Žilina, Slovakia 🇸🇰
#939
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Žilina is the fourth largest city in Slovakia, located in the north-western part of the country, and serves as an important cultural and economic hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 80,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speeds of 50 Mbps, available in most cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; Euro is the official currency, widely accepted in all transactions. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Slovak tap water is safe and often of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets are standard. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange, O2, and Slovak Telekom, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Tatra Banka and VUB offer services for expats, while mobile banking apps like Revolut are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb, as well as long-term leases available through local real estate agents. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely at shops, cafes, and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb operates well, with prices starting around €30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel M3, a popular budget option starting from €15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town area is recommended for its historical landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center is preferred due to plentiful coworking spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kreativne Centrum, a modern coworking space with flexible memberships starting at €100/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Doma, known for good coffee, fast Wi-Fi, and a friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the Slovak Startup Association at local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Slovakia Facebook group organizes community meetups regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is popular in Žilina for quick rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services available at various points; bikes can be rented for €5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest river beach on the Váh River in nearby Strečno, about 15 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Slovakia offers regional flights from nearby airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Flights operated mainly by Ryanair from Bratislava Airport, 2 hours away by train. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E50 and E58 highways provide good access for road trips. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Žilina Railway Station, one of the main transport hubs of Slovakia. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly transit pass available for €30, covering all buses and trains within the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent train services to Bratislava (1.5 hours) and Košice (2 hours). |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Hospital in Žilina, providing comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Žilina offers classes and wellness sessions, with drop-in options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness center CityFit, with membership starting at €25/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries like Laundry Café are available around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Wolt are popular for quick deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bryndzové Halušky, Slovak potato dumplings served with sheep cheese. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Restaurant Panta Rhei offers healthy and locally-sourced meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café La Caffetteria, known for tasty pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Weekly Farmers' Market at Mariánske Námestie for local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Slovenská pošta and Heureka.sk for local online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Gorila.sk for grocery and essentials delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Hurbanova Street is the main nightlife strip with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Žilina Brewery offers tours and tastings, located near the city center. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinotéka U Šimka is a cozy wine bar, ideal for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food market at the main square on weekends features local specialties. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Talianska Reštaurácia offers delicious Italian dishes in a friendly setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Church of St. Paul is an iconic landmark in Žilina, as well as the historic Budatín Castle. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Slovak Museum of Culture provides insights into Slovak heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Old Town showcases beautiful architecture and town squares. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica of the Holy Trinity, a popular pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Žilina Festival of Culture held every summer promotes local artists and performers. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is rich with cafes, boutiques, and art spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Štúdiové Divadlo Žilina, showcasing plays and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly market at Mariánske Námestie offers arts and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various bars, especially during the weekend. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the city, particularly in alleyways near the Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Courses available at the Culinary Institute of Žilina focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Vysokoškolák displays contemporary Slovak art and photography. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Žilina's historic railway station is an architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Folklore traditions celebrated through various festivals in the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Malá Fatra National Park offers stunning landscapes and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Poloniny National Park, about 2 hours away, is well-known for its natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Váh River cycling path offers scenic routes for cyclists and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Rajecká Lesná offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wildlife parks around Žilina provide opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the Váh River for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Slovenská pošta provide reliable package and delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repairs can be done at Antech Žilina, specializing in electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer table tennis facilities at low fees. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools like Kaligrafia offer Slovak language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Žilina City Library offers quiet study areas and resources for residents. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural center Karpatská invites locals to various activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming-friendly spaces like PlayStation Lounge are available for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino a Hurá, located downtown, offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €126,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 21% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Slovakia has a progressive tax system for residents based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Slovakia has CFC rules in place for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on the cadastral value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate applies to property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Slovakia offers a relatively low tax burden, with special benefits for expatriates and remote workers. |