Travel Slovakia • Europe | She is Wanderlust Travel Blog

Located in Central Europe, Slovakia is a magical budget destination for those who like cultural tourism and outdoor activities. The country boasts rich history, unique traditions, incredible castles, huge mountains, green meadows and ancient cities full of charm.

Why Visit Slovakia

CULTURE, HISTORY & FOLK

Slovakia is perhaps one of the most unknown countries in Eastern Europe and also one of the smallest. The Slavs arrived in the territory of present-day Slovakia in the 5th and 6th centuries, and further on the country was part of the Astro-Hungarian Empire. Thanks to these influences and its location, Slovakia has a unique rich folklore and takes pride on its folk traditions, which could vary per region. Slovakia’s cities are hundreds of years old with many festivals throughout the year. Costumes, music, songs, architecture, customs, dances and dialects.

LANDSCAPES

Tucked between mountains, in the heart of the Carpathians, Slovakia is a small but beautiful country with beautiful landscapes drawn by lakes, valleys and by the Danube and Nitra. It is an extremely mountainous country, offering many hiking trails and becoming a preferred ski destination, with more than 100 ski resorts. It also boasts a whole new world of underground caves.

ARCHITECTURE

Owned by kings and Hungarian noble families for centuries, slovakia has a LOT of castles, is perhaps the country with more castles per capita. The country is also home to many Unesco Heritage sites, wooden churches and interesting cities with different architecture styles.

FOOD & WINE

Slovak cuisine, although quite heavy, is also very home-made and very different from what we can find in western Europe. Most of its specialties can be tasted in the Slovak Pubs, along with a good beer or a good white wine. The country’s wine industry has nothing to envy the French, Portuguese or Italians.

AFFORDABLE

Slovakia is very cheap. It offers a great value in comparison to the rest of Europe, it is actually the seventh cheapest country in the EU.

Why Visit Slovakia

CULTURE, HISTORY & FOLK

LANDSCAPES

ARCHITECTURE

FOOD & WINE

AFFORDABLE

Slovakia is very cheap. It offers a great value in comparison to the rest of Europe, it is actually the seventh cheapest country in the EU.

Name: Slovak Republic
Capital: Bratislava
Official Languages: Slovak
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: UTC+1:00

Name: Slovak Republic
Capital: Bratislava
Official Languages: Slovak
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: UTC+1:00

Bucket List

What to expect

LANGUAGE

Slovak is the language spoken in Slovakia. Most young people will speak at least a little bit of English, however, older generations or people from remote villages won’t have a clue. Will be useful to learn some basic words and phrases in Slovak.

ELECTRICITY

In Slovakia the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.

CLIMATE

The climate in Slovakia is seasonal, as the majority of Europe, with warm, dry summers and fairly cold winters. The average temperature is 51° F or 10° C. Temperatures in winter could go down to 14° F or -10° C. It can get colder in the mountains, where it also snows. In summer, temperatures could go up to 82° F or 28° C.

CURRENCY

Euro is an official currency in Slovakia since 1st of January 2009. 1 USD equals 0.80 euros (as of 2020). Slovakia does not use other foreign currencies, even though they might be accepted at tourist attractions and hotels, but the exchange rate will be high and it is not recommended. Credit cards are widely accepted, and you can exchange your money at any bank.

SAFETY

Slovakia is safe country to visit. Crime rate is low and violent crime is pretty much non-existent. However, petty crime could exist in big cities like Bratislava. Be cautious and use your common sense.

How to get around

By plane

Slovakia only have 8 airports spread throughout the country. Since distances aren’t too big, it’s easier to get a better value for a train or bus ticket.

By Car

Driving is a very efficient way to move around, and the best option if you are looking for flexibility and scenic views. Slovakia is small enough you can cross the country in 5-6 hours.

By Bus

Buses are an alternative if you want to save some money, they also cover more routes than trains. The state bus company is Slovenská Autobusová Doprava or SAD. They are widely used for short-distance travel, especially in rural areas with relatively few train lines.

By Train

The rail network is quite extensive in Slovakia. They connect many small towns with big cities. There are different classes depending on the amenities and the class you are willing to purchase.

Visa Policy

Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Slovakia for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, USA, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

Citizens from all other countries (except, of course, european citizens) need to request a visa in advance through the embassy.