The city of Poprad is a modern dynamically growing center and the largest city in the Spis region of Slovakia. Located at the foot of the High Tatras as well as close proximity to other Slovakian National Parks - Poprad is an attractive base for many adventurers who want to explore the surrounding nature and the mountains in the High Tatras.
Poprad is the main "entrance gate" and launching pad into the mountain activities of the High Tatras. Right in the middle of a fast developing area, Poprad (population 52K+) lies south-east of the Popradská kotlina basin on both sides of the river of the same name. Annually thousands of local tourists and overseas pour in through the local airport, railways and roads then continue to Starý Smokovec or other Tatra communities for alpine activities.
A Good Place as a Base
To be honest, I had not planned to explore Poprad. I only chose the city because it had cheaper accommodations than the more expensive chalets and hotels in other parts of the High Tatras – which was the main purpose of my being in the area. Poprad is centralized enough and has an efficient train system where you can get to any of the Tatras destinations easily.
I arrived late in the afternoon straight from Kosice coming in from Budapest, Hungary. I went straight to the chalet I booked and called it a day so I can start a trek early in the morning. But, to my dismay, it rained for a whole day in the region the next day. It was not ideal to trek in the mountains with the limited gear I had on hand.
Bored and without other options, I decided to explore the town of Poprad.
One thing that strikes me with the place is the lack of western tourist. Yet. The High Tatras is a hidden gem but I think it will not be long before it is overrun by tourist. The nature in the surrounding area is simply stunning. It will not be long before Poprad will be teeming with Trekkers and climbers from the west.
The St. Edgidius Square
Five independent towns in the past make up Poprad – Poprad, Spisska Sobota, Velka, Starze pod Tatrami, and Matejovce all of which integrated after WWII into the now Greater Poprad. Most of the things to see in Poprad is concentrated in the town center of mostly Baroque-era buildings as well as 18th-19th-century houses. The most recognizable structure is the Gothic St. Edgidius Church, which dates back to the middle ages. At the edge of the square is the Podtatranske museum and next to that is a big shopping mall, the Forum.
A local cinema Kino Tatran keeps things interesting and an unassuming building next to it is the Information Center. Here you can get information about all your Tatras adventures in English. Near the train station and before the river is the Tatranska Galeria (gallery). I first saw it on the way to my hostel. I did not know what to make of the structure. It had a very thin and narrow tall brick chimney. I guess it was used as for producing electricity by using steam- it is now converted into a permanent gallery for an exhibition of prominent Slovak artists.
Just on the outskirts of town is a geothermal complex called AquaCity and next to it is Aqualand - my hostel. There is also the Kventica recreation center that provides hiking paths that displays Slovakia’s forest vegetation.
Food. What about the food?
Aqualand (my hostel) - Štefánikova 893, is actually a restaurant with spare rooms for guests. They are some of the friendliest sincerest people this side of Europe. The food is great too. I really loved their version of the Goulash, which is creamy and cooked with cabbage, unlike the original Hungarian version. I'll be frank, I know Goulash is a Hungarian dish, but I much prefer the Slovak version. I've tried plenty of Goulash in Budapest and not one came close to the Slovakian version.
Another restaurant, on the outskirts of the town square, a traditional Slovakian Restaurant, Marko - Mnoheľova 836/18. I tried their traditional Slovak dish, Beef cheeks in red wine with ginger and mashed potatoes, it was delicious! I considered ordering the Bull glands sautéed in onions served with home fries. However, I could not discern which “glands” were being cooked so I scratched the idea.
To and From
Polish Tatras - You can get to or from the Polish side of the High Tatras by taking a bus to or from Zakopane via bus company Strama. If it’s not on schedule or not running, you can take the bus to Lysa Polana and transfer to a bus that will take you to Zakopane.
Bratislava – There are regular trains to Bratislava to and from Poprad. From there you can get just about any other cities in Slovakia.
Budapest – I came from Budapest and took the train to Kosice. Coming from or going to, you have to stop at Kosice. You can purchase a one-way ticket without having to buy two separate tickets.
On a Rainy Day or a Sunny Day
If an inclement weather happens on you that prevents you from exploring the High Tatras - or perhaps you want to do other actives besides hiking, Poprad is a great alternative. Even if it's sunny and yo you just want to take a break from the mountains, the little city is worth the visit - it's small enough that you won't be walking around all day. Poprad is accessible by train and there is enough to do with the many shops, restaurants, and galleries in the city.
Explore Poprad
• There are trains from Kosice, Prague, Zilina, and Bratislava. If you are coming from Prague, you can take the RegioJet, which is a cheap alternative. Prices are around 10 to 14 Euros.
• If you are coming in from Poland, you can take buses to the Slovakian side of the High Tatras. Just check Rome2Rio.
• If you are staying in one of the Tatras hotels there are trains that run every 30 minutes connecting Poprad, Strbske Pleso, and Stari Smokovec. A one-way ticket is 2 Euros.
A Day in Breakdown
• Train from Kosice to Poprad – 5 Euros
• Bed in room in Aqualand Hostel – 16 Euros
• All you can eat Breakfast at Hostel – 5 Euros
• Lunch-Dinner at a local Restaurant (Marko) – 8 Euros
• 2 .5 liter beer – 3 Euros
• TOTAL: 37 Euros
WOULD YOU SPEND A DAY IN POPRAD?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
All photos are taken and articles are written by Adonis Villanueva of Always Wanderlust unless otherwise stated.
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Very good Post, well done!
Oh, it's very beautiful. Very bright. The photo carries in itself the energy of joy of life, holiday.
Thanks so much for sharing it with us @adonisabril!!! Resteemed
RegioJet, which is a cheap alternative. Prices are around 10 to 14 Euros <--- This is a golden tip! Thanks!! I only knew about Ryan Air. I know you didn't plan on staying in Poprad, but it looks like it turned out to be a good choice!
They're tricky...They get you with extra luggage fees!
How do you possibly have that much free time to travel around? If i only had time and funds i would do the same.
You can practically travel for free if you know what you're doing. I write up a guide about someday :)
I will be looking forward to this post.
Hi there, thank you for sharing this beautiful place with us. I have a question: Did you use any guiding services, or met some nice adventure guides you'd recommend? I would like to include the High Tatras on my travel website and I am always looking for good contacts and awesome "hidden gems"! Thank you and keep sharing the beauty!
Nah, I like to explore without any guides or knowing anything about the place. But, if you want my recommendation - check out Aqualand Hostel. They have very knowledgeable staff.
Thanks for the contact! Will get in touch with them. Peace & Love!
My brother, please help me, help promotions, or introduce my steemit account, thanks for your help
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oh my god.. very beautiful place,,
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Really enjoyed your informative post! The place looks breathtaking. Definitely adding this to my bucket list!
Another great post of yours!
I happen to visit Poprad couple of times while hiking in High Tatras.
Staying in mountain chalets is also a great option, they are cheap, but should be booked in advance.
Nice article! love the information shown here, very informative,, love the photos too! Hope to go some day to that amaing place to sketch some drawings... upvoted
great, upvoted
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Some great pics. Might be something well worth checking out for a short break.
Omg, Its so beautiful
its pics like a paint but its real , Wow
Thanks for sharing. Beautiful pics. I wish i could go there someday.
waoh amigo que hermoso lugar tambien te invito veas mipublicacion de un viaje que hice a margarita lugar hermoso que puedes tomar en cuenta para viajar
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excellent, I give you my vote, give me yours, I will love you forever.
Yes, I'd love to spend a day in Poprad! Beautiful pictures and story.
Nice picture of the lake between the mountains.
Great pictures! I'm from Slovakia so I appreciate you making the effort to visit this small country :)
Thank you for sharing, I am also sharing my travel experience, hope you can like it.
Very informative post and your photography is great too. I'll be following you for more travel inspiration!
Nice post.I respect you very much because you contribute to steemit.I will do activities like you.I would like to extend the steemit..