After a magical stay in Budapest, we said goodbye to the Hungarian capital and hit the road for our next destination: Vienna. But first, a brief stopover in Slovakia’s charming capital, Bratislava.
With only a couple of hours to explore, we made the most of our time. The city’s energy was infectious; its streets alive with buskers, bustling restaurants, and souvenir shops tempting us at every turn. We hopped on a little sightseeing train for a whirlwind tour that took us up to the castle, offering a scenic view over the city. However, when we realized the next return train wasn’t for another 40 minutes, we opted for a quick turnaround to stay on schedule. Still, even that short glimpse of Bratislava left us intrigued and glad for the detour.
From there, we continued our journey to the elegant capital of Austria: Vienna.
A highlight of our evening was a walking tour with our lively and knowledgeable guide, Hannes. He brought Vienna’s grand history to life with animated stories and insights into the city’s architecture and heritage. From the Hofburg Palace to the opulent Opera House, Hannes pointed out key landmarks that we later revisited after dark. By night, these same sites transformed into a fairytale scene; softly lit, majestic, and utterly enchanting.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its intricate gothic spire and colorful tiled roof, stood tall and radiant, living up to the reputation we’ve come to expect from Europe’s grand churches.
Dinner that evening was another memorable experience. We dined on crisp, golden schnitzel and classic apple strudel in a restaurant tucked away in an old cellar, once used as a WWII bunker. The setting added a layer of depth to the meal, as did the duo of musicians who serenaded us through the courses. They were charming, if a bit transactional, eagerly extending their hands for tips before moving along.
The night ended on a whimsical note. We joined another couple for a horse and carriage ride through the streets of this beautiful city. As the sky darkened, the city lit up, casting a golden glow over the cobblestones and palaces. A few drinks at a nearby café gave us the perfect pause to reflect on the beauty of Vienna by night.
There was no rush. Just a quiet appreciation of a city that blends elegance with vibrance so effortlessly. As we ubered back to our hotel, we felt content, with our minds already drifting toward the excitement of the next leg of our journey: Prague, in the Czech Republic.
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