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..