From Bratislava to Vienna: Two European Surprises I Didn't Expect to Love

 In the original plan of my trip, Slovakia wasn't exactly the star of the show, more like a stretching stop on the way to Austria. But as the curious traveler I am, I couldn't resist checking out Bratislava, especially when the road basically handed it to us on a silver platter.

And to my surprise: what a lovely city!! It's a small, charming, with a mix of medieval and modern vibes. Now, I won't lie, it was insanely hot, like I almost pass out hot. I was close to melting, but the quick walk was totally worth it. 

So here what to do in Bratislava if you're just passing through: 

1. Climb up to Bratislava Castle: The views of the Danube are amazing, but don't run up the hill in 95 F heat. 

2. Walk through St. Michael's Gate: One of the most photogenic spots in the city, surrounded by cute cafés, shops, and that irresistible European charm.

And if you're hungry like me, here's a hidden gem: 

1. Modrá Hviezda: A cozy restaurant tucked under the castle. Traditional Slovak food with a rustic twist. The vibe is warm and welcoming, perfect for a quick recharge. 

 Bratislava felt like one of those unexpected crushes you meet at a bus stop, brief, unplanned, but surprisingly sweet. 

Next Stop: VIENNAAAA..... 

Now let's talk about the real destination: Vienna. And let me be brutally honest: I was
not ready for how stunning it would be. I mean
, sure, I knew it had history and culture, but this was something else. 

Vienna has everything: art, music, elegance, history, and one of the main office of the United Nations. And for me, seeing that building was an emotional moment, because anyone who knows me knows that one of my biggest dreams is to work for the UN someday. Standing in front of it felt like "You're not that far from making it happen." 

And as if that wasn't enough, Beethoven lived there, along with Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss. Vienna doesn't just play classical music, it breathes it. Walking through its streets feels like moving in slow motion to the rhythm of a waltz. 

Here's 3 Must see places in Vienna: 

1. Schönbrunn Palace: Endless gardens, imperial history, and serious fairytale vibes. 

2. Vienna State Opera: Even if opera isn't your thing, take the tour. It's acoustic and architectural magic. 

3. Albertina Museum: Art lovers, rejoice. It's elegant, inspiring, and instagram worthy. 

3 Restaurants that will steal your heart:

1. Figlmüller: Home of the most famous Schnitzel in the world. It's huge, crispy, and glorious. 

2. Café Central: A legendary spot where Freud and Trotsky used to hang out. Their cakes might make you cry tears of joy. 

3. Plachutta Wollziele: For Vienna's signature Tafelspitz, this is the place. 

2 Bars to add class to your night: 

1. Das Loft: A rooftop with panoramic views. Perfect for sipping cocktails while the city glows. 

2. Kleinod Cocktail Bar: Small, elegant, and full of mixology magic. Hidden gem with serious style. 

Things you should know and avoid: 

1. Watch out for Sundays: most store are closed, so plan shopping for another day.

2. Avoid eating in super touristy areas: near St. Stephen's Cathedral, prices are really high and food quality often drops. Walk a few blocks away for better vibes and value. 

Vienna stole my heart. It's one of those places that makes you fell like a fancier version of yourself, walking with a book in hand, hearing symphonies in your head, and dreaming big. If you're looking for a destination that inspires and embraces you with art and history, VIENNA IS YOUR CITY. 

And that's the end of this part of the trip.

But don't go too far, because in my next blog, I'll take you to a city where thermal baths meet ruin bars, and then to a country shaped like a boot, where every bite tastes like poetry and every alley looks like a movie scene. 

See you at the next bloggggg..  

Czech Republic: Prague, The Fairytale I Didn't Know I Needed

 I'll be honest, I never imagined myself visiting Prague. It wasn’t even on my travel bucket list. But, how wrong I was. This city stole my heart, wrapped it in chimney pastry, and sprinkled it with powdered sugar.

Prague turned out to be one of my favourite cities in all of Europe. Picture this: medieval streets that feel like movie sets, actual castles, dreamy bridges, and spires so elegant they look hand-drawn. It’s like someone took the word enchanting, bottled it up, and dropped it in the middle of Central Europe.

3 Must-Visit Spots in Prague 

1. Prague Castle – The largest ancient castle complex in the world. It sits on a hill like royalty watching over the city.

2. Charles Bridge – Walk it at sunrise for the ultimate romantic vibes (and fewer tourists). The statues, the river, the glow, is perfection.

3. Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock – Every hour, a tiny show begins on this medieval clock. Is it a little cheesy? Yes. Will you stand there wide-eyed like a child? Also yes.

3 Restaurants You’ll Dream About Later

1. Café Savoy – Elegant, vintage, and dangerously delicious. Their breakfast is a dream, but honestly, go at any hour.

2. Lokal Dlouhááá – A modern Czech pub with homemade food that tastes delicious. Try the goulash.

3. Mlejnice – Cozy, and traditional. Their pork knee (yes, it’s a thing) is iconic.

2 Bars That Will Ruin All Other Bars for You

1. Hemingway Bar – This speakeasy style bar has absinthe, craft cocktails, and a vibe so cool it’s almost intimidating.

2. Letná Beer Garden – For relaxed, beer in hand sunsets with sweeping views of Prague’s rooftops and the river. Bring snacks and friends, or make new ones there.

The Sweet Treat You Can’t Skip

- Say hello to Trdelník. It's that spiral pastry cone made of grilled dough, dusted with sugar and cinnamon, and filled with ice cream, Nutella, and fruit. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s totally worth it. Eat it warm. Lick your fingers. No regrets

Everything about Prague feels like it was designed to make you smile. The people were kind. The architecture made me feel like I was walking through a Disney set. The churches looked like they were built for angels. And the air? It smelled like roasted almonds, fresh bread, and history. I wandered without maps. Got lost on cobblestone streets that led me to quiet courtyards with glowing lanterns and musicians playing violins. I took photos, yes, but mostly I just felt present, peaceful, lucky.

Even if I can't remember every single place I visited (travel brain is real!) I remember how I felt: like I was in the middle of a dream I didn’t want to end. Prague was the unexpected chapter in my European adventure, the kind of place that makes you believe in fairytales again.

But my story didn’t end there. I kept going.
First, I found myself in a small capital city where castles touch the clouds and rivers reflect the silence of ancient kingdoms.
Then, I crossed into a land where Mozart once composed under golden ceilings and palaces shimmer in pastel tones under a Baroque sky.

Trust me, you won’t want to miss this next one.
Stay tuned for my next blog: two countries, double the charm, and magic in every step. See you there guyss!

Things No One Tells You Before Visiting Germany

 If there’s one city in Europe that knows how to carry the weight of its past while racing into the future, it’s Berlin. I spent a few unforgettable days in this city that cracked me open, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.

As someone who deeply loves history, Berlin was a personal pilgrimage. From the remnants of the Berlin Wall to the stories whispered through the stones of old buildings, every corner feels like it holds a memory.

I cried (yes, actually cried) while standing at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, surrounded by stark concrete blocks that seem to press down with invisible sorrow. But nothing prepared me for the Holocaust Museum. Seeing thousands of worn, real shoes from victims shook me. They weren’t artifacts. They were voices. Silent, heavy, undeniable.

Berlin is full of different ethnicities, flavors, languages, and energies. You’ll hear Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, English, and of course German. It should feel like one big multicultural celebration, but I’d be lying if I said that was always the case.

Despite speaking English, I often got strange looks. One of the most shocking moments was when a tour guide told me:

"Too dark for white people and not dark enough for dark-skinned people."

I was stunned. With so many cultures woven into the city, how could people still think this way? It hurt, not just for me, but for Berlin itself. A place that should know better.

But here’s the thing: I didn’t let it stop me. I kept walking, eating, exploring, learning. Because Berlin’s truth isn’t simple and that’s why it’s worth visiting.

 

Top 3 Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap (Kreuzberg) – Not fancy, but legendary. Their kebab? Life-changing. Go early to avoid the line.

2. Zur letzten Instanz – The oldest restaurant in Berlin (est. 1621). Cozy, traditional, and a true taste of German classics.

3. Neni Berlin – A rooftop gem with views over the zoo and a menu inspired by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and German flavors. Order the sweet potato fries, you’ll thank me later. 

   4 Places You Must Visit

   1. 
      The Berlin Wall Memorial & East Side Gallery – Not just graffiti, but a canvas of hope and pain.

   2. Holocaust Memorial + Museum – Powerful, heartbreaking, essential.

   3. Reichstag Dome – Book in advance for a sunset view over Berlin and a free lesson in architecture and politics.
      

      4. Tempelhofer Feld – A former airport turned into a massive public park where people picnic, skate, and fly kites on old runways. It’s surreal and beautiful.

   3 Bars That Stole My Nights

   1. Monkey Bar – Rooftop views, classy cocktails, and just the right amount of Berlin cool.

   2. Berghain (if you can get in) – The world’s most famous club, with legendary music and strict door policy.

   3. Prater Garten – The oldest beer garden in Berlin, serving great brews under chestnut trees since 1837. Chill vibes and local feel.

      2 Places That Weren’t Worth It (In My Opinion)

4. 1. Checkpoint Charlie – It felt staged, touristy, and overpriced. Skip the photo and go to the Wall Memorial instead.

   2. Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) – The view is nice, but the cost and long lines aren’t worth it when there are better, cheaper rooftops around.

   A Few Things to Be Careful About

   1. Racism and microaggressions: As I mentioned, Berlin is diverse, but not always welcoming. Be mentally prepared.

   2. Cash is king: Many places still don’t accept cards. Always carry euros.

   3. Public transport checks: Berlin runs on the honor system, but surprise inspections happen often. Buy your ticket, don’t risk the €60 fine.

   

   Berlin didn’t just give me beautiful memories. It gave me questions, discomfort, awe, and reflection. It’s not the kind of city that hugs you but it will mark you.

   And while I left Berlin with my heart a bit bruised and my soul full, I wasn’t ready to stop traveling just yet. So I packed my memories and boarded a train eastward… to a land of castles, bridges, and fairy-tale old towns.

   See you at the next blog guys, byeee.