Food and Drink
- Local Brewery
- Hostinec Brewery (Levočský dom), Golem Brewery
- Wine Bars
- Villa Cassa (Pri Miklušovej väznici), Dva Dve (Kuzmányho)
- Street Food Stalls
- Smile Street Food (Kino Úsmev), Robin Food (Burgers)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Maiko Sushi (Hilton), Med Malina (Polish/Local fusion)
- Best Food Delivery App
- Wolt, Bistro.sk
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Bryndzové halušky (Potato dumplings) at Republic of East
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Góvinda (Hlavná), Vegana (Alžbetina)
- Best Dessert Spots
- Aida (Iconic ice cream), Urban Café (Vrátna)
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Fresh Plus supermarkets, Kaufland, Dominikánske námestie Market
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Alza.sk, Mall.sk
- Grocery Delivery
- Tesco Online Shopping, Bolt Food (Groceries)
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Kováčska Street (Numerous pubs and clubs)
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- St. Elisabeth Cathedral (Europe's easternmost Gothic cathedral)
- Museums & Art Venues
- East Slovak Gallery, Východoslovenské múzeum
- Historical Sites
- Jakab’s Palace, Mikluš Prison, Executioner’s Bastion
- Religious Sites
- St. Elisabeth Cathedral, St. Michael’s Chapel
- Annual Events
- Kosice Peace Marathon (October), White Night (Biela Noc)
- Cultural Districts
- Tabačka Kulturfabrik (Strojárenská), Kasárne/Kulturpark
- Theater Venues
- State Theatre Košice (Hlavná 58), Puppet Theatre
- Local Markets
- Dominikánske námestie (Oldest outdoor market)
- Music Scene
- Slovak State Philharmonic (Dom umenia), Jazz Club Košice
- Street Art
- Open Mural Gallery (Various locations on housing estates)
- Cooking Classes
- Chefparade (occasional pop-ups), local community centers
- Art Galleries
- Šopa Gallery, DIG Gallery (Media arts)
- Historic Buildings
- Old Town Hall, Forgáč's Palace
- Local Heritage
- UNESCO wooden churches (accessible by day trip)
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Bankov (Hiking/Relaxation), Črmeľ Valley
- National Parks Nearby
- Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovenský raj) - 1 hour away
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Anička Park, Hornád Riverside trails
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Vyhliadková veža (Observation Tower Hradová)
- Birdwatching Locations
- Senné Ponds (70 km away)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Alpinka recreation area (Designated fire pits)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Slovenská pošta, Packeta (pick-up points)
- Tech Repair Services
- PCexpres (Aupark/Optima Mall)
- Table Tennis Spots
- Tabačka Kulturfabrik (Community tables)
- Language Classes
- Berlitz Košice, State Language School
- Libraries & Study Spots
- State Scientific Library (ŠVK), University Library (UPJŠ)
- Community Centers
- Výmenník community spots (repurposed heat exchanges)
- Gaming Lounges
- SkillZone (Electronic sports)
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Banco Casino (Hotel Hilton)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €96,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €72,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €150,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €110,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 75 m² = €210,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 75 m² = €150,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 21% (15% for annual revenue under €60k)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 7% or 10% (standard rate)
- Tax System
- Residence-based (worldwide income for residents)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% (on income exceeding approx. €41,000)
- VAT
- 20% (Standard rate)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, EU-aligned rules apply
- Property Tax
- Yes, calculated by area (very low compared to Western Europe)
- Property Transaction Tax
- 0% (No transfer tax, only small notary/land registry fees)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Lump-sum expenses (60% up to €20k) available for self-employed
Essentials
- City
- Košice, Košický kraj, Slovakia
- Population
- 240,000
- Internet Speed
- Average 100-500 Mbps via fiber (Antik Telecom, UPC)
- Currency & Banking
- Euro (EUR), 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD
- Tap Water
- Drinkable and high quality (Hard water)
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets
- SIM Card
- Orange, Telekom, O2, 4ka (approx. €15 for 20GB)
- Banking for Expats
- Tatra Banka, VUB, Revolut widely accepted
- Accommodation
- Airbnb, Bezrealitky.sk, Reality.sk
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, cards accepted in 95% of locations
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb (approx. €800-€1,200/month for city center)
- Budget Accommodation
- Hostel Barno (from €18/night), White Coral Club
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Staré Mesto (Old Town) near Hlavná ulica
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Sever (North) or Juh (South) - near the center but quieter and cheaper
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Hubert (Zvonárska 12, approx. €15/day); UVP Technicom
- Best Cafe for Work
- Nico Caffe (Hviezdoslavova 7), Kino Úsmev (Kasárenské námestie)
- Networking Events
- IT Valley Košice meetups, Creative Industry Košice events
- Social Events for Expats
- Expats in Košice Facebook Group, Language Exchange meetings at Tabačka
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Bolt, Hopin (Local favorite)
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Antik SmartWay (bikes/e-scooters), Bolt Scooters
- Best Beach Nearby
- Zemplínska Šírava (75 km away), 'Košice Beach' at Jazero (lake)
- Top Regional Airline
- Ryanair, Austrian Airlines
- Top International Airline
- LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa
- Highway Access
- D1 highway connecting to Prešov and Bratislava (partially)
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Košice Railway Station (Staničné námestie)
- Public Transport Passes
- DPMK 24-hour pass (€3.20), 30-day pass (€25.10)
- Regional Travel
- RegioJet or ZSSK trains to Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- University Hospital of L. Pasteur (Trieda SNP 1)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga House Košice (Moyzesova), Thai Massage Sabai (Hlavná)
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Astoria Fit&Gym (Južná trieda), Golem Club (Aupark Shopping Center)
- Laundry Services
- Flipper Wash (Self-service, Festivalové námestie)