Zilina

Travel Guide
Zilina featuring a city and modern architecture
Visit one of the largest cities in Slovakia, known for its beautiful churches, medieval buildings scenic setting and hundreds of years of history.

Surrounded by mountain ranges and sitting at the confluence of three rivers, Žilina's stunning geographical location is undoubtedly one of its most appealing aspects. Adding to the city’s charm is a clutch of historical buildings, including churches and a castle. Explore the old sites, pick up insights in the city’s history and learn about traditional Slovakian crafts.

Start your day in Žilina in Mariánske Námestie (Mariánske Square) in the historical center. View the colorful façades of the old burgher houses, which are built on medieval cellars. Look at the old town hall building, marvel at the stone statue of the Virgin Mary and then enjoy a meal in one of the square’s open-air restaurants.

At the western end of the square is the 18th-century Church of St. Paul the Apostle, noted for its symmetrical façade. One of the exterior’s standout features is the stone statue of St. Paul the Apostle in a niche above the main entrance. Inside are several paintings of the saint and a baroque altar.

Tour Žilina’s other churches, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Church of St. Barbara and the well-preserved medieval Church of St. Stephen the King. The interior features wall paintings that date back to the middle of the 13th century. Other pictures include depictions of four Hungarian saints. One of them is of St. Elizabeth, a 13th-century Hungarian princess.

Investigate the 13th-century Budatín Castle, a picturesque fortress situated in a park by the meeting point of two rivers. Survey its architectural features, which include a cylindrical Romanesque tower, and then go inside for its exhibitions. The castle hosts collections of the Museum of Považie, encompassing natural sciences, archeology and the history of the area. There are also displays of tinker wares, objects made out of wire by skilled artisans.

Žilina is situated in northwestern Slovakia. It can be reached by regular train services from several other major cities as well as by buses from smaller towns. The historic core with its fascinating buildings is compact enough to be traversed on foot.

Hotel Dubna Skala
Hotel Dubna Skala
4 out of 5
Hurbanova 345/8, Zilina
The price is $87 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$87
$101 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Zilina. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (46 reviews)
"Excellent and in the middle of the city"

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2023

Hotel Dubna Skala
Holiday Inn Zilina, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Zilina, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Sportova 2, Zilina
The price is $91 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$91
$105 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Zilina. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (140 reviews)
"The hotel was beautiful. The staff was excellent and informative and just down right nice. Wish we could have stayed here longer. Went to the Sky Bar there and the bartender there was excellent. He was just awesome. we were treated awesome here!!! Thank you!"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Holiday Inn Zilina, an IHG Hotel
Galileo
Galileo
3 out of 5
Hlinská 25, Zilina
The price is $54 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$54
$64 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Zilina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Marianske Namestie and Budatin Castle are located nearby. ...
7.2/10 Good! (57 reviews)
"Forniture bad, bathroom with many problems, not international chanel, bed not confortable, old things used"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2022

Galileo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Modern apartment close to city centre of Žilina
Modern apartment close to city centre of Žilina
Žilina
Stay at this apartment in Zilina. Enjoy WiFi, a TV, and cable/satellite TV. Popular attractions Marianske Namestie and Budatin Castle are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Nice cosy apartment
"Smarthome is a nicely renovated little flat. Close by for breakfast is cafe Italia for dinner the Manzo and the restaurants in the town center. Shopping is also close by with Aupark. The owner is very helpful and responds to questions right away."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2019

Modern apartment close to city centre of Žilina
Modern apartment close to city centre of Žilina
Modern apartment close to city centre of Žilina
Žilina
Stay at this apartment in Zilina. Enjoy WiFi and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Marianske Namestie and Budatin Castle are located nearby. Discover genuine guest ...
Modern apartment close to city centre of Žilina
Lovely quiet apartment 5 min from the centre of Zilina.
Lovely quiet apartment 5 min from the centre of Zilina.
Žilinský kraj
Stay at this apartment in Zilina. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Marianske Namestie and Budatin Castle are located nearby. Discover ...
Lovely quiet apartment 5 min from the centre of Zilina.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Zilina

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 25%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 4, 2020

Nice city to visit. Specifically the old town area.

4/5 - Good

James
Mar 17, 2019

Tricky to find parking. Be diligent and follow signs not GPS