Prešov
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At a glance
- Country
- Slovakia
- Region
- Prešov Region
- Population
- 85,000
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Košice International (KSC)
- Coordinates
- 49.00°N, 21.24°E
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Overview
Prešov is Slovakia's third-largest city, a laid-back place built around a long, leafy main square of colourful burghers' houses. It is the centre of the Šariš region, with strong Greek Catholic and Rusyn traditions.
Few travellers stay long, but it rewards a day or two. It is also a comfortable base for the medieval town of Bardejov and the castles of eastern Slovakia.
Things to see
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Photo: ZemplinTemplar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hlavná Street
The spindle-shaped main square, lined with Renaissance and Baroque houses and dotted with fountains and cafés.
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Photo: Ing. Mgr. Jozef Kotulič, CC BY 4.0 Co-Cathedral of St Nicholas
A Gothic church in the middle of the square with a striking Baroque altar inside.
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Photo: Jozef Kotulič, CC BY-SA 3.0 Orthodox Synagogue
An ornate synagogue with Moorish-style painted interiors, now holding a collection of Judaica.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič, CC BY-SA 4.0 Solivar
Historic salt works on the edge of the city, with preserved wooden buildings once used to pump and boil brine.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Michał Rawlik, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Bardejov
A UNESCO-listed walled town with a perfectly preserved Gothic square, about an hour north by bus.
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Photo: Jozef Kotulič, CC BY-SA 3.0 Walk up to Šariš Castle
Hike to the ruins on a wooded hill just north of the city for broad views over the Šariš countryside.
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Photo: Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0 Visit Spiš Castle
The vast hilltop ruin is within easy driving distance and is one of the great sights of Slovakia.
Find tours
Where to stay
Old Town
Small hotels and guesthouses on or near the main square are the most pleasant choice.
Hotels in Old TownNear the bus and railway stations
Useful for day trips, about a 15-minute walk from the centre.
Hotels in Near the bus and railway stations
Getting around
The historic centre is walkable, and trolleybuses and buses serve the rest of the city.
Prešov is about 30 minutes by train or bus from Košice, which has the nearest airport.
When to go
Summer is warm and the square comes alive with outdoor seating and events. Spring and early autumn are good for walking, while winters are cold and snowy.
Plan your trip to Prešov
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.