Beautiful city that’s ‘Europe’s best kept secret’ with barely any tourists

Kosice is the economic and cultural centre of the eastern flank of Slovakia. Yet, despite its relevance, it is often overlooked by tourists.

The city is the second-largest in the eastern European country, home to some 230,000 people as well as the Slovak Constitutional Court, three universities, museums and several theatres. 

Among its most notable features is its architecture, which mixes modern and historic styles to create a unique landscape.

One of the most notable examples of Gothic cathedrals in the continent, St Elizabeth, can be found here, not far from the Neo-baroque State Theater and the town hall.

These stunning sights can all be admired while walking along Kosice’s cobbled promenade.

Speaking about this relaxing walk, one visitor wrote on the tourism board website Tripadvisor: “Walking around the promenade is different every day. Each time you can find here new surprising details.

“So it is better to take a local guide and reserve enough time to enjoy this place. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants on the perimeter to take a rest.”

Named European Capital of Culture in 2013, Kosice also offers a thriving art scene, with murals dotting the city’s walls and galleries aplenty.

Visitors interested in learning more about Slovakian culture also have the chance to attend one of the many festivals taking place throughout the year, including the Music Spring Festival, the Summer in the Park, and Kosice Beer Fest.

Kosice has also been spotlighted as a worthy city escape by Ryanair, with the low-cost airline highlighting some reasons why it is “Europe’s best-kept secret“. 

Some holidaymakers who headed to the city agree that Kosice is an underrated gem.

One praised it on Tripadvisor by writing: “After visiting beautiful Budapest, Pecs and Eger in Hungary, our expectations for Kosice centre were not high but what a great surprise.

“The centre of the old town is pedestrianised which makes walking around a delight. There are some lovely buildings, beautiful fountains especially near the Cathedral and in the city park, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to pass the time.”

Another also admitted expectations prior to arriving in Kosice weren’t high, adding: “We had lower expectations about visiting Kosice than some of the bigger cities we were visiting on this trip, but we were pleasantly surprised. The historic centre is charming, and its very long, narrow public ‘square’ was unique.”