Poprad Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Poprad, Slovakia with our comprehensive travel guide featuring must-see attractions, hiking/biking routes, local food, and cultural tips.


Introduction to Poprad

Located in the heart of Eastern Slovakia, Poprad is a charming town of 55,000 residents surrounded by the breathtaking Tatra Mountains. It’s a perfect destination for both adventure seekers and those seeking cultural immersion.

List of Places to Visit in Poprad

Whether you love outdoor activities, rich cultural experiences, or a mix of both, Poprad has plenty to offer. Here are the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tatras Gallery - displays local art and photography
  • Spiš Museum - a regional history museum
  • Church of St. Egidius - a Gothic church built in the 13th century
  • Kežmarok Castle - a well-preserved Renaissance-era castle

Natural Attractions of Poprad: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • High Tatras - a majestic mountain range with ample opportunities for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking
  • Aquacity Poprad - a water park with thermal water pools and waterslides
  • Slovak Paradise National Park - home to the stunning Sucha Bela gorge and many other natural wonders
  • Tricklandia - an interactive museum of optical illusions

Hiking/Biking Routes of Poprad

Poprad is a paradise for hikers and bikers with its numerous scenic routes. Some of the best ones are:

  • Tatranská Magistrála - a 60 km-long trail across the High Tatras
  • Spišská Magistrála - a 42 km-long hiking trail that connects several fortresses and castles in the Spiš region
  • Bike route Poprad - Tatry - a 20 km-long bike route from Poprad to Tatranská Lomnica

Best Things to Do in Poprad: Activities and Tours

  • Take a cable car to Lomnický Štít - a highest peak slope, offering gorgeous views over the High Tatras
  • Explore the underground world of Belianska Cave - a stalactite cave with unique rock formations
  • Visit nearby towns like Kežmarok and Levoča with well-preserved medieval architecture
  • Take a paragliding tour for stunning aerial views

Week-Long Itinerary for Poprad

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Poprad:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Aquacity Poprad and enjoy the thermal pools and waterslides
Day 2 Hike the Tatranská Magistrála trail
Day 3 Take a cable car to Lomnický Štít and enjoy the views over High Tatras
Day 4 Explore the underground world of Belianska Cave
Day 5 Visit the nearby town of Kežmarok and its castle
Day 6 Take a paragliding tour for stunning aerial views
Day 7 Relax and wander in Poprad and try local cuisine in one of many restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Poprad

One of the best ways to experience a new culture is through its food. Poprad’s cuisine is heavily influenced by central European and Slovakian cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bryndzové Halušky - a traditional Slovakian dish made of potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon
  • Segedínsky Guláš - a pork stew with sauerkraut and sour cream, usually served with bread or dumplings
  • Cabbage soup - a sour soup made of sauerkraut, pork and potatoes

Local Beverages

  • Tatratea - a Slovakian liquer made of tea and various herbs and spices
  • Zlaty Bazant - a popular Slovakian beer

Where to Stay in Poprad: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Poprad offers several types of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels and guesthouses. Here are our top picks:

  • Hotel AquaCity Seasons - a hotel with a spa and thermal pools located just steps away from Aquacity Poprad
  • Penzion Sabato - a cozy guesthouse near the center of town
  • Hostel 88 - a great budget option in the heart of Poprad

What to Buy in Poprad: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

For those looking for souvenirs from a visit to Poprad, here are some suggestions:

  • Local handicrafts - Poprad’s markets are full of handmade items produced by local artisans, including traditional Slovak pottery and glassware
  • Trdelník - a sweet pastry baked over an open flame and coated in sugar and nuts
  • Tatratea - a unique Slovakian liqueur perfect for gifting

Local Culture and Customs of Poprad

Slovakia has a rich cultural history, and Poprad is no exception. The regional customs and traditions are still very much alive in the town, especially in folklore and music festivals.

Best Time to Visit Poprad

The best time to visit Poprad is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful and green. However, if you’re looking for skiing or other winter sports in High Tatras, December to March is the best bet.

Do’s and Don’ts of Poprad

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Plan ahead and dress accordingly for outdoor activities

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly in public areas or speak disrespectfully about the local culture
  • Walk in dedicated bike lanes
  • Litter in natural areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Poprad

Poprad is a relatively safe town; however, tourists are always vulnerable to pickpocketing and theft. To stay safe, you should always keep your belongings close and avoid having too much cash on hand.

Health in Poprad

Slovakia has an excellent healthcare system and is no different in Poprad. No vaccinations are required before traveling to Slovakia, although it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before traveling.

Getting to Poprad: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Poprad

  • Poprad-Tatry Airport
  • Krakow Airport (Poland)

Bus Stations Near Poprad

  • Poprad Bus Station
  • Krynica Bus Station (Poland)

Other Options

Poprad is also accessible by train, or alternatively, you could hire a car and enjoy a picturesque drive through the mountains.

How to Get Around Poprad

Once you’ve arrived in Poprad, it’s relatively easy to navigate the town either on foot or by using public transport. There are also plenty of taxis available, and car rentals if you’d like to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Poprad: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Spišská Nová Ves - a charming town located around 30 minutes from Poprad, with a traditional Slovakian market and a beautiful cathedral
  • Ždiar - a picturesque mountain town renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture and stunning scenery
  • Zakopane (Poland) - a popular winter sports town located just over the border.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Poprad has everything you need for a perfect holiday. From stunning natural beauty to rich cultural experiences, the town has something for everyone. When planning a trip to Poprad, be sure to use this guide to make the most out of your visit!

City centre of Poprad City centre of Poprad Map of railway network in High Tatras Map of railway network in High Tatras Church of St. George in Spišská Sobota Church of St. George in Spišská Sobota Interior of the Aqua City Interior of the Aqua City