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.

Kapitulska Street in Bratislava stands as one of the oldest and most historically rich streets in the city, particularly known for its preserved medieval architecture and tranquil ambiance.

Situated in the Old Town, a stroll along Kapitulska Street is akin to a journey through time, with its stone paving, ancient houses, and serene narrow courtyards that evoke scenes from a period film. The architecture here remains largely untouched by modern development, owing partly to the fact that nearly the entire street is owned by the Catholic Church. This ownership has helped preserve the original structures, including detailed doorways and windows, despite some of the buildings showing signs of decay.

Historically, the street was a strategic alley known as a cvingra, with archaeological findings in the area indicating settlements from the Late Stone Age and Celtic periods. Today, Kapitulska Street is notably quiet, with no shops and only a few permanent residents, including priests and seminarians from the nearby cathedral. The atmosphere is notably reflective, with the occasional sight of clergy walking the street in their long robes, adding to its timeless aura.

Kapitulska is particularly cherished for its unspoiled character. The lack of development during Communist times, while leading to some disrepair, ironically helped to retain much of the original medieval architecture, including minor but historically significant details like original door handles.

The street also hosts a biannual open-door event, inviting visitors to explore the hidden courtyards and secret gardens typically concealed behind its gates, including features like an underground chapel. This event offers a rare glimpse into the secluded historical treasures of one of Bratislava’s most authentic locations, making Kapitulska Street a must-visit for those looking to experience the city’s historical depth firsthand.

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 imposing Bratislava Castle is the most conspicuous landmark in the town of Bratislava. It stands on an isolated rocky hill above the town, and had been built and rebuilt continuously throughout the 9th-18th centuries.

The site of the castle has been of strategic importance for most of the area's history. It is located roughly in the center of Europe. Still, more importantly, it is along the route between the Carpathians and the Alps at a convenient crossing point of the river Danube.

The hill and surrounding area have hosted settlements since before the early Iron Age. Evidence suggests that the first settlements here started around 3,500 BC. In those early centuries, the hill was used as an acropolis for the surrounding town.

Archeological evidence shows a history of Celt and Roman occupation through 500 AD. The current structure was begun in the 10th century but worked lagged over the years. As the need for defense increased for the Kingdom of Hungary, the castle was added on to.

The Kingdom was abolished in 1781, and the castle was more or less dismantled and abandoned. The structures were used as a seminary and military barracks for some time during the 19th century. By the middle part of the 20th century, the castle was in ruins.

A massive restoration effort was begun in 1957 and completed in 1968. The 1968 Federation Law, which formed the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic, was signed in the castle. Many years later, the constitution of now independent Slovakia was also signed in the castle's Knights Hall.

The castle is beautifully restored and houses exhibitions from the Slovak National Museum. Even if you choose not to visit the museum and interior rooms, walking around the castle grounds and enjoying the views of the city and the Danube is not to be missed.

One of the most iconic features of modern-day Bratislava is the Novy Most, or "New Bridge." This modern thoroughfare connects the two halves of the city separated by the river Danube. Since 2012, the official name of the bridge was changed to "Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising" to commemorate the Slovak National Uprising against Nazi during World War II, but locals prefer to call it "UFO Bridge" for its UFO-shaped observation desk at the top.

The Novy Most was built between 1967 and 1972. The total length of the bridge is 1,413 feet or 430 meters. It is an asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge made of steel. It is the world's longest bridge that has only one pylon with one cable-stayed plane. One of the best features of the bridge is that the lower levels are reserved for pedestrian and bicycle traffic only.

Of course, the most notable feature of the Novy Most is the UFO-shaped restaurant and observation deck. The building is mounted on top of the bridge's 278-foot-tall (84.6-meter) pylon.

While the restaurant serves some delicious Slovak and international cuisine, the real lure of the UFO is the view of the city and river from above.

The city of Bratislava is filled with unique bronze statues which pop out from the public areas to surprise the masses. Tourists on holiday to the city will want to plan some relaxing time exploring the metropolis and seeking out these fabulous little surprises. The statue of Napoleon’s Army Soldier is located on the main square leaning over a park bench. Visitors enjoy spending time having their pictures taken with the statue. In fact, this is one of the most popular photographic moments in Bratislava. The sculptor, Juraj Meliš, created a figure to commemorate the two occasions when Napoleon’s army entered the city during the 1800s.

The statue earned its name because of its pose. His crossed arms and French Napoleonic hat are reminiscent of Napoleon himself. Some of the other figures, which can be found around the city, are Cumil, Paparazzi and Schone Naci. These whimsical bronze statues are a result of a collaboration among local sculptors who were asked by the town government to add features which would help the city move away from its once austere and communistic appearance. After the first couple statues were installed, more followed, due to their popularity with the locals and tourists.

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.

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.

Visitors to the city will enjoy searching for the many idiosyncratic statues which have been installed around the town. Schone Naci, or Beautiful Ignaz, represents life in the city at the turn of the century. The real Schone Naci was born in 1897. He was the son of a shoemaker. His eccentric spirit caused him to be memorialized. History says that he would stroll around the Old Town Bratislava, near Michael’s Gate and the Danube River. His attire included a top hat and tails. When he came upon women, he would say “I kiss your hand” in languages including Slovak, German and Hungarian.

The bronze statue greets people just as the real Schone Naci once did. Even though he was a man without financial resources of his own, it is said that he walked the streets of Bratislava dressed as if he were very wealthy. Tourists to the city can spend an entire day, strolling and exploring the streets of this beautiful city, searching for the many wonderful bronze pieces which have been strategically placed for the public to enjoy.

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.

As with most towns in Europe, Bratislava centers around large squares like the Hviezdoslav Square. It's a beautiful place to walk around, with memorials to national figures and lots of history. The square has been here and part of the Kingdom of Hungary for over 1,000 years.

Historically, the square has been the center of daily life and home to many important institutions. For example, the Cathedrale Notre Dame Cloister and the Slovak National Theater were located here. During medieval times, many of the noble families lived near here.

One of the most impressive monuments is to the square's namesake, Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav. He was born in 1849, and Hviezdoslav was a famous Slovak poet, dramatist, and Hungarian patriot. He was from a noble family and served in the Czechoslovak parliament from 1918 to 1920.

The square was recently renovated. Whereas it has historically looked like a small park, today's Hviezdoslav Square looks like the impressive city promenade that it is. It is primarily pedestrian-only, with many trees and quiet greenspaces.

Today, you'll find many important businesses and buildings here. The national opera house still stands here. The German and American embassy buildings are on the square, along with several popular hotels. On the north end of the square, you can find many popular restaurants and bars.

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.

Only a five-minute walk from the pretty Old Town, Obchodná Street is the complete opposite of the latter. The main shopping artery of Bratislava and one of its busiest thoroughfares, it stretches for about 1 kilometer from Saint Michael's Tower in the north to Kollárovo Square in the south, intersecting en route with another popular, pedestrian zone, called Post Street. Also stemming from it is the cute sidestreet, named Vysoka, with a number of lovely restaurants.

Initially, back in the 18th century, the street was known as Schöndorfs, after the Schöndorf suburb that used to be located nearby and had a number of vineyards. Many of the oldest local buildings still date from that period. The area grew popular after WWI, when a large number of merchants and craftsmen came here to set up their businesses. During the Communist era, Obchodna emerged as the booming commercial center.

Nowadays, buzzing with shoppers during the day, although most shops here are not of the classiest kind, Obchodna also offers vibrant nightlife, albeit with a somewhat teenage focus. In the evening, it is routinely flooded with people seeking to have a drink or two at one of the numerous local pubs, bars and restaurants. The abundance of watering holes has given this street a bit of a reputation as boisterous.

Still, taking a stroll here is a must for every shopaholic or people-watcher. Grubby but energetic, dotted with ethnic shops and restaurants, it is most definitely well worth a visit, if you're in the area.