Home › Destinations › Nitra
Nitra, Slovensko - Things to Do in Nitra

Things to Do in Nitra

Nitra, Slovensko - Complete Travel Guide

Nitra is one of Slovakia's oldest and most historically significant cities, serving as the country's first capital and the seat of the first Christian church in the region. Located in western Slovakia along the Nitra River, this charming city of around 78,000 people boasts over 1,100 years of documented history, with its impressive castle complex dominating the skyline and serving as a testament to its royal heritage. Today, Nitra seamlessly blends its rich medieval past with modern university life, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both history enthusiasts and young visitors. The city's compact historic center features beautiful baroque and renaissance architecture, traditional Slovak restaurants, and cultural venues, while the surrounding Nitra Region offers excellent wine-making traditions and scenic countryside perfect for day trips.

Top Things to Do in Nitra

Explore Nitra Castle Complex

Visit the magnificent 11th-century castle complex that houses the Cathedral of St. Emmeram, one of Slovakia's most important religious sites. The fortress offers panoramic views over the city and contains fascinating exhibits about regional history. The cathedral features stunning baroque interiors and houses the relics of several saints.

Booking Tip: Entry to the castle grounds is free, but cathedral tours cost around €3-5. Best visited in the morning when lighting is optimal for photography. Join guided tours available in English during summer months for deeper historical context.

Stroll Through the Historic Old Town

Wander the pedestrian-friendly streets of Nitra's old town, featuring colorful baroque buildings, charming squares, and traditional Slovak architecture. The area around Pribinovo námestie offers excellent shopping, dining, and people-watching opportunities. Don't miss the beautiful Town Hall and the plague column in the main square.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but consider joining a walking tour for €10-15 per person. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best lighting and fewer crowds. Local tourist office offers free maps and self-guided tour suggestions.

Visit Agrokomplex and Slovak Agricultural Museum

Explore Slovakia's largest exhibition center and the fascinating Agricultural Museum showcasing the country's farming heritage. The complex hosts various trade fairs, cultural events, and exhibitions throughout the year. The museum features traditional farming equipment, rural life displays, and interactive exhibits about Slovak agricultural traditions.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs around €4 for adults. Check the events calendar as special exhibitions and fairs may require separate tickets costing €8-15. Best to visit during weekdays when it's less crowded.

Experience Local Wine Culture

Discover the Nitra wine region, one of Slovakia's premier wine-producing areas known for excellent white wines and traditional varieties. Visit local vineyards, participate in wine tastings, and learn about centuries-old winemaking traditions. Many cellars offer tours combining wine education with traditional Slovak hospitality.

Booking Tip: Wine cellar tours range from €15-30 per person including tastings. Book in advance, especially during harvest season (September-October). Look for family-run operations offering authentic experiences and traditional Slovak snacks.

Day Trip to Bojnice Castle

Take a scenic 45-minute drive to visit Slovakia's most famous and romantic castle, Bojnice Castle, often called the most beautiful castle in the country. This fairy-tale fortress hosts medieval festivals, ghost tours, and houses impressive art collections. The surrounding park and zoo make it perfect for a full day excursion.

Booking Tip: Castle entry costs €8-12 depending on the tour type. Combine with zoo visit for €15-20. Book online for slight discounts and to avoid queues during peak season. Consider private transport for €40-60 or join organized tours for €25-35 per person.

Getting There

Nitra is easily accessible by train from Bratislava (1.5 hours, €5-8) with regular connections throughout the day, making it an excellent day trip or base for exploring western Slovakia. The city is also well-connected by bus services from major Slovak cities, with RegioJet and Slovak Lines offering comfortable rides. By car, Nitra is located just off the D1 highway, approximately 100km northeast of Bratislava, with ample parking available in the city center for around €1-2 per hour.

Getting Around

Nitra's compact city center is easily walkable, with most attractions within 15-20 minutes of each other on foot. The city operates an efficient public bus system with tickets costing around €0.70 for short journeys, though most visitors find walking sufficient for sightseeing. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances, while bike rentals are becoming increasingly popular for exploring the surrounding countryside and riverfront areas. The tourist information center provides free city maps and public transport information.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Near Nitra Castle
University District
Zobor Hill Area
Shopping Center Vicinity
Riverside Quarter

Food & Dining

Nitra offers an excellent mix of traditional Slovak cuisine and international dining options, with many restaurants housed in beautiful historic buildings around the old town. Local specialties include hearty Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), schnitzel variations, and regional wines. The city center features numerous cozy pubs serving Pilsner Urquell and local beers, while upscale restaurants offer refined takes on Central European cuisine. Don't miss trying local wine bars and traditional Slovak taverns, where meals typically cost €8-15 per person, and the university district provides budget-friendly options popular with students.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Slovakia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Reštaurácia ITALIANA

4.6 /5
(1807 reviews)

Le Due Sicilie

4.7 /5
(1617 reviews) 2

Le Torri Pizza Pasta

4.5 /5
(1427 reviews) 2
bar

Certo Zuckermandel

4.6 /5
(1335 reviews) 2

Restaurant Kazumi

4.8 /5
(662 reviews) 2

Don Saro Cucina Siciliana

4.6 /5
(613 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Nitra is from May to September when the weather is warm and perfect for walking tours and outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and are ideal for wine tasting as harvest season brings special events and festivals. Winter can be quite cold but creates a magical atmosphere around the castle and old town, plus hotel rates are significantly lower. Summer months see the most festivals and outdoor events, though they can be busier and more expensive.

Insider Tips

Visit the castle complex early in the morning or late afternoon for the best photos and fewer tour groups
Try the local Nitra wine variety, which is unique to this region and rarely found elsewhere in Slovakia
The city's thermal springs at nearby Bojnice offer relaxing spa experiences perfect for combining with castle visits

Explore Activities in Nitra