Many people still consider Slovakia a transit country on the way to Austria or the Czech Republic. But statistics from the summer of 2026 prove otherwise: the country has become a tourist destination in its own right, breaking all-time visitor records.
Over the three summer months—June, July, and August—hotels and guesthouses in Slovakia welcomed approximately 2.3 million tourists. August set an all-time record, with 871,000 guests staying in the country during that month. In total, nearly 5 million tourists have visited Slovakia since the beginning of the year, exceeding even the figures from pre-pandemic 2019.
A Summer of Records: Who Vacationed in Slovakia and Where
Domestic tourism remains traditionally strong—57% of vacationers were Slovaks. According to data from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, the Žilina and Prešov regions were the most popular destinations for local residents, as well as for visitors from the Czech Republic and Poland. Tourists are drawn to mountain resorts, national parks, and opportunities for active recreation. You can learn more about these and other cities in Slovakia in our guide.
The capital, however, was chosen mainly by foreigners arriving from afar. About 70% of tourists in Bratislava flew in, a trend facilitated by the launch of dozens of new flights. It’s worth noting that official statistics only account for those who stayed overnight. The huge influx of day-trippers—for example, from Vienna and Budapest—is not included in these figures.
Tourism Boom in the Capital: What Will Happen to the Tax
Against the backdrop of this success, the Bratislava City Council has begun discussing a possible increase in the tourist tax, known as the “daň za ubytovanie.” This tax is paid by every guest for an overnight stay in a hotel, apartment, or guesthouse.
As of 2026, the following rates are in effect:
3.50 euros per person per night in the historic center (Staré Mesto district).
3.00 euros per person per night in other areas of the capital.
City officials plan to raise these rates by 1.5–2 euros per night. As a result, a night in downtown Bratislava could cost up to 5.50 euros more due to this tax alone.
How this will affect tourists’ wallets
If the proposal is approved, a vacation in the capital will become significantly more expensive. For example, a family of two adults staying for three nights in the Staré Mesto district could end up paying 33 euros instead of the current 21 euros in tax (3.50 € × 2 people × 3 nights).
This decision is still under discussion, but it clearly signals the city’s response to its growing popularity. The funds collected are typically used to develop tourism infrastructure and maintain the city in good condition. So while record numbers are good news for hoteliers, travelers should prepare for new expenses.
