Slavín Memorial in Bratislava is a tribute to the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during the liberation of Bratislava near the end of World War II, specifically in April 1945. Situated on a hill within a prestigious villa district, close to the center of the capital and surrounded by embassy residences, Slavín is not just a memorial but also a military cemetery.

Constructed between 1957 and 1960 on the former site of a field cemetery, Slavín was inaugurated on April 3, 1960, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of Bratislava's liberation from Nazi Germany's Wehrmacht units and the pro-Tiso Slovak forces. Designed by Ján Svetlík, the monument reflects the grandeur of Stalinist architecture, akin to the Palace of Culture and Science, emphasizing the monumental impact and significance of the Soviet victory.

The memorial complex includes a towering 42-metre obelisk topped by a 12.5-metre statue of a Soviet soldier, a work by Slovak sculptor Alexander Trizuljak. This statue is symbolically potent, depicting the soldier holding a flag aloft in his right hand while his left boot crushes a swastika, representing the defeat of fascism. Additionally, the bronze caisson door of the memorial auditorium is adorned with reliefs crafted by R. Pribiš, adding artistic detail to the historical narrative.

Slavín is not only a burial site but also a cultural landmark designated a National Cultural Monument in 1961. The walls of the monument bear inscriptions of various cities and the dates of their liberation, with 6,845 Soviet soldiers interred here, making it a sacred site of memory and respect. This memorial serves as a historical reminder of the sacrifices made during the pivotal moments of World War II, embedded within the urban and cultural fabric of Bratislava.

Grassalkovich Palace, located in Bratislava, is a significant architectural and historical landmark. This Rococo-late Baroque summer palace, completed in 1760 by architect András Mayerhoffer, was originally constructed for the Hungarian aristocrat Antal Grassalkovich, a confidant of Maria Theresa and a prominent figure in the Royal Hungarian Chamber. Positioned on Hodžovo námestie and near the Summer Archbishop's Palace, it features an elegant French garden.

The palace became a vibrant center of Baroque music, hosting premieres of Joseph Haydn's compositions, thanks to Grassalkovich’s close ties with the Habsburg royal court. It was also the scene of various significant social events, including balls attended by members of the royal family.

Following the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the palace underwent several transformations. It served as the residence of Jozef Tiso, leader of the fascist Slovak Republic during World War II, and later as an administrative building during the Communist era. Notably, it was repurposed as the "Klement Gottwald House of Pioneers and Youth," which led to considerable wear and tear from its use by schoolchildren.

After the fall of Communism in 1989, the palace was extensively restored under the supervision of Emília Kováčová, Slovakia’s inaugural First Lady. Since 1996, it has served as the official residence of the President of Slovakia. Today, its once-private gardens are open to the public as a park, featuring a statue of the composer Jan Nepomuk Hummel, enhancing its cultural and historical heritage for visitors and residents alike.

The only surviving gate from the city's medieval walls lies at the end of Michael's Street. Michael's Gate (Michalska Brana) was built around 1300 and once stood with three others leading into town. It is one of the oldest buildings in town.

The tower's baroque exterior is a result of reconstruction works carried out in the 1750s. The statue of Saint Michael and the Dragon was placed at the top during this time.

The gate got its name as the Church of Saint Michael stood just outside the city walls here.

At one point, the city was surrounded by medieval fortifications. Entrance to town was only possible through the four gates, all of which were guarded and fortified. The other gates, now demolished, were the Laurens Gate, Fisherman's Gate on the river Danube, and Vydrica Gate.

At its height, the gate was part of a much larger system of fortifications. They included two rings of city walls, two bastions, a barbican, and a bridge over a moat. The barbican is still present and today has been built into houses. The original bridge over the moat was replaced by a stone one in 1727. Some of the moat is also still visible.

The view from the top of the seven-floor, 51-meter tall tower is spectacular. There is no better place from which to view the old town of Bratislava. To get in the tower, enter through the Museum of Arms. The museum contains excellent exhibits about the fortifications and the history of the city.

The street leading from the Michael's Gate, Michael's Street, is lined with shops and attractions. In addition to the Arms Museum, you'll also find the Pharmacy Museum nearby in a very old shop building. There are also bars, cafes, and restaurants lining the street.

In the town's early history, worshipping was done at the Bratislava Castle. But in the early 13th century, the King of Hungary requested that the pope allow him to relocate the church. So, as the town grew, the construction of a Gothic cathedral began in 1311.

It wasn't completed until 1452 due to financial difficulties and the Hussite Wars. Additions were made in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Baroque Chapel of Saint John the Merciful.

The present appearance of the building has been steady since 1877 when significant restoration efforts were completed after earthquakes, fires, and war had damaged the cathedral.

The cathedral is most famous as the coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from 1563 onward. Eleven kings and queens and eight of their consorts were coronated in the building.

In recognition of this honor, the cathedral tower is topped with a replica of the Crown of Saint Stephen. This replica of the Holy Crown of Hungary weighs 330 pounds (150 kilograms) and is gold-plated.

The cathedral was built over a cemetery and lay atop an unknown amount of catacombs and crypts. The building is designated a national cultural monument, but it is, unfortunately, decaying due to vibrations from the traffic passing on the Novy Most bridge.

The Old Town Hall of Bratislava is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Originally constructed in the 14th century, with the tower dating back from approximately 1370, this is one of the oldest stone buildings in the Slovakian capital. It was originally designed to accommodate soldiers guarding the fortress surrounding the medieval town.

Presently, the Old Town Hall represents a complex of buildings created through merger of several adjacent townhouses, namely: Jacobus' house with a tower, Pawer's house, Unger's house, and the Apponyi palace. Over the ages, the property had undergone numerous reconstructions and served different purposes: as a prison, mint, market, municipal archive, and arsenal depository, until it finally became a town hall in the 15th century. In this capacity it had served until the late 19th century.

During the Renaissance period, the complex passed through various transformations, including those after being damaged by an earthquake and then fire.

Today, it houses the Bratislava City Museum, featuring a collection of historic artifacts: cannonballs; dungeons with instruments of torture; antique weaponry and armour; as well as paintings and miniatures. One of the cannonballs, the one embedded in the tower wall, is of a particular interest to visitors. It has been there since 1809, resulted from the bombardment of the city by the invading Napoleonic army.

In the summer, the courtyard plays host to musical concerts. In the attic of the Apponyi Palace there is a Study Depository of Glass and Ceramics. The beautifully-tiled roof of the building is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The top of the Old Town Hall tower is open to visitors, as part of the Bratislava City Museum exhibition, offering a round view of the old part of Bratislava and its environs.

The central point in old town Bratislava, the Main Square, has been the hub of the town for centuries. It is surrounded by landmarks, including Kutscherfeldov Palace, Pawera House, Ungerov Dom, and the Maximillian Fountain. Additionally, tons of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area keep it bustling.

During the winter months, the Main Square is home to Bratislava's Christmas fair. The entire area is decorated, and vendors set up stalls throughout the square. You'll find souvenirs, boiled wine, beer, and many different Slovak foods.

Over the years, the square has changed names several times. During World War II, it was named to honor Hilter. From 1948 to 1989, it was named for the day Bratislava was liberated by the Red Army - 4 April Square.

The square is home to the Old Town Hall building and several other landmark buildings. Old Town Hall was built in 1599 and is the oldest in the country. Today, it houses a museum all about the town's history.

The Japanese and French Embassy are also located here.

Café Maximilian, situated in the heart of Bratislava's old town, stands out not only as a café but also as a chocolate, celebrated for its array of exquisite dishes and sweets. This charming spot provides a delightful view of Main Square from its non-smoking area, where guests, including families with children, can indulge in the café's famously delicious hot chocolate. The coffee menu is equally impressive, offering a variety of delicate choices that cater to all tastes.

Beyond its beverages, Café Maximilian is a treasure trove for those looking to purchase unique gifts. The store boasts an extensive selection of chocolates, desserts, other sweet treats, coffee, English teas, natural juices, branded spirits, as well as Slovak and foreign wines. It also offers savory pastries and other delicacies sourced from renowned European manufacturers.

For those seeking a personalized touch, the café provides custom gift packaging services, allowing customers to create their own gift baskets or packages from the available selection, either on the spot or by order. This makes Café Maximilian not only a place to relax and enjoy a good drink but also a perfect spot to find thoughtful gifts in the center of Bratislava.

The Čumil Statue in Bratislava is a quirky bronze sculpture crafted by Viktor Hulík. Located at the crossroads of Panská and Rybárska Brána streets near the Main Square, this statue doesn’t depict any real person but comes from Hulík’s creative vision. It shows Čumil, a figure taking a break and peeking out from a manhole, watching people go by and seemingly enjoying the view of young women.

Kids particularly love this statue because they get to touch Čumil’s head and sit on the statue, making it more engaging. Yet, its placement has caused several accidents with passing vehicles bumping into it. To address this, a sign reading "Man at Work" has been placed beside the statue to alert drivers and add a touch of humor for tourists taking pictures.

Čumil is a popular spot for photos in Bratislava, drawing many tourists. Locals have come up with various fun and symbolic stories about why Čumil is there, ranging from jokes about him being nosy to deeper meanings depicting him as a typical Slovak worker. These stories and the statue’s playful nature spark lively conversations among visitors and locals alike.

Even though Čumil is now protected from traffic by a sign, he still faces the wear and tear of being a beloved interactive landmark. There’s even a light-hearted warning for women about mythical risks involving storks. More than just a piece of art, Čumil helps weave the rich cultural stories and legends of Bratislava.

The Hungarian Secessionist Catholic Church, known as the Church of Saint Elisabeth or the Blue Church, is located in Old Town Bratislava. The construction was consecrated to Elisabeth of Hungary, who was a princess and, later, became a Roman Catholic saint. She was widowed young and surrendered her wealth for a life devoted to the poor and indigent. After her death at the age of 24, many miracles of healing were accredited to her. She was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1235.

Built in 1908, the structure was designed by Odon Lechner, a recognized Hungarian architect. He was known to embellish his constructions with Zsolnay tile patterns. Zsolnay tiles were manufactured by a Hungarian company known for its intricate porcelain, tiles, stoneware and pottery. The tiles on the church’s roof were generated using the pyrogranite process, which involves firing ceramic under exceptionally high temperatures, producing resilient materials which are resistant to acid and frost. The structure has attained its name because of the blue color of the mosaics, which decorate its roof and walls.

The building features a cylindrical tower and bell dome common to the Hungarian Art Nouveau and the Romanesque movement in art and architecture. The single nave church contains vaulted ceilings along with hints of barrel vaults. Romanesque double pillars encompass the entrances and the windows.