is the Museum of History, housed in the beautiful Bratislava Castle.
Bratislava City Gallery
With around 35,000 works of art that include two palaces in Bratislava’s Old Town, Bratislava City Gallery is the second largest gallery dedicated to Slovak art. From Baroque prints and 18th century sculptures, to Gothic stained glass windows, this gallery is a delight to explore.
Bratislava City Museum
Established in established in 1868, Bratislava City Museum is the oldest museum in Slovakia. It’s spread across eight sites around Bratislava, with highlights including the Museum of Clocks and the Museum of City History, containing archaeological displays and exhibitions on Slovakian culture.
Best food in Slovakia
Traditional Slovakian food is a blend of influences from around Central Europe. We’ll show you the best places to enjoy their rich meats, unique cheeses, tangy sauerkraut and plenty of dumplings.
Kapustnica (Cabbage soup)
A filling cabbage soup mixed with potatoes, ham or sausage, mushrooms, onions, paprika and garlic, and served with fresh bread, kapustnica is a classic Slovakian dish. It’s traditionally served at Christmas dinner, but you can find it in traditional restaurants all year round.
Goulash soup
A popular dish found across Central and Eastern European countries, the traditional Slovakian goulash soup consists of beef or pork, potatoes, paprika, onions, peppers, tomatoes and garlic. It’s one of the best-loved recipes in Slovakia, and you can often find it at sporting events, cooking in a cauldron over a fire.
Bryndzové pirohy (Pierogis stuffed with bryndza)
This delicious dish consists of potato dumplings stuffed with bryndza cheese, a soft and creamy sheep cheese proudly made in Slovakia. The dumplings are smothered with sour cream, topped with pieces of fried bacon, and is traditionally paired with a glass of žinčica - a tangy sheep’s milk.
Waterproof jacket
Slovakia is a rainy country, with showers known to strike at any time of the year. Come prepared with a raincoat or small umbrella.
Camera
From the fairytale turrets of Bratislava Castle to the medieval streets of Bratislava’s historic Old Town, Slovakia will keep your camera clicking away.
Comfortable shoes
From roaming the medieval streets of Bratislava’s Old Town, to wandering through the city’s museums and galleries, your feet will thank you for a comfortable pair of shoes.
Headphones
While there’s plenty of visual entertainment as we travel through Slovakia’s gorgeous landscapes, a pair of headphones can be used on long journeys to listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks.
An adaptor plug
Voltage in Slovakia is 230V and the sockets are of Type E, with standard European 2-pin plugs.
What to pack for Slovakia
Other things to know before you go
Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.
Road Trip Adventures
Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!
Guide to Slovakia Visa Application
Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Slovakia and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.
This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.
Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience!