If Košice proves anything, it’s that small cities can punch far above their weight. Compact, colourful, and loaded with history, it’s the kind of place you can explore on foot without ever once glancing at a map. Which is fortunate, because in 34°C heat, the less faffing, the better.
Starting at the Heart – Hlavná Ulica
Every tour of Košice begins here. Hlavná Ulica (Main Street) isn’t just a street; it’s a mile-long stage lined with pastel townhouses, Gothic spires, fountains, and cafés spilling out onto the pavement. Think Vienna or Budapest in miniature, but without the crowds.
At the centre stands St Elisabeth Cathedral, Slovakia’s largest Gothic church and the easternmost of its kind in Europe. Climb the tower (if you dare in the heat) for sweeping views over the rooftops.
The Singing Fountain & State Theater
Just in front of the cathedral, the Singing Fountain dances to classical music on the hour, framed perfectly by the grand State Theater behind it. On a hot day, it’s also a welcome chance to cool down with a fine mist drifts from the jets, which I appreciated more than once.
History in the Details
Wander further and you’ll find small gems that reveal Košice’s character:
- St Michael’s Chapel A Gothic jewel box of a chapel, once the city’s main cemetery church.
- The Coat of Arms Košice was the first European city granted a coat of arms by a monarch (in 1369), proudly displayed on plaques around town.
- The Beggar’s House Legend has it a beggar built it after striking it rich, a story as colourful as the façade itself.
Side Streets & Hidden Corners
Košice isn’t just about the grand avenue. Slip down side streets like Craft Lane, where local artisans still work, or explore the shady courtyards tucked behind the main facades. These quieter spots give you a glimpse of everyday life behind the postcard views.
Surviving the Heat – Café Stops
With the mercury pushing 34°C, café stops weren’t optional, they were essential. Luckily, Košice excels in this department. Outdoor terraces line Main Street, shaded by awnings, with icy Pilsner and Aperol spritzes never far away. Each break felt like plugging myself back into the day.
Final Impressions
By the end of the walking tour, Košice had revealed itself as a city of contrasts: Gothic next to Baroque, history layered with legend, and grand avenues giving way to intimate backstreets. Small enough to cover in a day, but rich enough to linger for a weekend.
👈 Back: Düsseldorf to Košice the Long Way Round – Austrian Airlines Review
👉 Next: All Aboard the Košice Children’s Railway – Steam, Diesel, & Vintage Buses