Best Things to Do in Bardejov: A Hidden Medieval Gem in Slovakia
Some places don’t need to shout to get your attention, and Bardejov is one of those places.
Tucked away in the north-east of Slovakia, close to the Polish border, this UNESCO-listed town may be slightly off the main tourist route, yet it is home to one of the country’s most beautiful town squares. Within its medieval walls, you’ll find remarkable sights — a perfectly preserved town square, colourful burgher houses, and striking churches, all reflecting its rich past as an important trading town.
Bardejov is small, picturesque and easy to explore — the kind of place where you can see almost everything in just a few hours. Combine it with a visit to the nearby spa town or a trip to Zborov Castle, and you have the perfect day out.
Here are the best things to do in Bardejov, one of Slovakia’s hidden medieval gems.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
Best Things to See and Do in Bardejov
1. Walk Along Bardejov’s Medieval Town Walls
Before exploring Bardejov’s beautiful town square, take a walk along the medieval town walls that once protected the city.
Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, Bardejov’s fortification system is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval town fortifications in Slovakia. What makes it particularly remarkable is the number of surviving bastions — nine defensive towers remain here in almost their original form, more than in any other medieval town in the country.
A great place to start is Dolná Brána (Lower Gate). From here, follow the walls towards Prašná Bašta (the Gunpowder Bastion), passing several bastions along the way — each slightly different, each with its own story.
It’s a short but really enjoyable walk. On one side are the medieval defensive walls, and on the other beautifully restored town houses, hidden behind garden fences — and occasionally guarded by enthusiastic barking dogs. When you reach Prašná Bašta, take a moment to look at the miniature model of the town square nearby before either continuing along the walls or turning towards the historic centre.
If you’re visiting with children, this walk becomes even more fun with a few stories about medieval defence. There’s no need to prepare in advance — each bastion has an information board (in Slovak and English), perfect for sparking curiosity. Or turn it into a simple treasure trail — we created one for Bardejov — and suddenly the town, including its walls, becomes a place full of secrets waiting to be discovered.g its walls, becomes a place full of secrets waiting to be discovered.
2. Explore Bardejov’s Town Square (Radničné námestie)
Bardejov’s ‘Radničné námestie‘ is one of the most beautiful town squares in Slovakia — and one that feels distinctly different.
In the Middle Ages, the square served as the town’s main marketplace, where fairs were held thanks to privileges granted to the town. And, if you enter from the south, along Rhodyho Street, the view opens up suddenly to reveal a striking rectangular square with an unusually wide and open centre.
The most dominant feature on the northern side is the Gothic Basilica of St. Giles, whose tower rises high above the rooftops and can be seen from beyond the old town. In front of it stands the elegant Town Hall – one of the first Renaissance buildings in Slovakia – built between 1505 and 1509.
Surrounding the square on three sides are 46 colourful burgher houses with pastel façades, steep roofs and decorative portals. It’s one of the most picturesque streetscapes in the country — with some parts looking like Bardejov’s own version of the Painted Ladies, only about five centuries older.
Similarly to Levoča, the square is usually calm and uncrowded, making it perfect for exploring outside the main tourist season. If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, visit at the end of August, when the traditional Bardejovský jarmok (Bardejov Fair) fills the square with stalls, merchants, music and visitors from across the region — echoing its historic role as a bustling marketplace.
3. See the ‘Bardejov’ Exhibition in the Town Hall
The Gothic–Renaissance Town Hall is no longer the seat of the town council but instead houses a museum. Inside you’ll find the fascinating exhibition “Bardejov – Free Royal Town,” which explores the history of the town from its first written mention in 1241 through to the end of the 18th century.
As you walk through the rooms where the town council once met, you’ll see historic documents, sculptures, panel paintings and rare objects connected to the town’s administration, trade and cultural life. Some of the most interesting details are part of the building itself — the painted coffered ceiling in the council chamber, beautifully inlaid Renaissance doors, original Gothic doors, and historic town hall furniture.
The exhibition features Gothic sculptures, guild objects, the town’s original seal from 1453, rare Venetian glass chalices, and the Small Calvary by Master Pavol of Levoča — all offering a glimpse into Bardejov’s rich past inside one of its most important historic buildings.
4. Explore Bardejov’s Historic Churches
Bardejov may be small, but it is home to several remarkable churches that reflect its rich religious and cultural history.
The most prominent is the Gothic Basilica of St. Giles, which dominates the northern side of Radničné námestie. Its 76 metre tall tower is one of the highest in Slovakia and and can be seen from far beyond the old town. There is a viewing platform on the sixth floor – so if you like views, it’s the one for you. Inside, the basilica is known for its collection of Gothic altars, making it one of the most important religious monuments in Slovakia.
But St. Giles is just the beginning. A short walk beyond the square reveals other churches, each offering a different perspective on Bardejov’s history and architecture. To the east of the town, the Calvary with the Church of the Holy Cross creates a striking scene on a hill overlooking the city. Closer to the historic centre, the Greek Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul, built between 1901 and 1902, stands near the old moat in the southwestern part of town. In contrast, the Orthodox Church, constructed in a modern Byzantine style, reflects a more recent chapter of the town’s religious life.
Whether you step inside or simply admire them from the outside, Bardejov’s churches offer a quieter, more intimate glimpse into the town’s past — one that goes beyond the main square.
5. Do a Whistle-Stop Tour of Bardejovské Kúpele
Just 5 km from Bardejov’s old town, you’ll find Bardejovské Kúpele, one of Slovakia’s oldest and most historic spa towns. Once a popular destination for nobility seeking treatment and rest — including Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), who stayed here in 1895 — today the spa is visited mostly by ordinary guests coming for medical treatments, often partially or even fully covered by insurance.
This isn’t a luxury spa in the typical sense. But what’s exciting to see is the ongoing restoration of historic villas, which are gradually introducing more elegant, higher-end stays. It feels like Bardejovské Kúpele is quietly evolving into a place for meaningful wellness escapes — where medical treatments are combined with rest, recovery and a touch of indulgence. For now, it remains relatively affordable, making it an ideal time to visit before it fully steps onto the luxury spa scene.
Walking around the spa offers an unusual experience. Elegant historic buildings such as Hotel Astoria give the area an almost imperial atmosphere, while later additions from the socialist period create an interesting (and sometimes less charming) contrast.
Even a short visit — or just a half-day stop — is enough to enjoy the architecture, try the mineral springs, and experience a different side of Slovakia. If you have more time, consider staying overnight to enjoy the spa facilities while also exploring nearby highlights such as Bardejov’s old town, Zborov Castle, and the open-air museum (skanzen).
6. Step Back in Time at the Open-Air Museum (Skanzen)
The open-air museum in Bardejovské Kúpele offers a completely different experience — a glimpse into traditional village life in eastern Slovakia. Opened in 1965, it is the oldest open-air museum in Slovakia and features nearly 30 original buildings from the regions of northern Šariš and north-eastern Zemplín.
As you walk around the site, you’ll see wooden houses, farm buildings and everyday objects that show how people lived here in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the highlights is the beautiful wooden Greek Catholic Church of St. Nicholas, relocated here from the village of Mikulášová. Its dark timber structure and peaceful setting make it one of the most atmospheric spots in the entire complex.
The skanzen is also very easy to explore. The paths are simple to follow, the buildings are close together, and you can move at your own pace — stepping in and out of houses, peeking into old kitchens, and imagining what life here once looked like.
It’s definitely worth adding to your list of things to see in Bardejovské Kúpele.
How to include Bardejov in your Slovakia itinerary
Bardejov makes an ideal day trip from Košice, especially if you’re visiting the city on a short break and want to explore beyond it. At just over an hour’s drive, it’s an easy and rewarding escape into one of Slovakia’s most beautiful historic towns. If you’re travelling by public transport, it takes around 1 hour 35 minutes by direct bus or just under 2 hours by train.
If you’re exploring the High Tatras, Bardejov is also possible as a detour, although it’s a bit further afield — around 2 to 2.5 hours by car or bus.
In terms of timing, a day trip is enough to see the main highlights of the town. You can walk the medieval walls, explore the town square, and visit the key sights at a relaxed pace. You’ll also have time to visit Bardejovské Kúpele, just 5 km from the old town, for a short stroll, and include the open-air museum or even a quick stop at Zborov Castle.
How to get to Bardejov
Because Bardejov is slightly off the main tourist routes, getting here requires a bit of planning — but it’s worth the effort.
🚗 By car (best option)
Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Bardejov.
- From Košice: ~1 hour
- From Prešov: ~45 minutes
- From the High Tatras: ~2–2.5 hours
Having a car also makes it much easier to visit nearby places such as Bardejovské Kúpele and Zborov Castle.
🚌 By public transport
Bardejov is accessible by both train and bus, although journeys can take a little longer.
- Train: Connections typically run via Prešov, so if you’re travelling from Košice, expect to change in Prešov (Košice → Prešov → Bardejov).
- Bus: Regular buses connect Bardejov with Košice and Prešov, and are often the most direct option.
From the bus or train station, it’s just a short walk to the historic centre.
🌿 Getting to Bardejovské Kúpele
The spa town is just 5 km from Bardejov and easy to reach:
- local buses — lines No. 1 and No. 2 run from outside the train station and go directly to the spa town (final stop: parking area)
- a short taxi ride
Bardejov may not be the most obvious stop on a Slovakia itinerary, but it’s definitely worth a visit — especially if you’re exploring this part of the country.
