Things to do in Žilina

Our most recommended things to do in Žilina

From Bratislava: Bojnice, Banská Štiavnica, Čičmany

From Bratislava: Bojnice, Banská Štiavnica, Čičmany

Your trip full of experiences will start in the village of Čičmany. The painted houses are a unique rarity in Slovakia. The Čičmany pattern is original, which you will not find anywhere else in Slovakia. Then we move on to a romantic castle full of mysterious stories. Bojnice Castle is one of the oldest and most important monuments in Slovakia. It stands on a travertine hill above the town. The typical silhouette of the romantic idea of a medieval castle is accentuated by the steep roofs of the palace, chapel and towers. And we will end our day in Banská Štiavnica. The Italian city of love, Verona, has its own mythical story of Romeo and Juliet. Banská Štiavnica has a real story, a story of unfulfilled love - the story of Andrej Sládkovič and his ill-fated Marína, which the poet immortalised in 2,900 verses - the longest love poem in the world. You can stroll through the romantic streets, enjoy the view of the Calvary, and breaks to recharge your batteries are an important moment during your sightseeing. Tasting the local gastronomy, or at least having a coffee in a nice restaurant, is also one of the experiences that belong to Banská Štiavnica. Among the most famous and "insta-friendly" cafes are Divná pani, Stará škola and Ruin cafe. Apart from tasty coffee or cake, you will appreciate the original interior design and the personal atmosphere.

Bojnice Castle, Čičmany, Aphrodite Spa: DayTrip (Bratislava)

Bojnice Castle, Čičmany, Aphrodite Spa: DayTrip (Bratislava)

Fairytale tour that you shouldn't miss. Check video on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7iQKru3UA If you like to feel as in fairytale this is that right tour for you. Some people use to say that famous Disney's castle has been inspired by Bojnice castle. Even you will not met Disney's figures there, still you will feel like in a fairytale when you will visit this castle. The same with most picturesque village in Slovakia - Cicmany, where the time stopped and you will get a few centuries back in time. In Aphrodite Spa you will have a feeling that you got to ancient Roma and you will enjoy this Antique baths. Start your day with a visit to the fairy-tale Bojnice Castle. Nestled in the heart of Slovakia, this gem boasts a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, complete with romantic turrets and sprawling gardens. Wander through its enchanting halls filled with historical artifacts and immerse yourself in the legends that surround this majestic fortress. Visit the cave under the castle and feel yourself like in fairytale. After lunch (not included) continue to the picturesque village of Čičmany, where time seems to stand still. This village is a living museum, famous for its beautifully decorated wooden houses adorned with intricate white geometrical patterns. As you stroll through the narrow lanes, you'll feel transported to a bygone era where tradition thrives. Discover the local folklore, learn about the unique Slovak folk art that makes this village a cultural treasure, and perhaps even meet some of the artisans who keep these traditions alive. After soaking in the rich history and culture, it's time to rejuvenate at the luxurious Aphrodite Spa in Rajecké Teplice. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, this spa offers a sanctuary of tranquility and wellness. Unwind in the thermal baths, known for their healing properties, or indulge in a range of soothing treatments designed to melt away your stress. As you relax in this serene oasis, you'll find your body and mind rejuvenated, ready to face the world anew. You can choose from 2 or 3 hours entrance packages and you can decide if you want only Thermal bath or also Sauna World to enter.

From Bratislava: Dracula Nosferatu - Orava Castle Day Tour

From Bratislava: Dracula Nosferatu - Orava Castle Day Tour

Visit with us the magical Orava Castle, built on a steep cliff, in the middle of unspoiled nature. Orava Castle (Slovak: Oravský hrad, German: Arwaburg, Hungarian: Árva vára) is a castle situated on a high rock above Orava river in the village of Oravský Podzámok, Slovakia. The castle's oldest parts being built in the thirteenth century and the most recent parts in the early seventeenth century. Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, the castle representing Count Orlok's Transylvanian castle. Orava Castle stands on the site of an old wooden fortification, built after the Mongol invasion of Hungary of 1241. Its history follows a familiar pattern of construction, destruction, reconstruction, fire, various ownerships and territorial squabbles. The original design was in Romanesque and Gothic style; it was later reconstructed as a Renaissance and Neo-Gothic structure, hugging the shape of the 520-metre spur on which it perches. After visiting the castle, we usually taste traditional Slovak dishes, fresh sheep and cow cheeses and traditional Slovak cakes at the shepherd's hut near the town of Ružomberok or Dolný Kubín. There is an option to visit cheese factory in Zázrivá on the way and to try to make your own sheep cheese. Try it out traditional production cheese specialties. In the cheese factory, you will be dressed stylishly, in your work clothes. Then they will tell you the ancient secrets and you can stretch your own cheese threads "vojka" and knit your own whips in a demonstration of production. Under professional guidance, you can print cheese animals or hearts in wooden, hand-carved molds. You then put them together in brine. Finally, you will pack your products and take them with you. This attraction must be booked in advance, the maximum number of people is 6 people. There is no guarantee that it will be possible to try this attraction on the date you choose. The duration of production is approximately 45 minutes and the attraction costs 20 euros per person on the spot. On the way back to Bratislava, you can choose one of six possible stops: 1. Budatín Castle near the city of Žilina 2. The geographical center of Europe and the ancient mining town of Kremnica, with the oldest functional, almost 800-year-old mint 3. the fourth largest Slovak city of Banská Bystrica, surrounded by mountains and a memorial site of the Slovak National Uprising during the Second World War. 4. Špánia dolina - a mining settlement in the mountains 5. A unique wooden articular church in Hronšek, registered in the heritage of UNESCO 6. The city of Nitra, which was the center of the Great Moravian Empire from 833 to 907 AD. Visit with us these interesting and historical places in the bosom of unspoiled nature.

From Vienna: Bojnice, Banská Štiavnica, Čičmany

From Vienna: Bojnice, Banská Štiavnica, Čičmany

Your trip full of experiences will start in the village of Čičmany. The painted houses are a unique rarity in Slovakia. The Čičmany pattern is original, which you will not find anywhere else in Slovakia. Then we move on to a romantic castle full of mysterious stories. Bojnice Castle is one of the oldest and most important monuments in Slovakia. It stands on a travertine hill above the town. The typical silhouette of the romantic idea of a medieval castle is accentuated by the steep roofs of the palace, chapel and towers. And we will end our day in Banská Štiavnica. The Italian city of love, Verona, has its own mythical story of Romeo and Juliet. Banská Štiavnica has a real story, a story of unfulfilled love - the story of Andrej Sládkovič and his ill-fated Marína, which the poet immortalised in 2,900 verses - the longest love poem in the world. You can stroll through the romantic streets, enjoy the view of the Calvary, and breaks to recharge your batteries are an important moment during your sightseeing. Tasting the local gastronomy, or at least having a coffee in a nice restaurant, is also one of the experiences that belong to Banská Štiavnica. Among the most famous and "insta-friendly" cafes are Divná pani, Stará škola and Ruin cafe. Apart from tasty coffee or cake, you will appreciate the original interior design and the personal atmosphere.

Bratislava: Small Fatra Mountains Guided Hike

Bratislava: Small Fatra Mountains Guided Hike

Take in the views and the mountain air just a couple of hours outside of Bratislava on this guided hiking tour. Ride the cable car all the way up to Snilovske Peak and admire the natural scenery. Leave Bratislava's main train station early in the morning and arrive in Zilina (private transfer is available at extra cost). Meet your guide and drive to the beautiful Vratna Valley. Take a cable car from Chata Vratna to Snilovske peak at 1500m. From there, enjoy a moderately challenging hike to Chleb Peak at over 1600m, and descend to Poludnovy Grun, and then to the mountain chalet at Chata Pod Grunom. Taste some traditional "slivovica" plum brandy and horalky biscuits along the way. Take some free time to eat lunch or have some refreshments in the chalet (not included) before returning to the Vratna Valley. Transfer back to Zilina Station for your train ride back to Bratislava.

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What people are saying about Žilina

Overall rating

5 out of 5 stars
5
5 out of 5 stars
(3 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

My husband and I went on this day trip from Bratislava and had a wonderful time. The day was packed full of interesting facts about Slovakia's history, geography and culture. We were fortunate enough to have 2 guides, Jozef and Gabi who were full of knowledge about their homeland and couldn't have done more to make us keep welcome. The castle was fascinating and the information about the history here from our guide Gabi was excellent. We had a lunch stop at a lovely traditional Slovakian resturant which was very enjoyable. Our trip to Ĉiĉmany was followed by a stop at one of the biggest wooden bethlehem's in Central Europe which was interesting. The main at the Spa with thermal baths was a lovely way to relax at the end of the long day. The drive was comfortable with snacks and drinks on board. The driver even played a film on the way back! If we could give this tour more than 5 stars we would. We will be recommending to our family and I recommend this to anyone visitng Bratislava.

5 out of 5 stars

This was a fantastic way to see Slovakia. The highlights were Bojnice castle and Čičmany village. Daniel was an amazing guide from the start. He adjusted our itenary to see the best places in the light and has a passion for history and a wealth of knowledge about Slovakia. I learnt so much from him on this tour. He even added a trip to Slavin at the end of the tour. I would definitely recommend this tour and Daniel as an excellent guide.

5 out of 5 stars

Daniel was friendly, informative and amazing guide. He did his best to make the tour perfect for sight seeing and to know more about his country with just a day tour. I gain so much knowledge from him on this tour. I would highly recommend this tour.

5 out of 5 stars

It was very comfortable to visit the castles in such a small company. The guide was very polite and sensitive to requests and wishes. Thank you very much for a wonderful time

5 out of 5 stars

Danial was fun, informative and accommodating. We had a brilliant day with lots of laughs and with lots of beautiful locations. Would highly recommend this tour.