Top 2 Itineraries in Banská Bystrica

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Banská Bystrica.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Banská Bystrica offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Banská Bystrica’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Banská Bystrica offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Slovakia's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

In the colder months, ski trips to Banská Bystrica offer the ultimate getaway, especially for winter sports enthusiasts. Hit the snow-covered slopes by day, then unwind in Banská Bystrica's cozy mountain lodges by night.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Banská Bystrica truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Banská Bystrica belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Banská Bystrica are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Banská Bystrica and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Banská Bystrica itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Banská Bystrica for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 2 itineraries will help you experience the best of Banská Bystrica without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Banská Bystrica!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Kežmarok, Bojnice, Trenčín, Strečno, and Liptovský Mikuláš is one of the best ways to experience Slovakia. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Banská Bystrica can easily be combined with other top destinations in Slovakia without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Kežmarok, Bojnice, Trenčín, Strečno, and Liptovský Mikuláš by public transport, renting a car in Slovakia opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Košice

• Arrival city: Kežmarok, Bojnice, Trenčín, Strečno, Liptovský Mikuláš, Vysoké Tatry, Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranská Kotlina, Terchová, Lúčky, Karlova Ves, Staré Mesto, Devín, Košice, Šparengovci, Dávidikovci, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Poprad, Bratislava, Košice - mestská časť Kavečany, Košice - mestská časť Sever, Košice - mestská časť Staré Mesto, Bratislava, Trenčín, Strečno, Terchová, Liptovská Osada, Lúčky, Ružomberok, Liptovský Mikuláš, Bojnice, Vysoké Tatry, Malá Franková, Kežmarok, Hrabušice, Žehra, Bratislavský kraj, Trenčiansky kraj, Žilinský kraj, Prešovský kraj, Košický kraj, Slovensko, Košice - mestská časť Západ, Košice - mestská časť Juh, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Poprad, Michalská Street, and Hlavná Street
• Accommodation: hotel in Kosice, e.g., Penzión Slovakia

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Košice. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Košice, Košice - mestská časť Kavečany, and Košice - mestská časť Sever

• Destinations: Košice, Košice - mestská časť Kavečany, and Košice - mestská časť Sever
• Driving distance: 244.91 km, approx. 3 hours and 24 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Region of Banská Bystrica, e.g., Zamocky Hotel Galicia Nueva
• Sightseeing: Košice Zoo, The Singing Fountain, St. Elisabeth's Cathedral, and Botanical Garden UPJŠ

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Košice Zoo, The Singing Fountain, St. Elisabeth's Cathedral, and Botanical Garden UPJŠ. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Košice, Košice - mestská časť Kavečany, and Košice - mestská časť Sever, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Region of Banská Bystrica.

Day 3: Discover Bojnice and Trenčín

• Destinations: Bojnice and Trenčín
• Driving distance: 282.82 km, approx. 3 hours and 37 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bratislava, e.g., LOFT Hotel Bratislava
• Sightseeing: Trenčín Castle, Castle of Spirits (Bojnice Castle), and Národná zoologická záhrada Bojnice
• Recommended tour: Bratislava: 2- Hour Private Walking Tour

Spend the day exploring Trenčín Castle, Castle of Spirits (Bojnice Castle), and Národná zoologická záhrada Bojnice. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Bratislava.

Day 4: Experience Staré Mesto

• Destinations: Staré Mesto
• Driving distance: 3.96 km, approx. 57 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bratislava, e.g., LOFT Hotel Bratislava
• Sightseeing: The Blue Church - Church of St. Elizabeth, Michael's Gate, Čumil, St. Martin's Cathedral, and Bratislava Castle
• Recommended tour: 2 Hour Sightseeing Tour of Bratislava

Continue your journey through Staré Mesto, where you can explore The Blue Church - Church of St. Elizabeth, Michael's Gate, Čumil, St. Martin's Cathedral, and Bratislava Castle. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Karlova Ves, Staré Mesto, and Devín

• Destinations: Karlova Ves, Staré Mesto, and Devín
• Driving distance: 32.82 km, approx. 1 hour and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bratislava, e.g., LOFT Hotel Bratislava
• Sightseeing: Most SNP (UFO Tower), Hrad Devín, Bratislava Zoo, and Sad Janka Kráľa
• Recommended tour: Slovakia Post-Communism Tour in Bratislava

Drive through Karlova Ves, Staré Mesto, and Devín, stopping to visit Most SNP (UFO Tower), Hrad Devín, Bratislava Zoo, and Sad Janka Kráľa. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Strečno, Terchová, Šparengovci, and Dávidikovci

• Destinations: Strečno, Terchová, Šparengovci, and Dávidikovci
• Driving distance: 310.36 km, approx. 4 hours and 5 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Zilina, e.g., Liptovský mlyn
• Sightseeing: Terchovské srdce lookout tower, Malá Fatra National Park, Castle Strečno, Statue of Juraj Jánošík, and Jánošíkove Diery

Spend time discovering Terchovské srdce lookout tower, Malá Fatra National Park, Castle Strečno, Statue of Juraj Jánošík, and Jánošíkove Diery, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Zilina.

Day 7: Spend Time in Liptovský Mikuláš, Lúčky, Liptovská Osada, and Ružomberok

• Destinations: Liptovský Mikuláš, Lúčky, Liptovská Osada, and Ružomberok
• Driving distance: 219.02 km, approx. 3 hours and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Poprad, e.g., Hotel Satel
• Sightseeing: Zoo Kontakt, Low Tatras National Park, Lučanský waterfall, and Vlkolínec (UNESCO)
• Recommended tour: Private Hiking Tour Visit to Slovakia with Licensed Guide

Explore Zoo Kontakt, Low Tatras National Park, Lučanský waterfall, and Vlkolínec (UNESCO) at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Poprad.

Day 8: Explore Vysoké Tatry, Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranská Kotlina, and Vysoké Tatry

• Destinations: Vysoké Tatry, Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranská Kotlina, and Vysoké Tatry
• Driving distance: 77.78 km, approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Poprad, e.g., Hotel Satel
• Sightseeing: Cable Car Station, Belianska Cave, Vysoké Tatry - Hrebienok, Vysoké Tatry — Hory zážitkov • Tatranská Lomnica, and Skalnatá dolina

Continue your road trip through Vysoké Tatry, Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranská Kotlina, and Vysoké Tatry, enjoying the flexibility to explore Cable Car Station, Belianska Cave, Vysoké Tatry - Hrebienok, Vysoké Tatry — Hory zážitkov • Tatranská Lomnica, and Skalnatá dolina and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Kežmarok, Malá Franková, Hrabušice, and Žehra

• Destinations: Kežmarok, Malá Franková, Hrabušice, and Žehra
• Driving distance: 214.42 km, approx. 3 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Kosice, e.g., Penzión Slovakia
• Sightseeing: Spiš Castle, Slovak Paradise National Park, Kežmarok Castle, and Treetop Walk Bachledka

Visit Spiš Castle, Slovak Paradise National Park, Kežmarok Castle, and Treetop Walk Bachledka as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Kosice.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Košice

• Departure city: Košice
• Driving distance: 3.42 km, approx. 22 minutes
• Sightseeing: Jakab Palace

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Košice. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 977 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Banská Bystrica.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Banská Bystrica for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

If you’re dreaming of a snowy winter getaway, a 5-day ski trip in Donovaly is just what you should be looking for. With Donovaly conveniently located near Banská Bystrica, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds—thrilling days on the slopes and cultural exploration in the city.

Whether you're a seasoned skier or just starting, there's something for every traveler to enjoy. Stunning mountain views, hearty local cuisine, and endless winter fun make for a fantastic 5-day winter itinerary in Slovakia.

Donovaly quick facts:

• Slopes in Donovaly
• 5 of easy slopes
• 5.9 of intermediate slopes
• 0.1 of advanced slopes

• Ski Pass Pricing in Donovaly (High Season)
• Adult: around 47 EUR
• Youth: around 38 EUR
• Child: around 34 EUR

Check out this top-recommended 5-day ski trip itinerary to make the most of your winter vacation in Banská Bystrica.

Day 1 - Arrive in Banská Bystrica and Settle In

Arrive in Banská Bystrica and head to Donovaly to check into your accommodation. After settling in, take a walk around the resort to get familiar with the facilities. Grab a light dinner at a cozy restaurant nearby and enjoy the evening ambiance of the resort.

Day 2 - Hit the Slopes in Donovaly

Start your first full day with skiing on beginner-friendly runs or more challenging slopes. Consider taking a lesson if you're new to skiing or want to improve your skills. For lunch, refuel at a mountain lodge in Donovaly before returning for more skiing in the afternoon. Wrap up the day with après-ski drinks.

Day 3 - Explore More Trails in Donovaly and Relax

Spend the morning skiing some of the more popular slopes in Donovaly. In the afternoon, take a break from skiing and enjoy the local spa or a hot tub session to unwind. Alternatively, explore nearby attractions, like Harmanecká cave, or scenic viewpoints for a change of pace.

Day 4 - Try Something New in Donovaly

Dedicate this day to trying different activities in Donovaly like snowshoeing or even dog sledding. If you prefer to stick to skiing, seek out less crowded trails or challenge yourself with some more difficult runs. End the day with a traditional dinner and live music at a resort bar.

Day 5 - Departure Day

On your last day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps fit in a final ski session. Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or capturing photos before checking out. Plan your departure from Banská Bystrica carefully to allow for a stress-free journey back.

This itinerary, starting from Banská Bystrica, offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Immerse yourself in Slovakia’s pristine winter landscapes, cozy up in the resort’s inviting atmosphere, and dive into the lively après-ski scene for a truly unforgettable winter vacation in Donovaly!

As you explore Banská Bystrica, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Banská Bystrica for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Banská Bystrica in a way that feels truly unforgettable!