A biennial conference organized by the Czech and Slovak Association for American Studies & the Department of British and American Studies, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia
Deadlines:
Submission of abstracts: 30 April 2025
Conference date: 12-13 September 2025
CALL FOR PAPERS
Proposals should include:
- A title and abstract (300-500 words) outlining the focus and argument of the proposed paper.
- A brief bio (150 words) of the author, including institutional affiliation.
- Please submit your abstract and bio via e-mail to: eastmeetswest.kosice2025@gmail.com
We invite submissions for the conference, “East Meets West: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on America’s Changing Image,” which will examine how America’s global image has transformed in recent years. In the 21st century, representations of America are undergoing significant shifts. Once central to narratives of liberty and opportunity, its image is now examined through a diverse range of literary, cultural, philosophical lenses, including perspectives from both within America and regions such as Central and Eastern Europe and Asia and beyond.
This interdisciplinary conference will explore these evolving perspectives and how they are reflected in literature, media, cultural narratives and food studies. What does it mean for the American identity and its global reputation when the long-held narrative of being the „promised land“ is questioned? How are cross-cultural exchanges between America and the East, particularly Central and Eastern Europe, represented?
We welcome papers that address these and related questions, offering fresh perspectives on how America’s image is being reshaped in today’s globalized and interconnected world:
Shifting Perspectives in American Literature, Culture, and Media
How do contemporary American novels, films, and cultural texts reflect these shifting narratives? How are these shifting perspectives represented across various cultural forms, and what impact do they have on America’s global image?
Philosophical Reflections on American Identity
How do contemporary philosophical perspectives reflect the evolving nature of American values and identity? How do critical theories, including post-postmodernism, critical race theory, gender related theories and eco-philosophy, analyze current social, political, and ethical challenges?
Central and Eastern European Perspectives on America
What roles do literature and media from Central and Eastern Europe play in reimagining America’s global image? How do these regions, historically shaped by American influence during the Cold War, now perceive America in the context of modern geopolitical changes?
Freedom, Democracy, and the American Dream in Crisis
How has the concept of the American Dream evolved in contemporary cultural narratives? What role does this iconic idea play in shaping America’s image both domestically and internationally, and how is it critiqued and replaced in today’s global culture?
Literary and Cultural Representations of America
How do novels, films, and visual media depict the decline or persistence of America in the 21st century? Are there new symbols or metaphors that represent America’s changing role on the world stage?
Transnational Perspectives on American Identity
How do immigrant and diaspora writers in America contribute to or challenge the shifting global perspectives on American identity? How do cross-cultural narratives portray the complex relationship between Eastern and Western values, and what does this reveal about American identity in a global context?
International relations and collaboration
How are recent developments reflected in international relations and the American involvement in the Eastern European region and beyond?
Interdisciplinary Contributions
This conference invites interdisciplinary insights from the fields of literary studies, cultural studies, media studies, linguistics, philosophy, political theory, international relations, and related disciplines. We encourage papers that explore the cultural, historical, and linguistic dimensions of these shifts, with a particular focus on literature, media representations, and cross-cultural dialogues.
Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng, New York University, USA
Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng is the Vice Dean of Research and Equity at NYU Steinhardt, where he leads both the Office of Research and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. He also serves as Professor of International Education at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
His research focuses on comparative perspectives of race, ethnicity, and (im)migration, particularly in the contexts of the United States and China. His earlier work explored the role of social support in the lives of marginalized youth, demonstrating how resources like teacher support are often more vital for non-dominant youth yet less readily accessible. His current research challenges established educational „truths,“ such as the assumption that high test scores early on predict future STEM outcomes or that college advising is an equalizing force for students of color.
Cherng’s scholarship has been published in leading journals such as the American Educational Research Journal, Educational Researcher, Social Forces, and Teachers College Record, and he has garnered over $8 million in grants from funders such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the William T. Grant Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation. His work has also appeared in over 20 mainstream media outlets, including CNN, NPR, TIME, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Metro, and Essence.
He earned his PhD in Education Policy and Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania, and before returning to higher education, Cherng taught algebra and geometry at a public charter school and Upward Bound in San Francisco. He also co-founded a technology start-up based in Shanghai. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Stephen Wooten, University of Oregon, USA
Stephen R. Wooten is a sociocultural anthropologist whose research interests include: political ecology, food and culture, and local food systems. Dr. Wooten has been conducting ethnographic field research in Mali since 1992 and is currently involved in an international study of agroecological transitions around the world. His research publications include: “Colonial Administration and the Ethnography of the Family in the French Soudan” in Cahiers d’etudes africaines, “Antelope Headdresses and Champion Farmers: Negotiating Meaning and Identity through the Bamana Ciwara Complex” in African Arts and “Losing Ground: Gender Relations, Commercial Horticulture and Threats to Local Plant Diversity in Rural Mali” in an edited volume entitled: Women and Plants: Gender Relations in Biodiversity Management and Conservation, „The World Began With Farming: Creativity and Resilience in West African Savanna Agriculture“ in Mande Studies, and „Cooking More than Food: The Social and Cultural Products of Women’s Alimentary Agency in Rural Mali“ in Anthropology of Food. His book The Art of Livelihood: Creating Expressive Agri-Culture explores the creativity of rural Bamana farmers. In his latest book, Cooking Culture: Women’s Culinary Agency and Everyday Creativity, Wooten examines the power and significance of women’s daily foodwork. Dr. Wooten, a three time Fulbright awardee, has been at UO since 2001.
Michaela Weiss, Silesian University, Czech Republic
Michaela Weiss is Associate Professor at the Department of English and American Studies at the Institute of Foreign Languages at the Silesian University in Opava, Czech Republic. She teaches courses on English and American literature, Literary Theory and Criticism, and Creative Reading and Writing. Her main areas of interest include American Jewish literature, graphic novels, and women’s studies. She has published monographs Jewishness as Humanism in Bernard Malamudʼs Fiction (2010) and Tradice a Experiment: Americká židovská próza v období modernismu (Tradition and Experiment: American Jewish Prose in the Modernist Era, 2020) and chapters concerning metamodern literary strategies, gender identities, graphic novels, and dystopias. She co-edited a series of conference proceedings Silse (2010–2023) and a monograph series Modern Approaches to Text Analysis (2017), and Text Analysis and Interpretation (2019). She is currently working on a book Community, Geography, and Language in the Works of Irena Klepfisz.
Matej Cíbik, University of Pardubice, Czech Republic
Matej Cíbik is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow at the Department of Political Science at Central European University in Vienna. He specializes in contemporary political philosophy and publishes on (1) political challenges in contemporary societies, including the regulation of conspiracy theories, the interplay between emotions and political values and the (possible) legal and practical containment of extremism; (2) political legitimacy, tacit consent, the relationship between social values, self-understanding of citizens and legitimate rule; and (3) normative ethics, the nature of duties and obligations, the role of expectations in ethics and duties to one’s future self. His work has appeared in journals such as Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, European Journal of Political Theory, Journal of Ethics or Topoi.
We invite submissions from a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to international relations, literature, cultural studies, history, and media studies. Papers that engage critically with cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives will be given priority.
Proposals should include:
- A title and abstract (300-500 words) outlining the focus and argument of the proposed paper.
- A brief bio (150 words) of the author, including institutional affiliation.
- Please submit your abstract and bio via e-mail to: eastmeetswest.kosice2025@gmail.com
Presentation requirements:
The Conference rooms will be equipped with computers (OS Windows) and projectors (beamers). Presenters should have their presentations on a USB or an online cloud service; connecting presenters’ computers to the projectors will not be possible.
Registration Fees
Standard registration fee: 100 EUR
Members of CSAAS: 90 EUR
PhD students: 80 EUR
KOŠICE – THE METROPOLIS OF THE EAST SLOVAKIA
Košice, the second largest city in Slovakia, has always been an natural centre of business, culture and education. Košice’s earliest documents date back to 1230 and refer to it as “Villa Cassa”. Its coat of arms is the oldest in Europe, a fact attested to by a letter dating from 1369. The city’s historic sights – from various periods – are concentrated in the centre, the Urban Heritage Area. The recently reconstructed Singing Fountain offers visitors an impressive show right in the middle of Main Street.
Košice is a city with an eventful and illustrious past and multicultural and colourful present. It is a seat of culture and education. During the university semesters students make the city their own, and one may find them at every turn: in the theatres, the museums, the galleries, the concert halls, the libraries, and the parks. Almost nine thousand future professionals in medical, legal, scientific, social, philosophical disciplines and arts study at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, further swelling the already large permanent population of the city of over 240,000.
More about Košice at www.kosice.sk
CONFERENCE VENUE
Directions to the conference venue, accommodation, and restaurants can be found in this map of Kosice.
Please note that neither Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, nor CSAAS, will pay for, or accept liability for, travel, accommodation, living or other expenses incurred by participants, unless previously agreed in writing.
All conference participants should be aware that neither Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, nor CSAAS, have or will accept any liability whatsoever for any damage or injury to visitors, to the university or to property, however such damage or injury may be caused.
Participants are expected to be fully insured by their own institutions or through their personal insurance for personal health, accident/property coverage (also against claims made by third parties) during their participation in the Conference.
Welcome to the beautiful city of Košice which offers hundreds of spectacular places for you to enjoy. Even though there are plenty of other restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs in Košice, we highly recommend the following selection which we consider to be among the best. We hope you will enjoy the wide variety of places that we have chosen for you. Most are situated right in the historical centre, so you do not have to spend much time finding them.
RESTAURANTS
All of the following restaurants offer a daily menu for reasonable prices between 11.30 am and 2 pm, usually including a starter, a main course, and a dessert. We have decided to rate them for you with stars, even though it is not an official ranking.
Le Colonial, Hlavná 8, http://www.lecolonial.sk/ ****
Mon-Sun 11.00–23.00
A colonial style restaurant offering high-class delicious meals and a wide variety of drinks served by a professional staff.
Golden Royal, Vodná 8, http://www.goldenroyal.sk/ ****
Tue-Sun 11.00–21.00, Mon Closed
Situated in a charming Winter Garden with delicious international cuisine.
LaHacienda, Mäsiarska 430/8, https://lahacienda.sk/en/ ****
Mon Closed, Tue-Thu 11.00–23.00, Fri-Sat 11.00–24.00, Sun 11.00–23.00
Offers high quality Mexican food, including burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, traditional Mexican desserts and drinks. Situated in very stylish interior.
Pivovar Hostinec, Levočský dom, Hlavná 65, https://www.pivovarhostinec.sk/en/ ****
Mon-Thu 15.00–24.00, Fri 15.00–01.00, Sat 12.00–01.00, Sun 12.00–24.00
It is the oldest restaurant in Europe with a great atmosphere placed in a 15th century gothic building serving high-quality food. It is also a great place for tasting different kinds of beer.
Rosto Steakhouse, Orlia 6, http://www.rosto.sk/ ****
Mon-Fri 11.00–23.00, Sat 12.00–23.00, Sun 12.00–22.00
The only official steakhouse in Košice serves mainly delicious steaks, but also grilled fish and Oriental specialities. It also includes a charming summer garden.
Bakoš Bistro, Krivá 14, https://www.bakosbistro.sk/sk ****
Mon-Fri 9.00–16.00, Sat-Sun 9.00– 7.00
Young chef’s bistro based on high quality ingredients from local Slovak suppliers. The cuisine concentrates on traditional, healthy and light recipes with modern variants and ingredients. Suitable for breakfast, brunch as well as for lunch and dinner. Serves great coffee.
Little India, Kováčska 23, http://www.littleindiakosice.sk/ ***
Mon-Fri 10.00 – 22.00, Sat 11.00 – 22.00, Sun 12.00 – 22.00
Indian restaurant where you can try specialties prepared by our cooks accompanied with a pleasant environment. Enjoy the unique taste of Indian specialties.
Villa Regia, Dominikánske námestie 3, http://www.villaregia.sk/sk/restauracia ****
Mon-Fri 11.00–18.00, Sat 11.30–18.00, Sun Closed
One of the most popular restaurants in the city with a historical atmosphere, massive wooden tables, wooden statues, and a fire place. If you are a fan of steaks, it is the place for you.
Camelot, Kováčska 19, http://www.restaurant-camelot.sk/ ***
Mon-Fri 11.00–24.00, Sat-Sun 15.00–01.00, Sat 15:00–24.00
An outstanding restaurant inspired by the legendary Camelot castle offers great steaks, raw meat specialities and one of the best Czech beers in Košice.
Karczma Mlyn, Hlavná 82, http://www.karczmamlyn.sk/ ***
Mon-Thu 11.00–23.00, Fri 11.00–24.00, Sat 11.30–24.00, Sun 11.30– 22.00
The restaurant premises are decorated with historical rural wooden working tools and Goral paintings typical for the era. The restaurant staff will serve meals to you, offering the selection of meals made of fresh products.
Bamboo Sushi&Grill, Hlavná 78 ***
Mon-Thu 10.30–22.00, Fri 10.30–23.00, Sat 12.00–23.00, Sun 12.00–21.00
Bamboo Sushi&Grill offers specialities from Asian cuisine in a pleasant, decent and stylish interior. Besides sushi, the visitors can also taste Vietnamese and Thai cuisine.
Sushi Maiko, Hlavná 1, http://www.sushimaiko.sk/ **
Mon-Sun 11.00–22.30
A modern sushi restaurant situated in Double Tree by Hilton offers a great selection of fresh sushi also available in the form of daily menus. Gluten-free dishes are also available.
Grange, Mäsiarská 8, https://grange.farm/ ***
Mon-Fri 11.00–22.00, Sat 13.00–22.00, Sun 13.00–21.00
Perfect place to grab a burger and fries.
BRGR, Bastion Office Center, Továrenská 8, 040 01 Košice, https://brgr.sk/kosice ****
Mon-Sat 11.00–21.00, Sun 15.00–20.00
The most recently opened burger place in Košice. They also offer perfect homemade fries and coleslaw.
Peppe’s, Mäsiarska 8, http://www.peppes.sk/index.php ***
Mon-Sun 11.00–22.00
Italian restaurant offering delicious pizza and pasta with the focus on Sicilian cuisine, prepared from fresh ingredients by Sicilian chef Giuseppe.
Zvon, Zvonárska 4, https://pizzeriazvon.sk/ ***
Mon-Sat 10.00–22.00, Sun closed
Another Italian restaurant, famous especially for its pasta.
BlueBell, Bočná 6, https://www.bluebellke.sk/ ***
Stylish place offering daily menus. It is famous for its terrace with the view of Saint Elizabeth’s Cathedral where you can enjoy your coffee or beer. In the evenings they often organize concerts of young talented musicians and bands.
Vincent, Alžbetina 6, http://www.vincent-restaurant.sk/ **
Mon-Thu 10.00–23.00, Fri 10.00–1.00, Sat 11.00–24.00, Sun 12.00–23.00
This restaurant decorated by some of Vincent Van Gogh’s famous paintings is an ideal place for quick lunches offering delicious daily menus for reasonable prices.
Halmi Cafe, Hlavná 21 **
Mon-Thu 9.00–22.00, Fri 09.00–00.00, weekends 14.00–22.00.
Multigenre space and coworking café in the heart of the city.
Burekas, Vrátna 58, **
Mon-Fri 8.30–19.00, Sat Closed, Sun 12.00–19.00
A unique Jewish restaurant with a special menu including Falafel and Humus served by friendly staff. You can enjoy yourself in a beautiful garden space for low prices.
FASTFOOD
Pizza Pizzalino, Hlavná 108
Mon-Thu 11.00–2.00, Fri-Sat 11.00–4.00, Sun 15.00–24.00
A very popular place for late-night snacks for a special price of €1 for a slice of pizza.
McDonald’s, Protifašistických bojovníkov 6
Mon-Sun 7.00–24.00
Aupark Foodcourt, Námestie osloboditeľov
Mon-Sun 9.00–20.00
The second floor of Aupark shopping centre includes various types of restaurants (Chinese, Mexican, Slovak), Kebab or the popular Subway sandwiches. Surrounded by cafés, lounges and beer places.
Burrito, Hlavná 9/12
Mon-Thu 11.00–21.00, Fri 11.00–22.00, Sat 11.00–21.00, Sun Closed
Offers traditional Mexican specialities including burritos, quesadillas and chilli bowls served to go. Based on fresh and local ingredients.
Noodler, Hlavná 91/65
Mon-Sun 10.00–22.00
Perfect place for quick lunch/diner, offering various types of Asian noodles with the possibility to choose different kinds of sauces and toppings, served to go in little boxes.
Soup Culture, Hviezdoslavova 4
Mon-Fri 10.00–19.00, Sat 10.00–18.00, Sun Closed
Healthy fast food offering homemade soups, including vegan variants, served to go in edible cups.
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Nico Caffé, Kuzmányho 1
Mon-Fri 8.00–22.00, Sat-Sun 9.00–22.00
Offers breakfast, brunch as well as lunch and dinner menu. Great coffee and homemade baked goods.
Šálka kávy, Hviezdoslavova 2
Mon-Fri 7.00–22.00, Sat-Sun 8.00–22.00
The perfect place for healthy breakfast, freshly baked cakes, coffee, tea, homemade specialties, and egg omelets in a beautiful interior.
San Domenico, Dominikánske námestie 3
Mon-Sat 7.00–20.00, Sun 8.00–18.00
Located in the centre of the historical town, San Domenico also offers a bio-breakfast with an option of lactose-free and gluten-free specialties.
Cinnamon Dream Bakery, Poštová 2
Mon-Fri 12.00–18.30, Sat-Sun 11.00–18.00
Delicious freshly baked cinnamon rolls with various toppings including chocolate, salted caramel, nuts, Oreos and others. Served to go in little boxes.
COFFEE, TEA, ICE CREAM, HOT CHOCOLATE
Doraz Café, Dominikánske námeste 590/0
Mon-Fri 07.00–18.00, Sat-Sun 07.00–16.00
The closest coffee place to our university. Amazing coffee, cool environment, and perfect atmosphere near the city market where they offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers every day.
Saint Coffee, Hlavná 41
Mon-Thu 07.00–21.30, Fri-Sat 08.00–22.00, Sun 08.00–21:30
A vibrant coffee place. It also offers snacks and cakes.
Frištik, Zvonárska 2/B
Mon closed, Tue-Fri 07.30–14.30, Sat-Sun 08.30–12.30
Tiny and stylish coffee place, they serve cakes and sandwiches.
Melody – fine roastery, Zvonárska 149/12
Mon-Wed 10.00–17.00, Thu-Fri 10.00–18.00, Sat 13.00–19.00
Perfect coffee, cakes, a little shop where you can buy chocolate and accessories for coffee making, and they also roast coffee here.
Red Velvet Cake Bar, Hlavná 40/74
Sun-Thu 10.00–22.00, Fri-Sat 10.00–23.00
A perfect place where you can have coffee and amazing cakes. During the evening it is transformed into a bar and they serve drinks.
Caffé Trieste, Uršulínska 2
Mon-Sat 7.30–19.00, Sun 8.30–19.00
High-quality coffee in a little cosy place right next to Main Street.
Coffee World – Kávy sveta, Hlavná 65
Mon-Fri 9.00–22.00, Sat, Sun 10.00–22.00
American, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Ethiopian, French, Indian/Pakistani, Italian, Mexican or Turkish are only some of the amazing coffee types this place offers. A great cafeteria offering hundreds of coffee specialties from all around the world.
Republika Východu, Hlavná 31
Mon-Thu 8.00–22.00, Fri-Sat 8.00–23.00, Sun 8.00–21.00
The first café with a theme of Eastern Slovakia where the menu and the products are listed in the dialect of Košice. Popular for its stylish interior, breakfast, crépes, sandwiches, vegetarian meals, good coffee and drinks.
Little Havana, Kováčska 13
Mon-Thu 18.00–1.00, Fri 18.00–2.00, Sat 18.00–1.00
A very stylish place to enjoy a glass of Cuban rum, whiskey, coffee or tea.
Bonbónik, Hlavná 20
Mon-Fri 10.00–22.00, Sat 10.00–21.00, Sun 14.00–20.00
A chocolaterie offering delicious Belgian chocolate in manifold variations, including chocolate candies and pancakes.
Dobrá čajovňa, Mäsiarska 42
Mon-Sat 15.00–21.00
An amazing tea house offering hundreds of tea types, dry fruit and shishas with cosy decoration and the possibility to sit on the floor on Indian cushions.
Arthur Gelato, Hlavná 21
Mon-Thu 12.00–18.00, Fri-Sat 11.00– 9.00, Sun 11.00–18.00
Voted the 3rd best ice-cream in Košice, it offers different kinds of delicious gelato.
BEER AND WINE
All of the places offer great Slovak and Czech beer and various types of high-quality wines. Most of the places also serve typical Slovak and Czech specialties to go with beer (cheese, sausages, Tartar steak, ribs) which you should definitely try!
Golem, Dominikánske námestie 15, Mon-Thu 16.00–22.00, Fri 16.00–23.00, Sat 16.00–22.00
The Beer House, Hlavná 54, Mon 14.00–24.00, Tue-Fri 14.00–2.00, Sat 16.00–2.00, Sun 16.00–24.00
Pub U Kohúta, Hrnčiarska 23, Mon-Thu 11.00–23.00, Fri 11.00–24.00, Sat 18.00–1.00
Villa Cassa Vinoteque, Pri Miklušovej väznici 2, Mon-Fri 13.00–24.00, Sat 12.00–24.00
Camelot, Kováčska 19, Mon-Thu 15.00–24.00, Fri-Sat 15.00–1.00, Sun 15.00–24.00
Pilsner Urquell Pub Aupark, Námestie Osloboditeľov 1, Sun-Wed 11.00–23.00, Thu-Sat 11.00 – 1.00
Bernard, Alžbetina 4, Sun-Thu 17.00–2.00, Fri-Sat 17.00–4.00
Irish Pub Diesel, Hlavná 49, Mon-Thu 11.00–22.00, Fri 11:00–4.00, Sat 18:00–4.00
Pivotéka & Vinotéka, Hlavná 12, Mon-Thu 10.00–23.00, Fri 10.00–24.00, Sat-Sun 26.00–23.00
CLUBS
Jazz Disco Club, Kováčska 39, Tue-Wed 21.00–3.00, Thu 21.00–4.00 Fri-Sat 21.00–4.30
Retro Cult Club, Kováčska 49, Mon 21.00–2.00, Tue-Wed 21.00–3.30, Thu-Sat 21.00–4.30
SPECIALTIES FROM SLOVAK CUISINE
“Bryndzové halušky” (Sheep cheese dumplings) is the national Slovak dish. Sheep cheese gives a unique flavour to the meal by itself, but it is even tastier with small pieces of bacon greaves and sour cream. It is usually served with a glass of sour milk called “Žinčica”.
“Kapustnica” (Cabbage soup) is a Slovak thick sauerkraut soup traditionally prepared at the end of the year for Christmas. Kapustnica can be prepared in a lot of ways (ingredients, length of cooking, etc.) and it differs from region to region. In some regions, Kapustnica may contain smoked meat, sausages and mushrooms, in some regions it is a much simpler soup.
Fried Cheese with French Fries is a very popular Slovak/Czech dish mostly served with French fries and Tartar sauce (Tatárska omáčka) and salad.
“Lángoš” (Deep fried dough) is originally a Hungarian food but it is also a favourite take-away in Slovakia. Sometimes you’ll find it in restaurants as a starter. It is usually served with garlic, cheese, sour cream or ketchup on top (you can choose whatever ingredients you like).
“Prívarok” (Prívarok) is a typical Slovak dish, similar to soups in its consistency but much denser. It comes in many variations depending on the ingredients – pumpkins, lentils, beans, potatoes, dill, etc. It is usually consumed with a slice of bread and sausages or fried eggs might be added on top.
GETTING AROUND KOSICE
From Budapest Airport to Kosice
There are several taxi services from Budapest airport to Kosice. All of them have to be booked in advance.
CassoviaExpress (van)
Izijet (van, private car)
FlixBus (coach)
AirTrans (private car)
From the airport to the city centre
To reach the city centre from the airport, you can either call a taxi (see the taxi numbers listed below) or take the Bus 23 which leaves from the bus stop situated directly in front of the Arrivals hall. The journey time is 15 minutes, the tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines at the bus stop. Every ticket must be stamped by a machine as soon as you enter the tram or bus. You can also purchase a ticket via text message (send a blank text message to the number 1166). See below for the detailed information:
Ticket Machines
30 minutes 1.00€
60 minutes 1.20€
oversized luggage 1.00€ (you have to buy one extra ticket for 30 minutes)
SMS ticket
Send a blank SMS to the number 1166. Only a 60-minute ticket is available (1.50€).
Your destination stop should be the Liberation Square stop – “NÁMESTIE OSLOBODITEĽOV”. The AUPARK shopping centre will be in front of you. To get to Main Street – “HLAVNÁ ULICA” – cross the road in front of you and continue straight ahead, passing the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, which is the first building on “HLAVNÁ ULICA”. The Cathedral is about a 3-minute walk from the hotel. The schedules of Bus 23 are reproduced below, and they can also be checked at https://imhd.sk/ke/public-transport. Additionally, it is possible to download the app “Cestovné poriadky CP”, tap on the drop-down menu and pick MHD Košice, which will allow you to navigate Košice public transport in real time and based on your location. The links are also provided below.
https://apps.apple.com/sk/app/cestovn%C3%A9-poriadky-cp/id1054934213
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.chaps.cpsk&hl=sk&gl=US
From the railway or bus station to the city centre
While there is a taxi rank in front of the railway and bus stations, walking to the centre is really quite quick and easy. The historical centre, with the majority of hotels, restaurants, stores and the enchanting Main Street – “HLAVNÁ ULICA” – is only a 7 to 9-minute walk from the railway and bus stations. If arriving by train, go out of the right-most doors of the station and walk straight along the pavement in front you. If arriving by bus, walk along the front of the railway station (which will be on your right as you exit the bus terminal) to the second set of doors and turn left to walk along the pavement. As you walk, you will pass a tram stop (on your left). Continuing straight on, you will cross the road (cars don’t always stop for pedestrians at pedestrian crossings, so please be careful!) to walk down an alley of trees through the city park. You should already be able to see the cathedral tower in the distance. Once you have crossed a pedestrian bridge, you will enter Mlynská Street – “MLYNSKÁ ULICA”. As you continue straight on, you will exit Mlynská Street at the Cathedral, which is actually in the middle of Main Street – “HLAVNÁ ULICA“.
Once you have reached “HLAVNÁ ULICA“, if you turn right, you should reach the Peace Marathon Square – “NÁMESTIE MARATÓNU MIERU” – in less than 5 minutes; if you turn left, you should reach the Liberation Square – “NÁMESTIE OSLOBODITEĽOV” – in the same amount of time.
The Peace Marathon Square – “NÁMESTIE MARATÓNU MIERU is easily recognisable by a clearly visible statue of a marathon runner on the left hand side as well as by two large buildings of the East Slovak Museum (yellow and cream respectively) located on the left and right sides of the square. The Liberation Square – “NÁMESTIE OSLOBODITEĽOV” – can be recognised by a large memorial to the soldiers of World War II and the shopping centre AUPARK.
TO THE CONFERENCE VENUE:
We recommend you walk to the conference venue from your hotels, unless the weather is really bad. It takes much less time to walk than to take public transport. **All hotels are within walking distance from the conference venue.**
From the city centre to the conference venue
Once you have reached the Cathedral, continue walking straight on, crossing the plaza beside the Cathedral, which will be on your left. Continuing to Alžbetina Street – “ALŽBETINA ULICA” – which faces the front of the Cathedral, proceed down the street, passing the Julius Jakoby statue, until you reach the first set of traffic lights, which will be at the intersection of Alžbetina Street – “ALŽBETINA ULICA” – and Moyzesova Street – “MOYZESOVA ULICA”. Continuing along the road across the street, you will find the conference venue on your right.
From the railway/bus station to the conference venue
Take the bus 17 leaving from the bus park directly in front of the railway station park and get off the bus at the Museum of Victims of Communism bus stop – “MÚZEUM OBETÍ KOMUNIZMU” – the journey should take approximately 8 min. After leaving the bus, continue in the same direction from which you just came. Proceed down Moyzesova Street – “MOYZESOVA ULICA” – towards a small intersection in the distance (about 400 metres). The conference venue will be on your right.
From the Peace Marathon Square – “NÁMESTIE MARATÓNU MIERU” – to the conference venue
Take the bus 36 leaving from the side of the cream building of the East Slovak Museum (bus stop MARATHON SQUARE) and continue for 2 bus stops. Get off the bus at the bus stop “MÚZEUM OBETÍ KOMUNIZMU”. Proceed down Moyzesova Street – “MOYZESOVA ULICA” – towards a small intersection in the distance (about 400 metres). The conference venue will be on your right.
From Liberation Square – “NÁMESTIE OSLOBODITEĽOV” to the conference venue
Take the bus 16 leaving from a bus stop located in front of the shopping center Dargov (next to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel) and continue for 1 stop (“DOM UMENIA” – House of Arts). Get off at the stop “DOM UMENIA” – House of Arts. Continue straight along Moyzesova Street – “MOYZESOVA ULICA” for 3 minutes and the conference venue will be on your left.
Directions to the conference venue, accommodation, and restaurants can be found on this map:https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1hJ73NvAbdWLsTtgs62ouVHTGVu8Bglg&ehbc=2E312F
TO THE HOTELS
From the train and bus station to Pension Hradbová (20 min.):
Take Bus 17 and continue for 5 stops (12 min.). Get off the bus at Museum of Victims of COmmunism – “MÚZEUM OBETÍ KOMUNIZMU”. Turn left and cross the road at the traffic lights. Continue straight along Poštová Street – “POŠTOVÁ ULICA”. At the first crossroads, turn right, entering Hradbová Street – “HRADBOVÁ ULICA”. Continue along “HRADBOVÁ ULICA” for less than 100 metres. The Pension will be on your left.
From the train and bus station to the TUKE University Guesthouse at Boženy Nemcovej Street (30 min.):
From the train/bus station – “STANIČNÉ NÁMESTIE” – take bus 19 and get off at the “AMFITEÁTER”. Then, take bus 12 at the “AMFITEÁTER” stop and get off at Botanical Gardens – “BOTANICKÁ ZÁHRADA”. Proceed down Boženy Nemcovej Street – “ULICA BOŽENY NEMCOVEJ” – for about 400 metres. The Guest House will be on your left.
From the train and bus station to Hotel Teledom (10 min.):
From the train/bus station – “STANIČNÉ NÁMESTIE” – take bus 15, continue for 2 bus stops and get off the bus at the “DOM UMENIA”. Then continue straight along Moyzesova Street – “MOYZESOVA ULICA” for about 2 minutes to Timonova Street – “TIMONOVA ULICA” and the Hotel Teledom will be right in front of you.
From the conference venue to the TUKE University Guesthouse at Boženy Nemcovej Street (10–15 min.):
After leaving the conference venue in Moyzesova Street – “MOYZESOVA ULICA” continue to Šrobárova Street – “ŠROBÁROVA STREET”, then turn left and continue towards an intersection. Cross the street, turn left and find the “ALŽBETINA, REKTORÁT UPJŠ” bus stop. Take bus 12 and continue for 8 stops (8 min). Get off the bus at the Botanical Gardens – “BOTANICKÁ ZÁHRADA”. Proceed down Boženy Nemcovej Street – “ULICA BOŽENY NEMCOVEJ” – for about 400 metres. The Guest House will be on your left.
From the city centre to the TUKE University Guesthouse at Boženy Nemcovej Street (10–15 min.):
Once in the city centre, walk towards the Cathedral until you reach its entrance. Continue to Alžbetina Street – “ALŽBETINA ULICA”, which faces the entrance to the Cathedral, and proceed down the street until you reach the first traffic signal. Do not cross the road, turn right and find the bus stop “ALŽBETINA, REKTORÁT UPJŠ”. Take bus 12, continue for 8 stops (8 min). Get off the bus at the Botanical Gardens – “BOTANICKÁ ZÁHRADA”. Proceed down Boženy Nemcovej Street – “ULICA BOŽENY NEMCOVEJ” – for about 400 metres. The Guest House will be on your left.
Public Transport Fares
Note that public transport tickets (valid for all buses, trams) can be purchased from ticket machines (change/coins required, some take cards) and from various magazine kiosks. The cost is 1.00€ per 30-minute ride (transfers allowed) or 1.20€ for 60-minute ride. A 24-hour ticket is available for 3.80€ and a 7-day pass for 12.00€. Every ticket must be stamped by a machine as soon as you enter the tram or bus. Beware of pickpockets when on buses and at the bus stops near the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, as they are very frequent downtown.
For more information about fares see https://imhd.sk/ke/doc/en/23095/23095
A 60-minute ride can also be paid for by sending a blank text message to 1166 (only Slovak mobile phone providers), and the ticket has to be confirmed by a return message before getting on.
BOLT Electric Scooters
A large number of electric scooters is provided at strategic spots throughout Košice, usually near larger transport hubs. A scooter can be located through GPS and rented by scanning the QR code through the company’s app which can be downloaded via Google Play or Apple App Store. Link for the download can be found here: https://bolt.eu/sk/scooters/ Aside from scooters Bolt also provides their own taxi service and food delivery. All the information can be found here: https://bolt.eu/sk/cities/kosice/. When you finish your ride, you will be asked to take a photograph of the scooter and after a short delay, your fare will be subtracted from your credit card.
ANTIK Smart-Way Bicycles
Antik company provides multiple options regarding inner-city mobility. Those include electric scooters and both regular and electric bicycles that can be rented similarly to the Bolt scooters. To rent a bike, one needs to download their app which can be found here:
• App Store = https://apps.apple.com/sk/app/antik-smartway/id1436857710
• Google Play = https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=antik.sk.smartcity
Minimum fare that has to be paid to rent these bikes is 1 euro/hour. Just as Bolt scooters, Antik bikes can be located through the app. Please note that you have to park the bikes and scooters in a way that does not obstruct any roads and sidewalks.
TAXI
For transport within the city, you can also call a taxi at any of the following numbers:
Student taxi +421 949 07 07 07
Easy taxi +421 919 333 333, +421 907 234 263
My Taxi +421 910 340 770
CTC taxi +421 905 955 955 (from airport), +421 556 333 333 (around the city)
Košice Taxi 24 +421 940 242 717
Central taxi +421 948 362 111, +421 911 673 673
VIP taxi +421 907 556 677, +421 55 16500
Hello taxi +421 911 434 343
Maxi taxi +421 949 000 049
Additionally, you can also use the Bolt app, as their services are available in Košice as well.
Taxi fares around the city range from €3 to €8.
All the taxi services available in Košice are listed at www.najditaxi.sk
