Europe
Slovakia
Europe
Slovakia
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Slovakia, nestled in Central Europe, is a hidden gem for travelers. Its capital, Bratislava, charms with cobblestone streets and baroque palaces. The High Tatras mountains offer spectacular hiking and skiing. Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Spiš Castle, one of Europe's largest. For a unique experience, explore the traditional villages of Vlkolínec or Čičmany. Slovakia's thermal spas, like Piešťany, provide relaxation after adventure. Foodies will love hearty Slovak cuisine and locally-produced wines. With friendly locals and affordable prices, Slovakia offers an authentic European experience off the beaten path.
Best time to visit. Visit Slovakia from May to September for warm weather and outdoor activities. July and August are peak tourist months. For winter sports, December to March is ideal. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, perfect for exploring cities and nature.
Cities
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Country stats
Population
5,460,185
117th
Land area
18,932 sq. mi.
127th
Highest elevation
8,711 ft
Currency
Euro
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$140.808 billion
62nd
GDP per capita
$25,935
43rd
Year founded
1993 CE
Official langauge
Slovak
English speaking
Spoken in major cities
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.855
45th
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Capital
Bratislava
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F - 23°F | 30°F - 18°F | Cloudy | 7:30 am | 4:15 pm | 7 days 1.6 in | 10 days 6.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 39°F - 27°F | 35°F - 22°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 5:00 pm | 6 days 1.4 in | 8 days 5.0 in | 7 mph |
| March | 50°F - 35°F | 47°F - 31°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 5:45 pm | 8 days 1.8 in | 3 days 2.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 61°F - 43°F | 59°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 6:30 pm | 9 days 2.0 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 7 mph |
| May | 70°F - 51°F | 72°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:45 am | 7:15 pm | 10 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 75°F - 56°F | 77°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:30 am | 8:00 pm | 11 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| July | 79°F - 59°F | 82°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:45 am | 7:45 pm | 10 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 78°F - 58°F | 81°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 7:15 pm | 9 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 70°F - 51°F | 72°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 6:30 pm | 8 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 59°F - 43°F | 57°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 5:45 pm | 7 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 46°F - 34°F | 43°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 6:45 am | 4:15 pm | 8 days 2.0 in | 3 days 1.5 in | 7 mph |
| December | 36°F - 27°F | 32°F - 22°F | Cloudy | 7:15 am | 4:00 pm | 8 days 1.8 in | 8 days 4.0 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Nationwide celebration marking the start of the new year with fireworks and parties. | Avoid travel; most places closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus; public holiday. | Some closures; plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter | March/April (varies) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection; traditions include egg decorating. | Limited services; plan alternative activities. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | International Workers' Day; celebrates laborers' rights with parades and events. | Expect some closures; enjoy celebrations. | ||
| Victory over Fascism Day | May 8 | Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe; public holiday with ceremonies. | Minor disruptions; observe local events. | ||
| St. Cyril and Methodius Day | July 5 | Honors Slavic missionaries who brought Christianity; celebrates Slavic culture. | Some closures; enjoy cultural events. | ||
| Slovak National Uprising Anniversary | August 29 | Commemorates 1944 uprising against Nazi occupation; patriotic observances. | Minor impact; witness local ceremonies. | ||
| Constitution Day | September 1 | Celebrates adoption of Slovak Constitution in 1992; public holiday with events. | Some closures; participate in festivities. | ||
| Our Lady of Sorrows Day | September 15 | Patron saint day; religious observances and pilgrimages to Marian shrines. | Limited impact; visit religious sites. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Honors saints and deceased loved ones; people visit cemeteries with candles. | Expect some closures; respectful atmosphere. | ||
| Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day | November 17 | Commemorates 1989 Velvet Revolution; celebrates democracy and freedom. | Minor disruptions; observe local events. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Slovakia; families gather for traditional dinner. | Avoid travel; most places closed. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Public holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus; families continue festivities. | Limited services; stay with locals if possible. | ||
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 | Second day of Christmas celebrations; public holiday with family gatherings. | Some reopenings; enjoy local traditions. |
1 | Greet locals with 'Dobrý deň' (good day) instead of 'Ahoj' (hi), which is reserved for friends. Use formal 'vy' (you) when addressing strangers or elders, not informal 'ty'. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's polite to bring a small gift like flowers or chocolate when visiting. Avoid giving an even number of flowers, as it's associated with funerals. |
3 | Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare. Don't tip in bars or cafes. |
4 | Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially among older generations. Keep physical contact minimal in public spaces to avoid drawing unwanted attention. |
5 | Punctuality is valued. Arrive on time for meetings and appointments. If you're running late, call ahead to inform the person you're meeting. Being late is considered disrespectful. |
6 | Learn basic Slovak phrases. Locals appreciate the effort, even if pronunciation isn't perfect. 'Ďakujem' (thank you) and 'Prosím' (please) go a long way in showing respect. |
7 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees. Remove hats when entering these places. Some sites may provide shawls or coverings if needed. |
8 | Don't clink beer glasses when toasting. It's considered bad luck. Make eye contact when toasting and say 'Na zdravie!' (to health). Avoid drinking alone; it's seen as antisocial. |
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