Welcome to Žilina
Basic information
Žilina is the main industrial hub of the upper Váh river basin region, with a fastgrowing economy as north-west Slovakia’s business center with large retail and construction sectors. It is home to university, museums, theatres, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions.
Žilina was first mentioned in documents in the 13th century as terra de Selinan. At the time it only consisted of a few scattered settlements. By 1321 Žilina was a free royal town. After Slovakia gained independence for the first time in 1918, Žilina became the seat of the Slovak government and the capital of Slovakia. It remained the capital of the new state for almost a year before Slovakia was included as a part of Czechoslovakia in 1919.
Transportation
By plane
Regularly scheduled flights come to Bratislava international airport from Prague, Milan, London, Paris, Oslo, Moscow, Košice Dublin and many others. Charter flights reach many more regional airports. (Served by Czech Airlines, Ryanair, Austrian Airlines, and more). Bratislava International Airport is about 193 km far from accomodation in Žilina. If u wish to manage, or find any flights, you can also look here : www.bts.aero/cestujuci/. Vienna International Airport is situated 50 km from Bratislava in Austria. From here you can find flights to almost all destinations in the world.
By train
Many of Europe’s busiest train routes pass through or very near Slovakia. It is very simple to reach Slovakia from neighbouring countries. There are also regular trains directly to and from some cities in Germany, Italy and Hungary. Generally, the train fares are very low. The train network in Slovakia is well developed, and trains are the most comfortable way to travel. Check out the web site of Slovak Railways for a train schedule available in english version.
By bus
Most countries in Europe are connected with Slovak destinations by regular service, usually direct (Eurolines provides service from 21 European towns).
By car
Slovakia is now in the process of connecting its key cities by highways, but this project will not be complete for few more years. However, smaller roads are generally in good condition. Roads are marked as in Western Europe. You don’t have to pay any taxes or fees (only at highways you need to buy highway ticket). Hitch-hiking is common, and legal except major highways.
Public transport in Žilina
Regular bus transport starts around 5 am and finishes around 11:00 pm. There are night buses on all major routes. Bus tickets cost from 65 cents (student price) up to 1,3 euro.
Sight-seeing
Mariánske Square
The square is the center of the town. Here you will find shops, restaurants and also the Town Hall of the city of Žilina. 44 colorful burgher houses surround the square and it is dominated by the Church of St. Paul the Apostle.
How to get there?
Žilina is pretty small city so basically you can walk here. The closest bus stop is train station (Železničná stanica).
Budatín Castle
You find the castle where the Kysuca river flows into the Váh river. The castle built in 13th century and it is one of the more historic sights in town. Here you can walk around enjoying the castle park or learning more about the area. The castle also houses three exhibitions of the Považie museum.
How to get there?
Closest bus stop is Námestie hrdinov, from there it’s about 10 minutes walk.
Stanica Žilina - Záriečie
Záriečie is not an ordinary train station. Stanica ZilinaZariecie functions as a sentient cultural hub as well. You can join one of the numerous events taking place here: concerts, theater, workshops, discussions, cinema or just relax in the cafe-bar with contemporary art and design publications. Extras: a childrens corner, a garden to lay in thesun and Stanica’s concert hall made of beer crates.
How to get there?
By train from main train station or by bus to Hálkova – bus stop.
Nightlife
Beervana
Beervana is a great place for every beer lover. In this pub you will be able to find from a huge variety of craft beers from various parts of the world. The menu changes very often so you will always be able to try out some new and exciting beers that will satisfy even the pickiest people.
Spacebar Žilina
If you love good mixed drinks, nice atmosphere and well spent nights, we got the right place for you! Spacebar in Žilina is a space themed bar where you can relax after hard days, and if you are looking for some fun, they also organise Quiz nights every Tuesday at 7PM, where you can win some cool prizes!
Stará Menza Žilina
If you are looking for a student pub that is always lively, try visiting Stará Menza Žilina. This cozy looking pub has everything you are looking for, beer, food, spirits and also some fun activities you can do! That’s right, the pub is equipped with a bowling alley, billiard, darts and even table football!
Porkbelly Gastrohouse
Porkbelly is one of the best restaurants in Žilina, this restaurant offers you a wide variety of foods like burgers, sandwiches, burritos, but they also have many more exciting meals. The menu consists of a huge variety of mostly Tex-Mex food which will make you fall in love with the restaurant quickly.
Kazačok
If you are looking for a fun evening, you should also try Kazačok pub & restaurant. Kazačok offers a variety of foods for you to enjoy, while also offering a variety of beers that will brighten your evening. While you are there you should definitely try out Zlatý Bažant 73′, which is a staple beer in this pub, as you can see by their unique interior decoration.
Local committee
Filip Fabrici
President of Local Committee Žilina
Patrik Papay
Summer Reception Coordinator
Simona Hovančíková
National Exchange Leader
Marek Rybárik
Vice president for Exchange