While Bratislava gets a lot of the attention in Slovakia, beautiful historic cities like Banska Bystrica can offer a better taste of Slovakian life, the chance to explore the mountain regions and the best part – escape the crowds!

If all of that sounds just as appealing to you as it did to me then a visit to Banska Bystrica should definitely be on your list. In this blog I’m sharing my favourite spots to help you plan the perfect itinerary. Read on to discover all nine sights or use the list below to jump to the sections you’re most interested in.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

1. Where is Banska Bystrica?
2. How to get to Banska Bystrica
3. Visit the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising
4. Admire the view from the top of the clock tower
5. Marvel at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
6. Spot the city castle
7. Hronsek Wooden Church
8. Visit Harmanecká Cave
9. Walk to Malachovský waterfall
10. Get drinks in the square at sunset
11. Visit Spania Dolina

Where is Banska Bystrica?

Banska Bystrica is sat in the heart of Slovakia at the gateway to the country’s beautiful mountain ranges – the High and Low Tatras. The city was officially founded in 1255 and developed rapidly due to its great deposits of copper that attracted miners and investment.

As a result, Banska Bystrica is not only an excellent base to explore the mountains but it’s got a lot of history too. Plus, as it’s only a few hours drive from the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, it’s a doable weekend trip or jumping off point on a road trip – but more on that next!

For more Slovakia travel planning and routes – check out my full tried and tested five day road trip itinerary here.

How to get to Banska Bystrica

Before we dive into the best things to do in the city, you might be wondering how to get there. Here are some of the best options…

By car (my recommendation)

The easiest way to get to the city is definitely driving. Not only as you’ll be able to enjoy more of the sights on your journey but you’ll have more freedom to explore once you’re there. From Bratislava, the drive is two hours – just be aware most motorways in Slovakia are toll roads. Most hire cars will come with an e-vignette that covers the cost so you don’t need to worry about stopping at toll booths. But it’s worth double checking, or if you’re driving your own, you can learn more about prices and passes here.

You could also drive across from Budapest, Hungary which would take around three hours. Just be ready with your passport for the border crossing as although you’re still in the Schengen free movement area, governments are monitoring crossings again.

Driving from Slovakia’s second city, Košice in the east will take you around three hours too. Of course, the same toll system will apply on the main motorways.

By train

There’s a direct train line between Bratislava and Banska Bystrica so if you don’t want to hire a car, this is a good option. The journey is 3.5 hours and prices are around €40. There’s up to 14 services a day so you have travel options to suit your timings too. You can learn more and book tickets here.

By bus

By bus from Bratislava will take three hours and ticket prices start at €13. You can see the full timetable and book your tickets in advance through Omio here.

Taking the bus from Košice will take 3.5 hours and tickets start at €8. Buy tickets and check the timetable through Omio here.

Whichever option you choose, the journey will be worth it to see these top nine spots…

1. Visit the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising

A great starting point for your time in Banska Bystrica is the outer space looking Museum of the Slovak National Uprising. The museum commemorates and documents the antifascist revolt during WW2 by the allied resistance army which is a key part of Slovakia’s history.

There’s a main permanent exhibit, a memorial monument and Li-2 aircraft used to support the resistance that you can visit and explore. Tickets for the main exhibits are €2 per adult and you can add a pass on for the memorial and aircraft for €1.50.

2. Admire the view from the top of the clock tower

For the best view of the city, another great spot is the clock tower. You can’t miss this building sat at the top of the main square and even from the outside it’s beautiful to admire but you can also go inside and get the view from the top.

It was rebuilt in 1769 after a devastating fire damaged the original 1552 structure and today you can climb the 117 wooden stairs to take in the view. For up-to-date opening hours, check out their website here.

3. Marvel at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Built in the 13th century – this is the oldest building in the city. A stunning structure on the outside, it also holds some of the best Gothic art in the whole of Slovakia.

It’s worth taking your time to appreciate the exterior before heading inside to explore more. You can see the full service schedule and learn more here.

4. Spot the city castle

Just in front of the church and opposite the clock tower is the pretty city castle. As the area was so rich in copper and silver, it attracted a lot of wealth and trade routes that needed protecting. The castle was built to house the high-ranking city officials and city treasures in what was at the time, a major trading post in Hungary.

Now, there’s an interactive exhibit inside on the history of mining and a restaurant at the bottom.

5. Visit Hronsek wooden church

Less than 20 minutes drive outside town is the incredible UNESCO heritage wooden church in Hronsek. It was finished in 1726 and took one year to build completely from timber. You can join a church service on Sundays at 9am to see inside the building or call/email ahead to arrange a private tour.

But even just from the outside, it’s an impressive structure that’s definitely worth exploring!

6. Explore Harmanecká Cave

Another special sight just outside the city is Harmenecká Cave, a 17 minute drive away. It’s ranked as one of the most important caves in Slovakia for its unique formation, impressive domed caves and number of wintering bats.

You can join a one hour tour for €10 per person between May-August to spot up to 11 different bat species and the beautiful stalagmites.

7. Walk to Malachovský waterfall

For more hiking and nature, 16 minutes drive from central Banska Bystrica is the beautiful Malachovská gorge. Here you can enjoy a short walk to the 15-metre high waterfall that’s frozen in winter or tumbling into a pretty stream in spring and summer. Find more information and the exact location here.

8. Get drinks in the square at sunset

After a long day of exploring, nothing’s better than a cold cocktail and watching the world go by. My cocktail of choice was an Aperol Spritz – the drink of summer!

We sat at the end of the main town square for the best views and tucked into some pizza too. I can really recommend Kút12 for delicious pizzas, a great atmosphere and perfect service!

9. Visit Spania Dolina

Last but by no means least, make time to visit the neighbouring mining village, Spania Dolina just 20 minutes drive away. With only 200 people, it’s a tiny spot but packed with history and stunning views. So much copper was found there, it attracted famous mining families alongside well known names like Isaac Newton and the French thinker, Montesquieu.

Wander up the steep stairs to admire the Gothic church, and if you have more time, walk the Miner Educational Trail. It’s 6km long and takes 2-3 hours to walk depending on how fast you take it. Along the way you’ll get great views of the surrounding valley and back onto Spania Dolina.

That’s a wrap – those are my top nine must-see sights in Banska Bystrica. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and I’d love to hear about your trip. Drop me a comment below with your favourite spots or any questions!

Happy travelling!

Did you find this guide helpful? Please consider buying me a coffee to support my blog, thank you!