Bardejov

A remarkably intact medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a fortified centre, Gothic St Giles Church and a stunning row of gabled merchant houses. Nearby Bardejovské Kúpele adds spa charm and an open-air folk museum.

Things to do

• Explore Radničné námestie — Wander the beautifully preserved main square lined with colourful Gothic and Renaissance gabled burgher houses.
• Visit St Giles Church — Admire this Gothic basilica famous for its eleven original winged altars from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• See the Old Town Hall — Step inside Slovakia's first Renaissance building, now the Šariš Museum, on the main square.
• Walk the town fortifications — Follow the remarkably intact medieval walls, bastions and gates that still encircle the historic centre.
• Relax at Bardejovské Kúpele — Take the waters at this historic spa resort a few kilometres north, popular since the 18th century.
• Tour the open-air folk museum — Explore the Museum of Folk Architecture at the spa, showcasing wooden houses and churches of the Šariš region.
• Discover Jewish heritage — Visit the 18th-century synagogue and mikvah in the former Jewish suburb near the town centre.

Food to try

• Šarišské pirohy — Regional filled dumplings often stuffed with potato, bryndza sheep cheese or cabbage.
• Bryndzové halušky — Slovakia's national dish of soft potato dumplings smothered in sheep's cheese and topped with bacon.
• Kapustnica — A hearty sauerkraut soup with smoked sausage and mushrooms, especially popular in the cold Šariš winters.
• Lokše — Thin potato flatbreads served with savoury or sweet fillings at markets and festivals.
• Spa wafers — Sweet round oplatky wafers sold around Bardejovské Kúpele, a classic Slovak spa-town treat.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the UNESCO centre — The whole historic core is protected, so stick to designated areas and avoid touching the medieval altars in the church.
• Cash is handy — Slovakia uses the euro, but small cafés, market stalls and rural spots may prefer cash over cards.
• Try mineral springs etiquette — At Bardejovské Kúpele, bring or buy a spouted drinking cup to sample the curative mineral waters like locals do.
• Learn a few Slovak words — A simple 'dobrý deň' (good day) and 'ďakujem' (thank you) are warmly appreciated in this less touristy region.

Nearby

• Wooden Churches of the Carpathians — 28 km
• Prešov — 33 km
• Ľubovňa Castle — 43 km
• Spiš Castle — 49 km