Slovakia is Central Europe’s best-kept secret: granite peaks and glacial lakes in the High Tatras, castle-topped hills, wooden churches, rafting through the Dunajec Gorge and a relaxed capital on the Danube an hour from Vienna. It’s compact, good value and wonderfully uncrowded.
This guide covers where to go, when, and how to fit it into a wider Central European trip. For our hand-picked trips, see our Slovakia holidays page.
The quick answer
- For a city break, stay in Bratislava, an hour from Vienna.
- For hiking and lakes, base yourself in the High Tatras.
- For history, add Banská Štiavnica and Spiš Castle.
- Raft the Dunajec Gorge on a traditional wooden raft.
- Go between May and September — or December for Christmas markets.
Where to go
| Region | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bratislava & the Danube | City breaks, wine | Old town, castle, Devín and the Small Carpathians |
| High Tatras | Hiking, lakes, skiing | Štrbské Pleso, cable cars, mountain huts |
| Central mining towns | History, architecture | Banská Štiavnica, Bojnice castle, Kremnica |
| Pieniny & the east | Rafting, castles | Dunajec Gorge, Spiš Castle, Levoča |
A week covers Bratislava, Banská Štiavnica and three nights in the Tatras. Slovakia also sits naturally on our longer tours with Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic.
Things to do
- Hike in the High Tatras — marked trails to glacial lakes, with cable cars for the views.
- Raft the Dunajec Gorge — on traditional wooden rafts along the Polish border.
- Spiš Castle — one of Central Europe’s largest castle ruins, on the UNESCO list.
- Banská Štiavnica — a beautifully preserved silver-mining town.
- Bratislava — the castle, St Martin’s Cathedral, old-town cafés and wine bars.
- Bojnice — a fairy-tale castle with a famous spring festival of ghosts.
When to go
May to September is best for walking and touring, with warm days and long evenings. September and early October bring autumn colour. December is the season for Bratislava’s Christmas markets, and January to March for skiing in the Tatras.
Getting there and entry
Direct flights from London to Bratislava take about 2 hours 15 minutes, and Vienna airport is under an hour away. Kraków is the closest major airport for the Tatras. Slovakia is in the EU and Schengen area: UK visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa, and the EU’s Entry/Exit System records you at the border. Check the FCDO travel advice for Slovakia before you go.
Money and local costs
The euro is the currency and cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for mountain huts.
Food and drink
Try bryndzové halušky — potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese and bacon — cabbage soup, local sheep cheeses and Tokaj and Small Carpathians wines. Mountain huts serve hearty lunches with a view.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Slovakia?
May to September for hiking and touring; December for Christmas markets; January to March for skiing.
How do I get to Slovakia?
Fly direct to Bratislava in about 2 hours 15 minutes, or to Vienna, under an hour away. Kraków is closest for the Tatras.
What are the highlights of Slovakia?
The High Tatras, the Dunajec Gorge, Spiš Castle, Banská Štiavnica and Bratislava.
Do I need a visa?
No. Slovakia is in the Schengen area, and UK visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180.
Can I combine Slovakia with other countries?
Yes — Vienna, Budapest and Kraków are all close, and our tours combine them.
Planning a Slovakia holiday?
Tell us whether you want mountains, castles or a city break, and we will build the trip around you.
