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Žilina

Slovakia · City · EUR · 49.223100, 18.739400
Family friendly 4.7/10 · Rank 2324 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

History and architecture, skiing, hiking lovers, and travellers interested in Slovak culture

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$89.00 (≈ 7 469 ₽ · ≈ 79 EUR)
For 7 days
$623.00 (≈ 52 282 ₽ · ≈ 556 EUR)
Žilina is the fourth-largest city in Slovakia and an important industrial centre in the northwest of the country, located at the confluence of the Váh and Kysuca rivers. Its historic centre with well-preserved medieval layout and the unique Budatín Castle attracts history lovers. The city is an ideal starting point for exploring the scenic Malé Karpaty mountains and the ski resorts of the region.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
-6.8°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Žilina residents are friendly, calm and proud of their historical heritage. They value traditions, love their cuisine and are always ready to help tourists

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic Malá Fatra nature
  • Historic centre with Marian Square
  • Budatín and Lietava castles
  • Thermal park for family recreation
  • Affordable prices
  • Traditional Slovak cuisine

Cons

  • No sea coast
  • Limited nightlife
  • Cold winters
  • Far from major cities
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
18.1°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
23.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
-1.7°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
2.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-6.8°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-July
Attractions

Marian Square

Main square of Žilina with historic buildings, fountain and atmospheric cafes, the centre of city life

Budatín Castle

Medieval castle from the 15th century, located 5 km from Žilina, with a museum and beautiful park

Lietava Castle

Scenic ruins of a 13th-century Gothic castle on a hill 15 km from Žilina, a popular spot for hiking

Malá Fatra

Scenic mountain range with hiking trails, ski resorts and panoramic views

Žilina Thermal Park

Modern aquapark with thermal pools, saunas and slides, ideal for family recreation

Best areas

Old Town

Historic centre of Žilina with Marian Square, churches, museums, cafes and restaurants

Budatín

Area around Budatín Castle with park, museum and scenic views of the Váh River

Must-try food

Bryndzové Halušky

Traditional Slovak dish of potato dumplings with sheep cheese bryndza and bacon

Kapustnica

Slovak soup made from sauerkraut with sausage, mushrooms and spices

Žemľovka

Traditional Slovak sweet bread rolls served with poppy seeds, nuts or cottage cheese

Slovak Beer

Various types of local beer, including Zlatý Bažant, Šariš and Topvar

Where to go next

Terchová

Scenic village 25 km away with traditional Slovak architecture and fairs

Vrátna

Ski resort 30 km away with slopes, cable car and hiking trails

Bratislava

Capital of Slovakia 200 km away with palace, cathedral and nightlife

High Tatras

High Tatras 100 km away with ski resorts and scenic nature

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Жилина (ILZ).
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Visa
Visa requirements
Schengen
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 80 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 134 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 107 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 49 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 16 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 6 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 5 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 36 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 40 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Žilina: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Žilina: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +23.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Žilina: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-6.8°C, during the day — up to +2.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Žilina: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-July. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Žilina: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $89.00 (≈ 7 469 ₽ · ≈ 79 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Žilina: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $60.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $90.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $55.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Žilina: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $18.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Žilina: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Žilina: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Marian Square — Main square of Žilina with historic buildings, fountain and atmospheric cafes, the centre of city life; Budatín Castle — Medieval castle from the 15th century, located 5 km from Žilina, with a museum and beautiful park; Lietava Castle — Scenic ruins of a 13th-century Gothic castle on a hill 15 km from Žilina, a popular spot for hiking; Malá Fatra — Scenic mountain range with hiking trails, ski resorts and panoramic views; Žilina Thermal Park — Modern aquapark with thermal pools, saunas and slides, ideal for family recreation. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Žilina: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Bryndzové Halušky — Traditional Slovak dish of potato dumplings with sheep cheese bryndza and bacon; Kapustnica — Slovak soup made from sauerkraut with sausage, mushrooms and spices; Žemľovka — Traditional Slovak sweet bread rolls served with poppy seeds, nuts or cottage cheese; Slovak Beer — Various types of local beer, including Zlatý Bažant, Šariš and Topvar. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Žilina: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Old Town — Historic centre of Žilina with Marian Square, churches, museums, cafes and restaurants; Budatín — Area around Budatín Castle with park, museum and scenic views of the Váh River. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Žilina: is a visa required?
Visa: Schengen. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Žilina: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Жилина (code ILZ). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Žilina: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $89.00 (≈ 7 469 ₽ · ≈ 79 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Žilina: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Žilina: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Žilina: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Terchová — Scenic village 25 km away with traditional Slovak architecture and fairs; Vrátna — Ski resort 30 km away with slopes, cable car and hiking trails; Bratislava — Capital of Slovakia 200 km away with palace, cathedral and nightlife; High Tatras — High Tatras 100 km away with ski resorts and scenic nature. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.7/10
Overall rank: 2324 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 991

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: EUR
Coordinates: 49.223100, 18.739400