Around Slovakia
Castles, caves, spa towns and road trip itineraries.
Slovakia packs a lot into a small country: more castles per head than almost anywhere in Europe, the cave systems of the Slovak Karst, medieval mining towns and spa towns with thermal springs. Most places are within a few hours of Bratislava or Košice by car or train.
These guides cover the towns, castles, caves and itineraries outside Bratislava and the High Tatras, with ranked options for getting there and getting around.
Around SlovakiaBanská Štiavnica: Slovakia's UNESCO Mining TownVisit Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO mining town in central Slovakia: how to get there from Bratislava, what to see, and how long to stay.
Around SlovakiaBardejov: UNESCO old town and how to visitBardejov in eastern Slovakia: UNESCO-listed medieval town (2000), the main square, St Giles Basilica, the spa nearby and how to get there.
Around SlovakiaBest Castles in Slovakia, RankedThe best castles in Slovakia ranked: Spiš, Bojnice, Orava, Bratislava, Devín and more, with travel tips and how to combine them on a road trip.
Around SlovakiaBest Caves in Slovakia to VisitThe best caves in Slovakia for visitors: Demänovská, Belianska, Domica, Dobšinská Ice Cave and more, with getting there tips and seasonal advice.
Around SlovakiaBest Time to Visit SlovakiaThe best time to visit Slovakia depends on what you want: hiking, skiing, city breaks or castles. Seasons, weather, crowds and costs explained.
Around SlovakiaBojnice Castle: Visiting Slovakia's Fairytale CastleVisit Bojnice Castle, Slovakia's most romantic fairytale castle: how to get there from Bratislava, what to see inside, and how to plan your day.
Around SlovakiaDanube cycle path in Slovakia: Bratislava to ŠtúrovoDanube cycle path in Slovakia: the EuroVelo 6 route from Bratislava to Štúrovo, Vienna to Bratislava, stages, bike rental and practical tips.
Around SlovakiaKošice Travel Guide: What to See and How to Get TherePlan a trip to Košice, Slovakia's second city: the best way to get there, what to see, how long to stay and how to combine it with the High Tatras.
Around SlovakiaLevoča: UNESCO old town, St James Church and Spiš CastleLevoča in eastern Slovakia: UNESCO-listed old town, St James Church altar, town hall and walls, plus how to visit from Poprad or Košice.
Around SlovakiaNitra: castle, old town and how to visit from BratislavaNitra in Slovakia: castle hill, old town, Zobor and how to visit from Bratislava by train, bus or transfer, with what to see in a day.
Around SlovakiaPiešťany: Slovakia's Spa Town and Easy Day TripVisit Piešťany, Slovakia's best known spa town: how to get there from Bratislava, what to see, spa tips and how long to stay in 2026.
Around SlovakiaSlovakia 7 Day Itinerary: Bratislava to KošiceA 7 day Slovakia itinerary from Bratislava to the High Tatras, Spiš Castle and Košice, with transport options, costs and tips for each stop.
Around SlovakiaSlovakia in summer: what to do and what to expectSlovakia in summer: hiking the Tatras, rafting in Pieniny, castles, aquaparks, heat tips, crowds and how to get around by car, rail or bike.
Around SlovakiaSlovakia in winter: what to do and what to expectSlovakia in winter: skiing in the Tatras and Jasná, Christmas markets, thermal pools, trail closures, driving tips and what to pack.
Around SlovakiaSlovakia Road Trip: Routes and Practical TipsPlan a Slovakia road trip: best routes, where to rent a car, the motorway vignette, driving rules and the stops worth your time on the way.Around SlovakiaSpiš Castle: Visiting Slovakia's UNESCO LandmarkPlan a visit to Spiš Castle, one of Central Europe's largest castle complexes: how to get there from the High Tatras and Košice, what to see and tips.Around SlovakiaTrenčín: castle, old town and how to visit from BratislavaTrenčín in Slovakia: castle, Roman inscription, old town and festivals, and how to get there from Bratislava by train, bus or transfer.
Around SlovakiaŽilina: old town, Budatín Castle and gateway to Malá FatraŽilina in Slovakia: old town square, Budatín Castle, gateway to Malá Fatra and how to get there from Bratislava or Košice by train.