"A bit of World Heritage in north eastern Slovakia" Bardejov by kit_mc

Bardejov is a town of about 33,000 people in north-east Slovakia, up towards the border with Poland. Its Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage site around 1992 and as a result this place is one of the prime day trip destinations for backpackers and other foreign tourists in the region. It makes a pleasant day trip from Kosice. From more westerly towns such as Poprad it's a little awkward to visit within the space of a day.

Although the town itself also has plenty of modern concrete monstrosities on its outskirts, it's the main square and the streets surrounding it that most tourist visits will centre on.

Walking into the main square, I was really pleased that we'd made the effort to come here. Having been in Levoca a few days before, Bardejov beat it hands down. Clearly the square has had a lot of renovation work and a walk around, looking up at the houses that line the square, all in different colours, is really cool. A look inside the church is worth the effort although you may find yourself straining to see in the semi-dark interiors.

There are at least three museums in the town, the most interesting sounding is the museum of Ikons. This was unfortunately closed (sound familiar?!). If you ask nicely at the natural history museum across the road though, they may open up the Ikon Museum for you - one of the benefits of being a tourist in such an isolated place. The Tourist Information Centre in the main square is a useful place with helpful staff.

Town Hall Museum

Bardejov was a pretty place to spend an afternoon, though I wouldn't recommend staying overnight unless you intend to do a bit of hiking in the surrounding areas. There are enough cafes and restaurants about for you to take a break in between wanderings. Make sure you take a stroll in the streets directly outside the main square, where you'll see some more churches and pretty lanes, including an Orthodox church worth a look inside, and the old town walls.

Buses seemed to leave Kosice main bus station, beside the train station, every hour or so. The last bus back to Kosice was listed as being around 5.30pm, so be careful or you may find yourself staying the night after all! The journey from Kosice takes around an hour and a half. It is also possible to come here by train, but I believe this takes longer and involves changing trains in Presov.

• Pros:Deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage site
• In a nutshell:If it's between Levoca and Bardejov, choose Bardejov.