Vienna, Austria & Bratislava, Slovakia
I took a 4 ½ hour train ride from Prague to Vienna. A first class ticket was $55 and having waiter service, beautiful views of the countryside and a quiet car where I could do work was worth it. Vienna is grand! The buildings, the squares, the monuments are all impressive since it was the center of the most powerful empires for centuries. I was there for three nights that included a weekend - by day the Austrians are stoic, but they know how to have a good time at night. The Innere Stadt, the historical part of the city, is vibrant- full of bars, restaurants, dessert shops and people everywhere.
I stayed at the Parkview Residences, an aparthotel across from a beautiful park and 10 mins walking from the Innere Stadt. It was a find at approx. $150 per night. Mid-range hotels that are close to the Innere Stadt were about $200+ per night. I walked or took public transportation which was excellent. A 24-hr transportation pass was 8 euros.
Excursions:
a walking tour to all the historical sites including the Hapsburg Palace and the VIenna Riding School, home of the famous dancing Lipizzaner stallions.
Schonbrunn Palace (the summer palace)
Food:
I was underwhelmed by the food, even at non-touristy restaurants recommended by locals, but the desserts are NEXT LEVEL. Vienna is known for sweets and the reputation is well deserved. Empress Sisi, the popular wife of Emperor FranZ Joseph of the Habsburgs, the family that ruled the Austro-Hungarian empire for 600 years, is said to have loved her desserts. That may be why Vienna is loaded with dessert shops.
Day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia
For 24 euros RT, I took a FLIXBUS to Bratislava for lunch. At the bus station, I met a brother, and some Australians who were also going on the same bus to Bratislava. Cedric is from South Carolina and teaches in Kuwait. We sat together and had a great conversation during the ride. I was able to join their group tour and have lunch with the group which included some other Americans, a woman from Panama and a German guy. That was an unexpected connection that I appreciate when traveling.
Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia which became an independent country when it split from the Czech Republic in 1989 at the end of Soviet rule.
Old Town Bratislava is small and charming with a castle, churches and the last remaining city gate as attractions. It has lots of restaurants and sidewalk cafes throughout. I took a bus, but you can get there from Vienna by train and catamaran as well. Definitely worth a visit if you are visiting that part of Eastern Europe.
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