City in Kosice Region, Slovakia
Košice
Eastern Slovakia's second city has a grand pedestrian main street, a Gothic cathedral and some of the lowest prices in the EU. Quiet on weeknights, a good gateway to caves and Slovak Paradise.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,690–2,480Comfortable, one person · €1,500–2,200Details
- Value for money43/100Better value than 42% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, SepWarmest: Jul, 27°CDetails
- Air quality18 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet113 MbpsFixed broadband, Slovakia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and good to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–62Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless are widely accepted; carry euros for market stalls and small pubs.Details
Where to stay in Košice
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Staré Mesto (Old Town) | Hlavná street, cathedral, cafés and bars; walkable |
| Sídlisko KVP | Cheaper high-rise flats with tram access |
| Terasa | Quiet residential area south of the center |
Apps that work in Košice
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Works in Košice; smaller fleet than in Bratislava |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wolt | Main delivery app in the city |
- Maps: Google Maps; Mapy.com for hiking
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Messenger
- cp.sk: All train and bus timetables
- Taxis: Radio taxis are cheap and reliable; use the app or call. Avoid unlicensed drivers at the station.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Slovakia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless are widely accepted; carry euros for market stalls and small pubs.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (Slovenská sporiteľňa, VÚB, Tatra banka) rarely charge; avoid Euronet and always decline conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or add 5–10% in restaurants; tell the server the total when paying.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen country. Non-EU visitors are fingerprinted and photographed under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at first entry; passports are no longer stamped.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not required yet; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Non-EU visitors must report their stay within 3 working days; hotels and hostels do this for you.
Emergency numbers
Police 158 · Ambulance 155 · Fire 150 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores in malls and city centres; any EU SIM or eSIM works here at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Slovakia
Going to Košice solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.