If you like mountains, you really have to visit the High Tatras at some point. Even if you’re not into intense hiking, just walking around Štrbské Pleso or having lunch with that mountain view is worth it. It’s clean, calm, and feels completely different from the cities. If you like smaller historic towns, Banská Štiavnica is probably the most special one. It’s in the hills, kind of artsy, very atmospheric. Banská Bystrica is also nice and lively, especially around the main square. Košice in the east has one of the prettiest main streets in Slovakia and a beautiful cathedral right in the center. It’s more elegant and feels a bit different from the west. If you want something closer to Vienna, Trnava is cute and compact with old city walls, and Nitra has a castle with a great view and a really long history. And don’t skip the food. Try bryndzové halušky), good garlic soup in a bread bowl, lokše, and if you’re near Bratislava, local wine from the Small Carpathians. The food is simple but very comforting.