These are the best places to travel this summer

Slovakia

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Bojnice, Slovakia - 1 August, 2017: Bojnice Castle in Slovakia Aerial view of Bojnice Castle in Slovakia 1177377836 bojnice, building, romantic, slovak, famous, landscape, landmark, historic, spring, outdoor, manor, fortress, view, top, aerial, beautiful, historical, european, background, green, cloud, park, zamok, slovensko, prievidza, bojnicky, king, kingdom

iStock

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Slovakia

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Right in the heart of Europe, Slovakia is a land of castles and mountains, occasionally punctuated by industrial sprawl. More than a quarter-century after Czechoslovakia's break-up, Slovakia has emerged as a self-assured, independent nation. Capital city Bratislava draws visitors to its resplendent old town and tankard-clanking drinking culture. But Slovakia shines brightest for lovers of the outdoors. Walking trails in the High Tatras wend through landscapes of unearthly beauty, with mirror-still glacier lakes backed by 2000m peaks.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Taking in the lovely view from Tomasovsky lookout in Slovensky Raj, The Slovak Paradise National Park ( Narodni park Slovensky raj ).

    Slovenský Raj National Park

    Eastern Slovakia

    Slovenský Raj's rocky plateaus, primeval forests and interlacing streams form some of Slovakia's most picturesque hiking terrain. Treks often involve…

  • Spis Castle, Spissky Hrad, Spis region, East Slovakia

    Spiš Castle

    Eastern Slovakia

    Crowning a travertine hill above Spišské Podhradie village, this vast, Unesco-listed fortification is one of Central Europe's biggest castle complexes…

  • Bratislava, Slovakia - May 05, 2016: Danubiana museum of modern art by the river Danube in Bratislava, Slovakia.; Shutterstock ID 419807902; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Cities Guides app image downloads - Bratislava

    Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum

    Slovakia

    The windswept location of this world-class art gallery is as invigorating as the works on display. On a promontory jutting into the Danube, the…

  • Bratislava Castle illuminated at night

    Bratislava Castle

    Bratislava

    Magnificently rebuilt in Renaissance style, Bratislava Castle looks as though it has been transplanted from a children's picture book. Inside is a history…

  • St Martin's Cathedral, Coronation Church, Bratislava, Slovak Republic, Europe

    St Martin's Cathedral

    Bratislava

    The coronations of 19 royals have taken place within three-nave St Martin's Cathedral, alluded to by the 300kg replica crown atop its spire. The interior…

  • BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - MAY 7, 2016: Main Square of Bratislava (Hlavne namestie) is one of the best known squares in Bratislava. The square is located in the Old Town and it is the center of city.; Shutterstock ID 425043109; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Cities Guides app image downloads - Bratislava

    Hlavné Námestie

    Bratislava

    The nucleus for Bratislava's history, festivals and chic cafe culture is Hlavné nám (Main Sq). There's architectural finery in almost every direction,…

  • Church of St. Elisabeth, Bratislava, Slovakia

    Blue Church

    Bratislava

    Dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary in 1913, the early-20th-century 'Blue Church' is a vision in sapphire and powder-blue. From its undulating arches and…

  • Museum of the Slovak Village

    Slovakia

    This picturesque recreated village – Slovakia's largest skanzen (open-air museum) – showcases over 120 faithfully reconstructed 19th-century dwellings in…

View more attractions
Advertisement

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Misty mountains, mighty national parks, fairy tale–like castles and more.

Read article

Best Places to Visit

From mountain villages to medieval castles to thriving cities, these are eight top places not to miss in this Central European gem of a country.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

An extremely thorough guide to getting the most out of this Central European country, any month of the year.

Read article

Transportation

Compact Slovakia is a pleasure to explore – and easy, too. Here’s your guide to getting around by train, bus, car, bicycle and more.

Read article

Go Beyond

Slovakia and beyond

Beyond Slovakia
Advertisement