• Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Netherlands!

    Netherlands: Wooden shoes. Go Now!

    Netherlands
    This low country might be small, but it maintains a unique place in history and culture. Explore the Netherlands!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Sweden!

    Sweden: Swedish Village. Go Now!

    Sweden
    This Scandinavian country boasts big city excitement in Stockholm to small town charm. Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Slovakia

Behavior

The Slovaks are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to Slovakia, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Slovakia Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Dress

The traditional dress in Slovakia is call kroj (kroje is plural), which is rooted in historic Europe and has slight variations from region to region. For the women, this dress consisted of white shirts, a usually sleeve-less vest, a long skirt, an apron, perhaps a belt, and a cloth to cover the head. The particular designs and styles from region to region varied, but white and black seem to be found on all of them to some degree. For the men, white shirts, vests, and pants were the norm.

Today this traditional clothing is uncommon, but can sometimes be found during special events or in folk museums, especially those found in the mountains. More common today is modern western-styled clothing, which can vary just as it does throughout Europe and the world.

As a visitor to Slovakia there are few to no true dress restrictions. Just dress for the occasion as business settings and churches require more formal and conservative dress, while sightseeing or hiking in the mountains has few restrictions, as shorts are commonly accepted, as are short-sleeved shirts. However, sunbathing naked or women sunbathing topless is only permitted in certain places so always be sure to know where this is allowed before doing so.

This page was last updated: November, 2013