48 hours in Martin: What to see and where to go
A city where culture blends with nature and movement.
Discover more about Martin and the Žilina Region—a blend of folklore, national parks, and modern attractions—in our Žilina Region Travel Guide.
More than 160 years ago, on June 7, 1861, some 6,000 people gathered in what was then known as Turčiansky Svätý Martin – both locals and visitors from across the Slovak lands – united in one cause: to adopt a memorandum advocating for the autonomy of the Slovak people and their equality in the Hungarian monarchy. Although it would take well over 50 years to achieve success, the call marked the beginning of Martin’s evolution into a centre of Slovak culture.
Today, Martin’s heritage echoes through places like Memorandum Square and numerous institutions bearing “Slovak” or “national” in their names, from the Slovak National Library to the Slovak National Museum. Yet Martin, a city of over 50,000, is far from history-bound. Surrounded by the grand peaks of the Malá and Veľká Fatra mountain ranges, the wider area is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and winter sports enthusiasts alike.
The town itself lies on a flat plain, giving it the nickname “the Garden of Turiec” – which is also the title of a blog offering local travel recommendations in the Turiec region, for which Martin is the main centre. In 2023, Martin welcomed over 34,000 visitors, including nearly 9,000 international travellers, who stayed an average of two nights. Despite this, it remains an underrated gem of northern Slovakia, often overshadowed by nearby Žilina, the centre of northern Slovakia, and by the adjacent Liptov region and nearby High and Low Tatra mountains.
A view of Martin from the Ethnographic Museum. (Source: Peter Dlhopolec - The Slovak Spectator)Martin is also the site of another historical milestone. Here, on October 30, 1918, Slovaks declared their commitment to the formation of Czechoslovakia with the Declaration of the Slovak Nation. The family of Tomáš G. Masaryk, Czechoslovakia’s first president, also enjoyed spending time in the area.
Will it capture yours?
Recommended museums: Martin Benka Museum, Andrej Kmeť Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Museum of the Slovak Village (all the museums are closed on Mondays)
Top eateries: Frito, Metropola, Česká Hospoda, Kocúr, Spot, Dobrota, NhàBè, Kesta
Activities: Via ferrata, hiking at Martinské Hole and Veľká Lúka, visiting the Slovak Chamber Theatre, cycling along Tank Road
Shopping: Galéria Martin, U Peťa (sweets shop), Tulip, tourist information centre
Getting around: On foot, by taxi, e-scooter, bike, or public transport
Itinerary
Day 1
13:00 Forget McDonald’s
On arrival, make sure to stop by Frito, a local restaurant with a backstory dating from the 1990s, when it started as a small trailer and evolved into a popular eatery. Frito now offers a rich menu featuring hot dogs (€2.30-5.50), burgers (€5.50-11.50), fried cheese (€8.50) and crispy fries. With three locations – one near the bus station, another in the city centre, and a third by the railway station in nearby Vrútky – Frito is ideal for a quick bite. It also caters to vegans and offers a rotating monthly special; in October, a burger filled with porchetta and mushrooms highlighted Frito’s creativity.
14:00 Curious? Knock!
Just a few minutes’ walk from Frito is the Andrej Kmeť Museum, named after the Slovak priest and scientist credited with founding the Slovak Museum Society. Managed by the Slovak National Museum, the museum honours Kmeť’s scientific passion, including his extensive herbarium and mammoth skeleton. The museum’s early-20th-century building may look historical, but truly old architecture is rare in this fire-stricken city. The ground floor presents a modern exhibit on the biodiversity of Turiec, with tableaux showcasing stuffed animals and plants with bilingual descriptions. Tap on the glass to hear the sounds of native Slovak animals for a memorable experience. The first floor houses temporary exhibits.
The Andrej Kmeť Museum in Martin. (Source: Milena Kiripolská)15:30 Martin Benka in Martin
On a quiet street near Martin railway station and the Andrej Kmeť Museum, you will find a seemingly ordinary villa concealing the Martin Benka Museum, as indicated by its large, bold letters. Following an extensive renovation, the museum reopened in summer 2023. Inside, Benka’s art, which celebrates the beauty of Slovak landscapes and traditional costumes, greets visitors. Highlights include his Croatian pieces and a short audio recording, written by Benka and narrated by a local actor, which adds a unique extra dimension. Upstairs, explore Benka’s preserved flat, including his studio filled with artwork, musical instruments and books. The large window, resembling part of a glass aviary, may have inspired his creative work. Benka moved here at 71 and opened his gallery once a week for fans. Don’t leave without picking up a memento, such as a pencil with his signature or a bilingual colouring book of his works.
One of the rooms in the flat where Martin Benka lived. (Source: Milena Kiripolská)
The Martin Benka Museum in Martin. (Source: Milena Kiripolská)17:00 A café with its own bridge
After a dose of culture, stop by Metropola café and bistro for tea, coffee or cake. This cosy café is just a short walk from the museums, making it a perfect spot to unwind. The Art Deco-inspired interior features wallpaper with historical Martin landmarks and a copper bridge for added charm. Try a bagel (€9.90), fluffy waffles (€7.90), or a weekly menu with soup (€3.90) and a main (€8.90). Metropola’s atmosphere invites you to linger and reflect on your day.
18:30 An evening at the Slovak Chamber Theatre
A must-visit in Martin outside of summer is the Slovak Chamber Theatre, the country’s second-oldest professional theatre, established in 1944. It’s located in the historical National House building from the late 19th century, with a modern Studio added in 1994. Performances usually run from Tuesday to Saturday, featuring works from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (€20) to Gogoľ’s “The Gamblers” (€17), and more. The theatre also offers a grotesque by Thomas Bernhard, “The Histrionic” (“Der Theatermacher”) (€10), and “At Home – Everywhere – Best” (€25), a play on nomadism. Four new premieres are planned, with the first slated for late November. “The Gamblers” and “Hecuba” by Irish playwright Marina Carr can be made available with English subtitles if foreigners contact the theatre in advance to notify them of their visit.
Interior of the Slovak Chamber Theatre's National House building. (Source: Braňo Konečný)
"Hecuba" performed at the Slovak Chamber Theatre in Martin. (Source: Braňo Konečný)20:30 Green bistro with a garden
After the show, head over to the cosy Kesta Bistro nearby. The cakes here are sourced from a bakery in Ružomberok, and they pair beautifully with a cup of excellent coffee. The bistro also boasts a fine wine selection, but you can also get house-made iced tea and lemonades made from homemade syrups at Kesta. The menu has something for everyone, including burgers, curries and noodles (€10-11), with several vegetarian options available. Kesta keeps things fresh with a weekday lunch menu (€7.90). What truly sets this place apart is its eco-friendly ethos: solar panels and sustainable takeaway containers are part of the effort. Setting it apart from many other spots in town, Kesta is open on Sundays. For an added treat, Kesta Bistro also has another space, Stodola Kesta (Barn Kesta), which hosts events.
Bistro Kesta in Martin. (Source: Kesta)
Jedno z jedál v Keste. (Source: Kesta)Day 2
8:15 Coffee from Martin’s market
Begin your second day in Martin with a visit to Spot, a quaint café managed by Zuzana and Varun, a Mauritian native. Located at the city market near the Galéria Martin shopping centre and just a short walk from the town centre, Spot serves coffee sourced from roasteries worldwide. It’s a vegan-friendly venue as well, and even hosts “coffee cupping” tastings for coffee enthusiasts.
Spot cafe in Martin. (Source: Spot Coffee Co.)9:00 A hike with company
A visit to the Martinské Hole recreational area is a must when in Martin. This popular Malá Fatra spot, which is a ski resort in winter, attracts both locals and visitors. Although the old cable car has been out of service for nearly two decades, you can start your hike in the Stráne borough, accessible by local buses (40 or 41), bike or car. Hikers share the trail with cyclists, passing a WWII cannon and breathtaking views over the town. Upon reaching the chalets, continue for a few kilometres to the Krížava transmitter and the summit of Veľká Lúka (1,476 m). You can grab refreshments at Javorina, Martinské Hole, or at the Nová Ponorka chalets. For a more daring adventure, the one-way Mountain Rescue Service Via Ferrata features rock overhangs, ladders, waterfalls and various trail difficulties. Equipment can be rented in Stráne.
Martinské Hole. (Source: Peter Dlhopolec - The Slovak Spectator)15:30 A touch of the First Republic at the National Museum
The Ethnographic Museum, visible from afar atop a hill near the square, stands in a striking building from the First Czechoslovak Republic, with a travertine staircase leading up to it. The entrance is graced by a statue of Andrej Kmeť, while the grand staircase and expansive halls, some of which await renovation, exude historic charm. Temporary exhibitions are on the first floor, while the upper level houses the permanent display on traditional Slovak crafts, folk costumes, and clay and wicker artefacts. The museum building also hosts Barmuseum, a cultural centre where you can enjoy coffee, alongside stunning views of the town and the Malá Fatra mountains.
The Etnographic Museum in Martin. (Source: Milena Kiripolská)18:00 Vietnamese cuisine
After a full day, stop by NhàBè, a Vietnamese bistro where you can savour rice noodles (€11) or traditional broth (€10.50). Located right on the main square, but note that NhàBè is closed on Sundays.
A Vietnamese meal. (Source: NhàBè)19:30 An evening at Kocúr Bistro
End your day at the stylish and beloved Kocúr Bistro, popular among both locals and visitors. This charming bistro, located in a historic villa, is named after a satirical magazine, reflected in the playful wall decor. Kocúr has its own coffee roastery and serves draft beer and refreshing lemonade. The building also houses the consulate of Iceland, a nod to the sizeable community of Icelandic students studying medicine here. If Kocúr is busy, try Poppy-chi bar nearby.
Day 3
9:00 Fresh pastries from Dobrota
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, be aware that finding a café on a Sunday morning can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Fortunately, the Dobrota bakery in Galéria Martin, where the aroma of fresh pastries and coffee awaits, opens for business early on Sunday.
9:45 Off to the “village”
It’s not a real village, rather the Museum of the Slovak Village, which is located on the outskirts of Martin and within easy walking distance. A morning stroll here immerses you in the atmosphere of the area’s most visited museum, where historical homes from various parts of northern Slovakia bring the past to life. The museum regularly hosts events celebrating Slovak traditions – December, for instance, offers festive activities like making ornaments and decorating gingerbread. Additionally, the Museum of Roma Culture in Slovakia is also on site.
A house in the Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin. (Source: Milena Kiripolská)
An interior room of a house in the Museum of the Slovak Village. (Source: Milena Kiripolská)12:30 Lunch at Česká Hospoda
After your pleasant museum walk, head to Česká Hospoda in central Martin for generous portions of traditional flavours. Opt for venison stew (€12.50), crispy schnitzel (€11.90 - €14.90), or risotto (€11.90). It’s open on Sundays, something of a rarity in Martin, making Česká Hospoda a perfect choice for a Sunday lunch.
13:30 Along Tank Road (no tank required)
Martin was once a centre for tank production, and its former test track has since become a 15-kilometre cycling path. Starting in Martin-Stráne, this scenic route winds through the Turiec landscape, connecting villages like Bystrička, Trebostovo, and Trnovo. You’ll find a lookout tower near Bystrička that offers panoramic views of the Turiec valley – an ideal final stop before leaving the area. The path leads back to Martin via Turčiansky Peter and Košťany nad Turcom.
A lookout tower along the Tank Road. (Source: TIS Martin)If you don’t have a bike, rental services are available nearby, although not directly in Martin itself. Fatra Ski offers free bicycle delivery to Martin if you notify them a few days in advance. However, please note that from mid November to April, bicycles are unavailable due to maintenance. Alternatively, you can walk the road.
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