Slovakia
Europe · Bratislava · SK
Slovakia is the compact Central European country of the Carpathian mountains, the old towns and the castles that stud its green valleys. Bratislava, the capital, sits on the Danube in a small, friendly scatter of baroque and modern lanes, its castle above the river looking across the borders to Austria and Hungary, while the High Tatras in the north, the country's highest range, run the ski slopes, the hiking trails and the mountain lakes of a grand little world. The country spreads its treasures through the middle: the great castle of Spiš, the wooden churches of the east, the ice caves of the limestone and the mineral spas and the canyons of the Slovak Paradise. The food is hearty, the prices are gentle and the people are quietly proud. Compact, green, tolerant and underrated, Slovakia rewards a proper, unhurried visit.
Overview
Slovakia is a country in Europe. Its capital is Bratislava and the international dialling code is +421. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Slovak. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Bratislava Airport. We also list 1 city in Slovakia: Bratislava.
Getting around Slovakia
Slovakia is small and rail is reasonable between Bratislava and the bigger cities, including high-speed connections to Vienna (about an hour) and Budapest. Buses (often faster than trains for regional towns) link the mountain resorts of the High Tatras (Poprad, Tatranská Lomnica) and the spa towns.
Driving is on the right, and the motorways require an electronic vignette for most sections. The High Tatras — the highest peaks of the Carpathians — have an efficient mountain railway (ozubená) to the ski resorts, and the striking Oravský hrad castle and the ice caves of Demänovská are best reached by car or with a tour from Poprad.
When to visit Slovakia
June to September is the prime season: the Tatras' high trails open, the Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry) are at their greenest, and Bratislava hosts its festivals. July and August are the warmest and busiest; September is a golden shoulder month for hiking and wine. Winter brings skiing to the Tatras (Strbské Pleso, Jasná in the Low Tatras) and a cheerful, festive Bratislava.
Bratislava is pleasant year-round and is often visited on a day trip from Vienna. The precipitation can be heavy in the mountains, so check the forecast before high walks, especially in June.
Eating and drinking
Slovak food is hearty and Central European: bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon), kapustnica (sauerkraut soup for Christmas), and the classic "segedín" goulash. The sheep-cheese "bryndza" with its tangy flavour is a source of national pride.
Locally produced beers (including from the Pilsner tradition in the neighbouring Czech lands) and Moravian wines from the Little Carpathians add to the table; the "Tatranský čaj" (a herbal liqueur) is a mountain classic. Traditional "pálenka" fruit spirits finish a good meal. Tipping 10% is appreciated.
Money and local customs
Slovakia uses the euro, and card payment works throughout the cities and the Tatras; keep a little cash for village pubs and mountain restaurants.
Slovaks are friendly, meticulous, and place value on directness and bežiace expertise — a firm handshake and "dobrý deň" (good day) open doors. The slogan "naprávke" (keep going) captures the optimistic, hard-working spirit of the country. Keep your passport at hand for accommodation registration, and avoid making jokes about the distant past — instead ask about the hiking and wines.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Bratislava
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Slovak
- Calling code
- +421
- Internet TLD
- sk
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Slovakia.
Which nationalities can enter Slovakia?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Slovakia?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Slovakia visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Slovakia?
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Slovakia?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Slovakia. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Slovakia?
The languages we list for Slovakia are Slovak. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Slovakia?
The dialling code for Slovakia is +421 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Slovakia?
Bratislava Airport (BTS) in Bratislava is the airport we cover for Slovakia.
Which cities in Slovakia do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Slovakia: Bratislava (capital).